The scene opens with three letters visible. NLW. The three letters fade as “Game On” by Disciple begins to play…
“2003…” flashes across the screen and quickly fades as clips from the inaugural run of NLW begin to flash across the screen. You see clips of the match between Andy Murray and Kevin Heat, the very first main event in NLW history. That is replaced with images of Jack Sullivan pinning Kevin Heat with the assistance of Kannon and images of Andy Murray finishing off Butch Williams with a Highland Hangover. The scene then cuts to Kevin Heat besting Wild Thing in a NLW Bootcamp match. The scene fades again to Kannon tossing Andy Murray off the The Equalizer steel cage and Jack Sullivan holding the NLW Championship in the air. The clips begin to cycle a bit quicker now, showing Jack pinning Kevin Heat and then Jin Royale in successful NLW Championship defenses before the scene changes to Titan 3 nailing Jack with the Ground Zero and capturing the NLW Championship, holding it high in the air. “2006…” flashes across the screen and the scene cuts to Jack Sullivan pinning Eriq Mobely to get Josh Allen to sell his portion of NLW. Then it cuts to “Venom” Xavier Lux putting the “Pornstar” Pete Parker through a table. Scenes from the Path of Destiny tournament are then showed, with Venom emerging victoriously to capture the NLW Championship! Clips of the altercations between Venom and Titan 3 are then shown before cutting to the scene of TJ Arrington hitting the A-Town Breakdown and pinning Venom to win the NLW Championship. Clips are then seen of the Blackout match, first the clip of Venom hitting Toxic on the entrance ramp on Titan 3 and the paramedics taking Titan 3 out of the arena. Then the clip of Kevin Heat getting maced by Eriq Mobely before getting pinned by TJ Arrington is shown before it shows Venom pinning Arrington to recapture his NLW Championship. Then the clips are shown of Phayze dominating a variety of opponents before it shows him hitting the “Phayze Out” powerbomb and him holding the NLW Championship in the air. The scene now cuts to ringside, where “The Real Deal” Jake Steel and Caelan Tyler are sitting at the announcers’ table. Caelan Tyler: Hello and welcome back to NLW! We got a hell of an opening show for you all here today, as Jack Sullivan has decided to start off this run of NLW with a bang by holding the second ever Path of Destiny tournament! This is Caelan Tyler and with me is “The Real Deal” Jake Steel! Jake Steel: That’s right I’m back bitches, and since this is PPV and not network TV I can swear all that I want to! Caelan Tyler: Well you can but you probably shouldn’t Jake, as we don’t want to get off to the wrong foot here. This is looking like it’s going to be a great show, with Jack managing to secure some big names both from NLW’s past and from other companies for this show, along with bringing in a few new faces. Jake Steel: Yep, good ol’ Sully really out-did himself this time, trying to make sure NLW had the right stuff to make this run go smoothly. Caelan Tyler: I don’t know about you Jake, but I’m glad Jack was finally able to straighten out all of the legal mess for the rights to NLW. Jake Steel: There shouldn’t have been any such legal mess but you know how much of a bitch Eriq Mobely can be… Caelan Tyler: Speaking of Eriq Mobely I saw him handing out things to the fans outside, but it was too close to show time for me to go over and see what was up. Jake Steel: Bah I hope Jack alerts security not to let that guy in here. As the two announcers trade quips “In My Grip” by Samhain begins to play as Jack Sullivan makes his way down the ramp, the fans quickly getting to their feet cheering. Jack has a huge smile on his face as he grabs a microphone from a nearby stagehand and slides into the ring, taking in the adulation of the crowd briefly before talking. Jack Sullivan: Welcome back to NLW everyone! In case there are some of you out there that somehow don’t remember me, my name is Jack Sullivan and I’m the guy who owns this place! Now that we have the introduction out of the way, I’m out here tonight to make a few announcements about NLW so you all can get a glimpse at what my vision is for this company and its future. The crowd continues to cheer, and Jack pauses briefly for them to quiet down. Jack Sullivan: Now then, the first thing I’d like to address is the business of the previous champions in NLW. Unfortunately the only champion who is currently under NLW contract is the NLW Juniorweight champion Kevin Heat, meaning I am being forced to vacate the Anarchy X and NLW Championships. If Phayze or Ice Man do decide to sign with the company they will be granted rematches for those titles as they never lost them. Due to this matter, I have set up a triple threat match tonight to determine the Anarchy X championship as well as setting up the second ever Path of Destiny tournament for the NLW Championship! The crowd likes what they’re hearing, and makes sure Jack knows it. Jack Sullivan: Now then, running a company like this alone is hard work, and I personally don’t feel I am up to that task. With that in mind, I’ve brought in someone to help me book matches and keep the wrestlers backstage in line, someone with years of experience in this business. Someone who in his heyday was seen as one of the premiere innovators in this sport. Someone who had no problem standing up to such vicious opponents as Jason Blood, Trent Steel, “Maniac” Mark Kelley and myself! Someone who through his hard work and determination won the respect of his peers and the fans! A very loud “Linchy” chant can be heard throughout the arena, but is quickly silenced as “Superstar” by Saliva begins to play… The crowd looks confused as Jack continues… Jack Sullivan: This man, this phenom of the business… is HARVEY DANGER! The fans continue to be silent as Harvey Danger makes his way to the ring, wearing a rather worn suit. The crowd remains quiet except for one fan in the front row, who is cheering loudly while holding up a sign that reads “Draco Fears The Danger Man!” and well as a Harvey Danger alarm clock! Harvey stops to shake that fan’s hand before sliding into the ring, microphone in hand. Harvey Danger: It’s great to be here Jack, nice to take some time off from that yarn shop, those old ladies were really… Jack Sullivan: Um, so Harvey, how about the matches we have scheduled tonight? Harvey Danger: Oh, right, we got a hell of a card planned for you guys tonight, first with the Path of Destiny tournament matches. We have Brad Dalton taking on Trent King, then Kevin Heat taking on Charles Minister, followed by “Venom” Xavier Lux facing off against “Pornstar” Pete Parker and capping the tournament matches off is TJ Arrington Versus PIC! Jack Sullivan: And the Anarchy X championship match? Harvey Danger: Right, that will be a No Holds Barred triple threat match between Triple M, Annie Alvarez and The Phoenix. I hope you’re all ready to enjoy yourself as it’s gonna be a great show! ”Superstar” begins to play again as Harvey and Jack both exit the ring, the fans starting to cheer again in anticipation of the matches ahead. Caelan Tyler: Wow, Harvey Danger as the commissioner of NLW, can you believe it Jake? Jake Steel: I’m speechless…
We cut to the parking lot where not a sound can be heard save for the faint drone of the fans in the arena. In the distance two headlights cut through the dimness of the lot as a vehicle swings in from the road outside, heading directly for the camera. Caelan Tyler: What on Earth is going on here? Jake Steel: What the hell are you asking me for!?! Caelan Tyler: **Sigh** It was rhetorical, Dingus! As the vehicle creeps closer and closer a few details become clear; we can see that the paintjob is predominantly navy blue, and that it's a limousine – hey, this is a wrestling show after all! The car continues on its slow drive towards us, the driver showing no real Caelan Tyler: Well, it certainly looks like someone is arriving in style! Jake Steel: Jesus… which one of our roster members could've developed a big enough ego to roll around in a limousine already!? The car eventually comes to a gentle halt a matter of inches in front of us; the Floridian number plate reads 'SC0T1,' a few quick-thinking fans in the arena pop at the far-from-subtle hint to the identity of the passenger. Caelan Tyler: Oh I think I've got a pretty good idea, Jake! Jake Steel: Who?! Triple M? He's already here… Caelan Tyler: Nope… The driver's door swings open. Jake Steel: Venom? Caelan Tyler: Nope… Out from the front steps a 'man' clad in an expensive-looking tuxedo and an archetypical chauffeur's hat. To call this creature a man, however, is pretty insulting to the male segment of the human race; he stands at no more than 5'5' and his skin is horrible, slimy, and a tone of green that looks like it would be painful to cast eyes Jake Steel: Kevin He-… wait a minute, what the FUCK is that thing!?! Caelan Tyler: It's Grobschnit baby! The being now identified by Tyler as Grobschnit gently closes the door behind him and begins pacing softly towards the back of the car. Jake Steel: Eh… who? Caelan Tyler: Yo know, Grobber!? Da Grob… Grobby… The Grobber places his slimy green hand on the back door and pulls it open Jake Steel: Oh hold a minute… I think I remember now, but why the hell is he rolling up in a limo? Caelan Tyler: Something tells me he isn't the V.I.P. here, Jake… Jake Steel: Eh? I know he used to roll around here back in 2003 with An-… hey, wait a minute! A large man steps out from the back, clad entirely in a ridiculously tacky bright red coloured suit. The camera pans up the man's leg from his black, loafer-style shoes up past his waistline. Jake Steel: Oh no, you have GOT to be kidding me! Caelan Tyler: Woooo! It's HIM! Jake Steel: Jesus H. Christ, not again… Eventually the camera pans up past the man's torso, past his shoulders, and up to his face at the exact moment he pulls off a pair of mirrored black Aviator shades and slips them into the breast pocket of his suit. The crowd goes positively apeshit at the sight of a man with whom they are obviously very familiar with. Caelan Tyler: It's Andy Murray! The OCW Hall of Famer is here! Earlier in the week we were promised big names, and Sullivan has delivered with aplomb! Jake Steel: Screw this! I thought we'd seen the last of this chump on NLW television back in 2003! BAH! Caelan Tyler: Looks like you were wrong, Jake! The former NLW World Title contender is here TONIGHT! The Scotsman slams the door shut behind him and pats Grobschnit on the head in a slightly demeaning manner. He reaches into the pocket of his trousers and pulls out what looks like a couple of dog treats, extending them Grobber's way. Andy Murray: Good boy 'Schnit, good boy… Grobby grabs the treats from the hand of the Scottish King of Cool (no speech marks necessary, motherfuckers) and throws them down his throat without any attempt to chew them. After wolfing down his 'rewards,' Andy's intergalactic sidekick of doom opens his mouth and utters a few words in the ridiculously croaky and almost indecipherable tone of voice familiar to anyone who's followed AM's career in any shape or form. Grobschnit: Yo thanx Anne D. U izz reeelly kynd bos yo! Andy Murray: I know, Grob! But the clock is ticking, and the Murrayman is late enough for this shindig as it is… Sully even hooked me up with one of those sick-ass executive skybox things man! We need to get up in there before some nasty little wretch gets there first and eats all our food! Murrr turns and points towards the arena's entrance in a typically over-the-top manner. Andy Murray: To the skybox, Grobby! Andy and his 'alien' (or 'guy in stupid costume, if you want to be a killjoy) sidekick immediately dash from the limo over to the set of sliding doors leading to the backstage area. Given that the doors were only a couple of meters away in the first place, to some this may seem like a pointless exercise; however, this is the Scottish King of Cool we're dealing with here, ya dig? He doesn't play by your stupid rules. Outside the doors stands a solitary security guard clasping a checklist in one hand and a pen in the other. The mountainous man is completely bald, built like a brick shithouse and is almost as tall as Security Dude: Hmmm, a late arrival… what's your name buddy? Andy Murray: His Royal Highness Sir Andrew Hugh Murray esq., PHD, King of Wrestling, Pope, His Holiness, get it? The security guard raises an un-amused eyebrow at Murray and flashes a confused glance at Grobschnit. Andy Murray: Okay, be a dullard then… Andy Murray! The guard spends a brief moment panning his eyes down the list. Security Dude: Ah yes, Andy Murray plus one other… I He points towards Grobschnit with his pen, Murray nods. Grobschnit: 4 reel. Security Dude: Alright, go right in… but you'd better take this, it's got your name on it, Mr. Sullivan thought it might be something important. From the breast pocket of his blue coloured NLW polo shirt the guard pulls out a small, crumpled white envelope and hands it to Andy. The puzzled Scottish King of Cool glances down, noticing his full name written in near perfect handwriting, before ripping it open. Grobschnit: Kthxbye. Security Dude: Uh… sure? Andy and the Notorious G-R-O-B slip through the doors and into one of the many backstage corridors in the arena. Murray eventually releases a letter from inside the envelope which he crumples up and tosses to the ground. As he makes his way down the passageway Andy begins to read the letter out loud. Andy Murray: Hmmm, where are we… 'Dear Murphy, this is a A perplexed look draws itself across the face of Andy Murray. Grobschnit: Wtf iz dat al aboootz? Andy Murray: I don't know Grobby, I just don't know… Who the hell was JA, and why in the name of Moses did he want to meet Andy in Scotland!? Andy Murray was confused. But then it hit him. Andy Murray: … Josh?
The scene cuts back to ringside as the sound of a banjo playing is heard as the lights in the arena dim. The fans stand in anticipation as the banjo continues to play until it is rocked with a loud bass, as this happens pyros go off and Brad Dalton emerges from behind the curtain and makes his way to the ring. He enters the ring, climbs the back right turnbuckle, flexing his arm and points at his bicep, he then smiles and gives the audience a thumbs up before climbing down. Zach King: Ladies and Gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it will determine which competitor advances to the next round of the Path of Destiny tournament! Making his way to the ring, from Poughkeepsie, New York and weighing in at 250 pounds… BRAD DALTON! Caelan Tyler: Well here comes Brad Dalton, who is one of the new faces signed by Jack Sullivan for NLW. Jake Steel: Oh great, a newbie match, now how am I going to know who to cheer and jeer? Caelan Tyler: Well you can try being a neutral party for once, like your job description says you should do. Jake Steel: Psh, since when do I do my job? Caelan Tyler: I’ve been asking that for years… The music, 'Dirty Dirty' by Die Trying, hits and the arena fades into darkness. Spotlights brighten and scatter across the arena quickly, before stopping on the giant screen, illuminated with a Trent King Promotional Logo. Trent King appears, accompanied by his Entrance Girls. He's shirtless, dressed in jeans, a belt with an exquisite buckle reading: KING (that he may use as a weapon sometimes), and brand new white sneakers. A crown topped with red velvet rests atop his head. One of the Entrance Girls cocks it to the side for him. They walk down the ramp, reveling in the cheers from the audience. As they reach the ring, Trent and the Girls flirt, grope, and all that good shit… Trent finds his way into the ring, the Girls holding the ropes allowing him to enter. As the music fades to vocalizing, the Girls carefully take Trent's crown, exiting to ringside. Zach King: And his opponent, from New Baltimore, Michigan and weighing in at 220 pounds… TRENT KING! Caelan Tyler: A heck of an entrance there by Trent King, a competitor that Jack had tried to sign during the last NLW run but was unable to. Jake Steel: At least he came to his senses and signed this time. I must say though, I like his style! Reminds me of me. Caelan Tyler: Somehow I don’t believe that… The bell rings and both men begin to circle, getting their bearings on what is the first time either man has stepped foot into a NLW ring. Both men quickly lock up in the center of the ring with a collar and elbow tie-up before Dalton slaps a side headlock onto Trent. Trent shoves the larger Dalton to free himself, and Dalton bounces off the ropes, catching King and knocking him flat to the mat with a shoulder block. King gets back to his feet quickly, only to catch another shoulder block from Dalton. King shakes his head and frustration as Dalton tries for a third time but is punished for his attempt with a sweep kick by Trent. Dalton crashes to the mat face-first as Trent quickly pops to his feet and delivers an elbow to the shoulder area of Brad. Caelan Tyler: Dalton was able to take control of the match early but Trent managed to fight his way out of it. Jake Steel: Take him down Trent, show him what stylish gentlemen like you and me are made of! Trent pulls Dalton to his feet, delivering rights before Dalton cuts him off with an elbow to the gut. Dalton then reaches around and flips King over with a hip toss, with King popping up to a seated position. Brad then sizes King up before delivering a swift kick to the kidney area of Trent, with Trent howling in pain and grabbing the small of his back. Brad then lifts up Trent and brings him crashing back down with a body slam, continuing the abuse on the lower back. Trent gets back to his feet and Brad steps behind him, lifting Trent up high and driving him spine-first to the mat with a back suplex. Caelan Tyler: Brad managed to regain control after that flurry of offense by Trent and now he’s looking to work over the back of the smaller, faster King. Jake Steel: Come on, you don’t treat royalty like that! Don’t make me come over there and show you what’s what Brad! Caelan Tyler: Give it a rest Jake, you’ve put on quite a few pounds since you were last in the ring… Jake Steel: …Quiet you. Dalton pulls Trent to his feet, but Trent manages to fire back with some stiff rights before whipping Dalton into the ropes. Dalton rebounds and comes back, only to eat boot for his trouble as Trent nails him with a picture perfect dropkick. The crowd cheers and Trent quickly goes for the first pin attempt of the match… Caelan Tyler: Quick pin by Trent here. 1… Kickout by Dalton, who powers his way out of the pin and to his feet not amused in the least by the attempt. Trent waits patently as Dalton gets to his feet, and once Brad is standing up he moves into action, delivering a leaping spin kick that knocks the other NLW greenhorn into the corner. Trent pauses briefly to get a handle of the situation before charging towards the corner, leaping into the air with the intent to nail Dalton with a splash. Unfortunately for Mr. King, intent isn’t the same as success, as Dalton pops out of the corner and catches his opponent mid-air, holding him briefly before being him crashing down across his knee with a backbreaker. Dalton quickly hooks the leg. Caelan Tyler: Dalton continues to work over the back of Trent, but is it enough to keep him down? Jake Steel: I doubt it! 1… 2… Trent gets the shoulder up as Dalton shakes his head in disbelief. Dalton gives Trent a kick to the side while Trent is down before lifting him to his feet, hooking him and bringing him down once again with a Russian leg sweep. A small but noticeable “Dalton” chant starts up as Dalton pulls Trent’s left arm over his head and hooks his hands together before fall backwards while bridging his back, driving Trent to the mat with a beautiful northern lights suplex. Brad holds the bridge as the referee begins to count. 1… 2… 3… No, Trent manages to pop loose of Brad’s grip! Caelan Tyler: Again Brad tries to put Trent away but again Trent manages to kick out. Jake Steel: Come on now, you’re not going to beat someone of Trent’s level of skill with a northern lights suplex. Caelan Tyler: Huh? Before today you’ve never even heard of Trent, what would you know of his skill? Jake Steel: Come on now, a guy as smooth as him or me, we got mad skills. In frustration, Brad gets to his feet and starts to head towards Trent, but Trent manages to shake the cobwebs and catch Brad with “The Reign”, his version of the superkick! The crowd cheers as Trent points to the top rope and starts to climb, looking for his T.K.Oh frog splash. As King takes flight, Brad is able to bring up his knees, driving them into Trent’s chest as contact is made. Trent immediately rolls off of Dalton, gasping for the air that was just knocked out of him as Dalton gets to his feet and climbs to the top rope himself. Caelan Tyler: Trent’s attempt at a high risk maneuver failed, but it looks like Dalton is confident that he’ll succeed in his. Jake Steel: Trent’s just playing possum is all, gotta make the other guy look good for a little while, it’s how we roll. Caelan Tyler: Since when dso you “roll” with Trent King? Jake Steel: Well, it’s how we would roll… Shut Up… Trent struggles to his feet, still gasping for air as Dalton leaps off the top rope, catching Trent in the chest with a missile dropkick. Dalton quickly moves in for the pin. 1… 2… No, once again Dalton is denied! Jake Steel: Whoo! Told you Trent was playing possum! Dalton pulls Trent upright, with Trent still trying to catch his breath as Dalton whips him into the corner, with Trent’s chest connecting hard with the turnbuckle. Dalton rushes forward, driving a forearm into Trent’s back before hooking Trent’s head and pulling him backwards, driving his skull into the match with a reverse DDT. Once again Dalton tries for a pin. 1… 2… Tonight just doesn’t seem to be Dalton’s lucky night, as once again Trent is able to get his shoulder up before the three count. Caelan Tyler: Dalton just can’t seem to put Trent away no matter what he tries. That’s gotta wear on the confidence of a young wrestler like Dalton. Caelan Tyler: Trent just biding his time, he’s gonna make Dalton wish he hadn’t heard of Trent King, just you wait and see. Dalton and Trent both get to their feet, with Trent trying for a side kick that Dalton manages to catch. Trent takes to the air and delivering the other foot into the temple of Dalton with an enziguri, dropping both men to the mat as the crowd seems torn on which man to root for at this point. Both men slowly struggle to their feet as Trent seems to get his second wind, delivering forearms to the same spot he had nailed the enziguri before hooking Dalton and delivering a neckbreaker, planting him on the mat. Trent then charges up the ropes and flips backwards, this time impacting on the prone Dalton with a moonsault. He quickly makes a pin attempt of his own. Jake Steel: See, this is where royalty pulls through. 1… 2… No, Trent is unable to pull the fast one as Brad gets the shoulder up. Trent pulls Brad to his feet, shoving him into the corner before climbing to the second turnbuckle, delivering blows to Dalton’s forehead before leaping up and attempting to catapult Brad across the ring with a hurricanrana. Brad is able to keep his ground, however, and staggers out of the corner, holding Trent in a bad spot before falling backwards, leaving Trent high and dry across the top rope. Trent grasps his chest as the air is once again driven from his lungs before staggering around, where Brad kicks him in the gut to double him over. Brad then locks in the double underhook before lifting Trent into the air and bringing him down with Business Time! Dalton covers the prone Trent. 1… 2… 3! The bell rings as Dalton quickly gets to his feet, excited about his first victory in NLW. Jake Steel: NO! He cheated ref, he used the ropes! Caelan Tyler: Um, that’s perfectly legal to do Jake. Jake Steel: Maybe in whatever bizarre world you wrestled in, but not in the places I wrestled! Zach King: Here is your winner and the man advancing in the Path of Destiny tournament… BRAD DALTON! Brad continues to take in the cheers of the crowd before heading to the back…
The scene changes as the sun peaks over a mountain, casting a small ray straight through the window of a tiny shack. A hand-branded, wooden sign, clearly much dissolved by termites, reads 'Chugchirun, Ecuador.' The shack sits below a huge mountain, the base surrounded by other small shanties. A few people pass by carrying commodities. Behind the small shack, a man sits surrounded by over a dozen malnourished donkeys, each tied with a cheap rope to a long pole. The man sleeps, and his light complexion makes it obvious he isn't a local. Man: Damn it, Jose, I've been here over two friggin' years, and I've seen not one tourist! Jose, a teenage boy, stands from behind the donkeys and stops brushing one's tail. Jose: Esskews me, Meester Allen, but you know two years now there's no tourist. Seems to me, these aren't dee only asses around here. Jose slaps an ass on the ass, and Josh Allen stands, kicking the dust, as obviously, Jose has made a good point. Josh Allen: What are you saying? I should just go home? I mean, I could ... I could go home, Jose! Go back to that three-story mansion, those seven, brand-new cars ... I'm sorry me being here hasn't graced your village like I assumed it would. I thought rich folk from around this globe would flock to CoochqueerRun if Josh Allen was here! I'm famous, damn it! Jose laughs, drops a coin into a metal can, and jumps onto the back of a donkey. Josh Allen: Hey, where are you going? Jose! You can't just take my donkey. The boy kicks his heels into the donkey's side and slowly trots toward the big mountain. Jose: Why not? You've never had one seengle customer, Senior Allen. Take that coin and book eh flight home to that 'mansion' you have. Allen is perturbed at the sarcasm Jose tosses out. Josh Allen: I do have a mansion! I DO! Damn it, you come back here! Just then, a woman wearing a long, flowing but dirty-looking dress runs up the small lane to Allen and hands him a crinkled piece of paper. She says something in a language Allen, after two years of living in the village, never even began to learn. She smiles and runs off as Allen reads the note, one that had obviously been through much distress on its way to Ecuador. 'Whaz up, homeslice?! There's a big deal going down, and you and I need to get together ASAP. It concerns our past, and this bad boy can't wait. It may concern the 'feds,' whoever those clowns are. Anyway, get yo' ass to Scotland, boyo. Peace, love, and all that jazz. Keep it crispy,' ... signed, 'Andy Murray.' Allen looks around at the little village. He stuffs the letter into his pocket, hesitates, then runs into his shack. He comes out carrying a small bag and a hand-written 'Closed' sign (which locals could never read), and hangs it on the door. He slips his leg over a donkey's back and kicks his heels. The donkey inches forward. Josh Allen: Come on, stupid ass, we've got a big journey to the nearest airport. And we need to jack a Hit N' Run or something, cuz I got NO cash. Caelan Tyler: Josh Allen? I haven’t seen him since the last NLW run… Jake Steel: Why the hell are they airing a video for him? Sully’s gonna be pissed when he finds out about this!
The fading-in echo of “I” ricochets from one end of the arena to the other. Zach King: Ladies and Gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it will determine which competitor advances to the next round of the Path of Destiny tournament! Making his way to the ring first, from Baltimore, Maryland, weighing 230 pounds… He is the NLW Juniorweight champion… KEVIN HEAT! The crowd starts to boo but quickly silences itself when “In My Grip” by Samhain begins to play and NLW owner Jack Sullivan walks down the ramp, carrying a microphone in one hand and a briefcase in the other. He circles the ring before entering, a smug look on his face as Heat gives him a gaze of sheer distain. Jack Sullivan: I can tell by the look you just gave me that you’re curious as to why I am out here Heat, just as I’m sure everyone else is itching to find out as well. It’s simple really Kevin, I’m out here for you, or rather, what you are. Kevin gets a confused look on his face as Jack shakes his head and points to the NLW Juniorweight title, which is now draped over Heat’s shoulder. Jack Sullivan: That. You are the NLW Juniorweight champion, and that doesn’t sit well with me. Not the fact that you are the champion, but the fact that this title exists. You see, I’m not like Eriq Mobely, Darodine, Josh Allen or any of those other guys who decided this belt was a great idea because of the tradition such a title holds. I don’t buy that garbage for a second! That title needs to go! Heat is fuming and shaking his head as Jack holds the briefcase out in front of him to keep the space between himself and Heat. Jack Sullivan: Last time I checked boys and girls, the name on this here company is New Legends of Wrestling, not “Nostalgic Legends of Wrestling”. I’m here to blaze trails, not go with what’s been proven to work. I want there to be no limits, and that includes weight limits. So as of right now Heat, I am stripping you of the Juniorweight title. Heat starts to charge towards Jack, but Jack backs up, holding out the briefcase for Heat to take. Heat accepts the briefcase, confused by the gesture. Jack Sullivan: Now, it wouldn’t be fair of me to strip you of a title you never lost without giving you something in return. Despite our history I’d like to think I’m a fair guy, and the fair thing to do would be to replace that belt I’ve taken from you with something different, something better. You see, NLW already has a belt that represents the “no limits” aspect of my vision in the Anarchy X championship, so I felt what this company needed was a championship that represented the other half of my vision, that of no luxuries. Heat opens up the briefcase, and pulls out of it a new title belt, which he gazes at before looking over to Jack. Jack Sullivan: No luxuries, no free rides. You want to be successful in this business you need to work just as hard as I did when I established my legacy of brutality, and that is exactly what that title is designed to do, to help establish the legacy of the person holding it. You of all people should know how difficult it is to get anywhere in this company, you’ve fought tooth and nail in the same situations I did, which is why I find it fitting to declare you the new NLW Legacy champion! Heat slings the new title over his shoulder, pulling down the now-defunct Juniorweight title. Jack takes the Juniorweight title from Heat and heads to the back. Heat smirks before handing his new prize to the ref. Caelan Tyler: Did Jack just give his longtime nemesis a title? Jake Steel: I’m just as confused as you are for this one… 'God save the Queen, The fascist regime,' snarls Johnny Rotten. The Sex Pistols explode through the speakers as Charles Minister marches down the ramp, his arm raised in a Nazi salute. The crowd boos unanimously as he makes his way to the ring. With his customary stiff-upper lip Minister marches into the ring. Zach King: And his opponent, from London, England, weighing in at 170lbs… CHARLES MINISTER! Jake Steel: Listen to the fans disrespect a great competitor like Minister, it’s a damn shame! Caelan Tyler: He disrespected them first with that salute! Jake Steel: Psh, mere technicality. Minister and Heat stand in the ring and face each other, eyeing each other up for the battle ahead. The referee stands in the center of the ring before he motions for the timekeeper to ring the bell. Caelan Tyler: This should be a good match-up between the high flying NLW legend in Kevin Heat and the NLW veteran in Charles Minister. Jake Steel: I hope Minister twists Heat into a pretzel. I hear crazy pyros hate pretzels! Caelan Tyler: …Where would you hear something as crazy at that? Jake Steel: Wikipedia. Caelan Tyler: Oy vey. Heat and Minister charge forward and lock up. Both men struggle to get the upper hand in the battle of strength but ultimately they cancel one another out. They break up again and circle one another. Caelan Tyler: Looks like both men are trying to feel each other out before getting started here tonight. Jake Steel: No! Minister, don’t let Kevin Heat feel you up! Caelan Tyler: I said “feel each other out” Jake, not “feel each other up”. Jake Steel: What? Heat used to hang out with Skye Ricardo. I wouldn’t trust him is all I’m saying… Heat and Minister size each other up again and lock up, this time with the NLW Legend getting the upper hand. Heat sends Minister into the mat with an arm drag, thus tossing his opponent across the ring. Heat laughs and points at Minister as he gathers himself up and the two circle one another again. Caelan Tyler: And Heat gets the early momentum here with the mind game on Minister. Jake Steel: Dumb luck Caelan, we all know Heat will blow it like he does every other big match in NLW. Caelan Tyler: We’ll see Jake, we’ll see… Minister rushes forward for a lockup again but falls victim to a drop toe hold, but he is able to quickly roll over before Heat can capitalize. Heat reaches down to grab Minister's leg and gets kicked in the side of the head for his troubles. Heat staggers back as Minister leaps from the ground to his feet and rushes towards him. Minister snap suplexes Heat to the mat and follows up with a hard elbow drop and a quick cover! 1 No! Kick-out! Caelan Tyler: Heat quickly gets his shoulder up, not going to be taken out that early. The two men get up and stare each other down again, almost like a game of chess is being played. They lock up in the centre of the ring once again. Minister sends Heat into the turnbuckle and chases with a knee to the gut. Minister pulls Heat out of the corner and fireman carries him to the mat again! Heat goes to sit up but is kicked in the 1 2 Kevin Heat gets the shoulder up! Caelan Tyler: Once again Heat is showing that it’s going to take a lot more than just a few moves to put him down. Jake Steel: Minister needs to try the TJ Arrington/Eriq Mobely approved method of Heat removal. Caelan Tyler: Which is? Jake Steel: Mace in the eyes. Minister slowly gets to his feet but Kevin Heat surges up quicker with a sudden burst of energy. He rushes forward and starts to throw hard right hands at Minister, backing him up into the other turnbuckle. He begins to pummel Minister in the corner as the crowd begins to count along with the punches! 1 2 3 4 5 Heat stops punching, but the crowd continues to count. 6 7 Jake Steel: Ha! Why are these dumbasses still counting?! The crowd dies out as they realize how stupid they just looked, but Heat doesn't. He lifts Minister to the top turnbuckle and goes for a superplex, but Minister shoves him off to his back. Heat lays on his back as Minister stands on the top turnbuckle and leaps, driving an elbow into the gut of Heat and rolling off! Caelan Tyler: Nice elbow by Minister there. Jake Steel: Yes, finish him Chuck! Heat bounces on his back as he clutches his stomach. Minister rolls over and stands slowly, shaking some fatigue from his right arm. Heat rolls onto his side and gets on his hands and knees, perfectly lined up for a soccer kick by Minister to the gut of Kevin Heat! Caelan Tyler: Nasty kick to the midsection there by Minister. Jake Steel: I bet he perfected that in a soccer riot, those crazy Brits and their soccer riots. Caelan Tyler: Regardless of where he may have perfected it it was effective here. Minister turns towards the crowd and flips them a Nazi salute, garnering a significant chorus of boos as Heat rolls out under the ropes, onto the apron and pulls himself up. Minister rebounds off of the far ropes and leaps for a diving clothesline over the tope rope. Heat falls back, holding onto the top rope to keep him from falling off the apron, and therefore sends Minister careening over the top rope and side first into the protective guardrail! Caelan Tyler: And Heat regains control of the match with a vicious clothesline that sent Minister to the floor! Jake Steel: Come on Minister, get back in this with some of your soccer riot brawling skills! Heat rolls back in the ring as the referee begins the count-out. 1 2 3 4 Minister slowly gets to his feet and clutches his side. Blood forms on the sides of his lips while he staggers to his feet... Caelan Tyler: If Minister isn’t careful here he could get himself eliminated from the tournament via count out. Jake Steel: Would be better than getting pinned if you’re gonna lose, but I know you still got it in ya Chuck, I believe man! 5 6 Minister pulls himself back up to the apron, saving the referee from having to try to count any more. He climbs into the ring and is instantly attacked by Heat. Caelan Tyler: Heat back on the offensive here. Is it just me or does he seem a lot more aggressive here than he has in previous incarnations of NLW? Jake Steel: Just you. Kevin charges at Minister with a high knee lift, but his knee is caught at the last moment by Minister. Minister trips him with his other foot and drives a hard elbow into the groin of Kevin! Minister stalks around Kevin until he's above his head and lines up his fist with his face, promptly dropping and driving all four knuckles into the top of his head. He lines him up again and drops, drilling his forehead again. Caelan Tyler: Minister is back in control here over Heat, showing his resilience. Jake Steel: I told you Chuck wouldn’t let me down, he’s taking care of business! Minister yells at Heat to get up, and Kevin, being the NLW Legend that he is, slowly pulls himself to his feet. The two men lock up again and struggle against one another to get the upper hand. Heat, the larger of the two men, eventually prevails in the battle of strength and sends Minister into the ropes before hitting Minister with a back body drop. Despite feeling the pain shoot up his back, Minister is back to his feet almost as quickly as Heat is and charges at the new Legacy Champion, who is able to baseball slide between his legs. Quickly, Heat is able to roll Minister up in a small package. 1 2 No! Minister kicks out! Caelan Tyler: Heat tried to sneak one there but wasn’t able to get it done. Jake Steel: You’re not going to pull a fast one like that on a veteran like Minister, no sir. Wasting little time Heat grabs his opponent by the hair and pulls him back to his feet, before Irish Whipping him into the turnbuckles and following up with a stiff clothesline. Charles makes an attempt to fight back as he blindly throws a fist in Kevin's direction, but Heat is able to duck it. As Minister stumbles out of the corner, Heat gives him a brisk shove in the back before following up with a bulldog, smashing Charles' face into the Caelan Tyler: Heat calls that the Heartburn, and usually uses it to set-up Flamebroiled! Jake Steel: No! Chuck, don’t let him catch you with a move that is named such a gay name! Heat does wait a moment to see if Minister is going to get back up, but he doesn't even stir, so he pulls him up to his feet and locks him in a side headlock. Kevin runs towards the ropes, leaps up, bounces off the second rope, and spins around dropping Minister with a springboard tornado DDT! Caelan Tyler: Nice move by Heat there, he calls it The Baltimore Brand. Jake Steel: Meh, it’s better named than “The Flamebroiled”, I’ll give him that much. Heat throws an arm over Minister's chest. 1 2 3! The bell rings as 'Won't Back Down' begins to play throughout the arena once again. Still fresh after a not-too-strenuous victory, Heat rises to his feet, raising an arm in the air defiantly as the referee hands him the Legacy championship. Caelan Tyler: And Kevin Heat advances in the Path of Destiny tournament! Jake Steel: BAH! That’s twice now that my horse has let me down. Pete Parker and Arrington better win big or my bookie is gonna have a field day. Caelan Tyler: …You bet on matches? Jake Steel: Um, err, of course not! I’m kidding… Zach King: Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner, and the Kevin asks the ring announcer for a microphone. The stagehand gives the microphone to Kevin as they help Minister out of the ring. With a final glance at the fans around him and an adjustment of the title across his shoulder so that any cameras can get their own glimmer of gold, he speaks. Caelan Tyler: Whoa, where the hell did that come from? That’s not like Kevin Heat at all! Jake Steel: I have no f’ing clue, but I like it!
The broadcast cuts backstage where a long hallway is seen. Our view begins to move down the hallway past various doors, personnel and so forth. Faint clicking and tapping noises can be heard ahead as we move closer and closer, the sounds grow louder and louder and it becomes apparent they are being generated to our right. It becomes evident that a doorway ahead, to the right, is open. We reach the doorway, look inside and see a bunch of old school arcade machines illuminating the already lit room. Each different machine is occupied by NLW superstars…Brad Dalton, Triple M, Pete Parker and PIC most notably. There appears to also be a janitor with the name tag “Murrr” involved, but he isn’t worth notating. Dalton jumps up and down as he appears to have achieved some level of success. Brad Dalton: Hell yea! I just reached the high score on Pac Man! I RULE!! Triple M high fives Dalton and then does some celebrating on his own. Triple M: Donkey Kong is my own personal biotch! Heck yea! Brad Dalton: What about your title match, shouldn’t you be getting ready for it? Triple M: No worries, I’m working my thumbs out, see! Triple M flexes his thumbs as Dalton nods in approval. Something catches Dalton’s attention as he sees janitor Murrr nearing his high score on Ping pong. Upon noticing this, Dalton nonchalantly knocks his soda over onto the group, and then clears his throat. Murrr looks up and Dalton points at the soda mess…conflicted between his job and the ping pong high score, Murrr hesitates. He finally gives in and dives to the floor to clean up the mess as he loses his score in ping pong, Dalton smiles approvingly. Dalton, Triple M and others continue playing as Annie Alvarez peeks in. She’s looking very sexy and stands, seductively in the entrance way. Annie Alvarez: Hey guys, how do I look? They pay no attention Annie Alvarez: Ahem! Still no attention…Alvarez feels snubbed and storms off. A few minutes after she leaves, we see everyone playing their arcade games stop, breathing heavily. Brad Dalton: Man, talk about a workout, everyone get a high score? Everyone nods and goes on to talk about their various levels of success on each arcade game. All is right in the NLW arcade room until a pair of feet step into the room. A crumpled up NLW lineup sheet rolls by his feet, much like a tumbleweed. Everyone in the arcade stands back and look into the eyes of The Ice Man. Ice Man: Mind if I play? Everyone steps aside as Ice Man takes the controls of two games at once. In a flash he conquers the high scores on both arcade machines…he then does the same to every other arcade game in the room. In a matter of minutes, Ice Man has obliterated everyone’s high score. He then cracks his knuckles, looks at the dejected arcade fiends and speaks. Ice Man: Alright, fellas, I have something I've got to go take care of. When I get back, maybe I'll teach you guys how to play. Ice Man turns around and exits the arcade room. Triple M looks over at Dalton, Dalton back at Triple M and they say the only appropriate thing they can think of. Triple M & Dalton: LOSER! Jack Sullivan and Harvey Danger then walk into the room, with Harvey glancing over a clipboard. Jack Sullivan: Whoa, whose bright idea was it to put a freakin’ ARCADE in here? Harvey Danger: Um, that Scottish fella… Andy I think his name was? Jack Sullivan: God damnit Murray! Ugh, okay, I can deal with that later, now was that just Ice Man I saw a few moments ago? Harvey Danger: Um, maybe? Jack shakes his head and taps Dalton on the shoulder. Jack Sullivan: Was that Ice Man? Dalton nods in the affirmative before going back to his game. Jack Sullivan: Okay Harvey, why is Ice Man here? I’ve been trying for weeks to reach him and couldn’t! Phone calls, emails, never got any response! Harvey Danger: Well I sent him a letter about it. Jack Sullivan: …You what? Harvey Danger: You know, a letter. Snail mail, that kind of thing. Jack Sullivan: …Okay, and why isn’t he under NLW contract? Harvey Danger: Good question. I have no idea. Jack Sullivan: Don’t you think maybe you should be remedying this oversight? Harvey Danger: Oh, um, yeah good idea! Jack Sullivan: I’ll be up in the skybox, don’t let him leave without a contract! Harvey nods as he takes off in the same direction as Ice Man went as the scene cuts to ringside. Caelan Tyler: The Ice Man is here! That’s huge for NLW if Harvey gets him to sign a contract!
Lights in the arena go out, as a spotlight focuses on the stage. Pyro fires in front, as Kid Rock's 'So Hot' starts playing, and as the words, 'So Hot, I don't wanna be your friend, I wanna (Uh Uh 'Fuck You') like I'm never going to see you again', The “Pornstar” Pete Parker steps from behind the curtain. He pauses at the top of the stage, bathing in the some cheers, and some boos from the crowd, the ladies snapping pictures. Slowly taking a walk down the ramp towards the ring, Pete stops and checks the crowd, looking to see if a victim for the night was worth his time. Finally getting into the ring, taking what seems like forever, Pete steps into the ring, the lights still out, and the spotlight on just him. Removing his full length robe, Pete shows off a more muscular body that before, completely cut, looking better than ever. Parker goes to his corner, ready for action as pyro fire off from the stage to the ring, and then the corners fire away. Zach King: Ladies and Gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it will determine which competitor advances to the next round of the Path of Destiny tournament! Making his way to the ring first, from Hollywood, California, weighing in at 259 pounds... 'Pornstar' Pete Parker! Jake Steel: There he is, the man that will save NLW and take it to new heights! Caelan Tyler: Before he can do that he needs to get through Venom, who already hold a victory over Parker. Jake Steel: That was a damn fluke! The lights dim down as 'Medicine Man' by Pantera begins to play. A glowing green light emits from the entrance as smoke starts to fill it... Venom steps out to a mix reaction from the crowd. He stands there looking around at the crowd before making his way down the ramp and sliding under the bottom rope, into the ring. He stands in the middle again looking around at the crowd. After a few seconds, he walks over to one of the corners opposite the entrance way and sits on the top turnbuckle, where he patiently waits for the bell. Zach King: And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing 225 pounds... He is the winner of the first Path of Destiny tournament... 'Venom' Xavier Lux! Caelan Tyler: And here comes the man that has to be seen at the favorite in this event, having won it last time it was held. Jake Steel: That man is a headhunter and a menace and has been ever since he put Titan 3 out of NLW! Caelan Tyler: Jeez Jake, you’re still not over that match? Jake Steel: I will never forgive him for what he did to my hero. Before Venom can even get down from his perch Parker rushes to the corner, delivering rights to the former champ’s cranium. The bell rings as a stiff right sends Venom reeling a bit before a kick to the chest of Parker buys him some time to ready himself. Parker takes a few steps back, and Venom launches himself into the Pornstar with a shoulder block from his elevated position, taking Parker off his feet! Caelan Tyler: Parker tries to start things off early with some cheap shots, but Venom is able to battle back. Jake Steel: Parker needs to drop Venom on his head on that entrance ramp and take him out. Parker quickly gets back to his feet, shaking his head as Venom begins to pepper him with rights. Parker manages to block one of the blows and quickly fires back with a forearm before shifting behind Lux and attempting a waistlock. Lux is able to keep Parker from getting a firm grip and does a standing switch of his own, locking his hands and lifting up Parker, dropping him face-first on the mat before quickly shifting his position and locking a front facelock on the veteran. Caelan Tyler: This is pretty unorthodox offense for Lux, who’s known mostly for his brawling ability. Jake Steel: God damnit it’s starting it again! Look at him try to work on Parker’s neck, he’s just trying to soften him up before he tries to put Parker out of the business too! That man is a menace! Parker is too much a veteran to fall to such a move, however, and he manages to get to his knees, clubbing into Venom’s sides before Venom releases the hold. Parker wraps his arm around Venom’s neck and drives Xavier to the mat with a quick DDT. Parker then pulls Xavier up to a sitting position and locks on a chinlock, driving his knee into Xavier’s back while doing so. Caelan Tyler: Parker back in control here, looking to wear down Lux with some submission holds. Jake Steel: Good thinking Parker, work him over and make him regret ever being born, that son of a bitch deserves it! The referee checks to see if Venom gives up, but Venom quickly shakes his head no before stretches out his leg, and Venom is barely able to touch the bottom rope. The referee starts to count, and on “4” Parker releases the hold, standing up and quickly delivering a stiff kick to Venom’s spine. Parker drags Venom up with a side headlock, tightening his grip as Venom wraps his arms around Parker’s waist and locks his hands at the wrist. With a pop of his hips Venom is able to lift Pete into the air and bring him down back-first with a suplex, causing Parker to lose his grip in the process. Both men quickly get back to their feet, but Venom is the quicker of the two to act, dropping Parker with a neckbreaker. Venom quickly hooks the leg. 1… No, Parker quickly gets his shoulder up! Caelan Tyler: Parker quickly kicks out of that one. Jake Steel: I can’t believe Venom was foolish enough to think that he could put down a guy like Pete Parker with a simple neckbreaker. Both men quickly get to their feet, trading blows before Parker whips Venom into the corner, following it up with some driving shoulder thrusts into Venom’s torso. Parker then steps back several feet before charging, looking to spear Venom in the corner. Lux manages to side-step the blow, and Parker launches himself into the ring-post, his left shoulder bouncing off! Lux pulls Parker away from the post, twisting Pete’s left arm with a standing armbar and applying pressure to the now tender shoulder. Venom applies a little more pressure before releasing the hold and lifting Parker up. Venom holds The Pornstar up briefly before dropping to one knee, driving the left shoulder into the knee. Venom then locks a leg scissors on Parker’s left arm before re-applying the armbar on the left arm. Pete struggles to free himself and Venom continues to apply pressure on the shoulder. Caelan Tyler: Beautiful submission there by Venom, showing shades of his legendary father Scorpion. Jake Steel: If it’s not the head it’s the arm! What will this monster do next to try to end Parker’s career?! Someone needs to put an end to the madness! Caelan Tyler: I think you’re overreacting there Jake. Jake Steel: No, I think you’re under reacting damnit! As Lux continues to apply the pressure Pete attempts to shift his body, and eventually is able to use his strength advantage to roll over, pinning Venom’s shoulders to the mat. 1… 2… No, Venom releases the hold and gets his shoulders up! Caelan Tyler: Venom was able to escape that nice reversal by Pete Parker there. Jake Steel: Damn! I was holding out hope that it would be over there! Parker rubs his left shoulder as he gets to his feet, turning to see Venom bouncing off the ropes with a clothesline. Parker ducks under it, and as Venom bounces back he plants him with a spinning spinebuster! Parker quickly climbs the top turnbuckle and leaps off, nailing Venom with the G-Spot Splat, his version of the senton bomb. Pete quickly goes for the pin! Caelan Tyler: A pin attempt by Parker here! 1… 2… No, Venom is able to kick out again. Parker gets to his feet, delivering boots to Venom’s head before pulling Venom up with a gut wrench and dropping him into a sit out powerbomb! From this position Parker tries for another pin. Jake Steel: Finish the job Parker, you can do it! 1… 2… Venom is able to get out of it at the last moment, leaving the veteran frustrated by his inability to put the former NLW champion away. Parker drags Venom to his feet and hooks both of Venom’s arms, looking to put Lux down with The Tickler. Venom is able to slip his arms free of Parker’s grip and rises, pushing Parker up by his legs and bringing him over with a back body drop. Parker bounces off the mat and springs back to his feet, only for Venom to grab him by the head and lift him into the air, pausing slightly before spiking Parker’s head off the mat with a brainbuster! The crowd cheers and Venom goes for a pin attempt of his own. Caelan Tyler: Venom goes for a pin here, the crowd is really getting behind him. Jake Steel: Bunch of blind sheep aren’t able to see what’s really going on here… 1… 2… No, this time Parker gets his shoulder up, and uses a thumb to the eye to stop Venom from continuing his assault. Once Parker gets to his feet he grabs Venom by the head and tosses him over the top rope, sending Lux spilling out to the floor. Parker slides out of the ring and pulls Venom to his feet, grabbing the younger man by the head and bouncing his cranium off of the guardrail. 1! The referee begins his count as Parker attempts it again, but this time Venom is able to fight back, cutting Pete off with a high kneelift before whipping Parker, who slides back and shoulder-first into the ring steps. 2! Venom measures it before running after him, taking to the air and nailing a dropkick, driving that left shoulder of Parker’s into the steps! 3! A “Lux!” chant starts up among the crowd as Venom rolls Parker into the ring, stomping on that injured shoulder. Caelan Tyler: Venom continues his assault on that shoulder area of Parker, he’s really working that over. Jake Steel: The referee should just call for the bell and disqualify Venom now before he hurts someone again. Caelan Tyler: Keep talking like that Jake and he might just come over here to hurt you. Parker gets to his feet, and the two men again begin to exchange fists before Parker gets the upper hand with a well-timed European style uppercut. Parker then drives a knee into Venom’s chest before lifting his opponent up and draping him over the corner in a tree of woe. Parker steps back several feet before making his move, sliding forward and bouncing Venom’s head off of the bottom turnbuckle. Parker then pulls Venom out of the tree of woe and hooks him, delivering a vertical suplex. Parker keeps his grip tight on Lux’s head and tights, getting back up and delivering another suplex. Caelan Tyler: Parker’s got Venom hooked and is going for The Train, a series of suplexes that he uses to set up his finishers! Jake Steel: Now this is what I want to see, pure violence on that career-ending prick! As Parker foes for the third suplex in The Train, Xavier fires shots into Parker’s side, stalling Parker enough for Venom to reverse it and drop him with a snap suplex, leaving Parker prone. Both men are down, catching their breath as the referee begins to count. 1! Both men start to shift as the referee looks back and forth. 2! Parker grabs the bottom rope and starts to pull himself back up, but Venom still hasn’t really moved. 3! Parker is pulling himself up but now Venom has shifted and gotten to his knees. 4! Parker is up, but so is Venom, who greets him with a kick to the stomach before whipping him into the corner and following it up with a charging splash! Xavier then lifts Pete to the top turnbuckle before climbing up himself, positioning Parker on his shoulders before dropping him to ringside with Toxic! The crowd roars in approval as Venom slowly rolls Parker into the ring and goes for the cover! 1… 2… 3! Caelan Tyler: Venom got it! Jake Steel: NOOOOO! Zach King: Here is your winner and the man advancing in the Path of Destiny tournament… “Venom” Xavier Lux! Venom leaves the ring victorious, and stagehands quickly help Parker to the back as well.
The lights in the arena suddenly turn off. The crowd goes quiet, anticipating what is about to happen next. Spotlights suddenly kick on, revealing a large American flag hanging above the ring. After a few moments a covered sign begins to lower in front of the flag. As the sign reaches mid point the cover is pulled off revealing the words “KYLO8”. The fans erupt and “Hail to the Chief” begins to start playing. The lights in the arena come back up just as a man in a tux steps out onto the ramp. His bleach blonde hair is parted on the side and there is a huge smile on his less than handsome face. He throws both hands in the air, two fingers point up for each as red, white, and blue pyro explodes around him. Caelan Tyler: Holy shit it’s Kylo! I never thought I’d see him in a NLW ring! Jake Steel: I was holding out hope that we wouldn’t… As he begins to head down the ramp he stops every chance he can to shake someone’s hand. Just as he is about to reach the bottom he spots something in the crowd. He jumps the barrier and moves his way through the people to where there is a small baby. He grabs the baby from his mother’s arms and immediately gives it a kiss as some random person takes a photo. He gives the baby back and then continues to make his way into the ring. He makes sure to pose once more for the crowd before rolling into the ring. He walks around it for a moment, pointing at the American flag and his logo before pulling a microphone from inside his tux. Kylo: My fellow Americans… The crowd pops. Kylo: I stand before you on this evening not as an image of “change” or “hope” but that of an awesome future. For too long has our great country been made to look the fool. Made to look the fool by our own government. Is this how we want our country to be run, by a bunch of politicians? I say no, in fact I say hell no! Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Liberal, Conservative, Liberal Conservative, Conservative Liberal…I don’t give a fuck! The crowd erupts. Kylo: You may ask, “where are you going with this Mr. King of all things Awesome?”, and to those people I say “don’t interrupt me”. Everyone knows of the “big” races going on with the caucuses or primaries. The elephants fighting each other and the jackasses fight each other to see who will run. I say to you, my people, screw them all. I am officially announcing my candidacy for President of the United States of America! I present unto you my own party, The Pity Party. It’s the Pity Party because what has happened to this country is pitiful! It’s pitiful how we have been hoodwinked and swindled by those who promise to hell. I say to hell with them all! That is why I am here. My campaign trail will start here in NLW where I promise to earn your respect, your loyalty, and most importantly, your vote. If it takes me busting my ass off every time I come out to show you that I care, that’s what I’ll just have to do. I, along with my trust campaign manager Eriq Mobely, promise to it the campaign trail hard and go where no politician dare! I promise to speak the truth and call you a stupid ass if need be. I will never, ever, sugar coat what needs to be said, you all aren’t pussies, and you can handle it. I promise to be fair, yet critical. I will never flip flop on my position on anything. Everything I do, I do it for you. I also promise to never quote Bryan Adams again. Sorry, it happens. I promise to be your biweekly reminder for a better tomorrow, one without stupid ass shit! So ask not what your country can do for you, but what I can do for your country! Hail to the Chief, baby! Kylo drops the microphone and throws his fingers in the sky once again as the crowd erupts and “Hail to the Chief” starts to play again. Caelan Tyler: Kylo is running for president?! That does explain why Eriq Mobely was here earlier though… Jake Steel: This is one big nightmare… Someone pinch me to wake me up… OUCH DAMNIT! Caelan Tyler: Hey, you asked… Jake Steel: Son of a…
Zach King: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match scheduled for one fall, and it will determine who will advance to the next stage of the Path of Destiny tournament! The lights dim as flashing lights begin to light up the entrance ramp. 'Rebirthing' by Skillet begins to play as the crowd stands to their feet. As the orchestra gives way to a scream, pyro shoots from both sides as PIC jumps into view. The crowd erupts as the music picks up, with PIC firing them up on his way to the ring. He claps hands all along the ramp and around the ring, then slides under the bottom rope. As the song hits its chorus, he jumps up to the middle rope and extends both arms before slapping himself in the chest. Caelan Tyler: There’s PIC, who looks pumped to be out here after having been out of wrestling for a few years now. Jake Steel: He would’ve been wise to have stayed out, Arrington is gonna make him regret ever having come back. Caelan Tyler: If PIC is anything like I remember this will be a hell of a match. Zach King: Introducing first, from Charleston, West Virginia, making his NLW in-ring debut and weighing in at 235 pounds… PIC! And his opponent… The lights go out as 'Talkin' Out The Side Of Ya Neck' starts to play. The beat hits hard, and the lights come back on with an explosion behind Arrington at the top of the ramp. He walks down the ramp, casually touching fans' hands, but focusing on the ring. Zach King: …from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 186 pounds, he is a former NLW World Champion and a former two-time Anarchy X Champion, making his return tonight… TJ ARRINGTON! Arrington slides under the bottom rope and walks over to the far right turnbuckle, looking out into the audience. He steps down, and goes to the corresponding diagonal turnbuckle and holds his hands up arrogantly. He steps down and leans back against the ropes, he then goes to a corner and begins preparing for his opponent. Caelan Tyler: There is the former NLW and Anarchy X champion TJ Arrington, who looks cocky as usual. Jake Steel: You’d look cocky too if you were as good as he is Caelan, he holds the longest winning streak in NLW history and is the first man to ever win both the Anarchy X and NLW championship! The bell rings and the two immediately start swinging at each other as the referee has to jump out of the melee! Caelan Tyler: Whoa, these two aren’t waiting at all to tear into each other. Jake Steel: See, that’s the kind of intensity Arrington brings to the table. When he gets in there you’re in for a fight! Caelan Tyler: Definitely, if PIC doesn’t watch out he’s going to be in for a long night. A heated match begins to develop inside the ring, where PIC has used his height and leverage advantage to power Arrington into the corner. Laying into him with a series of kneelifts, PIC rears back and throws a headbutt into Arrington's midsection... and goes for another, but Arrington dodges, leaving PIC to go headfirst into the turnbuckle! Caelan Tyler: Looks like PIC went to the well once too many times and TJ made him pay for it! Jake Steel: Dude that is such as gay saying. Groggy, PIC takes a quick step back and is met by Arrington, who drops low and shoulderblocks PIC right in the knees! With PIC down, Arrington grabs his boot and starts laying in stiff kicks to PIC's right leg, pounding away on it as it slams against the mat. After four quick kicks, Arrington slams the leg down, leaving PIC clutching at Caelan Tyler: Arrington on the offensive, quickly showing the same skills that made him so successful the last go-around in NLW. Jake Steel: Come on Arrington, at least one of my boys need to advance tonight! Reaching down, Arrington goes to pick up PIC by the hair, but PIC stops him with a quick rake to the face. Getting to his feet, PIC whips Arrington into the ropes and levels him with a lariat! Focusing on Arrington's chest, PIC lays in stomps, drops a pair of quick elbows, and rolls Arrington over. Caelan Tyler: Momentum here has shifted back to PIC, who is also showing why he was one of most respected competitors in his heyday. Jake Steel: That was years ago Tyler, it’s about time PIC moved to the side and let the young lions like Arrington take over. PIC makes an attempt to lock his opponent in a Texas Cloverleaf, but he's cut short by a Arrington elbow to the jaw, sending him reeling. Arrington gets to his feet and looks to clothesline PIC over the top rope... but the former ICWF wrestler sees it coming and Caelan Tyler: And PIC forces the action to spill to the floor. These two are going at it something fierce here. Jake Steel: When you’re in there with Arrington you’re just another hapless victim, PIC just doesn’t realize it yet, but he will. Caelan Tyler: I wouldn’t write off PIC just yet, he is in control here. Climbing out to the ring apron, PIC heads to the second turnbuckle and comes FLYING off with an elbowdrop... but Arrington rolls out of the way, leaving PIC to SPLAT off the ground and both men are down! Jake Steel: Nice aim there! The referee begins the count out. 1 2 3 Arrington is first to his feet, dragging PIC up and rolling him onto the ring apron! The former NLW Champion hops up on the apron himself, and proceeds in tying his opponent up in the ropes. Caelan Tyler: There goes Arrington, who has shown in the past that he is willing to use anything and everything available to him in order to secure a victory, and the ropes are no exception. Jake Steel: Just watch for the innovation that’s about to take place. 4 5 6 With PIC tied up in the outside of the ring ropes, TJ Arrington pounds his fists first to the head of the former ICWFer and then to his stomach. Arrington then pauses to the enjoyment of the crowd, following up with another super kick directly to PIC's chin, knocking him out of the ropes and sprawling PIC in a sitting position against the apron! Jake Steel: BAM! Told you! Caelan Tyler: That certainly was some unique offense there by the former NLW champion. 7 8 Noticing the referee's count, Arrington grabs PIC by the head and rolls himself and his nemesis into the ring. There TJ Arrington continues the assault. Caelan Tyler: Arrington is just being relentless out there, pummeling PIC with rights. Jake Steel: Just like what he’s gonna do to your mom once he’s done here. Caelan Tyler: Are you serious Jake? Your mom jokes went out of style years ago… Jake Steel: Well your mom went out of style years ago! Caelan Tyler: …Sadly I can’t deny that… PIC is still hurt from the barrage of punches on the outside, so Arrington stands in waiting for him to rise. Struggling, PIC gets to his knees and Arrington advances on him, gearing up his fists for another series of punches. This wasn't what PIC had in mind for this match though, and he shows his distaste with an incredibly stiff punch to the gut of Arrington who is sent reeling to one corner of the ring. PIC slowly stands straight up, showing his experience by isolating his opposite number in the corner. Caelan Tyler: PIC showing his experience here over the younger wrestler. Jake Steel: PIC’s merely delaying the inevitable here. Arrington is gonna come out of no where and finish this. Almost as if performing through a mirror of what TJ Arrington just did outside the ring, PIC begins to punch TJ repeatedly first to the head and then to the body, locking up with the weary Arrington afterward. PIC then uses this lock-up to send TJ Arrington to the opposite corner with an Irish Whip, forcing the returning grappler to bounce sickly off of the steel turnbuckle and then capitalizing on the momentum of Arrington's bounce catching him with a jumping reverse crescent kick. Caelan Tyler: Now PIC with some innovative offense on Arrington! Jake Steel: PIC can be “innovative” all here wants, all he’s doing is wasting time here. They both fall to the canvas as the referee begins to engage in a double count. It appears as if PIC, who was already slightly beaten, had the wind knocked out of him when he smacked the mat after his jump while Arrington was rolling on the mat clutching his face, no doubt hurt by the boot of his adversary. Surprisingly, TJ Arrington is the 1 No! Easy kickout from PIC. Caelan Tyler: Arrington with the quick cover, but is unable to get the victory. Jake Steel: PIC would be wise not to make Arrington angry. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry. Back in the ring, Arrington is the first to take advantage as he hoists PIC up to his feet only to immediately knock him down again with an armbreaker DDT. TJ takes a breather as his opponent writhes in pain, pondering his next move. Wisely choosing to continue the assault on the NLW newcomer, Arrington lifts the prone PIC onto his shoulders and sets him up for a power bomb. However, PIC isn't as weak as TJ Arrington assumes he is. Soon, that fact is shown through the action of PIC rolling through the power bomb and locking Arrington in a painful looking Elevated Boston Crab! Caelan Tyler: PIC with the submission hold here. Jake Steel: Arrington isn’t going to tap, he’s no quitter, he’s a winner! Not that you have any idea what it is to win. Caelan Tyler: I’ve won plenty of matches in my time. Jake Steel: Not against guys like Arrington you haven’t. Arrington is fighting now as PIC increases his pressure on the neck and back, attempting to pull his opponent away from the ropes. However, Arrington manages to summon a mighty bluster of strength, throwing his body forward and grabbing the bottom rope, forcing PIC to abandon the hold. PIC then hops up onto the top turnbuckle, posing to the capacity crowd. Arrington slowly gets up and with both feet planted on the ground, PIC dives off with an immense amount of grace, performing a flipping senton and connecting with the torso of TJ Arrington. Caelan Tyler: PIC with a diving senton to take Arrington off his feet! If PIC had any rust coming into this he’s definitely not showing it now! Jake Steel: Arrington is just letting PIC get over confident is all. With his opponent down PIC immediately gets to work on the former champion using some of his trademark mat work. Grabbing TJ by the arm, PIC locks his adversary in an armbar for a few seconds, tearing away at the former NLW Champion's upper arm muscles. Relinquishing the hold, PIC then drops to the mat and applies a headlock. However, once again Arrington is able to reach deep down and find a final burst of strength. He struggles to rise to his feet, throwing fists into the gut of PIC as the former ICWF wrestler refuses to release the hold. Caelan Tyler: Arrington struggling to free himself, but PIC isn’t about to release his grip. Jake Steel: Oh he will, Arrington is not about to be denied! Eventually both men are back to their feet and Arrington bursts out of the submission hold, sending PIC staggering backwards. Just when it had looked like the momentum had shifted, however, PIC counters TJ's attempted clothesline with an arm drag. Both men immediately pop back up to their feet, but again Arrington is downed, this time courtesy of a knee to the gut and a Michinoku Driver! PIC, sensing that the end must be near, acknowledges the crowd by raising an arm in the air, before heading off towards the turnbuckles. He hops up to the top rope, facing his opponent, before leaping off with a 450 splash… Caelan Tyler: PIC’s going for The End Result! This could be it! Jake Steel: Not bloody likely. … but at the last minute Arrington rolls out of the way! PIC connects with the mat, almost knocking him out cold! With both men down and out, the referee begins another count. 1 2 3 Caelan Tyler: Both men are down here, Arrington having been able to move out of the way. Jake Steel: Told you that wouldn’t be it. Arrington is the first to stir, using the ropes as leverage as he drags himself to his feet. He shakes his head around, removing the spanners from the cogs, before hoisting his owned opponent to his feet. Arrington wastes no time whatsoever as he drops his opponent with a collapsing RKO that he calls the Tower of London! Jake Steel: Yes! It’s over! TJ makes the cover. 1 2 3? NO! Shoulder up! Shaking his head, surprised by the resilience of PIC, TJ hops back up to his feet, dragging his opponent up with him. He immediately punches PIC in the gut, causing him to arch over, before immediately nailing Lights Out! Again Arrington hooks the leg. 1 2 3! The bell rings as TJ Arrington hops to his feet, raising his arm in victory. Zach King: Ladies and Gentleman, here is your winner… TJ Caelan Tyler: PIC put up a valiant effort here in his debut in NLW, but the raw talent of TJ Arrington was just too much for him here tonight. I’d love to see these two lock up again sometime! Jake Steel: Why, so PIC can lose again? Let’s face it, Arrington is going to reclaim his NLW Championship! Who’s gonna stop him? Heat? Venom? He’s beaten them both! Caelan Tyler: Let’s not forget that both men have also beaten Arrington…
Charisma Finch is standing in the back with Marvelous Mario Maurako. Triple M: My thoughts are that The Marvelous One has been screwed. I mean I should have been going for the NLW Championship in the Path Of Destiny Tournament. I mean look at the so called talent that was placed into the tournament instead of me. It's ludicrous! The Marvelous One busts his ass for 15 years and what does the NLW show him for all his hard work? An Anarchy X Championship match? Well that's just going to have to do it for now, because after tonight you'll be looking at your NLW Anarchy X Champion. And after I put that Championship into my trophy case, I'll start gunning for the Path of Destiny winner.... because it should have been me. I don't care if it's Venom, or if it's Dalton- Charisma Finch: Venom! Great win tonight, looks like you are a step closer to retaining your Path of Destiny trophy? Venom: Thanks Charisma... Yeah, Pete Parker once again put up a hell of a fight, but he's not as good as he was the first time I faced him, and I was able to get past him. I'm not really sure who I'm facing next, but I am looking forward to it. Caelan Tyler: The Marvelous One just got snubbed! Jake Steel: Big time! You just don’t treat a legend like Triple M like that, who does Charisma think she is?!
The lights in the arena dim and “Sexy, Naughty, Bitchy” by Tata Young blares over the PA system and the fans explode in cheers. A few seconds later Jenny Owens steps out from behind the curtains. She stands at the top of the ramp and points to the curtains just as Annie Alvarez makes her way out, the pink sledgehammer in her hands. She stands next to Jenny and both women put their hands on the hips, taking in the cheers. They walk down the ramp and onto the steps. Jenny and Annie pose and the lights turn back to full power. Jenny walks along the apron and bends down, holding the first and second ropes apart for Annie. Annie gets in the ring and waits for Jenny to join her. Once in the ring Annie takes off her t-shirt revealing her tank top and hands it to Jenny. Jenny throws the shirt over her shoulder and exits the ring. Annie waits in the ring with her left hand on her hip, the sledgehammer tightly clenched in her right. Zach King: The following No Holds Barred match is scheduled for one fall with the NLW Anarchy X Championship on the line! Making her way to the ring, from Hollywood, California, weighing 130 pounds… Annie Alvarez! Caelan Tyler: Another of the debuting stars here tonight, Annie is making history by being the first female to ever compete inside a NLW ring. Jake Steel: Easily the best looking one too, although she’s probably in over her head here, against those two behemoths she’s facing. Caelan Tyler: She does have a quite noticeable size disadvantage here… Caelan Tyler: Both men have 9 inches of height and over double her weight! Noticeable nothing! The echoes of wind blowing fill the arena, followed by the whine of an electric guitar as Bon Jovi's 'Blaze of Glory' hits. A few moments later, the instrumental ends as Jon Bon Jovi sings, a capella: Phoenix's face is simply a mask of concentration as he adjusts the straps on his red fingerless gloves. As he reaches one of the stairs to ascend to the apron, he stops, takes a deep breath, and lets out a primal scream to the heavens before climbing the stairs. He then enters the ring; bouncing off of the ropes on each side to stretch out a bit before the match starts. Caelan Tyler: Yet another debuting star here is The Phoenix, of which we know very little of. He’s never competed in any company I’ve seen. Caelan Tyler: He’s one scary looking dude though, I wouldn’t want to fuck with him in a dark alley. 'Ego' By Element 80 hits and 'Marvelous' Mario Maurako emerges wearing a long red trench coat and carrying a barbed wire 2x4. Mario Maurako pauses on top of the ramp and holds up his 2x4 before leisurely making his way down the aisle. Once in the ring Triple M walks over to the turnbuckle and strikes it with his 2x4 and fireworks shoot up from the turnbuckles. Zach King: And the last participant in the match, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, weighing in at 260 pounds… “Marvelous” Mario Maurako! Caelan Tyler: And there is Triple M, a legend in this business who is quite upset with how he’s been treated in NLW thus far. Jake Steel: As he should be, both Charisma and Venom failed to show him the respect a man of his stature deserves! Mario strikes a pose to taunt the crowd, but before the referee can even call for the bell to start the match The Phoenix rushes over, driving an elbow into the back of Triple M’s head! Caught off-guard, Triple M tumbles to the mat, where both The Phoenix and Annie begin to stomp on him. The Phoenix raises one of his kendo sticks and brings it down hard against Triple M’s side, making a load “CRAACK” as the crowd “ohh’s” in response. Again, The Phoenix brings the stick down as Triple M writhes in pain. The Phoenix raises the stick to go for a trifecta but is cut off by Annie, who drives her fifteen pound sledge right into Phoenix’s midsection before bringing the head of the sledge up under Phoenix’s chin! Annie quickly covers him, attempting to end this quickly! 1… 2… No, Mario pulls Annie up off of Phoenix and slams her to the mat with a body slam! Caelan Tyler: Annie tried to end this as quickly as possible, but Triple M was having none of that! Jake Steel: Considering the size differences here that’s about the only way she’s gonna pull out this one, by pulling a fast one. Don’t know about you, but I’d let her pull a fast one on me, if you know what I’m saying… Caelan Tyler: Ugh… Annie gets back to her feet, only to immediately be taken down by a clubbing clothesline from the powerhouse Triple M, who seems to me taking great pleasure from administering punishment to the smaller wrestler. Annie gets back up and Triple M goes for another clothesline, but this time Annie is ready and catches him with an arm drag. Both wrestlers pop up, and Annie catches Triple M with a dropkick, sending him over the top rope to the outside! Annie backs up as the crowd cheers, knowing that she’s looking to follow this up with a move to the outside, but as she starts to make her way to the ropes The Phoenix cuts her off with a massive spear! He quickly goes for the pin as the crowd boos. Caelan Tyler: The crowd seems to have taken to Annie, although they aren’t the least bit pleased with the treatment she’s getting here. Jake Steel: It’s a tough world out there. 1… 2… No, Annie is able to get her shoulder up! Triple M quickly slides into the ring, carrying a metal trash can, which he brings down across The Phoenix’s back before lifting the big man up and suplexing him onto it. Triple M follows it up with an elbow drop before turning his attention to Annie, who is trying to get to her feet. Triple M charges her, but she’s able to catch him with a roundhouse kick! She quickly pulls Triple M to his feet before dropping him with a swinging neckbreaker. Once he’s down again, Annie walks over to where she had dropped her sledge and picks it up as the crowd cheers for her. Caelan Tyler: Annie is back in control here and is looking to make use of that sledgehammer she brought to the ring. Jake Steel: Which is a good move by her, you don’t wanna get caught defenseless with guys like Triple M. Annie turns to use the sledge, but is cut off by The Phoenix, who peppers her with rights and then flings her across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Triple M gets to his feet and begins to trade rights with The Phoenix before Phoenix gets the upper-hand with a thumb to the eye. The Phoenix then locks on a headlock, dragging Triple M to the mat. Annie rolls to the outside, looking to catch her breath as Triple M struggles to break free of the headlock. Caelan Tyler: Now the two bigger combatants are going at it, and Annie wisely bailed to the outside to catch a breather. Jake Steel: Yeah, although I’m not sure what The Phoenix is looking to accomplish here, you’re not gonna put down a guy like Triple M with a headlock! The Phoenix continues to apply pressure on Triple M’s head as Triple M tries to power his way back up, but Phoenix is able to use his bulk for leverage over the powerhouse until Annie rolls back into the ring, drilling Phoenix on the crown of his skull with a vicious chair shot! Phoenix immediately releases the hold and rolls to the outside in agony as Annie shifts her positioning and brings the chair down across the back of Triple M, who is struggling to get back to a vertical back. The shot knock him down to his knees, but he is able to catch the chair mid-swing the second time around, and forcibly yanks it from Annie’s grip, tossing it across the ring. Caelan Tyler: Annie once again making use of the no disqualification clause in the match by using a chair, although it looks like she’s merely pissed off Maurako with that one. Jake Steel: Well was nice knowing you Annie. Triple M gets back to his vertical base as Annie grabs the nearest object to her, Triple M’s own barbed wire 2x4! She drives it into the stomach of Triple M before dropping it and hitting him with a swinging DDT! She goes for the pin attempt! Caelan Tyler: Annie able to quickly recover from being disarmed, but is it enough for the victory? 1… 2… No, Phoenix is able to break up the pin this time, grabbing Annie’s foot and yanking her to the outside of the ring. He begins to deliver forearms to Annie before lifting her up in a press and dropping her chest-first across the guard rail! The crowd starts to boo The Phoenix as he continues his assault, nailing Annie in the back with elbows. The Phoenix goes to look under the ring for something to use when he gets tapped on the shoulder. The Phoenix turns around, and catches a haymaker for his curiosity from Triple M, who is now bleeding from several scratches along his chest from the barbed wire. Triple M then whips Phoenix, sending him barreling over the ring steps, the crowd getting into the mayhem even if they don’t like these two. Triple M then walks over to where The Phoenix landed, a look of disgust on his face as he wipes some of the blood from his chest. Caelan Tyler: Triple M is bleeding from the puncture wounds of the barbed wire. Jake Steel: Man does he look pissed. I wouldn’t want to be The Phoenix or Annie. Caelan Tyler: Certainly not. As Triple M reaches his destination The Phoenix is already getting to his feet and the two men begin to brawl, Triple M starts to get the upper-hand when Annie comes around the crowd, blasting both in the face with the fire extinguisher! She then uses the extinguisher like a club, hitting Triple M first in the gut then in the back of the head, dropping him to the ground. The Phoenix steps backwards, leaning against the guard rail as he wipes the chemicals from his eyes. Annie goes to blast him again, but this time Phoenix is prepared and thinking quickly he grabs the “Draco Fears The Danger Man!” sign from the fan at ringside and uses it like a makeshift shield to protect himself from the blast before charging forward, barreling Annie over. Caelan Tyler: Smart move by The Phoenix there, using his surroundings to his advantage. Jake Steel: And he ruined that fan’s stupid sign in the process! Everyone knows Draco doesn’t fear Harvey Danger! Caelan Tyler: And you would know this why? Jake Steel: Come on now, you’ve met Draco before, the only thing he fears is his ice machine being busted. Caelan Tyler: …I don’t even want to know… Lifting Annie up, The Phoenix charges the ring post, slamming her back-first into it. The Phoenix then unceremoniously drops her to the floor, turning his attentions to Triple M. The Phoenix delivers a few shots to Triple M before rolling him into the ring, lifting him up into a Fireman’s style carry before bringing him back down with the Death Valley Driver that he calls “Immolation”. The Phoenix then goes for the pin. 1… 2… No, Triple M manages to get his shoulder up just in the nick of time! Caelan Tyler: The Phoenix went for the cover, but Triple M showed great endurance there by kicking out. Jake Steel: Triple M is still my pick to win this here. He’s just too good to fall to a couple of no names in this neck of woods. Undaunted, The Phoenix moves over to the turnbuckle and begins to climb slowly, showing some signs of fatigue from the beating that each competitor has taken thus far. By the time he gets to the top rope and positions himself Triple M is able to get up and lunge over, hitting the top rope and knocking The Phoenix off balance. Phoenix falls in the most uncomfortable of ways, leaving him sitting prone on the top turnbuckle as Triple M begins to climb himself, hooking The Phoenix and pulling him over, dropping him dead center of the ring with a superplex! Both men are left lying prone, neither man able to capitalize on the big move when Alvarez slides into the ring, quickly covering The Phoenix! Caelan Tyler: Annie attempting to steal one! 1… 2… No, he’s able to just barely get the shoulder up! Shaking her head, she quickly shifts and attempts to pin Triple M instead! 1… 2… Unfortunately for Annie, this attempt is met with the same results as the last! Caelan Tyler: Twice Annie tried to capitalize on that superplex and both times she was unable to do so! Any chance you think her lack of weight had anything to do with it? Jake Steel: Well it’s kinda tough to keep someone pinned when you got nothing to put into it. Annie grabs one of the kendo sticks, and in frustration of her inability to steal the win there she begins wailing on the back and side of The Phoenix with the weapon, The Phoenix wincing and groaning with each blow. While she continues this assault on The Phoenix’s physical being Triple M gets to his feet and quickly positions himself behind Annie, locking her into a full nelson. Annie is forced to drop the kendo stick as Triple M lifts her into the air and slams her hard into the mat with the Super Mario! Triple M then pulls her back up and locks on the Marvelosity, hoping to knock her out and pick up the victory. Caelan Tyler: Triple M with his Marvelosity full nelson here, this may be it. Jake Steel: I know you’ve fought hard Annie but it just might be time to throw in the towel here, Triple M is gonna snap your neck like a dandelion if you don’t! Please, for the good of the fans of your issue of Playboy! Annie struggles to free herself but it’s apparent to anyone watching that she has no way of overpowering someone twice her size when she gets the most unlikely of saviors in The Phoenix, who brings a kendo stick down across the back of Triple M! Triple M releases the hold, and is quickly knocked off his feet with a clothesline with the kendo stick! The Phoenix drops the kendo stick and pulls Triple M up, hooking his head and leg before bringing him over and down to the mat with a fisherman’s suplex! The Phoenix holds the bridge for the pin attempt! 1… 2… No, Triple M is able to power his way out of the bridge! The Phoenix gets back to his feet, delivering boots to Triple M, who is trying to get back up as well. Caelan Tyler:Triple M is taking a hell of a beating out there but neither Phoenix nor Annie has been able to capitalize with a victory here. Jake Steel: Triple M is just too good. Triple M gets to a vertical base and both him and The Phoenix start to trade blows when Annie makes her presence felt once again, nailing Triple M with a superkick! Triple M falls to the mat and Annie quickly follows that up with a spinning heel kick to Phoenix! The crowd roars in approval as Annie pulls The Phoenix back up and hooks his arms, dropping him with Kiss The Mat! She goes for the pin! Caelan Tyler: Annie’s finisher! Can she do it? Jake Steel: If she’s gonna pull this out now’s the time! 1… 2… 3… No, before the referee can complete the count Triple M pulls Annie to her feet by her hair, driving a knee to her gut before wrapping an arm across her chest and lifting her up, driving her back-first into the very same chair Annie had introduced into the match with the Simply Marvelous! The match has taken too much out of Triple M to immediately capitalize on, however, and it takes him a few moments to hook the leg. Caelan Tyler: What a painful looking move by Triple M there! Jake Steel: Crunch! 1… 2… No, The Phoenix pulls Triple M off of Annie and quickly locks a grapevine on Triple M’s right leg before slapping on an anklelock, hooking Triple M in The Blaze of Glory! Triple M yells out in agony as a man makes a beeline down the entrance ramp, sliding into the ring! Caelan Tyler: What the hell, that’s the former Anarchy X champion Ice Man! Jake Steel: Well he never did lose that title, and man does he look pissed about it! The now identified Ice Man stands up as The Phoenix releases the hold, and the two men begin to trade blows before the fresh Ice Man catches him with a kneelift and hoists the big man onto his shoulders. Ice Man then spins Phoenix’s body while dropping driving him down head-first with The Ice Pick! Caelan Tyler: Down goes Phoenix to The Ice Pick! Ice Man has no business being out here, but he’s just ripping through the competitors here. Jake Steel: he has every right to be out here, that was his title and it was taken from him without him having lost it! The Ice Man then moves to the corner, where he quickly climbs to the top and launches himself off, nailing his Avalanche frog splash on Annie, driving the petite grappler again into the steel chair. Satisfied with the destruction he’s caused, The Ice Man bails from the ring, walking up the entrance ramp as Triple M crawls over and drapes his arm over Annie. Caelan Tyler: No, not like this…. 1… 2… 3! Jake Steel: Whoo! I told you Triple M would pull through! The bell rings and the crowd boos loudly as Triple M looks over to the ramp, where Ice Man is smirking as he makes his exit, making a belt gesture to his own waist as the referee hands Triple M his newly won Anarchy X Championship. Zach King: Here is your winner and the NEW Anarchy X Champion… “Marvelous” Mario Maurako! Caelan Tyler: Whoa, Ice Man making a statement tonight, although Triple M’s prediction did come true, he is the new Anarchy X champion! Jake Steel: As if there was any doubt? Caelan Tyler: I thought so, both Annie and The Phoenix were putting up a hell of a fight until The Ice Man made his presence felt. We’re outta time folks, see you next Uprising! With that the scene fades with Triple M holding up his new title and taunting the crowd.
Are you ready for me? Cause I'm ready for you
When the bell rings out and the fight is on
Are you ready for me? Cause I'm ready for you
Throw up what you want to throw up at me
But when you mess with those that are around me
That's when you and I will have a problem
This time, I will not stand by
I am coming, and if I come, then pain is coming with me
I'm coming, and pain will be with me
intention to turn into one of the many unoccupied parking bays.
upon in person. Not only that, but his eyes are massive and entirely black, like spheres of oil. A slightly larger segment of the crowd cheer at the sight of a familiar-looking little green man.
'Schnit… The Notorious G-R-O-B…!?!
Andy; probably not somebody you want to get on the bad side of.
take it that this is the 'one other'?
matter of the utmost importance! It is imperative that you meet me in Scotland precisely fourteen days from now. I cannot reveal the subject matter through the medium of letter as if it were to be intercepted by the wrong person then we could have a whole lot of trouble on our hands… it'd be like World War III or something! Seriously, be there…
it's REALLY important! Yours sincerely, JA.'
Brad Dalton versus Trent King
And I know what girls want
You think of me
C'mon it's not that dirty
'Cause I've got that stare
I've got the glare, the things you want in me
You've got me running
I know what girls want
I got it inside
It's dirty, dirty
I know what girls want
I got it inside
It's dirty, dirty
Kevin Heat versus Charles Minister
“I… won’t back down!
I will not bow!
(I’ve come to bring you hell)”
As the chorus of “Won’t Back Down” by Fuel begins to play, Kevin Heat walks out with a smug smirk on his face. He seems to ignore all the cheers sent his way as he walks down to the ring as if he owns the place, stopping to get a good look at the fan’s faces every once in a while and shaking his head. He enters the ring gradually, taking off the NLW Juniorweight title and holding it in the air.
back of the head by Minister! Another cover by Charles…
mat. Heat springs back to his feet, arching forward as he catches his breath. Eventually, a groggy Minister manages to pull himself back to his feet, only to turn and stumble into a superkick straight to the chest! The crowd 'OOOOH'S!' at the impact!
man who will now advance to the next stage of the Path of Destiny
tournament… KEVIN HEAT!
Kevin Heat: In a winter as cold as this one, it feels good to bring the Heat back to Milwaukee…
The crowd pops, praising their city proudly. Kevin smiles again, but continues.
Kevin Heat: I would personally like to welcome each and every one you back to NLW Uprising. Sully may have had his few words, but we’re the real reason you’re here, right?
The crowd makes its answer known with a round of cheers.
Kevin Heat: Good! I tell you it has been a hell of a time since NLW last opened its doors, but the important thing is that New Legends of Wrestling is back open. And what better place to announce my rebirth than the most awesomely uninteresting city in the country!
Some of the crowd cheers, keeping up the energy, but quite a few seems to realize exactly what he just said.
Kevin Heat: No, I’m serious. Milwaukee isn’t exactly New York City or Los Angeles. It doesn’t really have any national landmarks in it. It hardly has a basketball team. If it wasn’t for the fact that good old Jack Sullivan was from here, I’m guessing NLW wouldn’t even touch this speck of land. I mean, I never would have picked it myself. Who goes to Milwaukee to make a statement? But I guess it will have to do.
Most of the crowd doesn’t know what to think. Some even audibly booing the same person they had moments ago been cheering.
Kevin Heat: You see, I look back at my previous run in NLW and I see many things. I see my record, which as most of you know, can speak for itself. I see me as about the same person I am today – strong, smart, and one of the hottest little badgers on the NLW roster! But I also see a problem. No, not a problem with me. I realized only too late in my career that the problem had nothing to do with me. I’m fine – great – fan-freaking-tastic, if I do say so myself! No, the problem, fans, that has plagued me for so long… was you!
Kevin points out at the stunned fans with an accusing stare.
Kevin Heat: You were the ones I put my faith into! I figured the fans were happy, I was happy. I could win matches; get adoration from all my loyal fans, and get a paycheck all at the same time! Well, that all ended the day that NLW last closed its doors. There I was out of the job once again thinking, hoping that some of my fans would care enough to say “great job” or “good luck”. Did they? …Of course not! You self-important retards went on with your daily lives, probably laughed at me if I came up at all!
Kevin ignores the obvious disdain from the crowd, sneering out at them.
Kevin Heat: No, no, no! You had your chance. You slack-jawed losers blew it, not me! I’m the one that wins the titles! I’m the one that puts your asses in the seats! It’s about time that I took all the glory for myself! And when I win this Path of Destiny tournament, I’m going to be the one looking down at all of you!
Boos erupt from the crowd, overwhelming Kevin in the ring.
Kevin Heat: Keep your pitiful scrutiny… you know I’m right. And when I win the NLW Championship, I want to hear each and every one of you apologize to my face.
Kevin tosses the microphone out of the ring and stares out at the crowd as another wave of boos hit him. He smiles and shakes his head disapprovingly. As he exits the ring, “Won’t Back Down” starts again from the chorus following him up the ramp and to the back.
“Pornstar” Pete Parker versus “Venom” Xavier Lux
The bell rings as Venom stands, his arm raised by the referee in victory.
PIC versus TJ Arrington
his knee. But Arrington picks up the assault by lifting PIC to his feet, and then putting him down again with a superkick right to the jaw!
back body drops Arrington over the top rope to the hard floor below!
first one up, and in an intelligent move, covers PIC for the pinfall.
ARRINGTON!
Charisma Finch: Mario Maurako tonight you're trying to be the first Anarchy X Champion of 2008. What are you're thoughts on this?
Venom and Paco walk by, behind Triple M and Charisma Finch, who notices him. She leaves Triple M in mid sentence, and chases after Venom.
Triple M is in the background, shocked about what just happened.
Charisma Finch: I'm sure you are, what do you think of some wrestlers around NLW who aren't happy how the drawing for the tournament was done?
Venom: You know, I got no control over that. Sullivan picked who he thought was best suited for the tournament, I'm just glad I got a shot at keeping my 'marvelous' trophy. But in my honest opinion, if you ain't in the tournament, it's because you ain't good enough. Simple as that. I gotta get going Charisma.
Charisma Finch: Thanks for your time Venom.
Venom nods and walks away along with Paco, right past Triple M, ignoring him as Triple M just looks at them, seething with jealousy.
The Phoenix versus Annie Alvarez versus “Marvelous” Mario Maurako
Wake up in the morning and I raise my weary head,
Got an old coat for a pillow, and the earth was last night's bed.
I don't know where I'm going; only God knows where I've been,
I'm a devil on the run, a six-gun lover, a candle in the wind....
Then, as the instruments flare up again, a plume of fire erupts at the top of the aisle, and as it dies one can see the figure of a rather large man walking deliberately to the ring, dual kendo sticks in hand. It is at this point that the introduction is made.
Zach King: Making his way to the ring, from The End of Nowhere, weighing 365 pounds… The Phoenix!