Vengeance - Wednesday February 2nd - New Orleans, Louisiana
Feb 2, 2022 16:24:00 GMT
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Post by Vengeance on Feb 2, 2022 16:24:00 GMT
Three hours before Vengeance
The crowd is raucous inside the arena for the start of Vengeance, but the potential fireworks is outside the arena.
In the parking area, it seems as if the entire Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Department and New Orleans PD are out in full force as if this were an LSU-Alabama game. Each are geared up as if preparing for a riot as they line the entry concourse and loading dock in preparation.
As a silver coupe comes peeling down the driveway, Mick Foley stands out in the middle of the road, a bit nervous at the gambit he’s playing. A bead of sweat drips down his face as the car doesn’t seem to be slowing down until the last moment when it screeches to a halt in front of him.
Opening the door and hopping out is Jamie Hayter as she looks at him puzzled.
JAMIE HAYTER: The bloody hell’s your problem?
She then looks around at all the cops and looks back at Mick.
JAMIE HAYTER: And what’s with all the tossers?
MICK FOLEY: Righto and cheerio Miss Jamie Hayter!
Jamie blanches and no-sells it.
MICK FOLEY: No good? Well, these fine law enforcement professionals are here to make sure you and Miss Momo don’t start dusting it up before it gets in the ring. I saw what happened on Eruption. I mean, it’s just a YouTube show!
Jamie scowls at Mick, but even she’s not dumb enough to fight a bunch of armed cops and get arrested before she gets her hands on Momo. Going to the back of the car, she pulls out her rolling suitcase and slams the lid shut. Walking by Mick, she tosses him the fob for the car.
JAMIE HAYTER: Then you bloody park it.
And she storms off, yelling for the cops to get out of her way and for the Chief Medical Doctor. Mick’s just left staring at the fob in his hand.
MICK FOLEY: Real firecracker that one…
A whirring sound is heard as Drake Maverick comes rolling up in his motorized wheelchair. Drake looks disheveled and covered in trash.
DRAKE MAVERICK: *yells after Jamie* Miss Jamie! How could you leave me behind?! I had to get help from the local bus driver and I got robbed!
Drake looks in tears and Mick winces at the stench, but being Mister Positive he tries to focus on something else.
MICK FOLEY: LOOKIN’ GOOD PAL! Stylin’ in that motorized wheelchair. Is that a Shoprider Streamer Sport?
Drake immediately changes expression and beams!
DRAKE MAVERICK: Indeed it is! It’s a…
MICK FOLEY: A mid-size power wheelchair, which has a 10-mile travel range on a single battery charge, blends style and comfort. It features a 19-inch captain’s seat, plus 3-inch ground clearance that makes it easy to maneuver the terrain almost anywhere you go. I know! I got one at home!
Drake looks at Mick like he’s just become his idol.
DRAKE MAVERICK: Mista Foley, I think this is the beginnin’ of a beautiful friendship.
Mick looks at Drake like he just pointed out a stain on Foley’s flannel shirt.
MICK FOLEY: Look at the time! Got a show to run! HAVE A NICE DAY!
Foley exits, leaving Drake ignorant and still in admiration.
DRAKE MAVERICK: A true hero.
Drake looks at the cops standing there stoic and silent.
DRAKE MAVERICK: Say blokes! Did I ever tell you about this here Shoprider Streamer Sport? Well ya see…
Fade.
The pyro goes off and this New Orleans crowd is absolutely electric for this show. The final stop before Ascension and the stakes are high in a few of the contests tonight. As with the last few shows, Mick Foley’s music hits to start off the night and the crowd cheers wildly again. Foley, like a few weeks ago, stays at the top of the ramp and has a half smile on his face.
MICK FOLEY: Feels good to be here tonight…in New Orleans, Louisiana!
The king of the cheap pop gets another one..
MICK FOLEY: I’m sure you all saw what happened on Storm at the end of the title contender battle royale. Cody Rhodes, seemingly dumped over the top rope, came back into the ring and eliminated his opponents to put he and Miro in our first ever World Championship match at Ascension.
A smattering of boos and cheers from the crowd as quite honestly, they’re not sure how to feel about Rhodes’ actions during the battle royale.
MICK FOLEY: I’ve had a lot of people ask me the obvious questions about will there be any repercussions for Cody Rhodes’ actions and what he did. After much deliberation and contemplation on what should be done…I’m going to let the result of that battle royale match stand. Cody Rhodes will face Miro for the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship at Ascension. However, Cody getting back into the match after seemingly being eliminated and eliminating Kevin Nash, Brock Lesnar and Malakai Black needs to have some kind of reaction to it.
He measures his next few words and lets out an audible breath before continuing in front of the hushed New Orleans crowd.
MICK FOLEY: It could be argued that those three men were eliminated by an already eliminated member of the match. And while I just said that the result will stand, I still feel obligated to give those three men something. So, at Ascension, we are going to have a triple threat match between Kevin Nash, Malakai Black and Brock Lesnar. The winner will be the number one contender for the world championship. That seems pretty fair, doesn’t it, New Orleans?
Smoothie King Center cheers at the announcement.
MICK FOLEY: So that settles that little bit of a guilt I’ve been feeling for those three individuals. That also means we have a world championship match, an X-Division championship match, a women’s world championship match, but that leaves the tag team division still needing a title match. After much deliberation and thought on that subject, I think I’ve finally settled on that match now as well. At Ascension, we’re going to have a four corners tag team elimination match. Where teams can be eliminated throughout the match and when we get down to two teams left, we’re going to lower the tag team championships down from the rafters and the two remaining teams will have a ladder match to decide who will be the first WLCW Tag Team champions! As far as the teams participating in that match…First, I’m going to give a spot to a team that has more than impressed me in their time here. And while a group of four, I will let them decide which two of them will be in the match. That’s right, folks, The Wingmen will be the first tag team in the four corners elimination tag team match.
The crowd gives a nice mix of boos and cheers at the Wingmen announcment.
MICK FOLEY: Tonight’s match between the Varsity Blondes and the Motor City Machine Guns will produce the second team in that match at Ascension with the winner receiving that spot. The third team will be announced a little later on tonight and the fourth team…a wild card team will be announced on WLCW social media after Vengeance. So, make sure and follow us on Twitter and Instagram! New Orleans, we have an incredible show in store for you tonight! Thank you all for being here and remember…Have a nice day!
Foley’s music plays as he goes back through the curtain, the camera cutting to a shot of Pat and Mauro at the announce table.
MAURO RANALLO: Huge announcements from Mick Foley there!
PAT MCAFEE: Number one contender triple threat match at Ascension! I love it!
MAURO RANALLO: Four corners elimination tag team match that turns into a ladder match when down to the final two teams!
PAT MCAFEE: My boys, The Wingmen in that match!
MAURO RANALLO: And the winner of Varsity Blondes and Motor City Machine Guns later on tonight will get a spot in that match as well!
PAT MCAFEE: This card tonight is absolutely loaded!
MAURO RANALLO: That it is, let’s get down into the ring and right to the action! We have a triple threat match to start this night off!
Certainly an interesting match up between three guys who have a ton of potential here in WLCW. Prince Devitt is making his in ring debut for the company. A man with a bit of hype behind him and a good following. He doesn’t seem to care much for the crowd and what others think about him and it’s almost as if it makes him more endearing to them. A modern day, dare I say it, CM Punk. Who also happens to be in this match. Punk is one of the biggest deals in recent wrestling history. A man who had the wrestling world in the palm of his hands and let it go to chase his own dreams. Now, he finds himself back in the rings and arenas he abandoned not so long ago. The crowd, willing to forgive him and accept him back, have seen a man struggle to get back into the swing of things. He could have easily walked into WLCW and demanded any high level championship match or spot on the card, but he’s trying to fight and earn his spot there. A win tonight goes a long way in getting back there. Then there’s Matt Sydal. A man who is trying to get himself back into the good graces of the wrestling world. Branding himself as a visionary reborn. He is still trying to get himself settled in and established here in WLCW. Management sees a lot of potential in him though and perhaps that’s why he finds himself in this triple threat match with two other men who Foley and the higher ups at WLCW think have a ton of potential. Potential will only take you so far. Eventually you have to grab the brass ring, break through the glass ceiling and every other metaphor you can think of or may have heard about. The bell rings and potential becomes reality between these three as we are officially underway.
PAT MCAFEE: What an opening match here to start out this show. This should be a damn good one!
MAURO RANALLO: Each of these guys are hungry for a win.
PAT MCAFEE: Only one of them can win, though!
MAURO RANALLO: That is how matches work, yes.
Matt Sydal holds his hands up in a defensive taekwondo stance. Punk narrows his eyes a bit at him and tilts his head, like a confused dog. Punk now puts his hands up in a mixed martial arts stance, but right as he does that, he’s grabbed from behind by Devitt and thrown over the top rope to the floor. Before Prince can turn his attention back to the ring, he’s met with a spinning back kick to the shoulder blades, knocking him forward into the ropes. Sydal is quick to pounce on that, grabbing him from behind, whipping Devitt around and hitting him with a clothesline. Devitt is down to one knee. Sydal follows it up with a rising knee strike right to his face! He’s knocked back and Sydal goes for a quick pin. 1..2…NO! Punk is back in the ring and breaking up the pinfall. He grabs Sydal and throws him shoulder first into the turnbuckle area. Devitt is struggling back to his feet as the annoyed Punk is on the attack now. He grabs Devitt and lifts him up, whipping him into the corner where Sydal is slumped down. Devitt hits the corner, driving his back into Sydal’s face. Devitt stumbles out of the corner and Punk comes from behind him, driving his head into the mat with a bulldog! Punk goes for the pin now but it’s broken up by Sydal as he returns the favor by stopping him from getting the possible victory. Punk is quick back to his feet and he’s getting in Sydal’s face for breaking up the pin. Matt reminds him very quickly that he did the very same thing to him just a few short minutes ago. The two are jawing back and forth as this gives Devitt the chance to get back to his feet. He bounces off the ropes and delivers a standing back drop kick to Punk’s back, knocking him forward into Sydal and having the two crash into the ropes.
MAURO RANALLO: These three are jockeying for the advantage constantly.
PAT MCAFEE: It’s like paper, rock, scissor in there with these three!
MAURO RANALLO: I believe it’s actually rock, paper, scissor.
PAT MCAFEE: That’s not what I said?
The three of them are struggling back to their feet and Sydal is somehow the first one to his. He drives his arm and shoulder into Devitt’s chest, knocking him back into the ropes. Devitt bounces off and hits Sydal with a shoulder block tackle of his own. Sydal is knocked backwards and Punk grabs him from behind. He grabs by the shoulders and spins him around, but Sydal uses the momentum to rise up with a knee to Punk’s chin, knocking him through the ropes again and to the outside. Sydal turns his attention back to Devitt who is back to his feet and ready for him. Kicks to the ribs and midsection doubles Sydal over. Matt springs up with a big rising clothesline but Devitt ducks under it. Prince rushes towards the opposite ropes behind Sydal and bounces off him. As Sydal turns around, he’s met with a spinning back kick to the face from Devitt! Prince gets back to his feet and looks to capitalize with he’s hit from behind by a springboard clothesline from the outside by Punk! Punk grabs Devitt and lifts him up to his feet, hoisting him up on his shoulders. He sets him up for the GTS! Devitt elbows him in the head a few times, staggering Punk. Punk loosens his grip a bit but before Devitt can get free from him, Sydal grabs Devitt around the head and pulls him off Punk’s shoulders for a huge DDT right into the mat!
PAT MCAFEE: He just DDT’d Devitt off of Punk’s shoulders!
MAURO RANALLO: What a creative maneuver but now he needs to take advantage!
An attempt to take advantage is made as Sydal goes for the pin. 1..2..3! No! Devitt gets a shoulder up. Punk is holding his shoulder a bit, but he grabs Sydal, spinning him around. Now it’s Sydal that goes up on the shoulders. GO TO SLEEP onto Sydal! Before Punk can go for the pin, he’s grabbed by Devitt and rushed towards the ropes, through them and out of the ring! Devitt turns and capitalizes on the situation, pinning Sydal now. 1…2…3! No! What! Punk has slid back in the ring and pulled Devitt off by the leg. Devitt smacks the mat in frustration as Sydal tries to come to, rolling towards the apron. Punk grabs Devitt once again and tries to hoist him up once more for a GTS, but Devitt uses the momentum to slip off Punk’s back, bounce off the ropes behind him and hitting him with another flat back dropkick. Punk staggers, but catches himself, turning around just in time to get hit with a Sling Blade from Devitt! Punk rushes back to his feet, but Devitt is waiting on him again, running towards him and hitting him with another Sling Blade! Devitt is lining him up for one more when he’s grabbed from behind. Sydal is on the apron behind him. Matt lifts Devitt up from behind for a reverse suplex to the outside, but as Sydal has him in the air, Devitt fights and manages to land back on his feet on the apron! Prince and Matt are exchanging blows back and forth on the apron. Now Punk wants in on the action and approaches them. He’s still on the inside of the ring and drives a right into Devitt and then into Sydal. They’re both on the outside holding on to the top rope. Punk goes for Sydal first, turning himself and basically using a big snap mare move to bring Matt back into the ring. Devitt is laboring on the outside still. Punk rushes towards him, drilling him with a clothesline, taking him down into a heap on the apron. Punk turns his attention back to the downed Sydal now. He goes to the corner and the top rope now. He measures out Sydal…and comes flying off for a huge Elbow Drop from the top rope! Drilling his elbow right into Sydal’s chest! He goes for the pin..1…2…3! Yes! No!! Devitt is off the top rope and drives a double foot stomp into Punk’s back, knocking him off of Sydal! Punk rolls out of the ring in pain as Devitt picks up Sydal from the mat. He lifts him up and drives him into the mat face first with a huge BLOODY SUNDAY! He goes for the pin! 1..2…3! It’s over!
MAURO RANALLO: What a match!
PAT MCAFEE: What a win!
MAURO RANALLO: Devitt with a big one here tonight!
PAT MCAFEE: Every guy thought they had it at one point but Devitt with the win!
MAURO RANALLO: CM Punk seemed like he had it all but wrapped up there.
PAT MCAFEE: This is just the first match, Mauro! We got a whole night of this!
Backstage, a black stretch limousine slowly pulls into the view of the camera. The driver puts the vehicle into park and exits the driver's side door, marching to the back. Upon opening the backdoor, he stands off to the side, giving room for its occupants to exit. The fans being giving a lukewarm reaction, mixed with boos and cheers as Brandi Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes, Preston Vance, Tony Schiavone, Stephen Amell, "Diamond" Dallas Page, and Cody Rhodes exiting. Right on cue, Josh Matthews arrives.
JOSH MATHEWS: Cody, what's with the larger-than-normal entourage?
Cody smirks, removing his aviator sunglasses and tucking them inside the breast pocket of his dark green suit jacket. The camera catches a similar pin on his left lapel that is buttoned on to each of the other members of the Nightmare Family. A white campaign-style button in white with red letters reading “CODY 2022” in the center..
CODY RHODES: Josh, what do you mean? Tonight's a celebration! The more the merrier, right?! We're ten days away from Ascension.. Ten days away from a ladder match for the WLCW Championship.. Ten days away from me becoming champion. But as for tonight, the Nightmare Family is throwing a celebration for myself and Miro in front of all of our fans!
He looks lovingly back at his extended Nightmare Family.
CODY RHODES: And I can't celebrate that hard-fought battle royale victory without my Nightmare Family. My beautiful wife, my brother, my old friend and the voice of wrestling, my mentor, a TELEVISION STAR, and my newest bodyguard and protégé. This is my support staff, official and not so official. Along with the support of the people in the stands and watching at home, these people give my mission purpose and they’re helping me get through all of the negative feedback I’ve endured this week from naysayers thinking I didn’t truly win on Storm.
JOSH MATHEWS: Speaking of, Cody, do you have any comments on the controversial ending to the battle royale? Malakai Black threw you out, but none of the referees ringside saw it, allowing you to come back in. Many are calling it cheating! You posted on social media that you would have more to say about the topic, so is now a good of time as any to defend your character?
Brandi's jaw drops as this accusation is being thrown at her husband. She begins removing her earrings, handing them to Preston Vance.
BRANDI RHODES: Alright Josh, let's talk.
She lunges for Josh, but is held back by "Diamond" Dallas Page and Stephen Amell. Cody shakes his finger and composes himself, presenting himself in the most professional way possible with a detailed response.
CODY RHODES: A closed fist. An eye-gouge. Hair pulling. A low blow. Hell, in some areas in the world, even being thrown over the top rope.. All illegal in professional wrestling, Josh, yet, they get away with it and the people love it. Consider what I did going 56 in a 55 mile per hour zone, nothing more. It’s fine. In that type of match, it's every man for himself for a date with destiny. I decided a long time ago to bet on myself and not let someone else dictate my future. I did what I had to do on Storm to take care of myself. We all blur the lines of fairness when inside that ring because we are all fighting for something bigger than ourselves. I know the type of man that I am. The people surrounding me know my true character. The people watching at home have grown up with me since the very beginning, and they too know the man that I am. So, if I'm such a bad guy and others are superior in character, may he without sin cast the first stone.
Cody winks into the camera.
CODY RHODES: And while the WLCW roster is doing that, I'll be busy winning the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship.
BRANDI RHODES: There's no time to sit here and defend your character to someone like Josh Matthews or anyone else on this roster. The Ascension main event is Cody Rhodes versus Miro. If someone has a problem with it, tell them to shut their mouths and step in the ring where disputes are settled if they think they're better than my husband. Now, c'mon. We have a party to plan.
Agreeing with his agitated wife, Cody playfully slaps Josh on the arm.
CODY RHODES: Josh, sorry, buddy. Duty calls. Be sure to let Miro know if you see him that I'm VERY excited to share the ring with later.
Cody and Brandi walk off arm-in-arm while their extended family follow suit behind them.
MAURO RANALLO: A party tonight, huh?
PAT MCAFEE: A Cody Rhodes party of all things. Should be fun. Think we’ll get invited?
MAURO RANALLO: No.
PAT MCAFEE: Well, you probably won’t.
It’s family against family in this one. Vin Diesel is kicking back with a bowl of popcorn right now as this kind of fight is right up his alley. The Bloodline have had their shares of ups and downs in the early weeks of WLCW. A big victory on the debut show against John Cena but unable to follow up on that momentum in the battle royale. The numbers should have been on their side with their size as well being a factor. The Lee Family have yet to gain any kind of traction in WLCW either. The talent is there, albeit all over the place with them. They showed some life in the battle royale and hung together the best they could until ultimately being all eliminated by the elimination leader in MJF (with help from Wardlow). Tonight is a big night for both parties trying to get going back in the right direction and rebounding from what both teams would consider to be a disappointing battle royale on Storm. The teams figure out who is going to start this one off. Jimmy and Jey Uso giving way to let Roman start this one off. The Lee Family see that show and do it as well, bowing to let Trevor get the start against Reigns. The bell sounds and Shane Sewell calls for them to start this match.
MAURO RANALLO: Roman Reigns seems to be in a foul mood after what happened in the battle royale.
PAT MCAFEE: The Bloodline were one of the favorites going into that match too.
Reigns doesn’t seem to be keen on putting up with the Lee Family shenanigans as Trevor makes the tag right as the match starts to Keith. You can see Roman let out a big sigh with an annoyed look on his face. Keith comes into the ring, a small grin on his face. Roman tilts his head and pops his neck as he starts to circle the ring with Keith, sizing one another up. Keith Lee is a monstrous man and perhaps there’s a timeline and situation out there where he’s the breakout star of the Lee Family. The two go to lock up and Ketih Lee actually gets an initial upper hand on the Tribal Chief, pushing him back into the Bloodline’s corner before giving a clean break. Roman narrows his eyes a bit and bites his lip at what just happened. Not too pleased, he goes for another lock up. This time Reigns is the one in control, pushing Keith back into the Lee Family corner where Wes smacks his brother (?) in the shoulder and puts himself in the match. This seems to anger Reigns. He motions for Wes to tag Keith back into the match. Wes waves that off and motions for Reigns to come at him. Roman shakes his head and says he wants Keith back in the ring. Wes gets annoyed on his own there and motions for Roman to bring the fight to him. Before Wes can even react, Roman decks him with a Superman Punch right across the face! Wes lands near the Lee Family corner. Roman reaches down and grabs Wes’ hand, holding it up towards Trevor Lee first, who waves it off and then towards Keith. The giant Lee brother narrows his eyes a bit and then reaches down, tagging Wes’ limp hand and putting himself back in the match.
PAT MCAFEE: Someone should probably check on Wes.
MAURO RANALLO: I don’t think he’ll be coming to in this millenia.
PAT MCAFEE: Keith is crazy for tagging himself back in here.
The crowd is actually a bit excited to see Keith Lee and Roman go back at it after their initial run in to start the match. Trevor notices that the crowd is starting to cheer a bit louder for Keith than himself and the other members of the Lee Family. Before Keith can make a go at Roman, Trevor tags himself into the match and tells Keith to get back on the apron and look after Wes. Again, Roman lets out a sigh and motions that he wants to face Keith Lee. Trevor shakes his head and tells Reigns that he’s gonna face him. Roman closes his eyes for a second before turning around and tagging in Jey Uso. This only annoys Trevor Lee more as he goes rushing in, Jey ducks and Trevor runs face first into the turnbuckle. As he turns around, grabbing his face, Jey hits him with an enziguri to the back of the head, knocking him down. Jey tags Jimmy and they’re both in the ring, picking Trevor back up to his feet. They lift him up and hit him with a double suplex. Jimmy goes up to the top rope and Jey perches underneath him. Jimmy flies off and hits a huge splash onto the downed Trevor. Roman tells Jimmy to stop before he can pin him and motions for the tag. Reigns is tagged back in and walks towards Trevor’s downed body. Roman is staring at Keith Lee the whole time. He motions towards him to come in and save Trevor or tag in. Keith shakes his head slightly, jumping off the apron and walking away from Wes and Trevor. Roman sneers and pins Trevor with his fist, watching Keith Lee walk away from the ring the whole time. 1…2…3! It’s over!
MAURO RANALLO: A very interesting turn of events here, Pat.
PAT MCAFEE: I mean, yeah, I guess. What is going on with Roman Reigns and Keith Lee there.
MAURO RANALLO: It would seem like Keith is walking away from the Lee Family here tonight.
PAT MCAFEE: Can’t say I blame them. I think I saw them in a brawl at Golden Corral earlier this week.
Backstage, we fade up on a shot of Booker T from the rear. Clad in black slacks and a button down white shirt, he begins to pace back and forth. Something is weighing on his mind. Only a few feet away, Rok-C is already in her gear, putting the finishing touches on her wrist tape. She stands up and picks up her entrance jacket from the back of a chair. The overhead light glimmers off the jewels that spell "The Prodigy" across the shoulders. Booker T stops pacing and gives her a disbelieving look.
BOOKER T: You really sure 'bout dis?
She nods confidently.
ROK-C: I earned my spot in the Queen of the Mountain match all by myself... and I can defend it just the same. Sasha Banks thinks she can just call her shot and get away with it, but that's not how things work. If she wants in that title match, she's gonna have to go through me. She's gonna have to EARN it.
BOOKER T: I don't like it.
He scratches his chin, thinking it over... then shakes his head.
BOOKER T: NUH-UH! NO WAY! I DON'T LIKE IT!
Booker T points out at nothing in particular.
BOOKER T: Rok, you know who dis Sasha Banks dilly is! Yo' ass know she one o' da' best inna' whole wide world, dawg! AN' YOU KNOW SHE GON' HAVE 'AT TAMINA SNUKAFLY PULLIN' UP FLANK! Nuh-uh. I got'cho back. I'ma BE havin' yo' back tonight.
Rok-C huffs.
ROK-C: Book, I appreciate everything you've done for me over the last week, helping me train for this... but honestly, hanging me out to dry against Su Yung ten days ago was the best training you could've possibly given me. Beating her gave me the confidence I needed to KNOW that I can take Sasha Banks tonight. If I'm really your top student... if I'm really The Protagonist of WLCW... you've got to let me take this one on my own.
Booker T sighs deeply and shakes his head.
BOOKER T: Fine, shorty... but you gots t' promise da' Booka' Man one thing.
ROK-C: Anything.
BOOKER T: Make sure yo' ass get the job DONE.
ROK-C: I will. Without a doubt.
BOOKER T: One of us gots to leave dat Ascension wit' some gold, ya' dig?
He offers his hand and she smiles, smacking her hand into his with a loud pop and gripping it tightly.
ROK-C: I dig.
BOOKER T: Good. Now get out dere 'n show 'at Sasha Banks who da' BOSS really is.
Rok-C and puts on her entrance jacket as we fade out.
MAURO RANALLO: Looks like we are about ready to see Rok-C put her Queen of the Mountain spot on the line!
PAT MCAFEE: A bold move by her, but she’s been competing with a lot of confidence lately. Booker by her side, I know Buff loves it!
As requested by Rok-C earlier in the show, Booker T is nowhere to be seen at ringside. Sasha Banks did not show the same class and initiative, as Tamina Snuka stands at ringside with her arms folded across her chest, mean mugging Rok-C from the floor. Rok-C stares across the ring at Banks with confidence, ready to go. Both ladies meet in the center of the ring and Sasha arrogantly offers a hand to shake. Rok-C accepts the gesture and the handshake goes down without shenanigans. The referee calls for the bell and they break. Both women circle one another and then lock-up in the center of the ring. They struggle for position and Sasha quickly grabs a headlock. Rok-C backs her into the ropes and shoots her off! Sasha comes back with a flying clothesline that knocks Rok-C down! She scrambles back to her feet and Sasha is waiting on her with a RUNNING CROSSBODY! Rok-C rolls through and cradles Sasha, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! THR– NO! Sasha kicks out and immediately rolls out of the ring, flustered by the nearfall!
MAURO RANALLO: And away we go with Sasha Banks taking on Rok-C! What a battle this should be, Pat! As we saw ten days ago on STORM, Rok-C shocked the world by defeating Su Yung to earn her place in the Queen of the Mountain match Ascension with the WLCW Women’s World Championship hanging high HIGH above the ring… but now she’s being tasked with defending that spot after being… I don’t want to say BULLIED, but she was certainly convinced by Sasha Banks to put it all on the line! Most women might have turned away a challenge from one of the best female competitors in the world but OH NO, NOT ROK-C! MUCH LIKE KIRSTEN DUNST AND ELIZA DUSHKU, SHE TOLD SASHA BANKS TO BRING IT ON!
PAT MCAFEE: You know, I’m not lie to you, man, but if I’m Rok-C, I’m taking that title shot and I’m running straight to Ascension with it. Why give Sasha Banks this opportunity? Why put yourself at risk like that? That is Rok-C’s title shot! She earned it! There’s no reason for this match to be happening! Sasha Banks is a huge star, she’s going to get a title shot eventually! She should’ve stayed at home and bided her time… but hey, on the flipside, she had a goal of her own- to obtain a title shot by any means necessary and if it comes at Rok-C’s expense, sorry’ bout your luck! I’m hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, Mauro. Rok-C is a hell of a talent but Sasha Banks is GOAT-level. Let’s see how this one turns out!
Sasha Banks yells at the referee to make Rok-C get back. Rok-C steps away from the ropes and offers a curtsy, drawing a pop from the fans. Sasha climbs back into the ring and they circle one another once again. They go in for a lock-up but Rok-C ducks it and executes a go-behind, grabbing Sasha around the waist! Rok-C tries for a German suplex but Sasha locks her legs and grabs the top rope before throwing an elbow back into Rok-C’s eye! Rok-C staggers back and Sasha turns around, charging at Rok-C and nailing her with a hair assisted clothesline! Maintaining her grip on Rok-C’s hair, she pounds her head on the mat and then stands up, throwing her arms to the side and shouting “THIS IS ALL ABOUT ME!” then booting Rok-C in the stomach! Sasha pulls Rok-C up by her hair and whips her into the corner. Sasha follows her in with DOUBLE KNEES TO THE CHEST and then posts her up to deliver a series of knife-edge chops! Sasha licks her hand to give the final chop some extra OOMPH and then hoists Rok-C into a seated position on the top turnbuckle! Sasha follows her up and hooks her, going for a SUPERPLEX but Rok-C grabs the top rope and begins punching away at Sasha’s mid-section! Sasha falls and lands flat on her back… and Rok-C follows her down with a BACK SENTON! Rok-C covers! ONE! TWO! SASHA BRIDGES OUT!
MAURO RANALLO: Sasha Banks will not be denied, but that is not stopping The Prodigy from giving it everything she’s got! She knows that this FIGHT TO THE FINISH is ALL OR NOTHING for her dream of becoming WLCW Women’s World Champion so you better believe she’s IN IT TO WIN IT!
PAT MCAFEE: I’m on the edge of my seat, Mauro! It’s not everyday that you get to see someone at the level of Sasha Banks get taken to her limit by a competitor like Rok-C! We are literally looking at the present versus the future right now!
Rok-C pulls Sasha Banks back to her feet and nails her with a big forearm! She turns around to run the ropes but Sasha grabs a handful of hair, causing her to fall flat on her back! Sasha jumps and drives both feet into Rok-C’s mid-section and then stands over her, shouting “THIS IS MY TIME, LITTLE GIRL!” The fans boo loudly as Banks snatches Rok-C’s hair and pulls her in for a SNAP SUPLEX! She rolls directly into a second… and then a third! IT’S THE THREE AMIGOS! Sasha gets back to her feet and shimmies as she steps on Rok-C on her way to the turnbuckles! She climbs the ropes, pats herself on the chest three times and points to the sky “THIS IS FOR YOU, EDDIE! YOU’RE MY INSPIRATION!” and then she flies.. FROG SPLASHHHHHH- NO! ROK-C GETS BOTH KNEES UP! Sasha gets up to her feet, holding her stomach in pain! Rok-C rolls to her feet and hits the ropes! She charges at Sasha… WHEELBARROW STUNNER! Rok-C covers Sasha and hooks the leg! The referee doesn’t count because TAMINA SNUKA IS ON THE APRON! Rok-C flies to her feet and nails Tamina with a forearm, sending her to the floor!
MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIA, TAMINA SNUKA HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED!
PAT MCAFEE: FORGET TAMINA! SHE NEEDS TO STAY FOCUSED ON THE BLUEPRINT!
Satisfied with Tamina being taken out of the match, Rok-C turns around and immediately gets open hand slapped across the face by Sasha! The impact sends Rok-C all the way around and Sasha immediately nails her with a lungblower and flips her over into the BANK STATEMENT! The fans boo loudly as Rok-C reaches for the ropes but she’s dead in the center of the ring! Sasha uses her foot to kick Rok-C in the back of the head, shouting “TAP! TAP! TAAAAAAAP!” and Rok-C has no choice… but to TAP OUT!
Sasha Banks immediately releases the hold and lays on the mat, covering her face with both hands, sobbing uncontrollably! The fans boo loudly as Justin Roberts announces that Sasha Banks will now be competing in the Queen of the Mountain match. Sasha sits up and wipes away fake tears before pointing at Rok-C and shouting at the referee, “GET HER OUT OF MY RING!” The referee helps Rok-C to the apron as Sasha gets to her knees in the middle of the ring and points to the roof, acting like she can’t believe she just won the match.
MAURO RANALLO: You’ve got to be KIDDING ME!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, I feel bad for Rok-C, having her dream snatched right out from under her like this… but she should have known better than to put it on the line against a competitor like Sasha Banks. Pride or not, when you get an opportunity like the one she earned, you hang onto it with every fiber of your being!
Rok-C makes her way to the back with tears in her eyes. She stops on the stage and turns around to look back at the ring, only to see Sasha Banks give her a wave and mouth “bye-bye.” Rok-C shakes her head and turns to leave through the curtain.
MAURO RANALLO: There you have it, folks. Sasha Banks will be the final participant in the Queen of the Mountain Match at WLCW Ascension, live on the World Wrestling Network! It will be there that she will join Jamie Hayter, Hikari Noa, Momo Watanabe, and Julia Hart with the WLCW Women’s World Championship hanging high above the ring!
PAT MCAFEE: Keep your chin up, Rok-C! It might feel like it, but this isn’t the end!
We fade out on Sasha Banks celebrating in the ring.
The WLCW video screen suddenly shows sweeping views of a spacious palatial estate, the sounds of Mouret’s Rondeau echoing throughout the arena. Almost instantly the New Orleans crowd boos as they realize just what they’re about to witness. We see the interior of the main building, a literal red carpet creating a path through a hallway filled with golden rococo style decor. A marble floor is visible beneath the carpet and ostentatious light fixtures shaped like candle holders line the walls. As the view glides down the corridor and the music swells to its conclusion, a pair of heavy wooden doors dramatically swing open on their own.
Inside is a well furnished sitting room with a heavy looking coffee table at its center. At the far side there’s a large fireplace above which hangs a golden framed painting of two women. One is tall, with elegantly long legs, light brown hair and a wide brimmed black hat with a feather on its right side. She wears fancy black and white ring gear and holds a glass of wine in her right hand. Next to her stands a woman WLCW fans will recognize as Misao, clutching her rose cane closely. Misao herself is in the sitting room, on a posh white couch, right leg crossed over the other and looking disinterested in the world around her.
On the table is a silver tray with a flowery patterned teapot and two cups. Two other people are in the room as well, one more elegant than the other. Konami looks as good as ever in the butler attire she’s taken to, though she has her back to the camera. Seated in a chair next to Misao is a man in a well made suit who looks a bit on edge at being there. It’s Matt Striker. After the worlds “WWN Presents: Noblesse Oblige” appear on the screen, then fade, Matt Striker begins to speak.
MATT STRIKER: Welcome to a special broadcast of.. whatever this show is called. I don’t speak Spanish. I’m here with the Rose Queen M-
Misao rolls her eyes and cuts him off.
MISAO: It’s French, peasant. Not that I’d expect you can tell the difference.
There’s a very awkward silence as Misao scoffs at the WWN correspondent’s incompetence. Matt Striker looks like he would rather be anywhere else, but he presses on with the interview anyway. Misao takes one of the cups of tea and sips it, paying no more mind to her guest than if he were an insect. It’s very quiet for a few more moments, apart from some snickering that must be coming from Konami. We can’t see what she’s up to other than she appears to be holding something in her hands. Finally, Striker sighs and speaks again.
MATT STRIKER: I’m here with the Rose Queen Misao, who’s invited me to her palatial estate which she calls ‘The Palace of Roses’. Misao, thank you for the invitation.
Misao waves off the thanks.
MISAO: Think nothing of it. I just wish they had sent someone with more talent to interview me. But I suppose we can’t get what we want all the time.
She sips her tea again and Striker once again looks like he might leave. But he has a job to do, so he sucks it up and continues.
MATT STRIKER: So the first thing we’re all wondering is where have you been? Why haven’t we seen Misao in the ring since the first episode of Eruption?
Misao laughs at this, lowering her teacup as she answers.
MISAO: That’s simple. You see, I need to take in the entirety of my garden to understand just what needs to be done. The garden has grown, it’s true, but there are so many more weeds ruining its potential beauty. I want to determine just which weeds are suffocating the hidden flowers that are struggling to bloom. I’d be remiss if I accidentally uprooted one of those flowers while pulling out all the undesirable plants. The Rose Queen will grace your ring when it suits her, not when you demand she present herself.
The Rose Queen sips her tea again, and Konami snickers again.
MATT STRIKER: You’ve seemed really interested in Hikari Noa lately. What is it about her that got your attention?
MISAO: That’s for me to know and you all to see once I decide to act on it. The time has not come for me to make any move. There is a more pressing matter.
MATT STRIKER: You mean ACT Yasukawa?
Misao rolls her eyes at the very name of the veteran wrestler. She sets her teacup down on the table, not wanting to waste any tea by spilling. Her expression changes, becoming more focused and dark as her posture stiffens.
MISAO: A very annoying invasive weed that is suffocating a potentially gorgeous flower. More dangerous to that flower’s growth than the other common weeds might be. Yes, she has my attention now - no one can interrupt my business and expect to escape my.. Justice? No, wrath. Justice is so overrated. She doesn’t belong here, and I look forward to ruining her experience. Just how that happens? You will find out when she does.
Misao smirks at the statement, a storm brewing in her eyes which promises violence. Matt Striker pulls a notepad out of his suit jacket and reviews a list written upon it. After another very long and awkward moment in which Konami laughs evilly again, Striker finds the next thing he was supposed to ask.
MATT STRIKER: Does it bother you that you’re not in the Queen of the Mountain match at Ascension?
Misao laughs mockingly.
MISAO: Don’t you think if I cared about that match, I’d have won my place in it? The women in that match are trash for the most part. Even if a couple of them have the potential to be beautiful flowers, it is a dumpster of a match. No place for a queen like me to be. I don’t need a bit of gold to know that I am better than the ugly masses WLCW has under contract. If and when I decide to add that crown to my collection, I will do so.
Matt Striker motions to the cameraman, who holds out an 8 x 10 in a picture frame.
MATT STRIKER: I did some research on you before this interview..
He turns the picture around to reveal a portrait of Hyper Misao in her full heroic attire, grinning proudly. Misao’s eyes narrow and she tenses up as she gazes upon the image of her former, weaker self. As if on cue, Konami turns on a dime to face the camera, slipping something into the pocket of her butler’s coat. No one says a thing and there’s a tension hanging in the air with each passing second. Finally Matt Striker asks his question.
MATT STRIKER: So you’re like Nikki A.S.H. or Molly Holly?
Misao snaps her fingers and Konami moves into action. She quickly strides around the couch and makes her way to the coffee table. Once there she gracefully picks up the teapot and moves over toward Matt Striker’s side. There’s a fury and malice clear on the Rose Queen’s face as she asks him a question.
MISAO: Would you like some tea?
MATT STRIKER: I prefer coffee-
Before he can say anything else, Konami tilts the teapot and the tea pours out onto his pants and shoes. As Matt Striker lets out a string of bleeped out expletives, Misao stands up and seizes the picture frame from him. She hurls it to the ground and stomps on it with such force that its glass shatters audibly. This done, Misao storms out of the room while Konami finishes pouring out the last of the tea onto Matt Striker. He immediately springs out of the chair and stares down at yet another ruined suit. Still cursing up a storm, Striker sees himself out of the Palace of Roses. Yet the camera lingers on Konami, who’s broken her menacing butler facade and is snickering again. After a moment, she motions to the camera with an outstretched arm.
KONAMI: Episode 2: The end.
PAT MCAFEE: Tinfoil hat time as we have R-Truth against Kevin Nash coming up here, Mauro.
MAURO RANALLO: No conspiracy here, this is going to be one heck of a match!
Kevin Nash had a rather good showing in the battle royale on Storm. His elimination came with a bit of controversy as Cody Rhodes got back into the ring after seemingly being eliminated to eliminate him and a few others. Nash isn’t one to let it get the best of him though as he’s been rather cool and collected since that night. We found out earlier tonight that Nash will have his chance at redemption at Ascension in a triple threat match against Black and Lesnar for the number one contender spot. First things first though, he has to take care of R Truth here tonight. An enigma shrouded in mystery with a fog of conspiracy around him. With Eric Bischoff at his side, Truth showed up in WLCW seemingly already at odds with management about a conspiracy of some kind against him. A decent showing in the battle royale, he probably wishes it would have gone a little different. Tonight would be a huge win against a man in Nash who has been rather impressive in the early goings of WLCW. The bell rings for this one and Bryce Remsburg calls for the action to start.
PAT MCAFEE: I still can’t believe Nash has looked as good as he has here at his age. He’s like reverse Benjamin Button or something!
MAURO RANALLO: Reverse Benjamin Button would just mean aging normally.
PAT MCAFEE: No, if it’s reverse, then that means that he would…wait…
MAURO RANALLO: See?
Nash and Truth go to lock up, which doesn’t seem too smart from Truth’s side as Nash has the size and weight advantage – and uses it immediately, pushing truth back into the corner. Remsburg asks for a clean break but Truth shoves Nash away. This doesn’t please the big man as he comes back immediately with a driving knee right into Truth’s chest, knocking him back fully into the corner. Nash follows up immediately with back elbows across the shoulders of Truth. Repeated elbows crashing across the shoulder and chest. Truth reaches up and grasps at his shoulder, but Nash pulls him out, looking like he’s going to whip him into the opposite corner. Nash hangs on though and as it seems like he’s going to whip him across the ring, he stops Truth and pulls him back towards him, where he meets him with a big back elbow, knocking Truth down to the mat. Truth tries to fight back from his knees, driving his fist right into Nash’s midsection, but the blows are more glancing than anything. Nash picks Truth back up to his feet and drills him with a short arm clothesline!
MAURO RANALLO: Nash in full control of this one.
PAT MCAFEE: I’m telling you, he’s been one of the most impressive members of the roster since WLCW started!
Nash stays on the attack, picking Truth back up from the prone position, but Truth is fighting back again. A right and then a left and then another right to Nash, staggering him back a bit. Truth tries to capitalize by heading over to the corner and going up to the top rope. As Nash gathers where he’s at, it’s too late as Truth is off the top rope with a double axe handle across the head! Nash is knocked back but not down. Truth looks around for what his next move might be. He bounces off the ropes and heads towards Nash for something – anything – he’ll figure it out when he gets there. But he never makes it as Nash drills him right in the face with a big boot! Truth lands in a heap on the mat as Nash takes a few steps and jumps up, driving his elbow down hard into R Truth’s chest! He stays down for the pin! 1..2..3! It’s over!
MAURO RANALLO: Well, Kevin Nash certainly made that look easy.
PAT MCAFEE: You could be looking at the next number one contender for the world title, Mauro.
MAURO RANALLO: That would not surprise me. He’ll have his hands full with two tough competitors. Fans, we hear that Josh Mathews has found Miro arriving to the arena tonight in the parking lot.
Backstage in the parking garage, Josh Mathews is standing by waiting for straggling wrestlers to arrive at the arena. As a white Mercedes G Wagen pulls up, he hopes that he's found his man and runs out toward the parking vehicle. Out of the driver side door emerges Miro, one of the two men involved in the inaugural championship match for the WLCW World Heavyweight title. He hardly has enough time to open the passenger door for his wife, the beautiful CJ Perry. Before Josh Matthes ambushes him.
JOSH MATHEWS: Miro! The world is talking about your upcoming championship match at Ascension.
MIRO: Thanks for stating the obvious.
Mathews can tell that Miro is doing his best to ignore and avoid him, so he jumps right into the question on everyone's mind.
JOSH MATHEWS: Cody Rhodes is hosting an Ascension Celebration in the ring tonight and has invited you to participate in the festivities! Will you be attending?
Miro stops dead in his tracks, then slowly turns to face Matthews,
MIRO: Cody wants to throw a party, does he? Well perhaps I can find time to attend his little get together.
Not even giving Mathews a chance to follow up, Miro heads off to his locker room.
Tensions are high backstage.
Two armed police officers stand on either side of a dressing room door. As the camera pans in closer and closer, we're allowed a glimpse inside where we see Momo Watanabe sitting quietly at a table with a smaller hooded figure next to her. There's a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken near them, as well as a large Burger King bag. Momo's hood obscures most of her face as she takes a bite from a Whopper and chews. The door to the dressing room swings open and Sonny Onoo steps inside, smiling ear to ear.
SONNY ONOO: Enjoying the bountiful feast, ladies?
He snickers evilly.
SONNY ONOO: Thanks to thirsty American pay pigs, we will never have to purchase a meal on the road again. They are so mark, am I right? Any false hope of a waifu and their wallets open right up--
Momo swallows another bite and looks up at Onoo, sneering. She speaks in Japanese with the words appearing in English across the bottom of the screen in bold yellow text.
MOMO WATANABE: < What are you talking about, idiot? >
His smile grows even bigger. He replies in Japanese.
SONNY ONOO: < I was simply singing your praises, Momo-chan. Without a doubt, you will be crushing Jamie Hayter tonight and establishing yourself as the number one wrestler in the company. Would you like me to get you something else? The pathetic American neck beards have Venmo'd you many funds to do with as you please. >
He bows slightly in her direction, still smiling.
MOMO WATANABE: < The only thing you can do for me is stop smiling before I lose my appetite. >
He seals his lips together, trying to hide how offended he is. Before he can reply, the hooded figure speaks in Japanese with a higher pitched and more youthful sounding voice. Her back remains to the camera, keeping her identity a secret.
MYSTERY WOMAN: < I saw the tiny man has been reduced to a wheelchair. I am greatly amused! I knew that America would be different than Japan, but I never expected to get away with attempted vehicular homicide so easily! HA HA HA HA! >
Onoo smirks, remembering Momo's request.
SONNY ONOO: < American wrestlers always want to settle problems in the ring. No charges! No courts! That is why we will succeed. Those who are woke say that the justice system in America is broken, and it is! So we will do whatever we like and they will just take it! >
MYSTERY WOMAN: < They are all so stupid! >
Momo puts her burger down and looks annoyed.
MOMO WATANABE: < I am bored. Am I really expected to remain locked up until my match? Are they truly so afraid of what I will do to her? >
MYSTERY WOMAN: < I am bored, too! When will I be allowed to reveal my presence to the world? It is time for the pay pigs to show tribute to me as well! >
Onoo reaches over them and into the bucket of chicken. He removes a leg. Momo glares at him, though the hooded woman remains facing the wall.
SONNY ONOO: < Patience, girls. All in time. >
He takes a bite of chicken with an audible crunch.
Fade.
MAURO RANALLO: We got a matchup here between two members of the women’s championship match at Ascension!
PAT MCAFEE: One of two tonight, as a matter of fact. The women’s division is maybe the most competitive thing going around in WLCW right now!
MAURO RANALLO: Hard to argue with that! WIth Sasha Banks now added to that match and mix, anyone could win that one!
PAT MCAFEE: I kind of like all of them, but these matches tonight could help build momentum for two of them!
As the match begins, Hikari Noa is fixated on the WLCW Women's World Championship that is symbolically hanging above the ring. Chewing her bottom lip, she nods defiantly and directs her attention to Julia Hart... just in time to see Julia coming in hot with a huge forearm shot, knocking her down into a seated position! The fans boo loudly as Julia immediately boots Hikari in the head, knocking her down flat on her back before hitting the ropes and coming back with a high leaping SPLIT INTO A LEG DROP! Julia remains sitting on Hikari's chest and flexes as the referee counts! ONE! HIKARI BRIDGES OUT!
MAURO RANALLO: Here we are with two of the women who will be taking part in the Queen of the Mountain Match at Ascension on pay-per-view! There's nothing on the line but sweet sweet MOMENTUM, Pat, and the opportunity to take one of your opponents down a peg before the big match!
PAT MCAFEE: You know, there's some folks out there who say there's NOTHING more important than MOMENTUM, Mauro, and these two ladies have an opportunity stockpile it before they head into an all out ladder war for the biggest prize in the game... the WLCW WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HANGING RIGHT THERE ABOVE THE RING, BRAH!
Julia Hart looks offended that Hikari escaped her cocky pin and the grabs a handful of hair. She begins trash talking Hikari and pointing at the title belt above the ring before driving Hikari's face into the mat and rubbing it in! The fans boo loudly as Julia stands up and throws her arms out to the side with a huge smile on her face. Hikari pushes herself up to all fours and Julia posts up in the corner, waiting for her to stand. Finally, as Hikari gets up to one knee, Julia charges... and Hikari comes alive, rising up off the mat with a LEAPING CHOP ACROSS THE THROAT!
MAURO RANALLO: Someone call Ned Stark, because we might have another iconic decapitation on our hands!
PAT MCAFEE: If your opponent can't breathe, they can't fight!
Julia Hart struggles to breathe as Hikari comes alive, shrieking and grabbing Julia Hart by the front of her top. She falls upon her and begins raining down quick forearm strikes! The fans are going nuts as Hikari shrieks with every sharp blow! She finally stands and pulls Julia Hart up... only for Julia to take over with a knee lift and grab a headlock! Hikari backs Julia into the ropes and shoots her off before nailing her on the rebound with a dropkick! Julia rolls back to her feet and eats a second dropkick! Then a third! Julia rolls to the floor! The fans are going nuts! Julia waves Hikari off and we can audibly hear her say "SCREW THIS! I'M ALREADY IN THE TITLE MATCH! I DON'T NEED THIS! LIKE, AT ALL!" Julia Hart tries to walk out on the match!
MAURO RANALLO: JUST LIKE THE ANTI-CAPITALIST HEROES BEHIND THE KELLOGG'S STRIKE, JULIA HART IS WALKING OUT!
PAT MCAFEE: I mean, I wanna see a finish as much as anyone, Mauro, but it's the smart move. Why would you wanna beat up your body only ten days out from the biggest match of your career!? Julia Hart is a terrible person, but she's smart. She's smart and she has the face of a friggin' ANGEL, man-- but she's terrible. Just from what I've seen in WLCW so far, her soul is dog crap!
The fans pop huge as Hikari climbs out of the ring and follows Julia Hart, grabbing her by the hair and dragging her back toward the ring! They fight at the edge of the apron with Julia sticking a thumb in Hikari's eye and slamming her down face first on the apron! The hardest part of the ring! Julia grabs Hikari around the knees and lifts her onto the apron and shoves her under the bottom rope. Julia then ascends the turnbuckles from the outside and waits on Hikari to get up! Hikari slowly stands and Julia Hart flies... FLYING CROSSBODY! HIKARI TAKES ALL OF IT BUT ROLLS THROUGH! ONE! TWO! THR-- JULIA KICKS OUT! Julia quickly gets back to her feet and walks right into A LEAPING CLOTHESLINE! Julia springs straight back up to her feet and feeds right into a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX PIN! ONE! TWO! THR-- JULIA KICKS OUT! Hikari sits up, nodding with a knowing smile on her face. She gets up and Julia is crawling toward the bottom rope. The fans suddenly begin booing as Brian Pillman, Jr. emerges from the back with a "CANCEL CANCEL CULTURE" hoodie on. He's obviously hiding something under his hoodie.
PAT MCAFEE: What's this goober doing out here?
MAURO RANALLO: Brian Pillman, Jr. is clearly up to no good here tonight!
Julia gets halfway under the bottom rope before Hikari Noa grabs her by the ankles! Pillman quickly slips Julia Hart something from under his hoodie and the referee yells at him to get away from ringside! Pillman throws his hands up and leaves as Hikari pulls Julia into the center of the ring... but just as she does, Julia rolls over and, in full view of the referee, launches a confetti and fireworks loaded mini-cannon right into Hikari's face! The referee immediately calls for the bell!
MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIAAAAA! JUST LIKE ALICIA KEYS ONCE SAID, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!
PAT MCAFEE: THIS IS INSANE!
Hikari goes down in a heap, clawing at her right eye! Julia Hart cackles and falls upon Hikari with the spent cannon, bopping Hikari in the head with it over and over until officials hit the ring and pull her off! EMTs quickly tend to Hikari in the middle of the ring, pouring water on her face and checking on her eye!
MAURO RANALLO: Well, Julia Hart has certainly sent a message as she heads into Ascension! Even in defeat, that precious momentum belongs to her!
PAT MCAFEE: Forget momentum, forget messages, Mauro! Will Hikari Noa even be able to compete at Ascension!? Julia Hart just LIT! HER! UP! I don't know! I DON'T KNOW IF HIKARI NOA MAKES IT TO ASCENSION AT THIS POINT!
Both Varsity Blondes appear on the stage and greet the celebrating Julia Hart, hoisting her onto their shoulders so that she can point at the championship hanging above the ring before carrying her to the back!
MAURO RANALLO: Yeah, congratulations, Julia. You REALLY earned it! Despicable behavior by Julia Hart and the Varsity Blondes! Hikari Noa may be HARD TO KILL... but I think Julia Hart might just have done it!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, here comes Kagetsu to survey the damage. Maybe she can do some Mr. Miyagi mojo and get Hikari back on her feet. Here's hoping, at least. Jesus. I did NOT see that finish coming.
Kagetsu emerges from the back and enters the ring. We fade out on a shot of Kagetsu watching with great concern as Hikari is helped into a standing position with an EMT holding an ice pack to her eye.
Pain.
Sadness.
The overwhelming sense of defeat.
Rok-C sits silently in a chair backstage, still in her gear. She picks at her wrist tape, slowly removing it and dropping it on the floor in front of her. Her make-up is ruined and her eyes are puffy from having gotten emotional after her devastating loss to Sasha Banks earlier tonight. She's totally wallowing in her defeat. We hear footsteps from somewhere in the distance and seconds later, Booker T walks into the shot. The fans cheer loudly as he looms over her and places his hand on her shoulder. She sobs loudly and breaks down, putting her face in both hands. Booker T shakes his head gently and then kneels next to her.
ROK-C: I... I'm sorry, Book. I couldn't do it.
BOOKER T: S'all good, dawg... but we tried things yo' way.
She looks up at him, tears streaming down her face.
BOOKER T: Now... we gettin' back t' basics.
The fans cheer. We fade out.
Bray Wyatt stands in one corner of the ring, wearing a sweater and a weird, almost sadistic smile on his face. He came into WLCW with a bit of hype and excitement surrounding him. He’s a mysterious person and character to say the very least. It would seem he has a deeper and darker side to him that has yet to be tapped into yet. Tonight would be a great night for him to tap into that dark side against his opponent, Eddie Kingston. Kingston stands across the ring from him, a sour look on his face. A perpetual feeling of anger and annoyance sit on the Mad King’s face. He seemingly doesn’t care about the opponent across the ring and who they are or what they’re about. He’s there for one reason and one reason only. To inflict pain and make sure everyone knows that he’s the baddest mother in the game. Eddie looks to be picking stuff out of his teeth with his tongue and just seemingly looks impatient. Thankfully for him, the bell rings and Charles Robinson calls for the contest to begin.
MAURO RANALLO: This should be an interesting one to say the very least.
PAT MCAFEE: Why do I get the feeling that Eddie is the kind of guy to pick fights everywhere he goes?
MAURO RANALLO: Maybe not much of an exaggeration, but surely there’s places he could go and not find a fight.
PAT MCAFEE: Well, that place isn’t the ring unfortunately for Bray Wyatt tonight.
Wyatt continues to smile his sadistic smile towards Kingston. They start to move towards one another with Eddie kind of measuring up Bray. They go to lock up, but it quickly turns into a bit of a fistfight with Bray delivering some blows to Eddie, who fights back with ones of his own. Rights and lefts to the midsection of Wyatt. Wyatt tries to fight back now but Eddie is staying on the attack and verbally abusing Bray while he’s at it. Wyatt is knocked back into the ropes and comes off, grabbed by Eddie and lifted over for a t-bone suplex! Wyatt is staggered, shaking his head quickly and trying to get his bearings. Eddie meets him with repeated chops to the chest area, which even through the thick sweater has to be a painful set of blows. Wyatt finally gets himself clear enough to shove Eddie who goes back a few feet. Wyatt tries to capitalize on the opening but Eddie drills him right in the face with a SPINNING BACKFIST, knocking Wyatt down to the mat. Eddie goes for the intense pin hooking the leg. 1…2…3! It’s over!
MAURO RANALLO: Eddie Kingston! My goodness!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, I suppose that settles that. What a blow from Eddie.
MAURO RANALLO: Wait, it seems like Kingston is asking for a microphone.
PAT MCAFEE: This should be interesting.
Eddie is given a microphone. He points to the downed Wyatt being looked at by Charles Robinson.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: Get this trash out of here, Charles. I don’t wanna see him anymore.
Eddie turns his attention away from his downed opponent.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: You know, it’s been a hell of a ride here for Eddie Kingston since ‘ol WLCW started. Found myself a title match on my first night here, threw my name in the hat for that world title battle royale thing and now I get to put Mr. Rogers down before he goes out to pasture. Feels like I’ve been bounced around this place like a pinball and I gotta tell ya, I’m feeling kind of like a fake or a liar.
Eddie’s face is intense as he continues.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: Way I see it, I showed up here and told everyone I was craziest asshole in the back. I don’t give a damn who you are or what your story is when you stand across that ring from me. But I’ll be the first to admit, maybe my actions - tonight withstanding - haven’t backed up his words. Maybe I haven't exactly shown what I’m capable of here in WLCW. Maybe if I had to do it all over again, I’d do it a little different. That’s not an option though. There’s only tonight and whatever the future holds. So, what the hell does the future hold for Eddie Kingston?
Some in the crowd cheer as the rest wait for Eddie to answer the obvious rhetorical question.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: I know I’m not booked for that big Ascension show everyone keeps talking about but you can bet your ass that I’ll be there one way or the other. And whether Mick Foley wants to book it or not, I’m gonna show up that night and kick someone’s ass. That’s just gonna happen. So, whoever wants to be dumb enough to step through those ropes and fight me, just know that Ascension is supposed to be a night of celebration, pomp and circumstance for WLCW. But whoever finds themselves in the ring with me that night? Well, it’s gonna be your funeral.
Kingston throws the mic on the mat as his music starts playing again before the scene fades
We cut to the backstage area where we see Prince Devitt taking off his boots after his victory earlier in the night. He’s covered in sweat and you can see some bruising on his arms and chest area from the strikes from Sydal and Punk. He’s interrupted and startled from a voice coming from behind him.
MATT CARDONA: Hell of a match tonight, big guy.
Devitt turns and is a bit annoyed by Cardona’s presence.
PRINCE DEVITT: What do you want?
MATT CARDONA: Uh, besides to congratulate on a win? I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank you,’ bud.
Devitt stands up to his feet fully now and turns to face Cardona.
PRINCE DEVITT: Save your congratulations, mate. I don’t need ‘em and I don’t want ‘em.
MATT CARDONA: Save my congratulations? Do you even know who you’re talking to right now? You should be begging for my attention and assurance.
PRINCE DEVITT: You’re just another bloke with spiky hair and a lame jacket as far as I’m concerned.
MATT CARDONA: Dude, don’t diss the jacket.
PRINCE DEVITT: Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard of ya, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge of ya. Well, that and the failed opportunities you’ve had in the past.
A small grin from Devitt after the clear shot he takes at Cardona.
MATT CARDONA: Well, I suppose we have that in common then, huh? Wasted opportunities and all that. Difference is, here in WLCW, I’m gonna be the one showing the world exactly what I can do and you? Well, you’re just going to be lost in the shuffle again, demon man.
PRINCE DEVITT: The demon is dead and if you’d like to join him, keep running ‘yer mouth.
MATT CARDONA: Please, that whole demon schtick was the only redeeming part of you. You really expect me to believe that you’ve just put that whole time behind you and you’re a changed man now?
PRINCE DEVITT: You expect me to believe you’re still not some frat boy wanna be with his own YouTube show?
MATT CARDONA: I knew you were a fan as soon as I saw you out there tonight! My inspiration is clearly everywhere!
PRINCE DEVITT: Do me a favor, mate. Stay out of my way.
Cardona gets a clearly faked awkward look on his face.
MATT CARDONA: Oh man, that’s gonna be difficult. Cause, that’s kind of why I came here. It wasn’t really to congratulate you. I actually heard through that you and I, well…we’re gonna be meeting at Ascension, bud. How about that?
The grin Balor had on his face disappears before reappearing as bit of a small smile.
PRINCE DEVITT: Is that so?
MATT CARDONA: Indeed so. Cardona vs Devitt at Ascension. And I think I had heard right that it was an X-Division contender match. So, once I beat you and then beat that big dumb chef or the actua frat boy wanna be in MJF, I’ll start marching my way towards my rightful fate in this universe, the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship.
PRINCE DEVITT: Is that so?
MATT CARDONA: Who’s gonna stop me? You?
Devitt doesn’t answer for a few seconds before slowly nodding his head to the question.
PRINCE DEVITT: I guess we’ll see at Ascension, won’t we?
MATT CARDONA: See ya there, bud.
The scene fades as Devitt watches Cardona walk away from his locker room.
MAURO RANALLO: Now there’s a match announcement and what a big one it is!
PAT MCAFEE: Wow! Cardona and Devitt one on one?
MAURO RANALLO: For an X-Division title shot nonetheless!
PAT MCAFEE: That’s gonna be a fun one, man! I can’t wait!
The crowd is raucous inside the arena for the start of Vengeance, but the potential fireworks is outside the arena.
In the parking area, it seems as if the entire Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Department and New Orleans PD are out in full force as if this were an LSU-Alabama game. Each are geared up as if preparing for a riot as they line the entry concourse and loading dock in preparation.
As a silver coupe comes peeling down the driveway, Mick Foley stands out in the middle of the road, a bit nervous at the gambit he’s playing. A bead of sweat drips down his face as the car doesn’t seem to be slowing down until the last moment when it screeches to a halt in front of him.
Opening the door and hopping out is Jamie Hayter as she looks at him puzzled.
JAMIE HAYTER: The bloody hell’s your problem?
She then looks around at all the cops and looks back at Mick.
JAMIE HAYTER: And what’s with all the tossers?
MICK FOLEY: Righto and cheerio Miss Jamie Hayter!
Jamie blanches and no-sells it.
MICK FOLEY: No good? Well, these fine law enforcement professionals are here to make sure you and Miss Momo don’t start dusting it up before it gets in the ring. I saw what happened on Eruption. I mean, it’s just a YouTube show!
Jamie scowls at Mick, but even she’s not dumb enough to fight a bunch of armed cops and get arrested before she gets her hands on Momo. Going to the back of the car, she pulls out her rolling suitcase and slams the lid shut. Walking by Mick, she tosses him the fob for the car.
JAMIE HAYTER: Then you bloody park it.
And she storms off, yelling for the cops to get out of her way and for the Chief Medical Doctor. Mick’s just left staring at the fob in his hand.
MICK FOLEY: Real firecracker that one…
A whirring sound is heard as Drake Maverick comes rolling up in his motorized wheelchair. Drake looks disheveled and covered in trash.
DRAKE MAVERICK: *yells after Jamie* Miss Jamie! How could you leave me behind?! I had to get help from the local bus driver and I got robbed!
Drake looks in tears and Mick winces at the stench, but being Mister Positive he tries to focus on something else.
MICK FOLEY: LOOKIN’ GOOD PAL! Stylin’ in that motorized wheelchair. Is that a Shoprider Streamer Sport?
Drake immediately changes expression and beams!
DRAKE MAVERICK: Indeed it is! It’s a…
MICK FOLEY: A mid-size power wheelchair, which has a 10-mile travel range on a single battery charge, blends style and comfort. It features a 19-inch captain’s seat, plus 3-inch ground clearance that makes it easy to maneuver the terrain almost anywhere you go. I know! I got one at home!
Drake looks at Mick like he’s just become his idol.
DRAKE MAVERICK: Mista Foley, I think this is the beginnin’ of a beautiful friendship.
Mick looks at Drake like he just pointed out a stain on Foley’s flannel shirt.
MICK FOLEY: Look at the time! Got a show to run! HAVE A NICE DAY!
Foley exits, leaving Drake ignorant and still in admiration.
DRAKE MAVERICK: A true hero.
Drake looks at the cops standing there stoic and silent.
DRAKE MAVERICK: Say blokes! Did I ever tell you about this here Shoprider Streamer Sport? Well ya see…
Fade.
The pyro goes off and this New Orleans crowd is absolutely electric for this show. The final stop before Ascension and the stakes are high in a few of the contests tonight. As with the last few shows, Mick Foley’s music hits to start off the night and the crowd cheers wildly again. Foley, like a few weeks ago, stays at the top of the ramp and has a half smile on his face.
MICK FOLEY: Feels good to be here tonight…in New Orleans, Louisiana!
The king of the cheap pop gets another one..
MICK FOLEY: I’m sure you all saw what happened on Storm at the end of the title contender battle royale. Cody Rhodes, seemingly dumped over the top rope, came back into the ring and eliminated his opponents to put he and Miro in our first ever World Championship match at Ascension.
A smattering of boos and cheers from the crowd as quite honestly, they’re not sure how to feel about Rhodes’ actions during the battle royale.
MICK FOLEY: I’ve had a lot of people ask me the obvious questions about will there be any repercussions for Cody Rhodes’ actions and what he did. After much deliberation and contemplation on what should be done…I’m going to let the result of that battle royale match stand. Cody Rhodes will face Miro for the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship at Ascension. However, Cody getting back into the match after seemingly being eliminated and eliminating Kevin Nash, Brock Lesnar and Malakai Black needs to have some kind of reaction to it.
He measures his next few words and lets out an audible breath before continuing in front of the hushed New Orleans crowd.
MICK FOLEY: It could be argued that those three men were eliminated by an already eliminated member of the match. And while I just said that the result will stand, I still feel obligated to give those three men something. So, at Ascension, we are going to have a triple threat match between Kevin Nash, Malakai Black and Brock Lesnar. The winner will be the number one contender for the world championship. That seems pretty fair, doesn’t it, New Orleans?
Smoothie King Center cheers at the announcement.
MICK FOLEY: So that settles that little bit of a guilt I’ve been feeling for those three individuals. That also means we have a world championship match, an X-Division championship match, a women’s world championship match, but that leaves the tag team division still needing a title match. After much deliberation and thought on that subject, I think I’ve finally settled on that match now as well. At Ascension, we’re going to have a four corners tag team elimination match. Where teams can be eliminated throughout the match and when we get down to two teams left, we’re going to lower the tag team championships down from the rafters and the two remaining teams will have a ladder match to decide who will be the first WLCW Tag Team champions! As far as the teams participating in that match…First, I’m going to give a spot to a team that has more than impressed me in their time here. And while a group of four, I will let them decide which two of them will be in the match. That’s right, folks, The Wingmen will be the first tag team in the four corners elimination tag team match.
The crowd gives a nice mix of boos and cheers at the Wingmen announcment.
MICK FOLEY: Tonight’s match between the Varsity Blondes and the Motor City Machine Guns will produce the second team in that match at Ascension with the winner receiving that spot. The third team will be announced a little later on tonight and the fourth team…a wild card team will be announced on WLCW social media after Vengeance. So, make sure and follow us on Twitter and Instagram! New Orleans, we have an incredible show in store for you tonight! Thank you all for being here and remember…Have a nice day!
Foley’s music plays as he goes back through the curtain, the camera cutting to a shot of Pat and Mauro at the announce table.
MAURO RANALLO: Huge announcements from Mick Foley there!
PAT MCAFEE: Number one contender triple threat match at Ascension! I love it!
MAURO RANALLO: Four corners elimination tag team match that turns into a ladder match when down to the final two teams!
PAT MCAFEE: My boys, The Wingmen in that match!
MAURO RANALLO: And the winner of Varsity Blondes and Motor City Machine Guns later on tonight will get a spot in that match as well!
PAT MCAFEE: This card tonight is absolutely loaded!
MAURO RANALLO: That it is, let’s get down into the ring and right to the action! We have a triple threat match to start this night off!
MATT SYDAL VS PRINCE DEVITT VS CM PUNK
TRIPLE THREAT
TRIPLE THREAT
Certainly an interesting match up between three guys who have a ton of potential here in WLCW. Prince Devitt is making his in ring debut for the company. A man with a bit of hype behind him and a good following. He doesn’t seem to care much for the crowd and what others think about him and it’s almost as if it makes him more endearing to them. A modern day, dare I say it, CM Punk. Who also happens to be in this match. Punk is one of the biggest deals in recent wrestling history. A man who had the wrestling world in the palm of his hands and let it go to chase his own dreams. Now, he finds himself back in the rings and arenas he abandoned not so long ago. The crowd, willing to forgive him and accept him back, have seen a man struggle to get back into the swing of things. He could have easily walked into WLCW and demanded any high level championship match or spot on the card, but he’s trying to fight and earn his spot there. A win tonight goes a long way in getting back there. Then there’s Matt Sydal. A man who is trying to get himself back into the good graces of the wrestling world. Branding himself as a visionary reborn. He is still trying to get himself settled in and established here in WLCW. Management sees a lot of potential in him though and perhaps that’s why he finds himself in this triple threat match with two other men who Foley and the higher ups at WLCW think have a ton of potential. Potential will only take you so far. Eventually you have to grab the brass ring, break through the glass ceiling and every other metaphor you can think of or may have heard about. The bell rings and potential becomes reality between these three as we are officially underway.
PAT MCAFEE: What an opening match here to start out this show. This should be a damn good one!
MAURO RANALLO: Each of these guys are hungry for a win.
PAT MCAFEE: Only one of them can win, though!
MAURO RANALLO: That is how matches work, yes.
Matt Sydal holds his hands up in a defensive taekwondo stance. Punk narrows his eyes a bit at him and tilts his head, like a confused dog. Punk now puts his hands up in a mixed martial arts stance, but right as he does that, he’s grabbed from behind by Devitt and thrown over the top rope to the floor. Before Prince can turn his attention back to the ring, he’s met with a spinning back kick to the shoulder blades, knocking him forward into the ropes. Sydal is quick to pounce on that, grabbing him from behind, whipping Devitt around and hitting him with a clothesline. Devitt is down to one knee. Sydal follows it up with a rising knee strike right to his face! He’s knocked back and Sydal goes for a quick pin. 1..2…NO! Punk is back in the ring and breaking up the pinfall. He grabs Sydal and throws him shoulder first into the turnbuckle area. Devitt is struggling back to his feet as the annoyed Punk is on the attack now. He grabs Devitt and lifts him up, whipping him into the corner where Sydal is slumped down. Devitt hits the corner, driving his back into Sydal’s face. Devitt stumbles out of the corner and Punk comes from behind him, driving his head into the mat with a bulldog! Punk goes for the pin now but it’s broken up by Sydal as he returns the favor by stopping him from getting the possible victory. Punk is quick back to his feet and he’s getting in Sydal’s face for breaking up the pin. Matt reminds him very quickly that he did the very same thing to him just a few short minutes ago. The two are jawing back and forth as this gives Devitt the chance to get back to his feet. He bounces off the ropes and delivers a standing back drop kick to Punk’s back, knocking him forward into Sydal and having the two crash into the ropes.
MAURO RANALLO: These three are jockeying for the advantage constantly.
PAT MCAFEE: It’s like paper, rock, scissor in there with these three!
MAURO RANALLO: I believe it’s actually rock, paper, scissor.
PAT MCAFEE: That’s not what I said?
The three of them are struggling back to their feet and Sydal is somehow the first one to his. He drives his arm and shoulder into Devitt’s chest, knocking him back into the ropes. Devitt bounces off and hits Sydal with a shoulder block tackle of his own. Sydal is knocked backwards and Punk grabs him from behind. He grabs by the shoulders and spins him around, but Sydal uses the momentum to rise up with a knee to Punk’s chin, knocking him through the ropes again and to the outside. Sydal turns his attention back to Devitt who is back to his feet and ready for him. Kicks to the ribs and midsection doubles Sydal over. Matt springs up with a big rising clothesline but Devitt ducks under it. Prince rushes towards the opposite ropes behind Sydal and bounces off him. As Sydal turns around, he’s met with a spinning back kick to the face from Devitt! Prince gets back to his feet and looks to capitalize with he’s hit from behind by a springboard clothesline from the outside by Punk! Punk grabs Devitt and lifts him up to his feet, hoisting him up on his shoulders. He sets him up for the GTS! Devitt elbows him in the head a few times, staggering Punk. Punk loosens his grip a bit but before Devitt can get free from him, Sydal grabs Devitt around the head and pulls him off Punk’s shoulders for a huge DDT right into the mat!
PAT MCAFEE: He just DDT’d Devitt off of Punk’s shoulders!
MAURO RANALLO: What a creative maneuver but now he needs to take advantage!
An attempt to take advantage is made as Sydal goes for the pin. 1..2..3! No! Devitt gets a shoulder up. Punk is holding his shoulder a bit, but he grabs Sydal, spinning him around. Now it’s Sydal that goes up on the shoulders. GO TO SLEEP onto Sydal! Before Punk can go for the pin, he’s grabbed by Devitt and rushed towards the ropes, through them and out of the ring! Devitt turns and capitalizes on the situation, pinning Sydal now. 1…2…3! No! What! Punk has slid back in the ring and pulled Devitt off by the leg. Devitt smacks the mat in frustration as Sydal tries to come to, rolling towards the apron. Punk grabs Devitt once again and tries to hoist him up once more for a GTS, but Devitt uses the momentum to slip off Punk’s back, bounce off the ropes behind him and hitting him with another flat back dropkick. Punk staggers, but catches himself, turning around just in time to get hit with a Sling Blade from Devitt! Punk rushes back to his feet, but Devitt is waiting on him again, running towards him and hitting him with another Sling Blade! Devitt is lining him up for one more when he’s grabbed from behind. Sydal is on the apron behind him. Matt lifts Devitt up from behind for a reverse suplex to the outside, but as Sydal has him in the air, Devitt fights and manages to land back on his feet on the apron! Prince and Matt are exchanging blows back and forth on the apron. Now Punk wants in on the action and approaches them. He’s still on the inside of the ring and drives a right into Devitt and then into Sydal. They’re both on the outside holding on to the top rope. Punk goes for Sydal first, turning himself and basically using a big snap mare move to bring Matt back into the ring. Devitt is laboring on the outside still. Punk rushes towards him, drilling him with a clothesline, taking him down into a heap on the apron. Punk turns his attention back to the downed Sydal now. He goes to the corner and the top rope now. He measures out Sydal…and comes flying off for a huge Elbow Drop from the top rope! Drilling his elbow right into Sydal’s chest! He goes for the pin..1…2…3! Yes! No!! Devitt is off the top rope and drives a double foot stomp into Punk’s back, knocking him off of Sydal! Punk rolls out of the ring in pain as Devitt picks up Sydal from the mat. He lifts him up and drives him into the mat face first with a huge BLOODY SUNDAY! He goes for the pin! 1..2…3! It’s over!
WINNER:
PRINCE DEVITT
Pinfall - 13:43
Pinfall - 13:43
MAURO RANALLO: What a match!
PAT MCAFEE: What a win!
MAURO RANALLO: Devitt with a big one here tonight!
PAT MCAFEE: Every guy thought they had it at one point but Devitt with the win!
MAURO RANALLO: CM Punk seemed like he had it all but wrapped up there.
PAT MCAFEE: This is just the first match, Mauro! We got a whole night of this!
Backstage, a black stretch limousine slowly pulls into the view of the camera. The driver puts the vehicle into park and exits the driver's side door, marching to the back. Upon opening the backdoor, he stands off to the side, giving room for its occupants to exit. The fans being giving a lukewarm reaction, mixed with boos and cheers as Brandi Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes, Preston Vance, Tony Schiavone, Stephen Amell, "Diamond" Dallas Page, and Cody Rhodes exiting. Right on cue, Josh Matthews arrives.
JOSH MATHEWS: Cody, what's with the larger-than-normal entourage?
Cody smirks, removing his aviator sunglasses and tucking them inside the breast pocket of his dark green suit jacket. The camera catches a similar pin on his left lapel that is buttoned on to each of the other members of the Nightmare Family. A white campaign-style button in white with red letters reading “CODY 2022” in the center..
CODY RHODES: Josh, what do you mean? Tonight's a celebration! The more the merrier, right?! We're ten days away from Ascension.. Ten days away from a ladder match for the WLCW Championship.. Ten days away from me becoming champion. But as for tonight, the Nightmare Family is throwing a celebration for myself and Miro in front of all of our fans!
He looks lovingly back at his extended Nightmare Family.
CODY RHODES: And I can't celebrate that hard-fought battle royale victory without my Nightmare Family. My beautiful wife, my brother, my old friend and the voice of wrestling, my mentor, a TELEVISION STAR, and my newest bodyguard and protégé. This is my support staff, official and not so official. Along with the support of the people in the stands and watching at home, these people give my mission purpose and they’re helping me get through all of the negative feedback I’ve endured this week from naysayers thinking I didn’t truly win on Storm.
JOSH MATHEWS: Speaking of, Cody, do you have any comments on the controversial ending to the battle royale? Malakai Black threw you out, but none of the referees ringside saw it, allowing you to come back in. Many are calling it cheating! You posted on social media that you would have more to say about the topic, so is now a good of time as any to defend your character?
Brandi's jaw drops as this accusation is being thrown at her husband. She begins removing her earrings, handing them to Preston Vance.
BRANDI RHODES: Alright Josh, let's talk.
She lunges for Josh, but is held back by "Diamond" Dallas Page and Stephen Amell. Cody shakes his finger and composes himself, presenting himself in the most professional way possible with a detailed response.
CODY RHODES: A closed fist. An eye-gouge. Hair pulling. A low blow. Hell, in some areas in the world, even being thrown over the top rope.. All illegal in professional wrestling, Josh, yet, they get away with it and the people love it. Consider what I did going 56 in a 55 mile per hour zone, nothing more. It’s fine. In that type of match, it's every man for himself for a date with destiny. I decided a long time ago to bet on myself and not let someone else dictate my future. I did what I had to do on Storm to take care of myself. We all blur the lines of fairness when inside that ring because we are all fighting for something bigger than ourselves. I know the type of man that I am. The people surrounding me know my true character. The people watching at home have grown up with me since the very beginning, and they too know the man that I am. So, if I'm such a bad guy and others are superior in character, may he without sin cast the first stone.
Cody winks into the camera.
CODY RHODES: And while the WLCW roster is doing that, I'll be busy winning the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship.
BRANDI RHODES: There's no time to sit here and defend your character to someone like Josh Matthews or anyone else on this roster. The Ascension main event is Cody Rhodes versus Miro. If someone has a problem with it, tell them to shut their mouths and step in the ring where disputes are settled if they think they're better than my husband. Now, c'mon. We have a party to plan.
Agreeing with his agitated wife, Cody playfully slaps Josh on the arm.
CODY RHODES: Josh, sorry, buddy. Duty calls. Be sure to let Miro know if you see him that I'm VERY excited to share the ring with later.
Cody and Brandi walk off arm-in-arm while their extended family follow suit behind them.
MAURO RANALLO: A party tonight, huh?
PAT MCAFEE: A Cody Rhodes party of all things. Should be fun. Think we’ll get invited?
MAURO RANALLO: No.
PAT MCAFEE: Well, you probably won’t.
THE BLOODLINE VS THE LEE FAMILY
TRIOS MATCH
TRIOS MATCH
It’s family against family in this one. Vin Diesel is kicking back with a bowl of popcorn right now as this kind of fight is right up his alley. The Bloodline have had their shares of ups and downs in the early weeks of WLCW. A big victory on the debut show against John Cena but unable to follow up on that momentum in the battle royale. The numbers should have been on their side with their size as well being a factor. The Lee Family have yet to gain any kind of traction in WLCW either. The talent is there, albeit all over the place with them. They showed some life in the battle royale and hung together the best they could until ultimately being all eliminated by the elimination leader in MJF (with help from Wardlow). Tonight is a big night for both parties trying to get going back in the right direction and rebounding from what both teams would consider to be a disappointing battle royale on Storm. The teams figure out who is going to start this one off. Jimmy and Jey Uso giving way to let Roman start this one off. The Lee Family see that show and do it as well, bowing to let Trevor get the start against Reigns. The bell sounds and Shane Sewell calls for them to start this match.
MAURO RANALLO: Roman Reigns seems to be in a foul mood after what happened in the battle royale.
PAT MCAFEE: The Bloodline were one of the favorites going into that match too.
Reigns doesn’t seem to be keen on putting up with the Lee Family shenanigans as Trevor makes the tag right as the match starts to Keith. You can see Roman let out a big sigh with an annoyed look on his face. Keith comes into the ring, a small grin on his face. Roman tilts his head and pops his neck as he starts to circle the ring with Keith, sizing one another up. Keith Lee is a monstrous man and perhaps there’s a timeline and situation out there where he’s the breakout star of the Lee Family. The two go to lock up and Ketih Lee actually gets an initial upper hand on the Tribal Chief, pushing him back into the Bloodline’s corner before giving a clean break. Roman narrows his eyes a bit and bites his lip at what just happened. Not too pleased, he goes for another lock up. This time Reigns is the one in control, pushing Keith back into the Lee Family corner where Wes smacks his brother (?) in the shoulder and puts himself in the match. This seems to anger Reigns. He motions for Wes to tag Keith back into the match. Wes waves that off and motions for Reigns to come at him. Roman shakes his head and says he wants Keith back in the ring. Wes gets annoyed on his own there and motions for Roman to bring the fight to him. Before Wes can even react, Roman decks him with a Superman Punch right across the face! Wes lands near the Lee Family corner. Roman reaches down and grabs Wes’ hand, holding it up towards Trevor Lee first, who waves it off and then towards Keith. The giant Lee brother narrows his eyes a bit and then reaches down, tagging Wes’ limp hand and putting himself back in the match.
PAT MCAFEE: Someone should probably check on Wes.
MAURO RANALLO: I don’t think he’ll be coming to in this millenia.
PAT MCAFEE: Keith is crazy for tagging himself back in here.
The crowd is actually a bit excited to see Keith Lee and Roman go back at it after their initial run in to start the match. Trevor notices that the crowd is starting to cheer a bit louder for Keith than himself and the other members of the Lee Family. Before Keith can make a go at Roman, Trevor tags himself into the match and tells Keith to get back on the apron and look after Wes. Again, Roman lets out a sigh and motions that he wants to face Keith Lee. Trevor shakes his head and tells Reigns that he’s gonna face him. Roman closes his eyes for a second before turning around and tagging in Jey Uso. This only annoys Trevor Lee more as he goes rushing in, Jey ducks and Trevor runs face first into the turnbuckle. As he turns around, grabbing his face, Jey hits him with an enziguri to the back of the head, knocking him down. Jey tags Jimmy and they’re both in the ring, picking Trevor back up to his feet. They lift him up and hit him with a double suplex. Jimmy goes up to the top rope and Jey perches underneath him. Jimmy flies off and hits a huge splash onto the downed Trevor. Roman tells Jimmy to stop before he can pin him and motions for the tag. Reigns is tagged back in and walks towards Trevor’s downed body. Roman is staring at Keith Lee the whole time. He motions towards him to come in and save Trevor or tag in. Keith shakes his head slightly, jumping off the apron and walking away from Wes and Trevor. Roman sneers and pins Trevor with his fist, watching Keith Lee walk away from the ring the whole time. 1…2…3! It’s over!
WINNER:
THE BLOODLINE
Pinfall - 7:12
Pinfall - 7:12
MAURO RANALLO: A very interesting turn of events here, Pat.
PAT MCAFEE: I mean, yeah, I guess. What is going on with Roman Reigns and Keith Lee there.
MAURO RANALLO: It would seem like Keith is walking away from the Lee Family here tonight.
PAT MCAFEE: Can’t say I blame them. I think I saw them in a brawl at Golden Corral earlier this week.
Backstage, we fade up on a shot of Booker T from the rear. Clad in black slacks and a button down white shirt, he begins to pace back and forth. Something is weighing on his mind. Only a few feet away, Rok-C is already in her gear, putting the finishing touches on her wrist tape. She stands up and picks up her entrance jacket from the back of a chair. The overhead light glimmers off the jewels that spell "The Prodigy" across the shoulders. Booker T stops pacing and gives her a disbelieving look.
BOOKER T: You really sure 'bout dis?
She nods confidently.
ROK-C: I earned my spot in the Queen of the Mountain match all by myself... and I can defend it just the same. Sasha Banks thinks she can just call her shot and get away with it, but that's not how things work. If she wants in that title match, she's gonna have to go through me. She's gonna have to EARN it.
BOOKER T: I don't like it.
He scratches his chin, thinking it over... then shakes his head.
BOOKER T: NUH-UH! NO WAY! I DON'T LIKE IT!
Booker T points out at nothing in particular.
BOOKER T: Rok, you know who dis Sasha Banks dilly is! Yo' ass know she one o' da' best inna' whole wide world, dawg! AN' YOU KNOW SHE GON' HAVE 'AT TAMINA SNUKAFLY PULLIN' UP FLANK! Nuh-uh. I got'cho back. I'ma BE havin' yo' back tonight.
Rok-C huffs.
ROK-C: Book, I appreciate everything you've done for me over the last week, helping me train for this... but honestly, hanging me out to dry against Su Yung ten days ago was the best training you could've possibly given me. Beating her gave me the confidence I needed to KNOW that I can take Sasha Banks tonight. If I'm really your top student... if I'm really The Protagonist of WLCW... you've got to let me take this one on my own.
Booker T sighs deeply and shakes his head.
BOOKER T: Fine, shorty... but you gots t' promise da' Booka' Man one thing.
ROK-C: Anything.
BOOKER T: Make sure yo' ass get the job DONE.
ROK-C: I will. Without a doubt.
BOOKER T: One of us gots to leave dat Ascension wit' some gold, ya' dig?
He offers his hand and she smiles, smacking her hand into his with a loud pop and gripping it tightly.
ROK-C: I dig.
BOOKER T: Good. Now get out dere 'n show 'at Sasha Banks who da' BOSS really is.
Rok-C and puts on her entrance jacket as we fade out.
MAURO RANALLO: Looks like we are about ready to see Rok-C put her Queen of the Mountain spot on the line!
PAT MCAFEE: A bold move by her, but she’s been competing with a lot of confidence lately. Booker by her side, I know Buff loves it!
ROK-C VS SASHA BANKS
ROK-C’S QOTM SPOT ON THE LINE
ROK-C’S QOTM SPOT ON THE LINE
As requested by Rok-C earlier in the show, Booker T is nowhere to be seen at ringside. Sasha Banks did not show the same class and initiative, as Tamina Snuka stands at ringside with her arms folded across her chest, mean mugging Rok-C from the floor. Rok-C stares across the ring at Banks with confidence, ready to go. Both ladies meet in the center of the ring and Sasha arrogantly offers a hand to shake. Rok-C accepts the gesture and the handshake goes down without shenanigans. The referee calls for the bell and they break. Both women circle one another and then lock-up in the center of the ring. They struggle for position and Sasha quickly grabs a headlock. Rok-C backs her into the ropes and shoots her off! Sasha comes back with a flying clothesline that knocks Rok-C down! She scrambles back to her feet and Sasha is waiting on her with a RUNNING CROSSBODY! Rok-C rolls through and cradles Sasha, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! THR– NO! Sasha kicks out and immediately rolls out of the ring, flustered by the nearfall!
MAURO RANALLO: And away we go with Sasha Banks taking on Rok-C! What a battle this should be, Pat! As we saw ten days ago on STORM, Rok-C shocked the world by defeating Su Yung to earn her place in the Queen of the Mountain match Ascension with the WLCW Women’s World Championship hanging high HIGH above the ring… but now she’s being tasked with defending that spot after being… I don’t want to say BULLIED, but she was certainly convinced by Sasha Banks to put it all on the line! Most women might have turned away a challenge from one of the best female competitors in the world but OH NO, NOT ROK-C! MUCH LIKE KIRSTEN DUNST AND ELIZA DUSHKU, SHE TOLD SASHA BANKS TO BRING IT ON!
PAT MCAFEE: You know, I’m not lie to you, man, but if I’m Rok-C, I’m taking that title shot and I’m running straight to Ascension with it. Why give Sasha Banks this opportunity? Why put yourself at risk like that? That is Rok-C’s title shot! She earned it! There’s no reason for this match to be happening! Sasha Banks is a huge star, she’s going to get a title shot eventually! She should’ve stayed at home and bided her time… but hey, on the flipside, she had a goal of her own- to obtain a title shot by any means necessary and if it comes at Rok-C’s expense, sorry’ bout your luck! I’m hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, Mauro. Rok-C is a hell of a talent but Sasha Banks is GOAT-level. Let’s see how this one turns out!
Sasha Banks yells at the referee to make Rok-C get back. Rok-C steps away from the ropes and offers a curtsy, drawing a pop from the fans. Sasha climbs back into the ring and they circle one another once again. They go in for a lock-up but Rok-C ducks it and executes a go-behind, grabbing Sasha around the waist! Rok-C tries for a German suplex but Sasha locks her legs and grabs the top rope before throwing an elbow back into Rok-C’s eye! Rok-C staggers back and Sasha turns around, charging at Rok-C and nailing her with a hair assisted clothesline! Maintaining her grip on Rok-C’s hair, she pounds her head on the mat and then stands up, throwing her arms to the side and shouting “THIS IS ALL ABOUT ME!” then booting Rok-C in the stomach! Sasha pulls Rok-C up by her hair and whips her into the corner. Sasha follows her in with DOUBLE KNEES TO THE CHEST and then posts her up to deliver a series of knife-edge chops! Sasha licks her hand to give the final chop some extra OOMPH and then hoists Rok-C into a seated position on the top turnbuckle! Sasha follows her up and hooks her, going for a SUPERPLEX but Rok-C grabs the top rope and begins punching away at Sasha’s mid-section! Sasha falls and lands flat on her back… and Rok-C follows her down with a BACK SENTON! Rok-C covers! ONE! TWO! SASHA BRIDGES OUT!
MAURO RANALLO: Sasha Banks will not be denied, but that is not stopping The Prodigy from giving it everything she’s got! She knows that this FIGHT TO THE FINISH is ALL OR NOTHING for her dream of becoming WLCW Women’s World Champion so you better believe she’s IN IT TO WIN IT!
PAT MCAFEE: I’m on the edge of my seat, Mauro! It’s not everyday that you get to see someone at the level of Sasha Banks get taken to her limit by a competitor like Rok-C! We are literally looking at the present versus the future right now!
Rok-C pulls Sasha Banks back to her feet and nails her with a big forearm! She turns around to run the ropes but Sasha grabs a handful of hair, causing her to fall flat on her back! Sasha jumps and drives both feet into Rok-C’s mid-section and then stands over her, shouting “THIS IS MY TIME, LITTLE GIRL!” The fans boo loudly as Banks snatches Rok-C’s hair and pulls her in for a SNAP SUPLEX! She rolls directly into a second… and then a third! IT’S THE THREE AMIGOS! Sasha gets back to her feet and shimmies as she steps on Rok-C on her way to the turnbuckles! She climbs the ropes, pats herself on the chest three times and points to the sky “THIS IS FOR YOU, EDDIE! YOU’RE MY INSPIRATION!” and then she flies.. FROG SPLASHHHHHH- NO! ROK-C GETS BOTH KNEES UP! Sasha gets up to her feet, holding her stomach in pain! Rok-C rolls to her feet and hits the ropes! She charges at Sasha… WHEELBARROW STUNNER! Rok-C covers Sasha and hooks the leg! The referee doesn’t count because TAMINA SNUKA IS ON THE APRON! Rok-C flies to her feet and nails Tamina with a forearm, sending her to the floor!
MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIA, TAMINA SNUKA HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED!
PAT MCAFEE: FORGET TAMINA! SHE NEEDS TO STAY FOCUSED ON THE BLUEPRINT!
Satisfied with Tamina being taken out of the match, Rok-C turns around and immediately gets open hand slapped across the face by Sasha! The impact sends Rok-C all the way around and Sasha immediately nails her with a lungblower and flips her over into the BANK STATEMENT! The fans boo loudly as Rok-C reaches for the ropes but she’s dead in the center of the ring! Sasha uses her foot to kick Rok-C in the back of the head, shouting “TAP! TAP! TAAAAAAAP!” and Rok-C has no choice… but to TAP OUT!
WINNER:
SASHA BANKS
Submission - 6:46
Submission - 6:46
Sasha Banks immediately releases the hold and lays on the mat, covering her face with both hands, sobbing uncontrollably! The fans boo loudly as Justin Roberts announces that Sasha Banks will now be competing in the Queen of the Mountain match. Sasha sits up and wipes away fake tears before pointing at Rok-C and shouting at the referee, “GET HER OUT OF MY RING!” The referee helps Rok-C to the apron as Sasha gets to her knees in the middle of the ring and points to the roof, acting like she can’t believe she just won the match.
MAURO RANALLO: You’ve got to be KIDDING ME!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, I feel bad for Rok-C, having her dream snatched right out from under her like this… but she should have known better than to put it on the line against a competitor like Sasha Banks. Pride or not, when you get an opportunity like the one she earned, you hang onto it with every fiber of your being!
Rok-C makes her way to the back with tears in her eyes. She stops on the stage and turns around to look back at the ring, only to see Sasha Banks give her a wave and mouth “bye-bye.” Rok-C shakes her head and turns to leave through the curtain.
MAURO RANALLO: There you have it, folks. Sasha Banks will be the final participant in the Queen of the Mountain Match at WLCW Ascension, live on the World Wrestling Network! It will be there that she will join Jamie Hayter, Hikari Noa, Momo Watanabe, and Julia Hart with the WLCW Women’s World Championship hanging high above the ring!
PAT MCAFEE: Keep your chin up, Rok-C! It might feel like it, but this isn’t the end!
We fade out on Sasha Banks celebrating in the ring.
The WLCW video screen suddenly shows sweeping views of a spacious palatial estate, the sounds of Mouret’s Rondeau echoing throughout the arena. Almost instantly the New Orleans crowd boos as they realize just what they’re about to witness. We see the interior of the main building, a literal red carpet creating a path through a hallway filled with golden rococo style decor. A marble floor is visible beneath the carpet and ostentatious light fixtures shaped like candle holders line the walls. As the view glides down the corridor and the music swells to its conclusion, a pair of heavy wooden doors dramatically swing open on their own.
Inside is a well furnished sitting room with a heavy looking coffee table at its center. At the far side there’s a large fireplace above which hangs a golden framed painting of two women. One is tall, with elegantly long legs, light brown hair and a wide brimmed black hat with a feather on its right side. She wears fancy black and white ring gear and holds a glass of wine in her right hand. Next to her stands a woman WLCW fans will recognize as Misao, clutching her rose cane closely. Misao herself is in the sitting room, on a posh white couch, right leg crossed over the other and looking disinterested in the world around her.
On the table is a silver tray with a flowery patterned teapot and two cups. Two other people are in the room as well, one more elegant than the other. Konami looks as good as ever in the butler attire she’s taken to, though she has her back to the camera. Seated in a chair next to Misao is a man in a well made suit who looks a bit on edge at being there. It’s Matt Striker. After the worlds “WWN Presents: Noblesse Oblige” appear on the screen, then fade, Matt Striker begins to speak.
MATT STRIKER: Welcome to a special broadcast of.. whatever this show is called. I don’t speak Spanish. I’m here with the Rose Queen M-
Misao rolls her eyes and cuts him off.
MISAO: It’s French, peasant. Not that I’d expect you can tell the difference.
There’s a very awkward silence as Misao scoffs at the WWN correspondent’s incompetence. Matt Striker looks like he would rather be anywhere else, but he presses on with the interview anyway. Misao takes one of the cups of tea and sips it, paying no more mind to her guest than if he were an insect. It’s very quiet for a few more moments, apart from some snickering that must be coming from Konami. We can’t see what she’s up to other than she appears to be holding something in her hands. Finally, Striker sighs and speaks again.
MATT STRIKER: I’m here with the Rose Queen Misao, who’s invited me to her palatial estate which she calls ‘The Palace of Roses’. Misao, thank you for the invitation.
Misao waves off the thanks.
MISAO: Think nothing of it. I just wish they had sent someone with more talent to interview me. But I suppose we can’t get what we want all the time.
She sips her tea again and Striker once again looks like he might leave. But he has a job to do, so he sucks it up and continues.
MATT STRIKER: So the first thing we’re all wondering is where have you been? Why haven’t we seen Misao in the ring since the first episode of Eruption?
Misao laughs at this, lowering her teacup as she answers.
MISAO: That’s simple. You see, I need to take in the entirety of my garden to understand just what needs to be done. The garden has grown, it’s true, but there are so many more weeds ruining its potential beauty. I want to determine just which weeds are suffocating the hidden flowers that are struggling to bloom. I’d be remiss if I accidentally uprooted one of those flowers while pulling out all the undesirable plants. The Rose Queen will grace your ring when it suits her, not when you demand she present herself.
The Rose Queen sips her tea again, and Konami snickers again.
MATT STRIKER: You’ve seemed really interested in Hikari Noa lately. What is it about her that got your attention?
MISAO: That’s for me to know and you all to see once I decide to act on it. The time has not come for me to make any move. There is a more pressing matter.
MATT STRIKER: You mean ACT Yasukawa?
Misao rolls her eyes at the very name of the veteran wrestler. She sets her teacup down on the table, not wanting to waste any tea by spilling. Her expression changes, becoming more focused and dark as her posture stiffens.
MISAO: A very annoying invasive weed that is suffocating a potentially gorgeous flower. More dangerous to that flower’s growth than the other common weeds might be. Yes, she has my attention now - no one can interrupt my business and expect to escape my.. Justice? No, wrath. Justice is so overrated. She doesn’t belong here, and I look forward to ruining her experience. Just how that happens? You will find out when she does.
Misao smirks at the statement, a storm brewing in her eyes which promises violence. Matt Striker pulls a notepad out of his suit jacket and reviews a list written upon it. After another very long and awkward moment in which Konami laughs evilly again, Striker finds the next thing he was supposed to ask.
MATT STRIKER: Does it bother you that you’re not in the Queen of the Mountain match at Ascension?
Misao laughs mockingly.
MISAO: Don’t you think if I cared about that match, I’d have won my place in it? The women in that match are trash for the most part. Even if a couple of them have the potential to be beautiful flowers, it is a dumpster of a match. No place for a queen like me to be. I don’t need a bit of gold to know that I am better than the ugly masses WLCW has under contract. If and when I decide to add that crown to my collection, I will do so.
Matt Striker motions to the cameraman, who holds out an 8 x 10 in a picture frame.
MATT STRIKER: I did some research on you before this interview..
He turns the picture around to reveal a portrait of Hyper Misao in her full heroic attire, grinning proudly. Misao’s eyes narrow and she tenses up as she gazes upon the image of her former, weaker self. As if on cue, Konami turns on a dime to face the camera, slipping something into the pocket of her butler’s coat. No one says a thing and there’s a tension hanging in the air with each passing second. Finally Matt Striker asks his question.
MATT STRIKER: So you’re like Nikki A.S.H. or Molly Holly?
Misao snaps her fingers and Konami moves into action. She quickly strides around the couch and makes her way to the coffee table. Once there she gracefully picks up the teapot and moves over toward Matt Striker’s side. There’s a fury and malice clear on the Rose Queen’s face as she asks him a question.
MISAO: Would you like some tea?
MATT STRIKER: I prefer coffee-
Before he can say anything else, Konami tilts the teapot and the tea pours out onto his pants and shoes. As Matt Striker lets out a string of bleeped out expletives, Misao stands up and seizes the picture frame from him. She hurls it to the ground and stomps on it with such force that its glass shatters audibly. This done, Misao storms out of the room while Konami finishes pouring out the last of the tea onto Matt Striker. He immediately springs out of the chair and stares down at yet another ruined suit. Still cursing up a storm, Striker sees himself out of the Palace of Roses. Yet the camera lingers on Konami, who’s broken her menacing butler facade and is snickering again. After a moment, she motions to the camera with an outstretched arm.
KONAMI: Episode 2: The end.
The shot fades out and we return to Vengeance.
PAT MCAFEE: Tinfoil hat time as we have R-Truth against Kevin Nash coming up here, Mauro.
MAURO RANALLO: No conspiracy here, this is going to be one heck of a match!
KEVIN NASH VS R-TRUTH
SINGLES MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Kevin Nash had a rather good showing in the battle royale on Storm. His elimination came with a bit of controversy as Cody Rhodes got back into the ring after seemingly being eliminated to eliminate him and a few others. Nash isn’t one to let it get the best of him though as he’s been rather cool and collected since that night. We found out earlier tonight that Nash will have his chance at redemption at Ascension in a triple threat match against Black and Lesnar for the number one contender spot. First things first though, he has to take care of R Truth here tonight. An enigma shrouded in mystery with a fog of conspiracy around him. With Eric Bischoff at his side, Truth showed up in WLCW seemingly already at odds with management about a conspiracy of some kind against him. A decent showing in the battle royale, he probably wishes it would have gone a little different. Tonight would be a huge win against a man in Nash who has been rather impressive in the early goings of WLCW. The bell rings for this one and Bryce Remsburg calls for the action to start.
PAT MCAFEE: I still can’t believe Nash has looked as good as he has here at his age. He’s like reverse Benjamin Button or something!
MAURO RANALLO: Reverse Benjamin Button would just mean aging normally.
PAT MCAFEE: No, if it’s reverse, then that means that he would…wait…
MAURO RANALLO: See?
Nash and Truth go to lock up, which doesn’t seem too smart from Truth’s side as Nash has the size and weight advantage – and uses it immediately, pushing truth back into the corner. Remsburg asks for a clean break but Truth shoves Nash away. This doesn’t please the big man as he comes back immediately with a driving knee right into Truth’s chest, knocking him back fully into the corner. Nash follows up immediately with back elbows across the shoulders of Truth. Repeated elbows crashing across the shoulder and chest. Truth reaches up and grasps at his shoulder, but Nash pulls him out, looking like he’s going to whip him into the opposite corner. Nash hangs on though and as it seems like he’s going to whip him across the ring, he stops Truth and pulls him back towards him, where he meets him with a big back elbow, knocking Truth down to the mat. Truth tries to fight back from his knees, driving his fist right into Nash’s midsection, but the blows are more glancing than anything. Nash picks Truth back up to his feet and drills him with a short arm clothesline!
MAURO RANALLO: Nash in full control of this one.
PAT MCAFEE: I’m telling you, he’s been one of the most impressive members of the roster since WLCW started!
Nash stays on the attack, picking Truth back up from the prone position, but Truth is fighting back again. A right and then a left and then another right to Nash, staggering him back a bit. Truth tries to capitalize by heading over to the corner and going up to the top rope. As Nash gathers where he’s at, it’s too late as Truth is off the top rope with a double axe handle across the head! Nash is knocked back but not down. Truth looks around for what his next move might be. He bounces off the ropes and heads towards Nash for something – anything – he’ll figure it out when he gets there. But he never makes it as Nash drills him right in the face with a big boot! Truth lands in a heap on the mat as Nash takes a few steps and jumps up, driving his elbow down hard into R Truth’s chest! He stays down for the pin! 1..2..3! It’s over!
WINNER:
KEVIN NASH
Pinfall - 5:08
Pinfall - 5:08
MAURO RANALLO: Well, Kevin Nash certainly made that look easy.
PAT MCAFEE: You could be looking at the next number one contender for the world title, Mauro.
MAURO RANALLO: That would not surprise me. He’ll have his hands full with two tough competitors. Fans, we hear that Josh Mathews has found Miro arriving to the arena tonight in the parking lot.
Backstage in the parking garage, Josh Mathews is standing by waiting for straggling wrestlers to arrive at the arena. As a white Mercedes G Wagen pulls up, he hopes that he's found his man and runs out toward the parking vehicle. Out of the driver side door emerges Miro, one of the two men involved in the inaugural championship match for the WLCW World Heavyweight title. He hardly has enough time to open the passenger door for his wife, the beautiful CJ Perry. Before Josh Matthes ambushes him.
JOSH MATHEWS: Miro! The world is talking about your upcoming championship match at Ascension.
MIRO: Thanks for stating the obvious.
Mathews can tell that Miro is doing his best to ignore and avoid him, so he jumps right into the question on everyone's mind.
JOSH MATHEWS: Cody Rhodes is hosting an Ascension Celebration in the ring tonight and has invited you to participate in the festivities! Will you be attending?
Miro stops dead in his tracks, then slowly turns to face Matthews,
MIRO: Cody wants to throw a party, does he? Well perhaps I can find time to attend his little get together.
Not even giving Mathews a chance to follow up, Miro heads off to his locker room.
Tensions are high backstage.
Two armed police officers stand on either side of a dressing room door. As the camera pans in closer and closer, we're allowed a glimpse inside where we see Momo Watanabe sitting quietly at a table with a smaller hooded figure next to her. There's a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken near them, as well as a large Burger King bag. Momo's hood obscures most of her face as she takes a bite from a Whopper and chews. The door to the dressing room swings open and Sonny Onoo steps inside, smiling ear to ear.
SONNY ONOO: Enjoying the bountiful feast, ladies?
He snickers evilly.
SONNY ONOO: Thanks to thirsty American pay pigs, we will never have to purchase a meal on the road again. They are so mark, am I right? Any false hope of a waifu and their wallets open right up--
Momo swallows another bite and looks up at Onoo, sneering. She speaks in Japanese with the words appearing in English across the bottom of the screen in bold yellow text.
MOMO WATANABE: < What are you talking about, idiot? >
His smile grows even bigger. He replies in Japanese.
SONNY ONOO: < I was simply singing your praises, Momo-chan. Without a doubt, you will be crushing Jamie Hayter tonight and establishing yourself as the number one wrestler in the company. Would you like me to get you something else? The pathetic American neck beards have Venmo'd you many funds to do with as you please. >
He bows slightly in her direction, still smiling.
MOMO WATANABE: < The only thing you can do for me is stop smiling before I lose my appetite. >
He seals his lips together, trying to hide how offended he is. Before he can reply, the hooded figure speaks in Japanese with a higher pitched and more youthful sounding voice. Her back remains to the camera, keeping her identity a secret.
MYSTERY WOMAN: < I saw the tiny man has been reduced to a wheelchair. I am greatly amused! I knew that America would be different than Japan, but I never expected to get away with attempted vehicular homicide so easily! HA HA HA HA! >
Onoo smirks, remembering Momo's request.
SONNY ONOO: < American wrestlers always want to settle problems in the ring. No charges! No courts! That is why we will succeed. Those who are woke say that the justice system in America is broken, and it is! So we will do whatever we like and they will just take it! >
MYSTERY WOMAN: < They are all so stupid! >
Momo puts her burger down and looks annoyed.
MOMO WATANABE: < I am bored. Am I really expected to remain locked up until my match? Are they truly so afraid of what I will do to her? >
MYSTERY WOMAN: < I am bored, too! When will I be allowed to reveal my presence to the world? It is time for the pay pigs to show tribute to me as well! >
Onoo reaches over them and into the bucket of chicken. He removes a leg. Momo glares at him, though the hooded woman remains facing the wall.
SONNY ONOO: < Patience, girls. All in time. >
He takes a bite of chicken with an audible crunch.
Fade.
MAURO RANALLO: We got a matchup here between two members of the women’s championship match at Ascension!
PAT MCAFEE: One of two tonight, as a matter of fact. The women’s division is maybe the most competitive thing going around in WLCW right now!
MAURO RANALLO: Hard to argue with that! WIth Sasha Banks now added to that match and mix, anyone could win that one!
PAT MCAFEE: I kind of like all of them, but these matches tonight could help build momentum for two of them!
HIKARI NOA VS JULIA HART
SINGLES MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
As the match begins, Hikari Noa is fixated on the WLCW Women's World Championship that is symbolically hanging above the ring. Chewing her bottom lip, she nods defiantly and directs her attention to Julia Hart... just in time to see Julia coming in hot with a huge forearm shot, knocking her down into a seated position! The fans boo loudly as Julia immediately boots Hikari in the head, knocking her down flat on her back before hitting the ropes and coming back with a high leaping SPLIT INTO A LEG DROP! Julia remains sitting on Hikari's chest and flexes as the referee counts! ONE! HIKARI BRIDGES OUT!
MAURO RANALLO: Here we are with two of the women who will be taking part in the Queen of the Mountain Match at Ascension on pay-per-view! There's nothing on the line but sweet sweet MOMENTUM, Pat, and the opportunity to take one of your opponents down a peg before the big match!
PAT MCAFEE: You know, there's some folks out there who say there's NOTHING more important than MOMENTUM, Mauro, and these two ladies have an opportunity stockpile it before they head into an all out ladder war for the biggest prize in the game... the WLCW WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HANGING RIGHT THERE ABOVE THE RING, BRAH!
Julia Hart looks offended that Hikari escaped her cocky pin and the grabs a handful of hair. She begins trash talking Hikari and pointing at the title belt above the ring before driving Hikari's face into the mat and rubbing it in! The fans boo loudly as Julia stands up and throws her arms out to the side with a huge smile on her face. Hikari pushes herself up to all fours and Julia posts up in the corner, waiting for her to stand. Finally, as Hikari gets up to one knee, Julia charges... and Hikari comes alive, rising up off the mat with a LEAPING CHOP ACROSS THE THROAT!
MAURO RANALLO: Someone call Ned Stark, because we might have another iconic decapitation on our hands!
PAT MCAFEE: If your opponent can't breathe, they can't fight!
Julia Hart struggles to breathe as Hikari comes alive, shrieking and grabbing Julia Hart by the front of her top. She falls upon her and begins raining down quick forearm strikes! The fans are going nuts as Hikari shrieks with every sharp blow! She finally stands and pulls Julia Hart up... only for Julia to take over with a knee lift and grab a headlock! Hikari backs Julia into the ropes and shoots her off before nailing her on the rebound with a dropkick! Julia rolls back to her feet and eats a second dropkick! Then a third! Julia rolls to the floor! The fans are going nuts! Julia waves Hikari off and we can audibly hear her say "SCREW THIS! I'M ALREADY IN THE TITLE MATCH! I DON'T NEED THIS! LIKE, AT ALL!" Julia Hart tries to walk out on the match!
MAURO RANALLO: JUST LIKE THE ANTI-CAPITALIST HEROES BEHIND THE KELLOGG'S STRIKE, JULIA HART IS WALKING OUT!
PAT MCAFEE: I mean, I wanna see a finish as much as anyone, Mauro, but it's the smart move. Why would you wanna beat up your body only ten days out from the biggest match of your career!? Julia Hart is a terrible person, but she's smart. She's smart and she has the face of a friggin' ANGEL, man-- but she's terrible. Just from what I've seen in WLCW so far, her soul is dog crap!
The fans pop huge as Hikari climbs out of the ring and follows Julia Hart, grabbing her by the hair and dragging her back toward the ring! They fight at the edge of the apron with Julia sticking a thumb in Hikari's eye and slamming her down face first on the apron! The hardest part of the ring! Julia grabs Hikari around the knees and lifts her onto the apron and shoves her under the bottom rope. Julia then ascends the turnbuckles from the outside and waits on Hikari to get up! Hikari slowly stands and Julia Hart flies... FLYING CROSSBODY! HIKARI TAKES ALL OF IT BUT ROLLS THROUGH! ONE! TWO! THR-- JULIA KICKS OUT! Julia quickly gets back to her feet and walks right into A LEAPING CLOTHESLINE! Julia springs straight back up to her feet and feeds right into a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX PIN! ONE! TWO! THR-- JULIA KICKS OUT! Hikari sits up, nodding with a knowing smile on her face. She gets up and Julia is crawling toward the bottom rope. The fans suddenly begin booing as Brian Pillman, Jr. emerges from the back with a "CANCEL CANCEL CULTURE" hoodie on. He's obviously hiding something under his hoodie.
PAT MCAFEE: What's this goober doing out here?
MAURO RANALLO: Brian Pillman, Jr. is clearly up to no good here tonight!
Julia gets halfway under the bottom rope before Hikari Noa grabs her by the ankles! Pillman quickly slips Julia Hart something from under his hoodie and the referee yells at him to get away from ringside! Pillman throws his hands up and leaves as Hikari pulls Julia into the center of the ring... but just as she does, Julia rolls over and, in full view of the referee, launches a confetti and fireworks loaded mini-cannon right into Hikari's face! The referee immediately calls for the bell!
MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIAAAAA! JUST LIKE ALICIA KEYS ONCE SAID, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!
PAT MCAFEE: THIS IS INSANE!
WINNER:
HIKARI NOA
Disqualification - 5:01
Disqualification - 5:01
Hikari goes down in a heap, clawing at her right eye! Julia Hart cackles and falls upon Hikari with the spent cannon, bopping Hikari in the head with it over and over until officials hit the ring and pull her off! EMTs quickly tend to Hikari in the middle of the ring, pouring water on her face and checking on her eye!
MAURO RANALLO: Well, Julia Hart has certainly sent a message as she heads into Ascension! Even in defeat, that precious momentum belongs to her!
PAT MCAFEE: Forget momentum, forget messages, Mauro! Will Hikari Noa even be able to compete at Ascension!? Julia Hart just LIT! HER! UP! I don't know! I DON'T KNOW IF HIKARI NOA MAKES IT TO ASCENSION AT THIS POINT!
Both Varsity Blondes appear on the stage and greet the celebrating Julia Hart, hoisting her onto their shoulders so that she can point at the championship hanging above the ring before carrying her to the back!
MAURO RANALLO: Yeah, congratulations, Julia. You REALLY earned it! Despicable behavior by Julia Hart and the Varsity Blondes! Hikari Noa may be HARD TO KILL... but I think Julia Hart might just have done it!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, here comes Kagetsu to survey the damage. Maybe she can do some Mr. Miyagi mojo and get Hikari back on her feet. Here's hoping, at least. Jesus. I did NOT see that finish coming.
Kagetsu emerges from the back and enters the ring. We fade out on a shot of Kagetsu watching with great concern as Hikari is helped into a standing position with an EMT holding an ice pack to her eye.
Pain.
Sadness.
The overwhelming sense of defeat.
Rok-C sits silently in a chair backstage, still in her gear. She picks at her wrist tape, slowly removing it and dropping it on the floor in front of her. Her make-up is ruined and her eyes are puffy from having gotten emotional after her devastating loss to Sasha Banks earlier tonight. She's totally wallowing in her defeat. We hear footsteps from somewhere in the distance and seconds later, Booker T walks into the shot. The fans cheer loudly as he looms over her and places his hand on her shoulder. She sobs loudly and breaks down, putting her face in both hands. Booker T shakes his head gently and then kneels next to her.
ROK-C: I... I'm sorry, Book. I couldn't do it.
BOOKER T: S'all good, dawg... but we tried things yo' way.
She looks up at him, tears streaming down her face.
BOOKER T: Now... we gettin' back t' basics.
The fans cheer. We fade out.
EDDIE KINGSTON VS BRAY WYATT
SINGLES MATCH
SINGLES MATCH
Bray Wyatt stands in one corner of the ring, wearing a sweater and a weird, almost sadistic smile on his face. He came into WLCW with a bit of hype and excitement surrounding him. He’s a mysterious person and character to say the very least. It would seem he has a deeper and darker side to him that has yet to be tapped into yet. Tonight would be a great night for him to tap into that dark side against his opponent, Eddie Kingston. Kingston stands across the ring from him, a sour look on his face. A perpetual feeling of anger and annoyance sit on the Mad King’s face. He seemingly doesn’t care about the opponent across the ring and who they are or what they’re about. He’s there for one reason and one reason only. To inflict pain and make sure everyone knows that he’s the baddest mother in the game. Eddie looks to be picking stuff out of his teeth with his tongue and just seemingly looks impatient. Thankfully for him, the bell rings and Charles Robinson calls for the contest to begin.
MAURO RANALLO: This should be an interesting one to say the very least.
PAT MCAFEE: Why do I get the feeling that Eddie is the kind of guy to pick fights everywhere he goes?
MAURO RANALLO: Maybe not much of an exaggeration, but surely there’s places he could go and not find a fight.
PAT MCAFEE: Well, that place isn’t the ring unfortunately for Bray Wyatt tonight.
Wyatt continues to smile his sadistic smile towards Kingston. They start to move towards one another with Eddie kind of measuring up Bray. They go to lock up, but it quickly turns into a bit of a fistfight with Bray delivering some blows to Eddie, who fights back with ones of his own. Rights and lefts to the midsection of Wyatt. Wyatt tries to fight back now but Eddie is staying on the attack and verbally abusing Bray while he’s at it. Wyatt is knocked back into the ropes and comes off, grabbed by Eddie and lifted over for a t-bone suplex! Wyatt is staggered, shaking his head quickly and trying to get his bearings. Eddie meets him with repeated chops to the chest area, which even through the thick sweater has to be a painful set of blows. Wyatt finally gets himself clear enough to shove Eddie who goes back a few feet. Wyatt tries to capitalize on the opening but Eddie drills him right in the face with a SPINNING BACKFIST, knocking Wyatt down to the mat. Eddie goes for the intense pin hooking the leg. 1…2…3! It’s over!
WINNER:
EDDIE KINGSTON
Pinfall - 2:06
Pinfall - 2:06
MAURO RANALLO: Eddie Kingston! My goodness!
PAT MCAFEE: Well, I suppose that settles that. What a blow from Eddie.
MAURO RANALLO: Wait, it seems like Kingston is asking for a microphone.
PAT MCAFEE: This should be interesting.
Eddie is given a microphone. He points to the downed Wyatt being looked at by Charles Robinson.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: Get this trash out of here, Charles. I don’t wanna see him anymore.
Eddie turns his attention away from his downed opponent.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: You know, it’s been a hell of a ride here for Eddie Kingston since ‘ol WLCW started. Found myself a title match on my first night here, threw my name in the hat for that world title battle royale thing and now I get to put Mr. Rogers down before he goes out to pasture. Feels like I’ve been bounced around this place like a pinball and I gotta tell ya, I’m feeling kind of like a fake or a liar.
Eddie’s face is intense as he continues.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: Way I see it, I showed up here and told everyone I was craziest asshole in the back. I don’t give a damn who you are or what your story is when you stand across that ring from me. But I’ll be the first to admit, maybe my actions - tonight withstanding - haven’t backed up his words. Maybe I haven't exactly shown what I’m capable of here in WLCW. Maybe if I had to do it all over again, I’d do it a little different. That’s not an option though. There’s only tonight and whatever the future holds. So, what the hell does the future hold for Eddie Kingston?
Some in the crowd cheer as the rest wait for Eddie to answer the obvious rhetorical question.
"tHe MaD kInG" EDDIE KINGSTON: I know I’m not booked for that big Ascension show everyone keeps talking about but you can bet your ass that I’ll be there one way or the other. And whether Mick Foley wants to book it or not, I’m gonna show up that night and kick someone’s ass. That’s just gonna happen. So, whoever wants to be dumb enough to step through those ropes and fight me, just know that Ascension is supposed to be a night of celebration, pomp and circumstance for WLCW. But whoever finds themselves in the ring with me that night? Well, it’s gonna be your funeral.
Kingston throws the mic on the mat as his music starts playing again before the scene fades
We cut to the backstage area where we see Prince Devitt taking off his boots after his victory earlier in the night. He’s covered in sweat and you can see some bruising on his arms and chest area from the strikes from Sydal and Punk. He’s interrupted and startled from a voice coming from behind him.
MATT CARDONA: Hell of a match tonight, big guy.
Devitt turns and is a bit annoyed by Cardona’s presence.
PRINCE DEVITT: What do you want?
MATT CARDONA: Uh, besides to congratulate on a win? I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank you,’ bud.
Devitt stands up to his feet fully now and turns to face Cardona.
PRINCE DEVITT: Save your congratulations, mate. I don’t need ‘em and I don’t want ‘em.
MATT CARDONA: Save my congratulations? Do you even know who you’re talking to right now? You should be begging for my attention and assurance.
PRINCE DEVITT: You’re just another bloke with spiky hair and a lame jacket as far as I’m concerned.
MATT CARDONA: Dude, don’t diss the jacket.
PRINCE DEVITT: Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard of ya, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge of ya. Well, that and the failed opportunities you’ve had in the past.
A small grin from Devitt after the clear shot he takes at Cardona.
MATT CARDONA: Well, I suppose we have that in common then, huh? Wasted opportunities and all that. Difference is, here in WLCW, I’m gonna be the one showing the world exactly what I can do and you? Well, you’re just going to be lost in the shuffle again, demon man.
PRINCE DEVITT: The demon is dead and if you’d like to join him, keep running ‘yer mouth.
MATT CARDONA: Please, that whole demon schtick was the only redeeming part of you. You really expect me to believe that you’ve just put that whole time behind you and you’re a changed man now?
PRINCE DEVITT: You expect me to believe you’re still not some frat boy wanna be with his own YouTube show?
MATT CARDONA: I knew you were a fan as soon as I saw you out there tonight! My inspiration is clearly everywhere!
PRINCE DEVITT: Do me a favor, mate. Stay out of my way.
Cardona gets a clearly faked awkward look on his face.
MATT CARDONA: Oh man, that’s gonna be difficult. Cause, that’s kind of why I came here. It wasn’t really to congratulate you. I actually heard through that you and I, well…we’re gonna be meeting at Ascension, bud. How about that?
The grin Balor had on his face disappears before reappearing as bit of a small smile.
PRINCE DEVITT: Is that so?
MATT CARDONA: Indeed so. Cardona vs Devitt at Ascension. And I think I had heard right that it was an X-Division contender match. So, once I beat you and then beat that big dumb chef or the actua frat boy wanna be in MJF, I’ll start marching my way towards my rightful fate in this universe, the WLCW World Heavyweight Championship.
PRINCE DEVITT: Is that so?
MATT CARDONA: Who’s gonna stop me? You?
Devitt doesn’t answer for a few seconds before slowly nodding his head to the question.
PRINCE DEVITT: I guess we’ll see at Ascension, won’t we?
MATT CARDONA: See ya there, bud.
The scene fades as Devitt watches Cardona walk away from his locker room.
MAURO RANALLO: Now there’s a match announcement and what a big one it is!
PAT MCAFEE: Wow! Cardona and Devitt one on one?
MAURO RANALLO: For an X-Division title shot nonetheless!
PAT MCAFEE: That’s gonna be a fun one, man! I can’t wait!