NLW Ascendancy XXVI | Saturday, December 11th, 2021 | LIVE
Nov 29, 2021 17:59:17 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Drag, and 2 more like this
Post by Kris on Nov 29, 2021 17:59:17 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXVI
LIVE from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
December 11th, 2021
The visual fades in the interior of the Lakefront Arena for this episode of Ascendancy, the fans cheering loudly, excited for another edition of NLW. The cameras cut to the announce booth, where we see Dan Simmons and Tommy West both ready to go.
Dan Simmons: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and joining me tonight, as always, is Tommy West. Tommy, I'm still trying to process everything that happened at Homecoming, but we've got a tonne of action again tonight!
Tommy West: You and me both, Simmo! But we have Fox, we have Felix, we have Sanders, Chant, Fargo, Sparks, all these top stars and more in action!
Dan Simmons: Before all of that, though, we've got the returning Nathan Parker coming up against Cheez.
Tommy West: And also Devin Mitchell facses Al Jabroni- wait...what's happening?
The lights in the arena, as well as the screen, go dim.
Silence lingers on the air for a moment… before the gentle patter of gloved hands clapping cracks through it.
A light, somewhat raspy chuckle follows…
?: Bravo, everyone. Bravo to a tremendous Homecoming. Hats off to all in attendance… from all the wrestlers, winners or losers… the backstage staff… and even the fans… a round of applause for you all.
A singular spotlight shines on the entryway, where the Thespian can be seen, clapping with a microphone in his hand… and the Southern States Championship, glistening from the light pouring over it, still over his shoulder.
The Thespian: But, now, we have much… much better things to look forward to in the future. It’s my favorite time of the year… Winter. Clearly, things seem to be a bit busy around both here and the network.
The Thespian: Despite the former champion moving himself to NLW, I do believe this company is supposed to have a shot at the XHF Junior Heavyweight Championship. Regardless, there’s still pleeeenty more fun to go around despite that.
The Thespian: We have the NLW Open Fight night! We have the… unsanctioned Xtreme X*Mas. We have XHF Supremacy sometime after that! Plenty of chances for all names, big or small, to get themselves out there and show off the best that they got!
His arms, albeit limited in their motions while shouldering a metal belt and holding a microphone, wave with excitement and exaggeration.
The Thespian: At Homecoming, Mr. Bloodied Fox brought up the idea of NLW needing a representative for the X*Crown Championship at Supremacy… that it should be him? Friends, this cannot stand! Dare I say, we should not be letting some fallen animal, whose record consists of beating a sexual deviant and LOSING to my scraps, take that position. Nay… it belongs to me, does it not?
He holds the microphone out to the audience, who begin to cheer a bit for the masked man.
The Thespian: I said it going into Homecoming, and I’ll say it coming out of Homecoming. I am the main attraction… the main event. I am the FACE of Next Level Wrestling… and I’ll prove it at Open Fight Night.
He shrugs the championship belt off of his shoulder and holds it high in the sky.
The Thespian: I am willing to put this championship belt up against anyone who thinks they can dance on this stage with me.
His lips shift into a smirk under the elastic mask.
The Thespian: The gauntlet is thrown down, friends. First come... first serve.
The man stretches out an arm before taking a bow. “To Death We Dance” plays through the arena as the champion turns around and walks towards the back… all while waving his microphone high in the sky like a conductor’s wand. Lights fill the arena once more.
MATCH ONE
Nathan Parker vs Cheez
Cheez comes out to some unexpected light cheers from all the fans to his hopeful ska song from Less Than Jake. The young gamer watches as the fans cheer him on and quickly shift to boos for his opponent, the mentally unstable Nathan Parker. As soon as the bell rings, Nathan Parker quickly starts things off with a kick to the midsection of Cheez before delivering an axe kick that elicits boos from the fans. He drops Cheez with a vertical suplex that draws a two count for Natty by Nature.
Parker keeps the offense going with a few more stomps and eventually a front kick to the chest when the Wisconsin native tries to get back to his feet. Cheez finds himself draped over the ropes before Parker runs for another kick, but Cheez moves out of the way at the last second, causing Parker to have his foot caught on the top rope. Cheez kicks the back of the planted leg of Nathan Parker, causing the much larger Parker to fall to the mat. Cheez bounces off the ropes as soon as Parker gets up to his feet and delivers a dropkick that would make Adrien Cochrane smile. Cheez goes for the cover, but Parker was too close to the ropes for it to go past one.
Cheez gets a lot of fan support behind him as he follows up the dropkick with his signature Like, Comment, and Subscribe (Three Amigos), which also moves Nathan Parker away from the ropes. He hooks the leg for the cover again but only gets two. Cheez tries to see if he can go back to that well, but Nathan Parker gives Cheez an elbow for his trouble and a belly to belly added on. When the Twitch streamer gets back to his feet, Parker starts to deliver headbutts repeatedly. The strikes send Cheez to the ropes and then over the top rope. Parker soaks in all the boos while the referee starts counting out Cheez. Cheez doesn’t show any signs of live until around five and finally climbs the apron at seven. Parker doesn’t waste any time though, quickly delivering yet another headbutt that drops Cheez right back to the outside. Cheez takes less time getting up again, being on the apron by five this time.
Parker tries to keep going with the same move, but Cheez was expecting it this time and dodges the headbutt. He takes advantage of Parker’s momentum to grab his head and slam it into the corner. As Parker stumbles back, Cheez climbs the top rope and flies for his Thanks For the Donation (flying crossbody). Cheez scrambles for the pin but could still only get a two count. He tries to irish whip Parker into the corner but Parker counters. Parker charges and delivers his Megaheadbutt (cornered avalanche style headbutt) and drops Cheez. Nathan Parker tries for the cover yet again, and yet again, it wasn’t enough.
Parker looks sick of Cheez kicking out of everything and goes for the killshot. He climbs the top rope, aiming for the Shotgun (flying elbow from the top rope) but Cheez rolls out of the way at the last second. With Nathan Parker still on the mat from that miss, Cheez sees an opening to get on the top rope himself and goes for a killshot of his own. He closes his eyes and leaps off the top for the Chedda Heada (flying headbutt) and connects with Parker’s ribs. The sweet irony that it took a headbutt to take down Nathan Parker was not lost on the commentary team as Cheez hooks the leg and finally lands the three count to open our opening contest of the evening.
[WINNER: Cheez Via Cheddar Heada at 07:10]
The End are walking down the hallways of the Smoothie King Arena, both men are wearing the effects of the war they had with The New South moments earlier. Fargo has his newly won title flung over his shoulder, and Mehrunes is holding his one hand, the strap trailing behind him. Fargo reaches out and opens a door marked “The End”, leading into a private locker room. He enters, with Smith following behind and flicks the lights on. He turns to the camera.
The New South…
Fargo pauses in between heavy breaths, Mehrunes steps forward with an usually happy demeanour. He smirks.
Will rise again.
Our paths will cross, we’ll go to war again, and of that I have no doubt. It was a hell of a fight you boys put up. Hell of a fight. You lived up to all the hype. You really were the best that NLW had to offer.
But now? Now it’s The End.
It was easy to say who the FACE of the NLW Tag Team Division was when it was only two teams and zero titles. The Goons were the face, The New South were the face. It was all talk and you all talked a big game.
But, where was the proof?
We have ours.
In the back, Mehrunes raises his belt.
Right. Here.
Fargo raises his belt.
You may sit there, and you may look for reasons why you lost. This was “YOUR” destiny, after all. You may think that just wasn’t your best night. You may think that you weren’t prepared enough. Hell, from where you were layin’ it may have just looked like it was all a run of bad luck, but this had nothing to do with luck, my friends. See, there is something you have to understand.
Fargo steps back, and sits down on a stool. Mehrunes stands in front of the camera. His previous happy demeanour back to his standard calm one. He looks to the floor.
The End was already written.
He looks up to the camera.
And The End remained the same.
Fargo and Mehrunes then raise their belts and put them together for the camera to focus on as we fade out to an image.
Tommy West: Well folks, up next Dan and I have got a treat for you!
Dan Simmons: That’s right, while Miss Kelly Ross is currently preoccupied elsewhere, we will be interviewing Nathan Cage!
Tommy West: Coming off a HUGE win at Homecoming II! Nathan Cage might just be my “Tommy West’s One To Watch” as the next big thing.
Dan Simmons: ...Alright.
The titantron lights up to show backstage, where Nathan Cage sits awaiting his interview. Scowl on his face and several unhealed cuts and bruises still visible from a grueling unsanctioned match. While he is past the point of needing bandages, there is still visible swelling on his wounds, courtesy of the glass and many other hellacious falls.
Dan Simmons: Well, Mr. Cage, an absolutely hellacious fight between yourself at Tommy Kelly at Homecoming.
Some still images appear, showing the after effects of both men. Neither pretty.
Dan Simmons: But, never-the-less, it seemed to be all worth it for you in the end as you had your hand raised in victory. What everyone’s wondering now is, what’s next for Nathan Cage? Are you still celebrating a potentially landmark win?
Though the audio quality is different for commentary and Cage, fans are hard pressed at this point not to easily pick up on his raspy, perpetually angry tone.
Nathan Cage: I ain’t celebrated a fuckin’ thing! I spent months tellin’ everyone exactly what I was gonna do, then I went out and did it!
Tommy West: Right!
Nathan Cage: Maybe this company’s used to people sittin’ here blowin’ a buncha smoke about how badass they are. But when I say somethin’ll happen, ya better damn well believe it! If you want me to sit here and kiss Tommy Kelly’s ass you’re shit outta luck! Is he a tough ‘ol bastard? Yeah! He’s one of the toughest sons of bitches in NLW! But always keep in mind that I said ONE OF; there’s a reason Kelly’s still pickin’ glass shards outta his ass and I ain’t!
An awkward shuffle of papers comes from the commentary booth. Dan appears to try and regain his composure while West sits with an impressed smirk.
Dan Simmons: Er, well, right you are-
Nathan Cage: S’far as my plans can go, ain’t nothin’ changed! Leon Chant might not hold the belt anymore but rest assured, it ain’t gonna help him! Whether he gets in my way, or I decide he’s next on the list, he and his buddies’ll get theirs if and when I see fit! Same goes for that halfway crook Goon and that brigade of FREAKS he’s got taggin’ alongside ‘em!
Dan Simmons: So, it might be fair to say the world title is next on your agenda?
Nathan Cage: I really couldn’t give a shit about the belt, Dan. Ya got prick after prick after PRICK, sittin’ in this locker room desperate to win a title for the money or the fame or to feel like they really are the “best in the world”. Who really fuckin’ cares? I already know, Nathan Cage truly IS, the number one piece of wrestlin’ talent in the world. BAR NONE! The reason I will take that world title is simple. It’s just a lil can of gold paint, that I get to use to paint a big ‘ol target on my chest! ‘Cause if ya wanna fight someone at their best, ya gotta draw it out of ‘em! That’s what I did to Tommy Kelly, that’s what the belt’ll do to everybody else!
Tommy West: Cage, big fan by the way, there’s a lot of people lately that have been, for lack of a better term, singing your praises. A decent section of the NLW fans have seemed to be taken with you, even staff like Brittany April claim to be on your “hype train”. Any thoughts on that? Does it feel gratifying?
Cage gives a derisive scoff.
Nathan Cage: I don’t know why people are tryin’ to pat me on the back and cheer my name and act like they’re the reason I’m at where I’m at, I did it all by myself! People can wave their lil signs and chant “Nathan Fuckin’ Cage” But I ain’t playin’ to NOBODY! Whether it’s you two, Brittany, maybe even BB Gunn with all the money I’m makin’ him. People wanna jump on the Nathan Cage bandwagon, TELL ME I’M WRONG!
Dan Simmons: Er, well y-
Nathan Cage: SHUT UP! I ain’t wrong cause I’ve seen it happen every damn time! When I needed people on my side, there weren’t a single fuckin’ person there! But now people wanna pretend that I’m their guy, because I’ve been runnin’ through all their other favourites, and ain’t nobody slowed me down YET! So whether ya cheer me, or ya boo me, I don’t really give a shit. I ain’t changin’ for nobody, and I ain’t feelin’ gratified for NOTHIN’!
His frown deepens as he stands. The camera, haphazardly, raises up to follow The Rabid Dog.
Nathan Cage: I ain’t got an EVE or an Academy or a lil cult. Or even a boy toy or AA Group like Eli ‘n Tommy Kelly. I’m in the top by myself, I don’t need NO-BODY. Not the fans, not the office, not anybody on this roster. So continue throwin’ into the meat grinder. Cause there ain’t a single damn person that’s gonna stop me.
Nathan Cage: Not Ricky Goon.
Nathan Cage: Not Leon Chant.
Nathan Cage: Not The End, not Bloodied Fox, not Chris Sanderson. No one.
Nathan Cage: No one. In NLW or the XHF Network. That can stop, Nathan. Fucking. Cage.
Cage’s delivery is cold and deliberate. Emphasising every single word. Dan makes a sound to begin another question but Cage has already left and the feed then drops at his departure. Simmons clears his throat as the camera moves back to the announcer’s desk.
Dan Simmons: Well, it’s like Miss Ross said during one of his first interviews: “Anything but humble” Nathan Cage.
Tommy West: I still think he’s cool...
MATCH TWO
Keahi Sparks vs. Scott Fargo
Sparks and Fargo slowly walked towards each other, neither showing any sense of intimidation or fear. Fargo sneers at his opponent, the slight height but significant weight advantage in his mind, he wanted to put his stamp on Sparks as well as this match in general. The former Phoenix Champion looked for a right hook, but Sparks was having none of it and ducked it, and tagged him with a kick to the hamstring. Sparks smiled and told Fargo to bring it, and the two tied up following this instruction. Fargo used his weight advantage, combined with his strength to back Sparks in the corner, on instruction he looked to give a clean break, but at the last moment he put a knee into Sparks’ gut. The referee took some exception to this and words were exchanged, and when they were over Fargo went back to Sparks, who had recovered enough to reply to this lack up respect with a stiff looking European uppercut. Fargo took a step back, anger flashed across his eyes and he charged at Sparks. Sparks ducked and went to the ropes, coming back with a jumping forearm smash. This knocked Fargo back into the corner now, and Sparks kept the pressure on with a combination of strikes in order to subdue one half of the NLW Tag Champions. Sparks then scurries to the centre of the ring, turns and charges at Fargo, looking for another big strike but he was wise to it, putting a boot up to halt her in her tracks. Incensed at the offense Sparks had got away with, he grabbed her and flung her through the second rope and to the floor below.
This brought Mehrunes Smith into play, who was lurking at ringside all this time. Fargo deliberately began to dristract the referee and this allowed Smith to put a nasty looking kick into the temple of The Emerald Blade. The referee sensed shenanigans as the crowd began to kick off at this, but Smith had put enough space in between him and the fallen Sparks for him to be able to take assured action. Fargo, smirking away, went to the outside and collected Sparks, slamming her head onto the ring apron before rolling her back into the ring. Fargo was immediately in control, collecting Sparks once more and planting her with a German suplex, which he made a bridging cover for two. This didn’t deter him though, and he got to his feet, needling his opponent with cheap kicks to encourage her up, before hitting a leg capture exploder suplex. Mehrunes Smith was loving it, Fargo was enjoying himself as well, it was borderline showboating. He stalked Sparks once again and as she struggled to her feet he placed her on his shoulders, fireman’s carry style, but Sparks sensed the danger and flung an elbow, this loosened his grip and she dropped behind, and hit a German suplex of her own!
Sparks caught a second wind and as both competitors got to their feet, Fargo looked for a lariat, which she ducked and hit a second German suplex! She sprung up quicker and screamed at Fargo to get up, and in a show of her own strength, she hit Din’s Fire [overheard belly to belly]. Sparks wasn’t done there either, and with Fargo on his back, she went to the corner, and in a fluid motion, she hit the Dive Bomb [triple jump moonsault], pinning but only getting a two count. Sparks took a big lungful of air and got back up, Fargo was slowly getting up and as he turned she pounced again, looking for a repeat of Din’s Fire, but he attention was pulled to her right as Mehrunes Smith was on the apron, and this gave Fargo enough recovery time to hit her with a headbutt. She stumbled back, and Fargo kicked her knee so hard she dropped down, and not one to miss a beat, Fargo hit the Shotgun Blast [running European uppercut], he covered but Kehai Sparks has a shoulder up just in time.
Fargo sneered once again, wanting to see the back of Sparks now. He called for The Cross Trigger, but as Sparks got up, she saw him coming and rolled out of the way. She stood up and turned, fargo was coming at her again but she shocked him with a spinebuster! Sparks got back to her feet and again taunted Fargo to get up, and once again, Mehrunes Smith jumped up on the apron, she half turned to face him, not intimidated by the numbers game. Suddenly she sidestepped because Fargo was attempting to charge at her, this however caused Fargo to bounce into Smith, Fargo turned around, stunned and she put him in an inside cradle and in all the confusion she got the three count! Smith was in the ring to try and score some immediate revenge, but she made a quick exit, her arm raised as she backed up the ramp, the Tag Champions less than pleased in the ring!
[WINNER: Keahi Sparks Via Inside Cradle at 08:44]
The cameras open backstage to reveal Adam Sanders standing next to his locker room door, prepared to open it after someone knocks on it. He takes a deep breath before opening the door to reveal Tilted Cartridges on the other side of it.
Adam Sanders: Hey, Cheez. Hey, Dunne. Thanks for… errr, meeting with me on such short notice. I just figured you guys and I should talk about Open Fight Night in two weeks.
Cheez: No problem. So what’s the slice? Colonel Sanders.
The Awkward One simply blinks for a moment or two after the KFC reference for Cheez.
Adam Sanders: Right so… you know how the plan was for Tilted Cartridges to take on Sanders and Son, right? And hey, I am really excited about competing against a tag team like you guys. Should be an interesting match, right? So… good news and bad news on that front.
Wellington Dunne: Well, you know what they say. Bad news is better than no news. So lay it out for us.
Adam Sanders: So, there is a hiccup in that booking. See, we just found out that Chris Sanderson is going to be actually representing NLW in the XHF Junior Heavyweight Championship match. So he will unfortunately be unavailable for doing the tag match with us. But don’t worry, don’t worry… I still want to do a tag team match with you guys.
Cheez:: Hey, hey, hey. We’re all reasonable men here.
Wellington Dunne: Exactly, besides it would be nice to have a match, where, oh I don’t know, I don’t actually want to kill the person across the ring from me. So with Sanderson unavailable, who you do have in mind for his replacement?
Cheez starts bouncing around like a small child who’s had way too much sugar.
Cheez: Wait! Let me guess! Ummm… Tommy Kelly? Wait, no Fargo? Fox? Who? Who?
Dunne grabs Cheez in a bearhug to calm him.
Wellington Dunne: Patience Cheez, I’m sure Mr. Sanders will be more than glad to fill us in. Now won’t you?
Dunne looks at Adam, waiting for a reply. Adam is still staring at the team with his blank expression and occasional blinks until he snaps out of it.
Adam Sanders: I hope you don’t mind, but I made a phone call to someone who isn’t in NLW but has been here a few times. I figured the perfect replacement to Chris Sanderson was someone I’ve won some tag team matches with already…
Sanders opens his locker room door a little bit more to reveal Adrien Cochrane seated in Adam’s locker room, facing the door. He gives a quick nod to Cheez and Dunne.
Adrien Cochrane: Good evening, gentlemen.
Adam Sanders: You know, Dunne has been a mentor to you, Cheez. I figured getting my mentor in this match seemed fitting.
Wellington Dunne: Ah, I see. The old master and student versus master and student match. A classic, and one that should be educational to all parties. Will if we’re all in agreement gentlemen. I say we shake on it, and make this match official.
Cochrane rises to his feet to greet Wellington Dunne at the doorway to oblige his request.
Adrien Cochrane: Yes sir. Tilted Cartridges versus the Guardians. Good luck to you, gentlemen.
Adam also takes part in the handshaking once Adrien is done.
Adam Sanders: Yes, good luck to you guys.
As soon as the handshaking was completed, the cameras cut back to the ring...
A catchy saxophone tune accompanies a rapid sequence of shots. Flashing lights on Bourbon Street. Exotic women dancing in nightclubs. Sexton Love pummeling Eli Dresden.
FEMALE VOICE: …Live from the Big Easy…
Drinking. Partying. Debauchery. Sexton Love winning at Homecoming.
FEMALE VOICE: …the hottest show on television today…
A cheap graphic appears on screen.
FEMALE VOICE: The Sex Talk with Sexton Love…
Fade in to the Lakefront Arena. Once again, the ring has been arranged in the style of a talk show set, although this time with a much sturdier desk. Sitting behind it, microphone in hand, we see the man himself… complete with a brand new purple jacket. A velvet purple jacket, with nothing underneath aside from his muscular, freshly oiled chest. On the back, in sparkling gold letters, two simple words:
Homecoming King.
FEMALE VOICE: …And now… here’s your host… SEXTON LOVE!
The Lovely One hops up from his chair, basking in the imagined adoration of the crowd as he moves to the center of the ring. Boos rain down from all angles, completely drowning out the canned cheers and applause pumped in through the loudspeakers.
He slowly raises the mic, milking the crowd’s reaction.
SEXTON: ………I told ya I’d beat that bitch!
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
SEXTON: Get used to it, babbeh… The Notorious B.O.D is the best damn thing goin’...
The fans vehemently disagree, growing louder in their disdain. One particularly angry man in the front row, sporting an Eli Dresden t-shirt, voices his opinion audibly enough to get The Lovely One’s attention.
“FUCK YOU, SEXTON LOVE!”
SEXTON (turning around): Shut your mouth, fatteh… Bodzilla gets more action in a week than you get in a lifetime!
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Sexton quickly exits the ring, getting in the neckbearded man’s face.
SEXTON: Oh you don’t like it? Tough tittehs. Be a real man and do something about it.
…Take a swing, daddeh… you ain’t got the BALLS.
“... DO IT! … HIT HIM!”
SEXTON (cont’d): Hell… you probably ain’t even seen your balls since the Bush administration!
Security steps in, restraining the incensed fan. Big Daddy Love turns his attention to the equally furious, and equally rotund, woman standing next him.
SEXTON (cont’d): …Simmer down, toots. We all know that while you’re slappin’ guts with this heffer at home, you’re really thinkin’ about Sexton Love!”
She takes a wild swipe at the heel, missing by about a foot. Bodzilla rolls back into the ring, laughing out loud as the jiggly woman tries (in vain) to leap over the guardrail.
SEXTON (to himself): You know, sometimes I miss those Bush years, babbeh… and I ain’t just talkin’ about the president…
Back to the business at hand.
SEXTON: Let’s get this show on the road, New Orleans. A very special, post-Homecoming edition of The Sex Talk...
Please welcome my guest… someone who really understands the whole talk show gig. He’s a former actor turned pro wrestler… and the current NLW Southern States Champion…
THE THESPIAN!
The lights dim to darkness. “To Death We Dance” begins to play as a singular spotlight illuminates over the Southern States Champion. He stands still for a moment, staring emotionlessly towards the set of The Sex Talk before slowly making his way towards the ring. His hand waves as he walks, conducting the crowd’s hums as he does.
Upon reaching the ring, the man known as the Thespian gives Sexton one more still stare before taking a seat across from him. Despite having a microphone in hand, he doesn’t say anything immediately, not even a “thank you” for the invitation. Instead, he crosses his arms, a leg over the other, and simply waits for the questions to come in.
SEXTON: Believe it or not… you and I have something in common, daddeh. We both had our hand raised at Homecoming on Saturday night. I beat a former NLW World Champion, Eli Dresden… and you beat some jabroni named Chris Sanderson. I’ll give ya credit though, Thespeh, you got the dub. You retained that Southern States Title…
The Thespian eyes Sexton through his mask, unsure as to where this is headed.
SEXTON (cont’d): But for my first question, I want to go back to BEFORE Homecoming… I want to go ALL the way back, babbeh… back to a time before you ever stepped foot in an NLW ring. Because I want to know… and all these Louisiana sweathogs want to know--
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
SEXTON (cont’d): --what brought you into the world of professional wrestling in the first place? What brought you from the stage to the squared circle, daddeh?
THESPIAN: …For one, do not call me “daddeh” again--
SEXTON: No problem, babbeh.
THESPIAN (coldly): Theo works plenty.
The recovering vocals of the Thespian still force out a raspy voice. The Thespian’s head tilts for a moment as he ponders the question… before answering with a bit more pomp.
THESPIAN: The stage is too little of a stage for me. You take a script and follow it to the letter. I wanted more. Not every actor gets a chance in the spotlight, no matter how hard they work for it. You could be the best on the stage, but a producer decides your fate. I wanted MORE!
A pause, before he chuckles slowly to himself. His tone dies down.
THESPIAN: I used to wrestle before I donned this mask. I got into the business because of the competition and the ability to take…
His shoulder shrugs a little, rolling the championship gold that hangs on it.
THESPIAN: …what you deserve. That’s the only real difference between what we do here, and what actors do there. There’s no script here. There’s just skill.
SEXTON: I can’t deny that you’ve got skill, babbeh. But let’s be honest… when you show up in Next Level Wrestling lookin’ like a D-list Batman villain, people are gonna have some serious questions about your mental state…
The Thespian’s shoulders perk up a little as his legs uncross.
THESPIAN: Funny coming from someone whose big win on Saturday night involved ripping at a woman’s tights. Is that how you get the ladies, “Popcorn Shrimpy?” With how much oil there is on your body, just need a deep fryer and your body can match your di--
SEXTON: --woah woah woah, babbeh… this is a family program. And let’s be honest… based on the few glimpses we’ve seen behind the ‘curtain’… it looks like you’re the one that’s been FRIED.
Sexton casually offers Theo the glass of water on his desk before continuing.
SEXTON (cont’d): …So let’s get into that. Let’s talk about the elephant-man in the room. Let’s talk about that MASK. It ain’t personal, Thespeh… I’m just askin’ questions. You’re an enigma, babbeh, and the world wants to know…
He pauses for dramatic effect.
SEXTON (cont’d): …What the hell happened to your FACE?!?
The Thespian ponders for a moment, before chuckling silently to himself, as signified by the bouncing shoulders.
THESPIAN: I do not need to explain myself to you… or them. Quite frankly, it seems like they prefer someone with no-face who knows when it’s time to shut up.
SEXTON: I thought you of all people would understand a little somethin’ about show biz, babbeh. That answer just ain’t gonna cut it. Ya see, if you want to call yourself the main event… if you want to call yourself the face of NLW… you’re gonna have to step things up on the stick. Because right now… you’re just a freakshow, babbeh, plain and simple. And as far as I’m concerned… you can’t be the face of ANYTHING if you hide behind a mask. That’s just common sense, ya feel me?
Another chuckle comes from the Thespian, almost as if to welcome the title. He leans forward slightly, as if preparing to leap up from his seat.
SEXTON (cont’d): I’ve said it since day one… SEX SELLS. It’s a fact of life. And you just ain’t in that business, darlin’. Next Level Wrestling… and the people of the southern United States… they need a champion they can be proud of. They need a face they can put up on the marquee. Someone that can sell tickets. Someone that can sell pay-per-views. Look around, babbeh. All these pieces of trailer park trash--
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
SEXTON (cont’d): --they need a FACE they can SEE. And there ain’t no face better than Sexton Love!
The Lovely One gets to his feet, as does the Southern States Champion. Sexton and Thespian now stand face-to-face, as it were, in the middle of the ring. The crowd starts to buzz.
SEXTON (cont’d): That brings us to the final question, daddeh… and this one IS personal. I heard you run down a list of possible challengers for that belt, and you left Sexton Love’s name off that list… because you know, deep down, that you can DEAL with the MAN OF STEEL. So the final question, the real question: Do you want a PIECE of the BEAST? …OR ARE YOU JUST TOO DAMN SCARED?!?
The Thespian raises a hand and slaps the microphone out from the hand of Sexton Love.
THESPIAN: Quite honestly, I don’t think I want your oiled body anywhere near these suits. But… if you truly think that you have the balls to face me…
The man’s head tilts down and up his challenger’s towering physique, and chuckles again at the thought.
THESPIAN: …then I hope you’re ready to be neutered like the dog you are. I’ll take you on at Open Fight Night… and I’ll put this title on the line.
The masked man drops the microphone directly at Sexton’s feet as he begins to backpedal from the ring. Sexton’s gaze never leaves the front of the white, elastic mask. The moment Thespian bows himself between the ropes, however…
SMASH! Thespian is blindsided by Big Daddy Love, who attacks with the previously offered glass of water. A down and dirty cheap shot to the back of the head. Shards of glass litter the canvas as the Lovely One puts the boots to his future opponent. This is a mugging! Sexton drops down to his knees, ripping and pulling at the Thespian’s mask! He’s trying to expose his face!
The champ struggles desperately to keep his identity concealed… but Tyrannosaurus Sex is relentless. Officials hit the ring, separating the two men just as Sexton manages to tear off a piece of fabric around the Thespian’s eye.
Thespian rolls to the floor, attempting to cover up the hole with both hands. We see that the white material on the back of his mask has been dyed red with blood. Inside the ring, Sexton backs off, and notices the Southern States Championship belt still lying on the couch. He grabs the title and holds it up high…
SEXTON: I’m in your head, daddeh! Oh yeah! ...And I’m takin’ this belt on Open Fight Night!
Thespian peers through his hands up at Sexton holding the belt to the booing crowd. A glare of hatred locks eyes to the brash assailant… but the Thespian retreats to preserve his identity.
MATCH THREE
Devin Mitchell vs Al Jabroni
Devin Mitchell starts making his way down the ring, trying to rebound from his Ascendancy XXV loss to Chris Sanderson. The fans shower him with boos, upset at his comments leading up to this match. This gives Al Jabroni some cheers as he makes his entrance. The bell rings and despite all the noise during the entrance, Devin Mitchell was quick to take down Jabroni with a bicycle kick. The much larger and stronger Mitchell tosses Al around the ring with a german suplex… followed by another… followed by another. He bridges the third one for the cover by Jabroni kicks out before even the two.
Mitchell nails a snap suplex before climbing the top rope. He leaps off for a frog splash… BUT AL JABRONI MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!! As Devin Mitchell crashes into the mat, the former porn industry worker looks like he wants to start running out of the ring to get the hell out of here after the early offense from Mitchell, but Al looks at Mitchell down on the mat and realizes this was a fight he needed to be a part of. As soon as Mitchell starts pulling himself up, Al Jabroni runs towards him and kicks him in the side of the head, bringing lots of cheers to the Lakefront Arena. Cover by Jabroni but only a two count.
Before Jabroni could return to his feet from the pin attempt, Devin Mitchell grabs his leg. Jabroni hops on his free foot for a second before being spun around into a dragon screw. As soon as Jabroni gets back to his feet once more, Mitchell lays him out with a superkick. Somehow, some way, Al Jabroni kicks out at two following that kick. The fans start an “AL JA-BRO-NI!” chant. Mitchell yells at the crown to shut the **** up before realizing Al Jabroni was on his feet and delivers a punch that catches Mitchell completely by surprise. Jabroni bounces off the ropes and leaps for a splash and connects. Cover by Jabroni and only a two count.
Devin Mitchell starts to lose his cool and does a double leg takedown on Jabroni before throwing every left and right he could until he was warned about the possibility of disqualification. Every fan in the Lakefront Arena starts to voice their displeasure and the chant returns. He waits in the corner for Jabroni to try to return to his feet before drilling him to the mat with the Camden Destroyer (Front Flip DDT). Al Jabroni is completely motionless in the middle of the ring before Devin Mitchell taunts all the fans before making the cover. But to everyone’s surprise, Al Jabroni still kicks out.
Devin Mitchell, clearly having enough of this match, grabs Jabroni in a pumphandle position to go for the Zero Point (Pumphandle Half Nelson Driver) but Jabroni slips out of his grip in the air, landing accidentally on Devin Mitchell in almost like a crossbody position. Devin Mitchell tosses the featherweight Jabroni off, who instinctively lands on his feet. Devin Mitchell gets to his feet, only to be dropped with a kick that gets everyone on their feet. Jabroni, feeling invigorated from the fans cheering him on, delivers a few stomps on Devin Mitchell before locking in a hammerlock on Mitchell. Mitchell, despite being the much stronger competitor, is clearly in pain, before he can force himself to the ropes. Mitchell tries desperately to shift momentum with a blind attempt at a moonsault but misses. Jabroni strikes with a few more stomps before getting on the top rope and sees Mitchell still on his back. He leaps… AND CONNECTS!! He stays on for the cover but still only a two count.
As soon as both competitors pull themselves up to their feet, Devin Mitchell quickly hits the Monolith Silencer (Hook Kick) without the usual ripcord. Both men are down following the kick. The referee starts counting to ten to count out both competitors. At the count of eight, Mitchell was the first one up. He picks up Al Baroni, ready to end the match. He lifts him in the air for the Virulence (Inverted Go To Sleep) but Al Jabroni slips out of his grip once more and lands behind him. After that, Al Jabroni goes for the technique has used to win quite a few match as he rolls Mitchell up with the Get Lucky (Schoolboy Roll Up) to try to get the upset. And the upset was achieved as Devin Mitchell kicks out just a second too late.
[WINNER: Al Jabroni Via Get Lucky at 10:05]
The World is Ours...
When everything seems good in the world, when everything just seems to be going right and nothing will ever change that.
Just as you wake up and realise that was all a dream...nothing but a fairytale.
You know what I mean, the world doesn't revolve around you and it's about time you realised that.
We know what you've done, we know the destruction you've brought…
C'mon do you really believe we haven't been watching?
Pretty butterflies…
Buzzing little bumblebees…
You're the reason we came here.
You're the reason why this world needs our help.
Come, pray and mourn.
For soon this world will fall…
Soon this world shall be ours.
You will now all be glad to acknowledge... We're BAACCKKK...
The camera cuts to the interview space set up for every episode of Ascendancy... but there's no interviewer there. Instead, standing smack-dab in the middle of the frame is none other than Eli Dresden. The fans can be heard cheering for the blond as she smirks, the light-up glasses she pilfered from Jason "Maverick" Long getting pushed up to act as a headband before she speaks.
Dresden: So at Homecoming II, the so-called 'Alpha male' needed a handful of tights to pin the woman who was half his size. Ol' Popcorn Shrimp can say whatever he wants about gettin' the win--his delusions only matter to him and the folks he has to pay to care about. Between yinz and me?
Eli leans forward just a little.
Dresden: I'm just glad I didn't catch nothin' from that walkin' CDC vault, know what I mean?
And with that, Sexton Love is dismissed from the thoughts of the current owner of HYPERION'S Trident. Speaking of, as the blond chuckles at herself, the gleaming piece of weaponry is brought up into the frame.
Dresden: Anyway, this is why I'm here tonight--cuz a certain event is comin' up here soon and we all remembered what happened last year, don't we? No one thought I had a shot in Hell at bein' the one to walk out of Supremacy with the trident. Shit, no one even knew who I was before the bell rang. Once the dust settled and I was the only one left standing, not only did NLW know who I was... but so did the entire XHF Network. My career was made at Supremacy 2021...
Trailing off, the blond smirks.
Dresden: So why not honor that accomplishment the only way I know how?
The crowd, beginning to catch onto what Eli's planning, can be heard cheering as she nods.
Dresden: That's right, ladies and germs--at Supremacy 2022, I will be defending HYPERION's Trident in a Last One Standing Match, beginning a tradition that I'm sure will piss that Scientology Lite sumbitch right off enough to try to come take it back. Not only that, but I know full well that I've pissed off more than a few others across the whole of the XHF, and that's not even touchin' on the weirdos that keep askin' for my number for some reason like I'm not seein' someone? Dickheads gotta dickhead, I guess.
Dresden shrugs
Dresden: So in closin', I'm takin' any and all comers that wanna try to take this trident from me. Of course, the operative word there is try cuz between you, me, and the floor mount that'll turn this baby into a stripper pole like I've been threatenin' since before it was mine?
That infamous Cheshire Cat smirk reveals itself in full.
Dresden: This ain't goin' anywhere.
The camera cuts to ringside.
MATCH FOUR
Leon Chant vs Adam Sanders
It's obvious to all in attendance that Leon Chant in particular feels that having a match with someone like Adam Sanders is a breath of fresh air, a bright spot amongst the treachery and skullduggery that the former two-time NLW World Champion has been forced to deal with as of late. While there's no handshake, there is a nod of respect given by the Awkward One, the gesture returned by Leon before the two collide in the middle of the ring in a collar and elbow tie-up that the latter has to really put his weight behind to get the advantage in. Shifting into a headlock, Chant has control for all of a second before Sanders sends the bigger man into the ropes, Adam ducking the clothesline Leon attempts before catching Chant in a spine buster that shakes the ring when it's planted! The Awkward One only gets a one-and-a-half count off the pinfall attempt that follows, but that's just fine with him. The proverbial first blood has been drawn, and the smaller of the two competitors is able to keep that offensive advantage through a couple of exchanges full of dropkicks and hard-hitting strikes. Each ends with a pinfall attempt that doesn't quite reach two, but wearing down a mountain of a man like Leon Chant is going to take some doing, and it's obvious that Adam Sanders is well aware of that fact, not to mention that he's more than okay with the idea of putting that hard work in.
The tide decidedly turns when Leon blocks an attempt at a belly-to-belly suplex, unleashing his own over-the-head suplex that slams Adam's back into the middle of the ring with authority. Sanders' spine bows dramatically before Chant forces it flat in a pinfall attempt of his own, the Awkward One kicking out right after two. Such forces Sanders to put strain on his back to keep himself from losing... and Chant's wily enough to know it. The former NLW Champion's focus centers upon the back of the Guardians member, using his size and strength advantages both to weaken his opponent while also making it all the harder for Sanders to utilize most of his own offense. Everything is fair game, from suplexes and clubbing blows to Adam's back to a particularly vicious Irish whip into the corner, Leon following it up with a big splash that crushes all the air out of his opponent. Sanders kicks out of the pinfall attempt that follows at two and a half, the crowd cheering his resilience while Chant sits back on his heels and nods grimly to himself at the realization that he's going to have to pull out the biggest gun in his arsenal to put his opponent away.
Chant gets to his feet, hauling Sanders up with him--but when Leon sends Adam into the ropes, the Awkward One rebounds and takes to the skies, the Flight of the Dragonite taking Chant off his feet! The crowd roars at this sign of life from Sanders as he gets to his feet, one hand holding his back... but it's clear that Adam is going to do his utmost to power through the pain. Leon is getting up, so Adam sets himself for a Superkick. Leon has it scouted and blocks it, but Adam has the Discus Clothesline scouted as well, stopping it with a boot and planting Leon with a Motor City Circuit that he kicks out of. The back and forth war is starting to wear Sanders down, and he's slow to get up. Leon has a chance to recover, giving him time to shove Adam toward the ropes.He launches Sanders high into the air, but catches a surprise dropkick to the mush where a powerbomb should be! Leon staggers back into the ropes hard enough to bounce into Adam's arms, and with visible effort, he plants Leon with the Dream Breaker, earning the three-count with the pinfall that follows!
[WINNER: Adam Sanders Via Dream Breaker at 11:03]
We cut to the office of General Manager BB Gunn, who despite having had it pretty tough lately, seems to be in a pretty good mood. This could be because nothing’s got too chaotic tonight…especially in comparison to previous weeks. Still, Gunn sits in a relaxed manner in his chair.
BB Gunn: Folks, what can I say to y’all? Homecoming was…pretty damn good, and I know I’m biased, but we sold out The Smoothie King Center, every match tore the house down, and all in all I feel like NLW is smashing it right now!
He smirks.
BB Gunn: Our house, whilst a bit shaky, feels in order right now. And now we have eyes on the Network! Bloodied Fox is going to compete on our behalf in the new year for a shot at the X*Crown. But first, it’s our turn to take a shot at the Junior Heavyweight Title that Mr. Fox had in his possession until recently, and as spoiled by Adam Sanders earlier-
He winks.
BB Gunn: The man to face the new champion, Florida Man, will be none other than Chris Sanderson!
He taps the desk in what can only be described as smug excitement.
BB Gunn: And as you know, that will top the bill for Open Fight Night, which already has matches made as we saw earlier! And folks, as you know, anything can happen at open Fight Night, and just about anybody could show up-
Voice: Including myself!
Gunn’s head swivels to the right, and the camera follows to reveal a familiar face to the Network, albeit one that hasn’t featured on NLW programming to date…
BB Gunn: Richard Energy?!
Energy saunters over to Gunn’s desk and puts a hand up at Gunn, who looks like he’s about to stand up to shake his hand.
Richard Energy: Yes sir! Big Dickie’s come in to New Orleans, and man does it feel good! No need to get up BB, I’ll do the standing for the both of us!
Gunn considers correcting Big Richard, but opts to move the subject on, probably a wiser move.
BB Gunn: Whilst I’m happy to see you man, I gotta’ ask, what are you doing here?
Richard Energy: Like you said BB, Open Fight Night is around the corner, and it’s a little known secret that my contract with FWA has expired. And whilst I’m open to going back, Dickie want’s a bit of fun. So I’m taking a look across the whole Network and exhibiting my talents. That’s right, Big Dick Energy is coming all over the Network!
Tommy West: …Is this guy for real?
Gunn again opts not to reply at this moment.
Richard Energy: So I’m here tonight to tell you that I want a match against anybody on your roster at Open Fight Night!
Gunn sits back in his chair again, a smile creeps over his face.
BB Gunn: Anybody? Well Richard-
Richard Energy: Please, call me Dick!
BB Gunn: …I’ll keep the formalities, but I appreciate it. Richard, we just signed a lad called Razor Blade, and he claims to be the best in the world, so how about we find out what the best really is against the hottest free agent out there?
Energy beams.
Richard Energy: Awww Gunn, you know this Dickie’s always hot! You gotcha’ self a deal! I’ll see ya’ in a couple weeks, I’m gonna’ go watch this main event and then you just know this Dick’s gonna be dipping into every bar on Bourbon Street!
Big Richard starts leaving, but not without one final bold statement.
Richard Energy: Big Dickie’s gonna get messy tonight folks!
Cut back to BB Gunn, head in his hands, he mutters something inaudible, before we head back to the ring.
We come back from break with David Goon already in the ring with a mic in his hand,
“Ladies and…men I guess, it’s my pleasure at this time to introduce to you, your NEW Next Level Wrestling Heavyweight Champion of the WOORRRRRRLD! My brother, the mad faced gremlin himself RRRRRRRRRRRRIIICARDOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOON!"
The intro drums for Nautilus by Raekwon bumps out of the speakers, the sound of a gun having its hammer pulled back and the beat drops.
Mur-mur-mur=scratch=Murder you (check your thirty)
Mur-mur-mur=scratch=Murder you (check your thirty)
We're gonna murder you
Bring the head, leave the body
Mur-mur-mur=scratch=Murder you (check your thirty)
We're gonna murder you
Bring the head, leave the body
Ricardo Goon makes his way slowly out to the stage creeping out of the back like the Goon he is with the NLW World Title wrapped around his chest, he soaks in the roar of boos as he grins at a small section that happens to be cheering. He continues to make his way down to the ring mocking fans that boo him even taking a pro Leon Chant sign and rips it up violently before spitting and stomping on it and then storming to the ring. He goes to the corner and stands on the 2nd rope he goes to pull the title off to show it to the crowd then naa’s and waves his hands at them hoping back down into the ring and gathers himself a mic.
David Goon: Before we get started with this management enforced bullshit for the crowd I just wanna say bro Im proud of ya. See what a lot of you shit stain marks might not know is my brother here when he beat, and he did beat the ever living shit outta Leon Chant, and became the new NLW World Heavyweight Champion, he became the first in our family to do so, my crazy, A.D.D. having little brother. Proud of ya dawg we all are.
They give each other a bro hug in the center of the ring.
Ric Goon: I gotta correct you on one thing tho brah. I’m not all to quite sure this title here is a WORLD title, see as a purist and heart and the best damn pro wrestler in that locker room, for this to be a proper WORLD title it has to be defended, around the WORLD. So what I am saying to you NLW faithful is take a good hard look at the title, because it just might be the last time you see it in person,
David Goon: We going on a world tour?
Ric Goon: Like a Tribe Called Quest, see the fact of the matter is this, when I beat Leon Chat for this title, I climbed to the highest peak we have here in this current era. Who haven’t I beaten? Who CAN’T I easily beat? No one. So with that said maybe like in the old days once you use up a territory you pack up shop and gets to moving.
David Goon: I get what you're saying, to find you a worthy challenger we need to expand our Goon Enterprise globally.
Ric Goon: Right, first off we gots to get the fuck out of this dump of New Orleans I mean the smell alone is just god awful. And the fans, the fans wouldn't know good wrestling if it smacked them across the face, which it has a few times already.
The fans of course do not respond kindly to this bullshit spoken to and about them.
David Goon: But we can’t go to some trash heap like Philly, it’s gotta be somewhere classy. Like home.
Ric Goon: New York is definitely a stop but not the destination, we hit up the best city in the world then skip over Britain because god knows anything worse than southern american wrestling fans is stupid ass hobit one’s. Naw we go hit up the real killers. The Germans, tour Europe, maybe head over to Japan.
David Goon: We could definitely find someone worthy enough to step to us in Japan.
Ric Goon: F’sure, because let’s be honest, there isnt a single mother fucker in that locker room that is ugly enough.
David Goon: Grimy enough.
Ric Goon: Insane enough.
David Goon: Violent enough.
Ric Goon: Or down right DUMB enough to step to US!
And almost as if it’s a wrestling show and on cue.
"WWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!
HE AIN'T MY BOY BUT THE BROTHA IS HEAVY!"
David moves towards the entrance looking pissed but his brother Ric is wide eyed and almost giddy with what is transpiring here. David looks back at his brother like you see this stupid asshole but then sees his brother nodding and grinning like he’s Jack Nicholson.
Tensions seem to boil over as Cage strides into the ring and right into the face of Ric. David initially seems to want to intervene but his brother waves him away as he returns the stare of The Rabid Dog with an unblinking one of his own. The two men stand, mouthing unheard but most certainly unpleasant words to one another.
With a beckon, a stage hand quickly enters the ring and hands Cage a microphone of his own.
Nathan Cage: I appreciate the fact that you’re both out here, huggin’ and pattin’ yourselves on the back. Truth be told, I don’t really give a shit what ya did to Leon Chant, cause even with his own lil crew at his side, he couldn’t get the job done! People can call it unfair but the reality is that’s the way it is. Survival of the fittest ain’t just a law of nature, it is this network’s company policy!
Cage never stops staring at Ric Goon. Ric tilts his head inquisitively, interested where exactly Nathan is going with this.
Nathan Cage: So in that vein, Ric, I’m out here to give ya fair fuckin’ warning!
Nathan Cage: I wouldn’t give warnin’ like this to ANYBODY ELSE backstage. It sure as shit ain’t cause I respect ‘em, but rather it’s cause if anybody here needs warnin’, it’s you. Ya got your brother, ya got that fire startin’ spitfuck, ya got that armless failure. Hell, s’far as I’m concerned the only thing you’re missin’ is a big ol bubble to put yourself in before they roll ya out to the ring! Cause from my experience, the guy with the most shieldin’ ‘em, is the biggest gutless, spineless, dickless FUCK OF ‘EM ALL!
Frantically pacing back and forth, Cage continues to stare daggers at the World Champion. David, visibly furious at the disrespect, takes a step forward to challenge Cage. He is, reluctantly, stopped by his brother. Ric, hand on his brother’s chest, almost seems to be enjoying Cage’s tirade. His eyes wide and transfixed on The Rabid Dog with an almost incredulous smile on his face.
Nathan Cage: There ain’t been a damn thing signed, but considerin’ ain’t anyone else jumpin’ out here to tell ya where to stick it. Considerin’ I ain’t been pinned or submitted since I got here. Considerin’ Homecoming II. I damn sure’d consider myself the number one contender! What that means, Ric. Is that the next show. Masquerade. Tonight. WHENEVER. Your ass belongs to Nathan Fuckin’ Cage!
There is no more smiling from Ricardo Goon. Who merely takes a step forward which is reciprocated by Nathan Cage as the two men once again stare each other down. Unflinching.
Nathan Cage: And to be damn clear. What that means is. Next show. Masquerade. Tonight. Whenever. That gold belt…
Cage pokes the centre of the title slung across the chest of Ric.
Nathan Cage: Will be taken hostage by Nathan Fuckin’ Cage. And there ain’t shit you or anybody else can do about it.
Nonchalantly dropping the microphone. Cage and Goon continue their stand-off. Trading barbs not picked up by the microphones at ringside, yet the venom on both men’s face’s is palpable. In a surprising show of restraint, Cage exits the ring, but never once loses sight of the World Champion. Aside from pausing briefly on the apron to flip off David.
As he ascends the ramp, the camera cuts between Nathan and Ricardo continuing to yell obscenities at one another.
Tommy West: You can feel the intensity! Two men who back down from absolutely no one, colliding over that world title!
Dan Simmons: Any hope that things might return to normalcy after Homecoming appears unlikely. Nathan Cage wants the world championship and you can bet Ricardo Goon will not give it up without it being pried from his cold dead hands! But the question is folks, IF such a match will be signed off by management. And if it is? When will it go down?!
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Bloodied Fox vs Felix
Bloodied Fox and Felix stare one another down for a long moment before coming to the center of the ring. Felix offers a handshake, and there’s another pregnant pause, but the crowd cheers when Fox accepts it. Afterward, the two warriors start circling each other, jockeying for position. A lot of wrestlers would fall into a collar-and-elbow lock up, but these two both test the waters with kick feints. Felix is first to commit, but Fox jumps over the leg sweep attempt. Felix ducks the follow-up spinning roundhouse kick, an early MDK attempt, rushing to get to Fox before he spins back around. He gets Fox in a modified Sleeper hold, but before he can finish the Saka Otoshi throw, Fox folds himself as he’s pulled back, allowing him to add momentum to let himself land not on his front, but kick his legs out and be on his back, and as Felix reaches to maneuver him into the move he wanted, Fox pulls him down into an inside cradle! Felix kicks out quickly, and the two men get to their feet at the same time, staring down again as the crowd cheers the exchange.
The feeling out process for the second series goes much quicker; in the kick feint stage, Fox feints a feint with a Question Mark kick, landing a solid blow that stuns Felix! Fox is quick to press the advantage, a dropkick pushing Felix back into a corner. Felix comes out of the corner before Bloodied Fox gets to him, but not before Fox can use the momentum of his stumble to get him over with a belly-to-belly suplex! Fox immediately mounts, trying for a flurry of strikes, but gets only a couple palms out before Felix is shoving him off. As Felix is pushing himself up, he eats a few Kawada kicks to the temple, but then he surges, grabbing Fox by the waist and hitting a Saito Suplex! Felix covers, but isn’t surprised when Fox kicks out before two. Felix starts maneuvering for a ground move, but Fox doesn’t give him any time and frantically knees up toward Felix’s head before he can get locked in Go Rin no Sho. When he feels the pressure let up, Fox rolls over, which starts a grounded chain of positioning struggles as Felix tries to lock in the Sodegarami (a grounded Full Nelson), then Fox tries for the Lament Configuration, neither getting a lock. But when both men stand this time, Felix immediately sweeps Fox with an STO, but gets only two.
Fox immediately turns over onto his back, but Felix follows him, this time locking in the Sodegarami! The crowd is alive immediately, cheering for Felix to get another upset, or Fox to escape. Fox takes a lot of strain in the hold, having only his legs and core to help him, but so slowly, he inches his body around Felix’s pivot point until his legs brush the ropes, which breaks the hold. Felix is quick to release, following the official’s instructions and letting him count Fox down. Fox is motionless until about the sixth count, and the crowd starts fearing he won’t make it up in time, but he heaves himself up just after the ref shouts “Nine!” and the crowd surges. Felix gives another respectful nod, then moves in to finish things. He gets through the elbow smash phase of Uchi-Sute, but as he’s going for the cravate, Fox springs to life and, with an audible cry of effort, heaves the bigger man over his head with the Fox Trap Suplex! His take on a dragon suplex folds Felix in half, and gives him a much needed opening, nailing a Penalty Kick as Felix tries to unfold himself. Then he slips through the ropes and springs off the top with Air Vulpine, nailing the frog splash, but Felix kicks out just in time. Fox runs his hand across his forehead, frustration starting to mount.
Fox slips out onto the apron again, looking like he might go for Air Vulpine again, but he waits for Felix to start stirring to really set himself. He goes for a springboard version of Bloody Rain, but he flies into a huge and ironic Shotei from Felix, crumbling as he eats a palm strike instead of dealing one. Felix is dazed, but fights through the haze, catching Fox in a kneeling position and pelting his chest with kicks, then spins for the heel kick that finishes Naginata, only earning a two count. Fox is dazed now, crawling toward the ropes to pull himself up, but Felix stops him, wrapping his left arm up and twisting his body, making Fox cry out and clutch his arm after the twist threatened to dislocate it. The crowd murmurs at the brutality of the move, but it’s definitely strategic, as it makes it so much harder to lock in Bloodied Fox’s signature submission hold.
Fox pushes himself to his feet, cradling that arm, and Felix moves in for the kill, starting with elbow smashes again, but when Fox tries to evade the cravate, Felix anticipates, doing a standing switch to get behind Fox. He wraps him up for a German suplex, the start of his Bushido sequence, but Fox pops the crowd by backflipping out of it, landing on his feet! He staggers a few steps, but comes forward as Felix whips around, spinning and landing the MDK! Felix is stunned but doesn’t go down, so Fox wraps his head in the cutthroat with his bad arm, lifts with the good one, and plants Felix with the B4! The crowd roars as Fox covers Felix with his good arm and earning a hard fought three count!
[WINNER: Bloodied Fox via B4 at 14:50]
Dan Simmons: What a big win for Bloodied Fox, who will now have one eye on Battle for Hegemony as he vies for the X*Crown! But folks we are now out of time! We’re next on your screens on the Sunday, 26th December for Open Fight Night, we know Chris Sanderson will challenge Florida Man for the Junior Heavyweight Championship, there’s been a handful of challenges already but we all know from past nights that almost anything can happen! Until then, happy holiday’s and goodnight folks!
