NLW Ascendancy XIX | Saturday, August 7th, 2021 | LIVE
Jul 25, 2021 16:33:12 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Hyperion, and 4 more like this
Post by Kris on Jul 25, 2021 16:33:12 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XIX
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
August 7th, 2021
In the back we find the young El Rey. He is dressed in his street clothes and applying his face paint. It is near complete when we hear the door behind him, and in the mirror we see his former mentor Scorpion is now standing behind him. El Rey rolls his eyes and continues applying the face paint.
Scorpion: I was hoping you’d be here. I need to talk to you.
El Rey continues to apply and ignores his former mentor. Scorpion takes this as a go ahead to continue and keeps talking.
Scorpion: I get it, you found new friends. I am happy for you and you needed that. They are going to help you in your career. It’s good to have people. Right now, though, you don’t have people here. They’re not here to help you. I am. Let me back in and I’ll help you and let you do what you want. Are you listening?
Evan: Ain't no one tryin to hear that.
Scorpion is interrupted by “Philly’s Favorite Son” Evan Valentine who strolls into the room followed by Wayne Tanner Jr. El Rey makes the final touch on his face paint and stands up and turns around to Scorpion with a smirk on his face.
El Rey: As you can see, my friends are here. And for the last time, I don’t need you. Now shut the door on your way out.
Scorpion reluctantly leaves the crowded dressing room and as we watch the door close behind him we fade back to the arena.
‘Obey’ by Bring Me The Horizon and YUNGBLUD roars through the P.A. System as we’re greeted with the sights and sounds of the crowd inside of the Avron B Fogelman Arena--and they are nothing short of excited for tonight’s showing of Ascendancy after Eve of Champions. The camera feed soon brings us to ringside where we’re greeted with Dan Simmons and Tommy West, giving a wave to the camera.
Dan Simmons: Good evening to all, and welcome to Ascendancy Nineteen -- the go home show before Collision Course! Tonight’s a packed one, ladies and gentlemen, and I - for one - am very excited about it.
Tommy West: As am I, we'll get to hear from everyone who’s looking to make their point about becoming the brand new number one contender to the NLW Heavyweight Championship -- and we get to hear from the champion here tonight!
Dan Simmons: And speaking of contenders, the Semi Finals of the G1 Tournament is set in stone and we’ll be seeing all four in action tonight as they all look to head to the final at Collision Course. On one side is Ricardo Goon taking on Waylon Kirk and on the other side is Adam Sanders taking on the XHF X*Crown Champion, MYOJIN! That one right there is tonight’s main event and it’s going to be nothing but fire from both!
Tommy West: Right you are but before all of those, we’ve got some good matches - including the debut of the final AWF Prestige Champion - as The Thespian takes on the debuting ‘Impossible Traveller’ in Betsy Granger! Also up tonight is the returning Savannah Sunshine taking on Erik Killings and tonight’s opening match between The Time Jumpers taking on the brand new team of Ryan Young and Rebecca Brookes, The Heritage are in action!
Dan Simmons: But before all of that, we’ve got ourselves something special as the General Manager - BB Gunn - stands by inside of the ring for the contract signing to the Unsanctioned Match at Collision Course… take it away, boss!
The camera shot soon fades to the inside of the ring where BB Gunn stands by with a microphone in one hand and a contract in the other, a large smile on his face is seen as he places the contract down onto the table in front of him.
BB Gunn: Ladies and gentlemen of New Orleans… WELCOME TO ASCENDANCY!
The crowd roared at Gunn’s welcoming to the show.
BB Gunn: I am excited and yet saddened, this’ll be the final Ascendancy show that we’ll be having in the Fogelman, and we’ve had many memories within this building but we’ll remember them when we get to our new home on September 4th. Right now, I’ve got a contract signing to sort out and I want both men to come out here and put pen to paper. So, please feel welcome at this time… The Best Kept Secret of Next Level Wrestling… SCOTT HAMPTON!
‘33rd Blakk Glass’ plays through the speakers as Scott Hampton makes his way through the curtain, the crowd continuously boo for Hampton as he’s keeping a slow pace to his steps -- soon enters the ring and takes a seat at the table. A deep breath from Hampton as he looks directly ahead and towards the entrance curtain, awaiting his opponent for Collision Course.
BB Gunn: And now, please welcome at this time… The King of Professional Wrestling… JASON LONG!
‘Kingslayer’ quickly plays through the speakers as Jason Long bursts through the curtain and looks out to the crowd from both sides, keeping a large smile on his face as he does so before making a beeline for the ring. With him hopping onto the ring apron and looking right into the eyes of Scott Hampton, both men give one another a death glare before Jason would enter the ring and shake BB Gunn’s hand, another glare down to Hampton before taking his seat at his side of the table, just sitting opposite of Hampton.
BB Gunn: Now gentlemen, I’m sure we all know why we’re here tonight. I’m sure we’ve both not forgotten how two weeks ago went for us all. At Eve of Champions, I brought both of you down to the ring so we could discuss what both of your futures held. That, in itself, brought up a match at Collision Course and I laid down the law with the stipulation of my choosing. An unsanctioned match. I said this two weeks ago and I’ll be saying it again for both of you to understand this--no matter what way this ends between the both of you and how far both of you take this, I - along with this company - will not be taking the blame and the responsibility of what goes down inside of that ring when the bell rings.
The two continue to stare at one another, not even batting an eye towards Gunn’s direction during his speech. There’s a deep sigh that comes from the General Manager as he lowers his head down.
BB Gunn: I know I’ve brought this upon myself and it’s something I’m not too fond of doing but due to what’s been happening over the past couple of months, I know it’s the right thing to be doing. So, I will place the contract down in front of both of you and a pen along with it. I’ll even leave down this microphone so both of you can speak your peace as you sign the contract. But just know that once the signatures are in--there is no going back from there and the match is officially placed.
Gunn places the microphone down onto the table and places his hand on the contract, pushing it towards the middle of the table and right in front of both men, but neither man is moving an inch. They’re frozen in time. Like statues as they stare at one another. Then, Hampton leans forward and grabs the microphone before bringing his hand over the contract and bringing it closer towards him. There’s a moment of silence from Hampton as he begins to look over the contract.
Scott Hampton: Interesting, Jason. This is all but interesting.
A slight chuckle from Hampton as he places the contract down onto the table and picks up the pen, keeping a large grin on his face as he looks to Jason across from him.
Scott Hampton: This is what you’ve wanted, right? This is something you’ve been asking for, is it not? To have this moment where nobody can hold you back from anything and all you can do is beat the respect back into me. That’s what you wanted, right? But it seems that you’ve got more than that in your intentions, but you’re wanting to ruin my own career as well. Just taking a look through the contract shows me that you’ve added your own win conditions as well. It says here that if Jason Long wins this match, then Scott Hampton will no longer be contracted with Next Level Wrestling. I thought you were a good man, Jason, and yet here you are wanting to ruin my career again. I’d never think of you to be like this, Jason.
There’s a smirk on Scott’s face as he kicks his feet up onto the table, keeping the grin on his face as he holds the contract in his hand.
Scott Hampton: Think about it this way, Jason. I’ve a wife back at home and we’ve got a child on the way - something we’ve found out very recently during the week - and yet you want to take away my pay and my work because you want me to respect you more. Allow me to ask you this then, Jason. If this was Savannah in this same situation, wouldn’t you be worrying right now? Having to risk everything that you’ve gotten because someone needed respect from you and needed a boost to his ego. Would you like to see that as a win condition against you? To lose everything you’ve fought for and to have nothing when it’s all over?
This time, Scott shakes his head from side to side in disgust over these conditions that The King has laid out in front of him.
Scott Hampton: How silly of me to ask… Savannah was never any of your concern anyway, you never cared about that girl to begin with, Jason. She’s just an inanimate object to you.
One final chuckle from Scott is heard before he adjusts his posture and begins to sign down on the contract, putting his name down as accepting the win conditions and the match stipulation. Then, he slides the pen over to Jason - catching it as it comes sliding off of the table - before Scott would bring his hand forward and hold the contract down for Jason to sign.
Scott Hampton: (off-mic) Go ahead. Make my night worth living for.
Jason looks to Scott and then down to the contract-- BUT HE SLAMS THE POINT OF THE PEN DOWN ONTO THE HAND OF HAMPTON AS HE LETS OUT A SCREAM OF AGONY! Jason pulls the pen out of Scott’s hand as the blood begins to pour from it, but Jason pushes the chair back as he stands up and lands an Iconkick to the jaw of his former student, knocking him back and out of the ring to where he tumbles out to.
Jason Long: In two weeks, mate. You're a fucking dead man and I will have your head and your fucking career too.
Jason wastes no time in bringing the ink - and Scott Hampton’s blood - down onto the page and bringing the match to official status. Jason throws the contract down and storms out of the ring, heading to the back- but he’s stopped by the sound of Gunn’s voice.
BB Gunn: Jason, I should have known you’d do this -- even though I’m aware that Scott pushed some boundaries he shouldn’t have crossed. But whilst Scott was aware of the winning conditions you placed into this match, you weren’t aware of his own.
Jason turns around slowly and brings his attention to BB Gunn inside of the ring.
BB Gunn: See, when I asked Scott Hampton for the winning conditions, he kept me waiting all day and he thought long and hard about what to do with you. Obviously, he’s told me some of the suggestions he’s had in mind for you. Not being able to step into an NLW arena ever again, bringing your whole career to a halt and forcing you to retire, or even banishing you off of the Network for good. But the one that he decided on, he told me he knew this would affect you personally because he had a feeling you’d try to enter the End of Days Tournament this year. He knew that the one thing to get into your head is the one thing you’ve been seeking for years for.
Gunn lets out a sigh, not wanting to read aloud the conditions but knowing he has to.
BB Gunn: Jason, the contract states that if Scott Hampton wins at Collision Course, you will not be able to compete for the XHF X*Crown Championship for two years straight.
The look on Jason Long’s face says it all. He is shocked and appalled. Knowing he cannot outright challenge for the XHF X*Crown Championship ever again if Scott wins brings a sickening feeling to his stomach.
BB Gunn: And now, with the ink down and both of you ready -- this match has become official. At Collision Course, it’ll be Jason Long taking on Scott Hampton in an Unsanctioned Match. Let’s see what is worth more to you both, gentlemen.
‘Obey’ hits the speakers as the camera focuses on Jason Long’s face. He is pissed right off over the winning conditions set by his opponent, but he soon turns around and walks right through the curtain in a huff, before the camera shot brings our attention back to Dan Simmons and Tommy West.
Dan Simmons: My god, Tommy. This is gotten out of control and it's gotten far too personal all in one night, a career and a legacy at stake. What can you make of this?
Tommy West: Both men laid down the law to push one another, but I never thought it'll come to this, and judging by the looks of things--I think that Collision Course will be nothing short of a blood fest with this match.
Dan Simmons: Well, that's a hell of a way to open the show...but now it's time to get on with our first match of the night. Before we do though, three of these competitors wanted to state their case to BB Gunn about why they should face Finn Whelan at Collision Course...
Vayden: I should be considered for the World Title Match as I am hungry. I am determined. I am young. I am hot. I am different than anything you have going in NLW right now. Given the opportunity I will show you what it truly means to be thirsty for blood. I will give the World Champion a run for their money. Ratings will go up. Prestige and Honor will be brought back to the title. I am someone who is overlooked and needs to be showcased. I am the most talented person on your roster and everyone knows it. I am someone that can do their homework and can bring your champion back down to a humble level. I deserve the title shot because, quite frankly, no one else is on my level.
The feed brings us backstage to Ryan Young, sitting within the locker room.
Ryan Young: I’m aware that trying to convince others and gain this championship match would feel like cheating for those who’d work so hard throughout the G1 Tournament, but in life you’ve got to make the smarter choices--and the smart choice is to work smarter and not harder, which is why I’m standing here to plead my case for the NLW Heavyweight Championship match at Collision Course.
A cocky smile grows on Ryan’s face.
Ryan Young: See, I’m sort of a big deal around here as much wouldn’t think of me as. I was an AWF Alumni, a big name in their main event scene from my debut to my exit from the company in the middle of 2020, and since then I’ve been fighting for a chance to prove my name and to show everyone what they missed out on when they never gave me that moment. I was one of the first biggest signings that Next Level Wrestling has had since it’s birth and I feel as if this championship match should be mine.
Pointing right at his chest.
Ryan Young: I believe I can do what is right, and I’m sure that management can do what is right too. So I leave it up to you, to give me what I need, and to lead The Messiah into a risen state again. Finn Whelan, I’ll see you at Collision Course.
Fade to black.
Ryan Young: I’m aware that trying to convince others and gain this championship match would feel like cheating for those who’d work so hard throughout the G1 Tournament, but in life you’ve got to make the smarter choices--and the smart choice is to work smarter and not harder, which is why I’m standing here to plead my case for the NLW Heavyweight Championship match at Collision Course.
A cocky smile grows on Ryan’s face.
Ryan Young: See, I’m sort of a big deal around here as much wouldn’t think of me as. I was an AWF Alumni, a big name in their main event scene from my debut to my exit from the company in the middle of 2020, and since then I’ve been fighting for a chance to prove my name and to show everyone what they missed out on when they never gave me that moment. I was one of the first biggest signings that Next Level Wrestling has had since it’s birth and I feel as if this championship match should be mine.
Pointing right at his chest.
Ryan Young: I believe I can do what is right, and I’m sure that management can do what is right too. So I leave it up to you, to give me what I need, and to lead The Messiah into a risen state again. Finn Whelan, I’ll see you at Collision Course.
Fade to black.
Luiz: I should be the number one contender because of my lineage. My family has held titles all over the world. My grandparents are revered in Mexico. My mother was a top tier star before she got pregnant with me. I am looking to carry on my name while my mother takes care of baby me. I am here from the future to bring a new flare and a passion back to the squared circle. People are starting to chant my name and they believe in me. The fans want me to be champion. Why hold me back?
MATCH ONE
The Time Jumpers (Makalya Vayden and Ciela Luiz) vs The Heritage (Ryan Young and Rebecca Brookes)
Following the loss at Eve of Champions, you could tell that the Time Jumpers were another level of focused this week, not willing to fall foul like they did against the Tilted Cartridges. Across the ring, Young and Brookes had left the sibling banter in the locker room, and were ready for battle as well. Brookes, who was back after a number of weeks out started the match off with Vayden. The pair opened with an enjoyable passage of chain wrestling, looking to create an opening but ultimately neither coming out with and advantage. The two regrouped and circled each other some more, before locking up a second time, this time however Brookes slipped behind her opponent into a waistlock, but Vayden was having none of it and knocked her away with a big elbow that had Brookes stumble away. Vayden quickly grabbed her and went for a Saito Suplex, but Brookes flipped out, landing on her feet and instead hit Vayden with a dragon suplex.
With Vayden grounded Brookes tagged her brother, Ryan Young in. Young started off with a verical suplex, he held onto Vayden and brought her back up, adjusting and hitting a neckbreaker to keep the disorientation going. He brought her back to her feet and whipped her to the ropes, looking for a spinning back elbow but the Time Jumper ducked but on her return she was met with a hip toss. What Ryan didn’t realise however is that Luiz made a blind tag, and snuck up behind him and hit a backstabber. She checked on Vayden and got her back up, the two saw Young getting back to his feet and put him straight back down with Faced [double superkick], Luiz covered but only got a two count.
The Time Jumpers knew to keep the pressure on The Messiah, so placed Young in their corner and began a serious of quick tags coupled with strikes, elbows and kicks until Luiz finally dragged him a few steps towards the centre of the ring and hit a DDT for another near fall. Young was struggling and she knew it, so went to the top rope looking for Princesca [moonsault] but Young rolled away, leaving her to crash and burn! Brookes was animated at the other corner, willing her brother to make the tag. Slowly, both competitors crawled to their partners and made the tag.
Brookes came in with the hot tag and charged at Vayden who also received the tag, cleaning her out with a spinning wheel kick, Luiz had got back to her feet only to eat a shotgun dropkick which knocked her through the ropes and out the ring. Brookes turned back to Vayden and whipped her to the ropes, she looked for a lariat as Vayden retuned but this was ducked, Brookes smirked and looked over her shoulder and as Vayden came back again, she received a Pele kick for her troubles, Brookes jumped straight back to her feet with a roar that hyped the crowd, she was in the zone. She stalked Vayden who was stumbling to her feet and pounced, hitting the Miracle Driver [psycho driver I], but this would only earn her a two count.
Brookes looked to her corner where her brother was back up and willing to get back in the thick of the action. She dragged Vayden to their corner and tagged him in, Young went to the top rope and The Heritage were looking for Heavenly Rainfall, Brookes placed Vayden on her shoulders in a fireman’s carry, but the pair were interrupted by Ciela Luiz, who grabbed the leg of Young to stall his progress. Young kicked her away but this distraction allowed Vayden to squirm out. She pushed Brooked towards the corner and Young jumped over her to avoid contact, behind his onrushing sister however was a Blast From The Past [superkick]. Makayla made the cover but Young got a shoulder up.
Vayden dragged Young back to her corner where Luiz was back to accept the tag. Young was put in the corner and Luiz dropped to her knees, Vayden looked for Wrinkle in Time [poetry in motion] but Young bailed out, which launched her onto and over the turnbuckle, nastily landing outside. Luiz got back up to check on her partner, but Young spun her around and almost decapitated her with Imperium [pumping bomber lariat]. He quickly dragged her to he middle of the ring before tagging in Brookes, the two were like clockwork and blasted Luiz with the Final Destination [golden trigger], making the cover and earning The Heritage the win.
[WINNER: The Heritage Via Final Destination at 09:41]
We fade in on Kelly Ross, sat with a smile on a flimsy looking director's chair. Behind her hangs a black tarp with a metal NLW logo held up in front of it. In spite of the hastily put together looking set-up, her professional demeanour seems to be taking things no less seriously.
Kelly Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me tonight live via video. One of NLW's latest signings: Nathan Cage.
The screen splits, the previous footage displaying Ross to the right while the much less polished looking and grainer feed displaying Cage appears on the left. Nathan sits with a neutral frown and an almost thousand yard stare into the camera, wearing a beat up looking white vest and a silver hooped earing. It's unclear where exactly Cage is, but the slightly unkempt surroundings seem to evoke a living room.
Kelly Ross: The Rabid Dog, Nathan Cag- oh, here he is! We attempted to reach you earlier in the show but due to some circumstances we couldn't, thankfully you're here now an-
Nathan Cage: Circumstances is goddamn right!
Cage interjects, his raspy voice and intense stare piercing directly towards Ross despite them not being in the same room.
Nathan Cage: Here I am dressed to the gills, with the intent on fufillin' my contractual obligations and walkin' into the shithole known as the Fogleman to cut a promo. With the EXPRESS. PURPOSE. Of servin' notice to the NLW roster that they're all on my list, and that I plan to start crossin' names. I'm stopped at the door by every dreg BB Gunn could scrape together, tellin' me that:
Cage adjusts himself and holds his hands up, putting on a mocking voice.
Nathan Cage: "My presence isn't necessary tonight since I don't have a match, and that me bein' here might rile up some people on the roster."
He places his hands back down and spits on the floor in revulsion before returning his frenzied gaze to the camera.
Nathan Cage: So here I am in the "Marigold Inn". Do you know what the Marigold Inn is? It's a little piss soaked motel in the ass end of N'Orleans that I can barely afford; because I haven't got my first paycheque yet. All in aid of some snivellin' lil lapdogs who on their BEST day, couldn't lace my boots.
Having seen how Cage... Operates, Ross manages to take his outburst somewhat in stride and powers onwards.
Kelly Ross: Be that as it may you have to be at least somewhat impressed with NLW's success. Moving from the Fogelman to the Lakefront Arena after Collision Course and it's depth of roster alone.
Nathan Cage: I'm not impressed by a damn thing! Because from where I'm standin' some Scottish piece of garbage comes out and distracts a senile old man and gets taken advantage of by Finn Whelan to win the world title, I'd like to know what the hell's so impressive about that? If I had it my way half the roster'd be six feet under, cause NLW is now Nathan Cage's territory. They're overrated and they ain't worth the shit their contract's are printed on! One of-
Kelly Ross: Alright com-
Nathan Cage: Shut up! One of these days BB Gunn will find wherever he put his balls and set me up with a match in an NLW ring, and after Collision Course if Finn Whelan is half the man that homeless motherfucker Kelly is, he will still be world champion at the end of the night. After which time he will be a marked man because Nathan Cage is comin' for him, and all I'm doin' here is givin' the respect of servin' notice. So I hope, Finn, you don't think I'm tryin' to pick on ya! But that belt will be mine, and everybody on the NLW roster is encouraged to come after it and see how they fare against a real fighter.
Kelly Ross: You sound so confident about your career trajectory here, don't you think BB Gunn may continue upon the act of banning you from appearing tonight and revoke your contract altogether?
Cage shakes his head in disbelief while letting out a mirthless chuckle.
Nathan Cage: Why did you fly me out here to ask me stupid questions? Know what? Gunn, if you're watching. You're the boss! Why don't you 'discipline' me, huh? Why don't you phone up the Marigold Inn right now and get outta my contract?
They pause for a second after Cage yells this into the camera.
Nathan Cage: Now I'll tell ya why that won't happen Kel, it's cause he's a greedy, selfish little promoter; who knows that Nathan Cage against anybody on his roster is gonna line his pockets, his bosses' pockets, his bosses' bosses' pockets, with GOLD. Rest assured, I'm gonna make a lotta money from each match here in NLW, but I'd just as happily kick everybody's ass here for FREE.
Kelly attempts to speak again but Cage has already leaned forward, hair creeping over his face only barely masking his derangement.
Nathan Cage: This goes out to everyone on the NLW roster. Whelan, Arjen, Felix, Dresden, the lil skeleton, those two halfway crooks, they're all on the list. I ain't here to wrestle, I'm here to commit legalized assault. So everyone backstage can get ready to start spillin' blood or can start begging. For some mercy. Right now.
Cage shoves an unseen cameraman to the floor and holds the machine up to his face.
Nathan Cage: Cause I'm Nathan!
FUCKING!
CAGE!
Cage seemingly slam dunks his camera onto the floor causing the screen on the left to immediately go dark and leaving Kelly Ross dumbfounded.
-x-
A large, dust covered book sits atop a round wooden table, placed next to a large, leather chair. Black and grey bricks speckle the wall behind it. Heavy footsteps on concrete slowly approach, and a suited man appears in frame from the neck down. As the man turns to sit, the camera pulls in, keeping the man's face just ever so slightly out of frame. With a sigh, the man reaches over and grabs the book, pulling it up out of frame. He blows the gathered layer of dust off of the cover of the book and waits for it to dissipate.
He brings the large black hard covered book back down and opens it, gently flicking through the first couple of the old yellowed, time worn pages, he stops and begins reading.
That which is not dead can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die.
-
It appeared to me in a dream. On a calm night, where the moon was full and the stars aligned. In between flashes of a great flood, there I spotted a figure crouched in the water as the flood began to calm. As I tried to move, I felt an immense pressure, a heavy strain, and realised I simply could not. At that moment, the figure rose from the flood water. Every moment I thought it would stop rising, it rose more and grew taller and taller. I tried everything within my power to turn away, to run, but I could not. This thing, this hulking terror that stood before me. A monster of vaguely human outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of tentacles, a scaly, rubbery-looking body covered in a hard shell of muscle, it’s lower half stretched deep under the dark water that I then realised I was standing on. Shuddering to think just how much more of The Thing there was that I could not see, The Thing extended an enormous finger, with a sharp claw-like nail and pressed the point of it gently against the skin of my forehead, drawing the tiniest trickle of blood.
As a single drop of my blood hit the surface of the water I stood upon, I heard a mass of whispers. The whispers eventually formed into small pieces of words, and with those small portions of words, I could make out the voice.
“I am The Dreamer, The One Who Slept. I have slumbered here, in the void of The Great Beyond, for centuries upon centuries. I have seen the rise and falls of all known civilizations, and the ancient ones that came before them. As I have slept, I have waited for the stars in the sky to align in such a manner to awaken me so that I may find The One who will carry my message.”
I felt The Thing pressing its claw harder and harder against my head.
“To tell them all The Terror approaches…”
With a heavy push, I fell back into the water, and as I sunk deeper and deeper, the water that surrounded me began to turn a deep blood red.
The man slowly closes the book, and breathes out a sigh of...relief? The camera pulls back and reveals the man fully.
The man leans forward, touching his fingertips together, as the camera lingers on the shot. He speaks, this time his voice slightly muffled by the mask.
“The Terror Approaches...”
-x-
MATCH TWO
“E Legal” Erik Killings vs Savannah Sunshine
Killings' music hit but he never came out, much to the confusion of everybody in the arena and certainly from Dan Simmons and Tommy West at ringside. Stranger still, Savannah Sunshine's music then played and just like with Killings, she never appeared. The Fogleman hushed as the music died out, Marty Watts was asking anybody who would look him in the eye what on earth was going on. The feed cut abruptly backstage where there was plenty of commotion going on, there were medics, security and a few bystanders all gathered around somebody, which the camera eventually caught up and revealed to be Erik Killings. He was on the floor, out cold, doctors were attempting to check on his condition but he wasn't showing any immediate signs of coming around.
BB Gunn came onto the scene and was demanding answers, not that anybody had anything of substance. A producer told Gunn they found him like that and called for the medics. Gunn shook his head but then it dawned on him he didn't know where Sunshine was, a security guard informed him that she was down the hall, and not in much better shape. Gunn's expression dropped further and the cameraman followed him Blair Witch style as he went to investigate.
Gunn found Sunshine being tended to medical personnel but unlike Killings she was not unconscious, she did have a gash in the back of her head which was being examined. Gunn crouched down and asked her what happened but was warned that she was pretty concussed. This didn't deter the General Manager and he asked Sunshine again what happened, she slurred a number of words out, most of which did not form anything of use, but it was clear that she didn't know who did this. She did however, motion to something that had rolled up against some equipment, a lead pipe that had what you had to assume was Savannah's blood on it. Gunn examined it and growled, he didn't know for sure who did this, but the weapon of choice gave him a damn good idea.
[NO CONTEST]
Tommy West: Well, that was about as unpredictable as this next guy, who wanted to stake his case to BB Gunn to take on Finn Whelan.
We cut from ringside to Al Jabroni standing in front of a white projector screen. “Disco Boy” Johnny B looks almost horrified to be there.
Al Jabroni: Finally, BB Gunn is showing some respect to war veterans!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B (Sheepishly): You’re seriously not calling last week a …
Al Jabroni: So, other than being the only vet to ever pass through their doors…
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: What about Johnny Sni-
Al looks annoyed as he glances back.
Al Jabroni: An independent study showed Mr. Blobby all of my matches, back-to-back...the result?
Al Jabroni: If my matches so far can do this, imagine the pleasure that I’d bring walking out with the biggest title in NLW! Anything you want to add, Disco?
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: I want to apologise to my family, friends and the English aristocracy, though I doubt that I even belong there now.
Noel Edmonds storms into shot.
Edmonds: Stop! This is a nonsense! Show the next slide! This is from Blobby’s Big Birthday Bash!
Jabroni looks sheepish now.
Al Jabroni: Look, it’s irrelevant. A vote for me is a vote for someone like you...only I’m a veteran and you’re not!
Edmonds is quick to kill the feed as we head back to ringside.
Al Jabroni: Finally, BB Gunn is showing some respect to war veterans!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B (Sheepishly): You’re seriously not calling last week a …
Al Jabroni: So, other than being the only vet to ever pass through their doors…
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: What about Johnny Sni-
Al looks annoyed as he glances back.
Al Jabroni: An independent study showed Mr. Blobby all of my matches, back-to-back...the result?
Al Jabroni: If my matches so far can do this, imagine the pleasure that I’d bring walking out with the biggest title in NLW! Anything you want to add, Disco?
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: I want to apologise to my family, friends and the English aristocracy, though I doubt that I even belong there now.
Noel Edmonds storms into shot.
Edmonds: Stop! This is a nonsense! Show the next slide! This is from Blobby’s Big Birthday Bash!
Jabroni looks sheepish now.
Al Jabroni: Look, it’s irrelevant. A vote for me is a vote for someone like you...only I’m a veteran and you’re not!
Edmonds is quick to kill the feed as we head back to ringside.
The lights dim and a spot light lights up the entry way. Two stage hands walk out from the side of the stage carrying big items. They hold position and then we hear the sounds of “Wolves” by Big Sean and El Rey walks out to a chorus of boos. He’s flanked by his New Money stable mates Evan Valentine Jr. and Wayne Tanner Jr. As they hit the stage the two men raise their big items and they begin shooting money into the air over the young stars. The boos intensify as the four men look around at the screaming crowd and smile. They all make their way to the ring slowly egging the crowd on as they do. In the ring El Rey has a mic in his hand and he lifts it as the crowd continues to jeer.
El Rey: Shut up!
The crowd roars louder and he smiles as Evan grabs the mic.
Evan Valentine Jr.: I know that swamp gas messes with your brains out here in Loozy-ana, but your tippy top guy just kindly asked you to shut your crawdad hole. So your pretend he's Drew Brees' birthmark, and worship him!
Wayne Tanner Jr. The crowd continues to roar with jeers as Evan laughs and hands the mic to Wayne Tanner Jr. A fan jumps the guardrail and gets to the apron before Fogelman Arena security cut the guy off.
Wayne Tanner Jr.: You're lucky those rent-a-cops caught you tubby, because I would have kicked the curly fries out of you and all over your Savannah Sunshine t-shirt that you should have gotten a size up on. But hell, the XXXL shirts go pretty quickly among this lot. That goes for the rest of you gator bait! Anyone of you try and get in here I will knock your dick in the dirt!
The Fogelman Arena rocks with boos as Wayne Tanner Jr. hands the mic back to El Rey.
El Rey: Now if you idiots would just shut up for a minute you might actually hear something you understand and maybe like. Ah, who am I kidding your third grade educations probably can’t understand half the words I say.
All four men laugh while the crowd continues to boo.
El Rey: Alright. Enough of the joke. I’m here to announce things are going to change. Up to this point I’ve been relying on nothing but myself and my talents.
The crowd disagrees and begins chanting “and the chair” over and over trying to drown out El Rey, but the young man speaks over the crowd.
El Rey: But I was missing something? I’m a part of the greatest stable on the Network. I have the best talent of men on my side. How could I continue without them? That’s why from this point on I will be joined by at least one of my teammates here at NLW during my matches.
Evan Valentine Jr.: That’s right. El Rey has outgrown you mouthbreathers. The internet loves this guy, and it’s time for BB Gun to strap the rocket ship to his ass because if it weren't for his father, Venom there wouldn't be an NLW. His father bled and worked with two bad knees for the entertainment of you, and now it is time for his son to reap the rewards after all the missed birthdays and the empty spot on the bleachers at the junior varsity basketball game. New Money has planted our flag in Next Level Wrestling, and the first step is El Rey becoming NLW World Champion. You'd be amazed at the doors our last names open up, but you're about to find out very soon. We’re New Money and We Were Born For This.
New Money look pleased with themselves, but their expressions slowly turn to that of confusion, because “Wolves” doesn’t start playing again, it’s actually “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles, the crowd immediately get to their feet as the XHF Legend, Scorpion walks out to thunderous cheers.
Dan Simmons: Woah! I knew he was backstage but I wasn’t expecting Scorpion out here tonight partner!
Tommy West: That’s because he shouldn’t be! His time has gone, it’s New Money’s time! El Rey dumped that hack for a reason!
Dan Simmons: Hack? The man is an XHF Legend.
Tommy West: Some say legend is an overused word nowadays.
Dan Simmons: Some say that you’re an idiot.
Scorpion gets into the ring and has a microphone in hand, showing no sign of intimidation despite the three men gathering around him. El Rey motions to let his former mentor speak.
Scorpion: I know, you don’t want to take my advice any more. I’m not here to try and change your mind. I came out here because you said that you were the best stable in the Network, and I received one of those messages of text on my phone from an old friend, he didn’t agree with you, and since he can’t be here, he asked if I could tell you, so here I am.
All three members of New Money look nonplussed.
Scorpion: Oh, but just because he couldn’t be here…doesn’t mean the other two can’t be…
“Fresh Start Fever” by You Me at Six starts to play, and Leon Chant and Riley Richards of The Academy come out on stage to more cheers. The former NLW Heavyweight Champion and new XHF European Champion promptly make their way down to the ring and back up the XHF legend. Rey, Valentine Jr. and Tanner Jr. all take a cautious step back as Scorpion hands Leon Chant the microphone.
Leon Chant: So there we were, talking to this fine gentleman here, and all we can hear is this annoying whine, and then we heard a second whine…and then a third…we couldn’t work out what it was for a little bit, and then we saw on a monitor backstage that you three were out here screeching like baby birds about how good you apparently are. So loud was the screeching that Rob Arnold heard it from Atlanta and told the three of us to educate you, because put simply, you may have the bloodline, but you’ve not done a damn thing of worth to prove it just yet.
Chant smiles.
Leon Chant: So since you’re going to put on those big boy pants and come out here and make big boy claims, I hope you’re ready for the big boy ass kicking we’re about to give you.
Chant throws the microphone away and gestures at New Money to take a shot, but before anything can happen security and refs rush out to stop any violence between the two teams and BB Gunn comes on the stage.
BB Gunn: This is not happening guys. Some of you guys don’t even work here. Scorpion…I’m not sure I’ve got the insurance to cover you being in that ring. As for the others, I for one am not going to deal with the phone call I would receive from Anthony Caffrey if one of them got hurt. So this will happen boys, but not today. Now clear the area we have more show to go on.
The group of security and referees clears the area as we prepare for the next match.
The venue had an eerie stillness to it. The crowd’s noises had become low, barely audible humming that the hard cameras picked up. Everyone was sitting in anticipation as to what would happen next; and the answer would be a loud warning. A super loud, super aggressive horn sounded through the venue. The horn infamously known from the Purge series. Following this horn were ear-piercing screams, terrified and bone chilling. This lasted for approximately nine seconds before
“WATCH THE BODIES DROP!”
… was screamed through the P.A. Alpha Wolf’s “Akudama” ripped through the speakers and this brought the video tron to life - clips of Lazarus Arjen played and the crowd came to life. A mixture of cheers and boo’s so loud that it almost drowned out the theme song. The camera’s cut to the audience to find Lazarus Arjen pushing and shoving his way through the mob of fans. The NLW Southern States Championship was held tightly in the grasp of his right hand, brought up to act as a battering ram to everyone to stood in front of him. Finally he made his way to the front row. He pitched the championship over the barrier before climbing over himself. He grabbed the championship before rolling into the ring, quickly pushing himself up to his feet he stormed to the ropes closest to the hard camera, throwing his arms to the side of him and pushing his chest to the ropes. This lasted for a second before he dropped his arms and the music faded out. He was handed a microphone by the ring announcer who promptly exited, leaving the ring to Lazarus.
Lazarus Arjen: Before Eve of Champions, I stood - overlooking the city of New Orleans, MY city of New Orleans and I made a promise; that I would walk out of Eve of Champions as the Southern States Champion or I would burn down the city and everyone in it. As you can see, I am a man of my word. I caved David Goon’s skull in with a steel pipe and I stand before you as your new champion. What you saw me do at Eve of Champions was just a small measure of the lengths that I would go. I care nothing for anyone else to steps into this ring and if caving someone’s head in is what I have to do in order to reign - then so be it. I will do the same to anyone in the back that cares to step into this ring in an attempt to take this championship from me, too. One by one, I will go through this roster and violently bring an end to everyone’s hopes and dreams until I am the last man stan-----
”HOLD IT! HOLD THE FUCK ON!”
There’s a bit of a disruption at the entrance ramp as Graham Baker makes his way out, a grimace on his face as he does so. He has a microphone in hand.
Graham Baker: Let’s not pretend like you took this fairly. You beat the same guy that I crushed to claim that title, Laz, but that’s as far as it goes. You didn’t beat the champion. I’ll admit as far as Goon goes, he’s done. Finished. His brain’s probably splattered along the inner walls of his skull at this point, and I don’t know how you come back from that, but I was mere seconds away from getting you off that motherfucker and keeping what was mine. So, let’s cut the shit.
Baker steps over to the ring.
Graham Baker: You won’t be last man standing, nah. Not as long as I’ve got breath in my lungs. Why don’t you put that shit on the line and give me my rematch?
Lazarus’ eyes narrow on Graham as he inches closer to the ring. Lazarus didn’t take too kindly to being interrupted, especially reciting the same shit that the previous champion said.
Lazarus Arjen: Losing with dignity isn’t something that people in this company do, is it? You’re no better than David Goon shoving his nose into business that didn’t concern him. The former champion was upset because he didn’t ‘technically’ lose bullshit. You know what, Graham? It makes no difference to me. You, Goon, Whelan, fucking Jesus Christ himself - I don’t give a shit. I said I was going to go through this entire roster, and if you’re the first one who steps up - the next one to have their head caved in - then be my fuckin’ guest.
Lazarus throws down the championship, then the microphone. Never one to back down from a fight, he readies himself - watching the Gaijin Kaiju do the same.
??: Now before any of you dare to try something stupid...
The interruption comes from BB Gunn as he steps through the curtain with a microphone in hand, pointing towards both men in the ring.
BB Gunn: I've been hearing backstage how much both of you want to prove to one another that there's only one great Southern States Champion, and I'm aware that Baker is deserving of his championship rematch -- considering he was the man that was not pinned out of the three, I oblige that request. At Collision Course in two weeks, both of you will meet in the ring and the NLW Southern States Championship will be on the line.
A loud cheer from the crowd over the announcement made.
BB Gunn: Just one more thing... try not to kill one another, will you?
'Obey' soon plays out Gunn as he heads back through the curtain and leaving Lazarus and Graham to continue their stare down as we fade to a commercial.
Dan Simmons: Folks, it's now time for the NLW debut of Betsy Granger, and the last ever AWF Prestige Champion wasn't just content at taking aim at her opponent for tonight...
Tommy West: But Simmo, The Thespian was thinking exactly the same thing!
Dan Simmons: Indeed he was partner, let's take a look!
Submitted by Betsy Granger vis Email Chain:
“If you’re looking for a number one contender to face Finn Whalen, look no further than Betsy Granger. I’m NLW’s hottest new signing for a reason; if you want asses in seats and money in your wallets, you’ll know what to do. But why take my word on it, I could be saying the same exact words as everyone else lobbying for this shot.
Here’s the difference between them and me: They only want this title shot to add to their collective records. I NEED this shot desperately.
Winning the Prestige Championship and walking out of AWF it’s final top champion is all good and well. But reality has sunk in and the fact is, I come to NLW as empty-handed as anyone else. I may have won the championship, but I never got a chance to be the champion.
A problem I have every intention of rectifying should the owners make the wise decision to give me the match. I’m sure Finn Whalen would make a fine NLW World Heavyweight Champion if given half the chance. I’ve followed his career for quite some time and it would be a dream to go toe to toe within the ring. Doing it for that title would just be icing on the cake.
Give me this chance and I’ll show you and the world that I am a champion worth her salt. I am the future and the future is now.”
Static/Fade to Black
“If you’re looking for a number one contender to face Finn Whalen, look no further than Betsy Granger. I’m NLW’s hottest new signing for a reason; if you want asses in seats and money in your wallets, you’ll know what to do. But why take my word on it, I could be saying the same exact words as everyone else lobbying for this shot.
Here’s the difference between them and me: They only want this title shot to add to their collective records. I NEED this shot desperately.
Winning the Prestige Championship and walking out of AWF it’s final top champion is all good and well. But reality has sunk in and the fact is, I come to NLW as empty-handed as anyone else. I may have won the championship, but I never got a chance to be the champion.
A problem I have every intention of rectifying should the owners make the wise decision to give me the match. I’m sure Finn Whalen would make a fine NLW World Heavyweight Champion if given half the chance. I’ve followed his career for quite some time and it would be a dream to go toe to toe within the ring. Doing it for that title would just be icing on the cake.
Give me this chance and I’ll show you and the world that I am a champion worth her salt. I am the future and the future is now.”
Static/Fade to Black
The Thespian adjusts himself in his hotel chair before raising up his gloved hands. His interpreter speaks from behind the camera as the wrestler performs ASL:
"Good evening, NLW. I heard there was an open challenge for a shot at the NLW Heavyweight Championship at Collision Course.
Before I get into my ‘speech,’ let me ask you something:
Did I beat Betsy Granger, the last World Champion of AWF, in her debut match?
No? Well, shit, okay, just cut the video here and don't waste anyone else's time.
But, if yes, I think that fact alone should speak for itself. I may be new around here, and perhaps still a little rusty. But I still have my wits about me, and my strengths. Pick me, Finn. Rising star to rising star.
Then you'll know who *I* am, Finn."
An awkward pause fills the room for a moment as the Thespian stares blankly into the camera through the pale skinsuit. After another moment, he glances up and begins to sign towards his interpreter-slash-cameraman. The following contains the raw signs used:
FINISH?
"Yes, I got the recording"
O-K. SEND-NOW. NO-EDIT. VIDEO-FINE. THANK-YOU
"Are you okay, though?"
YES? WHY?
"Your hands are shaking."
They are, in fact, trembling as he signs.
HANDS-O-K! NO-WORRY!
"Are you scared?"
NO! SEND-VIDEO-NOW! I-NEED-GO.
The Thespian gets up from his seat fully and stomps out of view. Another awkward pause... before the camera jostles around.
It would seem that the cameraman noticed that the camera was still rolling.
It cuts out there.
MATCH THREE
The Thespian vs Betsy GrangerThe match begins with both Betsy Granger and The Thespian meeting in the middle of the ring - at least three feet away from one another - as Betsy raises her hand up into the air and keeps it at her head height. As for The Thespian? He’s doing the exact same as Betsy, much like a mine would do on some street corner. Betsy swings her leg up into the air and aims for the head of Thespian but Theo leans back to dodge the kick and attacks with a Throat Thrust to Betsy that knocks her back and onto the ropes. Thespian charges in and lands a nasty Rope Aided Gamengiri that catches Granger on the jaw and knocks her down to her hands and knees. Thespian grabs the arm of Granger and brings her into the middle of the ring, floating over the arm and flipping over for the La Magistral pin which gets Thespian a one count. Betsy springs to her feet and goes for the Dropkick but narrowly misses it as Thespian takes a step back. Thespian fires off the Bicycle Kick but is caught by the grapevine of Betsy’s legs as they bring Thespian down to the mat and into the Kneebar. Granger has the Kneebar locked in tight and the pressure is being applied as Thespian crawls closer and closer to the ropes but he’s fingertips away from it. He’s edging closer and with one last push… he’s got a hold of the ropes.
With Granger finally releasing the hold on Thespian’s legs, she’s got a target set as she begins to land the shoot kicks right to the leg of Thespian -- leaving him to lash out in pain and leap for a Enzuigiri that connects to the side of the head. Betsy is left rocked from the kick as Thespian slaps on the leg to shake some feeling back into it, but he takes notice of Betsy still on her feet before he could fire off a Hook Kick from behind Betsy and landing right onto her jaw! Thespian covers his mask, the right hand side of it, and bellows out a chuckle for the crowd to hear -- they know what’s coming as he grabs his opponent by the head and looks to kick back to land that Snapmare Driver of Betsy’s but she’s able to slip free and in a Ripcord manner, pulls herself in to Thespian and leaping into the air to catch Thespian’s head with the Plante de Visage [Hurricanrana Driver] that spikes Thespian right onto his head--but he rolled through and he’s back to his feet! Grabbing the head of Betsy and spiking her down with Galactic Advantage [Snapmare Driver] with full force behind it! Thespian goes for the cover and they’re only able to capture a two count!
Both of them are down and laid out on the mat and this match has taken the most out of them both, and by the looks of it, the referee’s counting for both of them being laid out on the mat. The more the count continues, the less it looks like they’re going to move -- but at the count of nine, Thespian floats his arm over and drops it down on Betsy’s chest for a pinfall attempt--and he’s only gotten another two count but a very close one at that! Thespian springs to his feet - but showing signs of wear of that right leg that Betsy targeted earlier - and covers his whole face with both hands. A signal for the end as the crowd have seen against E Legal two weeks ago. He’s leaning back against the ropes and showing those same extremities of human emotion, and a cackle so loud that it even scares some of those within the crowd. Thespian keeps his hands up to his face as he takes a few steps forward- but what he doesn’t realise is Betsy Granger right behind him and grabbing him from behind in the Full Nelson hold! She sweeps the leg… and drops Thespian down to the mat with Ich Muss Dich Brechen [Full Nelson Facebuster], keeping Thespian down as she rolls him over and laying on top for the cover… and getting the three count in her debut! The final AWF Prestige Champion is victorious in her Next Level Wrestling debut!
[WINNER: Betsy Granger via Ich Muss Dich Brechen at 15:27]
The camera focuses in slowly and settled on none other than the XHF Commissioner and former multiple time X*Crown Champion Bobby Barratt, who is adjusting his tie.
Bobby Barratt: So NLW decided to throw open the doors and offer up a shot at their newly crowned Champion Finn Whelan. Anyone who wanted it, right? Well here's me, a fucking XHF legend throwing my hat in the ring!
Bobby stops and looks pensively into the camera
Bobby Barratt: I can hear it now. Why Bobby, why? Well it's pretty simple. The match at AWF Clash of the Icons. Great match, but anyone who knows me knows that Bobby Barratt doesn't go out on a fucking loss! Despite the calibre of the men in the ring that night, I wasn't happy with the fact I didn't end that night with my hand held up in the air. You'll call it sour grapes, bullshit! The fact is that I want to prove to myself that I can still hang with the best of the best that the XHF Network has to offer and I've heard from many sources that it's right here in NLW! Finn Whelan, I'm calling you out personally! You want to test yourself? You want to put a real name on your win loss record? Call me!
END FEED
Bobby Barratt: So NLW decided to throw open the doors and offer up a shot at their newly crowned Champion Finn Whelan. Anyone who wanted it, right? Well here's me, a fucking XHF legend throwing my hat in the ring!
Bobby stops and looks pensively into the camera
Bobby Barratt: I can hear it now. Why Bobby, why? Well it's pretty simple. The match at AWF Clash of the Icons. Great match, but anyone who knows me knows that Bobby Barratt doesn't go out on a fucking loss! Despite the calibre of the men in the ring that night, I wasn't happy with the fact I didn't end that night with my hand held up in the air. You'll call it sour grapes, bullshit! The fact is that I want to prove to myself that I can still hang with the best of the best that the XHF Network has to offer and I've heard from many sources that it's right here in NLW! Finn Whelan, I'm calling you out personally! You want to test yourself? You want to put a real name on your win loss record? Call me!
END FEED
A match flares to life, and the flames flicker across the surface of a distorted skull like mask. Then a candle is lit, and Donzig stares from under his hood and mask.
??: Next Level Wrestling. Some of you may not know me. I have many names. I am the Pride of SWAT, the Harbinger of Death, the Herald of Oblivion. I am the Scourge. The Bandit King.'
A pause.
Donzig: But most call me Donzig.
He growls to himself, and the candle is held in his hand as he slowly paces across what seems to the crumbling porch of some overgrown and rotting plantation. A hand waving absently.
Donzig: Now some people will come here and tell you they need to face Finn Whelan. And they will throw around words like honor, glory, prestige, and tradition. I am not going to do that. I am going to tell you the truth, and that truth is--
Donzig paused, and his head tilted.
Donzig: Conquest.
A shrug, and the pacing continues. A hand waving, fingers flickering as he shook his masked head. He looked away from the camera, hissing softly.
Donzig: I see this as another chance for me to claim another prize from the XHF. Another jewel for the crown of the Bandit King, and a sign of my ascension, eh? And frankly, Finn Whelan or whoever is champion after him will have to face me sooner or later. Because I am inevitable. You see Darkness falls, and the Endless Hunger is already here.
Donzig blows the candle out.
??: Next Level Wrestling. Some of you may not know me. I have many names. I am the Pride of SWAT, the Harbinger of Death, the Herald of Oblivion. I am the Scourge. The Bandit King.'
A pause.
Donzig: But most call me Donzig.
He growls to himself, and the candle is held in his hand as he slowly paces across what seems to the crumbling porch of some overgrown and rotting plantation. A hand waving absently.
Donzig: Now some people will come here and tell you they need to face Finn Whelan. And they will throw around words like honor, glory, prestige, and tradition. I am not going to do that. I am going to tell you the truth, and that truth is--
Donzig paused, and his head tilted.
Donzig: Conquest.
A shrug, and the pacing continues. A hand waving, fingers flickering as he shook his masked head. He looked away from the camera, hissing softly.
Donzig: I see this as another chance for me to claim another prize from the XHF. Another jewel for the crown of the Bandit King, and a sign of my ascension, eh? And frankly, Finn Whelan or whoever is champion after him will have to face me sooner or later. Because I am inevitable. You see Darkness falls, and the Endless Hunger is already here.
Donzig blows the candle out.
Tommy West: BB Gunn said absolutely anybody could lay a claim, and as always The XHF Network provided!
Smiling at his own address earlier, Jabroni leads his motley crew of Blobby, Disco Boy, and Edmonds down the corridor backstage at the Fogelman arena.
Jabroni: See, got that shot in the ba-
A hand belonging to an unseen person yanks Jabroni out of shot. The remaining trip stop in their tracks.
Edmonds: Well, that was odd…
The three men are suddenly pulled into the same room.
FADE TO BLACK
Jabroni: The actual fu-
The sound of a crisp punch shuts up Jabroni.
FADE IN
We see the shot from Jabroni’s POV. The camera dissolves in, replicating the haziness from Al’s very recent KO. In front of them stand a threesome that would form the nightmares of most wrestlers. Sgt. Slaughter is flanked by Randy Orton and Jesse Ventura.
Slaughter: Get them on the chairs, adjust their bindings to secure them…
Orton: If it’s that important, why don’t you d-
Slaughter: Do you want ANOTHER court martial?
Randy shuts up and does what he’s asked.
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: Is this a coup?
Slaughter: The Brit thinks it’s a coup, we did that back in 1776!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B (under his breath): Worked out so well in 1812…
Ventura: Listen up, maggots!
Jabroni let’s out a laugh.
Ventura: What’s so funny?
Jabroni tries to stop laughing.
Jabroni: You’re not a veteran! You were in Batman & Robin as a guard at the Asylum!
A vein in Ventura’s forehead noticeably pops up.
Ventura: I WAS IN NAM!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: I think what my charge is trying to say is - you didn’t actually see combat though, did you?
Ventura: If you haven’t hunted men, you haven’t hunted yet!
Jabroni: Was that a line from Predator or The Running Man?
The Body makes an indecipherable noise and walks away.
Orton: Is it time to summon the Chief, Sarge?
Slaughter: Bring him in!
Orton opens a door and in floats the ghost of Freddie Blassie. This act sends all of them into hysterics. Slaughter gets in the face of Noel Edmonds.
Slaughter: What’s so funny, you bearded poisoned dwarf?
Edmonds tries to compose himself.
Edmonds: It’s just that you opened a door…for a ghost!
Slaughter: You have the temerity to call yourselves vets and yet you don’t understand the chain of command?? Tell ‘em Blassie!!
The ghost of ‘Classy’ Freddie Blassie is seen cowering away from Mr Blobby.
Blassie: WHAT IS THAT THING NEXT TO THE PENCIL-NECKED GEEK!
Edmonds and Jabroni smile at one another, assuming the other is the target of the snipe.
Slaughter: It’s just a weirdo in a suit, relax!
Edmonds: He’s not a man in a suit, that’s Mr. Blobby! The exoskeleton evolved to help cool down the internal organs!
Blassie: It looks like a ladybug from a John Waters film!
Slaughter: It’s just an actor in a suit…
The Sarge shoots a stink-eye in the direction of Edmonds who shirks a response. Blassie seems to grasp this concept. He approaches Blobby and taps on his head.
Blassie: George, is that you inside? Did Ed Wood bomb so badly you’ve been reduced to this?
Mr. Blobby (sad): Blobby…
Orton sighs.
Orton: George is dead, Blassie. He’s eating turnbuckles in the sky. How come you haven’t seen him?
Blassie looks wistful.
Blassie: You serve your country, you do it all but you file your teeth into points and there isn’t anyway through that gate…
The Army vets take a moment to reflect on the way that veterans are often discarded.
Blassie: Anyways, let’s play a game with these four reprobates…
Jabroni: Twenty One? Checkers? Chess?
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: Let's play Twister, Let's play Risk? See you in heaven if you make the list?
Jabroni: Yeah
Edmonds: Yeah
Orton: Yeah, Yeah…
Sarge, Ventura and Blassie look at Orton.
Orton: Sorry, got caught up in it.
Sarge: Let’s get down to it, you four claim you’re veterans! You took a day trip to Normandy and claim you’re worthy of the title??
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: We’ll, if people in the Anglo-Zanzibar War can claim it for 38 minutes work…
Sarge: Did you fancy bullets? Put your life on the line?
Jabroni: Their archers were brutal…
Ventura cracks his knuckles.
Jabroni (meekly): They had slingshots.
Edmonds: Blobby became an addict. He’s jonesing right now for a fix!
Blassie: Uppers? Downers?
Edmonds: Sherbert Dib-Dabs…
Blassie’s contempt is evident.
Jabroni: The man put Frenchmen, children even, into the ground!
Sarge raises an eyebrow.
Orton: How many confirmed kills?
Mr. Blobby: BLOBBY?!?
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: No, he buried them up to their necks in the sand for destroying his stash.
Jabroni: You want to know the true horror of war?
All four vets look on with varying levels of confidence.
Jabroni: We finally vanquished them on the beaches and we walked into Normandy and celebrated with a meal. I only wanted the duck l’orange but it was all in French. How do you even say duck in French?
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: Canard.
Jabroni: I know it’s difficult, I just want to know!!
Blassie: I’ve heard enough. Men, let us decide their fate.
The four vets huddle together. Finally, Sarge removes his hat and places a black cloth square on his head.
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: WE’RE GOING TO THE GALLOWS!!
Sarge laughs.
Slaugter: This? Never could adapt to a hat in a Louisiana Summer!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: Phew!
Sarge gets serious.
Slaughter: We find you guilty of impersonating a military officer. Your punishment is…
The camera scans the pensive faces of the foursome of fools.
Slaughter: You must review and grade all of Duke Kosloff’s matches on the XHF Network…including alter-egos!
Jabroni: No!!
Edmonds: Bring back chain gangs!
“Disco Boy” Johnny B: Take my peerage!
Mr. Blobby: BLOBBY?
We cut back to ringside as they consider their fate.
Dan Simmons: I...I wish i knew what that was...but next we have two more pitches to General Manager BB Gunn, first from Felix who recorded his last week follwing his huge win over MYOJIN and then from our newest signing Keahi Sparks!
Felix: I have something to say.
Kelly Ross blinks at the sound of the steely voice behind her, turning to see Felix coming down the hall. He’s limping after his battle with MYOJIN earlier that night but seems to be completely ignoring the doctor trailing after him, his eyes locked on her. She signals to the cameraman, holding up the mic for Felix as he nods his thanks before turning his pain-filled but determined gaze to the camera.
Felix: Tonight, I proved that with enough spirit, anything can be overcome. After facing the humiliation of being made to tap twice in a tournament, most would have given up. But I used it to sharpen my will, my fighting spirit, and I came back from defeat to topple MYOJIN in one of the best battles I’ve ever been in... and now I hunger for more.
Felix: Finn Whelan, you also toppled StormCrow tonight and claimed the top prize… the NLW Heavyweight Championship. That makes you exactly who I need to fight, exactly the one I need to test myself against to become more than I am. I need this battle, this chance to learn from another champion that I can respect. Finn, If you want to fight someone that will never stop, never give in until they are broken or you are… Give me that shot.
Felix glares into the camera a moment longer before the doctor finally pulls him away, the camera capturing Felix as he limps down the hallway… bloodied but unbowed.
Kelly Ross blinks at the sound of the steely voice behind her, turning to see Felix coming down the hall. He’s limping after his battle with MYOJIN earlier that night but seems to be completely ignoring the doctor trailing after him, his eyes locked on her. She signals to the cameraman, holding up the mic for Felix as he nods his thanks before turning his pain-filled but determined gaze to the camera.
Felix: Tonight, I proved that with enough spirit, anything can be overcome. After facing the humiliation of being made to tap twice in a tournament, most would have given up. But I used it to sharpen my will, my fighting spirit, and I came back from defeat to topple MYOJIN in one of the best battles I’ve ever been in... and now I hunger for more.
Felix: Finn Whelan, you also toppled StormCrow tonight and claimed the top prize… the NLW Heavyweight Championship. That makes you exactly who I need to fight, exactly the one I need to test myself against to become more than I am. I need this battle, this chance to learn from another champion that I can respect. Finn, If you want to fight someone that will never stop, never give in until they are broken or you are… Give me that shot.
Felix glares into the camera a moment longer before the doctor finally pulls him away, the camera capturing Felix as he limps down the hallway… bloodied but unbowed.
A truly open challenge is hard to gauge. Inviting anyone in the world to fight you is either a sign of great confidence, or great folly.
There’s an establishing shot of a strange, dense forest and a glittering sky. Wherever this is, it’s not what science would call “natural.” The shot zooms in, past the canopy toward a large but secluded stone structure. The stone is ancient and weathered, but the structure seems sturdy nonetheless.
The shot races through the top of the structure (which might resemble a face?), through sprawling corridors, treacherous terrain, arrow slits and traps as far as we can see. It stops in a room with treasure that these hazards must be blocking off from hapless delvers. There’s gold and gems and wealth aplenty, and some stranger items. Somehow a scrap of ancient silk, a cannonball, a bust of Sherlock Holmes, and a glowing, floating, rotating cube exist in the same trove?
In the shadows of this treasure room, glowing green eyes pierce the darkness.
Finn Whelan, you don’t know me. I could be your greatest challenge, or a pebble to kick aside.
The owner of the emerald eyes steps out of the shadows, revealing a tall, well-built woman wearing leather armor a LARPer might wear to the Ren Faire, but with strange accents. Roman bracers, samurai kusazuri, and a horned helmet with red hair stuck through the back are all visible, marking her as eclectic as the hoard she guards.
How lucky do you feel?
There’s an establishing shot of a strange, dense forest and a glittering sky. Wherever this is, it’s not what science would call “natural.” The shot zooms in, past the canopy toward a large but secluded stone structure. The stone is ancient and weathered, but the structure seems sturdy nonetheless.
The shot races through the top of the structure (which might resemble a face?), through sprawling corridors, treacherous terrain, arrow slits and traps as far as we can see. It stops in a room with treasure that these hazards must be blocking off from hapless delvers. There’s gold and gems and wealth aplenty, and some stranger items. Somehow a scrap of ancient silk, a cannonball, a bust of Sherlock Holmes, and a glowing, floating, rotating cube exist in the same trove?
In the shadows of this treasure room, glowing green eyes pierce the darkness.
Finn Whelan, you don’t know me. I could be your greatest challenge, or a pebble to kick aside.
The owner of the emerald eyes steps out of the shadows, revealing a tall, well-built woman wearing leather armor a LARPer might wear to the Ren Faire, but with strange accents. Roman bracers, samurai kusazuri, and a horned helmet with red hair stuck through the back are all visible, marking her as eclectic as the hoard she guards.
How lucky do you feel?
MATCH FOUR
G1 TOURNAMENT SEMI FINAL MATCH
Ricardo Goon vs Waylon Kirk
The bell rings and the pair of intense rivals stare one another down, Ricardo Goon running his mouth like it's going out of style while Waylon only smirks in response. Goon's inability to get a rise out of Kirk only makes him more belligerent and, when that doesn't get a response, Ric is charging across the ring with a roar of profanity--and Waylon is meeting him halfway, the crowd cheering as the two men absolutely unload on one another! Lefts and rights are exchanged in rapidfire fashion, their familiarity with one another on full display thanks to how they keep evading each others' attempts to get the upper hand. Ultimately, it's Kirk that ends the stalemate with a well-timed dodge, seizing Goon's wrist to Irish Whip the heavier man into the ropes. Ducking under the clothesline attempt made by Ric, Waylon catches his foe on the rebound, a Tilt-A-Whirl backbreaker making the younger Goon curse out loud! The pinfall attempt that follows only makes it to one before Ric kicks out, but it's clear that Waylon's chosen his target for the match by going right for another pinfall, making Goon exert his back yet again in order to escape.
In spite of the discomfort that is beginning to build, Ricardo is quick to get to his feet but so is Waylon, the latter attempting to send Goon into the ropes--but Ric reverses, catching Kirk on the rebound with a ring-shaking powerslam! The two-count that follows has Goon smirking, clearly pleased that he gets the chance to inflict more punishment on his long-time rival. Dragging Waylon to his feet, the younger Goon brother's back to running his mouth as a secondary form of offense as he connects with a vicious chop that has the crowd letting out a 'Wooo!' in response, Kirk visibly wincing as he tries to walk it off. Unfortunately, Waylon gets all of a step away before Ric's connecting with another, then another, then another until he's got the New South member trapped in the corner... and once Kirk's right where Goon wants him? Ricardo's rearing back--but Waylon's striking first, a European uppercut sending Goon stumbling back just enough to allow the lighter man to escape, Kirk getting some momentum by running for the ropes and rebounding back to get caught by Goon. That's exactly what Waylon wanted, though, since he's tornadoing around Ric before taking him down in a DDT! The crowd roars its approval as Kirk goes for the pinfall, but Goon kicks out at two and a half.
Rather than arguing with the referee, Kirk instead sets his jaw as he gets to his feet, Goon far slower to do so--and even then, when Ric's partway up, Waylon's kicking his opponent in the base of the spine with as much force as he can muster. As Goon swears in pain, Waylon keeps his focus on his chosen target, backing into the ropes to give himself as much momentum as possible for the soccer-style punt that connects next, Ricardo falling over sideways as he clutches his back and kicks in frustration. That frustration is enough to drive Goon to his feet, though Kirk certainly helps by seizing Ric by the head and bodily dragging him upward. Once both men are vertical, Ric is exploding free of Waylon's grip, spinning the smaller man around and hooking him up for a dragon suplex... but when Goon goes to lift? He can't quite manage it, the damage to his back preventing it! Spitting out a fresh wave of profanity, Ric tries again in vain, Waylon managing to slide free to duck around behind his opponent, shoving Goon into the ropes chest-first before rolling him up into an O'Connor Roll, Ric just barely kicking out in time to keep his G1 dreams alive! That near-fall proves to be the straw that breaks Goon's patience, Ricardo getting to his feet with as much vigor as he can manage--but so is Kirk. Waylon rears back to strike, but Ric kicks him in the solar plexus, quickly hooking him up and screaming "FUCK YOU!" to the Heavens before dropping into his Evenflow DDT, the FU.D.T. connecting! It's academic from there, the three-count met with jeers that shake the rafters as Goon's undefeated streak in the G1 continues!
[WINNER: Ricardo Goon Via FU.D.T. at 11:21]
??: You know, sometimes in life we follow such a strange road and it feels weird that it's somewhat come full circle in a manner of speaking.
The voice comes on screen, revealing Chris Sanderson, one of the new signees to Next Level Wrestling. Sanderson, a second generation talent, was dressed for the occasion in a pair of black dress pants, royal blue shirt, black tie and black suit jacket. While he was mighty uncomfortable in a suit, first impressions matter.
Sanderson: My name is Chris Sanderson, I am a nine year veteran of professional wrestling and I have come to Next Level Wrestling to test myself against a whole new world. It's rather simple, ladies and gentlemen, I have come to NLW to be one of the best wrestlers walking the planet. Without confidence, what do we have when we step into that ring? Not much.
The second generation talent takes a moment to compose himself and adjust his tie just a little bit. There weren't many nerves, if any at all, as Chris continued.
Sanderson: When I heard NLW was broadcasted on the XHF Network, I thought it was rather fitting. You see, my father was a man who was in the original XHF 15 years ago. I was just a little kid then, watching my dad against these great men and women of XHF. That man's name was Reckless Jack. A man who won the XHF Rumble. A man who main evented Night of Champions. A man who was XHF World Champion. A man who was the brother of Spike Kane.
Another slight pause from Chris.
Sanderson: Since I was a kid this is what I've wanted to do. I gave up high school athletics to start this career while there. I missed homecomings, I missed proms, I had to go to college online but every single time I get into that ring? It's always worth it. If someone presented me with a choice to live life like a normal person or to do this again? I'll choose this every single time.
He cleared his throat and loosened his tie just a little bit. Chris did feel a little suffocated after all.
Sanderson: I have captured championships all over the world. Had epic match after epic match. Chased enough tail to last a man for a lifetime before settling down with the love of my life. In my 25 years, I have lived and done more than most have in 40. Next Level Wrestling, I look forward to stepping into that ring, and being someone memorable here.
Having said that, Chris takes off his tie completely, nods to the camera and heads off in another direction.
“Born of a Broken Man” hits the speakers and the fans know what this means… ‘Deathless’ Tommy Kelly is making his way on to the stage, a stern look on his normally-cheerful face. He pauses to observe the fans, mostly cheering for their star before he continues towards the ring and slides in quickly. He motions for a microphone to be thrown to him and signals for the music to be cut rather quickly.
Dan Simmons: It looks like Tommy Kelly is not here for a friendly chat tonight, in fact he looks like he’s got an agenda on his mind.
Tommy West: Dan, I’ve seen the StormCrow worked up before, but he looks downright intense right now.
Tommy Kelly: Cut the music, cut the applause, and let’s cut the feckin’ bullshit. You all know why I am here, and you all know why there is no golden strap around my bloody waist right now. Three words; Wellington fuckin’ Dunne.
The crowd boo’s at the mention of the Glasgow Bull, who helped cost Tommy his NLW Heavyweight title at the last PPV.
Tommy Kelly: Look I’ll hand it to Finn, the kid was faster and sharper than I ever expected, and he did give these old bones a run. But that pig-headed Scot had no right coming to my ring, my arena. Dunne, what have you EVER accomplished that gave you the balls to interfere in MY match? My CHAMPIONSHIP match?
The crowd boo’s more, not sure at which name is being mentioned.
Tommy Kelly: I’m not bitter about Whelan, the lad got his win and holds the belt now. I’ll get that back. I’m not even mad my streak is over, just means I get to start a new one. I’m mad that Dunne had the audacity to think he was anywhere close to my level! That fuckin’ coward needs to-
“Seal the Deal” by Volbeat kicks in and Tommy is cut off in the ring, as Wellington Dunne himself slowly struts out onto the stage, mic in hand and ready.
Tommy West: We might finally get to hear the whole story here Dan!
Dan Simmons: I don’t think there is any story Tommy, Dunne is sick of playing with the juniors and he’s ready to take on the big leagues!
Wellington Dunne: Tommy Tommy, I come out here night after night and put down the best in the business, but you stand there with you wee little cock in yer hand claiming to be the biggest dick in town. I'm sick of it, the fans are sick of it, and it's time you put up or shut up once and for all.
Dan Simmons: Dunne is going straight for the throat!
Wellington Dunne: Aye, I interfered in your stupid match. And aye, I was a big reason you let that mouse Whelan take yer belt. But let’s be honest here Tommy boy, you were never winning that match. Whelan had you marked as soon as the fight was set. Your time is old old man, and if you won’t go out standing then I’ll put you out on your back!
Tommy West: This is wild, Dunne is full of fire and brimstone right now.
Wellington Dunne: You’ve been around years, that’s true. And you’ve been top of the pops for a while, also true. I didn’t get to take your European belt at Night of Champions, but I can take something else… your legacy.
The crowd is cheering like wild, on the edge of their seats.
Tommy Kelly: Stop spoutin’ shite and say what you mean, you fat fuck. Come down to this ring right now and I’ll smack the words out of your thick gob.
Wellington Dunne: Not Tommy, not tonight. You look too shook up after last week. Whelan really did a number on you, ya soft touch. I want you at your best, at your peak… August 21st, Dunne versus the Birdman… clash at Collision Course!
Dan Simmons: Dunne just challenged Tommy Kelly to a fight at the next pay per view!
Tommy West: And judging by the smirk on Kelly’s face, it looks like he’s ok with that.
Tommy Kelly: Collision Course? Ha, what a coward, backing out of a fight here and now… fuck it. You’re on!
Kelly drops the microphone and starts yelling up the ramp to Dunne, who does the same and begins to shout insults and cuss words back. Kelly quickly hops out of the ring to make his way towards the Glasgow Bull but security stewards get involved and keep both men separated, the crowd going wild.
Dan Simmons: Well before these two got into it they also made a case to face Finn Whelan, I'm sure neither would mind pulling double duty if it meant settling a score and claiming the Heavyweight Title in the same night...!
Tommy Kelly: One weekend in, two titles down. I might be called ‘Deathless’ now but trust me, I’m close to the fucking edge.
Tommy Kelly, sat in his beater car coming home from his recent flight in from Minneapolis. His camera records his expressions, but his red puffy eyes and pale skin tell a thousand words.
Tommy Kelly: Wellington Dunne fucks me over and gives Finn Whelan the chance to steal the win. Finn fucking Whelan, a whelp I had beat down and laid out, flat on the mat. But Dunne gets his fat arse involved and suddenly my title is gone, my streak is broken.
You can see the anger in his eyes, welling up behind the pain.
Tommy Kelly: All my training, my focus, my domination…and I let it slip out of my hands. Like a fucking amateur. It’s not on, and I’m not dead!
He fumbles a bit, slipping his phone but catches it quickly.
Tommy Kelly: Look, this message is for BB Gunn and whoever else is involved… I’ve had a bad bloody weekend. I went undefeated in NLW. I went unmatched in the federation for so long, and despite my personal flaws I was a good fucking champion for you BB!
He pauses, his breath laboured and his chest heavy with emotion.
Tommy Kelly: I want it back man, I want it fucking back. Whelan got lucky, but he’s not the flagbearer you want for NLW… I am. Tommy Kelly, your fuckin’ old pal… make it so, BB. Don't leave me out.
End of recording.
Tommy Kelly, sat in his beater car coming home from his recent flight in from Minneapolis. His camera records his expressions, but his red puffy eyes and pale skin tell a thousand words.
Tommy Kelly: Wellington Dunne fucks me over and gives Finn Whelan the chance to steal the win. Finn fucking Whelan, a whelp I had beat down and laid out, flat on the mat. But Dunne gets his fat arse involved and suddenly my title is gone, my streak is broken.
You can see the anger in his eyes, welling up behind the pain.
Tommy Kelly: All my training, my focus, my domination…and I let it slip out of my hands. Like a fucking amateur. It’s not on, and I’m not dead!
He fumbles a bit, slipping his phone but catches it quickly.
Tommy Kelly: Look, this message is for BB Gunn and whoever else is involved… I’ve had a bad bloody weekend. I went undefeated in NLW. I went unmatched in the federation for so long, and despite my personal flaws I was a good fucking champion for you BB!
He pauses, his breath laboured and his chest heavy with emotion.
Tommy Kelly: I want it back man, I want it fucking back. Whelan got lucky, but he’s not the flagbearer you want for NLW… I am. Tommy Kelly, your fuckin’ old pal… make it so, BB. Don't leave me out.
End of recording.
Wellington Dunne: “Hello, Mr. Whelan, enjoying your new present. I bet you are, you're welcome by the way. I bet right now you're sitting wherever you're at, and you're holding my gift close to you. You're hugging it, holding it tightly as every man, woman, and child on the planet vies for what I handed you. Your nerves are starting to kick in and you're beginning to rock back and forth in a state of panic. Wondering what have I gotten myself into. Trust me if I was in your shoes I’d be doing the same thing. I'm sure everyone else on the roster, anyone else in the network would be doing the same thing. Wondering if I deserve this. Did all my hard work pay off? Or, is what I have nothing more than something handed to me? That I don’t deserve. That I didn't earn. Wondering out of all these people who are staking their claim to challenge me. Who will management pick? Who will they choose, as the man who will step into the ring with me at Collision Course? Who would I pick? See if I were in your shoes if I had your power. I would do the smart thing. I would pick the easiest, most walk-in-the-park opponent I could find. I wouldn't want a real challenge, but then again I'm not you. So, Finn Whelan, I'm saying this only once. You're welcome for the gift, and you owe me a thank you.”
Dan Simmons: Folks we're about to head to our main event, but not before we have one more person who wanted to claim an NLW Heavyweight Title shot against Finn Whelan. He's been here a couple times now and he certainly knows these two pretty well...
Dylan: Really, BB? Y'all gonna make me plead my case?
The camera nods. Dylan just sighs and claps his hands together.
Dylan: BB Gunn. My man. You know me all too well. You saw my meteoric rise in AXW, under a very familiar mask. And you saw my first run with the X*Crown, as it ran through and stopped right here in Louisiana. You know what I'm capable of. You should also know the star power behind a Dylan Black main event. When Dylan Black steps into a ring, everybody has their eyes glued to the action. Edge of their seats or balls of their feets, I go out there and I give people something to watch!
He throws his hands out, soaking in imaginary cheers!
Dylan: No disrespect to everyone else who'll inevitably sign up, but nobody has the gift to keep on giving like me.
A nod.
Dylan: Day in and day out, I can outperform everyone on the roster. You put me in the ring with anyone, we'll tear the house down!
Serious look.
Dylan: But when you put me in the ring with Finn, I will not hesitate to stomp him out with style. No questions asked. And if you're not down with this...
He puts a fist in the air. The salute of the E.V.E. To his vow of violence.
Dylan: Then prepare to be put down.
Smirk.
Dylan: All hail the Messiah.
The camera nods. Dylan just sighs and claps his hands together.
Dylan: BB Gunn. My man. You know me all too well. You saw my meteoric rise in AXW, under a very familiar mask. And you saw my first run with the X*Crown, as it ran through and stopped right here in Louisiana. You know what I'm capable of. You should also know the star power behind a Dylan Black main event. When Dylan Black steps into a ring, everybody has their eyes glued to the action. Edge of their seats or balls of their feets, I go out there and I give people something to watch!
He throws his hands out, soaking in imaginary cheers!
Dylan: No disrespect to everyone else who'll inevitably sign up, but nobody has the gift to keep on giving like me.
A nod.
Dylan: Day in and day out, I can outperform everyone on the roster. You put me in the ring with anyone, we'll tear the house down!
Serious look.
Dylan: But when you put me in the ring with Finn, I will not hesitate to stomp him out with style. No questions asked. And if you're not down with this...
He puts a fist in the air. The salute of the E.V.E. To his vow of violence.
Dylan: Then prepare to be put down.
Smirk.
Dylan: All hail the Messiah.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
G1 TOURNAMENT SEMI FINAL MATCH
MYOJIN vs Adam Sanders
The tension in the air between Adam Sanders and MYŌJIN is palpable even before the bell rings, but even with that being present? After the bell rings, the X*Crown Champion is offering a handshake to the Awkward One. The established show of respect before each of the Shining Star’s matches is completed when Sanders accepts the offer for precisely three shakes before releasing his grip, the competitors exchanging nods before getting down to business, a collar-and-elbow tie-up engaged that Sanders is quick to take control of. Backing MYŌJIN into the ropes, Sanders whips them across the ring--but giving the Shining Star the boost of momentum that they are a maestro of using proves to be a mistake because after evading Adam’s attempt to catch them? MYŌJIN goes low instead of high, a chop block soundly connecting with the back of Sanders’ knee to drop him down to it before they’re popping right back up to their feet, utilizing the ropes to get more momentum to connect a running Enzuigiri with gusto! The pinfall attempt that follows only gets to one, Sanders powering out with authority that launches his opponent off of him, MYŌJIN rolling quickly to their feet. Before they can take advantage, though, Adam is back up himself, jaw set in an expression of focused determination.
That focus serves Adam well when the action resumes. MYŌJIN rushes the ropes again, hoping for more success, but the attempt at a Hyperpop Buster stops halfway when Sanders uses his size advantage to haul them over in a deadlift Wheelbarrow Suplex.The Awkward One goes on a tear using his size advantage to good effect; whether by holding them with one hand and blasting with stiff forearm strikes, using a myriad of suplexes to batter MYŌJIN the X*Crown Champion’s back to try to ground them, or slamming them hard with a big spinebuster, the Awkward One is keen to keep MYŌJIN within reach. After the spinebuster, Sanders thinks MYŌJIN is stunned enough to go for something big, so he heads over to the turnbuckle to climb up. MYŌJIN is not as out of it as they seem, springing to their feet and then springing up to the top rope. Adam’s eyes go wide and he starts trying to fight MYŌJIN off as the Shining Star tries to get into position for Flashing Lights Deluxe. He gets a couple elbows off to MYŌJIN’s face, but the chop block from earlier catches up to him and he stumbles, losing his footing slightly. It’s not enough to fall off, but it’s enough to give MYŌJIN time to get into position to pull Sanders down with the Spanish Fly! But MYŌJIN struggles to get the cover as their impact with the ring wasn’t gentle either, so by the time they get to hooking the leg, Sanders has recovered enough to kick out, and the match continues.
MYŌJIN recognizes that their chop block is what gave them the upper hand, so they go to work on Adam’s leg. A few stomps are followed by a standing 450 Splash directly to the legs, and when Adam bends his legs to try and favor and massage the knees, MYŌJIN hits the knee he chopped with a dropkick right to the side, prompting a yelp from Sanders. Sanders tries to roll away, which saves him, as MYŌJIN grabs his foot for an Ankle Lock on the worse leg. They are quick to drop down and grapevine said leg, but despite the visible pain Sanders is in, he pulls himself the relatively short distance to the ropes to prompt a rope break. MYŌJIN abides by the break, but as soon as the official recognizes the hold as broken, they try to drag Sanders away from the ropes to go back to work. They lift the bad leg, intending a second Ankle Lock, but Sanders fights through the pain and uncoils, yanking MYŌJIN down and locking in what some would call Hell’s Gate! He calls it The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and he cranks on the hold as hard as he can, despite the pain of the legs he’s using to sap MYŌJIN’s strength. MYŌJIN tries to stand up out of it, but finds themself too small, and Adam’s superior strength pulls them back down. They struggle to drag Sanders, then just to lift a bit to twist them around, but Sanders is able to twist back, putting MYŌJIN squarely in the center of the ring. MYŌJIN’s body slumps as they feel strength draining away, and the official rushes in, lifting MYŌJIN’s limp arm. It drops once! It drops twice! But as soon as the arm goes up the third time, MYŌJIN springs to life once more, but instead of trying to lift or drag, MYŌJIN flips forward over Sanders in a Jackknife hold! The official rushes over to count, and Sanders narrowly avoids a pinfall, untangling his legs and getting his shoulders up, releasing MYŌJIN in the process.
The crowd is blowing the roof off as both competitors lie still in the ring, chests heaving as they try to recover. Sanders moves first, but the wear and tear on his knees is obvious as he staggers and beats at his legs to try and get them into shape. MYŌJIN is sucking air to regain their composure, but they eventually start moving also. Sanders is up in time to signal for the Lightning Strike, but as MYŌJIN heaves themself up, Sanders launches the Superkick only to miss and MYŌJIN grab the leg on the way by. MYŌJIN is going for a Stretch Muffler, but Sanders is quick to throw himself at the ropes to escape that fate. As soon as he’s out of the ropes, MYŌJIN strikes again, leaping up and going for XS, but Sanders has the Flying Triangle scouted, too, and heaves MYŌJIN up into powerbomb position, then lifts even higher before planting them with Nerd Out! He drops heavily into a pin attempt that is so close to three, the crowd roars when MYŌJIN kicks out! Adam runs his hand through his hair, but he knows the stakes, so he stands up, pulling MYŌJIN with him. He raises an arm, signaling for something big, then he bends to lift MYŌJIN into position for his Death Valley Driver. But before he can take after his mentor and break MYŌJIN’s dreams, the Shining Star wriggles and writhes, trying to escape. They don’t get all the way out but they shift position enough to lift their body and pull Sanders over with the Stargazer! Normally they hold the Crucifix pin, but they seem to know that’s not enough, so they get up and climb the nearest turnbuckle as quick as they can. Once on the top rope, facing the crowd, they leap backward but flip forward in an imploding 450 Splash that rips the roof off the arena! It takes a Herculean effort for the X*Crown Champion to hook the leg thanks to all that they’ve given the match, but as the fans count to three alongside the referee? It’s all worth it, MYŌJIN punching their ticket to the finals as the crowd loudly cheers for the display of heart and athleticism that they have just witnessed!
[WINNER: MYŌJIN Via Falling From Heaven at 15:20]
We return to the ring where General Manager BB Gunn stands front and centre. Gunn has a microphone in his hand and a smile on his face.
BB Gunn: Well what a night this was, right? With Collision Course two weeks away we larned that Graham Baker will get a shot at instant redemption at Lazarus Arjen for the Southern States Title, we learned that the G1 final would be contested by Myojin and Ricardo Goon, we got some grudge matches mixed in there as well. But who will face Finn Whelan for the NLW Heavyweight Title? I’ve listened to a number of men and women from not just NLW, but throughout the Network and each and every one of them made a strong case. Sure, some were a little less conventional than others, but I heard every word they all had to say. And I’ve made my decision, but first, let’s bring out the man who toppled Tommy Kelly two weeks’ ago, ladies and gentleman…Finn Whelan!
The lights dim in the arena and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive guitar breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out on the speakers. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.
♫ DO YOU CROSS YOUR HEART WHEN YOU HOPE TO DIE?
ARE YOU SLEEPING DEEP IN A HURRICANE?
IVs IN THE ARM, FORGETTING TO FEEL
WE'RE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS ♫
Just before the first line of tThe lights dim in the arena and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive guitar breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out on the speakers. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.
♫ DO YOU CROSS YOUR HEART WHEN YOU HOPE TO DIE?
ARE YOU SLEEPING DEEP IN A HURRICANE?
IVs IN THE ARM, FORGETTING TO FEEL
WE'RE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS ♫
♫ YOU WANNA MAKE YOUR HELL A REALITY?
BLACK LUNGS FOR THE YOUNG IF THEY DARE TO BREATHE
WHOA, SURE SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN TO ME
YOU GOTTA CUT THE ROOTS TO KILL THE WEEDS
NO PLACE TO GO IF WE DON'T BELIEVE
GOOD LORD, IT'S ENOUGH TO PLAGUE A SAINT ♫
At the barrier, he slings himself over and heads for the stairs, climbing them and stopping at the top, placing his hand on the ropes and smiling. He then steps through the second rope and heads for the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them. He drops down from it, and after basking in the cheers despite the somewhat mixed reaction, Finn turns towards the announcing table and gestures to the crew for a microphone. Once one is within an arm’s length, he reaches through the ropes for a microphone and takes it as his music fades out.
He raises the microphone but doesn’t speak for a second, readjusting the championship on his shoulder.
Finn Whelan: Well, well, well…
The response to word uttered three times is electric. They cheer in response and he smiles widely, his teeth showing as he does so.
Finn Whelan: Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way, right? Tommy Kelly went down at show name, but would it have been possible without the interference?
He waits, but then he shrugs.
Finn Whelan: You never know. I would like to think that, since I was giving him a run for his money for a lot of the match, I would have still come out on top. But that’s what it is, right? You can’t control every variable coming into anything. So…no, while Wellington Dunne came running down like crazy and delivered against Kelly, I still would have come out the NLW Heavyweight Champion.
He cocks his head to the side and he stretches his neck a bit.
Finn Whelan: I wasn’t going to squander my opportunity. I wasn’t going to come in here and completely deflect the whole thing because I didn’t think I was ready. Hell, half the time, we never know exactly when if we are ready or not. We just have to be, not options whatsoever. But that’s the thing: you can fall short at any point and rise up again. You see, I know Tommy Kelly will eventually find his way back here. He’ll be able to contend and contest for this championship, but I’m simply just not the type to let go of something that is rightfully mine.
He turns to face the opposite side of the crowd.
Finn Whelan: Would you? Would you want to give up something you rightfully earned? Nah. And neither will I. As long as this championship is in my hands, you best believe that I’m going to be fighting tooth and nail to keep it in my hands. Four champions before me -- hey Eliza -- but this one...it’ll stay in my hands for as long as I have the willpower and the fortitude to keep it there. I can tell you right now: it isn’t going to be easy to topple me. I will fire back, I will do what I do best, and I will make sure that if I am going down? You’re going down with me. But I would be remiss if I didn’t address the newest bit that comes around, right? The next challenger.
He looks at the stage again, pausing as he lowers his microphone once more, lowering his head and sticking his tongue between his lips and teeth as he thinks of what to say. Again, he raises it, but only when he raises his head, nodding.
Finn Whelan: I am the target. I know it, and I knew it when I realized that I won this. I should be the target. After all, I toppled the untoppable. The unstoppable. Death couldn’t even stop for him, but I did. So it’s not a surprise to me that there will be people waiting from the curtains to deliver a deathblow to me just as I did to the Deathless.
He turns his head, lifting an eyebrow and smiling as he looks back to the crowd.
Finn Whelan: And I welcome it. So please, praytell...who is it going to be?
Finn finally turns his attention to BB Gunn, who has waited patiently. Gunn simply smiles.
BB Gunn: Who’s it going to be? Let’s find out, shall we?
Gun winks and gestures an arm towards the entrance…
“A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEEEEEEEE-E-E-E-ELLLLLL!"
The lights flash green as the riffs to Reid Henry’s hit new single hits the PA system, uplifting and electric! The curtains between the wrestling word and gorilla open up and Dylan pushes his way through them! He pauses, posing for the crowd before strolling down the ramp ever so casually.
Dan Simmons: Holy cow, Tommy, Dylan Black is here! And he’s going to be Finn Whelan’s first challenger for the NLW Heavyweight Title!
Tommy West: Oh Simmo, you know this is the first decision Gunn’s made in a while I can get on board with! Dylan Black is my kinda guy!
Dylan rolls under the bottom ropes and holds his hands up in the ring, standing almost nose to nose with Whelan who isn’t going to back down. Gunn prizes the two apart with his arms, letting them know that they need to save it for two weeks’ time. Whelan understands and simply raises the title up high, and Dylan laughs, telling him that he’s taking the title from him at Collision Course.
Dan Simmons: Folks, on that bombshell we have to go, we’ll see you in two weeks for Collision course, we’ve got these two, we’ve got a Southern States Title match, we’ve got Dunne and Kelly as well as Long and Hampton! We hope you enjoyed tonight and from me and Tommy, we will see you next time!
We fade out on the shot of Dylan Black and Finn Whelan still jawing at each other whilst Gunn tentatively keeps them apart.
