NLW Ascendancy XXIII | Saturday, October 16th, 2021 | LIVE
Oct 4, 2021 15:28:31 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Robbie A, and 3 more like this
Post by Kris on Oct 4, 2021 15:28:31 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXIII
LIVE from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, October 16th, 2021
As the visual fades in the interior of the Lakefront Arena, the crowd is already fired up and ready to go--and as 'Obey' hits the sound system? Those cheers only get louder, multi-colored spotlights swirling over the fans as the camera pans over all who are in attendance. The amount of signs supporting their favorites is on the rise, it looks like--and as the camera makes one final pass before cutting to the announce desk, it's soon clear that Dan Simmons and Tommy West are both raring to go as well.
Dan Simmons: Goooood evening, everyone, and welcome to another amazing episode of Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and joining me as always is Tommy West--and I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to everything on tonight's card!
Tommy West: So am I, Dan... but I have to admit to looking forward to one match in particular. Our main event tonight has the potential to blow everything else away as the volatile team of Nathan Cage and Lazarus Arjen take on Tommy Kelly and the Thespian. There's so much aggression coming into this match from all sides that I just know it's gonna go off like a stick of dynamite!
Dan Simmons: I've gotta agree with you there, Tommy, though the match I personally think will steal the show is the semi-finals match in the NLW Tag Team Titles Tournament between the Academy and the New South. While the New South have turned over a new leaf, I don't think that's gonna change the history between them and the Academy--and with a shot at the tag titles in both of their sights, who knows what they'll be willing to do to advance!
Tommy West: Speaking of advancement, Finn Whelan's got to be wanting to prove that he deserves his rematch for the NLW Heavyweight Championship sooner rather than later--but Keahi Sparks has the possibility to really make a name for herself, and I know she's not gonna go down without a fight. Can she pull off the upset?
Dan Simmons: Kylo Anderson's also got a tall order ahead of him as he faces off against a pissed-off David Goon. The Goons' elimination at the hands of Adam Sanders and Chris Sanderson has surely got David seeing red. Can Kylo tap into his own inner supply of rage to meet the challenge ahead?
Tommy West: We also can't forget Sexton Love's debut against Cheez. Cheez has been suffering from confidence issues, if what I've seen on Twitter is any indicator. Can Sexton Love capitalize and start his career in NLW off on the right foot?
Dan Simmons: All good questions, Tommy--each and every one, not to mention the one looming over all of our matches. Who has been ambushing our roster members backstage?
Tommy West: There's only one way to find out. Let's get to the action!
MATCH ONE
Sexton Love vs. Cheez
Even before the bell rings, Sexton Love is acting like Cheez is a waste of his time. Bodzilla goes so far as to demand that Cheez be replaced by 'that hot Dresden babe' so he can... well, let's just say that what he wants to do would fit right into one of Al Jabroni's movies and leave it at that. The Twitch Streamer's expression is weirdly stoic in response, though once the match properly begins? Cheez is surging across the ring with the same aggression he'd unleash on a cheater in Fortnite, the usual collar-and-elbow tie-up skipped in favor of a basement dropkick that takes Tyrannosaurus Sex down to a knee! The crowd, surely already loathing Sexton Love for his shit-talking of a former NLW World Champion, cheers as Cheez pops back up, throws himself into the ropes, and connects with a second dropkick--and when this one connects with Bodzilla's face? The crowd's cheers spike all the louder, driving the Twitch Streamer to quickly hook the leg in response. The Man of A Thousand Hoes kicks out at two with a burst of indignant trash talk.
Cheez does his best to keep the offensive pressure on his opponent, but if Sexton was disrespectful before almost being caught sleeping, he's even worse now--and worse yet, Bodzilla's dander is now properly up. Such means that when Cheez tries to send Love into the ropes, Sexton is quick to reverse it, catching his much smaller opponent on the rebound with a kick to the midsection that doubles the Twitch streamer over. From there, it's a dawdle for Big Daddy Love to lift Cheez into a Vertical Suplex and keep him there as he does a few squats in an obvious attempt to show off to the ladies in the crowd before finishing the maneuver with authority. Transitioning into the pin, the Sexcellence of Sexecution gets to two before Cheez kicks out, the crowd letting out a collective sigh of relief even as Sexton snarls his disapproval both at the referee for not counting properly as well as the Twitch streamer for having the temerity to kick out.
Dragging Cheez to his feet by his hair, Bodzilla uses that atraditional grip to disrespectfully send the smaller man into the ropes--but Cheez responds with a Flying Crossbody, screaming his Thanks For The Donation as it connects! Unfortunately, while Cheez's aim is true, Sexton is prepared to absorb the impact, catching the Twitch streamer right where he wants him. As Cheez begs and pleads for mercy while trying to wriggle his way free, Sexton confidently strides around the ring, pausing to drop a wink at a particularly beautiful redhead at ringside before bodily forcing Cheez's frame onto his shoulders and drilling him to the mat with the inverted T.K.O that he calls the Sexecution! Cheez slumps lifelessly to the canvas as Sexton goes for the pin, posing seductively across his fallen foe and blowing a kiss to the camera as the referee counts to three, Big Daddy Love securing his first win in NLW.
[WINNER: Sexton Love Via Sexecution at 05:51]
The camera cuts to Felix standing with Kelly Ross, a smile on his normally stoic face.
Kelly Ross: Congratulations on your big win in the "Pick your Prize" Battle Royale over in FIRESIDE on Burn It Down. I have to admit, I was surprised when I heard you'd entered it. What prompted you to try your luck over there?
Felix: I wanted to challenge myself not only to a new kind of much but I also wanted to try my hand at fighting some of the wrestlers I'd heard about over in FIRESIDE. I was not disappointed in the least. They pushed me to my limits and each and every one of them proved to be a solid warrior in the ring.
Kelly Ross: Now, I know you are waiting till their next show to announce the prize you are after, but I have to ask... If you decide to go after one of their titles and win, what does that mean for your career over here at NLW?
Felix nods, as if he was expecting this question from the start.
Felix: NLW is my home. It's that simple and my loyalties will always lay here. None of you have to worry about me going anywhere, whether I have a belt around my waist or not. NLW took me in when I started chasing this dream, and I'll be damned if I ever forget that.
Kelly Ross: I am sure Mister Gunn finds that rather reassuring, though I know you would have to go over there quite a bit to defend any titles. Do you have any appearances already booked over at FIRESIDE?
Felix: Not to compete, not yet. Though I will be keeping a close eye on one match in particular. You'll see what I mean at Trial By Fire. While I'm there, I need to find MYOJIN and talk to him as well. What he did after the Battle Royale bothered me and I'd like a few answers.
Kelly frowns as she remembered the scene, MYOJIN making his big return and insinuating that Felix had been skipping ahead of others by entering the Battle Royale.
Kelly Ross: That did strike me as rather odd. The MYOJIN I remember from the G1 wouldn't have ever done that.
Felix: Indeed. As I've been struggling with an evil spirit lately, I can't help but wonder if MYOJIN is suffering under a similar spell. The MYOJIN I fought in the G1 was an honorable warrior who would have thrown the gauntlet down there and then... not attempted to subtly dishonor me and the battle I had just endured.
Kelly Ross: Well, I hope you get some answers for all of us! Unfortunately, for now, that's all the time we have so back to ringside!
And that's where the camera cuts to.
MATCH TWO
David Goon vs. Kylo Anderson
We cut backstage, Kylo Anderson is on the floor, and like we’ve seen in so many weeks previous, he’s busted open and knocked out. It appears that the mystery attacker within NLW has struck again. BB Gunn is supervising a medic who is tending to Anderson, his expression sour, but even more sour when David and Ricardo, The Goons come sauntering in. They look at the scene with a degree of overacting which only irks Gunn even more.
Ricardo Goon: Oh shit it looks like Kylo Anderson's daddy got to him first.
David Goon: We'll that's a damn shame I was looking forward to being his Papi tonight and givin' him that all to familiar whooping.
BB Gunn: Oh cut your crap.
The Goons stop and turn towards the NLW General Manager.
BB Gunn: Attacks with a lead pipe? No regard to who it is? You guys being hired by god knows who? Just admit this is your doing!
The Goons look outraged.
David Goon: Da fuck you say!?
Ricardo Goon: THAT'S SOME RACIAL PROFILING HOMES.
Gunn doesn’t falter.
BB Gunn: I’m serious, this is your M.O. and I’m just waiting for you to both slip up so I can prove it, and then I’ll suspend your asses.
David Goon: Yo I put down the pipe after I took one to the face or ya done forgot I was in an eye patch for a month. But yeah you'd like that wouldn't you? Gettin' us off your marquee that's the end goal of all this aint it?
BB Gunn: What's that supposed to mean?
Ricardo Goon: THIS IS A SET UP! YALL TRYING TO FRAME US.
David Goon: One doesn't need to be the GZA to see y'all want us gone like ODB. Y'all can't stand the fact that someone like my brother Ric here is one step away from being the face of this company, and you’re doing whatever ya can to protect your cash cow Leon Chant.
Ricardo Goon: Perdón por tu maldita suerte but I am that guy and it's only a matter of time before I go from uncrowned to crowned and there aint a damn thing you can prove or do about it. Yo fuck this guy we don't need this shit, so unless you gots a replacement for my brother here to beat the snot out off we's out.
David Goon: You can only delay us Gunn, but we coming for all the gold, World, Tag and South Bronx, it will ALL be ours.
BB Gunn: We’ll see, as for tonight? You’re done. Go home, you've done enough already.
Ricardo Goon: WE WERE LEAVING ANYWAYS!
David Goon just makes a teeth sucking sound looking at Gunn disappointed. And then The Goons leave before Gunn can get another word in, the camera focuses on the General Manger who looks like his teeth are grinding. He sighs before turning to somebody off camera.
BB Gunn: Go tell The Academy and The New South to hurry their asses up…looks like they’re on next.
We cut back to ringside.
MATCH THREE
NLW TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS
The Academy vs The New South
Despite being hurried out quicker than they perhaps expected, these two teams were prepared, as you’d expect. They were not strangers to each other, having fought on the same team only last month, and having fought on opposite sides over the course of the year. Riley Richards started out with Beau Traywick, and the pair of them began with a delightful spell of chain wrestling which eventually saw Traywick get the upper hand when Richards attempted a back suplex, but Traywick flipped out and landed on his feet, before Riley could turn around he was grounded with a backstabber.
Beau tagged his partner, Waylon Kirk in, and Kirk went straight to work on Richards, realising that Richards’ biggest weapons are his feet, he hit a dragon screw to slow him down, and followed with a half Boston crab to really try and cause Bristol’s Finest some discomfort. Rile managed to get to the ropes fairly quickly, but Kirk just kept the pressure on him when this happened, putting kicks into the effected leg as Riley got back up. Kirk then went to the ropes, and whilst Riley tried to fight back with a clothesline, Kirk ducked, came back and hit a chop block to once again grind the youngster down. He dragged Riley back to his feet once more and hit him with a fisherman’s suplex, bridging but only getting a two count.
Kirk tagged Traywick back in, making sure they both kept fresh and equally important: Kept Leon Chant out of the action. Beau went straight back after Richards with a kick to the gut and a double underhook backbreaker. With him grounded, Beau went into next gear and hit an Asai moonsault, he covered but once again Riley got a shoulder up at two. Traywick wasn’t deterred, and he brought Richards back to his feet, and looked for a suplex, Richards dropped behind, Traywick turned and was met with a couple of European uppercuts which pushed him back a step or two, but he looked to respond with a lariat, Richards ducked and caught his opponent cold with a superkick! Beau went down, as did Riley, who struggled to keep weight on his leg following the work done by Waylon Kirk earlier in the match. Nonetheless, Leon Chant was fired up on the apron, he wanted in on this match having not had the chance yet. Both men started crawling to their respective corners, and Traywick was in his first, making the tag…but so did Riley Richards!
The NLW Heavyweight Champion came barrelling in and took the onrushing Kirk down with a big clothesline, Traywick was next to charge and meet the same treatment, he bounced back up to his feet before his partner and Chant hit him with a flapjack causing him to land throat first on the top rope, which caused enough damage for him to roll out of the ring. The Hired Gun placed his focus back on Kirk, and hoisted him onto hi shoulder, where he planted him with a powerslam. He covered but only got a two count. Chant went back to his corner and tagged Richards back in, who looked like he’d found a second wind. Meanwhile Beau Traywick was back up on the apron, and Chant looked to remove him from the equation, but Traywick was wise to it and dropped the top rope at the last second, sending Chant over the top and out of the ring. Beau wasn’t done there, and as Chant got back to his feet, he came off the apron with a standing moonsault which floored The Hired Gun. This in turn caught the referee’s attention, and he went over to try and restore order.
Meanwhile Riley Richards had ascended the top rope, perhaps in order to hit Bristol’s Finest [Coup de Grace], however out of nowhere, David Goon appeared on the apron next to him, and slapped a steel chair across his back! Richards fell off the top rope like a felled tree and to the mat. Goon was gone no sooner as he appeared, not wanting to risk being caught. Traywick got back into the ring, and with Kirk starting to recover, they hauled Riley to his feet and hit the BBQ [superkick/piledriver combo]. Leon Chant was back up by now and saw that he needed to help his partner, but as the referee started his count, he couldn’t get into the ring because Ricardo Goon had appeared in similar fashion to his brother and nailed the champion around the back of the head with the NLW Heavyweight Title. This allowed The New South to get the three count without a hint of interruption!
[WINNERS: The New South Via BBQ at 08:13]
There’s nothing but silence as the feed is first met with the shade of darkness that has become accustomed to this abandoned warehouse. The occasional howls of wind that echo throughout the building break the silence. The camera slowly creeps along the floor as we push further into the darkness.
The vertical hold steadies, as the scene before us loops until it holds out. A buzzing sound can be heard, as the scene glitches for a moment. A dimly-lit overhead light comes on in the distance. The camera pushes along the ground as we come to a singular chair, much like a recliner.
The camera swings up, revealing Devin Mitchell sitting within the recliner chair. Then, we see the backdrop behind him. A large black flag that sways with the gust of wind that passes through the seemingly abandoned warehouse. The text on the flag reads as follows:
“THE CORSAIRS.”
There’s a large smirk that soon grows on Devin’s face. He seems calm for the most part, bringing his hand upward to click his fingers. Like commanded, the dimmed light soon becomes brighter. Showing the three-piece suit that has become accustomed to Devin’s style of clothing.
Devin Mitchell: Hello, Next Level Wrestling.
His accent was strong, very European -- mainland England by the sound of it. Reaching over towards the side and grabbing a small whiskey glass, filled with the finest Japanese whiskey that money can afford. Devin allowed it to swirl before taking a sip from the glass. Letting out that sound that tells how soothing it is to go down the throat.
Devin Mitchell: It is sometimes difficult to get rid of first impressions. I remember first spitting out those exact words before, clear as day like it was just yesterday, thinking I had a future backed behind me with the whole world in my hands. Going so well at the beginning and yet…
His free hand curled up into a ball, tightening up with tension behind it, thinking back to what has become his life within the past couple of months.
Devin Mitchell: I feel like I lost everything I had.
Taking a deep breath to soon calm himself down. His hand freed itself up. Another sip of whiskey as he took his eyes off of the camera.
Devin Mitchell: I lost that good first impression of mine. My time within the Omega Wrestling Alliance was short - yet, somewhat sweet enough - but we all move on from our mistakes. I made the mistake of thinking for a second that I, Devin Mitchell, was going to be something without the true experience before it hit me across the face and dragged me through hell.
His anger soon showed within his tone, but soon brought himself back to the calm demeanor. Another deep breath taken.
Devin Mitchell: I realised all of that and thought to myself something important to me.
A pause.
Devin Mitchell: I thought to myself of a fresh start. A new beginning. The hope that whatever comes my way down this path is something good for myself, not for others, because I feel as if I am done with the disrespect brought onto my name. It’s not what I seek. It’s not what I ask for. It’s far from what I desire within this sport.
Another moment of silence. A sharp exhale through the nose. His eyes soon focused back onto the camera recording.
Devin Mitchell: So, I did what I could. I found a new door opened. I brought myself into the world of Next Level Wrestling. They humbly invited me into their home, granted me a seat at their table, and were so giving of what my needs were. That breath of fresh air. It felt so rewarding. It felt so crisp. It was what I needed and so much more.
Devin leaned forward, coming closer to the camera.
Devin Mitchell: But they never realised a valuable mistake. They let me in the door. They let hell walk in on their own accord. Though the records show losses and losses, they always showed the dominance that I achieved, showing how gritty and damning I can be. Showed how ‘strong style’ this young second-generational British professional wrestler can be.
A slight chuckle soon comes from Devin.
Devin Mitchell: But even with the door opened, greeting me with smiles on their faces, inviting me into their own home…
A pause.
Devin Mitchell: Not once did they think how rough I could have played with their toys.
Then a beat.
Devin Mitchell: I kicked in the damn door. I brought my own seat and sat at their table. I told them that when I stand in their house, they do things my own fuckin’ way and there is no ifs and buts about it. Here I am, in the house of the Next Level, and although there might be a small few who know about me, I have brought myself to a fresh plate. Cleaned all of the shit off of what was left behind. And now? I feel free again. Free to do what I like, free to represent how I should, free to be the man I am and always have been.
His arms are stretched out, a large widened smile grows on his face.
Devin Mitchell: We’re gonna start playing by my rules in this house, ladies and gentlemen, so I hope you’re prepared for something new to the table. I hope you’re prepared for the ride that I am about to take all of you onto. This right here? This is how I do things around here so each and every single one of you better start getting used to it because it ain’t going away anytime soon. Not by a god damned long shot.
Devin soon leaned back, bringing himself back to a more calmed demeanor like before.
Devin Mitchell: How could I forget about my formal introduction... where are my manners? The name’s Devin Mitchell, a second generation wrestler born in the heart of Camden Town, just on the north-west of London in England. I’ve been training for about five years now and within all of that time, I have prepared myself for a moment just like this one. I have waited, and waited, and waited for the right moment and the right opportunity. And it was just like that…
Another click of his fingers.
Devin Mitchell: You gave me the platform. You gave me the spotlight. So now, their blood is now on your hands. Their broken bones will be in your name. Their careers will soon be forgotten because of what you let into your own home.
Devin pointed right into the lens of the camera, towards Next Level Wrestling as a whole.
Devin Mitchell: I hate to be the one who has to own up to those mistakes, Next Level Wrestling. I really would hate to be the one who’d have to own up to those mistakes you made.
The sound of tutting echoed. Devin soon began to shake his head.
Devin Mitchell: But it’s not my fault, it’s not my problem, I’m just doing what I’m needed to do every night I step out into the ring. But here’s my word of advice for you, Next Level Wrestling. Be grateful to me. I just gave you, and your entire roster, a warning of what’s to come and what is to be expected of me. I wouldn’t give that out for free but I’m a humble man, I’m an honest kind of person, and I feel as if we're meant to be off to a good start, this kind of cooperation could be the lead into something great for us both. This one's on the house.
Devin's smile is enlarged. There's a cocky grin to that smile, a chuckle from under his breath is vaguely heard. He's soaking in the moment he sits in. But soon, the camera feed soon faded to black.
Devin Mitchell: Be seeing you all very soon.
The sound of static is heard for the final time. The feed soon cuts and comes to an end.
Next Level Wrestling Presents
HOMECOMING II
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, November 27th, 2021
HOMECOMING II
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, November 27th, 2021
BB Gunn is in his office when the door flies open, hitting the wall with enough force that Gunn jumps, hell, even the camera man jumps. Gunn stares at the culprit with a hesitant look, as it’s NLW Heavyweight Champion, Leon Chant, and Gunn slowly stands up to go eye to eye with him. Chant’s practically growling, rather than breathing heavy, he glares at the General Manager as if Gunn himself had wronged him, and not The Goons.
Leon Chant: Two weeks’ time, I want The Goons. I want them in a match with as little rules as possible. If the kid ain’t fit, then I’ll take them both on. They crossed a line tonight.
Gunn takes a moment before giving Chant an answer.
BB Gunn: Sorry Leon, that’s just not going to happen.
Leon Chant: I’m sorry, what? I’m offering up a main event that normally you’d get teenage fangirl about!
BB Gunn: If you think I’m giving away a PPV calibre match because you’re a little…no, clearly by the dent in my wall, a lot pissed off, well you’re wrong.
Chant glances back to the door to acknowledge that yes, he did dent the wall.
BB Gunn: But I’ll make you a compromise. David Goon got off lightly tonight, and you want some instant revenge. So in two weeks, how about you and David Goon.
Leon Chant: Street fight.
BB Gunn: Singles match, Leon. Take it or leave it.
Chant growls again.
Leon Chant: Fine.
He turns to walk away but hesitates, and turns back to the General Manager.
Leon Chant: This is because they got in your head earlier, isn’t it? That whole protection crap? Let me tell you now Gunn, who do you think you’re trying to protect right now? Riley? Me? The Goons? Or are you just trying to protect yourself? We all know you’ve got no handle on these mystery attackers, hell, we all know you’ve barely got a handle on anything around here.
Chant shakes his head in disapproval.
Leon Chant: Sort your shit out, Gunn. Otherwise I doubt I’ll be the only person to come barging in here and damaging your office.
Chant stomps back out, and we fade out.
MATCH FOUR
Finn Whelan vs Keahi Sparks
After losing the NLW Heavyweight Championship, Finn Whelan must want to regain his momentum--and when the bell rings? That much becomes abundantly clear with how he meets Keahi Sparks in the middle of the ring, but it's also obvious that Keahi wants to seize this opportunity since she's matching the intensity of that initial collision, the collar-and-elbow tie-up creating a stalemate that is only broken when Whelan twists his lower body to drive a knee into Sparks' stomach, the veteran quickly capitalizing with another to double his opponent over before quickly using the ropes to connect with a running knee that sends Sparks reeling into the nearest corner. The moment that Sparks has gathered herself enough to turn around, Whelan catches her with a running clothesline that crushes her between the former NLW World Champion and the turnbuckle. The Seattle Saint climbs onto the second rope, boxing the Emerald Blade in before he connects with one punch, then another, and another, the crowd picking up counting along around punch number three. When Finn reaches punch number seven, Keahi is suddenly surging forward and upward, one arm wrapping around Whelan's middle and the other claiming his shoulder as she frees herself with a spinebuster that shakes the ring! Sparks goes for the pinfall, Finn kicking out at a shade past two.
The Emerald Blade nods to herself, clearly expecting that--but what she doesn't expect is Whelan catching her in a small package before she can withdraw, Sparks just barely managing to shift off her shoulders to force him onto his before he powers out at about two and a half! The two opponents separate for a moment, staring one another down as the crowd cheers the quick exchange of near-falls. A bit of banter is exchanged before the Virulence is offering up a crooked smirk and a nod, the nod returned by the Emerald Blade before they're clashing in the middle of the ring anew in a flurry of strikes. Experience once again has Whelan taking control with a dodge forcing Keahi to fully extend her right arm... and as soon as it is, the Seattle Saint is seizing it with a flying Kimura Lock that takes Sparks down to the canvas, the Underdog cinched in! Sparks is immediately crying out in pain as Whelan wrenches the hold with all his might, threatening to break the appendage in his grip--but in a show of guts, the Emerald Blade holds on long enough to notice that she's close enough to the ropes to get the hold broken by hooking her foot over the bottom rope! Finn doesn't release the hold until about the four and a half mark, leaving Keahi to roll to the outside as she clutches her arm.
While the referee begins the ten-count, Finn only gives Keahi until the start of the second count before he's rolling to the outside himself, knowing he has to capitalize as best he can on his now-injured opponent. Taking Sparks by the head, Whelan helps her to a vertical base only to eat an European Uppercut for his trouble. In response, the Virulence scowls before he snags the Emerald Blade by the wrist and sends her into the ringpost right shoulder first, the collision of flesh and metal drowned out by the pained sound that she lets out before she once again collapses. The Virulence bodily drags Sparks to enough of a vertical base to roll her under the bottom rope and into the ring. Ascending to the top rope, Finn flies off the turnbuckle with a flying crossbody--but Keahi pops up and lashes out with her injured right arm, catching Finn mid-air with the K.O. punch she calls Memories of Okinawa! Whelan's lights have been turned off judging by how he collapses to the canvas like a puppet with its strings cut, Sparks following him down and hooking both legs for the pinfall that ultimately secures the win... not to mention quite the upset in the favor of the Emerald Blade!
[WINNER: Keahi Sparks Via Memories of Okinawa at 09:31]
The screen cuts to black, and all we hear are the sounds of slow claps.
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
Well done.
Clap.
Sanders and Son.
Fading in from the darkness, Scott Fargo stands with his arms crossed in front of his chest, scowling toward the camera as his partner, Mehrunes Smith, slowly steps into frame from the shadows behind his bigger partner.
Well done, indeed.
Mehrunes steps in front of Fargo, who remains focused on the camera.
Congratulations on your big victory last week over who many assumed to be the number one seed in this tournament. Us included. See, I believed that this tournament was made for The Goons. These belts that we are fighting for were made for The Goons. This has been a long time coming for them.
But you beat them.
You crushed their dreams. If I can be honest, I’m a little bit upset. Upset that it wasn’t us that crushed them. But we didn’t. You did. Which means that either The Goons are not as great as everyone thinks, or that Sanders and Son are just a little bit better than anyone thought.
Smith pauses, shaking his head.
I suppose we’ll see, won’t we?
Smith turns his slightly toward Fargo, who responds with a silent nod.
Congratulations, gentlemen. We’ll see you next week.
A bar, somewhere, anywhere. In the dim light we see a figure from behind, seated on a stool. Head down, drink in hand. We can hear Run The Jewels' Never Look Back playing, as a TV above the bartender's head silently shows wrestling. It takes a few moments to place it, before we realise it's the last few moments of the final ever AWF Prestige.
The loud vibration of a phone breaks the tableaux. The figure pulls the offending object from their pocket and brings it to their ear, answering it without a word. We hear what the voice on the other end is saying.
All the paperwork's been cleared through and the contract ratified. You're now officially a member of the NLW roster and will be be booked for the next Ascendancy. I must confess, we were pleasantly surprised you changed your mind about when you'd sign with a company again. If you don't mind me asking, what prompted that?
The figure says nothing, does nothing, for a moment. Then they look up at the TV and we finally see who we've been watching.
One match a month isn't enough. I need more if I'm going to get better.
Well, we're called Next Level Wrestling for a reason, Mr Cain.
The XHF Junior Heavyweight champion smiles.
Please, call me Fox.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Tommy Kelly & The Thespian vs. Nathan Cage & Lazarus Arjen (c)
Nathan Cage is the one to start the match, and he's eyeing up Tommy Kelly, but that team decides to have Thespian start as legal. Cage shrugs, mouthing something about "do him first I guess." Thespian stands there with no expression, as per, but The Interpreter seems more set in his stance. When the bell rings Cage charges, and Thespian meets him halfway. It starts off as two men punching each other, then Cage adds elbow strikes, so Thespian throws some forearms. Cage gets the upper hand when he lunges headfirst into Thespian's head, staggering him back into a neutral corner. Cage starts to blast with more elbows, but before Thespian can be driven fully down, Kelly comes over, in front of God or Whatever and Everyone, and yanks Cage back by his hair. Cage glares at Kelly, moving to retaliate, but Kelly acts first, an Irish Kiss blinding Cage as Kelly drops his flask back into his boot. The ref wants to chide Kelly for about an hour, but has no time as Thespian comes out of the corner and blasts Cage with a Bicycle Kick. Cage can't block it and goes down, but only for a two count.
Thespian drags Cage away from his corner and tags Kelly, who is happy to come in and whoop on Cage for a while. He stomps Cage until Cage is pushing himself up, then yanks him in for a headbutt. Cage staggers, but recognizes the language and lunges back for a headbutt of his own. They exchange several more before Kelly pushes Cage into the ropes. He grabs Cage, but Cage reverses the Irish Whip, then he lands the Cage Thesz Press and does a flurry of headbutts all at once! By the time he's done, both he and Kelly have small lacerations on their foreheads. Cage staggers a bit, despite himself, and gets close enough to Lazarus for him to tag himself in. Cage looks angry, but is maybe a little woozy from all the headbutts and just waves him off for now, letting Lazarus come in and stalk the former champion. Lazarus does his own stomp flurry, but to Kelly, and when Kelly rolls to a neutral corner to try and pull himself up, all he does is make himself a target for Lazarus's Violence Party, eating chop after chop after forearm after chop after forearm. When Kelly is sagging, looking like...well, Tommy Kelly after a bender, Lazarus pulls him out of the corner and tries to lift him in a Fireman's Carry, but Kelly's not as out of it as he looks, dropping behind Lazarus, wrapping his arm around him, and pulling him over to lock in the RedRum! Lazarus is not worn out enough, though, and gets himself to the ropes after a bit of struggling. But the easiest was the ropes near Thespian, so Kelly tags him back in, and the two collaborate, Thespian holding Lazarus in place for Kelly to bounce off the ropes, hitting a spear as Thespian sweeps the leg, resulting in a high impact STO! Kelly backs out of the ring so Thespian can pin, but only gets two once again.
Thespian lifts Lazarus and throws him into the corner and starts chopping him with his own Violence Party! Lazarus takes a few blows before surging forward and blasting Thespian with a headbutt. Thespian responds with a European Uppercut, staggering Lazarus, but when he whips Lazarus to the opposite corner, going for a spear in the corner, Lazarus moves, and Thespian gets nothing but post, and as he recoils, Lazarus lifts Thespian up, getting him with the Death Valley Driver into the corner he wanted Kelly to have. He angles it so Thespian hits the buckles, and as he slides down, one foot gets hooked under the link between turnbuckle and ring post, and Thespian is flailing in the Tree of Woe! The Interpreter wants to help him out of it, but before he can, Lazarus charges over and is climbing the turnbuckle above Thespian's foot, and as Thespian leans up to try and free himself, Lazarus is crashing down in a brutal senton! He yanks Thespian away from the ropes to make the pin, but Kelly comes in to break it up. In response, Cage comes in, gets Kelly in his sights, and barrels into him with a Cactus Clothesline, hurtling both himself and Kelly over the top rope and leaving Thespian and Lazarus alone in the ring.
The Interpreter is trying to urge Thespian along as Lazarus stalks him, taunting him loudly about how he'll fail, just like last time. Lazarus stomps Thespian to make him stir, then kicks him in the stomach to double him over. (The referee checked, it was close but probably not nuts.) Lazarus hooks Thespian in the butterfly for the Metemorphosis, but Thespian struggles and twists out of it. He winds up behind Lazarus and moves to grab him, but Lazarus lashes out instinctively with a back elbow that catches him just right. With distance made, Lazarus smirks, then reaches into his tights and pulls out the infamous screwdriver! The crowd boos as Lazarus signals for Thespian to turn around, but when he goes to swing the weapon, in front of God or Whatever and Everyone, Thespian ducks the swing, and catches Lazarus while his back is turned. Then he makes good on his promise to his tag partner, lifting Lazarus up and driving him into the canvas with Tommy Kelly's Death Becomes You! We see Kelly's feet falling as Cage hits a Death by Cage on the outside, but he yells in fury as he doesn't have enough time to get into the ring and break the pin, and Thespian gets the three count!
[WINNERS: Tommy Kelly and The Thespian Via Death Becomes You at 13:12]
Theo doesn't hang around too long once his arm is raised, partly because that was a tough match, but also because Nathan Cage is going nuclear on the outside and he's not sure it's worth getting involved with right now.
Dan Simmons: What a statement made here by both Tommy Kelly and The Thespian, who has scored a pinfall over the Southern States Champion!
Cage hears this and doesn't take too kindly.
Nathan Cage: You want a statement, Simmons? You wanna see a fuckin' statement?!
Cage grabs a chair from ringside and snarls at Simmons, who looks irked at being sworn at.
Tommy West: I'm not sure you should have said that, Simmo.
Dan Simmons: Yes because what I said was clearly a direct taunt at Nathan Cage.
Tommy West: Well that's how he saw it anyway, so whatever he does next? It's on you.
Dan Simmons: ...I'm going to have to disagree with you there...look out!
Simmons' look out is for Arjen, who has rolled onto his knees following the loss and is trying to regain his bearings. However Nathan Cage, who hasn't stopped screaming and yelling since the bell rung, is stalking him, and he cracks him on the back with the chair! Arjen slumps to the mat, whilst cage just has a feral look in his eyes, he shifts grip of the chair to hold it by it's sides, and he starts slamming the edge of the chair into Arjen's arm, which has been outstretched since he slumped face down. Cage does this over and over again!
Dan Simmons: Somebody get out here and stop this, he's gonna break his damn arm!
After five or six shots, Cage stops, seemingly happy with what he's done...or is he? He opens the chair out and wraps Arjen's arm through it, the arm is in a proverbial guillotine and Cage looks like he's gonna drop the blade! But wait, the crowd's booing suddenly turns to cheering as Tommy Kelly has got back up and he tackles Cage to the ground!
Tommy West: That silly old bastard isn't done yet Simmo, and he's just saved Arjen from probably needing a new arm, and god knows that we don't need another Dylan Black!
Kelly's momentum meant that both men rolled out of the ring, they spring back up and start trading punches, neither man wanting to relent. Desperate to regain some control, BB Gunn has appeared on the ramp and is motioning for security to get involved. About a dozen men come running out and try and separate the pair, and they succeed...but then the two men start attacking the security!
Dan Simmons: Folks we have lost all control here! Lazarus Arjen is hurt, Tommy Kelly and Nathan Cage are hitting anything that moves...and we're out of time! We will see you in two weeks where...well, hopefully some order gets restored! Goodnight folks!
Fade out on the image of Cage and Kelly brawling with anybody that comes near them!
