NLW Ascendancy XXXVIII | Saturday, July 17th, 2022 | LIVE
Jun 13, 2022 11:03:59 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Dave D-Flipz, and 4 more like this
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Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXXVIII
LIVE from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
June 25th, 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-eight of Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and joining me as always is Tommy West. And Tommy, we have our second batch of G1 matches here tonight. Two titles will be defended. And we have the return of former NLW Heavyweight Champion Finn Whelen. What a show we have lined up for us tonight.
Tommy West: The G1 always brings us so many interesting match-ups. I think one of the most intense will be Grimgor Ironhide defending his Southern States Championship against Bloodied Fox.
Dan Simmons: Fox has one of the best resumes on the roster but Grimgor Ironhide has been on a hot streak. The other title match on tap for tonight will be Scott Hampton taking on the Casimir the Clown.
Tommy West: Who we know very little about but that sorta makes him so much more dangerous. Actually, didn't we see him shoot a man on video?
Dan Simmons: That's almost a preposterous as saying our X*Crown Champion stabs people. Oh... wait... ANYWAY, we have our first match coming right up! Let's see what happens as Chris "The Filth" Marks takes on Midnight Animals member Lee Gorn!
MATCH ONE
Lee Gorn vs Chris Marks
The moment the bell rings, both "Foggy" Lee Gorn and Chris "The Filth" Marks waste no time in rushing one another to trade blows; punches and kicks fly between the two as they struggle to overpower one another. Eventually, Chris reaches up for Lee's mask with a claw and snatches it in a slight twist. Disoriented, Chris throws him to the ropes and runs in for the kitchen sink... only to be hit with a quicker clothesline instead as Lee starts swinging wild punches down at Chris from the mount. After properly tenderizing his opponent, Lee gets up just enough to drop a drumstick leg across the head for a quick one-count.
Lee drags Chris up to his feet before locking him in for a traditional suplex. Chris blocks the attempt with a hooked leg before snatching Lee instead with a belly-to-belly suplex! With Lee on the ground now, Chris begins to rain down various kicks and stomps to soften up all of the extremities. Lee rolls over to the ropes and grabs ahold of the bottom rope. Jenny Thibodeaux begins to count Chris off of Lee before he gets disqualified... and at four, Chris rounds off the assault with a hard stomp that spikes Lee's head off the edge of the arena.
Lee rolls out of the ring to gather his bearings slightly, but Chris doesn't let his momentum die as he slips out of the ring behind "Foggy." Chris reels back for a step before sliding in for a Lightning Strike (superkick) right to the back of the head! Lee stumbles forward and falls to the floor. Thibodeaux beckons for Chris to get back in the ring with Lee as the count gets to 3, but Chris just gives her the bird before grabbing Lee and throwing him violently into the ring-post! Lee's head pings off the metal before he collapses into a heap. The count gets to 5 as Chris rolls back into the ring... only to roll right back out for the count reset. But as he rolls out, Lee pushes back to his feet and spears his opponent spine-first into the ring apron. Chris reels for a moment as Lee struggles to regain himself, but Lee manages to lock his hands around Chris' midsection before swinging him up into the air and dropping him down to the floor with a spinebuster! Staggering still, he begins to wrap up Chris' legs and twists him around for a Boston Crab to complete the Two-Piece Meal combo! That being said, Lee's strength is not all there from the dizzying attack from before as Chris manages to wiggle his legs out of the grasp. Lee stumbles forward but manages to keep his balance as he rolls himself back into the ring. Thibodeaux gets to 6 as Chris climbs up the ring apron to follow-- SUICIDE DIVE FROM "FOGGY!"
The sudden dash from Lee takes both of them to the floor of the arena as the referee begins her count once more. By 2, both of them are struggling to get up; Chris' legs and back still ache from the combo from before as Lee probably deals with a minor concussion by this point. By 4, they're pushing up onto their feet. By 6, however, Chris manages to grab Lee around the midsection and lifts him up for Filthy Tactics (inverted atomic drop)! Lee favors between his legs as Chris rolls them both into the ring for the pin, but only manages a two-count.
Dazed and pained, Lee stays curled up on the floor as Chris walks back over towards the turnbuckle like last show. And, much like before, the referee begins to admonish Chris' actions and tries to pry him away from the corner. Chris tries to shoulder the official off of him only to be snatched up from behind with a Chicken Choke (cobra clutch)! Lee locks in the move as tight as he can as the two struggle towards the middle of the ring, but Chris uses his weight advantage and swings both of their bodies into the referee! With the official out of commission temporarily, Chris swings one of his legs back between Lee's to hit the low blow! However, Lee still holds on to the move! Chris begins to fade a little before reaching down into his tights for the brass knuckles once more. However, seeing this, Lee snaps the hold suddenly to make him drop the knuckles! Middle of the ring, no where to go, and no more tricks left in his pocket, Chris fades... just as Jenny Thibodeaux comes back into consciousness from the floor and calls for the bell!
[WINNER: Lee Gorn Via Chicken Choke at 07:59]
MATCH TWO
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
Cheez vs Beau Traywick
Beau towers over Cheez as the bell rings for the match to start. Cheez just gives him a pleasant smile, which immediately begins to tick Beau off as he rushes in for a lock-up. The two move into the corner before Gabe Valentine begins to count Beau off of Cheez. He gets to 3 before backing off, but not before giving the gamer an extra slap across the face. Annoyed but keeping his newfound mentality, he rushes back up to Beau for another lock-up, but this time decides to give him an extra knee to the gut. Beau reels slightly from the knee as Cheez tosses him down to the mat with a snapmare. He gives him one extra kick to the back for good measure before backing off to run the ropes. Beau, however, gets right back up and rocks him with a running knee directly into the midsection. Cheez doubles over onto the mat while Beau takes to the ropes and hits a quick springboard elbow drop for a one-count.
As Cheez begins to stir from the middle of the ring, Beau takes to a corner and begins to measure up his opponent before running in and hitting a quick shotgun dropkick to send Cheez bouncing against the turnbuckles. Cheez drops to a knee but manages to stay upright as Beau goes to the well one more time... and gets caught by a quick inverted atomic drop counter from Cheez! Beau bounces off the knee as Cheez runs in to Do a Barrel Roll (swinging neckbreaker)! He covers Beau in the middle of the ring but only scores a two-count this time.
Cheez pushes himself up from the mat first before reaching for his opponent. Beau manages to focus in and kicks the legs right out from under Cheez before grabbing him into a half-crab! He wrenches the hold in tightly as Cheez begins to scream and claw at the mat for a way out. The smaller wrestler writhes in the larger's grip as he reach out for the ropes, arm wavering...
... and he grabs it! Valentine calls for Beau to break it up one more time, but Beau does not let up until the count of four to make sure the damage is done. Cheez begins to pull himself up on his one leg by the ropes, but Beau immediate runs right back in to drag him away from the ropes. He hooks his arms around Cheez's stomach from behind and begins to showcase his strength.
One German Suplex!
Two German Suplexes!!
Three German Suplexes!!!-
NO! CHEEZ COUNTERS THE THIRD! SMALL PACKAGE! THREE-COUNT!
[WINNER: Cheez via Small Package at 4:28]
Cheez rolls himself right out of the ring as that chipper smile clings to his face with a hint of disbelief. Beau, as well as Jolene, look absolutely distraught to the sudden victory.
MATCH THREE
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
The Thespian vs Danni Anderson
The fans give a welcoming cheer to Danni Anderson as Speed Me Up plays her to the ring. The former NFW World Champion and current Tap Out competitor has her daughter following behind her before she hits the ring. Despite being the resident NLW competitor in the match, the Thespian walks down the ramp to the sound of the boos from the fans. Tommy and Dan speculate whether it has anything to do with Thespian making his comments towards Danni's daughter as the Guardian Fairy starts off the match with a shotei palm strike. One spinning headscissors takedown and standing moonsault later, Danni tries to get the early pin attempt on Thespian but Gabe Valentine's count only reaches two. Before Danni could get off Big-Bada-BOOM! (Spinning knee strike) Thespian was able to trip her planted leg. One swinging neckbreaker later, and momentum has officially changed. After a wheelbarrow facebuster from the Thespian, he doesn't turn to his downed opponent but the young lady currently at ringside. While his face is concealed behind the mask, the look Thespian was shooting Leina on the outside of the ring was still creeping the young girl out that she was visibly uncomfortable... until the Thespian is school boyed by Anderson... but only for a two count from Gabe Valentine.
Danni Anderson leaps for her Power Dunk (jumping supergirl punch) but Thespian counters by spearing the airborne Sweetheart Esper. A tornado DDT is unable to keep Anderson down. A running facebuster falls short as well. Everything Thespian was throwing at Anderson kept only getting two counts. Finally, the Thespian decides to dig into his bag of tricks by going the Life's a Comedy (impact signature stealer) route by hitting Danni's Big-Bada-BOOM! on Anderson. But despite all that, Danni Anderson still kicks out at two. Finally Danni sees an opening to hit the signature knee strike herself but even that leads to a two count. Both competitors are exhausted from the tightly contested match before they both make their move. Danni's Crack Shoot (front flip kick) misses. Thespian's Perfect Tragedy (running knee strike) doesn't. After a hook of the leg, Thespian takes the match and the lead for now in Block A.
[WINNER: The Thespian Via Perfect Tragedy at 12:04]
The cameras cut backstage to Seth Dillinger walking down the hallway to the sounds of cheers from everyone in the crowd. The NLW Heavyweight Champion proudly has the championship around his waist as he reaches his destination: a door that reads BB Gunn. Before Dillinger can even knock, the door swings open.
BB Gunn: Ah yes, Seth Dillinger. Good to see you, good to see you.
Seth Dillinger: You wanted to see me?
BB Gunn: Yes, yes. I wanted to talk to you about XHF Night of Champions.
The cheers grow louder for the mention of the biggest annual show in the entire XHF Network. Dillinger has been around long enough to know what this means. To make sure Gunn knows he's savvy, the former two-time X*Crown Champion gets straight to the point.
Seth Dillinger: Who am I defending it against?
Dan Simmons: Tommy, we're getting a NLW Heavyweight Title match at Night of Champions!! This is awesome!
Tommy West: Hang on, Dan! I want to hear who the opponent will be.
Gunn gives a wide smile to his champion before placing a hand on his shoulder. Dillinger side eyes the shoulder touch but let's it go for the time being,
BB Gunn: You will be facing one of two people. One of them is someone who has once held that belt in our company. The other has had a couple of shots and this is close to finally breaking through and win the big one.
Dan Simmons: Narrows it down a bit.
BB Gunn: The one is someone who hasn't had their chance to get their rematch in for this title. The other, you were in the ring with when you won that belt.
Tommy West: Narrows it down more. Wait, he isn't actually going to give Nathan Cage another crack at the title?
Dan Simmons: I don't know. Obviously, they are going to want to showcase the best competitors they can at the biggest show of the year.
Seth is trying to cross out the names on his mental list before BB Gunn finally says a name.
BB Gunn: And your opponent is competing in the main event tonight. Representing Next Level Wrestling and showcasing the best talent we can, we will have Seth Dillinger defending the Heavyweight Championship against... THE WINNER OF TONIGHT'S MAIN EVENT BETWEEN KEAHI SPARKS AND FINN WHELAN!!
The fans collectively cheer even louder than previously at the thought of the two very talented fan favorites going head-to-head, and one of them going toe-to-toe with Seth. Dillinger simply nods his head at the prospect of taking on a former champion he's never shared a ring with before.
Seth Dillinger: Finn Whelan or Keahi Sparks. Alright. Groovy.
BB Gunn: Don't let me down.
Tommy West: What a match to send to Night of Champions!! Either opponent would put on a CLINIC with Seth!! Let's move on to Felix and Daisuke Miyazaki!
MATCH FOUR
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
Felix vs Daisuke Miyazaki
Daisuke Miyazaka was first one to the ring with Okazaki following him. The Japanese competitor bows to the crowd before Felix's music begins playing, ironically from Yakuza 0. The Pittsburgh native gets a bit more cheers from the fans than Miyazaki, but that matters none when the bell is called and Miyazaki makes the first move. Felix is sent across the ring with a belly to belly and a swinging neckbreaker right after. Cover from Miyazaki and only a two count from Jenny Thibodeaux. Daisuke attempts to hit the running STO, but Felix counters into a drop toe hold. As Daisuke was on his knees to get back up, Felix executes a flawless spinning heel kick. Cover by Felix and only a two once more.
Felix tries a few more things to wear down the older Daisuke Miyazaki. Shining wizard? Not enough. Saito Suplex? Still not enough. Felix decides to go a little deeper in the playbook and hit his signature Uchi-Sute (elbow smashes to cravat knee strikes to bicycle kick) combination strikes, hoping that would concuss Daisuke and prevent any more kicks outs. He was wrong when Daisuke barely gets the shoulder up before the three count. Felix tries for a belly-to-belly, but Daisuke finally gets the counter it, blocking the throw and spinning Felix into the Kamikaze Driver (spinning tombstone piledriver). Daisuke takes too long to get the cover, giving Felix enough time to remember where he was and kick out. Daisuke gets up only to be met by a last ditch spinning back kick from Felix. After the kick though, both men are down. Jenny Thibodeaux counts to eight before both men rise to their feet simultaneously. Felix sees Daisuke's back turned to him and goes for the Seppuku (strike to base of skull)... but DAISUKE DODGES!! Before Felix could recover his stance from the missed move, he was already being slammed to the mat with the Shogun's Conquest (wrist-clutch death valley driver). Daisuke Miyazaki gets the cover and the win. As Jenny Thibodeaux raises Daisuke's arm, both men give each other a respectful bow after a tightly contested match that could have gone either way.
[WINNER: Daisuke Miyazaki Via Shogun's Conquest at 13:09]
"Fucking bullshit..."
Christopher Marks is seen muttering all the curses he can after losing to Lee Gorn earlier in the evening. The fans begin to boo the Oakland native. He continues his trek backstage for a few moments.
Tommy West: Oh, it's just Chris Marks.
Dan Simmons: What is he up to now?
Chris Marks: Dumb broad can't fucking do her job right. I'll get that chicken ass motherfucker at some point soon. I'm not done with him. I'm not... well, hello there...
Marks stops walking down the hallway when he sees a door with a name that catches his eye. The name? Razor Blade. Everyone collectively gasps. Marks quickly places his ear to the door.
Chris Marks: No one home.
Next thing Marks does is try to open the door, but it's clearly locked. The Filth gives the door an agitated glare before hatching another idea.
Chris Marks: Oh, I know what to do with you...
Marks dashes off camera for just a moment. When he returns, he has a couple of bottles of vodka. The labels have been ripped off since none of them have a marketing agreement with NLW or the XHF Network.
Chris Marks: Straight Edge Society, aye? Well, I hope you enjoy a little bit of this...
Marks begins pouring all the vodka all over the door and even trying to make sure some make it under the door and into the room.
Chris Marks: Have this round on me, Razor.
Chris Marks cackles as he continues down the hallway.
Dan Simmons: Well that seems highly unnecessary.
Tommy West: Hopefully no open flames come in contact with Razor's door. Let's get to Spike Kane versus the Great Buta already. I don't want to waste too much brain power on Chris Marks.
MATCH FIVE
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
Spike Kane vs The Great Buta
The Great Buta comes out to the ring with little fanfare as the mysterious Midnight Animal slowly makes his way down to the ring. That was nothing compared to the loud cheers from the usually booed Spike Kane, who came down to the ring with a fire in his eyes. Once Thibodeaux calls for the bell, the Great Buta found out why Spike Kane is one of the biggest legends in the entire XHF Network. A fury of offense from the former X*Crown Champion, ending with a superkick, takes down the giant four hundred sixty-six pound beast. Kane covers, but only a two count for the Blood God. Buta is finally able to turn the tables with a Pit of Despair (stinky reverse headlock with body blows). One Ham Hock (running leg drop) later, and the Great Buta gets a cover of his own. But the result is the same as Spike Kane violently kicks out.
Spike makes the mistake of using the corner to get back to his feet... or should I say it was a well scouted move as he dodges the avalanche attempt but the Great Buta, who crashed into the corner and the recoil sends him right into a german suplex. Spike keeps the offense going with an impressive powerbomb when you take into account how large the Great Buta is. The ring completely shakes from the ring but despite all of that, the pin attempt from Spike still only leads to a two count. Spike seems unfazed as he quickly grabs the ankle of the Great Buta and locks in Burning Hell (ankle lock). Buta flails for a moment but he is nowhere near the ropes. Spike gives a sinister smile as he can feel the will to fight from the Great Buta slowly sap away before the Midnight Animal decides he needs to live to fight another day. The Great Buta submits and Jenny Thibodeaux calls for the bell.
[WINNER: Spike Kane Via Burning Hell at 08:50]
MATCH SIX
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
Bugz? vs Trixie Mars
No sooner has the bell rung, that Bugz? charges at Trixie, catching her with a clothesline before she can react! Trixie goes down and Bugz? pulls at her hair, then bites her forehead! Trixie can't break free and Bugz? plants her on the mat again with a Russian legsweep. Bugz? goes for the cover, but Trixie kicks out at two! Bugz? now forces her to her feet, and decides to lay the smackdown on her with his wild punches - NO! Trixie Mars blocks and retaliates with a lightning fast haymaker that sends Bugz? reeling. Trixie goes for a kick to Bugz? midsection, Bugz? catches the leg - ENZUIGIRI BY THE EMERALD UNDERDOG RIGHT TO THE RABBIT'S TEMPLE! Down goes Bugz? and Trixie breaks into a run towards the ring. As Bugz? begins to pick himself up, Trixie comes back from the rebound and leaps into him, flinging him around the ring in a beautiful flying headscissors! Bugz? crumples on the mat and Trixie goes for the cover, but Bugz? kicks out at two!
Trixie decides to take to the air. She climbs up the top turnbuckle and waits for Bugz? to rise once more, then she launches for a flying senton... NO! Bugz? catches her mid-air and powerbombs her to the mat! Trixie is down and Bugz? begins to punish her ribs with some savage kicks! Trixie Mars is now lifeless, and the denizen from the Warrens means to finish this! He shows off to the crowd's jeering as Trixie shows signs of life and rises, then charges at her for the Left Turn at Albuquerque (Legdrop Bulldog)... BUT TRIXIE PUSHES HIM BEFORE HE CAN GET IN POSITION! Bugz? stumbles towards the ropes and the underdog from Seattle receives him with a picture-perfect Fisherman suplex! Bugz? is down, but that has given Trixie some precious time to recover! As the rabbit makes it to his feet, Trixie charges, and prepares to bring him down once more with a running neckbreaker - NO! Bugz has caught her with the Kill the Rabbit! Vicious kick to her groin, and Trixie crumples to the mat! Bugz? goes for the cover, but Trixie Mars kicks out at the very last second!
Bugz? has had enough, and signals for the end! It's his turn to take to the air as Trixie writhes on the ground, still in pain, and leaps for the Bunny Hop (Diving Double Stomp)... BUT TRIXIE ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Bugz? hits nothing but canvas, and Trixie seizes the opportunity! Planting a kick to his stomach, she grabs him and makes a run to the turnbuckle! She plants her feet on the ringpost and backflips to bring Bugz? down with the Pacific Breeze (Sliced Bread #2)! The Emerald Underdog wastes no time to give the rabbit the coup de grace, and leaps from the turnbuckle with the Mars Landing (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press) to put Bugz? away for the final count!
[WINNER: Trixie Mars via the Mars Landing at 07:43]
Murmurs, cast down gazes. Lively conversations turned to hush whispers as one man marches towards the backstage area. NLW Staff either leave outright or do their utmost to avoid confrontation with this man as he wordlessly pushes through them to the arena entrance. Stopped only by a row of yellow shirt clad security and another man stood behind them.
BB Gunn: Go. Home. Cage.
A smirk lies on his face despite the terseness of Gunn's words, clearly enjoying Cage's presence. For his part, Cage wordlessly stares back, eyes aflame as he moves forward.
The security team stands ready, pushed back initially by The Rabid Dog's raw strength but their numbers able to keep him from entering the premises. Cage stumbles back but scoffs, burning a hole through Gunn.
Nathan Cage: Your hand chosen team failed fuckin' miserably. The winner of Call to Arms ain't even classes himself as an NLW Cunt. So, as it stands, the star that made the most impact is still me. In case you forgot, you also owe me a World Championship rematch with Seth Dillinger. Rest assured, ain't no fuckin' TAPE RECORDING'll save his ass this time!
Gunn feigns innocence, dramatically taken aback by such an accusation.
BB Gunn: You think I'd stoop as low as to grab a recording of you saying "I quit" and playing it during the match to have you disqualified?
Nathan Cage: Considerin' I never SAID IT!
BB Gunn: If I did such a thing, you should be thanking me. Seth would have broken your spine in two if you hadn't... Quit.
This provokes a shove from Cage who knocks one of the security guards to the ground. The others quickly mobilise and push Cage back further. Gunn, though having flinched, quickly recovers and waves Cage away before gesturing to the exit. The security detail returns to their place, blocking Cage out of the show.
Nathan Cage: You have me under contract you stupid sonuva bitch. If you think I'm just gonna-
BB Gunn: Actually I'd meant to bring that up. Since you insist on doing this here.
Sirens wail, the parking area of the Avron B Fogelman Arena lights up in a sea of red and blue as two squad cars enter and park.
BB Gunn: You are no longer an NLW Wrestler. All the mayhem and insane crap you pulled might have gotten swept under the rug under the argument of you being a "performer". But, when you went gallivanting off to some island for CTA... Well, unlike J-Rok, you neglected to make the necessary arrangements so you wouldn't be in breach of probation.
Nathan Cage: Zoran paid up.
BB Gunn: Did he? Then the payment and documentation must've been... misplaced.
Grinning, Gunn no longer bothers to hide behind a veneer of pleasant professionalism. Cage looks behind him to see the officers exit their vehicles, cuffs in hand.
BB Gunn: Put simply. You're going back to prison.
The officers approach. Cage looks at them, emotions wrung out of his features. Gunn adjusts his tie and prepares to leave before...
CRACK!
A savage blow to the side of the skull as Cage lunges past security and decks Gunn to the floor. Laying atop him and delivering several more vicious strikes to his face. The officers sprint towards the scene and wrestle Cage off his former boss with the aid of the security detail. The damage is already done as Gunn dizzily blinks his eyes and looks around confused, bruises on his face already beginning to form and darken.
For his part, Cage continues to fight, requiring the officers and members of security staff to pin him in place so the cuffs can be applied. Then using their numbers to force him into the back of the squad car as he lets out a yell of primal rage.
The sirens turn on and the squad car quickly peels out of the area, likely embarrassed to be filmed after such an incident. Gunn is helped to his feet by staff who he angrily brushes off. Turning his dazed look back towards the road as the sirens and police lights fade out into the streets.
MATCH SEVEN
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
NLW NO LIMITS TITLE MATCH
Scott Hampton© vs Casimir the Clown
The moment the bell rings, Scott Hampton takes a running leap for Casimir the Clown, and sends him hard into the corner with a dropkick. The assault does not stop there as Hampton rains punches, kicks, and knees into the body of Casimir, who tries desperately to find some ground to defend himself. Due to the stipulation of the No Limits Championship, Gabe Valentine stands helplessly off to the side as he's only there to catch the pin-fall or submission. After a brutal couple of minutes, Casimir finally gets some breathing room as he shoves Hampton back for a brief moment... only to be caught one more time with a stiff Gamenguri to the cheek. Casimir staggers and rolls out of the ring. Hampton just grins maliciously as he follows the clown to the floor.
Casimir stumbles around the outside as Hampton is already digging under the ring for something to use. He pulls out a kendo stick and begins sprinting to catch up to the recovering clown. Casimir, however, catches Hampton approaching him out of the corner of his eye. Once Hampton reaches Casimir, kendo stick raised high, the clown swiftly turns around with a retaliatory kick to the stomach. Hampton buckles slightly as the kendo stick falls to the ground. Casimir grabs Hampton by the hair and tights before tossing him harshly against the ring post. Hampton's body curls around the metal post before falling to the floor on the other side. The clown lets out a twisted laugh before reaching down for that kendo stick. He rounds the corner, and is immediately met with Hampton brandishing a crowbar this time!
The metal pings right off of Casimir's head as the clown stumbles backwards, utterly stunned as red begins to pour over the white paint. Hampton relieves Casimir of the kendo stick and adds to the injury by splitting the wood directly over the New Narrator's head! Casimir stumbles back even more, but doesn't fall. Hampton glances over at the No Limits Championship belt as that sadistic grin doesn't leave his lips. Casimir barely regains his bearings before Hampton blasts him with a title shot to the face. Blood stains both the gold, and the white of the mat as the clown falls limp against the ring apron.
Hampton slides both Casimir and the championship belt into the ring. Valentine just pleads with Hampton to make the pinfall, but Hampton retorts. "No. Because I'm going to show you and everyone here, from the crowd to the back, what happens when you waste my time."
Hampton adjusts the championship into a specific place before dragging Casimir to his feet. The Black Heart wraps the clown in the straitjacket hammerlock... before hoisting Casimir up for the German and snapping him down against the championship, back-of-the-skull first! Hampton holds the pin as Valentine swiftly counts the pinfall and immediately calls for medical staff to check on Casimir.
[WINNER and STILL NLW No Limits Champion: Scott Hampton via Death Stranded at 5:01]
Next Level Wrestling Presents
COLLISION COURSE 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
COLLISION COURSE 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
MATCH EIGHT
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
MYOJIN vs Tuna Meltzer
The bell had immediately rung upon both competitors standing in their respective corners and right off of the bat, Tuna Meltzer had rushed in looking to attack the former XHF X*Crown Champion but he was shot down immediately by MYOJIN's rapid fire kicks and landing one stiffened Spinning Backfist right to the head of Meltzer. MYOJIN goes for the Thrust Kick right onto the jaw of Meltzer but he was able to catch the foot of The Shining Star and apply an Ankle Lock onto MYOJIN before turning it around on them and catching MYOJIN to deadlift him up and into a Wheelbarrow German Suplex! Meltzer seemed to have complete control of the match after that point as he targeted the legs of MYOJIN with calculated stomps right down onto their knees, doing his best to eliminate the usage of their legs for their kicking offence. However, just when Meltzer never expected it, MYOJIN turned it around for them as they kipped up and launched Meltzer across the ring with a Kip Up Hurricanrana!
As the two competitors were back onto their feet, once again they rushed in but MYOJIN scouted it and was ready for an attack--landing the LOVE, FROM OSAKA (Jumping Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick) right to the head of Meltzer and knocked him flat onto the mat. MYOJIN had gone for the pinfall but they were only able to capture a two count from the whole ordeal.
The Shining Star was set on finishing off The Five Star Man with ease, going for the RAINBOW STAR PRESS--but Meltzer was able to duck under MYOJIN as they leaped to go for the Moonsault and landed on their feet, they rushed in but Meltzer had it scouted, sending MYOJIN up into the air and right back down to the mat with the BACKDROP DRIVER! Meltzer had almost planted them right onto their head but he wasn't done there, going for the big finish and to gain a major win over a former X*Crown Champion as Meltzer looked to be setting up the FIVE STAR DROP--but MYOJIN had countered in time and got himself back onto their feet, dropping Meltzer down onto his back and locking in the VOGUE LOCK III (Inverted Indian Deathlock Cobra Twist) onto Meltzer! MYOJIN had it locked in tight and Meltzer seemed to have nowhere to go, he couldn't reach the ropes at all and ultimately, he had given up trying to break free from the hold as he tapped out!
[WINNER: MYOJIN via Vogue Lock III at 8:27]
MATCH NINE
G1 TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND MATCH
NLW SOUTHERN STATES TITLE MATCH
Grimgor Ironhide© vs Bloodied Fox
As soon as Gabe Valentine calls for the bell, the two adversaries from the Super Scramble stare one another down. The Southern States Champion. The long-time Junior Heavyweight Champion. Despite his smaller size, Fox strikes Grimgor with no fear. Grimgor responds with one of his own, putting a lot more power behind his than Fox had in his own. Fox isn't discouraged, trying to showcase the heart and soul of every vulpine creature on the planet. The two keep exchanging strikes, with Grimgor looking fairly impressed that Fox is even hanging with him. Finally, the power advantage is too much and Fox is knocked off his feet. Grimgor lifts Fox for a gutwrench suplex... but that was what Fox wanted as he uses his agility to wiggle free and land on his feet. As soon as Grimgor has a chance to realize what happened, he was struck with a question mark kick from the former AWF Prestige Champion. Fox mounts the Southern States Champion and gives him as many palm strikes as he can until Ironhide can push him off. Once Grimgor got back to his feet however, Bloodied Fox hits a hurricanrana with a pin combination. Grimgor kicks out at the last second.
Bloodied Fox keeps the offense going with an impressive dropkick. Follow up cover still leads to a two count. Grimgor finally turns the tables when he catches the foot on a second question mark kick. He yanks Fox in for a capture suplex to get a two count of his own. After a few more offensive exchanges, things looked bad for Bloodied Fox when Grimgor got him with a chokeslam. Grimgor follows up with DA GORKBUSTER (brainbuster). Everyone in the building was surprised when Fox kicked out of that. Fox manages to almost steal the match with a small package moments later, but once Grimgor was able to hit DA ALPHA SLAM (jackhammer), Fox finally stayed down for a three count. Fox lost the match, but clearly won Grimgor's respect from the brutal match as Grimgor patted Fox on the back on his way out the ring.
[WINNER and STILL NLW Southern States Champion: Grimgor Ironhide Via DA ALPHA SLAM at 18:57]
The camera cuts to the smiling face of BB Gunn. NLW's GM stands off to one side of a large monitor in a space that is becoming as much a part of the G1's tradition as
BB Gunn: Man, tonight's G1 action was really something, wasn't it? Two successful title defenses, exciting showdowns...this round had it all! But what does that mean for the standings? Let's take a look and see!
Gunn snaps his fingers and the monitor flares to life, displaying the graphic for Group A.
BB Gunn: Spike Kane and the Thespian both continued their winning ways over the Great Buta and a very game Danni Anderson. With four points each under their belt, the winner of Group A is going to be determined when Kane and Theo face off! Who will come out on top--the Pillar of Violence, or the masked man that can seemingly survive anything?
Another snap and Group B's image replaces that of Group A.
BB Gunn: It's a similar situation in Group B, ladies and gentlemen. MYOJIN has been just as dominant as they were in last year's round robin match-ups with his win over Tuna Meltzer, but so has Grimgor Ironhide. Bloodied Fox fought like Hell, but he couldn't overcome the reigning Southern States Champion. Both MYOJIN and Grimgor have a lot riding on making it out of Group B the winner. Will Grimgor pull off the upset like Felix did last year, or will MYOJIN go into the semifinals as NLW's new Southern States Champion?
Group C's image is the next to come up.
BB Gunn: With her victory over Bugz?, Trixie Mars has taken the lead in Group C. She's in the lead with four points, but Cheez's win over Beau Traywick puts him in a tie with Bugz? for second place. Trixie's got a lot of pressure on her to go three for three, but Cheez has a history of being the upset king. Will we see that happen in the final round?
Last but not least, Group D's image comes up on the screen.
BB Gunn: Daisuke Miyazaki's hard-fought victory over Felix puts him on a collision course with Scott Hampton, who successfully defended the NLW No Limits Championship against Casimir the Clown. Both men have four points, and the only way to the semi finals is through the other man. Will Daisuke's experience win out, or will the vicious Hampton reign supreme?
One final snap and the screen goes dark.
BB Gunn: There's only one round of round robin matches left... and anything can happen. Who will make it to the semi-finals? Only time will tell.
Gunn nods.
BB Gunn: Now, who will the winner of the G1 face? Will it be Seth Dillinger, or will it be whoever wins our main event? Let's find out who Seth will be defending the NLW World Championship against!
The camera cuts to ringside for the main event of the evening.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH TEN
NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP MATCH FOR THE NLW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Finn Whelan vs Keahi Sparks
The lights dim in the arena and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive guitar breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out on the speakers. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed. Just before the first line of the song, Finn Whelan has appeared not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor's entrances. He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, a slight smirk on his face as he glances at the people around him, and then sets his eyes upon the ring down below. He makes his way down slowly, ignoring the people around him though a few clap him on the shoulders as he decends. At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them. He drops down from it, and pulls off his vest as he heads to his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it as his music fades out.
"Overdrive" -- Lazerhawk hits the PA system and the crowd pops as Keahi Sparks makes her way out and to the ring. The bell rings and the two competitors come out of their respective corners, they begin to circle, as the gap between them gets closer. Keahi tries to take the initiative and launches at Finn with a diving forearm, but Whelan drops to a knee as he steps forwards ducking underneath, but as he does so he hooks the waist of Sparks and nails a huge snap german suplex! Sparks rolls through to her front, managing to position herself on one knee and one hand, Whelan goes to press the advantage but Sparks sends a stiff chop to his chest forcing him to take a step backwards. The crowd "woo" as she sends another, and another knocking Finn back each chop. After Keahi manages to get the better of Whelan, she slowly turns around taking a moment to build back off and build up steam, before Finn Whelan launches himself across the ring, and hits a picture perfect front dropkick sending Sparks back into the turnbuckle too. Finn sprints across the ring and literally bounces off the opposite turnbuckle before coming back for another front dropkick, but Keahi drops forwards and rolls out of the way, causing Finn to land in an uncompromising position.
Keahi storms back across the ring and uses the middle rope to hit a springboard leg drop on Finn Whelan, as he arches backwards causing the Irishman to fall off and away from the turnbuckle. Keahi takes the chance to grab Finn from behind and whip him off the ropes while she herself turns and hits the opposite ropes, picking up speed. On the return Finn drops his shoulder and tries to go for a monkey toss but Keahi Sparks sides steps and sends a stiff kick right to the face of Whelan who staggers around a few feet, dazed and confused by the stiff shot. Keahi decided to press her advantage and literally dives out of the corner to grab with a huge head scissors takedown! Finn struggles, and tries to wriggle free, as a Sparks locks her legs rolling through the move, and onto her back, locking Finn Whelan in the Dream of the Fayth!
The referee is trying to get a response from Finn, who is doing his best to wriggle free, he realises he's not going to be able to, so instead tries to reach the ropes. As he reaches he's just fingertips away, so close, but Keahi is trying to wrench the hold. Finn drops to a knee, trying to create some separation around the hold, but Sparks has got this sunk in deep. Finn takes a moment to sum up all of his strength and remaining air, before lifting Keahi Sparks into the air, bouncing her off the ropes and sends Keahi Sparks slamming to the ground with a huge modified springboard powerbomb, the sound of which echoes through the arena as the crowd "ooh" in response.. Keahi drops the hold, and Finn rolls away as quickly as he can to the ropes, holding his throat. Thinking about the damage done, Finn Whelan decided to go for the cover. The ref comes sliding in...
ONE! ....
....TWO!....
.......THRE-NO!!!
Keahi Sparks JUST manages to get her shoulder up in time. Finn seems quite annoyed, and pulls at his hair a little. He slowly drags Sparks back to her feet, using her hair to pull her up. He grabs the leg of Sparks and hooks her, before nailing a perfect fisherman's suplex. Keahi almost springs to life, trying to grab Finn and go for Dream of the Fayth again, but this time Finn has it scouted, and to prevent it, he sends a stiff elbow right to the eye of Keahi Sparks. As Sparks clutches at her eyes and takes a step backwards, Finn grabs her by the head and sends her flying over the top rope and to the outside! Keahi crumples in a heap on the floor landing a little awkwardly, that makes the crowd audibly gasp. Finn Whelan then turns his attention towards the opposite ropes, he runs off them, coming back off the rebound picking up speed. He leaps onto the top rope, just as Keahi Sparks slides back into the ring, mid-air Finn makes a few adjustments to his landing, before leaping backwards into the ring, catching Keahi unaware hitting her with the ScRM!!!!
This time Finn doesn't hesitate and quickly goes for the pin. The referee comes around to make the fall, but as he's about to, they point out that Keahi's foot is under the rope. Finn slams the mat, making more than enough awkward and probably threatening eye contact with the referee, instead he taunts Keahi, he goads Sparks who is now slowly making her way to her feet. When she finally makes it back to her feet, Finn Launches himself forwards going for the Fenian Rising, but Keahi Sparks actually side steps and SLAMS HIM WITH THE MEMORIES OF OKINAWA!!!!! Finn staggers for a moment before falling like a tree being chopped down.
Keahi isn't going for the pin! Instead she repositions Finn Whelan, who looks like he's out cold, and begins to head to the turnbuckle, the crowd going nuts. Keahi Sparks jumps, not once, not twice, but three times as she goes for the Dive Bomb! Finn manages to roll out of the way, and to a knee, as Keahi manages to land on her feet having seen Whelan rolling out of the way. Keahi tries to press the advantage before Finn gets his bearings, she hooks him up for the Lights in the Sky, but FINN REVERSE IT INTO THE FENIAN RISING!!!
The crowd are on their feet as both competitors lay on their backs in the ring, trying desperately to recover. The crowd are trying to will them both on with chants of "Let's go Keahi!" battling with chants of "Let's go Finn" the referee is checking on them both before beginning the count, but both competitors are slowly making their way to their feet. First Finn gets to a knee, Keahi crawls to the ropes. Finn is up to one leg, and one knee, Keahi is trying to pull herself up by the ropes. Before Keahi can get to her feet, Finn realises he finally has some breathing room and an advantage, he storms across the ring and NAILS Keahi with a shining wizard that could take someone's head off! He rolls to the corner, breathing deeply, before he uses the turnbuckle to get back to his feet, grabbing Keahi's almost lifeless body before setting her up and....REVELATION 6:4!!!!
Finn covers Keahi, looking right down the hard cam as he does, the ref comes sliding in...
ONE! ....
....TWO!...
.......THREE!!!!
The bell rings, as "Black Lungs" by Architects begins to play, the crowd are on their feet applauding these two, as Finn basks in the adoration the referee raises his hand into the air as he is declared the winner.
[WINNER and NEW NLW Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender: Finn Whelan Via Revelation 6:4 at 22:20]
Dan Simmons: So there we have it!! Finn Whelan and Seth Dillinger will be facing off at Night of Champions for the Heavyweight Championship!! What a great match to represent Next Level Wrestling!!
Tommy West: And the winner of that will take on whoever comes out on top of the G1 tournament. After tonight, we are one step closer to knowing who our semi-finalists will be.
Dan Simmons: Well, we got plenty of action to come. But for now, I’m Dan Simmons, he’s Tommy West. We’ll see you at the next NLW Ascendancy!!
The closing shot of the show is Finn Whelan staring at the Next Level Wrestling logo hanging from the ceiling, knowing that he’s representing this company on the biggest stage in the Network.
