NLW Ascendancy XXXIV | Saturday, April 16th, 2022 | LIVE
Apr 5, 2022 9:07:46 GMT -5
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Post by Kris on Apr 5, 2022 9:07:46 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXXIV
LIVE from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
April 16th, 2022
‘Obey’ blares over the sound system of the Lakeland Arena and the fans hit their feet to cheer at another episode of Ascendancy beginning. As multi-colored lights swirl over the gathered masses, signs for various members of NLW’s roster can be picked out from the crowd. One more sweep over the arena’s interior and the camera cuts to the announce team.
Dan Simmons: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to episode thirty-four 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 another night of action!
Tommy West: You know I am too, Simmo–especially when it comes to the two matches at the end of the night. Scott Fargo taking on Sexton Love is going to be one Hell of a fight, and the battle of wills between Felix and Spike Kane is bound to go down in history!
Dan Simmons: I’m not sure which match I’m looking forward to most–not just out of those two match-ups, but on the entire card. The Academy is gonna have their hands full with the Hot Tag Express for sure!
Tommy West: The experience edge definitely lies with Syberus and Jonnie Valentine, but will that be enough? And speaking of experience, has Tuna Meltzer ever experienced anything like Mis–er, El Blobberino?
Dan Simmons: I don’t think anyone has experienced anything like El Blobberino, and I don’t think anyone will ever be able to understand him completely. If anyone can, though, then the well-researched Tuna Meltzer stands a chance.
Tommy West: But before all of that, we’ve got Razor Blade waiting in the ring to take on-–
GG Allin's "No Rules" blares over the loudspeaker as Bugz? runs out onto the stage, clad in a pair of Doc Martens and a Bugz? Misfits ripoff thong (available now for the low price of $13.99!). Instead of his usual chair he holds a couple of brightly colored, plastic eggs in each hand. He makes a big show about throwing them into the crowd, only to stop at the last minute and shake his head. He stuffs two down the front of his thong, then walks back through the curtain.
Dan Simmons: It seems that Bugz? is in the Easter spirit, which isn’t surprising considering that his mask is a rabbit.
Tommy West: Yeah, but I get the feeling that his take on this holiday is gonna be far from normal.
After a moment he reemerges, this time carrying a large, traditionally decorated sugar egg. He holds it contemplatively for a moment before shutting his eye and peering into it. He then approaches one of the cameras to let the viewers at home know what's inside. Just as he's about to turn the egg so the panorama inside is in view, he quickly spikes it into the ground. Offering nothing more than a casual shrug he disappears behind the curtain once again.
Dan Simmons: Just… what in the world is that man up to?
Tommy West: Who knows? I think we’re gonna have to wait and see.
Another, much longer moment passes. This time a massive decorated egg on a wheeled chart pushes itself through the curtain with Bugz? behind it. It's clearly taking him a lot of effort to push it, and as soon as the front wheels touch the ramp he jumps onto the cart and holds on, riding it down. The egg and cart crash into the ring, causing Bugz? to fall to the floor. He stands up, pulling the eggs out of his thong before rolling into the ring. He cracks one open and holds it above his head, pouring candy into his mouth while walking toward Razor Blade, tossing the empty egg out of the ring and presenting him with the other.
Dan Simmons: I wouldn’t open that if I were you–
Tommy West: Why not?! Those looked like M&M’s in the one Bugz? had!
With a look of disgust, Razor smacks the egg out of his hand. It lands on the mat and breaks, causing a plastic egg's worth of thumbtacks to spill onto the canvas. Bugz? gestures wildly at Razor while pointing at the tacks, trying to get the ref to DQ him; the request is denied. The ref quickly begins kicking the tacks out of the ring, and Bugz? takes the opportunity to attempt a classic eyepoke on Razor. However, he telegraphs it too obviously and Razor throws a solid punch in order to thwart him. As the two begin to brawl the ref calls for the bell.
MATCH ONE
Bugz? vs Razor Blade
It’s not often that Razor Blade is so much larger than his opponent, and he takes the opening minutes of the match to flex, mostly figuratively, on Bugz? After the failed eye poke, Razor holds Bugz? steady for several elbow smashes, then starts wailing with various strikes, ending with a backfist and a stiff roundhouse that drops Bugz? clean, but he only gets a two count out of the pin attempt. He tries for an early Anaconda Vice, but Bugz? is aware enough to scramble to safety. He wraps himself in the ropes so Razor has to let him up, but the self-proclaimed Best in the World pounces as soon as he’s on his feet. He hits some more elbows, then whips Bugz? into the ropes, but this gives him the opening to fly at him with a leaping clothesline that sends both men sailing over the top rope, with Razor landing only inches from where the discarded tacks had gathered. He quickly scrambles to his feet, but Bugz? is waiting and lays into him with haymakers. Razor almost falls on the tacks a few times, but when Bugz? rushes, Razor meets him with a jumping knee to stagger him, then he lifts Bugz? and rolls him into the ring. He gets up on the apron and sets himself for a springboard clothesline, but Bugz? counters with a midair dropkick to get himself an opening.
As Razor pushes himself up again, he gets grabbed by the hair and pulled in toward Bugz? who bites him right on the forehead! He yells and flails as referee Jennifer Thibodeaux tries to yank him off. She does, but this just results in some skin coming away from Razor’s forehead, and it doesn’t take long for blood to start trickling out, and Jennifer has to break out the latex gloves. Razor is immediately upset, but Bugz? has the momentum and slams into him with a crossbody, and he’s off balance enough to fall down, but Bugz? doesn’t anticipate the part where Razor rolls through and lifts Bugz? into fallaway slam position, then up to his shoulders for a Go To Sleep! But he’s too close to the ropes, and Bugz? flailing and kicking his feet. throws him a bit off balance, just enough for Bugz? to grab the ropes. After failing to pull him away, Razor instead tosses Bugz? over the top rope to the outside, where he lands on the discarded thumbtacks. Bugz? lets out a surprised shriek of pain, rolling around and kicking his feet as Razor turns and begins appealing to the crowd.
Unfortunately, Razor gets too cocky, because when he finishes making fun of Bugz?, he turns around into a flying clothesline from Bugz?! Bugz? goes for a cover. He only gets a two count, but he also bleeds onto Razor, so that’s something. He then mounts Razor and starts wailing away on him. Thibodeaux starts counting Bugz? towards disqualification, but Bugz? relents before getting thrown out. As Bugz? tries to get back into position, Razor reaches up and tries to lock in a Koji Clutch, but Bugz? has too much leverage and stacks Razor up, forcing him to kick out and release. Razor rolls up to his feet, then ducks out of the way of an attempted Legdrop Bulldog. He whips Bugz? into the corner, wipes some blood off his face, then charges after him for a running knee lift, but Bugz? dodges, leaving Razor to hit the turnbuckle knee first. Bugz? hits a Russian Leg Sweep as he staggers back, then quickly scales the turnbuckles to blast Razor in the stomach with a Diving Double Stomp! Bugz? jumps on top of Razor, and Thibodeaux’s gloved hand smacks the canvas three times, then signals for the bell.
[WINNER: Bugz? via Bunny Hop at 6:39]
As as the bell rings the sound of a chainsaw revving can be heard, and the source is immediately apparent as the saw begins cutting through the shell of the large Easter egg next to the ring. A few more cuts are made in the egg before whoever is inside kicks the cracked shell away. A massive man clad in nothing but a pig mask and a loincloth emerges, shaking the chainsaw above his head as he climbs onto the apron, doing his best to shout over the noise of the chainsaw. "ヒーローは四季を通じて素晴らしいショーでした！あなたの人々は喜ばせることが不可能です" Bugz? presses his back agains one of the turnbuckles and slides down into a seated position, pointing and laughing as the man in the pig mask saws his way through the ropes. Razor wisely exits the ring as quickly as possible, fleeing through the crowd as the man in the pig mask finishes cutting through the bottom rope. As he stomps around revving and swinging the chainsaw, Bugz? gestures for a mic, then gets to his feet.
Bugz?: I'm gonna' make this quick. We ain't got much time down here at the bottom of the card. I'm Bugz?, that's The Great Buta, we're Midnight Animals, go fuck yerself.
Bugz? casually tosses the mic over his shoulder while yelling "Piggyback ride!" and jumps onto Buta's back wrapping his arms and legs around him. The giant man in a pig mask doesn't seem slowed down at all by the weight as he jumps down off the apron, revving his chainsaw all the way to the back. When the coast is clear the ring crew makes their way down, quickly replacing the destroyed ropes before the next match.
We cut backstage where Kelly Ross is standing by with the Most Hated Man in NLW, Sexton Love, as he prepares for his upcoming match. It’s a bit of a different look for Sexton this week, his bleach-blond hair is tied back in a knot, his fists are heavily taped, and his wrestling tights have been replaced with MMA-style fight shorts… complete with advertisements.
Tapout. Affliction. Monster Energy. Trojan Magnum.
Sexton turns to address Kelly.
SEXTON: I’m all warmed up, babbeh. Got a real nice sweat goin’ for ya.
He unloads a flurry of strikes into the air. Jab. Jab. Right hook. Elbow.
SEXTON: Ohhhh yeahhhh...
Kelly rolls her eyes, looking back at the camera, then quickly regains her professional composure.
KELLY: Much has been made about your preparation for this match tonight... returning to your old gym in Toronto...
SEXTON: HARD KNOCKS, babbeh... hard knocks. I’ve been workin’ real hard. Extra hard. Sexton love is ALL about the GRIND, ya dig?
She ignores him, plowing ahead.
KELLY (cont’d): ...the old gym where you first got your start in wrestling, competing under your original name–
SEXTON: TAKE IT EASY, TOOTS! This ain’t some kind of hardcore exposé... if that’s what your interested in, you’ll have to come back to my hotel room after the show–
KELLY (cont’d): I’ve only got one question, and believe me, it has nothing to do with your hotel room. Later tonight, you’ll be taking on Scott Fargo–
Sexton interjects again.
SEXTON: When I said there were no real men left in this business... it must have come after an extra long night, babbeh... because I was sleepin’ on Scotty F. Make no mistake about it, toots... this guy’s as real as they come. As tough as they come. As dangerous as they come. Big Scotty’s a bad, bad man, babbeh... and if I’m not ready... he could put me to sleep FOR GOOD. I ain’t talkin’ about his promos, darlin’... I’m talkin’ knockout... tapout... BLACKOUT, ya feel me?
A pause. Sexton bounces his pecs.
KELLY: ...Am I supposed to answer that?
SEXTON (ignoring her): His hands are deadly weapons... his feet are deadly weapons... his elbows and knees are deadly weapons... even his BIG BALD HEAD is a deadly weapon, babbeh, ohhh yeahhhh. But as tough as Scott Fargo is... as bad as Scott Fargo is... he STILL ain’t got what I got, toots. Because I’ve got the intangibles... I’ve got the x-factor...
...Or should I say... the TRIPLE X-FACTOR.
He picks up the Triple X*Crown Championship, slinging the self-awarded belt over his shoulder.
KELLY: Well, speaking of the Triple X*Crown... will you accept Felix’s challenge for Open Fight Night IV?
SEXTON: Felix must be a genuine bitch, babbeh... because he keeps on coming back for more...
Sexton shoots Kelly a wink. She’s disgusted.
SEXTON (cont’d): I put him in his PLACE last week, and now he wants to get smacked around again on Open Fight Night? Well that’s fine by me, toots. If he can survive tonight that is... and I’ll even put this title on the line! The richest prize in the game!
KELLY: So does that mean you have a prediction for tonight’s main event between Felix and Spike Kane?
SEXTON: Main event?!? Last I checked, neither one of those guys are holding championship gold, babbeh. And neither one of those guys are on my level. The fact that Felix and Spikey were given the headlining spot over the Triple X*Crown Champion is something I take personally. VERY personally. I’m the Last Alpha Male... THE BIGGEST STAR IN THE BUSINESS... and I won’t stand for that kind of disrespect. Like it or not, Sexton Love is the REAL MAIN EVENT, babbeh... so whatever happens tonight between Felix and that Tatted Up Freak... just know that it’ll be Sexton Love who closes the show...
Because SEX...
...SELLS!
The camera cuts to ringside.
MATCH TWO
Tuna Meltzer vs El Blobberino
The slow jazz room baseline of “5 Star Man” by Pass the Peas begins to play to the sound of boos from the fans. Marty Watts announces the Five Star Man while more fans boo him after his latest Tuna Report… except the part about Marks sucking. Everyone agrees with that for the most part. However, once his opponent’s music starts playing, everyone in the Lakefront Arena starts to cheer. Despite the music belonging to former XHF Tag Team Champion, Mr. Blobby, the figure on the ring appears to be slightly different.
Tuna Meltzer looks completely unimpressed and asking Jenny Thibodeaux if she is really going to pretend this is a different person, as this large pink and yellow luchador traverses down the ramp towards the ring. He trips over his own two feet right before hitting the ring but promptly springs back to his feet and rolls into the ring. Tuna Meltzer looks as though he wants to give the entrance zero stars before the bell sounds to start the match.
Tuna Meltzer starts off spitting venom in the direction of El Blobberino, talking about how pathetic a talent he is and how unskilled he is. El Blobberino responds with a giant haymaker that knocks Tuna Meltzer right off his feet. Tuna springs back up to his feet, only for Blobberino to send him to the ropes and dropping him with a jumping crossbody. Cover by El Blobberino but Tuna kicks out after the count of two.
Tuna sweeps the legs into a drop toe hold to finally get some form of offense. Once El Blobberino gets back to his feet, he’s caught up in a hammerlock by Meltzer. El Blobberino flails wildly… a little more than usual for a hammerlock. El Blobberino eventually gets to the ropes causing Thibodeaux to order the move to be discontinued. With El Blobberino’s back to him, Tuna Meltzer attempts to hit the back drop driver… but he can’t get the giant luchador off the ground. El Blobberino strikes Tuna Meltzer a few times with his elbow before using his positioning to hit a bulldog on the Five Star Man. El Blobberino throws Tuna Meltzer into the corner and begins his handspring elbow… but TUNA MOVES OUT THE WAY!!
El Blobberino crashes into the corner! Tuna drives his forearm into the giant luchador as hard as he can to finally take El Blobberino to the mat. He climbs on El Blobberino’s back to try to get a chinlock but… had a hard time finding a chin for him to lock onto. West and Simmons are starting to point out that most of Tuna Meltzer’s moveset will be impossible to use against Mr. Blobby… THEY MEAN EL BLOBBERINO!! Tuna looks at the legs to try to see if he can get the 5 Star Lock (Haas of Pain) but El Blobberino sees it coming and quickly pulls himself to the bottom rope.
Tuna Meltzer delivers a few stomp before being admonished by Jenny Thibodeaux. Once El Blobberino pulls himself back to his feet, Tuna Meltzer quickly turns to one of the few moves in his arsenal that’s actually useful… a small package. But El Blobberino is able to kick out after Thibodeaux’s second count. Tuna Meltzer looks at the downed El Blobberino and looks around, wondering what on earth he could possibly do to harm the pink and yellow giant. He hits a few more stomps before pulling El Blobberino away from the ropes, possibly to try the 5 Star Lock again, but El Blobberino kicks Tuna off of him. Tuna stumbles back a bit as El Blobberino… spins…? Ummm, spins to his feet. Tuna misses with a palm strike before Blobberino starts hitting the Blobby #3 (Road Dogg’s Shake Rattle and Roll strike combination). With Tuna Meltzer as dazed and confused as a Matthew McConaughey movie, El Blobberino hooks Melter’s arm and perfectly executes the Blobby #2 (Destino), almost as if he was Mr. Blobby himself!! El Blobberino hooks the leg to get the cover and ultimately, the win.
[WINNER: El Blobberino Via Blobby #2 at 06:54]
Next Level Wrestling Presents
HOSTILE INTENT 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, May 28th, 2022
HOSTILE INTENT 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, May 28th, 2022
After the commercial for Hostile Intent comes to a close, the scene opens in the office of BB Gunn. NLW’s General Manager is on the phone, though just who is on the other end of the line is a mystery.
BB Gunn: –yes, thank you. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Keep in touch. Mmhmm, have a good evening.
Ending the call with a tap on the screen, Gunn puts his phone down on the desk blotter in front of him before turning his attention to the camera with a smile.
BB Gunn: Hello, everyone! I hope you’ve been enjoying the show so far. I know you’re all also eager to get back to the action, so I’ll be brief. First, I would like to remind everyone that sign-up for NLW’s first Super Scramble is still open, and we are accepting entrants. This has drawn in a couple of exciting new signings so far, so I encourage anyone and everyone to come on down and throw your hat in the ring!
Nodding to affirm that point, the GM continues.
BB Gunn: But what if giant clusterfu–er, messes aren’t your thing? Don’t worry, ladies and gentlemen–we’ve got you covered there, too. The G1 will be officially making its comeback in June of this year with sixteen slots available to be taken… and those will be opening up tomorrow, April 17th! Consider it an unofficial Easter gift, from me to you.
He grins.
BB Gunn: The card for Open Fight Night IV will also go live tomorrow, and it’s shaping up to be one Hell of a card so far–and maybe I’m an optimist, but I get the feeling it’s only going to get better after tonight. So let’s go ahead and get back to the action, shall we? Back to you, Simmo and Tommy.
The camera cuts to ringside.
MATCH THREE
NON-TITLE
The Academy (C) vs The Hot Tag Express
Hot Tag Express make their way down to the ring to some light cheers from the New Orleans fans. They show some respect to the two former SWAT World Champions Jonnie Valentine and Syberus, as they make their way to the ring but it’s quite clear that the fans are saving their applause for their opponents. Once You Me At Six starts playing, the fans all rise to their feet. The NLW Tag Team Champions appear on the ramp, Leon Chant and Riley Richards. The four men discuss who should start in the respective corners before arriving at Syberus and Chant as the starting duo. Gabe Valentine calls for the bell and this match has begun!
As Leon Chant slips behind Syberus in a waistlock, Simmons reminds all the fans at home that the NLW Tag Team Titles are not on the line. Leon Chant hits a quick german suplex but Syberus pops right back up and tosses the running Chant with an arm drag. He follows that up with a dropkick on Chant that would make Jonnie Valentine and Adrien Cochrane proud. Syberus tries to lock in a rear naked choke before he realizes just how powerful Leon Chant is, who pulls himself to his feet and impressively slams Syberus into the Academy corner. Syberus is forced to let go and is caught in the corner as Chant tags in Richards.
Using their brief time to work together, Richards whips Chant into the cornered Syberus INTO A BIG SPLASH!! But Leon Chant wasn’t done with Syberus before going back outside. He holds Syberus up for a vertical suplex. Riley Richards climbs the top rope and… MISSILE DROPKICK/SUPLEX COMBO!! Leon Chant exits the ring as Riley hooks the legs to try to get the quick victory, but Syberus kicks out at two.
Syberus realizes the powerhouse is out of the ring and finally gets his rear naked chokehold on Riley, slamming him down to the mat in the process. Gabe Valentine makes a stern warning to Chant to stay on the apron as he assesses the XHF European Champion. Chant yells something about how Gabe must be related to Jonnie as Riley appears to start fading. Chant stomps his feet and tries to get everyone in the Lakefront Arena to chant (pun intended) “RI-LEY!! RI-LEY!! RI-LEY!!” As Riley hears his name being chanted, he starts to find the strength to drive an elbow into Syberus. And again. And another. And Syberus is losing his grip and Riley hits another before breaking free, locking a headlock on Syberus and springing off the middle rope to drop him with a springboard DDT. And with that, both competitors are down as the adrenaline for Riley Richards has worn off.
Both men look at their respective corners. Syberus crawls to his. Riley crawls to his. Jonnie wants in. Leon wants in. Syberus tags Jonnie Valentine first. Riley reaches for… AND IS PULLED AWAY JUST BEFORE HE COULD TAG IN CHANT!! Jonnie, with his first action of the night, hits a deadlift suplex and immediately latches on for an armbar. Chant keeps pounding the mat for Riley to pull out of it, knowing the European Champion isn’t within reach of the ropes. Finally, Leon has had enough playing on the apron and stomps Valentine to break it up. Gabe Valentine starts to demand that Leon Chant return to the apron. While this is going on, Syberus sneaks back into the ring and hits a quick DDT on Riley. By the time Chant is on the outside and Gabe turns around, Syberus is already on the outside and Jonnie hits a chicken wing suplex on Riley. Cover by Jonnie and only two from Gabe.
Jonnie hot shots Riley Richards onto the ropes before tagging in Syberus once more. Syberus hits a quick facebuster on Richards before trying the cover once more. But to the delight of all the fans, it’s still just two. Syberus hits a snapmare on Riley. Then when Riley tries to get up, he hits another. And again. And again! And while Riley is down on the mat, Syberus struggles to keep his balance. He tries to yank Riley back up but… EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!! Syberus is crawling to his corner. Riley to his. Syberus is reaching, reaching, reaching… TAG TO JONNIE VALENTINE! Valentine enters the ring, ready to stop Riley from getting to Leon… BUT HE’S TOO LATE!! Riley finally tags in the former two-time NLW Heavyweight Champion!!
Leon Chant slowly steps into the ring and Jonnie Valentine takes a step back. Leon points and says to Valentine “You’re gonna pay for that.” Clothesline to Valentine. Syberus pops back up and eats a clothesline of his own. Powerslam to Valentine! Overhead belly to belly to Syberus! Another suplex onto Valentine! And once Syberus dizzily heads back to Leon Chant, he pops him up in the air and powerbombs him into the mat. Jonnie Valentine gets back to his feet and meets the same fate as his partner. Leon looks at both downed opponents, then to Gabe Valentine, then to Riley Richards, who was holding himself up at the corner. Leon asks which one of these fools is the legal man. Riley points at Jonnie before Leon hooks the leg. Gabe Valentine counts one… two… and three on his alleged relative.
[WINNER: The Academy Via Pop Up Powerbomb at 10:20]
“Look at this.”
A heavy thud.
The NLW Southern States Championship
lays spread out on a wooden floor.
“Do you understand what THIS represents? What it means? What it stands for? This title represents the FUTURE. This title means a pathway to greatness. This championship belongs to…”
Championship belt, revealing the current
Southern States Champion.
“Me.”
Mehrunes Smith sits cross legged on thefloor. His mask sits on the floor beside
him, and he is dressed unusually casual.
“I have struggled a lot on this Network. Do you know what I’ve struggled for? Respect. I’ve made history in the very company that this belt represents. Of the three championships in this company, I have held TWO."
Smith holds up two fingers.“I am forever etched in stone as one half of the first ever tag team champions in this company’s history. Something I am exceptionally proud of, even if what followed was a crushing blow. History can NOT be erased. I am forever etched in stone as the only man in this company to choke out Tommy Kelly, the LEGENDARY StormCrow, not once but twice!”
“I am the Southern States Champion. But, you’d be surprised to learn that. Wouldn’t you? I can’t say that I’d blame you for not knowing. I’m barely in promotional material. I’m pushed to the side. Do you know that when I choked out Tommy Kelly for the second time and WON this belt, I was only on screen for less than 20 seconds? A match that was advertised as a Main Event, played second fiddle to Cage and Sparks barking back and forth at each other.”
“When I was the first man to respond to Eli Dresden’s challenge at Supremacy, my name was misspelled on the posters. When I won this very Championship, I got pushed to the side.”
himself up to his feet.
“My name is Mehrunes Smith.”
“THE Southern States Champion!”
to his side.
“And, one way or another, I will be respected.”
We cut to NLW Interviewer, Kelly Ross, who is stood backstage with a smile on her face.
Kelly Ross: Good evening NLW fans, what a show so far, right? We’ll get you back to the action shortly, but before that, I’m pleased to introduce my guest at this time, former XHF X*Crown Champion, Rob Arnold!
Arnold walks in, suited and booted, and that trademark smirk to complete the look.
Rob Arnold: Thanks for having me, Kelly.
Kelly Ross: No problem! As much as you’re around, Rob, I have to ask you what brings you to our screens tonight?
Rob laughs.
Rob Arnold: You’re right, I suppose I only want to appear in NLW when I’m after something. And in fairness Kelly, tonight is no different. You see, I’ve been watching Leon and Riley work their asses off in recent weeks, I’ve watched Trixie Mars work her ass off since she debuted, and whilst I’ve been keeping busy, I’ve been keeping busy at a distance. Then, The Straight Edge Society challenged The Academy at Open Fight Night, two weeks away. It got me thinking about previous Open Fight Nights, not just here, but in AXW. I realised just how many times I’ve got my hands dirty at those events, and I also realised that the last time I actually got in the ring was at Open Fight Night II, a whole year ago now. I’m won’t lie to you Kelly, the more I thought about it, the more I started getting the itch. So tonight…
Voice: Let me stop you right there.
Ross and Arnold look to their left, and Arnold raises an eyebrow as he sees who just cut him off. We soon see that it was another former X*Crown Champion…
Rob Arnold: Bobby Barratt…The fuck are you doing here?
Barratt arrives on scene and smiles.
Bobby Barratt: Well, last time I checked, I’m still XHF Commissioner-
Rob Arnold: Really?
Barratt ignores the interruption and continues.
Bobby Barratt: So as Commish, I like to come and see various Network shows, make sure they are all up to scratch.
Rob Arnold: I’ve never known you to come here in the eighteen months NLW has been up and running.
Bobby Barratt: Bet you can’t prove it though!
Arnold stifles a laugh, Barratt continues.
Bobby Barratt: Anyway, I overheard your little feelgood piece, and I know what you’re about to do, you want a match for Open Fight Night, right?
Arnold nods.
Bobby Barratt: Well no need to make the announcement, because I already accept.
Rob Arnold: You do?
Bobby Barratt: I do.
Rob glances at Ross and shrugs.
Rob Arnold: Well, that was easier than I expected!
He laughs, before turning back to Bobby and he extends his hand.
Rob Arnold: See you in two weeks then.
Barratt looks at the extended hand, and shakes it.
Bobby Barratt: Damn right you will.
Kelly Ross looks taken aback by how quickly this escalated, but composes herself to sign off as both men keep eye contact.
Kelly Ross: Well, there you go folks, Arnold, Barratt, Open Fight Night! Back to ringside!
MATCH FOUR
Scott Fargo vs Sexton Love
Considering the absolutely despicable things Sexton Love has done since bringing around the Triple X*Crown, it’s no surprise that Scott Fargo’s earning the immediate backing of the fans the moment that the member of the End opens the bout with a vicious forearm smash before the bell even rings, the Triple X*Crown belt itself sent flying out of the ring. As Saxton Love scrambles to retrieve the unofficial championship belt, Gabe Valentine is motioning for the bell as Fargo drives Love into the nearest corner with a second forearm strike. Bodzilla is doing his best to cover up, but when Sexton’s properly trapped between the turnbuckle and a vicious foe, there’s only so much that he can do to protect himself from the onslaught of elbow strikes that the Weapon rains down. The referee has to intervene soonafter, Greg shoving his way between the two men to force Fargo to give Love some space… space that, judging by the bruises already rising to Sexton’s cheeks, is sorely needed. There’s only a moment of reprieve granted before the Shooter is charging right back in, but the Man of a Thousand Hoes manages to drive his elbow into the jaw of the smaller man to prevent the pattern from repeating, sending Fargo reeling. An errant swipe of his forearm across his face and Love realizes the damage that has been done to his face.
Big Daddy Love’s eyes go wide with fury before he’s grabbing Fargo by the wrist and whipping him diagonally across the ring, chasing after his foe–and after colliding belly-to-back with the smaller man in the corner? Sexton muscles Scott out of the corner with O'Connor roll German suplex, the Sex Plex landing perfectly! Bridging the landing, Love’s attempt to end the match ends when Fargo kicks out at two. Sexton snaps a comment at Gabe about not counting fast enough, which the veteran referee simply rolls his eyes at–-but the referee has to quickly drop back down into another count thanks to Fargo snagging Love in a surprise schoolboy! Bodzilla just barely manages to kick out before three, a fresh gout of verbal abuse leaving the larger man that the One and Only responds with some of his own as they both get to their feet. The audacity of Fargo returning fire with that profanity only serves to further infuriate Love, the latter lashing out with a sucker punch that is matched by the former. After a furious exchange of blows, Fargo connects with a kick to Love’s knee that makes him… well, take a knee, putting him in prime position to eat a running high impact European Uppercut! The Shotgun Blast connects soundly, Fargo following up with a pinfall attempt that gets to two and a half before Sexton kicks out to keep his hopes of victory alive. The Weapon doesn’t look disappointed with this development. If anything, Fargo looks happy to continue heaping on the punishment.
To that end, Fargo quickly transitions from that pinfall attempt to a mounted position atop Love, one that Bodzilla’s not going to enjoy thanks to the open-handed strikes that the Weapon nails him with. Sensing that it’ll get under the skin of Tyrannosaurus Sex, the Shooter adjusts his position to just pin his foe in place, heaping on the taunts to infuriate his opponent… and judging by the brilliant crimson on Love’s face, it’s doing exactly as intended. Struggling to get free, Sexton’s frustration grows and grows–and inevitably, it drives Sexton to desperation. The headbutt that Love connects with barely earns a flinch from Fargo, but it does draw Valentine’s attention away from the lower bodies of the two men, leaving the way open for Love to drive his knee up between Fargo’s thighs. The raucous boos that follow only grow louder when Sexton headbutts Scott again, this time seemingly getting the advantage from that maneuver when everyone but the referee is aware of the truth. Sitting up, Love smirks like he didn’t just need to cheat to escape Fargo’s grasp, making a point of rolling onto his side and posing sexily at the camera–blowing a kiss and winking at it because he knows he’s got the time to showboat a little bit. Getting to his feet, Bodzilla drags a still-suffering Shooter up before hoisting Fargo up on his shoulders, clearly setting up for the Sexecution… but instinct has Fargo wriggling his way free, the smaller man falling to the mat! Disbelief is writ large across Love’s face as he whirls around, but what he’s got planned will forever be a mystery as Fargo trips his foe up, locking in the submission hold that he is the undeniable master of! The Heelhook is locked in tight as Love screams in pain, trying to claw and escape the hold–but as many times as Fargo has locked the Heelhook in over the years, there’s nothing Bodzilla can do that he’s not prepared to deal with! Eventually, as the crowd cheers raucously on, Love has no choice but to tap, Fargo securing the win!
[WINNER: Scott Fargo Via Heelhook at 11:27]
The scene cuts to the locker room of the Spiked One. Spike Kane is in the middle of getting ready for his bout with Felix in the main event of the evening, his focus total, absolute…
CRACK!
Well, until that loud sound rings out, Spike jumping thanks to whatever-it-is that connected so soundly with his rear end. Of course, it doesn’t take long for a familiar blond to poke her head around from behind him. Eli Dresden is grinning ear-to-ear as she looks up at the former X*Crown Champion, bereft of any kind of fear.
Eli Dresden: So I hear you've been talkin' shit.
Spike Kane: If I was talking shit, it'd be too your face, you should know that by now.
Eli Dresden: You'd be too busy tryin' to see down my shirt to say anything to my face and we both know it.
Rolling his shoulders and starting to do some stretches, Spike does his best to act unphased.
Spike Kane: You must be thinking of my brother, I'm not that desperate or easily swayed.
Eli Dresden: Not what the... raccoon? Told me.
He stops for a moment.
Spike Kane: I'll kill him.
Eli snickers.
Eli Dresden: Gonna make him a rug? Cuz he looks soft enough to be a rug.
He turns to face her now.
Spike Kane: He's a psychopath. If he told you something, he either took something or he's after something... But anyway.
He sizes her up for a moment, a mixture of flirtation and almost calculation on his face.
Spike Kane: I thought you wanted to fight?
Eli Dresden: S'why I'm here, Spikey. You. Me. Open Fight Night.
A finger runs up the middle of his chest.
Eli Dresden: Sound like a plan?
He rolls his tongue around his cheek, taking a deep breath.
Spike Kane: If that's what you're really here for. Sure. You know me. Anytime, any place.
Eli Dresden: Oh, I know.
She smirks.
Eli Dresden: I also know about the thing with the pizza sauce.
He had been going to reach for his knee pads but paused, cocking an eyebrow in silent question. Eli chuckles.
Eli Dresden: Y'know...
Leaning in, she whispers in his ear. He raises both eyebrows.
Spike Kane: Yeah ugh.. Ahem.. Um.. So, like I have a match to get ready for, and I've got to try and make sure this plank of wood doesn't bore everyone to sleep.
He takes a few breaths having stumbled through his sentence.
Spike Kane: You staying to help me prepare, or is this really about fighting?
Eli Dresden: Nah, I ain't a fan of quickies.
Another handful of ass, Eli squeezing good and hard.
Eli Dresden: Have fun.~
And off Dresden goes to… well, cause whatever chaos she’s got in mind. He watches her leave, his stare growing more and more intense before his sinister smirk starts to creep back in.
Spike Kane: Oh I will.... I feel like breaking someone.
And with that, the camera cuts to ringside.
Suddenly, as the announce team prepare for the main event, the microphones cut out in the building. Electronics all begin to shut down one by one. Static takes over the screen as all of the lights within the arena flicker.
Blackout. Silence.
But then, a distorted voice begins to crackle as the static resumes over every NLW screen.
"Hello, Next Level Wrestling. Did you miss me? Because I’ve certainly missed all of you.
Now, I know I have some explaining to do about my absence, but… all good things come with time. What kind of drama doesn’t have a little build-up first?
Speaking of which… I hear the G1 is coming back around after Hostile Intent… would sure be fun to shake things up there after missing last year…
But most important of all… we’ve got an actor looking for a co-star at Open Fight Night! A damn pity that none of you decided to step up and grace this man’s open invitation. But, it’s okay, Scotty. I’ll be your dance partner."
The static begins to dissipate and normalize… leaving behind only a familiar masked visage staring blanking towards the lens.
The Thespian: "It’s showtime once again, Hampton. Let’s see what you’ve got! Ahahahaha!"
The masked wrestler lets out a manic laugh as the stream cuts out. Lights take over the complex once more as normal communications come back online... just in time to catch the raucous, excited cheering of the crowd.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Spike Kane vs Felix
Before the match is properly underway, Felix offers a wink to Maxwell, his boyfriend, who blows a kiss in response. For his part, Spike Kane seems to be entirely disregarding the presence of his opponent’s partner at ringside, viewing it as irrelevant. Once the bell rings, though, it becomes clear that Maxwell’s presence at ringside has lit a fire within the Tactician that has made him all the more of a threat. When the two do the traditional lock up, Felix takes the advantage in the strength contact, pushing Spike up into the turnbuckle. Before referee Gabe Valentine can pull him off, Spike reverses, and before he can pull Spike off, he pops Felix in the jaw. The crowd boos, then cheers when Felix pops him back with a Tiger Strike to the ribs. This becomes a fierce strike exchange as Spike uses some European uppercuts and Felix mixes up Tiger Claws from either side, ending when Felix blocks an uppercut with a Snake Stance Switch and hits a stabbing blow to the temple that sends Spike reeling. Gabe reminds Felix not to go for the eyes, and Felix assures him that, though he got close, he didn’t, but that brief moment is enough for Spike to barrel in and sandwich Felix against the buckles with a body splash, and as Felix stumbles out, he lifts Felix, holding him in the air for a bit, then drops him down in a stalling vertical suplex. He goes for a pin and gets a short two count.
Spike cracks his neck and gets back to work, sitting Felix up and wearing him down with a rear chinlock. Maxwell immediately starts cheering on Felix as Valentine works to ensure Spike isn’t choking the Warrior. Felix starts pushing himself up to his feet. Spike transitions to a headlock, but Felix starts fighting out, starting with the traditional elbows, but as soon as he has separation, he shifts his weight to hit several snake strikes to the torso in rapid succession. Spike staggers backwards toward the ropes, but responds with a knee lift to cut Felix off. He grabs Felix and pulls him toward the ropes, but Felix reverses with an Ipponsuoi throw! He keeps wrist control and flips Spike, trying to fall into a Fujiwara, but Spike knows it’s coming, flipping forward out of it. As he rolls up to his feet, Felix goes for a leg sweep. Spike hops over it, blocks the grounded Enzuigiri Felix follows up with, then fires off an attempt at Bloody Sunday that Felix then ducks. The crowd pops at the exchange, then boo as Spike finishes it with a poke to the eye, who he then boots in the gut to pull him down with a Stunner. He covers Felix, but the Warrior kicks out, despite being Thunderstruck, earning a strong pop.
Spike is not moved and just stands up, preparing for something else. Felix stirs, and just as he gets his feet under him, Spike grabs him in suplex position. He lifts, looking like he’s going for the kill, but instead of Spike Impailing Felix, Felix slips out behind him, wraps an arm around his throat, whips Spike over his shoulder with a Saka Otoshi, then transitions seamlessly into a Sodegarami, a grounded Full Nelson, and now Spike is the one having to struggle. The crowd cheers as Felix cranks on the submission, but Spike has all his limbs under him and is able to push himself, slowly but steadily, toward the ropes. It’s actually Felix’s leg getting under the ropes while he’s trying to push back that breaks the hold because he put all his strength and weight into stopping the Blood God. Gabe has to pull Felix off, at which point Maxwell comes over to help calm him down. Felix takes some deep breaths to calm himself while Spike pulls himself up.
Felix circles Spike and starts peppering him with Tiger Claw body shots, but Spike slaps Felix hard enough to spin him around, so he whips him over his head in a German Suplex. Felix rolls through, but is disoriented as he backs into the corner. Spike starts laying in to him with haymakers and body shots in the corner, then whips him hard into the opposite corner, but he charges in to a big boot from Felix, who then rapidfire hits a jumping roundhouse kick, a Savat kick, and a Tiger Claw to either side of Spike’s face, but when he goes for the spinning back kick reminiscent of Bloody Sunday, Spike ducks, but Felix adjusts, combining his Iaijutsu flurry with the Hagakure sequence by nailing a leaping knee strike, knocking Spike down. Boos rain down, which confuses the honorable Warrior, but the reason is soon obvious as Sexton Love appears at the top of the ramp. Felix glares at him, but shakes his head, returning his focus to the match. Spike is on hands and knees as he gets up, so Felix swoops in and puts his whole body into a swinging hammer blow to the back of the neck, but Spike twists out of the way, and Felix is off balance, allowing him to grab Felix, pushing him up into the air even as he stands up, catching Felix and planting him with a sickening Pop Up Powerbomb. He stacks Felix’s folded up body, putting a hand on Felix’s face in clear disrespect as Valentine is forced to count to three.
[WINNER: Spike Kane Via Blood God’s Wrath at 12:36]
As Felix begins to stir in the ring, Love spies the man that the Warrior was winking at when the match began and makes his own approach, immediately running at the mouth with what can be assumed to be very, very unpleasant things. The crowd cheers for Maxwell as he holds his ground, glaring down the man that has been a thorn in the side of his beloved for weeks now. Love smirks, continuing to run his mouth without the benefit of a microphone being nearby to pick up what’s being said… but the one sentence Maxwell responds with has Sexton’s face turning beet red with rage!
Dan Simmons: Maxwell is a trained fighter in his own right, so Love had better be careful with how he proceeds from here!
Tommy West: Felix’s partner might know his way around a fight, but Maxwell’s focus is split!
Indeed it is, as Felix is beginning to exit the ring to a thunderous ovation which draws his boyfriend’s attention–but the reaction quickly turns into loud, thunderous boos as Bodzilla takes the brief moment of distraction to suckerpunch Maxwell in the jaw! Maxwell collapses as Love beats a hasty retreat. Felix, for his part, bolts to his lover’s side, a couple trainers and officials quickly joining the Tactician to check on Maxwell’s condition.
Dan Simmons: What a disgusting display of cowardice!
Tommy West: As much as I would usually say that’s what you get for involving yourself in a wrestling show, I have to agree. Love didn’t have to start it, but looking at the look at Felix’s face… he’s gonna finish it!
The last sight that the viewers see at home is of Felix cradling Maxwell, his face contorted in a mixture of concern for his partner… and rage at the man who dared to put his hands on him.
