NLW Ascendancy XXXIX | Saturday, July 30th, 2022 | LIVE
Jul 21, 2022 13:20:06 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, bloodiedfox, and 1 more like this
Post by Kris on Jul 21, 2022 13:20:06 GMT -5
It's time for Ascendancy XXXIX. In the back, all of the combatants get ready for the last set of round robin matches.
However, in the front, fans of all types line up at the box office to receive their tickets.
The female teller, typing with a focus at her computer, beckons for the next customer to come by. A somewhat familiar voice chimes in from the other side of the window:
??: Ah... hello, yes, I'm here to pick up my tickets for tonight's event.
Teller: Will do! Can I have a form of ID and the name of the reservation?
The teller turns her attention upwards to her next customer. She notices a man of dapper attire... a three-piece suit akin to the one the Thespian would wear to the ring. However, unmasked and pale in the face, the man simply trades the teller a weak, but soft smile.
The Interpreter: The reservation should be under 'Idrissa.' Front row seating.
The visual fades to the opening video package for Ascendancy.
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXXIX
As the video fades in on the interior of the Lakefront Arena, the gathered crowd is cheering loudly enough to match the audio level of 'Obey' as it blares over the speakers. Multi-colored lights swirl over the crowd, amplifying the electric atmosphere. The camera pans over the thousands of fans in attendance, signs declaring their support for their favorite wrestlers, both those in NLW and those who are featured in the G1 from other companies in the XHF Network. One final pan and the camera cuts to the announce position.
Dan Simmons: Good evening, everyone... and welcome to Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and with me as always is Tommy West and Tommy, tonight is what it all comes down to for the competitors in the G1!
Tommy West: That's right, Simmo! This is the third and final round of round robin action and, in three out of four of the groups? The two competitors with the highest point totals will be squaring off in a final showdown to see who makes it to the finals! Will Spike Kane beat the Thespian, or will Theo come out on top? Will Scott Hampton prove that Daisuke Miyazaki was indeed not worthy of a shot at the NLW No Limits Championship, or will the Japanese veteran not only punch his ticket to the finals, but also put his name in the conversation as a contender to the belt Scott holds?
Dan Simmons: Those are all great questions, Tommy--and we will see them answered tonight! Our main event of the evening is the third of those showdowns as the NLW Southern States Champion Grimgor Ironhide defends his championship against the Shining Star who made it to the finals of the G1 last year in MYOJIN. Will Ironhide's dominance continue, or will MYOJIN right what they view as a wrong in how they did not dominate their group in 2021? I can't want to find out!
Tommy West: Group C is the only group where things are not so cut and dry. Depending on the results of Trixie Mars facing off with Cheez and Beau Traywixk squaring off with Bugz?, we could see another sudden death situation like we did last year!
Dan Simmons: That would really be something, wouldn't it? Of course, we also cannot forget how I have received word that BB Gunn will be keeping a close eye on the collisions between Felix and Casimir the Clown, Danni Anderson and the Great Buta, and Bloodied Fox and Tuna Meltzer!
Tommy West: Those six competitors may be out of the running for the semi-finals, but NLW is full of other opportunities to succeed!
Dan Simmons: Quite right, Tommy--and speaking of opportunities, the mysterious CURE-E has one to make his presence felt in his debut tonight as he takes on Razor Blade! Will the masked man display the world-class talent he alluded to in his promotional video?
Tommy West: Let's find out. Take it away, Marty!
MATCH ONE
Razor Blade vs CURE-E
CURE-E makes his way down to the ring for the first time to the sounds of a fairly intrigued audience. Razor Blade gets some light cheers on the way to the ring as well as the crowd felt fairly sympathetic to how he had been treated lately by Chris Marks in recent weeks. The two give each other a nod as Jennifer Thibodeaux calls for the bell.
Razor got the early advantage with a few early moves, highlighted by a short-range lariat. Instead of going for the cover after that move, Razor Blade instead climbed the top rope, but CURE-E had the wherewithal to shove Razor off, sending him crashing onto the floor outside the ring. CURE-E climbs the top rope and leaps for a corkscrew moonsault on Razor as soon as he got to his feet, prompting everyone in the Lakefront Arena to jump to their feet.
While the impressive aerial move was being praised by the commentators, the two men were at the risk of being counted out by Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux gets to eight as CURE-E rolls into the ring. Razor barely makes it at nine. As soon as Razor is upright in the ring, CURE-E slings him across the ring with a hurricanrana. Cover by CURE-E and only a two count from Jennifer Thibodeaux.
Razor and CURE-E begin to trade blow for blow once they were up again. Razor. CURE-E. Razor. CURE-E. Razor finally wins the exchange after his next strike and hits a double underhook backbreaker to punctuate the momentum shift. Cover by Razor is still unsuccessful however as CURE-E kicks out at two. Razor keeps the offense going with a clothesline and a DDT. But nothing is keeping CURE-E down until he decides that he needs to take things to the “next level” with a diving crossbody. Cover and still just a two count from junior referee Jennifer Thibodeaux.
The Best in the World looks for the killshot as he tries to get CURE-E into a fireman’s carry position, but CURE-E wiggles free. Before Razor Blade could try again, another wrestler appears from behind the curtain. The fans start to loudly boo as Chris Marks starts running down the ramp towards the ring. Razor Blade was quick to notice his adversary sliding under the bottom rope to interfere in the match. Thibodeaux orders Marks to leave but he ignores her. Eventually he swings for Blade… BUT HIS ARM WAS CAUGHT BY CURE-E. CURE-E tosses Marks across the ring with an arm drag. Razor Blade springboards off the middle rope and clotheslines The Filth. Powerslam from CURE-E. Double underhook backbreaker from Razor Blade. Finally, Razor Blade ends Marks’s time in the ring with the Razor GTS (fireman’s carry into a knee lift), knocking Chris “The Filth” Marks out cold.
CURE-E rolls Marks out of the ring before making sure Thiboeaux knows to let the match continue since Marks didn’t successfully hit anyone. He and Razor Blade give each other acknowledging nods that their match continues… but CURE-E is able to hit a lightning fast superkick onto Razor Blade that stuns the Best in the World! Cover by CURE-E and finally, a three count!!
[WINNER: CURE-E Via Superkick at 10:48]
MATCH TWO
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Danni Anderson vs The Great Buta
The bell rang and Buta came out of the gate with a flying forearm to Danni. Danni got to her feet but Buta hit her with a big right hand which backed her into the corner and Buta started delivering punches in the corner. He followed up with kicks until Danni was in a sitting position. Buta then backed up and charged into the corner with a knee to the face of Anderson. Not willing to allow her any breathing room, Buta pulled Danni up out of the corner and whipped her to the ropes, he went for a back body drop, but Danni flipped over and landed on her feet, Buta turned around and was levelled with a spinning wheel kick. Buta scrambled back to his feet and Danni met him with an European Uppercut, she attempted a whip but was reversed, and brought back into a lariat to quell any offence she was building.
Buta went to a corner and took a breath before looking to hit the Ham Hock [running leg drop] but Danni moved and he landed on his backside! Buta, wincing as he did, got back to his feet but was met with a boot from Danni and then a swift DDT to plant him to the mat. Danni took a breath which allowed Buta to get up, but Danni hit him with a shotgun dropkick. Buta went down and rolled out of the ring. The Great Buta tried to catch his breath, and was waving the referee off as they ref yelled at him to get back in. Danni runs off the opposite ropes and comes back and let fly with a torpedo plancha!
Danni was first back to her feet, and rolled back in the ring, however she wasn't done with the high-risk offence, she climbed the turnbuckle, and as Buta got back to his feet she let fly with a cross body, but incredibly Buta caught her! He chucked her from fall away slam position into a powerslam position, and charged towards the ringpost. Danni saw the danger however and slipped out, Buta went headfirst into the post! Buta dropped to one knee as he tried to shake the cobwebs out, allowing Anderson to stalk him and wait for him to come to, as he did, she charged, looking to hit the Power Dunk [jumping supergirl punch], however Buta, in what can only now be described as a combination of desperation and possible concussion from the head shot, thrust his hand into her mouth, neutralising her with The Mandible Claw...but he didn't let go, and the referee proceeded to count both competitors out!
[WINNER: Double Count Out at 04:46]
MATCH THREE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Felix vs Casimir the Clown
These two men square up, showing their similar sizes while emphasizing a difference of disposition. Felix holds the Clown's gaze longer than the audience expects before Casimir throws the first punch. That punch only serves to motivate Felix, who blocks a second punch, catching the arm and locking Casimir in a wristlock before chopping away at Casimir's chest with the free hand, then knees to the stomach when he starts to sag. Casimir tries to surprise Felix by surging after the Uchi-Sute flurry, but Felix just finishes off with a surprise Tiger Claw strike to the side of the head that knocks Casimir loopy. But not loopy enough for a three count. Felix transitions into a LeBell Lock, but can't lock it in because Casimir blatantly bites his hands. Felix has to release, but between the stiff blow to the head and the brutal assault from Scott Hampton last show, Casimir is struggling to compose himself. He just laughs as he peppers Felix with punches and headbutts, but on the third headbutt, Felix dodges, switching to the Snake Stance and peppering Casimir in the temple with two quick strikes, then under the ribs, and when Casimir is slumped, he runs the ropes, then rolls a devastating Koppu Kick right into Casimir's cranium!
The Clown isn't moving, but Felix doesn't let up the attack. Casimir is starting to bleed, as the Koppu Kick seems to have reopened the cut from the No Limits title match, once again turning the white clown make-up red. Felix sits up the bleeding clown and kicks him full in the back in the style of a Penalty Kick from non-American football. Casimir cries out, back arched, but then starts laughing again in his unsettling way. Felix ignores this, and as Casimir starts trying to stand, he pelts Casimir's chest with kicks, eventually twisting around in a spinning back kick to finish the Naginata combination. Casimir's body whips back, but he doesn't go down, instead pushing up to his feet. With a scowl uncharacteristic of the Warrior, Felix grabs Casimir's arm and drags him down, lacing him up as though for the LeBell Lock again, but knowing what happened last time, instead he wraps the arm up good and then leans forward to grab Casimir's other arm, pulling it straight up and trying to bend the elbow the wrong way. Casimir tries to laugh his way through the pain, but then something pops and he just screams and gives up! The two points is going to get Felix to Collision Course, but the emphatic victory does send a message to the world that he's not fucking around.
[WINNER: Felix via Dokkōdō (The Path of Aloneness) at 5:15]
MATCH FOUR
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Bugz? vs Beau Traywick
The bell rings as both Bugz? and Beau stare each other down. For Bugz?, there's a potential chance to see a three-way tiebreaker. But for Beau, there's just the chance to walk away with a win.
The two circle each other for a couple moments, as Jolene cheers on from the outside, before Beau goes for a lock-up. Having absolutely none of that, Bugz? just slaps him hard across the face before hooking him for a Russian Leg Sweep down to the mat. Bugz? rolls into the mount and begins to rain down a series of punches, but Beau uses his own technical know-how to twist the situation into his favor and rolls over onto Bugz? to trade those punches back! As Bugz? tries to fight back, Beau reaches down and grabs him for a grounded Sleeper hold! Beau wrenches the choke immediately as Bugz? looks for the ropes. After a bit of struggling, Bugz? manages to get a foot on the ropes, causing Jennifer Thibodeaux to start counting Beau off the hold. She gets to four-and-three-quarters before Beau lets off the hold... but as he backs off, he gives Bugz? a taunting kick to the back of the head.
With Bugz? laid out on the mat, trying to catch his breath, Beau takes this opportunity to climb the turnbuckle. To the booing crowd before him, he mouths off for a moment before repositioning-- BUGZ? SHOVES HIM STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR-- ONTO JOLENE!! Beau looks absolutely mortified at what has happened as Jolene lays on the floor completely unconscious. Almost growling, Beau turns to the ring-- KILL THE RABBIT SUICIDE DIVE! Bugz?, wasting no time on the two, tackles Beau towards the barricade! However, Bugz?' leg clips the rope at the last minute and both end up smacking their heads on the top of the barricade. Jenny begins to count both wrestlers out...
No one is moving by the count of three.
By five, Beau has, at least, rolled off of his manager's body.
By seven, Bugz? is dizzily grabbing at the metal bars to try to pull himself to his feet.
By eight, Beau is shakily pushing himself up off the floor
And by nine... both falter.
A ten-count is reached for both competitors.
[WINNER: Double Count Out at 3:04]
Next Level Wrestling Presents
COLLISION COURSE 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
MATCH FIVE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Trixie Mars vs Cheez
The crowd exchanges chants between "let's go, Trixie" and "let's go, Cheez" as the two combatants begin to trade blows in the middle of the ring for the match. Trixie ends up getting the first advantage, though, as she uses her wrestling expertise to tangle Cheez up in a headlock. Cheez pushes her off, but she immediately rebounds off the ropes with a springboard dropkick straight to the chest! Cheez stumbles in his posture, but holds his footing. Trixie pushes herself off the mat immediately following the dropkick and runs the ropes again to hit a quick running headscissor to send Cheez into a nearby corner. From there, she sprints over and swings for the enziguri, but Cheez manages to barely duck out of the way and roll through it. Unrelenting, Trixie measures up Cheez from the corner before hitting a swift shining wizard to the back of the head! Smirking to herself, she goes for the cover after using Cheez' own typical finisher against him... only for Cheez to grab the nearby ropes instead. She nods in acceptance to the situation before pulling him away from the ropes, only for Cheez to snatch her back down with a small package pin! He locks it in tight, but also only manages to get a two before Trixie snaps away from the situation. She looks shocked as Cheez begins to distance himself away from the "Emerald Underdog." But as he distances away from her, he grins.
One more count, and the match could've ended right there.
Trixie shakes off the frustrations as she pulls herself up back to her feet. Cheez pulls himself back up as well, but Trixie is already back in his face once again... and he slaps her hard across the face! She looks bewildered before Cheez throws her down with a snapmare and lands a stiff kick to the spine immediately after. Trixie's spine arches as the pain sings through it... especially as Cheez manages to get a couple more kicks off before running the ropes and aiming for a Cheez Wiz of his own! Trixie drops to the mat to dodge the running knee, and immediately catches Cheez for a roll-up pin of her own to steal the match-- Cheez counters into an armbar by trapping the arm! But Trixie immediately kicks a leg out and hooks it onto a nearby rope before he can lock it in. Still favoring her back, Trixie begins to pull herself up to a standing position before Cheez tries to run up to her. Trixie, however, responds with a kick to the gut, a headlock, and goes for the springboard DDT only for Cheez to once again slip out and shove her unceremoniously to the mat in-front of her. She lands harshly on her back, but kips right back up out of it only to be met by a kick from Cheez. He grabs her by the neck and forces Trixie to Do a Barrel Roll in the middle of the ring via swinging neckbreaker! He wraps her up for a pin but only gets two once more.
Cheez begins to roll himself over towards the ropes, but Trixie manages to grab him before he can reach them, and she takes to the mount. Cheez tries his best to roll her off of him... right into the Needle armbar she was looking for! She immediately begins to wrench the arm hard, but Cheez fights back against it as much as he can. His body writhes as his arm pulls down against Trixie's strength... legs kicking and dragging as they look for anywhere around the ring to escape. Gabe Valentine leans down and asks Cheez if he wants to tap...
... right before catching that a foot barely managed to hook onto the bottom rope! He begins to count Trixie off of the hold. It gets to three and a half before she lets go. The frustration begins to set in for Trixie by this point as Cheez favors his arm. She reaches out for him only to be met with desperate corner kicks. She grabs an ankle and yanks him back to the center of the ring. She gives the gamer a couple of stiff kicks to the head to keep him dazed long enough for her to position and hit a standing moonsault across him and his wounded arm! Not wanting to let this momentum die, she immediately sprints for the corner... hopping up the middle turnbuckle... taking to the top... and springboarding into the Mars Landing for a vicious and sudden three-count!
[WINNER: Trixie Mars via Mars Landing at 5:21]
MATCH SIX
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Bloodied Fox vs Tuna Meltzer
Just as soon as the initial bell has rung, Meltzer takes the initiative and rushes at Bloodied Fox, landing a running lariat! Fox goes down and the Five-Star Man goes for a hammerlock - NO! Bloodied Fox reverses into a small package, and the referee has to count the pin! Meltzer kicks out and Fox is quick to climb to his feet. Meltzer goes again on the offensive, but this time he's stopped by a Question Mark kick courtesy of Bloodied Fox! Meltzer goes down and Bloodied Fox presses his advantage with a vicious series of mounted palm strikes! It is all Meltzer can do to attempt to block the Bloodied Fox's barrage, but he is forced to his feet and dropped by a Belly to Belly Suplex! Bloodied Fox goes for the cover, but Tuna Meltzer kicks out at two! The XHF legend now decides to take to the air. He races to the ropes, slides behind the apron, and takes off with the Air Vulpine... NO! Knees up by Tuna Meltzer and Fox lands stomach first into them! Bloodied Fox is now rolling over the mat in pain, and Meltzer attempts to cover, but Fox kicks out at two! Meltzer now grins wickedly and subjects the crowd, and Bloodied Fox, through the agony of sitting through a Mongo match (Camel Clutch)! The camel clutch is locked tight but Bloodied Fox will not surrender, and this raises the question of how long it will take before his spine gives out!
But the British wrestler is a legend for a reason. His arms break free from the hold, and he begins to reach for the ropes! Tuna Meltzer puts pressure on the hold but the Fox reaches... and reaches... and he makes it! The referee argues with Meltzer to break the hold or be disqualified, and Meltzer has no choice but to obey. As soon as Fox gets back to his feet, he lunges at Meltzer! The two begin to exchange strikes, and soon are locked in a grapple! Back and forth they go and none can overpower the other, so Meltzer sends Bloodied Fox in an Irish Whip! Fox bounces back on the rebound and Meltzer charges... but he's caught in the Bloody Rain (Superman Palm Strike)! Meltzer is dropped like a bad habit and it's payback time for the Bloodied Fox! One kick to the head, then another, and another in quick succession! Meltzer doesn't know where he's at right now, and the Bloodied Fox is about to give him a tour! He forces Meltzer to his feet and sends him into the ropes, and Meltzer comes back on the rebound to find himself in the receiving end of a Hurricanrana! Meltzer is down and Bloodied Fox signals for the end! Picking up the Five-Star Man once more, he hooks his head and plants him down to the mat with the B4 (Cutthroat Exploder)! Meltzer is out cold, and the Bloodied Fox makes the cover for the final one-two-three!
[WINNER: Bloodied Fox via B4 at 11:45]
The lights in the Lakefront Arena cut off as all the fans begin to get restless. A single note on a piano plays before a clip of the NLW Heavyweight Champion speaking starts to play on the speakers.
Another piano note is followed by a clip of the former champion, Finn Whelan.
Seth Dillinger now appears on the screen, entering the ring as the challenge in the Seventh Circle at Hostile Intent.
The screen now shows Finn Whelan as he walks down the ramp to take on then-champion Tommy Kelly.
The various clips of moves done by both competitors quickly flash on the screen before one image remains on the screen.
The banner finally fades before the words “Tomorrow night, only on the XHF Network” succeeded it.
MATCH SEVEN
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
NON-TITLE
Scott Hampton© vs Daisuke Miyazaki
Scott Hampton goes right at it with Miyazaki! Left hand from Hampton! Right hand from Daisuke! A vicious brawl breaks out between the two, and the No Limits Champion sends the Shogun spinning with a running European Uppercut! Miyazaki is rocked and Scott Hampton launches into the air... Pump kick, right to the face, and Daisuke Miyazaki goes down! Hampton with the cover, but the Japanese wrestler kicks out at two! The Black Heart picks up Miyazaki and prepares to drop him with a Kneecap Brainbuster... but Miyazaki counters with a swinging neckbreaker! Scott Hampton drops like a sack of potatoes, and the Shogun has won himself some valuable time to recover! Miyazaki is now on his feet and Scott Hampton is slowly rising. The Shogun charges forward and flattens the Best Kept Secret with a Running STO! But after Hampton's assault, he's not done getting payback! He picks Hampton up and slams him with the Saitama Spin (Saito Suplex)! He goes for the cover, but Scott Hampton kicks out at two! The Shogun now decides to make Hampton suffer, and puts him on a Reverse Figure Four... NO! Scott Hampton shifts to an inside cradle! Surprise pin attempt by the Bristol native, and the Shogun kicks out! Both men scramble to their feet, but Scott Hampton is back in the game, and gets the upper hand with a roundhouse - dodged by Hampton - NO! Gamengiri by the Black Heart right to the back of the head of Daisuke Miyazaki! The Shogun collapses to the mat and Hampton goes for the cover, but Miyazaki barely gets the shoulder up at the last second!
Still looking to dish out punishment, Scott Hampton wishes to inflict the maximum amount of pain on Miyazaki, and he knows just the way to do so. He starts his climb to the top turnbuckle as the Shogun picks himself up from the mat, and just as Miyazaki has risen, Hampton launches for him to Stop Breathing (Diving Double Foot Stomp to Spine)... NO! Miyazaki has turned right on time! He's caught Hampton mid-air and takes him down! "Mada Mada!" (Folding Snap Powerbomb) Both competitors are laid out flat, and the ref has to start a ten count! One, two, three, four, five, both wrestlers begin to show sides of life and lift themselves up from the mat once more! Miyazaki approaches Hampton and lifts him up for the Shogun's Conquest... but the No Limits champion lands an elbow to Miyazaki's head! And another! And once more! The Shogun's hold is broken and Scott Hampton gains just enough time for an opening! The Shogun is still reeling from those desperate hits as the Black Heart races to the ropes! Miyazaki has not finished composing himself before Hampton launches, and he's caught dead center of the Bristol native's Springboard Cutter! The No Limits Champion signals for the end, lifts Miyazaki over his shoulders, and lands the Vae Victis (Argentine Backbreaker to Knee Lift) to put him down for good!
[WINNER: Scott Hampton via Vae Victis at 13:45]
MATCH EIGHT
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Spike Kane vs The Thespian
The match of the two winners of Group A starts as violently as advertised, as a sequel to their encounter in the 7th Circle of Hell. Thespian tries for a Perfect Tragedy right off the bat, but Spike dodges, then throws a kick to set up for Thunderstruck, but Thespian catches Spike before he can drop the Stunner and shoves him against the ropes. Here ensues a battery of strikes from both sides as, having failed their big move openings, they resort to just beating seven bells out of each other. There's open-hand slaps and elbow smashes and kicks to the leg and European Uppercuts. Spike has the size advantage, so it's no surprise he eventually gets the upper hand, but Thespian hangs with him a lot longer than most men would before Spike finally gets separation with an elbow, then a spinning back elbow, and as Thespian wobbles, a superkick that hits right on the chin and bends Thespian's head back as he falls. Despite that, Spike still only gets a two count.
The Blood God spends the next few minutes slowing the match down. Any time Thespian starts to get a head of steam, he does a knee lift or locks in a side headlock or something to stop the momentum. Thespian, after several minutes of frustration, fights out of a headlock and kicks Spike in the back of the leg, hitting Break a Leg! But as soon as he tries to capitalize by hitting Take a Bow!, Spike twists out of the inverted chancery, catching Thespian with the Stunner he was looking for earlier! Thespian is Thunderstruck, but kicks out at two and a half. Spike tries to take Thespian's leg out from under him by locking him in Burning Hell, but Thespian knows how dangerous the Ankle Lock is and throws himself at the ropes to force the break before he can take too much damage. Spike holds on until four and a half, earning a lecture from head official Gabe Valentine, but he summarily ignores it.
But the pain is what Thespian needed to find his second wind, and he starts fighting back, powering out of an attempt at Freya's Wings. This gives him the opening for a lot of fast-paced strikes, capped off by a laugh, a righthand slap from Thalia that staggers Kane, then his take on Spike's Bloody Sunday! Spike crumbles, but kicks out at 2.8 when Thespian covers. Thespian runs a hand along his face in frustration, but as he stands up, preparing for the killshot, he goes stock still as he looks down at the front row. You can't see his face, but you can almost feel the shock as he sees The Interpreter watching on. The two men meet eyes, but do not say anything. Thespian shakes it off, but only to turn around to face a pissed Blood God who shows him how Bloody Sunday should be done, cracking him again in the chin with a big kick, but the spinning roundhouse only gets 2.9, as Thespian's shoulder comes up at the last possible moment!
Spike is wide-eyed for an instant before getting back to work on Thespian. Theo's body is limp as Spike lifts the dead weight to his feet, then tucks him under one arm for the Spike Impailer. But as he lifts, Thespian's leg hooks around his, blocking the Jackhammer. Spike growls and tries again, but physics keeps Thespian grounded. He lets go of Thespian to blast him with an elbow for separation, then pops him up, but instead of catching him with Blood God's Wrath, Thespian catches him with a knee to the chin! Spike crumples from the surprise Perfect Tragedy, and Thespian lands awkwardly as well, but he's up first and immediately removes the knee pad, just like at Hostile Intent. As Spike struggles to get up, he hits a second Perfect Tragedy, this time a running knee to the back of the head, also evoking Hostile Intent. He starts winding up for a third but Gabe insists he stop, so Thespian responds with a flourishing bow, then drops down to pin Spike, earning a three count and his place at Collision Course.
[WINNER: The Thespian via Perfect Tragedy at 15:12]
The camera cuts backstage to the space set up for the coverage for the 2022 G1. NLW’s General Manager BB Gunn stands next to the big monitor much as he has in weeks past and, as soon as he notices the camera? Gunn is grinning as he nods in greeting to the camera, getting right down to business.
BB Gunn: So the dust has settled for three out of the four groups in this year’s G1. Let’s get into it with Group A!
A snap of the fingers and the monitor flares to life with the graphic for Group A.
BB Gunn: Spike Kane was dominant from the jump… but so was the Thespian. These two titans just collided in the middle of the ring with all they could muster, but the Thespian was the one to come out on top to win the group. Danni Anderson and the Great Buta’s collision ended with a first for the G1 here in NLW with a tie. I hope to see those two go up against one another in the future.
Gunn nods before snapping his fingers again, summoning the graphic for Group C.
BB Gunn: First off, I hope that Jolene is okay after the mishap that ended the bout between Beau Traywick and Bugz?. That’s another match I’d like to see in the future, just… without what brought about the second tie of the evening. Secondly, Trixie Mars securing the win over a very game Cheez means that she advances to the semi finals. She’s made history in doing so, but I don’t think she’s ready to call it a day just yet–but what will her opponent next show have to say about it?
Another snap of the fingers… and another image change.
BB Gunn: Felix knew he was coming into this group at a disadvantage, but he still fought valiantly once he replaced Sexton Love–and tonight, that determination got him a win over Casimir the Clown. Scott Hampton, however, is the man of the hour when it comes to Group D thanks to his win over Daisuke Miyazaki. That means that, on the next episode of Ascendancy, we will see Trixie Mars and Scott Hampton collide!
Gunn nods before he continues.
BB Gunn: Now, I know I went out of order with the group rundowns… and that’s for one very simple reason. Until our main event concludes, we won’t know who has won it. But there’s still something to discuss!
A final snap of Gunn’s fingers and the graphic for Group B comes up.
BB Gunn: Bloodied Fox’s win over Tuna Meltzer means the XHF Legend ends on a good note in his group. Grimgor Ironhide has been on a tear since he signed to NLW, and he’s promised to add MYOJIN to his list of victims… but MYOJIN is on a mission to win the G1 after making it to the finals last year, and in order to do that? They have to go through the reigning Southern States Champion. Who will be facing the Thespian in the semi-finals?
NLW’s GM leans in just a little as his lips spread into an eager smile.
BB Gunn: Let’s find out, shall we?
The camera cuts to ringside.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH NINE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
NLW SOUTHERN STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Grimgor Ironhide© vs MYOJIN
To say that this is a blade fight between a scalpel’s graceful precision and a claymore’s brutal strength is… rather accurate, actually. The bell rings and Grimgor Ironhide charges across the ring, but MYOJIN easily gets out of the way! This causes the Once and Future Git to snarl in frustration as he whirls around, reaching for the Shining Star–but those attempts are also nimbly avoided, MYOJIN’s dexterity and experience both on display. Such only causes Grimgor to grow more and more irate until frustration has him lashing out with no rhyme or reason with hammering blows. The first few miss, but one connects soundly with MYOJIN, the force strong enough from that one blow to send them stumbling back into the nearest corner. The reigning Southern States Champion lumbers after his opponent, Grimgor’s offense focusing in now that he’s got MYOJIN cornered. A series of punishing blows knocks plenty of cobwebs into the Shining Star’s head leaving them slumped in the corner. The orc, sensing the chance to cause some serious damage, grabs MYOJIN by the wrist and whips him from corner to corner–and as the Shining Star hurtles across the ring, Ironhide crouches down in the newly-vacated space with a gleeful grin on his face. MYOJIN collides with the turnbuckle and Ironhide sprints across the ring in a spear attempt… but the Shining Star is able to get out of the way, leaving Grimgor with too much of a head of steam to stop himself!
The Once and Future Git is able to get his head up, but he collides hard with the turnbuckles chest-first, and as he staggers back, MYOJIN swoops in with a Standing Sit-Out Shiranui! The Flashing Lights brings Grimgor down to the canvas and MYOJIN is quick to capitalize on the opportunity they have created for themselves by going for the pinfall attempt, but Ironhide kicks out with authority right before the two count. MYOJIN is not discouraged by this–they were expecting it, judging by the look on their face–so instead of giving their opponent any room to breathe? The Shining Star responds to Grimgor sitting up by sitting on his neck and grabbing a leg. The Southern States Champion’s leg is bigger than most, but they manage to heave it into position for a Stump Puller. They skip the Figure Four part to get straight to the offense, meaning Grimgor has an easier time powering out… but MYOJIN transitions to a rear naked choke, dropping down behind Grimgor instead, weighing him down as he tries to get up. The Shining Star even switches to a dragon sleeper when it looks like Grimgor will grab them, but they can’t hang on forever, and eventually Grimgor pancakes MYOJIN between himself and the turnbuckles. MYOJIN crumples, and Grimgor has to take a moment on his knees to massage his throat and recover... but when that’s over, he stands and looks at his challenger with Orcish fury in his eyes.
The Once and Future Git is now properly pissed off, and that’s not a good thing for his opponent.
As the Shining Star stagger to their feet, Grimgor tries to decapitate them with a vicious lariat. MYOJIN’s head stays on, but so does the pressure as they are hauled bodily to their feet, then thrown across the ring with a mighty Beal throw that’s impressive, but also scary as MYOJIN lands less than a foot from the corner. The Shining Star starts dragging themselves toward the corner to pull themselves up, but before they can, Grimgor is there and starts stomping away at MYOJIN, helpfully shouting “DA GIT STOMPIN’!” so even the people working concessions know what’s happening. Senior official Gabe Valentine eventually convinces Grimgor to stop long enough to check on MYOJIN, but the Shining Star wants redemption from last year’s G1 and refuses to give up. Grimgor tries to start stomping again, but MYOJIN pulls themself up enough to get a dropkick to the knee. It doesn’t stagger Da Alpha Orc much, but it’s enough for MYOJIN to get out of the corner. Grimgor closes, but MYOJIN uses their speed to disorient him by hitting a Tiger Spin Drop Toe Hold, targeting the same knee, and when Grimgor falls to all fours, they pop up and hit a Switchblade kick right across the back of his neck–but rather than fall the rest of the way, Grimgor roars and asks for another. MYOJIN’s brow furrows, but they oblige a couple times. On the fourth, Grimgor catches their foot with his hand and yanks the Shining Star off balance. Both wrestlers scramble to get up, but as they do, Grimgor’s hand shoots out and grips MYOJIN by the throat. The size difference is immediately re-emphasized as Grimgor heaves MYOJIN into the air and holds them there for about ten seconds before slamming them to the mat in a brutal Chokeslam! But it’s still not enough, and MYOJIN kicks out at two-and-a-half.
Grimgor smiles at MYOJIN’s perseverance as he stands up, then lifts MYOJIN up with him. He grabs MYOJIN for a suplex, but The Shining Star knows how dangerous that is, so they slip free desperately, and as Grimgor tries to follow them, MYOJIN drops down and tries to curl around the tree trunk leg of Da Alpha Orc with their famous Imanari Roll. But Grimgor is too large and steady, so he stays upright, then stomps the foot of that leg, jarring MYOJIN’s whole body several times until they let go. With a smirk, Grimgor grabs MYOJIN by the head to lift them, then puts them back into suplex position. He stalls a bit, letting out a deafening “WAAAAAAAGH!” before he lifts MYOJIN into the air for his Jackhammer, DA ALPHA SLAM. He took too long, however, and The Shining Star twists themselves out slightly, landing on the shoulders of the Southern States Champion, wrapping their legs around the neck for a headscissor and grabbing the lifting arm to wrench it behind his back in a Kimura! The crowd cheers at this improvised Aquila, and Grimgor roars as he tries to pry MYOJIN off! But the Kimura’s locked tight and every time he tries to pull MYOJIN off his shoulders, the pain in his arm gets worse! The pressure on his neck and pain in the arm force him down to his knees, then flat on the mat. He never taps, but MYOJIN rides him the whole way, and after a full minute locked in Aquila, Grimgor is limp. Gabe is about to call it, but MYOJIN wants to make double sure, so they detach themselves, rush to the nearest corner, ascend the turnbuckles, check that he’s still motionless, then leap backwards with an Imploding 450 Splash to the back of Grimgor Ironhide! They struggle to turn Grimgor over, but eventually manage it so Gabe can administer a three-count no one can hear over the cheers of the crowd!
[WINNER and NEW NLW Southern States Champion: MYOJIN via Aquila/Falling From Heaven at 20:47]
Sitting back on their heels, MYOJIN is clearly exhausted… but that does nothing to stop the satisfied look on their face. Valentine presents the Southern States Championship to the Shining Star as the Once and Future Git remains motionless save his breathing. It takes some effort, but MYOJIN gets to his feet with the belt in hand.
Dan Simmons: MYOJIN has done it! Both competitors took each other to the edge of their respective limits, but the Shining Star was able to dig deep and get the win!
Tommy West: It took everything but the kitchen sink to get it done, but we’ve got a new Southern States Champion… as well as our last semi-finalist. That means that, on the next episode of Ascendancy, MYOJIN will be taking on the Thespian to see who makes it to the finals!
Dan Simmons: Indeed, and Trixie Mars will be squaring off against Scott Hampton in the other half of the semi-finals. Who will make it to Collision Course? Tune in to the next episode of Ascendancy to find out!
Tommy West: And don’t forget to tune into XHF Night of Champions tomorrow night to see who will be the NLW World Champion heading into the pay-per-view! As always, I’m Tommy West, he’s Dan Simmons, and we thank you for joining us tonight. Take care and goodnight!
The video feed fades to black as MYOJIN raises their Southern States Championship into the air, the crowd cheering for the newly-minted champion.
However, in the front, fans of all types line up at the box office to receive their tickets.
The female teller, typing with a focus at her computer, beckons for the next customer to come by. A somewhat familiar voice chimes in from the other side of the window:
??: Ah... hello, yes, I'm here to pick up my tickets for tonight's event.
Teller: Will do! Can I have a form of ID and the name of the reservation?
The teller turns her attention upwards to her next customer. She notices a man of dapper attire... a three-piece suit akin to the one the Thespian would wear to the ring. However, unmasked and pale in the face, the man simply trades the teller a weak, but soft smile.
The Interpreter: The reservation should be under 'Idrissa.' Front row seating.
The visual fades to the opening video package for Ascendancy.
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XXXIX
LIVE from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
July 30th, 2022
As the video fades in on the interior of the Lakefront Arena, the gathered crowd is cheering loudly enough to match the audio level of 'Obey' as it blares over the speakers. Multi-colored lights swirl over the crowd, amplifying the electric atmosphere. The camera pans over the thousands of fans in attendance, signs declaring their support for their favorite wrestlers, both those in NLW and those who are featured in the G1 from other companies in the XHF Network. One final pan and the camera cuts to the announce position.
Dan Simmons: Good evening, everyone... and welcome to Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and with me as always is Tommy West and Tommy, tonight is what it all comes down to for the competitors in the G1!
Tommy West: That's right, Simmo! This is the third and final round of round robin action and, in three out of four of the groups? The two competitors with the highest point totals will be squaring off in a final showdown to see who makes it to the finals! Will Spike Kane beat the Thespian, or will Theo come out on top? Will Scott Hampton prove that Daisuke Miyazaki was indeed not worthy of a shot at the NLW No Limits Championship, or will the Japanese veteran not only punch his ticket to the finals, but also put his name in the conversation as a contender to the belt Scott holds?
Dan Simmons: Those are all great questions, Tommy--and we will see them answered tonight! Our main event of the evening is the third of those showdowns as the NLW Southern States Champion Grimgor Ironhide defends his championship against the Shining Star who made it to the finals of the G1 last year in MYOJIN. Will Ironhide's dominance continue, or will MYOJIN right what they view as a wrong in how they did not dominate their group in 2021? I can't want to find out!
Tommy West: Group C is the only group where things are not so cut and dry. Depending on the results of Trixie Mars facing off with Cheez and Beau Traywixk squaring off with Bugz?, we could see another sudden death situation like we did last year!
Dan Simmons: That would really be something, wouldn't it? Of course, we also cannot forget how I have received word that BB Gunn will be keeping a close eye on the collisions between Felix and Casimir the Clown, Danni Anderson and the Great Buta, and Bloodied Fox and Tuna Meltzer!
Tommy West: Those six competitors may be out of the running for the semi-finals, but NLW is full of other opportunities to succeed!
Dan Simmons: Quite right, Tommy--and speaking of opportunities, the mysterious CURE-E has one to make his presence felt in his debut tonight as he takes on Razor Blade! Will the masked man display the world-class talent he alluded to in his promotional video?
Tommy West: Let's find out. Take it away, Marty!
MATCH ONE
Razor Blade vs CURE-E
CURE-E makes his way down to the ring for the first time to the sounds of a fairly intrigued audience. Razor Blade gets some light cheers on the way to the ring as well as the crowd felt fairly sympathetic to how he had been treated lately by Chris Marks in recent weeks. The two give each other a nod as Jennifer Thibodeaux calls for the bell.
Razor got the early advantage with a few early moves, highlighted by a short-range lariat. Instead of going for the cover after that move, Razor Blade instead climbed the top rope, but CURE-E had the wherewithal to shove Razor off, sending him crashing onto the floor outside the ring. CURE-E climbs the top rope and leaps for a corkscrew moonsault on Razor as soon as he got to his feet, prompting everyone in the Lakefront Arena to jump to their feet.
While the impressive aerial move was being praised by the commentators, the two men were at the risk of being counted out by Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux gets to eight as CURE-E rolls into the ring. Razor barely makes it at nine. As soon as Razor is upright in the ring, CURE-E slings him across the ring with a hurricanrana. Cover by CURE-E and only a two count from Jennifer Thibodeaux.
Razor and CURE-E begin to trade blow for blow once they were up again. Razor. CURE-E. Razor. CURE-E. Razor finally wins the exchange after his next strike and hits a double underhook backbreaker to punctuate the momentum shift. Cover by Razor is still unsuccessful however as CURE-E kicks out at two. Razor keeps the offense going with a clothesline and a DDT. But nothing is keeping CURE-E down until he decides that he needs to take things to the “next level” with a diving crossbody. Cover and still just a two count from junior referee Jennifer Thibodeaux.
The Best in the World looks for the killshot as he tries to get CURE-E into a fireman’s carry position, but CURE-E wiggles free. Before Razor Blade could try again, another wrestler appears from behind the curtain. The fans start to loudly boo as Chris Marks starts running down the ramp towards the ring. Razor Blade was quick to notice his adversary sliding under the bottom rope to interfere in the match. Thibodeaux orders Marks to leave but he ignores her. Eventually he swings for Blade… BUT HIS ARM WAS CAUGHT BY CURE-E. CURE-E tosses Marks across the ring with an arm drag. Razor Blade springboards off the middle rope and clotheslines The Filth. Powerslam from CURE-E. Double underhook backbreaker from Razor Blade. Finally, Razor Blade ends Marks’s time in the ring with the Razor GTS (fireman’s carry into a knee lift), knocking Chris “The Filth” Marks out cold.
CURE-E rolls Marks out of the ring before making sure Thiboeaux knows to let the match continue since Marks didn’t successfully hit anyone. He and Razor Blade give each other acknowledging nods that their match continues… but CURE-E is able to hit a lightning fast superkick onto Razor Blade that stuns the Best in the World! Cover by CURE-E and finally, a three count!!
[WINNER: CURE-E Via Superkick at 10:48]
MATCH TWO
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Danni Anderson vs The Great Buta
The bell rang and Buta came out of the gate with a flying forearm to Danni. Danni got to her feet but Buta hit her with a big right hand which backed her into the corner and Buta started delivering punches in the corner. He followed up with kicks until Danni was in a sitting position. Buta then backed up and charged into the corner with a knee to the face of Anderson. Not willing to allow her any breathing room, Buta pulled Danni up out of the corner and whipped her to the ropes, he went for a back body drop, but Danni flipped over and landed on her feet, Buta turned around and was levelled with a spinning wheel kick. Buta scrambled back to his feet and Danni met him with an European Uppercut, she attempted a whip but was reversed, and brought back into a lariat to quell any offence she was building.
Buta went to a corner and took a breath before looking to hit the Ham Hock [running leg drop] but Danni moved and he landed on his backside! Buta, wincing as he did, got back to his feet but was met with a boot from Danni and then a swift DDT to plant him to the mat. Danni took a breath which allowed Buta to get up, but Danni hit him with a shotgun dropkick. Buta went down and rolled out of the ring. The Great Buta tried to catch his breath, and was waving the referee off as they ref yelled at him to get back in. Danni runs off the opposite ropes and comes back and let fly with a torpedo plancha!
Danni was first back to her feet, and rolled back in the ring, however she wasn't done with the high-risk offence, she climbed the turnbuckle, and as Buta got back to his feet she let fly with a cross body, but incredibly Buta caught her! He chucked her from fall away slam position into a powerslam position, and charged towards the ringpost. Danni saw the danger however and slipped out, Buta went headfirst into the post! Buta dropped to one knee as he tried to shake the cobwebs out, allowing Anderson to stalk him and wait for him to come to, as he did, she charged, looking to hit the Power Dunk [jumping supergirl punch], however Buta, in what can only now be described as a combination of desperation and possible concussion from the head shot, thrust his hand into her mouth, neutralising her with The Mandible Claw...but he didn't let go, and the referee proceeded to count both competitors out!
[WINNER: Double Count Out at 04:46]
MATCH THREE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Felix vs Casimir the Clown
These two men square up, showing their similar sizes while emphasizing a difference of disposition. Felix holds the Clown's gaze longer than the audience expects before Casimir throws the first punch. That punch only serves to motivate Felix, who blocks a second punch, catching the arm and locking Casimir in a wristlock before chopping away at Casimir's chest with the free hand, then knees to the stomach when he starts to sag. Casimir tries to surprise Felix by surging after the Uchi-Sute flurry, but Felix just finishes off with a surprise Tiger Claw strike to the side of the head that knocks Casimir loopy. But not loopy enough for a three count. Felix transitions into a LeBell Lock, but can't lock it in because Casimir blatantly bites his hands. Felix has to release, but between the stiff blow to the head and the brutal assault from Scott Hampton last show, Casimir is struggling to compose himself. He just laughs as he peppers Felix with punches and headbutts, but on the third headbutt, Felix dodges, switching to the Snake Stance and peppering Casimir in the temple with two quick strikes, then under the ribs, and when Casimir is slumped, he runs the ropes, then rolls a devastating Koppu Kick right into Casimir's cranium!
The Clown isn't moving, but Felix doesn't let up the attack. Casimir is starting to bleed, as the Koppu Kick seems to have reopened the cut from the No Limits title match, once again turning the white clown make-up red. Felix sits up the bleeding clown and kicks him full in the back in the style of a Penalty Kick from non-American football. Casimir cries out, back arched, but then starts laughing again in his unsettling way. Felix ignores this, and as Casimir starts trying to stand, he pelts Casimir's chest with kicks, eventually twisting around in a spinning back kick to finish the Naginata combination. Casimir's body whips back, but he doesn't go down, instead pushing up to his feet. With a scowl uncharacteristic of the Warrior, Felix grabs Casimir's arm and drags him down, lacing him up as though for the LeBell Lock again, but knowing what happened last time, instead he wraps the arm up good and then leans forward to grab Casimir's other arm, pulling it straight up and trying to bend the elbow the wrong way. Casimir tries to laugh his way through the pain, but then something pops and he just screams and gives up! The two points is going to get Felix to Collision Course, but the emphatic victory does send a message to the world that he's not fucking around.
[WINNER: Felix via Dokkōdō (The Path of Aloneness) at 5:15]
MATCH FOUR
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Bugz? vs Beau Traywick
The bell rings as both Bugz? and Beau stare each other down. For Bugz?, there's a potential chance to see a three-way tiebreaker. But for Beau, there's just the chance to walk away with a win.
The two circle each other for a couple moments, as Jolene cheers on from the outside, before Beau goes for a lock-up. Having absolutely none of that, Bugz? just slaps him hard across the face before hooking him for a Russian Leg Sweep down to the mat. Bugz? rolls into the mount and begins to rain down a series of punches, but Beau uses his own technical know-how to twist the situation into his favor and rolls over onto Bugz? to trade those punches back! As Bugz? tries to fight back, Beau reaches down and grabs him for a grounded Sleeper hold! Beau wrenches the choke immediately as Bugz? looks for the ropes. After a bit of struggling, Bugz? manages to get a foot on the ropes, causing Jennifer Thibodeaux to start counting Beau off the hold. She gets to four-and-three-quarters before Beau lets off the hold... but as he backs off, he gives Bugz? a taunting kick to the back of the head.
With Bugz? laid out on the mat, trying to catch his breath, Beau takes this opportunity to climb the turnbuckle. To the booing crowd before him, he mouths off for a moment before repositioning-- BUGZ? SHOVES HIM STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR-- ONTO JOLENE!! Beau looks absolutely mortified at what has happened as Jolene lays on the floor completely unconscious. Almost growling, Beau turns to the ring-- KILL THE RABBIT SUICIDE DIVE! Bugz?, wasting no time on the two, tackles Beau towards the barricade! However, Bugz?' leg clips the rope at the last minute and both end up smacking their heads on the top of the barricade. Jenny begins to count both wrestlers out...
No one is moving by the count of three.
By five, Beau has, at least, rolled off of his manager's body.
By seven, Bugz? is dizzily grabbing at the metal bars to try to pull himself to his feet.
By eight, Beau is shakily pushing himself up off the floor
And by nine... both falter.
A ten-count is reached for both competitors.
[WINNER: Double Count Out at 3:04]
Next Level Wrestling Presents
COLLISION COURSE 2022
LIVE from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
MATCH FIVE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Trixie Mars vs Cheez
The crowd exchanges chants between "let's go, Trixie" and "let's go, Cheez" as the two combatants begin to trade blows in the middle of the ring for the match. Trixie ends up getting the first advantage, though, as she uses her wrestling expertise to tangle Cheez up in a headlock. Cheez pushes her off, but she immediately rebounds off the ropes with a springboard dropkick straight to the chest! Cheez stumbles in his posture, but holds his footing. Trixie pushes herself off the mat immediately following the dropkick and runs the ropes again to hit a quick running headscissor to send Cheez into a nearby corner. From there, she sprints over and swings for the enziguri, but Cheez manages to barely duck out of the way and roll through it. Unrelenting, Trixie measures up Cheez from the corner before hitting a swift shining wizard to the back of the head! Smirking to herself, she goes for the cover after using Cheez' own typical finisher against him... only for Cheez to grab the nearby ropes instead. She nods in acceptance to the situation before pulling him away from the ropes, only for Cheez to snatch her back down with a small package pin! He locks it in tight, but also only manages to get a two before Trixie snaps away from the situation. She looks shocked as Cheez begins to distance himself away from the "Emerald Underdog." But as he distances away from her, he grins.
One more count, and the match could've ended right there.
Trixie shakes off the frustrations as she pulls herself up back to her feet. Cheez pulls himself back up as well, but Trixie is already back in his face once again... and he slaps her hard across the face! She looks bewildered before Cheez throws her down with a snapmare and lands a stiff kick to the spine immediately after. Trixie's spine arches as the pain sings through it... especially as Cheez manages to get a couple more kicks off before running the ropes and aiming for a Cheez Wiz of his own! Trixie drops to the mat to dodge the running knee, and immediately catches Cheez for a roll-up pin of her own to steal the match-- Cheez counters into an armbar by trapping the arm! But Trixie immediately kicks a leg out and hooks it onto a nearby rope before he can lock it in. Still favoring her back, Trixie begins to pull herself up to a standing position before Cheez tries to run up to her. Trixie, however, responds with a kick to the gut, a headlock, and goes for the springboard DDT only for Cheez to once again slip out and shove her unceremoniously to the mat in-front of her. She lands harshly on her back, but kips right back up out of it only to be met by a kick from Cheez. He grabs her by the neck and forces Trixie to Do a Barrel Roll in the middle of the ring via swinging neckbreaker! He wraps her up for a pin but only gets two once more.
Cheez begins to roll himself over towards the ropes, but Trixie manages to grab him before he can reach them, and she takes to the mount. Cheez tries his best to roll her off of him... right into the Needle armbar she was looking for! She immediately begins to wrench the arm hard, but Cheez fights back against it as much as he can. His body writhes as his arm pulls down against Trixie's strength... legs kicking and dragging as they look for anywhere around the ring to escape. Gabe Valentine leans down and asks Cheez if he wants to tap...
... right before catching that a foot barely managed to hook onto the bottom rope! He begins to count Trixie off of the hold. It gets to three and a half before she lets go. The frustration begins to set in for Trixie by this point as Cheez favors his arm. She reaches out for him only to be met with desperate corner kicks. She grabs an ankle and yanks him back to the center of the ring. She gives the gamer a couple of stiff kicks to the head to keep him dazed long enough for her to position and hit a standing moonsault across him and his wounded arm! Not wanting to let this momentum die, she immediately sprints for the corner... hopping up the middle turnbuckle... taking to the top... and springboarding into the Mars Landing for a vicious and sudden three-count!
[WINNER: Trixie Mars via Mars Landing at 5:21]
MATCH SIX
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Bloodied Fox vs Tuna Meltzer
Just as soon as the initial bell has rung, Meltzer takes the initiative and rushes at Bloodied Fox, landing a running lariat! Fox goes down and the Five-Star Man goes for a hammerlock - NO! Bloodied Fox reverses into a small package, and the referee has to count the pin! Meltzer kicks out and Fox is quick to climb to his feet. Meltzer goes again on the offensive, but this time he's stopped by a Question Mark kick courtesy of Bloodied Fox! Meltzer goes down and Bloodied Fox presses his advantage with a vicious series of mounted palm strikes! It is all Meltzer can do to attempt to block the Bloodied Fox's barrage, but he is forced to his feet and dropped by a Belly to Belly Suplex! Bloodied Fox goes for the cover, but Tuna Meltzer kicks out at two! The XHF legend now decides to take to the air. He races to the ropes, slides behind the apron, and takes off with the Air Vulpine... NO! Knees up by Tuna Meltzer and Fox lands stomach first into them! Bloodied Fox is now rolling over the mat in pain, and Meltzer attempts to cover, but Fox kicks out at two! Meltzer now grins wickedly and subjects the crowd, and Bloodied Fox, through the agony of sitting through a Mongo match (Camel Clutch)! The camel clutch is locked tight but Bloodied Fox will not surrender, and this raises the question of how long it will take before his spine gives out!
But the British wrestler is a legend for a reason. His arms break free from the hold, and he begins to reach for the ropes! Tuna Meltzer puts pressure on the hold but the Fox reaches... and reaches... and he makes it! The referee argues with Meltzer to break the hold or be disqualified, and Meltzer has no choice but to obey. As soon as Fox gets back to his feet, he lunges at Meltzer! The two begin to exchange strikes, and soon are locked in a grapple! Back and forth they go and none can overpower the other, so Meltzer sends Bloodied Fox in an Irish Whip! Fox bounces back on the rebound and Meltzer charges... but he's caught in the Bloody Rain (Superman Palm Strike)! Meltzer is dropped like a bad habit and it's payback time for the Bloodied Fox! One kick to the head, then another, and another in quick succession! Meltzer doesn't know where he's at right now, and the Bloodied Fox is about to give him a tour! He forces Meltzer to his feet and sends him into the ropes, and Meltzer comes back on the rebound to find himself in the receiving end of a Hurricanrana! Meltzer is down and Bloodied Fox signals for the end! Picking up the Five-Star Man once more, he hooks his head and plants him down to the mat with the B4 (Cutthroat Exploder)! Meltzer is out cold, and the Bloodied Fox makes the cover for the final one-two-three!
[WINNER: Bloodied Fox via B4 at 11:45]
The lights in the Lakefront Arena cut off as all the fans begin to get restless. A single note on a piano plays before a clip of the NLW Heavyweight Champion speaking starts to play on the speakers.
Seth Dillinger: I happened to stumble my way into NLW underneath that mask, and I came so close to pulling off the surprise win at the Rumble. I managed to put down one of the most dominant champions in the XHF when I made Nathan Cage quit, and I've reminded myself that the injury and the time I spent away... that's not who I am. Who I am is a competitor, a fighter... a champion.
Another piano note is followed by a clip of the former champion, Finn Whelan.
Finn Whelan: The desire to prove themselves, the desire to be that fighting spirit that doesn’t surrender, doesn’t fail. Relentless in all that they do, and battle until there’s no breath left.
Seth Dillinger now appears on the screen, entering the ring as the challenge in the Seventh Circle at Hostile Intent.
Seth Dillinger: The absolute worst thing you can do is make me the underdog. It's where I live. It's where I thrive.
The screen now shows Finn Whelan as he walks down the ramp to take on then-champion Tommy Kelly.
Finn Whelan: I get it. I’m just that person in a long line of people who have done that to you, Seth. But I suspect you knew that was what was to be expected coming from someone like me. I’m going to question you, just as much as you question me.
Seth and Fox are staring down Cage, who is grinning despite bleeding freely. The two charge, with Seth just a step behind. This means Fox eats a lariat from Cage, but Seth has the reaction time to pivot into an arm drag, which seems out of place in a modified Elimination Chamber, but it gets Cage spun around enough that he can hit a second one, and when Cage tries to reverse the third, Seth isn’t doing an arm drag, but kipping up from the canvas to hit a hurricanrana that whips Cage into the corner where his destroyed chamber is.
Seth Dillinger: Why am I wasting my breath helping you understand the man you're about to face at Night of Champions? Less is more. Go on and assume what you will about me then. Ramble till the end of time about how my accomplishments in AWF don't matter, but your non-NLW wins do. Tell us all about how I only got my championship shot off of name recognition, ignoring the fact that I'm on an undefeated streak in NLW. I'll let you think what you want to think. I thrive in the world of the underdog.
Whelan slowly got back to his feet and Kelly went for Death Becomes You, but Whelan flipped out, landing back on his feet, Deathless tries to take his head off with a lariat and Whelan ducks, taking his momentum to the ropes, Kelly turns and is cleaned out with Fenian Rising.
Finn Whelan: I’m looking forward to this fight. I’m looking forward to Night of Champions, because on that night, I have the opportunity to do the same thing to you that I did to Dylan Black nearly a year ago when he came for that same strap. I can make an example out of you, show everyone that the world can change in a blink of an eye. I won’t underestimate you, but I absolutely will ensure that when the time arises, I know exactly how to put you in the ground. You can expect nothing less.
The final image is of Seth Dillinger in the ring as the Seventh Circle structure is being raised off of the ring, kneeling on a profoundly bloody canvas, being presented with the NLW World Championship belt. He has no energy to even stand for his hand being raised.
Seth Dillinger: You're gonna get a whole crash course in Dillinger at Night of Champions, Finn.
The referee handed Finn Whelan the NLW Heavyweight Title which he stared at for a moment before lifting it triumphantly aloft!
Finn Whelan: I’m comin’ for blood, Seth. And I’m coming for gold.
The various clips of moves done by both competitors quickly flash on the screen before one image remains on the screen.
The banner finally fades before the words “Tomorrow night, only on the XHF Network” succeeded it.
MATCH SEVEN
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
NON-TITLE
Scott Hampton© vs Daisuke Miyazaki
Scott Hampton goes right at it with Miyazaki! Left hand from Hampton! Right hand from Daisuke! A vicious brawl breaks out between the two, and the No Limits Champion sends the Shogun spinning with a running European Uppercut! Miyazaki is rocked and Scott Hampton launches into the air... Pump kick, right to the face, and Daisuke Miyazaki goes down! Hampton with the cover, but the Japanese wrestler kicks out at two! The Black Heart picks up Miyazaki and prepares to drop him with a Kneecap Brainbuster... but Miyazaki counters with a swinging neckbreaker! Scott Hampton drops like a sack of potatoes, and the Shogun has won himself some valuable time to recover! Miyazaki is now on his feet and Scott Hampton is slowly rising. The Shogun charges forward and flattens the Best Kept Secret with a Running STO! But after Hampton's assault, he's not done getting payback! He picks Hampton up and slams him with the Saitama Spin (Saito Suplex)! He goes for the cover, but Scott Hampton kicks out at two! The Shogun now decides to make Hampton suffer, and puts him on a Reverse Figure Four... NO! Scott Hampton shifts to an inside cradle! Surprise pin attempt by the Bristol native, and the Shogun kicks out! Both men scramble to their feet, but Scott Hampton is back in the game, and gets the upper hand with a roundhouse - dodged by Hampton - NO! Gamengiri by the Black Heart right to the back of the head of Daisuke Miyazaki! The Shogun collapses to the mat and Hampton goes for the cover, but Miyazaki barely gets the shoulder up at the last second!
Still looking to dish out punishment, Scott Hampton wishes to inflict the maximum amount of pain on Miyazaki, and he knows just the way to do so. He starts his climb to the top turnbuckle as the Shogun picks himself up from the mat, and just as Miyazaki has risen, Hampton launches for him to Stop Breathing (Diving Double Foot Stomp to Spine)... NO! Miyazaki has turned right on time! He's caught Hampton mid-air and takes him down! "Mada Mada!" (Folding Snap Powerbomb) Both competitors are laid out flat, and the ref has to start a ten count! One, two, three, four, five, both wrestlers begin to show sides of life and lift themselves up from the mat once more! Miyazaki approaches Hampton and lifts him up for the Shogun's Conquest... but the No Limits champion lands an elbow to Miyazaki's head! And another! And once more! The Shogun's hold is broken and Scott Hampton gains just enough time for an opening! The Shogun is still reeling from those desperate hits as the Black Heart races to the ropes! Miyazaki has not finished composing himself before Hampton launches, and he's caught dead center of the Bristol native's Springboard Cutter! The No Limits Champion signals for the end, lifts Miyazaki over his shoulders, and lands the Vae Victis (Argentine Backbreaker to Knee Lift) to put him down for good!
[WINNER: Scott Hampton via Vae Victis at 13:45]
MATCH EIGHT
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
Spike Kane vs The Thespian
The match of the two winners of Group A starts as violently as advertised, as a sequel to their encounter in the 7th Circle of Hell. Thespian tries for a Perfect Tragedy right off the bat, but Spike dodges, then throws a kick to set up for Thunderstruck, but Thespian catches Spike before he can drop the Stunner and shoves him against the ropes. Here ensues a battery of strikes from both sides as, having failed their big move openings, they resort to just beating seven bells out of each other. There's open-hand slaps and elbow smashes and kicks to the leg and European Uppercuts. Spike has the size advantage, so it's no surprise he eventually gets the upper hand, but Thespian hangs with him a lot longer than most men would before Spike finally gets separation with an elbow, then a spinning back elbow, and as Thespian wobbles, a superkick that hits right on the chin and bends Thespian's head back as he falls. Despite that, Spike still only gets a two count.
The Blood God spends the next few minutes slowing the match down. Any time Thespian starts to get a head of steam, he does a knee lift or locks in a side headlock or something to stop the momentum. Thespian, after several minutes of frustration, fights out of a headlock and kicks Spike in the back of the leg, hitting Break a Leg! But as soon as he tries to capitalize by hitting Take a Bow!, Spike twists out of the inverted chancery, catching Thespian with the Stunner he was looking for earlier! Thespian is Thunderstruck, but kicks out at two and a half. Spike tries to take Thespian's leg out from under him by locking him in Burning Hell, but Thespian knows how dangerous the Ankle Lock is and throws himself at the ropes to force the break before he can take too much damage. Spike holds on until four and a half, earning a lecture from head official Gabe Valentine, but he summarily ignores it.
But the pain is what Thespian needed to find his second wind, and he starts fighting back, powering out of an attempt at Freya's Wings. This gives him the opening for a lot of fast-paced strikes, capped off by a laugh, a righthand slap from Thalia that staggers Kane, then his take on Spike's Bloody Sunday! Spike crumbles, but kicks out at 2.8 when Thespian covers. Thespian runs a hand along his face in frustration, but as he stands up, preparing for the killshot, he goes stock still as he looks down at the front row. You can't see his face, but you can almost feel the shock as he sees The Interpreter watching on. The two men meet eyes, but do not say anything. Thespian shakes it off, but only to turn around to face a pissed Blood God who shows him how Bloody Sunday should be done, cracking him again in the chin with a big kick, but the spinning roundhouse only gets 2.9, as Thespian's shoulder comes up at the last possible moment!
Spike is wide-eyed for an instant before getting back to work on Thespian. Theo's body is limp as Spike lifts the dead weight to his feet, then tucks him under one arm for the Spike Impailer. But as he lifts, Thespian's leg hooks around his, blocking the Jackhammer. Spike growls and tries again, but physics keeps Thespian grounded. He lets go of Thespian to blast him with an elbow for separation, then pops him up, but instead of catching him with Blood God's Wrath, Thespian catches him with a knee to the chin! Spike crumples from the surprise Perfect Tragedy, and Thespian lands awkwardly as well, but he's up first and immediately removes the knee pad, just like at Hostile Intent. As Spike struggles to get up, he hits a second Perfect Tragedy, this time a running knee to the back of the head, also evoking Hostile Intent. He starts winding up for a third but Gabe insists he stop, so Thespian responds with a flourishing bow, then drops down to pin Spike, earning a three count and his place at Collision Course.
[WINNER: The Thespian via Perfect Tragedy at 15:12]
The camera cuts backstage to the space set up for the coverage for the 2022 G1. NLW’s General Manager BB Gunn stands next to the big monitor much as he has in weeks past and, as soon as he notices the camera? Gunn is grinning as he nods in greeting to the camera, getting right down to business.
BB Gunn: So the dust has settled for three out of the four groups in this year’s G1. Let’s get into it with Group A!
A snap of the fingers and the monitor flares to life with the graphic for Group A.
BB Gunn: Spike Kane was dominant from the jump… but so was the Thespian. These two titans just collided in the middle of the ring with all they could muster, but the Thespian was the one to come out on top to win the group. Danni Anderson and the Great Buta’s collision ended with a first for the G1 here in NLW with a tie. I hope to see those two go up against one another in the future.
Gunn nods before snapping his fingers again, summoning the graphic for Group C.
BB Gunn: First off, I hope that Jolene is okay after the mishap that ended the bout between Beau Traywick and Bugz?. That’s another match I’d like to see in the future, just… without what brought about the second tie of the evening. Secondly, Trixie Mars securing the win over a very game Cheez means that she advances to the semi finals. She’s made history in doing so, but I don’t think she’s ready to call it a day just yet–but what will her opponent next show have to say about it?
Another snap of the fingers… and another image change.
BB Gunn: Felix knew he was coming into this group at a disadvantage, but he still fought valiantly once he replaced Sexton Love–and tonight, that determination got him a win over Casimir the Clown. Scott Hampton, however, is the man of the hour when it comes to Group D thanks to his win over Daisuke Miyazaki. That means that, on the next episode of Ascendancy, we will see Trixie Mars and Scott Hampton collide!
Gunn nods before he continues.
BB Gunn: Now, I know I went out of order with the group rundowns… and that’s for one very simple reason. Until our main event concludes, we won’t know who has won it. But there’s still something to discuss!
A final snap of Gunn’s fingers and the graphic for Group B comes up.
BB Gunn: Bloodied Fox’s win over Tuna Meltzer means the XHF Legend ends on a good note in his group. Grimgor Ironhide has been on a tear since he signed to NLW, and he’s promised to add MYOJIN to his list of victims… but MYOJIN is on a mission to win the G1 after making it to the finals last year, and in order to do that? They have to go through the reigning Southern States Champion. Who will be facing the Thespian in the semi-finals?
NLW’s GM leans in just a little as his lips spread into an eager smile.
BB Gunn: Let’s find out, shall we?
The camera cuts to ringside.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH NINE
G1 TOURNAMENT THIRD ROUND MATCH
NLW SOUTHERN STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Grimgor Ironhide© vs MYOJIN
To say that this is a blade fight between a scalpel’s graceful precision and a claymore’s brutal strength is… rather accurate, actually. The bell rings and Grimgor Ironhide charges across the ring, but MYOJIN easily gets out of the way! This causes the Once and Future Git to snarl in frustration as he whirls around, reaching for the Shining Star–but those attempts are also nimbly avoided, MYOJIN’s dexterity and experience both on display. Such only causes Grimgor to grow more and more irate until frustration has him lashing out with no rhyme or reason with hammering blows. The first few miss, but one connects soundly with MYOJIN, the force strong enough from that one blow to send them stumbling back into the nearest corner. The reigning Southern States Champion lumbers after his opponent, Grimgor’s offense focusing in now that he’s got MYOJIN cornered. A series of punishing blows knocks plenty of cobwebs into the Shining Star’s head leaving them slumped in the corner. The orc, sensing the chance to cause some serious damage, grabs MYOJIN by the wrist and whips him from corner to corner–and as the Shining Star hurtles across the ring, Ironhide crouches down in the newly-vacated space with a gleeful grin on his face. MYOJIN collides with the turnbuckle and Ironhide sprints across the ring in a spear attempt… but the Shining Star is able to get out of the way, leaving Grimgor with too much of a head of steam to stop himself!
The Once and Future Git is able to get his head up, but he collides hard with the turnbuckles chest-first, and as he staggers back, MYOJIN swoops in with a Standing Sit-Out Shiranui! The Flashing Lights brings Grimgor down to the canvas and MYOJIN is quick to capitalize on the opportunity they have created for themselves by going for the pinfall attempt, but Ironhide kicks out with authority right before the two count. MYOJIN is not discouraged by this–they were expecting it, judging by the look on their face–so instead of giving their opponent any room to breathe? The Shining Star responds to Grimgor sitting up by sitting on his neck and grabbing a leg. The Southern States Champion’s leg is bigger than most, but they manage to heave it into position for a Stump Puller. They skip the Figure Four part to get straight to the offense, meaning Grimgor has an easier time powering out… but MYOJIN transitions to a rear naked choke, dropping down behind Grimgor instead, weighing him down as he tries to get up. The Shining Star even switches to a dragon sleeper when it looks like Grimgor will grab them, but they can’t hang on forever, and eventually Grimgor pancakes MYOJIN between himself and the turnbuckles. MYOJIN crumples, and Grimgor has to take a moment on his knees to massage his throat and recover... but when that’s over, he stands and looks at his challenger with Orcish fury in his eyes.
The Once and Future Git is now properly pissed off, and that’s not a good thing for his opponent.
As the Shining Star stagger to their feet, Grimgor tries to decapitate them with a vicious lariat. MYOJIN’s head stays on, but so does the pressure as they are hauled bodily to their feet, then thrown across the ring with a mighty Beal throw that’s impressive, but also scary as MYOJIN lands less than a foot from the corner. The Shining Star starts dragging themselves toward the corner to pull themselves up, but before they can, Grimgor is there and starts stomping away at MYOJIN, helpfully shouting “DA GIT STOMPIN’!” so even the people working concessions know what’s happening. Senior official Gabe Valentine eventually convinces Grimgor to stop long enough to check on MYOJIN, but the Shining Star wants redemption from last year’s G1 and refuses to give up. Grimgor tries to start stomping again, but MYOJIN pulls themself up enough to get a dropkick to the knee. It doesn’t stagger Da Alpha Orc much, but it’s enough for MYOJIN to get out of the corner. Grimgor closes, but MYOJIN uses their speed to disorient him by hitting a Tiger Spin Drop Toe Hold, targeting the same knee, and when Grimgor falls to all fours, they pop up and hit a Switchblade kick right across the back of his neck–but rather than fall the rest of the way, Grimgor roars and asks for another. MYOJIN’s brow furrows, but they oblige a couple times. On the fourth, Grimgor catches their foot with his hand and yanks the Shining Star off balance. Both wrestlers scramble to get up, but as they do, Grimgor’s hand shoots out and grips MYOJIN by the throat. The size difference is immediately re-emphasized as Grimgor heaves MYOJIN into the air and holds them there for about ten seconds before slamming them to the mat in a brutal Chokeslam! But it’s still not enough, and MYOJIN kicks out at two-and-a-half.
Grimgor smiles at MYOJIN’s perseverance as he stands up, then lifts MYOJIN up with him. He grabs MYOJIN for a suplex, but The Shining Star knows how dangerous that is, so they slip free desperately, and as Grimgor tries to follow them, MYOJIN drops down and tries to curl around the tree trunk leg of Da Alpha Orc with their famous Imanari Roll. But Grimgor is too large and steady, so he stays upright, then stomps the foot of that leg, jarring MYOJIN’s whole body several times until they let go. With a smirk, Grimgor grabs MYOJIN by the head to lift them, then puts them back into suplex position. He stalls a bit, letting out a deafening “WAAAAAAAGH!” before he lifts MYOJIN into the air for his Jackhammer, DA ALPHA SLAM. He took too long, however, and The Shining Star twists themselves out slightly, landing on the shoulders of the Southern States Champion, wrapping their legs around the neck for a headscissor and grabbing the lifting arm to wrench it behind his back in a Kimura! The crowd cheers at this improvised Aquila, and Grimgor roars as he tries to pry MYOJIN off! But the Kimura’s locked tight and every time he tries to pull MYOJIN off his shoulders, the pain in his arm gets worse! The pressure on his neck and pain in the arm force him down to his knees, then flat on the mat. He never taps, but MYOJIN rides him the whole way, and after a full minute locked in Aquila, Grimgor is limp. Gabe is about to call it, but MYOJIN wants to make double sure, so they detach themselves, rush to the nearest corner, ascend the turnbuckles, check that he’s still motionless, then leap backwards with an Imploding 450 Splash to the back of Grimgor Ironhide! They struggle to turn Grimgor over, but eventually manage it so Gabe can administer a three-count no one can hear over the cheers of the crowd!
[WINNER and NEW NLW Southern States Champion: MYOJIN via Aquila/Falling From Heaven at 20:47]
Sitting back on their heels, MYOJIN is clearly exhausted… but that does nothing to stop the satisfied look on their face. Valentine presents the Southern States Championship to the Shining Star as the Once and Future Git remains motionless save his breathing. It takes some effort, but MYOJIN gets to his feet with the belt in hand.
Dan Simmons: MYOJIN has done it! Both competitors took each other to the edge of their respective limits, but the Shining Star was able to dig deep and get the win!
Tommy West: It took everything but the kitchen sink to get it done, but we’ve got a new Southern States Champion… as well as our last semi-finalist. That means that, on the next episode of Ascendancy, MYOJIN will be taking on the Thespian to see who makes it to the finals!
Dan Simmons: Indeed, and Trixie Mars will be squaring off against Scott Hampton in the other half of the semi-finals. Who will make it to Collision Course? Tune in to the next episode of Ascendancy to find out!
Tommy West: And don’t forget to tune into XHF Night of Champions tomorrow night to see who will be the NLW World Champion heading into the pay-per-view! As always, I’m Tommy West, he’s Dan Simmons, and we thank you for joining us tonight. Take care and goodnight!
The video feed fades to black as MYOJIN raises their Southern States Championship into the air, the crowd cheering for the newly-minted champion.
CREDITS
Match One - Adrien
Match Two - Robbie
Match Three - Jake
Match Four - Thespian
Match Five - Thespian
Match Six - Grimgor
Match Seven - Grimgor
Match Eight - Jake
Match Nine - Kris
Match One - Adrien
Match Two - Robbie
Match Three - Jake
Match Four - Thespian
Match Five - Thespian
Match Six - Grimgor
Match Seven - Grimgor
Match Eight - Jake
Match Nine - Kris
