Vengeance - Wednesday February 23rd - Vancouver, BC

The camera cuts backstage in a flat angle as it takes just a few moments to focus in on an elaborately decorated metal door. After the brief moments the camera takes to focus in, immediately the eyes will bolt from the door to the note to the side which allows inference on what the door is. The note is immaculately designed and noted to be the locker room door of Misao, The Rose Queen. The sound from ringside adjusts mixing in with the audio from the live backstage shot, as we can hear boos slightly decreasing and can hear some people talking from behind the door. Just a few moments into our scene, the door slowly opens to the locker room. Coming through is not Misao herself, but instead the woman coming up next in her match with Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.! The crowd lets out a slightly less volatile reaction to her.  However, there is still quite a bit of venom directed towards the Nouvelle Bishikigun Submission Sniper and Butler, Konami. She is already prepared in her ring gear and entrance attire as she looks visually ready for her upcoming match! As she turns and begins making her way down the hallway, the camera turns and follows in front of her. Beginning to stretch her arms and neck as she makes her way slowly to the ring, we can hear the announcers speak over the scene.

MAURO RANALLO: Ladies and gentlemen, this match coming up will be an unbelievable contest between two of the greatest athletes in the World today! Which speaks to the supreme level of talent we have here within WLCW with these two women being among equal peers. We will see the Submission Sniper, Konami facing off against Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. – NEXT!

As the camera looks to fade out as Konami turns the corner, we see over her back shoulder a woman with multi-colored hair that catches the fans’ attention. We hear immediate cheers as the woman who is still wearing the grey and black designed suit and has an unmistakable eerie smile on her face. “KA-NA!” Chants must be beginning to circulate around the arena as they begin spiking both sides of the audio feed. As Konami takes one more step, it is here that she notices the woman who hasn’t taken her eyes off Konami.

PAT MCAFEE: OH! We aren’t going anywhere yet! We GOT to see what happens here!

MATT STRIKER: That – That must be KANA! She arrived earlier tonight with what we believe to be called HAVOC!

MAURO RANALLO: Oh, and there is no love lost between these two women! For many fans at home who are not as familiar with the great careers of Konami and KANA, KANA is essentially the mentor for Konami. She was one of the two trainers Konami had and was Konami’s first official opponent as a Professional Wrestler.

Konami, while undoubtedly noticing KANA, aggressively breathes in and hasn’t yet acknowledged KANA’s presence. Her eyes are remaining down to the ground and from just the feeling of the room and the aura around Konami, it is crystal clear the cocktail of emotions that she is feeling now. She slowly turns her head, locking eyes with KANA! The camera pans from a close-up of Konami to a wide shot of the two women to capture this bombastic moment. The electricity between the two can be felt through the screen! As Konami squares her body up to KANA, who has stood squared from the beginning – the crowd at ringside can be heard losing their minds at the potential match.

MATT STRIKER: HERE WE GO! This is a match I want to see! We got Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Konami tonight – but next week? Week after? Oh, we are SO lucky here at WLCW with so many great potential matches!

PAT MCAFEE: You can say that again! I’m right there with you! Let’s GO! We can see this right now and have Konami vs. Britt right after! I’m greedy!

Before Konami can even decide to make a move or not, the ever-mysterious KANA begins backing away from the potential conflict. The crowd boos at the fact they won’t get to see the two women square off. KANA, who still has her expression locked with the eerie smile that could mean a multitude of things, doesn’t dart her gaze away from Konami’s eyes. Whatever message KANA is trying to send, it appears clear that she has something to say to her former protégé.

PAT MCAFEE: COME ON! Let’s GO! We can probably make time for an impromptu fight!

The two women are locked in a very heated, potentially catastrophic, moment before KANA has completely left the shot and has backed away beyond the visible corner. A ferocious snarl is let out from Konami’s lips as the anger begins to quickly escape her as if KANA released a valve. The next moment she laughs derisively and then suddenly she kicks the metal door in front of her denting in the actual door framing! Konami makes her way toward ringside to let out the aggression she just mustered from the attempted mind-game that KANA has begun.

MAURO RANALLO: OH MY! Well, Konami appears to be very motivated thanks to KANA. I’m sure Baker is not going to love this outcome in just a few moments! Konami vs. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. will happen LIVE here on Vengeance, NEXT!

A graphic showcasing the match-up dissolves into shot for a few moments as we see a slow zoom in on the dented door frame. The screen fades to black as we head back to the arena.

---

There’s a big fight feel in the air as the debuting Britt Baker prepares to square off against Konami. At ringside, Misao watches while holding onto her rose tipped cane. Rebel urges Britt to “do her best” from the opposite corner, causing Britt to roll her eyes in disgust. Konami seems hyper focused, drilling a hole through Britt with her icy gaze, clearly amped up after her confrontation with Kana earlier in the evening. The referee calls for the bell and both women begin circling one another before moving in for the lock-up! Konami ducks underneath and executes a go-behind, immediately taking Britt down to the mat and maneuvering herself into a front facelock position! Britt struggles back up to all fours and Konami follows, trying to maintain her hold. Britt begins punching away at Konami’s mid-section, causing her to release the facelock and allowing Britt to snatch a headlock! Konami backs into the ropes and shoots Britt off! Britt comes back with a clothesline but Konami ducks underneath and catches Britt on the turnaround with a vicious kick to the thigh! Before Britt can even register the impact, Konami fires off and nails her with a kick to the other thigh! Britt goes down to both knees and Konami goes for a BUZZSAW KICK but Britt falls out of the way and rolls to the floor where Rebel is waiting to console her!

PAT MCAFEE: Oh man, we’re really seeing what KONAMI is packing tonight, Mauro!

MAURO RANALLO: Much like Ethan Hunt from the billion dollar Mission: Impossible franchise, KONAMI has removed her harmless butler mask to reveal a DANGEROUS HIDDEN IDENTITY BENEATH! I don’t know if Britt Baker was ready for a challenge of this magnitude in her first match!

Konami wastes no time in rolling out of the ring and immediately nailing Rebel with a roundhouse kick to the back! She falls out of the way, shrieking in pain! Britt takes advantage of Rebel’s misfortune and immediately nails Konami with a big forearm to the jaw! Konami yells something in Japanese and nails Britt with one of her own! Both women haul off and begin lobbing bombs until Britt takes over with a knee lift and plants Konami with a snap suplex on the floor. Britt steps over Rebel and grabs Konami by the hair, pulling her back to her feet. Konami slaps Britt in the mid-section, then nails her with a forearm in the ribs before taking over and whipping Britt hard into the guardrail! The fans begin clapping and getting wild as Konami smiles evilly and points as Britt before charging in hard and fast! She comes in hot with a FLYING KNEE LIFT but Britt sidesteps it and uses Konami’s momentum to dump her over the rail and into the front row! Britt reaches over the rail and grabs Konami by the hair… only for Konami to come alive and ROUNDHOUSE KICK BRITT’S HEAD INTO THE THIRD ROW! Britt staggers back away from the rail and Konami smiles as she leaps onto the rail and leaps off with a FLYING CLOTHESLINE– NO! BRITT CATCHES HER AROUND THE WAIST AND PLANTS HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER ON THE FLOOR! Both women are down!

MAURO RANALLO: MAMA MIAAAA! WHAT A HIT! CAN’T STOP! WON’T STOP! NEITHER WOMAN IS HOLDING BACK!

PAT MCAFEE: This is an important match for both of these women, Mauro! Britt is a superstar! She’s the final AEW Women’s World Champion and this is her DEBUT MATCH in a new company! She has to make an impact! This is like her first day in jail! She’s gotta beat somebody up to put everyone else on notice! But Konami has been here since the beginning and this is her first real opportunity to show everyone what she’s got! She’s got to prove herself to WLCW fans, to The Rose Queen Misao, and to KANA!

The referee begins counting both women out. Rebel runs to Britt’s aid and helps her to her feet. Regaining her ring awareness, she moves in on Konami and grabs two handfuls of her gear. She tosses Konami under the bottom rope and follows her inside before going for a cover. ONE! TWO! KONAMI BRIDGES OUT! Britt gets pissed and open hand slaps Konami in the mid-section before flipping her over onto her stomach. Britt backs up against the ropes and waits. Konami struggles up to all fours and Britt runs over for the CURB STOMP but Konami moves at the last second and LEG SWEEPS BRITT EFFORTLESSLY! Britt lands in a seated position and Konami rolls back to her feet and hits the ropes, nailing Britt with a STIFF KICK to the chest! It sounds like a gunshot going off! Konami waits for Britt to get up, sizing her up… Britt gets to both knees but before Konami can finish her off with a buzzsaw kick, Rebel climbs onto the apron for the distraction! Konami immediately spins out in Rebel’s direction and CLOCKS HER WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Before Konami can capitalize, Britt returns to her feet and charges up behind Konami, nailing her with a LUNG BLOWER! Britt traps one of Konami’s arms and tries to hook her with the LOCKJAW but Konami maneuvers out of it and flips Britt over in the TRIANGLE LANCER! Britt cries out in pain and manages to swing her hips and get the tiniest bit of her toe on the bottom rope, forcing a break!

PAT MCAFEE: That coulda’ been it, brah! I’ve heard things about that Triangle Lancer and if it was left on too much longer, I think Konami would have scored the upset against our “huge star” Britt Baker!

MAURO RANALLO: I don’t think it would be considered an upset if the competitor has the pedigree of a warrior like KONAMI! The Submission Sniper and loyal butler of Misao is not here by chance, Pat! She’s here because she earned her contract just like everyone else!

Konami releases the hold and rolls back to her feet before stomping away at Britt. The referee yells at Konami to get back while Britt is in the ropes but she continues to stomp away until Britt rolls under the bottom rope to the floor. Britt immediately snatches both of Konami’s ankles and drags her out of the ring before shoving her hard into the rail and then lifting her up to drop her throat first across it! Konami leans against the rail, grabbing her throat, and Britt pummels away at her chest with forearms before whipping her around and slinging her hard into the apron! Britt attempts to PUMP KICK Konami against the apron but Konami catches Britt’s leg, whips her around, and PLANTS HER WITH A T-BONE SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! Konami immediately pulls Britt to her feet and throws her under the bottom rope. Konami locks eyes with Misao and smiles evilly before following Britt inside. Britt struggles back to both knees and Konami sizes her up… BUZZSAW KICK! Britt crumbles on impact and Konami goes for the cover! ONE! TWO! THR– REBEL PULLS BRITT OUT OF THE RING BY HER ANKLE!

MAURO RANALLO: WHAT IS REBEL DOING!?

PAT MCAFEE: SHE’S SAVING THE GOOD DOCTOR FROM THE CLUTCHES OF DEFEAT!

The fans erupt in boos as Rebel throws Britt’s arm over her shoulder and begins walking her to the back! Konami remains in the ring on her knees, watching with an amused smile on her face. Britt and Rebel stop at the top of the ramp and the visibly dazed Baker smirks as she leads the fans in a loud “D… M… D” chant. Rebel waves goodbye as Britt shouts “I don’t have time for any of this!” and raises a middle finger to Konami and Misao before Rebel helps her through the curtain. The referee finishes the mandatory ten count and calls for the bell!

---

The fans boo loudly. Inside the ring, Konami stands up and delivers a stiff kick to the bottom turnbuckle, clearly frustrated by how the match turned out. Misao watches from ringside, no visible sign of emotion on her face.

PAT MCAFEE: It might not have gone down the way she wanted it, but Konami is still the winner tonight!

MAURO RANALLO: I don’t think Britt Baker anticipated quite the challenge she got in her first match here on Vengeance! She came here to show off and ended up in a fight for her life! But count out or not, Konami is victorious and has to be in the conversation for competitors to look out for in WLCW's highly competitive women’s division!

We fade out on a shot of Konami in the ring, still itching for a fight.

We cut to the backstage area where General Manager Mick Foley is near the backstage exits of the arena. He seems to be looking out the small windows on the door, presumably to make sure Miro doesn’t try and come back in tonight. When a voice from behind him startles him and makes him turn around.

ROMAN REIGNS: Foley!

Mick turns around to see the Tribal Chief very angrily standing in front of him now.

MICK FOLEY: Listen, if this is about what happened to the Usos earlier - -

ROMAN REIGNS: What happened out there earlier was a disgrace to me and my family. You’re running a clown show here tonight.

MICK FOLEY: Now, I wouldn’t go as far as to say clown show. I did eject Miro from the building.

ROMAN REIGNS: That’s the problem. You put him out there, away from me.

Mick seems a bit confused by that statement.

MICK FOLEY: I’m not sure I’m following. I did what I needed to do and Miro is no longer here tonight.

ROMAN REIGNS: That’s not enough for me, Mick.

MICK FOLEY: Well, I’m not suspending him!

ROMAN REIGNS: No, I don’t think you’re following me here, Mick. I want Miro in that ring.

Foley’s eyebrows go up at that statement.

MICK FOLEY: Oh, you want to face Miro…that’s what you’re saying.

ROMAN REIGNS: That’s right. And you’re the man that’s gonna make it happen.

MICK FOLEY: Let me see what I can do for you.

Roman sneers at Foley before turning and walking off as the scene fades.

MAURO RANALLO: Roman Reigns has revenge on his mind after earlier tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: That or a death wish!

---

It’s been a wild few weeks for Matt Cardona since he arrived on the scene in WLCW. Picking up a win in his first match made him a contender for the X-Division Championship. He then cashed in that opportunity on the brand’s YouTube show against Maxwell Jacob Friedman and picked up a huge win and the championship. Now, he stands only three defenses away an opportunity at a likely world championship opportunity. While WLCW is still young, Cardona has probably had one of the biggest immediate impacts of anyone right after their arrival. His opponent tonight across the ring is Brady Booker. A former football standout at the University of South Dakota, he switched his interest to professional wrestling after any aspirations of an NFL career went dry. With a seemingly strange pairing of Road Dogg Jesse James by his side, Booker is looking to strike out in a big way in his WLCW debut. No win would be bigger than picking up an X-Division championship win in your debut match. James is in his corner tonight at ringside while Chelsea Green is once again in the corner of her man. Her influence in matches has not gone unnoticed and hopefully she won’t be a factor tonight, but by the same token, hopefully the Road Dogg doesn’t wind up being a factor in this match as well. The referee calls for the bell and this one is underway.

PAT MCAFEE: Look at Booker’s hair. What a mane.

MAURO RANALLO: You seem jealous, Pat. You have nice hair too!

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, but not like that, Mauro. If he wrestles as good as his hair looks, we may see a new champion tonight right after crowning a brand new one in Cardona.

MAURO RANALLO: A quick reign for Cardona if that’s the case, but as he says, he’s always ready so I’m sure he’s prepared for whatever Brady Booker throws his way tonight.

It kind of goes unsaid sometimes how large of man Matt Cardona is. Although just a few inches over six feet tall, Cardona is built and holds his weight well. In this instance though, Booker looks every bit as big as Matt. Built like an absolute brick house, Brady has the size and potential to be a big deal here in WLCW. If he can just get some guidance from Road Dogg and a little bit of luck, there’s a chance for him to shake some things up. The two lock up and it’s a hoss fight here early on as the two men push back and forth, jockeying for the upper hand to start the match. Brady actually gets it, pushing Cardona back into the corner and releasing the tie up, then smacking Cardona right across the face! Booker has a smirk on his face as Road Dogg admonishes him from his ringside spot. Brady looks over at his coach and manager and gets him a grin before Cardona comes out drilling Booker with a big right fist. Brady is caught off guard and knocked back. Matt grabs him and whips him into the corner, following in right as Booker hits the turnbuckles with a clothesline right across the chest. Brady stumbles out of the corner and Cardona hops on the second rope, taking flight, grabbing Brady around the head from behind and driving him into the mat with a bulldog! To add insult to injury, Cardona presses on the back of Booker’s head, rubbing his face and head into the mat back and forth! Booker aggressively reaches back with his hand and swipes away at Cardona, knocking him away from him.

MAURO RANALLO: Well, this one has a very aggressive tone here early on.

PAT MCAFEE: Clearly Brady Booker is looking to make a name for himself but he might be going about it the wrong way.

MAURO RANALLO: We’re supposed to call him ‘The Wrestler Known as Brady Booker,’ right?

PAT MCAFEE: I suppose that is the name I know him by, yes. Will I call him that? Jury is out.

Brady springs back up to his feet and turns to face Cardona who comes rushing in for a double axe handle, but he’s caught by Booker who hooks him up and over for a hip toss, with Cardona’s back smashing into the mat. Booker wastes no time, dropping a knee down across Cardona’s chest area, causing man to reach up and clutch his chest in apparent pain. Brady goes to drop another knee on the X-Division champ, but Cardona rolls out of the way and sweeps his legs back into Brady’s, taking him off his feet crashing into the mat. Both men down, Matt just grabs at Brady’s arm and pulls it towards him for an arm bar submission lock. He can’t get a full grip on it though as Brady clasps his hands together to fight it off. It becomes a test of strength for a few seconds before Cardona pulls his leg up and drives a kick right into Booker’s midsection, breaking all the holds. Both men struggle to get back to a vertical base, getting there around the same time. Brady still clutching at his midsection. Cardona kicks Booker in the stomach area again, this time doubling Brady over. Matt cinches in a lock, looking like he wants to go for a suplex of some kind. Brady blocks it with his foot and tries one of his own. Cardona seemingly willingly goes along with it, going up and over, but Brady can’t maintain his hold, so Matt lands on his feet behind Brady. He rises up, driving a dropkick right into the middle of Brady Booker’s back, thrusting him forward a few steps. Cardona tries to capitalize by rushing towards him, another double axe handle at the ready to smash down on him. Brady turns and drives his fist and arm right into Matt’s breadbasket. Now the champ is doubled over. Brady locks in around Cardona’s head and drives it into the mat for a DDT! He got all of it! He goes for the pin. 1..2…3! No! Cardona kicks out!

PAT MCAFEE: You know, Brady Booker putting up a pretty good fight so far here tonight. I expected this to be a little more lopsided.

MAURO RANALLO: He’s a world class athlete and former football standout. All the tools are there.

PAT MCAFEE: Cardona isn’t backing down though. Credit where it’s due. He’s a fighting champion to be defending his belt like this right after winning it.

Brady is back to his feet and helping Matt up as well. He backs the champ into the ropes and whips him across the ring. Matt comes off the opposite ropes and is decked with a huge shoulder block in the middle of the ring. Booker is off the ropes to the side and jumps up high, dropping a big elbow drop onto Cardona. A pinfall and a 2 count maybe. Brady is back to his feet and helping Matt Cardona back to his as well. Matt catches a quick second wind and drives a forearm across Booker’s chest, knocking him back. Cardona rushes in for a big flying cross body, but Brady ducks, pulling the top rope down and sending Cardona up and over the top rope to the floor. He crashes into the mat below and Chelsea Green is around to check on him. Road Dogg is coaching Brady from the outside as well. Booker is up to his feet on the inside of the ring. He puts his hands around the top rope, and lifts himself up and over the top rope, looking for a plancha onto Cardona, but Chelsea Green pulls Matt out of the way and Booker smacks into the floor! The crowd audibly gasps as the huge former football player went crashing into the floor below. Cardona is still feeling the effects of flying over the top rope himself. Road Dogg comes around the side of the ring now, admonishing Chelsea for getting involved. Not much the referee or anyone can do about it now though, but certainly a game changing moment in this match. James checks on Booker to make sure he’s all right, but he’s still face down on the mat outside the ring. The referee gets to seven and Cardona rolls into the ring. It looks like he may pick up another count out win here when Road Dogg physically grabs Booker from up off the mat and rolls him back into the ring himself. The referee yells at Road Dogg and he points at Chelsea Green, bringing up her involvement in the match earlier.

PAT MCAFEE: Things are getting a little out of hand here with Chelsea Green and Road Dogg getting involved now.

MAURO RANALLO: Chelsea Green has been an integral part of Cardona’s success so far. Let’s just say that.

Back in the ring, Booker is fighting his way back to his feet while Cardona has him lined up from behind – seemingly stalking him and waiting for him to get to his feet. As Matt comes in for what looks to be the old Rough Rider move, Booker drills him right across the chest with a huge clothesline. Cardona is knocked back and down. Brady grabs him and whips him into the corner, with Matt’s back smacking into the turnbuckles. Booker comes rushing in with a small splash, keeping Matt pinned in the corner. Brady Booker moves to the corner right next to the stationary Matt and lines him up. He comes rushing in, looking for a Broski Boot on Matt, but Cardona ducks out of the way! Booker has his leg draped up and over the top rope, almost stuck there. Cardona recovers, ducking under Booker’s leg and putting it over his shoulder, lifting the big man up and dropping him down for a one legged powerbomb! Cardona pushes forward after dropping him and keeps him pinned down in a pinning predicament! Matt puts his feet on the ropes for leverage behind him and Chelsea Green hops on the apron to hold his feet on the ropes as well. The referee doesn’t see it! 1…2…3! It’s over!

---

PAT MCAFEE: She’s done it again, Mauro. Stand by your man!

MAURO RANALLO: And sit on his feet for extra leverage! Brady Booker put up a hell of a fight here tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: That he did, Mauro and it still wasn’t enough. One title defense down for the new X-Division champion. Two more to go.

MAURO RANALLO: An impressive bout no doubt, but you wonder how it would have went without Chelsea Green or Road Dogg at ringside.

Once again, we find ourselves in front of the announce desk. While Pat McAfee fiddles with a Rubix Cube, Mauro Ranallo gets straight to business.

MAURO RANALLO: Ladies and gentlemen, it's only been a short while since we learned about the upcoming WLCW Women's World Championship match at Clash at the Canyon, and we're only moments away from hearing from Hikari Noa... but first, our official WLCW Twitter account has received a reply from Orphan Black's own Starlight Kid!

PAT MCAFEE: Sounds like a sign of disrespect to me, Mauro. Momo Watanabe doesn't reply herself? Not even Sonny Onoo? You're telling me Sonny Onoo is too busy to send a tweet himself? Okay, Starlight Kid, let's see what you've got to say.

The screen is overtaken by a screenshot of the tweet. The fans begin booing loudly almost immediately.


MAURO RANALLO: Well, that is certainly disrespectful, both to Hikari Noa and her mentor Kagetsu! I can't properly express how much of a mistake it would be for Momo Watanabe to underestimate Hikari Noa!

PAT MCAFEE: I'm blown away by the PURE HUBRIS of Momo Watanabe to allow her new partner, who hasn't even had a match yet, to speak on her behalf! But that's enough about the girl in the creepy mask, let's check in with Josh Matthews and see what Hikari Noa has to say!

We head backstage where we see Josh Matthews standing by with a microphone in his hand. Standing next to him, we see Hikari Noa and Kagetsu. Kagetsu maintains a stoic presence despite being humiliated by Starlight Kid's tweet. Hikari Noa wrings her hands together anxiously, staring off-camera.

JOSH MATHEWS: Hikari Noa, we learned earlier tonight that your pinfall over Momo Watanabe during the Queen of the Mountain match has earned you the very first crack at the championship at Clash at the Canyon... I know you must be very excited, but in the meantime, we've heard a... controversial statement from Orphan Black's Starlight Kid, which seemed particularly geared toward attacking the reputation of your mentor, Kagetsu... Kagetsu, what are you thoughts on the statement made by Starlight Kid?

Kagetsu takes a deep breath and rubs her hands together in front of her. She answers the question, but doesn't even look at Matthews. Her words are translated across the bottom of the screen.

KAGETSU: < I'm not going to acknowledge what Kitto said. She shouldn't concern herself with me. She disrespects herself with her behavior and lack of focus. >

Kagetsu folds her arms across her chest. Matthews nods and turns his attention to Hikari Noa, who still appears very unsure of what's going on around her.

JOSH MATHEWS: Hikari, what's going through your head? The news that you're receiving the first title shot must be shocking to you.

HIKARI NOA: < I feel very nervous. I didn't expect to receive a title match so soon... but I am ready for the challenge. I will do my best... and I will fight Watanabe Momo with everything-- >

BAM! Hikari Noa is sent sprawling forward as she's nailed from behind by Bea Priestley! The fans erupt in boos!

BEA PRIESTLEY: WHAT'CHA GOT T' SAY 'BOUT THAT, C[BLEEP]!?

With absolutely zero warning, Kagetsu spews blue mist in Bea Priestley's face, sending her staggering back against the wall before falling into a seated position while shrieking and clawing at her eyes! Before Kagetsu can help Hikari off the floor, Jamie Hayter comes out of nowhere with a double axe handle to the back! Kagetsu flies forward and collides with a large equipment trunk! Hayter immediately turns and boots Hikari in the ribs! Hayter plants her knee in Hikari's back and grabs a handful of her hair, pulling her head up so that she can talk trash right to her face.

JAMIE HAYTER: You think ya' deserve that f[bleep]ing title shot?! The only thing ya' bloody deserve is exactly what ya' gettin' right now, c[bleep]! THAT TITLE SHOT BELONGS T' ME!

She yanks Hikari up onto her feet, only for Hikari to fire up and nail her with a forearm to the chest! Hayter retaliates with a stiff European uppercut and then slings open the equipment trunk before dumping Hikari inside and slamming it shut! Hayter looks down at Kagetsu sitting next to the trunk and they lock eyes.

KAGETSU: < You are making a big mistake. >

Jamie Hayter helps Priestley to her feet, still dripping with blue mist. Hayter looks down at Kagetsu with disdain.

JAMIE HAYTER: Sorry, love. I don't speak Japanese.

Hayter walks Priestley off-camera and we focus on Kagetsu for a moment. Kagetsu sneers and rises to her feet before trying to force open the trunk and free Hikari.

MAURO RANALLO: Well, it's clear that Jamie Hayter is not happy with Hikari Noa being chosen to face Momo Watanabe, but one must question her methods! How will Drake Maverick feel about Bea Priestley's influence on Jamie's behavior tonight?

PAT MCAFEE: Forget how Drake Maverick feels! If he cared, he'd be here! Jamie Hayter needs to worry about waking up something inside Kagetsu! You heard what she said... YOU'RE MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE! How big of a mistake did Jamie Hayter and Bea Priestley just make!? And how will it tie into the women's title match at the Clash at the Canyon!?

Fade.



MAURO RANALLO: Seems like Miss Nightmare 2022 has some words for Malakai Black after tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: Well she needs to stay focused, she’s got a mixed tag match ahead of her!

MAURO RANALLO: As a matter of fact, that match is coming up next, Pat!

PAT MCAFEE: Oh wow, about to be graced by the royalty that is Miss Nightmare 2022? How lucky are we!?

MAURO RANALLO: Not sure I would call it luck.

PAT MCAFEE: Mauro, you’re just jealous because you didn’t win! There’s always 2023, buddy!

---

Earlier tonight, Brandi Rhodes won the prestigious Miss Nightmare 2022 contest that helped raise money for Autism Awareness. It is certainly questionable that she wound up the winner of that contest, but that’s not a question for right now. She stands in the corner with her brother in law, Dustin, staring across the ring at their opponents. Julia Hart and Griff Garrison, without Brian Pillman Jr. in their corner tonight, are standing at a very early crossroads (no pun intended) of their career here in WLCW. Hart just came up short in the Queen of the Mountain match but it’s Griff Garrison who has really been struggling as of late. A terrible loss on Eruption - if we’re choosing to not mince words - has put Garrison in a bad place mentally. A win tonight goes a long way in getting his head back on straight, but it’s no easy feat. Dustin Rhodes is a man with almost a lifetime’s worth of experience in the ring and Brandi is someone who has improved every time she’s stepped in there. It could be argued that even with the family ties and lineage, Julia Hart and Griff Garrison have a bit more chemistry and recent history together - even if it hasn’t been a successful history. The referee calls for the bell as Brandi and Julia step out and Dustin and Griff get ready to get this one started.

MAURO RANALLO: Big mixed tag matchup here for both of these teams. The women in this match even have some ties to each other.

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, Julia says that Brandi helped her get her start in the wrestling business and now she finds herself standing across the ring from her tonight.

MAURO RANALLO: How does one find it within themselves to take down Miss Nightmare 2022?

PAT MCAFEE: I’m sure Julia will find a way if she has to!

Griff and Dustin seem a bit gamey tonight and go to lock up early on. They go back and forth until Dustin gets the advantage, putting Griff into a side headlock. Garrison pushes him off into the ropes, Dustin comes bouncing off with a shoulder block, taking down his opponent. Dustin bounces off the opposite ropes, but Griff moves towards him, still on the mat. Dustin jumps over him, heading towards the other ropes, coming off and getting hit with a hiptoss, taken up and over, landing on his back. A nice little back and forth between the two and Garrison makes the tag to Julia Hart, forcing Dustin to do the same for Brandi - who comes into the ring and is met with an avalanche of boos. She seems to be taking it in stride with a big grin on her face. Julia Hart’s face shows determination and she looks to lock up with Brandi. Rhodes is a bit bigger than Hart, but almost everyone seemingly is when they’re in the ring with her. Brandi uses that size advantage to lift Julia up and drop her down with a bodyslam! With Julia on the mat, Brandi takes a second to flex to the hard camera and somehow the boos towards her get even louder. Julia Hart rolls her up from behind quickly for a school girl! The referee counts. 1..2…3! No! Brandi just barely kicks out!

PAT MCAFEE: Yikes, Brandi! Gotta work on that focus a little bit. Almost lost that one!

MAURO RANALLO: Taking time to flex after a bodyslam. This is your Miss Nightmare 2022, folks.

Brandi and Julia are back to their feet and Rhodes seems upset that Julia tried to pull a fast one on her. She’s pointing her finger in Julia’s face who reaches up and swipes it away. Brandi slaps Hart’s face with her opposite hand, much to the surprise of Julia. Hart shoves Brandi now and the crowd cheers. Brandi comes back to shove Julia and when she does, Hart grabs her arm and twists, taking her down the mat for a reverse arm bar! The crowd is cheering wildly as Brandi cries out in pain. With decent ring awareness, Brandi reaches her foot back and drapes it over the bottom rope for a break of the hold. Julia is quick back to her feet though, standing moonsault onto the face down Brandi! She rolls her over. 1..2…foot on the rope again! Brandi reaches up for Dustin, but can’t reach him as Julia has her by the hair now. Brandi stomps on Hart’s foot and Julia releases her hold on Brandi’s hair. Brandi grabs Hart and lifts her up and over for a snap suplex. Brandi finally gets to her corner and tags her brother in law into the match. Julia Hart rolls under the bottom rope and Griff Garrison comes in to meet his challenger. Dustin drives a right fist into Griff’s face though, staggering him back a few steps. Dustin grabs Griff and whips him into the ropes, but Garrison reverses it. Dustin hits the ropes and comes off to find Griff waiting bent over with his head down for a back bodydrop. Dustin falls to the mat and drives his fist into Griff’s face, knocking him up and back a bit.

MAURO RANALLO: Vintage Dustin Rhodes!

PAT MCAFEE: Griff Garrison should have had that move scouted better than that!

Dustin is back to his feet as Griff stumbles back towards him, met with a foot right to his gut. Garrison is doubled over as Dustin hooks his arms through Griff’s and lifts him up and over with a double arm underhook suplex. Griff crashing into the mat hard, Dustin follows up with the pin. 1..2..No! Garrison is able to kick out. Dustin looks over at Brandi who shakes her head to seemingly disapprove of a possible tag. Dustin stays in the ring and goes back to work on Griff, helping him back to his feet. Garrison swipes his arms up and knocks Dustin off of him and then drives his hand right into the throat area of the elder Rhodes member. Dustin reaches up and grabs at his throat as Garrison takes advantage by grabbing him by the head, turning and dropping him with a neckbreaker! Garrison goes to the corner and heads up to the top rope. He’s measuring Rhodes as Dustin is getting back to his feet. He stands and unfortunately is facing the wrong corner, as he turns around, Garrison comes flying off with a chop right across the top of Dustin’s head, taking him down to the mat once again! Garrison goes for the pin. 1..2…No! Rhodes kicks out. Griff seems to be making his way towards a tag to Julia when he’s smacked in the back by Brandi Rhodes! Griff turns and faces her as she tries to distract him from making the tag and ultimately putting her back in the match!

PAT MCAFEE: Oh baby girl, what has you done.

MAURO RANALLO: Brandi Rhodes just smashed Griff Garrison in the back to stop him from tagging Julia Hart into the match!

PAT MCAFEE: Oh, now she’s accosting Griff verbally!

Indeed so, as Brandi has her finger in Garrison’s face seemingly reading him the riot act for…trying to tag his partner into the match? It’s not like Brandi really needs a reason to get an attitude with someone. Dustin is still struggling to his feet in the corner as Brandi is now shoving her finger into Griff’s chest, forcing him to take a few steps back. Julia Hart smacks Griff in the back, effectively tagging herself and Brandi into the match. Hart hops off the apron and runs to the side of the ring before sliding into the match behind Brandi. Garrison gets a devilish grin on his face as Brandi doesn’t seem to realize what’s going on right now. Julia rolls up Brandi from behind once again with another school girl. Dustin is still in a daze in the corner, trying to come to as the referee makes the count. 1..2..3! It’s over!

---

MAURO RANALLO: Julia Hart just snuck up behind Miss Nightmare 2022 and got the surprise pinfall on her!

PAT MCAFEE: Brandi Rhodes’ night just went from bad to worse!

MAURO RANALLO: A big win for Garrison and Hart as Griff gets back in the win column tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: Brandi might get banned from Twitter at this rate!

MAURO RANALLO: Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

PAT MCAFEE: Bite your tongue, Mauro! That’s Miss Nightmare 2022 you’re talking about!

We cut to the backstage area where we see Matt Cardona in the locker room taking his boots off from his match earlier. The X-Division championship sits on the bench next to him with his Internet Championship title sitting on top of his bag. He’s interrupted by a voice coming into the room.

PRINCE DEVITT: Another hell of a match for WLCW’s golden boy, Matt Cardona.

Cardona looks annoyed as he stops unlacing his boots and stands up to his feet to meet his interruptor.

MATT CARDONA: Well, if it isn’t the man who lost to me at Ascension. You know, I’d hate to say that I told you so, but truth be told, I relish every chance I get to tell someone that. So, I told you - -

PRINCE DEVITT: Save it, champ. I really don’t have time for all of it. I noticed tonight that you needed your little friend there, Chelsea Green to get your win for you once again. Let’s see, you needed her to beat me and then you needed her to beat MJF on Eruption. I’m starting to wonder if there’s anything you do without her.

MATT CARDONA: Aww, is little man jealous that he can’t find anyone in the petite section of Hot Topic to be his girlfriend? You sound like a sore loser right now, bud. Don’t you have a match to prepare for tonight?

PRINCE DEVITT: I do, and rest assured, I’m ready for it. I just came here to let you know that you won’t be defending that title for three defenses and cashing in if I have anything to say about it.

Cardona takes a step towards Devitt with a look of concern on his face.

MATT CARDONA: Is that a threat, little man?

PRINCE DEVITT: Threat, promise, call it whatever you want. I say it’s a guarantee.

CM PUNK: Well, isn’t this just the place to be right now.

The two turn and see CM Punk standing in the doorway of the locker room.

CM PUNK: I just happened to be passing by and heard a few familiar voices. One from the man I’ll be facing here in a bit and the other from the man whose title I’m going to take from him.

Cardona scoffs at the statement.

MATT CARDONA: Please. You can’t even keep your woman on lockdown, let alone think about taking my title from me.

PRINCE DEVITT: With all due respect Punk, this isn’t your fight, mate.

CM PUNK: Actually, quite the contrary, Prince. This is very much my fight. Cause the only thing standing between me and a date with the X-Division championship is time. Cause unlike you, bud, I got a shot at him after tonight, no matter what happens. You had yours, now you can step aside.

PRINCE DEVITT: Perhaps you’ve forgotten, mate. We’ve already been in the ring together and who came out on top when that happened?

MATT CARDONA: As much as I’d hate to admit it, he’s got a point there, Punk.

CM PUNK: You won’t have Matt Sydal in the ring to pin tonight, Prince. You’re going to have to face me one on one, and let me tell you this. It’s a whole different beast tonight because I’m hungry, I’m motivated and I won’t stop until I take that X-Division title from whoever happens to be holding it.

MATT CARDONA: That’s me!

PRINCE DEVITT: I think I’ve had enough fun with all the talking. You both know what happens when you step in that ring with me. Punk, you’re about to find out again tonight and next time you and I go at it, Matt, you won’t have your little wife there to save you.

MATT CARDONA: Well, this is quite an interesting exchange of words. Now, why don’t you two idiots go beat each other’s brains in so I can take these boots off and get out of here before your match starts so I can beat traffic.

CM PUNK: See ya soon, Matt. Maybe sooner than you think.

MATT CARDONA: Doubtful, bud. I don’t wanna spend any more time in Canada than I have to. While you idiots are beating each other’s brains in, I’ll be getting my car and getting out of this craphole city in this craphole country.

Punk shakes his head and turns, leaving the doorway, with Prince Devitt following a few seconds behind him as Cardona is standing there fuming as the scene fades.

PAT MCAFEE: These three seem to be intertwined by fate!

MAURO RANALLO: Indeed so! Punk has the next X-Division title opportunity but what state will be in after a match with Devitt later tonight?

PAT MCAFEE: I mean, if Devitt wins, maybe Foley moves him up the ladder and gets him the title shot?

MAURO RANALLO: Like you said, these three seemed to be constantly in the mix with one another.

PAT MCAFEE: Well, I wouldn’t want to tussle with any of them!

MAURO RANALLO: Fans, let’s get you back down to the ring!

---

This will be the third member of the Wingmen group that Eddie Kingston has faced in a matter of ten days now. Kingston, while teaming with Hook, was part of the tag team title match at Ascension. Ultimately being the last team ‘eliminated’ in the match when The Wingmen climbed the ladder and won the tag titles. The team of Eddie and Hook coming up short was no fault of Kingston though, as he was a house of fire during the match and his spinning backfist led to the elimination of two teams. Just unable to finish off the match and bring home the gold that night. JD Drake wasn’t a part of the tag team match, but he’s been a vital part of the Wingmen’s success early on in WLCW. Splitting his time in the group as ‘the muscle’ with Cezar Bononi, Drake has found a pretty good place within the group. Outside of the battle royale and an appearance or two on Eruption, Drake hasn’t seen a lot of in ring action. This is his first official match on one of the major shows tonight and he’s in single’s action. Ryan Nemeth is at ringside to help support his Wingmen brethren. Eddie Kingston, of course, has no one at ringside and seems to be pretty content with that. He’s not someone who has really relied on others or needed any kind of backup. The referee calls for the bell and this one is officially underway.

MAURO RANALLO: Eddie looking for a bit of retribution here tonight against JD Drake.

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, trying to get one back after that tough loss at Ascension. The Wingmen have been on fire here in WLCW though!

MAURO RANALLO: Indeed so, picking up wins left and right but tonight may be a tough one for the big man, Drake.

This one has all the makings of a rather physical altercation tonight. Drake is in his white button down shirt (or is it button up? What’s the difference?) and black pants with a set of black suspenders helping to hold them up. Kingston is in his traditional wrestling singlet with a pair of pants thrown on over them. The two measure each other up for just mere milliseconds before coming to the middle of the ring and immediately throwing punches at one another. The two men exchanging rights to each other’s shoulder and neck region before Eddie grabs Drake by the back of his head and whips him into the ropes. JD goes to bounce back off them towards Kingston who is looking to deliver the spinning backfist here immediately! Drake wraps his arms around the ropes an ducks down, under the bottom rope and to the outside where Nemeth is waiting on him. Ryan smacks the big man in the chest a few times to encourage him as the referee’s count starts up. Kingston impatiently waits in the ring for a few seconds before going to outside on the side of the ring to break up the pow-wow himself. They don’t see him quickly approaching and he grabs the two from behind and smacks their heads into each other, knocking Nemeth to the mat and Drake staggering back. Kingston grabs Drake as he stumbles around and shoves him into the ringside barricade, JD’s large frame crashing into the weak metal structure. Eddie moves him back towards the apron and into the ring. Eddie rolls in after him, driving his feet into JD as he tries to get back to his vertical base. JD gets there though and reaches up, poking Kingston in the face, then pulling Eddie towards him, lifting him up and over for a belly-to-belly suplex. Drake drives his weight right into Kingston, landing directly on top of him.

PAT MCAFEE: That’s a lot of weight to come crashing down on you there!

MAURO RANALLO: And just like that, JD Drake is back in charge of this one!

Eddie seems to be struggling to keep his breath right now after that. Drake is on his knees next to his downed opponent, thinking about his next move. He gets to one knee and then grabs Kingston to bring him back to his feet as well. Eddie is doubled over as Drake drives an elbow to the back of his neck and shoulders. Then another, taking Eddie to one knee. JD whips Kingston into the corner, Eddie smacking into the turnbuckles. Drake comes rushing in and hits a big splash on Eddie, crumpling him down into the seated position in the corner! Drake is feeling it now as the crowd is actually getting behind him a bit. He measures up his opponent and comes rushing in, flipping himself over for a cannonball on the downed Kingston, but Eddie comes to quick enough to roll out of the way! Drake smacks into the corner and lands on his head and back of his neck in the corner. He’s crumped up like an accordion as he tries to unravel himself, Eddie tires to pounce on him and take advantage. Kingston brings a knee down right across Drake’s chest and then does it again. JD is using the ropes to try and get back to his feet but Eddie is beating him every step of the way. Drake is back to his feet, but trapped in the corner. Kingston brings a knife edge chop across JD’s chest and then again…and again…and again…repeated chops right across the big man’s chest until the top two buttons on the shirt come undone and his skin turns a shade a red.

MAURO RANALLO: Eddie Kingston doling out the punishment here tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: Drake is caught there in no man’s land!

Eddie grabs Drake by the back of the head and pulls him out of the corner. JD’s feet get caught up beneath him and he tumbles out of the corner, doing a forward roll and landing on his back, his head laying towards Kingston. Eddie measures him out quickly and drops down, practically falling headfirst onto JD for a falling headbutt. Both men reach up and grab at their head after they crack against one another. Eddie is to his feet first, giving Drake a few kicks while he’s down. Kingston moves towards the corner they were just in, hoisting himself up on the second rope – the most dangerous rope – and comes hauling off towards JD, driving an elbow drop right across his chest and neck region. Eddie goes for a pin but only gets a two count, with JD kicking out. Eddie isn’t concerned with a slow count or even that JD kicked out as he goes right back to work on his opponent. He lifts Drake back to his feet and whips him into the ropes, but Drake reverses it. Kingston bounces off the ropes and is hoisted up and over for a back body drop. Drake now bounces off the ropes, stopping and rising high, driving his leg down across Kingston’s neck with a leg drop. JD lifts Eddie back up and tries to set him up for a piledriver, but Kingston holds firm, lifting the larger Drake up and over for a back bodydrop of his own! JD’s back smashes into the mat and Kingston falls to both knees after exerting that energy. The crowd seems firmly behind both guys in this match and give applause for appreciation of both their efforts. Eddie is back to his feet first as Drake is again using the ropes to help lift himself up.

MAURO RANALLO: These two men are going at it here tonight. What a war!

PAT MCAFEE: This match is gonna take a major toll on both of these men. Look at them, they can both barely stand!

Drake is actually the first back to his feet and goes for a short clothesline on Kingston, but Eddie ducks under it. JD bounces off the ropes and Eddie swings back wildly with a spinning backfist but Drake is able to duck underneath it! He shoves Eddie, who stumbles just a step or two back. Drake bounces off the ropes and goes for another clothesline, with Eddie again ducking under it. JD stops and turns around this time is met with a SPINNING BACKFIST right across the face, taking him down! Drake’s body lands in a heap on the mat and Eddie goes for the pin! 1…2…3! Yes! No! Ryan Nemeth has grabbed Drake’s foot and draped it over the bottom rope. The referee saw it at what had to be 2.9999 and stopped the count. Now Eddie is angered, but not at the ref, but Ryan. Kingston rolls out of the ring and approach Nemeth, who holds his hands up defensively. Kingston rears back and drops Ryan with a right, knocking him down. Kingston then rolls back in the ring, going over to pin Drake once again. As he bends over, Drake rolls him up in a small package! 1…2…NO! Somehow Kingston kicked out and got a shoulder up. Nemeth is trying to pull himself up on the apron as JD Drake is arguing with the official on the count. Drake is on his knees arguing as Kingston springs back to his feet behind him. Eddie grabs JD from behind and applies a sleeper hold choke maneuver standing behind the kneeling JD Drake! He has pulled Drake’s arm pulled across his own neck! The air is starting to slip out of Drake’s windpipe. The referee is checking JD’s vitals when he gets a second wind, rising back up to his feet with Eddie Kingston still on his back! JD thrusts himself backward, squashing Kingston between himself and the corner. Eddie releases the hold and falls down into the seated position. Drake rushes towards him and flips over, driving all his weight into Eddie with a huge cannonball in the corner! He goes for the pin. 1..2...3! He got him!

---

PAT MCAFEE: Eddie had him, Mauro! He had Drake choked out!

MAURO RANALLO: A huge win for JD Drake and the Wingmen continue their winning ways!

PAT MCAFEE: You cannot stop greatness, Mauro. You just can't. Drake was too big and too strong tonight.

MAURO RANALLO: Credit where it's due, the Wingmen are certainly on a roll right now.

As Vengeance continues with the program’s first showcase of their World-Class talent internationally, the camera cuts to a wide shot of the excited Canadian fans at ringside. They are all standing, and the front row is slapping the ringside barrier as “W-L-C-W!” chants echo throughout the arena!

MAURO RANALLO: Well, we have a packed crowd here tonight with ravenous fans all amped up to see some of the best athletes Professional Wrestling has to offer!

PAT MCAFEE: AND they have gotten to see some of the best wrestling already tonight! The crowd is still going CRAZY for more!

MATT STRIKER: It is a unique experience being in Canada, and while some companies have referred to this place as “the Twilight Zone,” the truth is that Canadian fans are just some of the most passionate Wrestling fans in the World!

The camera begins to pan across the audience towards the rampway when suddenly, on the Tron, the bisque doll that was dancing on Eruption steps into view!

MAURO RANALLO: WHAT?! That is the same doll that startled Buff and Renee only one night ago!

PAT MCAFEE: Yeah, it is! I’ll tell you; I really dug its dance moves last night. But man, up close, it is creepy with that face it has!

The doll is wearing a tiny cape, leather pants, and has a demon tattoo across its chest. The crowd immediately recognizes the allusion to Danhausen, and cheers fill the arena’s atmosphere!

PAT MCAFEE: CAN IT BE?!

MATT STRIKER: Oh man! Is HE coming back to WLCW?

MAURO RANALLO: It must be HIM! We haven’t seen him since the match with Bron Breakker earlier this month!

Walking into the Tron’s frame, back and shoulders hunched over, the doll looks out to the crowd and immediately lifts its hand to its mouth and bends its shoulders back, giving the physical cues of being startled by the crowd’s presence. The doll’s neutral expression contrasts its exaggerated body language causing many in the crowd to laugh in response. A “DAN-HAUS-EN” chant resonates throughout the arena! The doll’s body language eases as its shoulders relax and it begins “Queen Elizabeth” waving to the crowd! The announcers are stunned silent and the crowd’s chants kickup. Suddenly, the Danhausen version of the Tequila dance begins (as per Danhausen’s request during his earlier tenure here in WLCW)! The crowd, astonishingly, cheer even louder! Many of the younger audience members begin dancing along to the song. When the “DANHAUSEN” lyric hits, the crowd chants it in unison followed by a self-applause at the timing!

PAT MCAFEE: Somehow, Danhausen has got a doll who is JUST dancing on screen to be beloved by these fans here in Canada!

The doll suddenly stops dancing and lifts its finger up indicating fans to pause. Very slowly, and deliberately, the doll raises its right hand and pulls away its eerily neutral face. The face easily comes off and we see a black and white spiral begin encompassing from the borders of the doll’s head throughout the entire Tron. The spiral begins spinning faster and faster as Danhausen’s face appears in its nexus. The face grows before overcoming the entire screen of the Tron as the camera cuts immediately to black and the music dissolves. The scene fades back in with Danhausen’s actual face in view with the camera slowly stabilizes from spiraling! The audio catches the live audience cheering again as the camera zooms out from the close-up shot with Danhausen wearing his characteristic black sweater and leather pants standing in view with his arms crossed in front of his ribs, very EVILY!

DANHAUSEN: Hello, Danhausen here. Yes, yes, everyone is happy to see Danhausen. “Oh, Danhausen is the best! Danhausen is sooo great! Has Danhausen been working out? He looks even stronger!” Thank you, thank you, and yes, he has. Now Danhausen is even MORE powerful!

Danhausen raises his arms in the air, looks towards the heavens and lets out a maniacal laugh as he ponders how powerful he has become. After a few moments, he abruptly stops laughing and looks at the camera.

DANHAUSEN: Anyways, you have all been gathered here for some very big, very important news. As you know, Danhausen took a little break from the WLCW. After being ELIMINATED by Kevin Nash in the Battle Royale and then being DEFEATED by Bron Breakker on Vengeance, Danhausen’s money sacks began shrinking drastically! And this is unacceptable! Since Danhausen wasn’t winning his matches, he decided to do what any professional must do when they lose – focus on gaining MORE power! So, Danhausen decided to team up with the only royalty he knows, as well as another very good friendhausen, and now he is ready to get back his sacks of money!

Danhausen motions to himself, as we hear in the distance a gentle humming variation of the Tequila Song and a figure rhythmically entering the shot from behind Danhausen. From years of seeing her perform, the crowd all let out a single cheer as they immediately recognize the bisque mask wearing KANA! She is wearing a grey and black designed suit with black shirt underneath. As she approaches, Danhausen looks elated. She, in rhythm to the song she was humming, pulls the mask off and reveals her smiling face in that disturbing fashion that the fans all know and love!

KANA: KANA-Hausen!

KANA replaces the lyric as both her and the crowd laughs at the change. KANA’s expressive smile showing through causes even the ever-so-serious Danhausen to smile. The crowd, admittedly, hyped at the former WWE “superstar” now making her debut on the program! KANA continues to hum the song as she dances out of camera frame with the tequila dance, Danhausen following her dancing in suit. The camera follows them briefly before moving the shot back to the original position where it catches a glimpse of a bright red jacket with HAVOC patched onto the left chest. The camera pans up as the crowd erupt seeing Shinsuke Nakamura fresh off his appearance on SmackDown on the 18th. He is back in his older New Japan looking garb with a bright red jacket, red leather pants, and sporting a newly designed “HAVOC: Strong Style” t-shirt. A disinterested smile is painted over Nakamura’s face as he watches his two cohorts leave the frame as his attention shifts to the camera.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: A few months ago - while KANA and I were in the WWE, we watched WLCW. We watched how this show had come from nothing to become the Biggest Phenomenon among Pro Wrestling.

Shinsuke carefully reacts to his words as a smile encroaches across his face.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: For years, KANA and I wrestled for WWE. We both were very successful and accomplished a lot of Championship goals. However, there was something we both missed. We forgot who we were. If, we, want to take America by storm and show that we are true Champions – we all MUST win NOW! That means that there cannot be anymore “Sports Entertainment” for KANA and me!

Shinsuke’s expression showcases his regret with his words and the words coming for the future competitors.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: Despite how much fun we have, we are all back to STRONG STYLE! KANA is no longer going to be teaching young girls in America how to handle her kicks. As I saw on Twitter, there’s some Young Lions here ready to taste her boots! As NO ONE is ready for The Empress! Not one can be ready for The Grim Reaper of Professional Wrestling!

The crowd, still in audio, can be heard with “Oohs” at Nakamura’s reference to the now publicized Twitter response Konami had with the King of Strong Style. Nakamura himself has a big smile on his face as he continues speaking, carefully choosing his words.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: There will be no more Danhausen being as nice asking politely for money. As he will be far more EVIL to those he competes with! As for me? I have seen too many fakes on MY throne that will need to be KNOCKED OUT!

The crowd “ooh” again as Nakamura’s face goes completely serious at the threat. The indication is clear of Nakamura’s grave words.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: Everyone will either be prepared for HAVOC, or they will learn of us from our violence!

Nakamura quickly raises his right hand in the air as he begins shaking, signaling to the crowd what is coming. Nakamura’s face scrunches up as he then begins to come down. In unison, the crowd chants with Nakamura as he screams the next part.

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA: YEaaaAAAOH!!

The camera begins to zoom out as KANA and Danhausen begin dancing back behind Nakamura. The two pass him as KANA gestures to Nakamura to join them. With a slight chuckle, Nakamura begins to tequila dance following the two other members of HAVOC! The crowd laughs as the scene cuts back to the wide shot of the ring preparing for the next contest.

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your main event for the evening!

---

This is a SuperShow caliber match up between two of the best and brightest in WLCW. CM Punk, after coming back out of retirement in the middle of 2021 has struggled to get his feet under him at times here early on. A tough elimination in the title contender battle royale and then being a non factor in the triple threat match was a tough pill for the ring veteran to swallow. He’s not one to give up though and knows that he has an X-Division Championship match coming up soon against Matt Cardona. Prince Devitt has had an up and down time since coming to WLCW as well after picking up the competitive triple threat win over Punk and Sydal. He went on to Ascension and had a show stealing matchup against Cardona, but wound up coming up short due to the interference of Chelsea Green. Now, trying to find some direction, Devitt stands across the ring from one of the all time greats in Punk and knows that a win tonight may not just propel him in the X-Division rankings, but the World Title rankings as well as a group of superstars jockeys for position right below Black and Rhodes. Guys like Lesnar, Nash and the aforementioned Cardona are all a part of that group as well. One of these two men has the chance to stand out tonight and take an all important step towards their rise up the WLCW ranks. The referee calls for the bell and this main event is officially underway.

MAURO RANALLO: What a matchup between two people the crowd certainly respects.

PAT MCAFEE: That’s one way to put it. These guys may not have been fan favorites all their careers, but the fans have always appreciated their effort.

MAURO RANALLO: Tonight will be no different. These two men are about to go at it here in the main event in Vancouver!

PAT MCAFEE: This is the perfect cap for the night!

The two men come out of their respective corners, staring holes through one another after the bell rings. A small smirk comes across Punk’s face as he puts his hands up, prepared for a fight. Devitt has a more patient response as he turns his neck to pop it and ducks down a bit, sizing up his opponent. The two go and lock it up, pushing back and forth, trying to get an upper hand in this one. They break it up and both take a step back. Punk lets out a big exhale after a big breath before the two lock it up again with a collar and elbow tie up. Devitt strikes first with an arm drag take down, flinging Punk across the ring onto his back. Punk is back up and the two are sizing one another up again. They interlock one hand and then the other, in a small test of strength. They release and then go back to interlocked again before Punk steps in and through, breaking the hand hold and puts Devitt into an arm bar. Punk takes Prince down to the mat and keeps him there until Devitt fights back to his feet, spinning out of the arm lock and getting to his feet, surprising Punk by lifting him up and dropping him with a bodyslam! Devitt has a smile on his face now as he waits and lets Punk get back to his feet.

MAURO RANALLO: A ton of gamesmanship here early on between these two.

PAT MCAFEE: Evenly matched doesn’t even begin to describe it between these two.

They go to lock up and Devitt goes behind Punk with another armbar, this time wrenching it behind Punk’s back. Punk tries to fight out of it before finally just backing up with Devitt behind him. Prince hits the ropes and Punk reaches up, grabbing Devitt around the head and bringing him over for a snapmare to the mat. Devitt tries to get back to his feet, but Punk is quick in bringing him back up and whipping him into the corner. As Devitt gets there, Punk is in after him with a clothesline across the chest. He has Devitt pinned in the corner now and brings a big right arm uppercut right through Devitt’s chest and jaw region, knocking Devitt down to the seated position in the corner. Now it’s Punk letting Devitt get back to his feet in the corner before he drives another big right uppercut into Devitt’s jaw, taking him down again. Devitt is doubled over as Punk grabs him from behind, walking him towards the middle of the ring, then driving an elbow right to the back of Devitt’s head, taking him down to the mat. Repeated kicks to the rib area of Devitt…one..two…and a third before finally picking Devitt back up to his feet and grabbing him around the head for a swinging neckbreaker! A pin! 1..2…No! Devitt gets a shoulder up! A frustrated Punk brings Devitt to the seated position and locks him in a reverse chin lock from behind now, driving his knee into Devitt’s back one time.

PAT MCAFEE: The savvy ring general Punk is in control of this one right now.

MAURO RANALLO: We haven’t seen Devitt on the offensive for a while for sure.

PAT MCAFEE: Punk just wearing him down, he knows cardio and speed is not in his favor in this one. Smart from the Chicago native.

Devitt is trying to fight out of it and crawls towards the ropes before finally getting his foot under the bottom rope. Punk pulls Devitt back to his feet towards the middle of the ring, but Devitt quickly responds by putting his head under Punk’s chin and pulling it down for a facebuster! Punk staggers back and Devitt gets back to his feet, running towards his opponent and hitting him with a slingblade! Punk crawls back to his feet but he’s met with another slingblade from Devitt! Prince goes for a pin! 1…2..No! Punk got a shoulder up! Devitt is quick to the corner though, going up to the top rope and looking for that double foot stomp off the top rope. Punk sees it coming from the prone position and rolls out of the ring, draping his arms across the apron to pull himself up to his feet. As he does, Devitt takes flight off the top rope with a huge cross body block right across Punk’s chest, taking them both to the floor! The crowd gasps as the two men collide to the floor! Both struggle to try and get back to their feet but Devitt is there first. He grabs Punk and lifts him up, close to all the way over his head before dropping Punk down stomach first across the steel barricade! The crowd now collectively winces at the sight as Punk lets out a loud cry from the pain, clutching his arm to his stomach. Devitt falls backwards into the apron and holds himself up on it with one arm, his other holding his own midsection. Referee’s count is to six as Devitt grabs Punk and pulls him back to his feet. Both men are laboring now as Devitt rolls Punk into the ring. Devitt lifts himself up on the apron, stopping the count. Punk is trying to get back to his feet, but as he is trying, Devitt lifts himself up and flips over, driving his head and shoulders right into Punk’s chest and stomach area again.

MAURO RANALLO: There’s the speed advantage for Devitt we were talking about earlier.

PAT MCAFEE: Punk tried to neutralize it but Devitt wasn’t going to stay down long.

MAURO RANALLO: This match could easily turn on one move though.

PAT MCAFEE: Both of these guys can end your night real quick with just one move, that’s for sure. Your defense is just as important as your offense sometimes!

Devitt may be pushing it here by going to the top rope once again. Punk is still down as Devitt takes flight once again, this time trying to hit him with a Senton Bomb but Punk puts his knees up and Devitt’s back crashes into them, bouncing him towards the middle of the ring in pain. Punk clutches at his knees and then his midsection as he’s taken a beating this match. Punk is just barely the first one back to his feet and comes out of nowhere with a rising knee strike right to Devitt’s face, knocking him back towards the corner and into it. Punk is in the middle of the ring and goes running towards Devitt and hits him with another rising knee strike, this time in the corner! Devitt stumbles out of the corner and lands in a heap on his back near the corner. Punk goes between the ropes and makes a slow ascent up to the top rope. He measures Devitt and makes sure he won’t move before leaping off and driving a big elbow drop right into Devitt’s chest! Just like the Macho Man used to do! He makes the pin. 1…2….3! Yes! No! Devitt got a shoulder up! How!? Punk can’t believe it, but he has to stay focused. He lifts himself back up, grabbing Devitt to his feet as well. He ducks under Devitt’s arm and lifts him up on his shoulders. He’s looking to hit him with a GTS! Devitt drives an elbow in the side of Punk’s head though over and over until he has to let him down and release the attempt. Punk goes for kick to the side of Devitt’s head, but Prince ducks under it! Devitt shoves Punk back and then rushes at him with a flatback dropkick right into Punk’s chest, knocking him back forcefully and right into the referee! Knocking them out and Punk to the mat!

PAT MCAFEE: Oh no! The ref is down!

MAURO RANALLO: Oh, what is this now!? I thought he said he was leaving!?

PAT MCAFEE: He’s not coming alone either!

Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green are making their way quickly down the ramp as the two combatants in the ring are both struggling to get to their feet. Devitt gets to his feet first, just in time to see Chelsea Green hopping up on the apron to get his attention. Devitt gives her an annoyed look as he’s drilled from behind by the X-Division title by Cardona! The crowd boos relentlessly as he holds the championship over his head, standing over the downed Devitt. Chelsea Green can’t get Cardona’s attention in time though as Punk is back to his feet, grabbing Matt from behind and spinning him around. A kick to the midsection and Cardona drops the title. Punk lifts him up, and drives his knee into the champion’s face for a GTS to Cardona! Chelsea Green grabs Matt’s feet and pulls him out of the ring. Punk turns his attention to the downed Devitt and realizes what’s happened. The referee starts to come to in the corner and uses the ropes to get back to his feet. Punk bends over and taps Devitt on the back, not wanting to win the match off of Cardona’s interference, but Devitt was playing possum! He rolls Punk up with a small package. The referee turns and sees the pin, falling to make the count! 1…2…3! NO! PUNK GOT OUT! Both men climb back up to a vertical base now! Punk grabs Devitt and lifts him up on his shoulders for a GTS of his own, but again, Devitt slips out of it, going behind Punk. He locks in a sleeperhold on Punk now. Punk is reaching for any rope for a break but can’t reach any. Devitt has it locked in from behind now. Punk is just a few feet away from the ropes and corner. He takes a step and then one more. Devitt is trying to pull him back to the center of the ring. Punk jumps up and puts his feet on the top turnbuckle, thrusting himself backwards and knocking Devitt to the mat, propelling himself over him, keeping their arms locked, Punk holds him down the mat. The ref makes the count. 1…2…3! He got him!

---

MAURO RANALLO: What a finish! What a match between these two!

PAT MCAFEE: Punk did it! He was almost out of it and he did it!

MAURO RANALLO: We have seen an all time classic here tonight! Not even Matt Cardona could ruin it!

PAT MCAFEE: He did try to!

Cardona pulls himself up on the apron to look in the ring to see Punk staring down at him. The X-Division title sitting on the mat near the champion. Punk points at the championship and then motions that he’s going to put Cardona to sleep. Matt’s eyes get wide as he slides in far enough to grab the championship and slide back out of the ring.

MAURO RANALLO: I hate that Cardona inserted himself into this classic, but either one of these two are more than deserving of a shot at his title after tonight!

PAT MCAFEE: One has to wonder what that match would look like had Cardona not got involved. Maybe Devitt would be standing tall right now.

MAURO RANALLO: Fans, thank you for watching! That’s all we have time for tonight! Tune in for Storm, next Saturday and make sure and keep up with Eruption on YouTube where anything can happen! Good night folks!