'Game On' by Discipline begins to play as the words 'NLW' flash across the screen, followed by images of the last Uprising. The debuting Bill Housetin defeated Plague. Eliminator defeated Jin Royale. Aphrodisia Jordan defeated Harvey Danger. PIC won a triple threat match involving Sebastian Ashe and The Ice Man by pinning Ashe. Fusion defeated Society for the Tag Team Championships, and in the main event The Phoenix captured the NLW Legacy Championship by choking out Draco. The scene cuts to ringside, with Caelan Tyler and Jake Steel.

Caelan Tyler: Hello and welcome to Uprising! Caelan Tyler here with 'The Real Deal' Jake Steel, and we got an action-packed show for you tonight!

Jake Steel: Gold Rush!

Caelan Tyler: That's right, the Gold Rush tournament starts tonight, with 4 matches of the opening round taking place. We also got the debuting Joey Vasco taking on Eliminator, Aphrodisia Jordan taking on Archangel, and The Ice Man defending his NLW Championship against Vincent Kane in a Freezer match!

Jake Steel: I'm pumped!

Caelan Tyler: Indeed, although we did hear that Vincent Kane got hurt earlier this week and may not be 100%.

Jake Steel: He'll still win, Society always finds a way.

Caelan Tyler: Like they did against Fusion?

Jake Steel: Shush you.

Charisma Finch loves getting assignments like this. Her heels click along the tile as she walks, rather animatedly, towards her destination. The cameraman, who is a world-class pervert, makes sure to get a good long look at her legs before panning upwards to her face. She doesn't mind. Hell, she isn't even looking at the camera. In one hand she's got an NLW mic and in the other are a few slightly-curled index cards. Just some insurance. If you asked her, she'd say she's good at her job. She makes people watch the interviews.

Yeah she does.

And tonight, who's interview is she gonna make people watch first? Her interview with the Phoenix, the new Legacy champion. Excited? Hell, she is freaking thrilled about this. Go out and win the gold and you're after her heart. Her skirt isn't slutty-short, but she's no schoolmarm. She wants him to notice.

She sees the name embossed on the door she was told to go to and she can't help but smile. She pushes the door in and steps in... to darkness. She blinks curiously, looking around.

Charisma Finch: Phoenix?

Voice: Close the door, girl.

The voice isn't the Phoenix's, but it is firm and Charisma feels like it would be best for all involved she just slid inside and closed the door. She trembles slightly, but only slightly. Only slightly.

She jumps when a match is sparked. Danny Boy Vegas's grinning face is lit up as well as the match can manage. He brings the fire to a cigarette, which is duly lit before he shakes the flame out. The end of the cig burns red.

Charisma Finch: Um... isn't that... illegal?

Danny Boy Vegas: I've been here one week, right?

Charisma nods her head. When he doesn't respond, she realizes why.

Charisma Finch: Uh huh?

Danny Boy Vegas: And in that one week, in that one, brief appearance, did I strike you as someone who gave a fuck about legality?

And this time, DBV seems to understand her silence perfectly, because he goes right on.

Danny Boy Vegas: Who'd you come here to see?

Charisma Finch: Um, this is the Phoenix's dressing room, right?

Danny Boy chuckles.

Danny Boy Vegas: Well, he wasn't using it, so I figured I'd meet you here.

Charisma Finch: You mean he isn't even here?

Danny Boy Vegas: I ain't seen him.

Charisma stamps her foot.

Charisma Finch: Nertz!

Danny Boy Vegas: But while you're here, you might as well pick my brain, right?

Charisma's hand drifts back towards the doorknob. She is trembling slightly, slightly, slightly trembling, slightly.

Charisma Finch: Um, actually, I think I better go.

Danny Boy Vegas: You know, it'd probably be illegal to waste you with my bare hands, too.

DBV takes a long, audible drag on his cigarette.

Danny Boy Vegas: If you understand what I mean.

And despite the way she got into this business, the way she's conducted herself so far, Charisma Finch understands him completely. Her hand leaves the doorknob. She re-flexes her fingers around the microphone. After a short wait, DBV is apparently satisfied that she's going nowhere.

Danny Boy Vegas: So what did you want to know?

Charisma tries to focus her eyes on the glowing red circle and finds that she immediately wants to look away.

Charisma Finch: Ah... uhm... wh-why Society?

Danny Boy Vegas: Why Society? Why Society what? Why does Society think it's better than everybody else? I dunno. You gonna prove us wrong? Everybody saw what happened with Fusion's win. Pieces of shit like Draco get eaten up by pieces of shit like the Phoenix. His only job is sneaking in to fuck things up. You think Draco gets ahead in wrestling? He doesn't, not with people like Society around. You think he's gonna survive too long? He's not.

Another long drag. Charisma can see the smoke as he blows it out. It's light against the blackness.

Danny Boy Vegas: Why did I rejoin them? 'Cause what else was I gonna do? See, I believe in the things they do. Could I have sucked it up and gone along with the Ice Man and the Phoenix and all of those idiots with their heads crammed in each others' asses? Yeah, I could have. I could have made a lot of money doing it. And if that was what I was concerned about, that would have been fine. But it isn't. What I'm concerned about is bringing back a certain credibility. People believed that Jackson and Kane were the tag champions because they were good. You think people are gonna buy Talon and the Jackrabbit as champs for long? No sale. Everybody knows how they won and the only way they'll stand up to real competition is to keep repeating that shit.

Charisma watches as that cigarette dances around; DBV is in the process of ashing it.

Danny Boy Vegas: You want to know why the Ice Man keeps his belt? Because he does ridiculous shit like freezer matches. What kind of retarded shit is that? Is it because he can't keep someone down for the pin? No. That's not it. He can't keep Vincent Kane down for the pin, he can't keep Society down for the pin. It's not because he's good, it's because he eliminates the challenge. The only people who are worthy of a shot at that belt are in Society and the Ice Man... well. He's running scared.

DBV lifts the cigarette vertically so that Charisma can see he isn't wearing his sunglasses, that he's staring right at her, grinning like a wolf.

Danny Boy Vegas: Society's down to one championship. That's okay. You think the Ice Man will even want his belt after what happened to him last Uprising happens a few more times? You think we're scared to do it? No, scared is the last thing we are. We'll put him in the goddamn hospital if that's what it takes.

Charisma can see crinkle at the edge of DBV's eye.

Danny Boy Vegas: Somethin' else you wanted to know, doll?

Charisma weighed it in her mind. She could just say no. Maybe he'd let her go. But she found herself speaking and it wasn't what she had intended to say.

Charisma Finch: Wh-why the Ice Man?

Danny Boy Vegas laughed and the cigarette wavered. He took a drag off of it.

Danny Boy Vegas: Who else is there? He's the champ! He's got the target...

DBV turns the cigarette, pointing its glowing end straight at Charisma. She can feel her heart in her throat. Her eyes bulge wide.

Danny Boy Vegas: ...painted on his forehead. Everybody's gunning for him. As much as I hate to admit it, he is the man to beat. It won't be hard to beat him, but we have to do it. Getting the tag titles back will be cake. Walking all over the Phoenix won't be any harder. It's just better if we do it top down. Makes ya feel it, y'know?

DBV shifted and Charisma was certain he was leaning forward or something, something that meant he was getting closer to here rather than farther away. The way she couldn't see him made her knees want to slam into each other.

Danny Boy Vegas: We could make Phoenix our bitch in three seconds flat, but what would that do? People would say 'Oh, you gotta beat Fusion! Oh, Jin Royale's right in line for that belt! Oh this! Oh that! Oh, you guys aren't shit 'cause-a blah blah blah.' But you take the Ice Man's belt, you flip him on his back, and suddenly all anybody can say is “Oh shit!” Oh shit 'cause... what's left? Is there any other proof you need? Who else do we have to beat? Oh shit 'cause that was the last thing we had to do to show you why we own this place, the thing you thought we'd never do, and the thing we just did.

Danny pauses to take another drag on the cigarette. Charisma watches that ring of heat glow brighter.

Danny Boy Vegas: Oh shit 'cause suddenly... suddenly we are in charge. Absolutely. And you feel it when you turn on that TV. You feel it when you want some undiluted, company-fed asshole to walk down the aisle with that belt... but all you've got is Society. You feel it in your gut. Right here.

The cigarette lowers to just about his stomach.

Danny Boy Vegas: And it scares you. 'Cause you know there's nothing you can do.

There is a long silence. Danny Boy Vegas is casually smoking his cigarette down. Charisma can't get a hold of herself for a while. The fact that she can't see is not calming. She reaches back and grabs the doorknob again. It clatters as she tries to work it.

Danny Boy Vegas: Get on outta here. You can meet the Phoenix next time. Tell him I thought his room was nice.

Charisma Finch eagerly follows his advice, leaving him presumably alone in the room.

Caelan Tyler: Charisma certainly got more than she bargained for there.

Jake Steel: No kidding, I'd recommend she stay the fuck away from DBV in the future.

Caelan Tyler: Agreed.

We're taken backstage to a seemingly empty hallway. The view pans out from a label on a door that says 'Aphrodisia Jordan'. The door opens, but there's no one in the crack of the frame. Faint clip-clops are heard as the door closes again. The camera pans back and forth from one side to the other of the hallway to find the source of the noise and to determine what exactly opened the door. Suddenly, the camera goes wild. There are a few loud snorts as the camera tips back and fuzzes out briefly. When it comes back, the grunts and curses of the cameraman are heard. The sporadic camera view gives a few shots of a small, black beast before the animal slams his forehead into the lens and breaks it, sending the image to static.

Jake Steel: ...The hell?

Caelan Tyler: My thoughts exactly...

The Ice Man sits in his locker room, preparing for his match. He sifts through his bag and pulls out several polaroids. He takes his time looking through them before tossing them to the side.

The Ice Man: People may think I got lucky. I have to prove them wrong, partly for me, but mainly for you. You are the only reason I am no longer on the street.

The Ice Man stuff the pictures back into his bag and pulls out his belt, kissing it.

The Ice Man: You're mine, and I plan to keep it that way.

Caelan Tyler: Ice Man seems focused on keeping his title here tonight.

Jake Steel: We'll see what happens.

Caelan Tyler: Here comes Joey Vasco. Something about this guy doesn't rub me the right way.

Jake Steel: We don't need to hear about your backdoor negotiations, Cael.

Caelan Tyler: I give up. You call this show yourself, Steel.

Tyler reaches up and turns off his headset, then glares expectantly at Steel.

Jake Steel: Uh...

Multi-colored strobe lights flash about the entrance portal in a wild pattern, flitting across the crowd in a dizzying array of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. The big screen lights up with a gigantic picture of the Hawaiian flag fluttering in a cool, calm Hawaiian breeze. Sudden shots skitter across the big screen: J.V. punching a heavy bag, J.V. rolling with the likes of Verissmo Charuto, Ross 'Da Boss', BJ Penn, pictures of his hometown brazed gold in the dying sunlight of another beautiful Hawaiian day, and surf crashing onto black sand beaches. Smoke belches from the entrance as the heavy reggae tones of Bob Marley's 'Crazy Baldheads' rolls forth.

Them crazy, them crazy
We gonna chase those crazy
Baldheads out of town
Chase those crazy baldheads
Out of town

I and I build a cabin
I and I plant the corn
Didn't my people before me
Slave for this country
Now you look me with a scorn
Then you eat up all my corn

Joey Vasco steps out onto the entrance portal in a black T-Shirt emblazoned with a Full Contact Fighter logo on the front along with a Toe-2-Toe logo running down the left sleeve of the baggy shirt. Below the waist he is clad of red and black Sprawl shorts. On the right leg is a stencil of the Hawaiian islands with the Island of Hawaiia colored in a deep shade of crimson. His fists are heavily taped as are his feet. On his head is a Tapout cap in a shade of grey and black camo. Sweat runs down his face and he bounces from foot to foot, eyes locked on the ring.

We gonna chase those crazy baldheads
Chase them crazy
Chase those crazy baldheads out of town

Build your penitentiary, we build your schools
Brainwash education to make us the fools
Hate is your reward for our love
Telling us of your God above

We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy bunkheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of town

J.V. steps through the smoke and stalks down to the ring. His walk is stiff at first and then he breaks into a trot, slipping from his shirt as he goes. The black tee hits the entrance ramp as he turns the jog into a dead sprint. After sliding into the ring Vasco does a quick lap around the ring, sliding from foot to foot, moving from side to side, eyes down at his feet.

Here comes the conman
Coming with his con plan
We won't take no bribe, we got stay alive

We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy baldheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of town

The music comes to an end and Zach King grabs the mic.

Zach King: The following match is our opening bout and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Minneapolis, Minnesota by way of Pahoa, Hawaii, standing five feet and eleven inches tall, weighing in at two hundred and forty-five pounds... ladies and gentlemen, fans of the NLW, allow me to introduce... JOEY VASCO!

Jake Steel: The, uh, intens- intensimification this guy brings to the game is... it's really something.

He shoots a dirty look at Tyler.

Jake Steel: Something really boring. And, yeah, next we've got the Eliminator, I guess. After he went that soft on Royale, he should call himself the Excretor.

'Thunderkiss '65' plays as Eliminator makes his way from the back. He slowly walks to the ring, paying no attention to the crowd. He methodically walks up the stairs, and keeps one eye on the opponent. He paces around the ring, staring down his opponent.

Jake Steel: Yeah, you know what this entrance is for me? A prelude to a NAP.

The bell sounds and Eliminator advances directly toward Vasco, his powerful arms ready to grapple. Joey backs up into the turnbuckle just as Eliminator makes contact and the referee calls for a clean break. Eliminator immediately corresponds, but Vasco makes contact with a quick low roundhouse to the outer side of his thigh as he backs away.

Jake Steel: Joey Vasco blah blah kick to the leg blah.

Eliminator steps in with a devastating haymaker, which Joey Vasco manages to sidestep. The hulking powerhouse swivels and charges with a clothesline, which the smaller mixed martial artist lunges beneath. Eliminator whirls to face him and puts his hands out for a test of strength. Vasco repeatedly fakes the lock, then slaps his opponent's hand away.

Jake Steel: Now, see, Vasco's wrestling with his head. And his hands.

Steel looks over at Caelan Tyler, who's glowering in disgust with his headset still off. Eliminator snarls in anger as Joey Vasco continues to circle away from his attacks and refuse to tie up. Stepping lightly the Hawaiian fighter shuffles to the right, trying to circle outside of a collar-elbow attempt. Suddenly, Joey steps in and rattles off a high two punch combo.

Jake Steel: POP POP! Jab straight!

Both shots hit Eliminator flush in the face, mashing his lips against his teeth. Eliminator falters in his advance momentarily, then shakes the hits off even as a cut opens on his lower lip. With little warning the larger wrestler bull rushes in, yanking Vasco into a bear hug and running with him against the corner post, where JV's back smacks against the steel. Eliminator backs off, Vasco still in his grasp trying to elbow his way out.

Jake Steel: Eliminator's crushing Vasco for now, but those elbows are going to lead to one crazy case of cauliflower ear.
Finally Joey resorts to an eye gouge to break the hold, then backs off and hits another kick to the outer thigh. Eliminator's posture dips slightly, and Vasco circles slightly before popping off another leg kick. Eliminator begins to falter, and Joey Vasco tries for one last kick to the thigh, which Eliminator catches. The titan from Tennessee yanks the stocky Hawaiian in by the foot and hits a lariat that sends him to the mat.

Jake Steel: Yeah, Eliminator! Beat him at your own game!

Vasco kips up into a right hand the size of a Christmas ham. Eliminator bends the stunned JV over with a powerful kick to the gut, then hits a huge double axe handle to the back of his head, sending him back down. Vasco rises to his hands and knees, then rolls out of the way of a thunderous stomp and to his feet. He pops off another quick jab, Eliminator's blood sticking to his knuckles as the small wound on the lip grows. Joey circles some more as Eliminator tries to close with him.

Jake Steel: This hit and run stuff has got to stop.

As if on cue, Joey Vasco closes the distance, managing to catch Eliminator in a clinch against the ropes. JV throws out a quick series of elbows to his opponent's face, opening up a ragged, bleeding gash over the eye. Eliminator manages to fight through the impact and blood, catching Vasco in a more conventional tie-up that swiftly transitions into standing headscissors. With a roar, Eliminator powerbombs the other wrestler against the nearest turnbuckle.

Jake Steel: Holy crap! That's gonna hurt in the morning.

Eliminator stomps away at the downed Vasco, his exertion causing the cuts on his face to bleed still more. As Joey pushes to his feet, Eliminator catches him by the crotch and shoulders and drops him again with a mat-shaking slam. The Raging Hawaiian is quicker to his feet this time, and clinches up with his opponent once again, this time hitting a quick pair of knees to the thigh he's been working on throughout the match before taking Eliminator down with a Russian legsweep. Vasco rolls away from the bigger man and takes his feet, watching Eliminator lumber up.

Jake Steel: These guys are murdering each other out there. I love it!

JV ducks a clothesline attempt and hits a series of big hooks to Eliminator's exposed midsection. The big man seems winded as Vasco works the clinch into the corner and breaks with a huge uppercut.

Jake Steel: Eliminator's dentist can thank Joey Vasco!

Eliminator comes out of the corner with a head of steam and catches Joey Vasco with a shoulderblock, rocking the smaller man to the mat. The gargantuan grappler pulls a dazed Joey to his feet and whips him to the ropes, catching him in a powerslam.

1...

2...

Kickout!

Jake Steel: Eliminator nearly ends the match with a freakin' powerslam!

Both wrestlers back to their feet now, and they close in for a collar elbow tie-up. Vasco works it into a dominant position, first getting the double-underhook, then dropping and shooting for the leg. Eliminator attempts to sprawl out from it, using some vestige of technical wrestling skill, but gets taken down regardless. The two combatants jockey for position on the mat, resulting in Eliminator getting rolled over and Vasco taking side control. JV quickly transitions his advantageous position into a reverse keylock. He cranks away at the arm while Eliminator fights through blood loss and pain to shift ever so slightly toward the ropes, finally using his long free arm to grab a hold of the bottom rope and force a break. Vasco rolls out of the hold and takes up a standing position as Eliminator briefly rotates his shoulder, then gets back to his feet. As he's wiping blood from his eyes, Vasco steps in and applies a quick waistlock. He tries for a belly to belly, but Eliminator holds his position and stops the attempt. JV rocks him with a headbutt, his own forehead getting opened up by Eliminator's teeth and both men now spattered with each other's blood.

Jake Steel: Geez, I hope Sullivan pays these guys to get HIV tests...

Eliminator fights back with a clubbering (™ Dusty Rhodes) fist, and he and Vasco drop to the mat, the larger man on top. Vasco regains his wits and applies a front body scissor, closing the guard. Eliminator doesn't seem to realize his predicament just yet, as he begins to rain down fists from the seemingly dominant position. JV covers up, taking some punishment but finally catching a break as Eliminator's rate of punching slows. Sensing his opportunity, Joey immediately transitions into an omoplata.

Jake Steel: Eliminator's getting tired, but if he doesn't perk up Vasco's just gonna rip his arm off!

The blood and sweat gleam on both competitors under the house lights, both men screaming as Vasco works the lock and Eliminator tries to fight his way out of it. Somehow Eliminator powers to his feet, Joey Vasco wrapped bodily around his arm still, and slams the smaller competitor to the mat once, twice, and a final time before the grip is broken. Eliminator drops to the mat, sucking wind, while Vasco tries to shake off a daze.

Jake Steel: Both men leaving it all out in the ring tonight.

The referee begins the obligatory ten count.

1...

2...

Eliminator tries to push to his feet, but his right arm is all but useless.

4...

5...

Vasco wipes blood and sweat out of his eyes as he pushes to one knee.

7...

Vasco crawls across the ring and snares Eliminator by the trunks, dragging himself the rest of the way into a body figure-four. Eliminator tries to curl up and cover up as JV rains down elbows to the back of his head, but as he does so Vasco snakes an arm around his neck. Eliminator rears back and catches Joey in the jaw with the back of his head, but the mixed martial artist maintains his composure and grabs a hold of his own bicep, completing the rear naked choke!

Jake Steel: Come on, Elimi... oh, he tapped out. Damn.

The referee calls for the bell, and the fans erupt in cheers for the amazing show put on for them in the opening match.

Zach King: Here is your winner... JOEY VASCO!

Caelan Tyler: See, not as easy as it looks to do play by play, is it?

Jake Steel: ...Bastard.

The scene opens in the backstage area. The camera moves to a door to the left with Jack Sullivan on the label. The cameraman opens the door, to reveal an almost empty office. Almost... because the little black beast from earlier is on the desk. All of Sullivan's files are scattered around the floor and tables, in different states of tearing and dirtiness. The black beast looks up at the camera and snorts angrily. In one, death-defying move, the creature leaps from the desk and runs for the door, tripping the cameraman in the process. The scene dies with the fading image of a curled tail scampering off down the corridor.

Caelan Tyler: Jack is going to be PISSED when he sees that.

Jake Steel: BWAHAHA! Stupid animal.

'In My Grip' by Samhain begins to play, as Jack Sullivan makes his way onto the entrance ramp, a huge smile on his face as the fans start to cheer. Jack walks to the ring, a folder in one hand and a microphone in the other. He enters the ring, taking in the cheers for a few moments before speaking.

Jack Sullivan: It's been a while, NLW.

More cheers.

Jack Sullivan: I must say, a lot has changed since I was last here, but I've decided trying to work behind the scenes to better NLW just wasn't enough anymore, that apparently this company needs me visible to function. To that end, I have started two new initiatives to strike up interest in this company.

Jack opens the folder and glances down into it.

Jack Sullivan: The first is the introduction of the new NLW Destiny Championship. Those of you who follow the NLW fan sites no doubt already heard this news, but the new title will be introduced at Turbulence, and the first person to qualify for a shot at it is Joey Vasco! That is, of course, if Vasco doesn't win the next item of business.

More shuffling of papers as the crowd cheers.

Jack Sullivan: The Gold Rush tournament. Tonight we will be having the first four matches of the eight match round one event. Next week we will be having the other four first round matches, with several debuting competitors facing off against NLW mainstays. After that, the second round will have the eight advancing people taking on eight people who have earned byes due to their past accomplishments in NLW.

Jack closes the folder.

Jack Sullivan: The last order of business, however, is Society. This Gold Rush tournament has another purpose. NLW is my company. I wrestled in its first match and in the last match of its first run. I spent the money and time to reopen it. I made it what it is, and I will not have it taken from me. To that end, I've taken out some insurance policies and placed them within the Gold Rush tournament. Don't worry Society, you'll get to know these 'ringers' soon enough.

With that, Jack drops the mic and exits the ring as 'In My Grip' plays.

Caelan Tyler: Insurance policy? Ringers?! Jack must really be out to make sure Society doesn't get their hands on the NLW Championship.

Jake Steel: Doubt it'll help any, but can't say I blame the guy there.

'Tweeter and the monkey man' by the Headstones begins to play as Bill Housetin makes his way down the ramp, walking to the ring.

Zach King: The following is a Gold Rush Tournament Round One match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Ashtabula, Ohio... Weighing in at 230 pounds... BILL HOUSETIN!

Caelan Tyler: This is Housetin's second match in NLW, having been victorious last show versus Plague.

Jake Steel: Fluke.

Zach King: Making her way to the ring, fighting out of New York City, New York... weighing in at 205 pounds...

The lights go out as the sound of violins echo through the arena, the 'What it's like to burn' by Finch hammering through the PA.

She buuuuuuuuuuuuurns

Zach King: THE BLACK PHOENIX!

Today's on fire
The sky is bleeding above me, and I am blistered
I walk these lines of blasphemy, every day
And still:

The lights begin to strobe as images of the carnage left in the wake of the Phoenix flashes on the big screen:
The Black Phoenix setting Ali Khadafi on fire, Her quickly moving out of the way as half the ceiling falls when she was just moments before in the infamous ladder match vs The Wrestling God and Vanity, wiping Medea Jane from OWF's blood over her chest. Sunset power bombing Twilight to the floor. Flicking her blood at the crowd.

Like a bad star, I'm falling faster down to her
She's the only one who knows, what it is to burn
So tell me
What's the price to pay for glory?

The Black Phoenix appears underneath a spotlight on the turnbuckle as flame explode from the other turnbuckles, the mask looking even more ghoulish as it reflect the light of the fire. She throws her hands in the air as the light come back on with a thunder of pyro on the stage.

Today is fire, and she burns
Today is fire, and she burns
She burns
She burns
She burns

The lights fade back up and the music fades as The Black Phoenix drops from the turnbuckle, she rips off her mask and awaits the battle ahead.

Caelan Tyler: This is a huge opportunity for Black Phoenix to get on track in NLW, since she's struggled as of late.

Jake Steel: Yeah, it's been very weird, normally them crazy bitches are focused.

The Bell sounds as Bill Housetin and Black Phoenix approaches each other in the middle of the ring. Black Phoenix attempts to get things started quickly with a high kick but Bill backs away as Black Phoenix hits nothing but air. Bill Housetin is old and cautious and is no fool as he stays out of arms reach of Black Phoenix as she takes her fighting stance. Bill slowly comes in again tying to go for a lock up with Black Phoenix. As soon as Bill is in closer Black Phoenix unleashes a barrage of kicks to his legs and then goes for a round house to the gut but Bill backs away again and grabs on to the ropes causing the referee to get between them since he's on the ropes. The crowd boos this but Bill Housetin is not paying attention to their cat calls. The Referee claps his hands and makes a motion for him to fight as he comes away from the ropes and cautiously approaches Black Phoenix again. Black Phoenix goes for another body kick but this time Bill catches the leg and quickly lifts the leg up causing Black Phoenix to fall on her back. Bill quickly moves to position and goes to drop a quick elbow but Black Phoenix moves out of the way. Bill jars his elbow on the landing and immediately sits back up and as a result is met with a hard kick to the back from Black Phoenix. Bill lets out a scream as he quick gets up to one knee and is met yet again this time with a vicious kick to his chest sending him on his back. Black Phoenix quickly gets on top of him but only for a one count. Black Phoenix mounts him and attempts to level him with repeated elbow smashes to the face. Bill covers his face up and uses his feet to scoot toward the ropes and then quickly grabs the ropes as the Ref dives in to break up the assault.

Caelan Tyler: Black Phoenix on the offense here.

Jake Steel: Well yeah of course, crazy bitches are crazy.

Caelan Tyler: Nice meme.

Jake Steel: Nice what?

Caelan Tyler: Nevermind.

Black Phoenix is unsure as she has her elbow up poised to strike... Bill cover up with one hand and holding on to the ropes with the other. The Ref begins a five count so Black Phoenix slowly begins to stand to break it up. Bill takes his left foot and slams it into the rising Black Phoenix's stomach for a cheap shot. He quickly gets himself up as Black Phoenix is hunched over and double ax handles her in the back of the head sending her down to the mat. Black Phoenix tries to push herself up but is met with a few stomps to her back. Bill drops to his knees and rolls her over for a pin attempt but only gets one as he's definitely not done enough damage to keep her down. Bill picks her back up and attempts a bodyslam but Black Phoenix drops behind him. Black Phoenix is going for a rear naked very early in the match but Bill is able to readjust his position and ends up getting her in position for his atomic drop. He lifts her up but she flips behind them and on the way down schoolboys him over for a one... two... Bill kicks out almost taken off guard by the surprise pin attempt. Bill is up on his feet but Black Phoenix is a step quicker and she begins to bring her lethal kicks. Kicks to the legs, kicks to the body, She goes for a high kick but Bill ducks the high kick... but he's unable to jump the leg sweep that takes him down right after.

Caelan Tyler: Bill getting some offense in but Black Phoenix staying on the offensive.

Jake Steel: He's going to need to do better than that if he plans on advancing in the tournament.

Bill grimaces in pain as he's on all fours crawling trying to get up. Black Phoenix measures him and kicks him right in the gut causing him to roll over on his back. She bounces off the ropes and nails him with a double stomp right in the stomach! Bill rolls around in agony as black Phoenix grabs him by the ears and forces him on to his feet. She goes to Irish whip him but he reverses it. Bill goes for a good old fashion punch in the face but Black Phoenix ducks it. Bill turns around as Black Phoenix goes for a high knee but Bill side steps it. Black Phoenix turns to face Bill and he grabs her and slams her with a beautiful body slam. Black Phoenix arches her back in pain as Bill drops to his knees and begins to deliver some closed fists into her face. The Ref begins a five count and he stops at three as the ref admonishes him for the closed fists. He doesn't listen as he then goes for a blatant choke hold with both of his hands. Black Phoenix kicks her legs into the air as she claws at his hands trying to break the choke. The Ref goes for a five count Bill breaking at three. After a second he goes for the blatant choke again the process repeating itself. The Ref makes it to four and is just about to say five as Bill breaks the hold once more. Bill gets up on his feet and measures Black Phoenix and drops the elbow right on her chest before going for the cover. The Ref counts to two before Black Phoenix kicks out. Bill stands up and drags Black Phoenix too the ropes. He grabs the ropes and puts one foot down on her throat blatantly choking her once again as the Ref counts to five. The Ref gets to four before Bill removes his boot. The Referee begins yelling at Bill highly unhappy with his actions. He picks Black Phoenix up and sets up her for a suplex. He goes to lift her up but she twists out of it and lands behind him and nails him in the back of the head with an elbow!

Caelan Tyler: Bill getting in some offense there.

Jake Steel: Yeah but BP showed him what's for there.

She nails him in the back of the head with elbows a few more times before turning him around and now delivering the elbows right into his forehead blatantly trying to cut him open. After a few more elbows she forces his head down and begins to deliver hard striking knee shots over and over again. After four or five knee shots she pauses and delivers the finally one causing him to shoot straight up stumble backwards and fall between the ropes from the impact. He lands awkwardly out side face first on the outside mat as Black Phoenix screams at him and the Ref begins to count. The Ref is at two as Bill tries to pick himself off the mat blood dripping from his forehead. He is busted open and he is busted open bad. The Ref is at five as he's on one knee dazed and confused. Black Phoenix goes out after him breaking the count. Bill is on one knee still as jumps from the apron her right knee smacking hitting him right on the cut! The Ref is up to three as Black Phoenix gets back up and grabs Bill. She forces him on his feet and rolls him back in the ring. She rolls back in the ring and goes for the cover one... Two... Bill is able to get a shoulder up and he's bloodied up good.

Caelan Tyler: BP must've busted Housetin open with an elbow.

Jake Steel: She's showing that killer instinct she's been lacking as of late.

Black Phoenix drags him to the middle of the ring and mounts him. The crowd stirs as they know what is coming and Black Phoenix begins to reign down elbows... Trying to target them as close, if not on, to the cut as possible. Bill does whatever he can to defend himself but it's obvious quite a few of the blows are landing. He is finally able to roll over causing Black Phoenix to topple off of him but the damage is definitely done as he's on all fours and blood drips from his forehead to the mat. Black Phoenix grabs him by the ears and lifts him up and begins to attempt the knee assault again. Amazingly Bill is somehow able to get his hands up and block the attempts. After four attempts he grabs her arms and forces himself up right and then with one lucky swing nails her with a closed fight right in the chin causing her to stumble backwards and fall on her behind as he also falls face first almost as if it was a flair flop. Black Phoenix is on her behind and momentarily stun completely caught off guard by the punch. She begins to get back on her feet as Bill is only on his knees. She approaches Bill with evil intentions but he hits a forearm in her stomach. He hits another forearm in her stomach as he's now only on one knee. Black Phoenix drives the point of her elbow in the top of his head. She does it again... and again. She quickly backs up into the ropes and bounces off of them but Bill pushes himself up on his feet which catches her off guard and grabs her by the head and hits a hard head butt sending both her and him down. Black Phoenix is dazed but Bill is also hurt by that desperate move.

Caelan Tyler: Both wrestlers down and out here.

Jake Steel: Psh, can't ever keep a crazy bitch down! Go BP!

Black Phoenix gets up before Bill does who is on one knee by the time she's on her feet. The old man isn't out of gas yet though and as Black Phoenix bends down to continue the attack he rakes her in the eyes to buy even more time. Black Phoenix grabs her eyes and turns around in pain giving him the time needed to get up on his feet. When she turns back around her vision partially restored he kicks her in the gut and sets her up for a suplex attempt. This time he gets it and he goes for the cover one... two... elbow up. Blood is dripping into his eyes from the previous strikes and on his knees he takes a moment to rubs his eyes trying to clear his vision. After he has done so he grabs Black Phoenix and picks her back up. He Irish whips her into the ropes. He goes for his big boot but she slides under it. She tries to stand up quickly to perform a strike on him but it isn't quick enough and Bill grabs her in a front headlock! He really pulls up on the headlock trying to apply as much pressure as possible. After almost ten seconds in the headlock He releases it just so he can attempt some retaliation knees. They aren't as hard or as effective as Black Phoenix's early strikes but they do their job and take her down regardless!

Caelan Tyler: Housetin in control here, looking like the high impact style is wearing on both competitors.

Jake Steel: Agreed.

Bill drops to his knees and rolls her over for another pin attempt. He only gets two once again as the old man shows frustration on his face to go with his blood. In frustration he goes back to the blatant choking once more releasing it at 4. He picks up Black Phoenix again and Irish whips her once more. He once again goes for the big boot and this time he gets it! His face is bloodied from the cut and he almost stumbles over after the big boot. He keeps his balance though and he looks down and sees Black Phoenix is down from it. He picks her up and gets ready to set her up for his patented Foo Man Choo. He has her set up. He lifts her up and she flips out of it a second time. This time she doesn't go for a school boy she lands on her feet and stumbles back a bit. Bill turns around which was a big mistake as Black Phoenix hits her KAWADA KICK and Bill crumples to the mat from it! Black Phoenix also falls but she's quickly up on one knee as she peers over and sees Bill down on the mat slightly stirring. Black Phoenix dives on top of him for the one... two... barely gets the shoulder up. The Referee almost misses it due to it being so slight. Black Phoenix believes that it should've been a three count and has no problem telling the Referee her opinion.

Jake Steel: BP was just robbed!

Caelan Tyler: Housetin had the shoulder up.

Jake Steel: Bull.

The Referee disagrees and Black Phoenix finally mouths 'Well I'll make sure he stays down then' as she grabs the almost lifeless Bill's hands and begins to drag him to a corner. After getting him close to a corner she kicks him a few times before going outside of the ring. She reaches into the ring and grabs his head and pulls it out so that its right next to the steal post. She turns his head so his forehead is facing the steel post and then rolls back in to momentarily break the count that is being administered. The Referee is visibly seen asking her 'what are you doing?' as she rolls back outside. To make sure he stays there she hits him a few times and then power walks to the opposite steel post. She turns and waits a few seconds measuring him up before charging at full speed and then nails a YAKUZA KICK right into Bill's head smashing his forehead into the steel post and causing bits of blood to fly everywhere as the crowd gives out a loud groan and bits of blood even hits the camera!

Caelan Tyler: Good God!

Jake Steel: WHOO!

The Referee has even stopped his count after seeing the brutality of it all. A huge 'You sick fuck, You sick fuck, You sick fuck' chant is heard coming from the crowd as The Referee is outside of the ring checking on Bill as Black Phoenix slides into the ring and grabs the completely lifeless Bill by the legs and drags him to the middle of the ring, as if that was even needed. She drops down on him without even hooking the leg as the ref slowly slides back into the ring. The Ref walks over and actually ignores the three count wanting to just call the match but Black Phoenix screams at him to count the three. The Referee shakes his head and drops to the mat counting one... two... three! Black Phoenix rolls off of Bill as The Ref quickly crawls over him to check on him as other officials and some medical crew slide into the ring and converge to the scene. Black Phoenix rolls out of the ring with a satisfied smirk on her face as the crowd is booing loudly at the sick ending they've just seen.

Zach King: The winner of this match... THE BLACK PHOENIX!

Caelan Tyler: BP picking a huge win here to advance in the tournament, and it's enough to make your skin crawl.

Jake Steel: The bitch is back Cael, the bitch is back.

The scene opens in front of a Starbucks in a non-disclosed area. The camera moves inside, passing by many people seated at the tables, reading the newspaper or working tirelessly on their screenplays on their Macbooks. The camera finds a familiar face in Aphrodisia Jordan. She's standing at the counter, leaning against it with her back to the barista. She smiles in greeting.

Aphrodisia Jordan: All right, kids. Today, I'm going to give you all a lesson in my favourite beverage: coffee.

She turns to pick up a tall, Styrofoam cup of coffee from the barista behind her. She holds it up for the camera to see.

Aphrodisia Jordan: This, my dears... is not coffee. This is a froufrou, coffee-like liquid that costs five bucks a pop.

With a pleasant sigh, she throws the cup to the ground. Hot coffee splashes out towards some of the snobby fucks with their Macbooks. A few squeal and try to get out of the way.

Aphrodisia Jordan: And there's no such thing as regular coffee. Oh no, everything is half-fat, extra foam, super sprinkles, mocha cappuccino with a cinnamon stick. If you want just regular coffee, it takes ten god damn minutes to get these 'baristas' to understand that you don't want flavoured coffee. Just coffee: plain, black, delicious.

Aphrodisia starts to move, stepping over the mess she's just made. The barista gives her the old fisheye as she walks away towards the exit.

Aphrodisia Jordan: And when you finally get the plain coffee, they charge you your first born child for it. Or your soul. And it tastes fucking awful, like it's been sitting in the pot on the hotplate overnight. Which, it probably has.

Aph just shakes her head as she walks towards her car. She turns faintly, shrugging at the camera, walking backwards.

Aphrodisia Jordan: My name's Aph Jordan, and I like a decent cup a Joe. If you're gonna spend five bucks on a super grande, half-calf, extra-foam, triple-spirnkles, choco-mocha frappaccino, at least fork over the dough, buy a bag of Kopi Luwak and brew it yourself. You'll thank me later.

Jake Steel: I'm with Aph, down with that froufrou crap!

Caelan Tyler: ...But I like Mocca Lottes...

Jake Steel: Exactly the problem.

The camera cuts to a corridor in the back. Bouncing from side to side, maniacal laughter occassionally escaping from his lips is the crazed figure of The Jackrabbit, clad in a black NLW t-shirt. Behind him, unwillingly, walks Talon – his typical black trenchcoat almost being pulled off his arm by his hyperactive tag team partner.

The Jackrabbit: C'mon Tal, it's gonna be great! We's can go out there and you can growl and talk all philo- ... philo-... feelosickly and we can diss Sauces City and we can celebrate being the Tag Team Champeeeeeeeno's of the WOOORRRLLLDDD...

At this The Jackrabbit throws his head back, and his excited declaration dissolves into his usual insane laughter as Talon shakes his head, resigned disbelief obvious in his eyes.

Talon: Jay, my friend, I am well aware of what you desire from me. An unremitting tirade of vitrolic hatred against our past foes, an affirmation that as with Sisyphus of old our war will be an unending burden upon our weary foes shoulders...

And yet... I fail to see why you are so eager to drag me along this week.

Talon's grumbles fade to mutterings as Jackrabbit continues to hop towards the arena ramp.

The Jackrabbit: It be fun, lotsa fun, we needs to have a celerybration of some sorts and I can be all “Whooo!” and you can be all “Whoooo!” and the 'Rabbit Fans and Talon Fans and Fusion Fans can be all “Whooo!” and then we... oopsy!

The Jackrabbit stumbles against somebody, and staggers into Talon. The big man hardly moves as his eyes lock onto the new person, and The Jackrabbit rights himself with a grin, spinning to face none other than Aphrodisia Jordan.

The Warheart's jaw sets as her blue eyes narrow towards the tag team pair.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Watch where you're going, fucker. Other people need to use this hallway, too.

Talon: The Society talks. I recall your consciousness was fleeting, Aphrodisia, yet I had assumed you recalled enough to keep your flaming tongue simmering.

Aphrodisia Jordan:That's the problem with flaming tongues, they need oxygen. Now please, get out of my way. I really don't want to have to move you myself.

Talon smiles faintly and glances about the corridor, with a hand upon Jackrabbit's shoulder. Jackrabbit himself appears to be abnormally still.

Talon: Aphrodisia, despite your overbearing and undeserved arrogance, I assume that even one with an ego such as yours might deign to use the rest of the corridor.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Nope. I like this side. Now move.

Talon's smile fades slightly, as he releases Jackrabbit's shoulder, muttering

Talon: ...With the downfall of Society... I feel our paths are fated to cross ag--

The Jackrabbit shakes his head roughly, and looks Aphrodisia in the eyes, contemplating her a moment.

The Jackrabbit: She's funny lookin', let's go Tal Tal, it's time to partay!

Jackrabbit drags Talon by the arm, hurrying him past Aphrodisia as she gives them a bemused stare.

Caelan Tyler: Well that was something else. Doubt it'll be the last time those three come face to face.

Jake Steel: I swear, Jackrabbit seems weirder every week...

The lights die down abruptly, as the opening drums of 'The View from the Afternoon' resonate over the dark crowd.

anticipation has a habit to set you up

for disappointment in evening entertainment but

tonight there'll be some love

tonight there'll be a ruckus yeah, regardless of what's gone before

A narrow spectrum of deep red lights illuminate Dillon Bourne's pathway to the ring, where he tests the ropes, somewhat tuned out to the scream of fans that surround him.

Zach King: The following is a Gold Rush Tournament Round One match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Small Town, Florida... Weighing in at 200 pounds... DILLON BOURNE!

Caelan Tyler: Dillon Bourne looks pumped for this, as he should be after the big win over Plague and The Black Phoenix in his debut here.

Jake Steel: Meh, the kid got lucky.

Caelan Tyler: We'll see...

The PA system cuts to static as ??? makes his way to the ring, circling in as if he's unsure whether or not to enter.

Zach King: And his opponent, from parts unknown... ???!

Caelan Tyler: This ??? thing is getting ridiculous. I wonder who it could be.

Jake Steel: I have no idea.

??? throws one leg over the middle rope and begins to climb into the ring. Bourne capitalizes on the opening and immediately rushes ??? and throws a flurry of punches until he finally ends up inside. Bourne continues delivering blows, slowly moving the fight to the closest turnbuckle. Once he has ??? in the corner Bourne throws a stiff right hand that connects with his opponents jaw. He pulls back and goes for it a second time only to be blocked by the masked man, who quickly recovers with a right of his own. ??? continues his assault and then grabs Bourne by the arm, whipping him into the ropes.

Caelan Tyler: ??? is in control here, which makes the mystery all the more intriguing. PIC seemed to think it was Triple M, but ??? attacked both PIC and Triple M last show.

Jake Steel: You'd go out of your mind trying to keep it all straight.

Bourne rebounds off the ropes and ducks a clothesline from his opponent, running past him and to the other side of the ring. Thinking he has the upper hand Bourne bounces off the ropes and comes in for a clothesline of his own but is met with a knee to the midsection, which sends him over onto his back. ??? kneels down over him and begins delivering punches to Bourne's face.

Caelan Tyler: Hard rights by the mystery man.

Bourne's unknown opponent then picks him up and wraps his arm around Bourne's head, lifting him up. ??? Holds him up for a few seconds and then falls backwards with a huge hanging vertical suplex. ??? sits up and gets to his feet, taking a moment to rest while his opponent is down. He then picks Bourne up and once again attempts to whip him against the ropes only to be reversed. Thinking quickly, ??? slides out of the ring and stands on the outside.

Caelan Tyler: Bourne trying to get some momentum going, but ??? is able to put an end to that.

Jake Steel: He must be a vet, the way he's messing with young Bourne's head here.

The two men stare each other down for a moment before ??? attempts to slide back into the ring, only to be met with a foot to the head, causing him to crawl back out. He re-assesses the situation and finally slides back in, receiving blow after blow to the head as he makes his way to his feet. Finally on his feet, ??? catches a right to the head, dropping him to one knee. Knowing that he has the upper hand Bourne continues pounding on his opponent.

Caelan Tyler: Bourne finally getting in some solid offense on ???.

Jake Steel: We'll see if it lasts.

Finally ??? is able to block one of the punches raining down on him and counters with a quick jab to the midsection, giving him a chance to stand. The two men begin exchanging right hands and eventually Bourne comes out on top as he blocks and replies with a kick to the stomach, quickly taking advantage and delivering a gut wrench suplex followed by a pin attempt.

1...

2...

Kick out!

Bourne slaps the mat, upset that he couldn't pull out the quick win, and gets to his feet. Seeing that his opponent is still down Bourne moves to the turnbuckle and begins climbing. As he reaches the top ??? is finally back up, but it is short lived as he is soon leveled by a big time missile drop kick from Bourne. After taking a quick moment to recover Bourne once again goes for the pin.

1...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: Bourne with several quick pins, but not enough to get the pin.

Frustrated that he once again could not get the three count Bourne picks up ??? and hits him with a neckbreaker. Picking ??? up, Bourne throws three hard punches before throwing his arm around his neck and trying for a snap suplex, only to have ??? counter it. Bourne tries again and once again his opponent blocks the move. Thinking that the third time should be a charm Bourne tries again and ??? blocks it once more, quickly rolling him into a small package.

1...

2...

Kick out!

The two men are up and on their feet simultaneously and lock up. Bourne quickly shifts and applies a side headlock only to be thrown into the ropes. Bourne bounces back and is quickly taken down by a drop toe hold. The two men once again find themselves standing and locked up in the center of the ring, this time ??? applies the side headlock. Instead of throwing him into the ropes Bourne simply lifts his opponent up and drops him on his back.

Caelan Tyler: Side Headlock takedown by Bourne, who is obviously getting frustrated by his mystery opponent.

Jake Steel: I don't blame him.

Both men are slow to their feet. Bourne rushes at ??? but is instead met with a swift boot to the gut and a DDT. ??? Stands up and picks up his opponent, whipping him into the corner and quickly following him in with an elbow and several punches to the face. After taking a step back ??? then dropkicks Bourne in the shin taking him down to his knees. ??? props Bourne back up in the corner and climbs to the second rope. After gesturing to the crown ??? grabs Bourne's hair and begins punching him in the head with the crowd chanting along.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

After the last punch ??? hops down and lets Bourne fall to the mat. ??? then grabs his opponents legs and pulls him out towards the center of the ring, spinning around to put his back to the turnbuckle. The masked man leans backwards, catapulting his opponent head first into the turnbuckle and down to the mat. After playing to the crowd for a few moments ??? reaches down to pick Bourne up and is met with a rake to the eyes.

Caelan Tyler: Bourne with a rake to the eyes.

Jake Steel: Fighting dirty eh? Starting to take a liking to this kid.

Taking advantage of his current situation Bourne runs to the near ropes and rebounds, hitting ??? with a clothesline and giving himself a chance to catch his breath. After standing up Bourne lifts ??? to his feet taking him down with a quick snapmare and begins pulling back, shoving his knee into the middle of his opponents back while pulling back on his head. ??? begins swinging wildly at Bourne, trying desperately to get free. Finally one of his wild blows connects and he is able to get free of the hold. However as soon as he stands up Bourne throws him against the ropes and hits him with a hurricanrana off the rebound. Holding ???'s legs and going for the win.

1...

2...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: Hurricanrana not enough for Bourne to pick up the victory.

Jake Steel: ???'s style seems so familiar, yet I can't seem to place it...

Bourne picks up ??? and beats him back into the nearest corner with several hard rights and a knee to the stomach. He then climbs to the second rope, looking for payback for the ten punches he received earlier. Unfortunately for Bourne, ??? is ready and hits him in the ribs before he can get the first punch off. The masked man then begins fighting his way out of the corner and the two men end up in the middle of the ring, exchanging right hands. Finally ??? changes it up and tries to kick Bourne who in turn catches his leg only to end up being hit with an enziguiri. ??? picks up his opponent and puts him in a hammer lock. Wrenching on Bourne's arm, ??? grabs his head with his other arm, dropping him to the mat with a DDT. After lifting his Bourne from the mat ??? sends him into the ropes, landing a spinebuster as he returns. ??? catches his breath for a moment before running to the corner and climbing to the top turnbuckle. ??? arches back slightly and then jumps forward, doing a mid air front flip and extending his leg. He immediately regrets the decision as Bourne has rolled out of the way and he hits nothing but mat.

Caelan Tyler: Big move attempted by the mystery man there, but found nothing but mat.

Jake Steel: That's an ouchie.

Caelan Tyler: ...An ouchie?

Jake Steel: Hey, I save the good material for people I know.

With both men down the ref begins counting.

1

2

3

Both men have started stirring...

4

5

??? is at the ropes, trying to use them to get to his feet...

6

7

Bourne is on one knee, almost up...

8

9

Bourne is up, ??? is still leaning on the ropes trying to get his balance. Seeing the opportunity Bourne sprints up to him, nailing a big elbow to the back of his head sending him tumbling to the outside. Bourne follows him out and lifts him to his feet before whipping him into the barricade, following him into it with a big clothesline. The ref begins to count again.

Caelan Tyler: And this has spilled to the outside.

Jake Steel: Whoo! Carnage!

1

2

Bourne stays on the offensive and delivers several blows to ???'s chest before whipping him towards the ring post. ??? counters and sends Bourne on a head first one way trip into the steel.

3

4

??? begins applying boots to Bourne while he down then picks him up, wrapping his arm around and grabbing his should before dropping him with a side Russian leg sweep.

5

6

Climbing to his feet ??? notices the count and picks Bourne up, rolling him into the ring. ??? then slides in himself and lifts Bourne to his feet before hitting a knife edge chop followed by another, and another. Bourne is reeling as ??? goes for a fourth chop. Bourne sidesteps it and lands a knee to the midsection. Thinking quickly Bourne moves behind ??? and locks his arms behind him. Bourne then lifts ??? and throws him over his back, flipping him over onto his face. After a few moments Bourne gets the energy to roll ??? over, and goes for the pin

1...

2...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: These two have been really evenly matched, really makes me wonder who's under that mask.

Jake Steel: Your mom.

Caelan Tyler: ...I guess I did walk right into that one.

Both men take several seconds to get to their feet, allowing the ref to get to a count of 7 before they are once again locked up in the middle of the ring. ??? gets the upper hand and sends Bourne into the corner. After a few chops he then lifts his opponent up onto the top rope and climbs to the top and pulls him to a standing position. ??? tucks Bourne's head underneath his shoulder and tries to lift him into the air. Bourne blocks him and counters with a punch to the ribs, and another giving him a chance to get his head free. Bourne then leans back and snaps forward, headbutting ??? in the face and sending him to the mat. Bourne immediately takes advantage of the opening and leaps in the air, flipping backwards and landing on ??? with his finisher, A Star is Bourne.

1...

2...

3!

Zach King: Your winner as result of a pinfall... DILLON BOURNE!

After the bell rings, Triple M comes running to the ring. ??? doesn't see him.

Jake Steel: Looks like Triple M is looking for some pay back after ??? sucker punched him two weeks ago.

Triple M slides into the ring, but ??? spots him and bails. Triple M is in hot pursuit, and thinking quickly ??? slides under the ring. Triple M follows suit, and after a few moments he yanks out ??? and hauls him back into the ring.

Caelan Tyler: He's going after the mask!!! Triple M is going to unmask ???.

Triple M tries to snatch the mask off of ??? but ??? fights it off. ??? kicks Triple M in the gut, Triple M takes a couple of steps backwards. Dillon Bourne is standing behind ???, he decides to go for the mask, but Triple M dashes at ??? with a clothesline. ??? ducks and Dillon Bourne is sent flying outside the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Is that PIC? This is getting out of control.

PIC runs down the aisle and into the ring, he delivers a forearm to the back of Triple M's head and Triple M stumbles. PIC stares down ???. They rush at each other.

Caelan Tyler: DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!!!

??? and PIC are laid out. Triple M begins to stir, he gets up slowly, looks at PIC then looks at ???. Triple M drags PIC and ties him up to the ring ropes. Triple M grabs ??? by the head and stands him up. He punches ??? in the stomach for good measure. PIC comes to and struggles to break free. Triple M grabs the mask.

Jake Steel: WHAT THE HELL? WHAT IS GOING ON?

Caelan Tyler: ??? is Ice Man? I don't believe this.

PIC breaks free from the ropes and jumps on Triple M. PIC begins to deliver blows to the head of Triple M. Ice Man backs away and slides out of the ring and exits through the crowd. PIC and Triple M continue brawling as officials rush out to break the two men apart.

Caelan Tyler: This has become a total mess, and now the mystery man might be the NLW Champion Ice Man?

Jake Steel: Seems odd, but I could see him taking out an insurance policy like that on himself, entering the tournament as a mystery guy.

Caelan Tyler: The guy who wrestled Bourne seemed too agile to be Ice Man though.

Backstage, we're taken into the employee mess hall. There are a few screams from within that prompt the cameraman to rush forward. The long, catering table is horribly askew. Food is scattered across the floor, the table is hopelessly destroyed. And in the middle of it all: the black beast. It's little behind is in the air, hooves braced against the table. It shakes a few times, dislodging large chunks of pastry and food from its body. A little hop and it's off the table, bee-lining it for the cameraman. But the cameraman has learned. He jumps out of the way and spins as the beast continues down the hallway.

Caelan Tyler: This situation just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

Jake Steel: No kidding, sheesh!

The camera switches backstage where Aphrodisia Jordan is leaning against a wall and has a bored look on her face as she takes another drag from her cigarette. A commotion is heard off camera and a crewmember comes running past squealing like a pig. Aphrodisia glances off screen as a confused look crosses her face. She drops her cigarette and sniffs the air.

Aphrodisia Jordan: That can't be right.

The Black Phoenix sudden strides past, her mask firmly on. She is suddenly jerked around as Aphrodisia grabs her arm and slams her face first in the wall. The Warheart presses the masked woman hard against the wall with her body as sniffs the back of The Black Phoenix's neck. A low growl rumbles from Aphrodisia's chest.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Decided to claw your way out, Chase?

Aphrodisia is suddenly rocked as The Black Phoenix slams her in the face with a headbutt, the sound cracking through the air. The masked woman swings Aphrodisia around switching their positions. Aphrodisia is pressed up against the wall, with blood trickling from her forehead. The Black Phoenix nips Aphrodisia's ear before sneering.

The Black Phoenix: You wish...

The camera suddenly gets flung back as The Black Phoenix pushes past and disappears into the bowls of the arena. As the camera man gets back to his feet Aphrodisia wipes the blood off her face with her fingers then licks it off.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Hmmm...

Caelan Tyler: Could those two be on another collision course? It got messy last time they were in the ring together.

Jake Steel: Crazy Bitch Round 2? I'd buy that for a dollar.

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.

Zach King: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... from Charleston, West Virginia... please welcome... PIC!

Caelan Tyler: It's going to be interesting to see how much that brawl just a little while ago took out of PIC.

'Hero' by Nas hits, and A2 makes his way to the ring.

Zach King: And his opponent... From Calgary, Alberta, Canada... Weighing in at 235 pounds... Aaron 'A2' Andrews!

Caelan Tyler: This A2's debut match here in NLW, although I've heard a lot of good things about this kid.

Jake Steel: We'll see.

DING DING DING!

PIC runs up to Andrews, and attempts to stomp at his prone opponent. A2 curls into a ball, balancing on his spine, and pistons his feet upwards into PIC's gut, knocking the wind out of him!

Jake Steel: Quick moves by the newcomer!

A2 rolls away as PIC recovers and grabs PIC's arm, wrenching it into a Chickenwing. PIC snarls in defiance and elbows A2 in the face, which prompts A2 to encircle PIC's waist with his free arm, and with the Chickenwing locked in, flips PIC over in a huge German Suplex!

Caelan Tyler: Great move, and a great start from the rookie!

Jake Steel: Indeed, quite an unorthodox move from Andrews there.

PIC lies on the mat, gritting his teeth in pain as he clutches his shoulder. A2 gets up and runs across the ring, comes off the ropes, and plants PIC in the face with a well-aimed Low Dropkick. PIC's head flies back and he flops over onto his side.

Jake Steel: OUCH!

Caelan Tyler: A2 seems hellbent on doing some damage and making a mark tonight with this violent offence!

A2 grabs PIC by the head and gives him a good slug to the face out of principal. PIC clutches his jaw and A2 grabs the bad arm again, and flips his body around, locking in a crossface!

Caelan Tyler: WORK THE SHOULDER! WORK THE SHOULDER!

Jake Steel: That shoulder of PIC's is being focused on by A2, A2 working and grinding PIC's wounded shoulder to inflict some serious pain!

PIC flings his foot onto the ropes and the ref forces A2 to break the hold. PIC gets to his feet and A2 attempts another Arm Bar on the wounded shoulder. PIC does a semi-circle into A2 and blasts him with a forearm shot!

Caelan Tyler: And here comes PIC!

A2 stumbles back and PIC rushes forward, and nearly beheads A2 with a running Clothesline! A2 falls over the top rope and falls to the outside, while PIC stumbles into the centre of the ring, clutching his wounded shoulder.

Jake Steel: Whadda wuss! Has to nail A2 with a cheap shot! I thought this was gonna be a wrestling match, not a brawl!

Caelan Tyler: Uh, a Clothesline is a perfectly acceptable move...

Jake Steel: For people with a limited moveset!

Caelan Tyler: Grr...

A2 gets back into the ring and stands, making colourful gestures to PIC. PIC rushes him, but A2 drops down into a Drop-Toe Hold, forcing PIC to fly into the turnbuckle, tangling himself in the ropes!

Caelan Tyler: WOOO! SMELL THE MOVESET!

Jake Steel: Shut up.

A2 runs across the ring and rebounds off the ropes and lands on PIC, causing his trapped arms to be further wrenched in the ropes. PIC roars and disentangles himself and pistons his elbow up into A2's gut.

Caelan Tyler: PIC is making a comeback, folks!

Jake Steel: Christ, why doesn't he Hulk up and do a fucking leg-drop...

Caelan Tyler: Oh, stop being bitter.

PIC begins pummelling A2 with stiff shots to the midsection... 1... 2... 3... And when A2 staggers on his feet, PIC goes for another one...

Only to have A2 duck under and grab each arm underneath the shoulder, like a full nelson. A2 lunges forward with his knee in PIC's back, and forces PIC to the mat. He grabs PIC's arms again, and holding on by the elbow pad, begins to exert pressure on the shoulders in a strange reverse/inversed Boston Crab, only instead of focusing on the legs, he's focusing on the arms.

Jake Steel: Whoa. I can say I never saw that before.

Caelan Tyler: WOO!

PIC screams as his wounded shoulder is wrenched even further, and A2 raises his trapped arms even higher and scissors them to form an 'X', stretching them grotesquely. Pierre Gaston looks on helplessly as PIC roars in pain. A2's neck and arms strain from the exertion, the cords in his muscles standing out. After 30 seconds A2 slams his knee into PIC's back again, and PIC falls face-first to the mat.

Jake Steel: Another unorthodox move by A2!

A2 picks PIC up again, making a cut throat gesture and signaling for the end, but PIC suddenly throws a fist in his gut to the delight of the fans! With all his might PIC hits A2 again, before whipping him against the ropes and dropping him with a flapjack!

Caelan Tyler: Don't count out PIC just yet! He's still in this thing!

Jake Steel: Just!

With his opponent downed, PIC stomps him on the back a couple of times, before dropping down and locking him in an armbar.

Caelan Tyler: And now it's PIC's turn to work on the arms!

He quickly links the move into a grounded headlock, but this move doesn't last too long as A2 starts to work his way to his feet. Eventually through a combination of strength and awkward punches, A2 finds himself back at a vertical base. He breaks the hold and tries to whip PIC against the ropes, but PIC counters with a headscissors takedown!

Caelan Tyler: What a move!

Jake Steel: Yeah, that was kind of cool, I suppose.

Caelan Tyler: Just when you thought A2 was going to come back into things, BOOM! He's down again!

PIC picks A2 up again, only to drop him with a Michinoku Driver in the centre of the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Uh-oh! PIC might be looking to end this...

The former ICWF wrestler scurries over to the corner and scrambles up to the top rope, looking down on his opponent. He flies off effortlessly, nailing the 450 splash to a massive roar of approval.

Jake Steel: He calls that one 'The End Result!'

Caelan Tyler: It's over, folks!

...1!

...2!

...3!!!

Zach King: Ladies and Gentlemen, here is your winner... PIC!

Caelan Tyler: This was close right until the end, but PIC managed to advance.

Jake Steel: Crazy moves.

The scene opens with Aphrodisia Jordan standing under a white spotlight, surrounded by darkness. Her hands are folded in front of her, and her sapphire eyes are focused on the camera.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Dear, Quebec. You are not French. You are a Starbucks version of 'French'. Expensive, annoying and ultimately, not very tasty. Give up on the Separation already, and accept your fate as the asshole child of Canada. Seriously, your time is up. Start speaking English and shut the fuck up about Francophone rights. You have nothing to offer the rest of your country except Maple Syrup, French lessons and a place to focus most of the Anglophones' hatred. They have Newfoundland to pick on. Another province just isn't necessary. Please die in a fire. Love, Aphrodisia Jordan; a real Frog.

The spotlight goes out, leaving the screen in complete darkness before the Society logo flashes.

Aphrodisia Jordan: [Voice-Over] I'm Aph Jordan, and I hate Quebec. This Public Service Announcement was just for my enjoyment.

Caelan Tyler: Well, gotta give her credit, the woman knows what she hates.

Jake Steel: Indeed!

PIC is walking backstage and turns to the door to his locker room. Something catches his attention and he turns to see ???.

PIC: Ice Man, You fooled us all. Still upset that I beat you?

???: You didn't me, you beat Ashe.

PIC clenches his fist, as ??? runs at him. They begin to brawl. PIC slams ??? against the wall. PIC slams him to the ground, ??? holds on to PIC's arms and they both stumble to the ground. PIC and ??? continue trading blows. ??? gains the upper hand and gets up first, he delivers a kick to the gut of PIC. ??? grabs PIC and throws him against a stack of crates. PIC grabs a crate and as ??? gets close, he whacks him with it. ??? stumbles backwards, PIC gets up slowly. PIC drags ??? and lifts him up by his head, he walks him towards a door and slams his head against the door. PIC goes to slam ??? against the door again, but just as the head is about to make contact with the door, it is opened and both men fall through. Inside the locker room, Ice Man is sitting in a chair.

Jake Steel: Wait a second, I thought Ice Man was ???.

Caelan Tyler: I don't know anymore, this thing is getting ridiculous. Who is the real guy behind the ??? mask?

Ice Man jumps up from his chair and grabs his title belt. He whacks PIC first, then snatches the mask off of ???. The man behind the mask is Triple M. Officials rush into the locker room and assist PIC and Triple M.

Caelan Tyler: Will we ever find out who the real ??? is?

Jake Steel: I don't think I care anymore. This ??? thing is stupid.

An eerie guitar riff echoes out across the arena as 'Idle Hands' by The Gutter Twins hits the PA system. The fans rise in throes of jeers as the house lights cut and begin to pulse in shades of red along with the rhythm of the song. The big screen explodes with white letters on a backdrop of pure black.

We cut to the back hallways of the arena, focused in on a slightly ajar office door with a temporary placard on it that proclaims 'Jack Sullivan' to any passers by. The cameraman sidles up to the crack in the door, taking in President Sullivan himself behind an expansive (and no doubt expensive) mahogany desk. He's resting the elbows of his tailored suit on the desk before him, hands clasped intently as he listens to somebody off-screen speak in a gravelly tenor. Various papers are still scattered about from before, but Jack seems too busy to care.

Voice: ...pay raise, and the limo rides have been great, but I need to know: when can I get my physical?

Sullivan reclasps his hands and flexes his forearms to the point that they ripple slightly against his starched shirt.

Jack Sullivan: All in due time. You'll be wrestling on the next Uprising, so certainly before then.

Voice: Right, well, the sooner the better. I've got this chronic pain, and-

Sullivan changes his grip on himself once more as he cuts the unseen speaker off.

Jack Sullivan: Yes, your agent warned me about that.

The cameraman surreptitiously changes his angle on the door slightly, bringing into view one Piter Svoboda. The crowd goes mild.

Piter Svoboda: Anything bad he told you about me is a damn lie. The man smells like onions. Do you trust a man who smells like onions?

Sullivan blinks several times, as if expecting the man before him to vanish each time he opens his eyes, but rapidly regains his composure.

Jack Sullivan: Will that be all, Mr. Svoboda?

Piter Svoboda: Actually, there was something else.

Jack is, at this point in the conversation, seemingly arm wrestling himself on the overpriced hardwood surface of his desk.

Jack Sullivan: And what might that be?

Piter Svoboda: This tournament thing? It's too easy.

As Jack Sullivan's suit appears to be at the bursting point, he snatches hold of a pencil on his desk and begins rapidly passing it from hand to hand, his gaze level with Svoboda.

Jack Sullivan: Excuse me?

Piter Svoboda: Yeah, see, I worked it out and to win this thing I only need to beat five wrestlers, and one at a time no less. Boring, you know?

Jack Sullivan: Boring?

Piter Svoboda: Exactly. So what I was thinking was that, immediately after I win, you put me in a gauntlet match against the other semi-finalists to secure the title shot.

Jack Sullivan: No.

Piter Svoboda: Okay, I can understand your position. Still too easy. Okay, after I win, you put me in a battle royal with-

Jack Sullivan: No.

Piter Svoboda: Right, so, you set up a ladder and-

The pencil snaps in half.

Jack Sullivan: No! I mean, uh, we can negotiate about this later in the tournament.

Piter Svoboda: Of course. You keep that big brain working on ideas and I'll try to dream up something unprecedented, and I'm sure we'll do fine.

Sullivan's voice drips with sarcasm.

Jack Sullivan: I'm sure.

Caelan Tyler: That's some nerve on Svoboda, acting like he's already won the tournament.

Jake Steel: Gotta admire his confidence.

The arena lights dim, and suddenly 'Close Friends' by Adema hits the PA system. White flashes streak the stage, and a ying-yang scores the jumbotron. Across the screen, a rabbit and an eagle circle one another. The crowd erupts, marking the appearance of the new NLW Tag Team Champions, Talon and The Jackrabbit, the tandem of Fusion. Talon strides, lead piping in hand, trench coat around him, as The Jackrabbit bounces along merrily behind him, laughing his head off in his usual T-shirt and shorts combo. The demeanour of the pair is starkly different, but one thing they share is the pride in them both, showing in the tall stance of The Enigma and the jubilant springiness of The Unorthodox One.

Caelan Tyler: Well this wasn't scheduled, but we seem to have an impromptu appearance from our new Tag Team Champions.

Jake Steel: Society were robbed!

Caelan Tyler: Society were no more robbed than Triple M is humble.

The champs enter the ring, where a stand has been set-up, clad in red velvet and holding up a set of golden belts. As 'Close Friends' continues, Talon takes his usual position on the turnbuckle, his arms outstretched as Jackrabbit copies across the ring from him, fingers waggling above his head like little bunny ears. The pair step down and cross the ring, swapping corners, before repeating their individual poses, their music reaching a rarely heard late point in its play time. Fusion jointly relish the applause and congratulations of the fans for the biggest win of their tag-team career. The Jackrabbit hops down first, leaving Talon to hold his posture as he takes the house microphone. The music fades.

The Jackrabbit: Heya 'Rabbit Fans! Uh... we did it!

The fans go wild in acknowledgment. Talon is down to the mat, standing briskly behind his companion.

The Jackrabbit: We done the unthinkable. We thinked the undoable. We broke the Sauces City people, we stoled their Tag Team titles, we proved thems not unbeatable, and we become yours mine and everyone else's En-El-Dub Tag Team Champeenos of the World!

With that the pair each take a belt from the velvet stand, and hold the golden Tag Team Championships high above their heads. The fans erupt, and a chant of 'Fusion! Fusion!' starts somewhere. Talon seizes the mic.

Talon: We have done what we said we would, as it was written. We entered a ring stacked against us, against opponents that held every card in a loaded deck. Vincent Kane - who needed another to defeat the Fusion he supposed to be jobbers. Brad Jackson - who ignored his opponents to focus on the idiocy that is his life. Even Aphrodisia was drafted into mummer's farce that our match threatened to become.

Yet as the sun rises at dawn, so did our match become glorious. Despite the narcissistic disasters that our opponents surely are, we fought to a Hellacious victory. We battered them in ways they shall not soon forget - and, as they shall come to know and expect, beat them with the rules of their own society.

And finally. Ultimately. Spectacularly... we are the Champions.

The Jackrabbit takes the microphone back, letting out a high cackle into it, and hopping up and down. When he has calmed;

The Jackrabbit: And now, ladies, gentlemen, and gentle ladies if there are any here tonight, it's time for the Fusion Tag Team Victory Celerybration Surprise! And I know, Tal, you're gunna love this! Ready? Steady? Set? Three, nine, one...

With a loud pop, the ceiling seems to open and the arena is filled with a pouring of multi-coloured balloons. The balloons sail to the ring, slowly, and The Jackrabbit has produced a streamer, as though from hammerspace, and is blowing on it loudly.

Jake Steel: A celebration party? Ain't that a bit of a wrestling cliché...

Caelan Tyler: Some have been heard to say the same thing about their last opponents...

Theme park music is playing across the PA, and somewhere a clown is spotted running around the crowd. A young woman is handing to the audience at ringside pieces of a cake apparently now iced with 'Congratu- Fusi-,' and the jumbotron now has a picture of Talon and The Jackrabbit after their title victory at Uprising 13. In the ring, Talon looks mortified, but his companion is truly enjoying himself. Talon lets out a resigned sigh.

Talon: Is that all, now?

The Jackrabbit: Uh, almost...

As if on queue, Queen's classic 'We Are The Champions' begins to play, and Talon groans audibly, exiting the ring as The Jackrabbit poses mid-ring with his new title belt, laughing madly, seemingly looking for that one Kodak moment.

Caelan Tyler: Just when you think they couldn't get any weirder...

Jake Steel: They aim to surprised I guess.

Zach King: Our next contest is a singles bout, scheduled for one fall!

'Duality' by Slipknot begins to play, the lights dropping low until the main part of the song hits. Spotlights shine down onto the center of the stage, where Archangel stands, head high, staring into the lights. He slowly looks away, before marching down to the ring and sliding under the ropes.

Zach King: Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan... Weighing in at 310 pounds... this is ARCHANGEL!

Caelan Tyler: I've heard that Archangel was trying something different before this match in preparation. You hear anything about that, Jake?

Jake Steel: No, but I do know he's going to have to get lucky if he wants to win tonight.

The image flashes briefly on the screen before the lights go out suddenly. Rapid riffs on a guitar begin to play. With every major beat where the other instruments join in, purple and white lights flash across the audience and the ring. After a few bars, the other instruments join in. The lead guitar takes off in a downward scale as 'Dead Man Walking' by Bloodsimple starts.

The song takes off in a flurry of chords and drum strokes as purple flames explode from the turnbuckles and around the stage. Sparks rain down from above the entrance way as the video begins, displaying images of Aphrodisia Jordan's triumphs and infamous bumps.

Imagery of black panthers and the Omega symbol flash in between the videos of Aphrodisia. A figure begins to appear behind the shower of sparks. She steps forward through the rain, followed by her manager, Joseph, who promptly lights her cigarette for her.

Aphrodisia, trailed by Joseph, starts down the ramp towards the ring. She seems unphased by the heavy boos from the crowds. Her eyes are focused on the ring as she continues her casual stroll downward.

Joseph stays outside of the ring as Aphrodisia climbs the stairs. Using the top rope, she springboards herself into the ring, landing deftly on her feet. She smooths out her wife beater as she exhales a lungful of smoke through her nostrils. She begins to pace in the corner slowly as the music begins to fade out.

Caelan Tyler: Aph picking up the win here.

Jake Steel: As if there was ever any doubt.

The camera cuts backstage, and a round of cheers erupts as the new Legacy Champion, The Phoenix, enters the arena. The cheers are mainly due to the fact that he's wearing a Philadelphia Soul jersey. Passing a few of the backstage hands and nodding in greeting, he makes his way to his locker room to watch the festivities.

As he enters the locker room, he notices that the small couch inside looks like it's been sat on recently. On the monitor is a still shot from earlier in the program, with someone having been in his locker room for some interview. It took a moment for the name to register with his mind.

The Phoenix: ...Vegas. Society. The bastards have no shame, it appears. Of course, I should have known better than to expect even common courtesy from them.

A brief sigh follows that statement, as Phoenix sits down.

The Phoenix: Then again, when you are dealing with people whose heads are shoved so far up their asses that they can give themselves a colon examination, what can you expect? But it is of no matter. They...or rather, Mr. Vegas...will be paid in full soon enough. There are bigger issues to deal with. But if this is how they wish to play mind games with me...

A smirk cross his face as he nods once.

The Phoenix: ...then so be it.

Tossing his duffel bag onto the bench beside him, he rose to leave the locker room. There was too much to do at the moment; this small breach of privacy could be held off until the more serious matters were taken care of. However, it would neither be forgotten nor forgiven. The name was in his head and he had a target now... 'Danny Boy Vegas.'

Caelan Tyler: Looks like The Phoenix is going to be out for revenge.

Jake Steel: Psh, like that'll happen.

Groggy from her match, Aphrodisia Jordan is spotted backstage, rubbing her lower back. She pushes open the door to her locker room. Bacon is perched on the arm of the sofa, his curly tail wagging affectionately. The Warheart grins and scoops the piglet from the sofa, cuddling him up against her chest.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Who was a good little piggy while-- hey, wait a second...?

Aphrodisia picks up what appears to be a chunk of cake from Bacon's back. She frowns as she flicks it to the ground.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Bacon! We're you into my cake?

Jordan moves to the coffee table and opens the box on the table, revealing an untouched cake. She eyeballs both the cake and Bacon before snuggling the pig back up against her chest.

Aphrodisia Jordan: Aww... how could I have doubted you? But if you had... I would have made you breakfast...

Caelan Tyler: ...So it was the pig after all?

Jake Steel: Uprising gets weirder by the show, I fucking swear...

The arena goes dark with the only light coming from the Society logo shining brightly on the Jumbotron. A few seconds go by and the arena is already filling with a mixture of boos and incoherent yelling. 'Biggest and the Best' by Clawfinger begins to play over the PA system, the techno rhythm plays for a few moments than the bass drum hits which sends a large blast of pyro off down the entrance ramp.

Nobody is perfect but I'm pretty fucking close
and I'm here to give you all a heavy heavenly dose
I think you'd better listen 'cos I know who you are
and I think that you should treat me like a superstar
because I'm more than just a human I'm a gift to all of you
and I'm here to make sure that my message gets through

As the pyro dies down, smoke begins to fill the entrance to the stage. Slowly, through the mist, a blue spotlight to the left of the entrance begins to illuminate, silhouetting a large figure. To the right of the entrance, a red spotlight comes up, silhouetting another, much large figure. In between the two, a purple spotlight begins to glow, casting the shadow of a more feminine form.

I wonder if you're really all as dumb as you look
or are you smart enough to learn the rules in my book
I hope you understand that the knowledge I bring
puts me in the position of a god or a king
'cos I'm blessed with the gift of the magic touch

A green spotlight than hits the entrance, however, the glow is upwards and behind Aphrodisia, who is obviously the smaller of the four on stage. The figure behind her is taller and menacing, standing with his arms on his hips. A few moments go by before the spotlights fade and the arena is dark once again.

and I wouldn't say that I'm asking for to much
all you have to do is get down on your knees and pray
and I promise you the remedy is on its way
but you can never be like me so don't waste your time
because I reign supreme and my position is divine

A loud blast of pyro shoots up the entrance ramp revealing: Danny Boy Vegas, Brad Jackson, Aphrodisia Jordan, and Shane Donovan. Vincent Kane is yet to emerge from the back. The four walk half way down the entrance ramp than line up two on each side half way down the ramp. 'Biggest and the Best' begins to cut out, the recording seemingly not working properly, and than finally dies off. A few seconds go pass and the crowd is getting restless, a heavy amount of boos being thrown in Society's direction. A few seconds later the growls of Wisdom in Chain's 'Land of Kings' fill the arena, and the boos suddenly become cheers, mainly for the song.

We are Pittsburgh to Stroudsburg, and some places in between.
Where we live, the fields are always green
I just wanna tell you where the fuck I'm from
The Land of Kings is my only home

With another loud blast of pyro that shoots directly at the entrance, Vincent Kane steps out from the back. Wearing no shirt and black jeans, the 'injury' that's been hinted to can be revealed. His shoulder is heavily tapped up and gause are piled on top of each other in a feeble attempt to protect the wound.

I represent the Keystone State
We're the hardest in the world from the mills to the streets
If you've never lived it, than you'd never understand
The sweat, blood, and authority of a working man
PA Hardcore, we hold it down

VK begins his descent down the ramp slowly walking between his crew, who fall into line next to him as he passes. Society takes their time making their way down the ramp. VK seems focused, yet Brad Jackson and Aphrodisia can't seem to help but taunt the fans as they pass.

PENNSYLVANIA

I fucking love you
You keep me safe and you give me a shelter
I dream about my home when I'm away from you
No matter where I roam, I will come back to you

Danny Boy Vegas up onto the ring platform and than up and over the top rope. He stands in the middle of the ring and just turns looking out at the crowd with a smirk across his face, than shakes his head and heads to Society's corner. Shane Donovan stays on the outside along with Brad Jackson. Vincent Kane paces around the ring a few times before stopping at the stairs, before he makes his way into the ring, Aphrodisia is sitting on the ring apron speaking to Jackson, but no mics are close enough to make out anything other than the occasional word or two.

We are the Keystone
Land where our fathers died
We are the working class
Grew up on hardcore pride

Vincent finally makes his way into the ring, but doesn't pay any mind to anything else going on. He goes right to his corner and babies his injury a little bit, before ducking down and speaking to Society through the ropes, awaiting Ice Man's entrance.

We are the Keystone
That's where they'll bury me
I'm representing
PA Hardcore til the day I die

Zach King: The following match is a freezer match and is for the NLW Championship! Making his way to the ring first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... Weighing in at 200 pounds... VINCENT KANE!

Caelan Tyler: Kane still has his injury bandaged up, but that doesn't seem to be deterring him from this match.

Jake Steel: Why would it? He's got Society out here as his back-up. Ice Man's looking at a five on one, even if Kane's injured.

Caelan Tyler: I wonder if Ice Man would actually come out here without any back-up. Seems like a very bad idea on his part if he does.

'Second to None' By Styles of Beyond begins to sound over the arena loudspeakers and the lights begin to flicker slightly before going out completely. After a few moments there is a large explosion on the stage and the lights come back up, revealing The Ice Man in the middle of the stage, the NLW Championship hanging over his shoulder. He takes a moment to look around before walking towards the ring, shaking hands with fans along the way. Once he makes it to the ring he climbs in and stands in the center, raising his championship into the air as explosions erupt from all four turnbuckles.

Zach King: And his opponent, from Portland, Oregon... Weighing in at 275 pounds... He is the NLW Champion... THE ICE MAN!

Caelan Tyler: And the champ makes his way to the ring, seemingly with no back-up in sight.

Jake Steel: Yeah, as if anyone in that locker room would be stupid enough to come out here and get their ass kicked by Society.

Caelan Tyler: They seemed plenty willing last Uprising.

Jake Steel: Total fluke.

Ice Man eyes Society, no doubt nervous about the situation while the stagehands roll the freezer case down to the ring. Kane keeps his gaze focused on Ice Man when 'In My Grip' by Samhain starts to play, and Jack Sullivan walks onto the stage, flanked by several security guards.

Jack Sullivan: Sorry to put the kibosh on this boys and girls, but there's no way I'm allowing this match to take place as it stands.

Jack motions towards the guards, who walk down the ramp towards the various members of Society. Kane glares at Jack as a smirk crosses Jack's face.

Jack Sullivan: Society is banned from ringside for this. To make sure that stays the case, I'm leaving out some of these guards and a few of my 'ringers'.

The guards shuffle the members of Society up the ramp to the back as near ringside Piter Svoboda jumps over the security barricade, being followed closely by another, very familiar figure to NLW fans.

Caelan Tyler: That's Piter and TJ Arrington! He's back and he's one of Jack's hand-picked 'ringers'!

Jake Steel: Arrington WHOO!

Jack Sullivan: Have fun with your match Kane and remember, you picked the wrong person to fuck with.

With that Jack drops the mic and exits to the back, with Vincent Kane seething in the ring over the whole situation.

Caelan Tyler: Sullivan laying down the law here to Society, and it looks like Ice Man's chances of retaining just went way up.

Jake Steel: Definitely did not see that one coming.

The bell rings, and Ice Man immediately capitalizes on the distraction by clubbing Kane across his back with a massive forearm. Shoving Kane into the corner, Ice drives his elbow into Kane's shoulder. Kane slides down to the mat, and Ice Man continues his assault, putting the boots to the injured shoulder. Boom! Again and again, Ice Man pummels Kane, the crowd roaring with approval as he does so.

Caelan Tyler: The champ quick to go on offense, no doubt letting out some of his frustrations of having to deal with Society and their shenanigans since he won the title from Aphrodisia.

Jake Steel: ...Shenanigans? Really Cael?

Caelan Tyler: What's wrong with the word shenanigans?

Jake Steel: It's... Well... It's just terrible. I mean, even for you.

Caelan Tyler: *sighs*

Dragging Kane to his feet, Ice Man whips him across the ring, bouncing him off of the ropes before leveling him with a massive lariat. Kane pops back up, and the champion grabs him and again takes him down with a lariat. Fired up, Ice Man screams to the fans before dragging Kane to his feet and lifting him into the air, holding him up before bringing him down with a shoulderbreaker! Kane clutches at his shoulder as Ice Man slides out of the ring, looking over both Piter and his old nemesis Arrington before reaching under the apron and yanking out a steel chair.

Caelan Tyler: It's turning into payback time for Ice Man.

Jake Steel: Come on Kane, don't let that injury get you down, fight back, you can kick his ass!

Caelan Tyler: Somehow I don't see your cheerleading being the thing that turns this match around for Kane Jake.

Jake Steel: Quiet you, Kane needs all the support he can get from his real fans, not the fake ones like you.

Caelan Tyler: I never claimed to be a fan of Kane's!

Jake Steel: Pfft, sure you didn't.

Caelan Tyler: I didn't!

Jake Steel: Whatever.

Holding the chair up in the air for the crowd to see, Ice Man turns his attention back to the ring, where Kane charges the ropes, sliding and knocking the chair back into Ice Man's face! Kane quickly takes advantage, driving his knee into Ice Man's midsection and yanking the chair out of the big man's grip. With Ice Man doubled over, Kane slams the chair across his exposed back before throwing it to the side. Ice Man drops to his knees, and Kane delivers a swift kick to Ice Man's ribs. Still favoring the shoulder, Kane goes over to a nearby cameraman, shoving him and grabbing one of the cables connected to the camera, yanking it out. After delivering a boot to Ice Man's head, Kane wraps the cable around Ice Man's neck, attempting to choke out the champ.

Caelan Tyler: Ice Man showboating to the crowd a bit too much here, and Kane decides to make him pay for it, and he's now focused on choking out the champ, although this doesn't strike me as a good idea.

Jake Steel: Why not? Take him out as quickly as possible, this isn't the type of match you fuck around in.

Caelan Tyler: Agreed, but if you choke him to unconsciousness then you gotta lift him into the freezer. Society is banned from ringside, Kane's already got a bad shoulder and that would be almost 300 pounds of dead weight.

Jake Steel: ...Oh shit, new plan Kane, new plan!

Regardless of whether or not Kane actually heard that exchange, he seems to have hit upon that same realization as well, releasing the hold and watching as Ice Man gasps for air. Kane rolls Ice Man into the ring, shooting daggers at Svoboda before sliding in after him, quickly delivering a knee drop to the downed champ. Kane follows that up with a mounted position, delivering rights into the champ's skull before getting to his feet. Taunting the crowd, Kane goes over to one of the turnbuckles, quickly untying and removing the protective padding over the steel components that hold the ropes together.

Caelan Tyler: Kane remains on the offensive here, and it looks like he's got some bad intentions in mind with that exposed turnbuckle.

Jake Steel: Turnabout is fair play here Cael, the only restriction is that Kane has to put Ice into the freezer. What he decides to do to him prior is all on him.

Caelan Tyler: This is true.

Jake Steel: Plus he's probably pissed as hell over the attacks on his shoulder.

Caelan Tyler: Like you said...

Jake Steel: Shh.

Grabbing Ice Man's legs, Kane uses himself like a catapult, lifting the champ up and sending him crashing into the exposed turnbuckle. The crowd collectively winces upon impact, and the champ falls down limply. Satisfied at least for the moment, Kane rolls out of the ring, grabbing the freezer and pushing it closer. The crowd starts to boo loudly as Kane opens the freezer, a smug look on his face as he looks at the NLW Champion, who's barely moving at this point. Sliding into the ring, Kane starts to move Ice Man to get him into the freezer, but before he can even move the champ an uppercut aimed where uppercuts shouldn't be aimed stops him dead in his tracks. Kane doubles over in pain, and the champ slowly uses the ropes to pull himself up, blood starting to ooze from his forehead.

Caelan Tyler: Ice Man is busted open here, but it looks like he's put a stop to Kane's stranglehold on the match.

Jake Steel: Like running into a brick wall...

Caelan Tyler: Agreed.

Jake Steel: Huh? No one asked you!

Caelan Tyler: ...But...

Jake Steel: No one asked!

Caelan Tyler: *Sighs*

Sliding out of the ring, Ice Man grabs Kane and drags him out as well, slamming the challenger's skull into the freezer. The champ follows that up with an Irish whip that sends Kane crashing shoulder-first into the steel steps. Ice Man wipes some of the blood from his brow as he grabs a chair and attempts to line up a shot to Kane's shoulder. The rather unsatisfying sound of steel meeting steel occurs, however, as Kane is able to roll out of the way. Undeterred, Ice Man throws the chair into the ring before giving chase, only to be blindsided by a rake to the eyes by Kane. Kane quickly follows this up with a Russian leg sweep that slams Ice Man back-first into the safety barricade. Kane moves to lift Ice Man back up, but is greeted with an uppercut of the European persuasion, and Ice Man is able to pull himself back up as the two men start to trade rights.

Caelan Tyler: Both competitors jockeying for position here, the importance of this match clearly evident to both.

Jake Steel: Well duh Cael, why wouldn't you want to be NLW Champion? It doesn't get any better than that.

Caelan Tyler: Not to mention the fact that for Kane winning the NLW Championship would be huge for Society, while Ice Man is looking to be the first man in 5 years to successfully defend the NLW Championship.

Jake Steel: ...Really? 5 years?

Caelan Tyler: No one has done it since Jack Sullivan defended it against Jin Royale back in 2003.

Jake Steel: Damn!

A knee to the mid-section gives control of the match over to Kane, who grabs Ice Man and pulls him through the security guards, yelling at Arrington to back off before slamming Ice Man head-first into the freezer. Kane then drags Ice Man onto the freezer, taunting the fans before delivering a piledriver! Ice Man falls over to the outside, curling up into a fetal position as the boos rain down onto Kane.

Jake Steel: SEE! That's how you get it done!

Caelan Tyler: Massive piledriver by Kane onto that freezer... That could've inflicted serious injury to Ice Man!

Jake Steel: We're about to crown a new champion, and his name is Vincent Kane.

Caelan Tyler: It's hard to argue with you there after that sort of a blow to Ice Man. I can't fathom him beating Kane at this point...

Jake Steel: Whoo! You admit it! You like Society!

Caelan Tyler: What?! No I didn't!

Jake Steel: Whoo!

Kane takes his the hatred and vitriol of the fans, seemingly feeding off of it before jumping down from the freezer and throwing open the cover. Kane then drags Ice Man up to try to get him into the freezer, but struggles to lift the dead weight with only one good arm. Cursing his luck, Kane catches a quick breather before attempting again, making a bit more progress but not by much. Frustrated, Kane yells at one of the security guards to help him out, but the guard shakes his head no.

Jake Steel: What is wrong with that guy?! He should be helping out our future champ!

Caelan Tyler: Why? His job is to keep people from interfering, not to help one of the guys win.

Jake Steel: BAH I SAY!

Caelan Tyler: You would say that.

Jake Steel: Shut up!

Caelan Tyler: Make me.

Jake Steel: Maybe I will.

Caelan Tyler: Sure, I'd like to see you try.

Kane goes back to trying to get Ice Man into the freezer, but catches an elbow to the ribs. Ice Man staggers to his feet, chopping Kane across the chest. Ice Man Tosses Kane into the ring and follows suit, lifting him up and delivering a sidewalk slam. The crowd roars in delight as Ice Man pulls Kane back up, hooking him and driving him down into the steel chair in the ring with a pumphandle slam!

Caelan Tyler: I'm not sure how Ice Man managed to do this, but he's back in this match!

Jake Steel: NO! This is all that security guard's fault!

Caelan Tyler: What? How?

Jake Steel: Had he just helped Kane out this match would be over and we'd all be celebrating just how great our new NLW Champion Vincent Kane was, but NOOOO, he had to be a spoil sport and delay the inevitable.

Caelan Tyler: I don't think Kane's victory is inevitable now.

Jake Steel: You said it was before!

Caelan Tyler: That was before Ice Man got up.

Fired up, Ice Man climbs to the top turnbuckle, waiting for Kane to get to his feet. When Kane stands up Ice Man leaps off the turnbuckle, flipping and delivering his Hail Storm neckbreaker. Ice Man gets back up, pointing to the freezer before dragging Kane to his feet and lifting him up onto his shoulders, getting read to hit him with The Ice Pick. Unfortunately for the champ, Kane slips free and nails Ice Man with a bulldog before grabbing his arm and head, applying the Where It Ends! Ice Man yelps in pain as Kane sinks in the hold.

Caelan Tyler: Kane with his Where It Ends crossface hold!

Jake Steel: This is it! Knock his ass out and roll him into the freezer!

Caelan Tyler: This could be Kane's best chance to get the win here, since he wouldn't have to lift Ice Man into the freezer.

Jake Steel: Damn right!

Kane cinches in the hold, trying his damnedest to injure the champ as Ice Man struggles to free himself. Ice Man slowly pulls himself towards the ropes, grabbing the bottom rope and holding on for a moment before realizing there's no rope breaks in this match. Thinking quickly, Ice Man manages to push off the mat and roll onto Kane, rolling Kane over with him and applying his close to three hundred pounds right onto Kane's shoulder. Kane quickly lets go of the hold, rolling away from Ice Man as the champ takes a moment to recompose himself.

Caelan Tyler: Ice Man able to free himself there, and both men are looking worse for wear here at this point.

Jake Steel: Kane needs to finish this before Ice Man can do any real damage to that shoulder! NLW doesn't need a gimp champ!

Caelan Tyler: It's anyone's match at this point, as both competitors have taken a lot of abuse.

Jake Steel: I had almost forgotten to say that during this match! Thanks for reminding me!

Caelan Tyler: ...Oh shit.

Jake Steel: ABUSE~!

Kane manages to get to his feet first, and quickly buries his boot into Ice Man's gut before DDTing the champ onto the chair. Picking the chair up, Kane lays it across Ice Man's head before knee dropping it into the champ's face. Kane then walks over to the side of the ring where the fridge is and kicks the lid back open, the crowd booing as the challenger makes his intentions known. Pulling Ice Man up, Kane whips Ice Man into the corner, with Ice man's back connecting with the exposed turnbuckle. Kane measures the champ before charging, looking for a vertical splash. No one's home though, as Ice Man manages to slip out of the way, leading Kane to collide chest-first into the cold steel.

Caelan Tyler: Ouch! That'll knock the wind right out of you.

Jake Steel: Thank you Captain Obvious.

Caelan Tyler: Oh, like you've never made an obvious observation before.

Jake Steel: I didn't try to pass it off as something funny.

Caelan Tyler: ...Jake, that's all you do here.

Jake Steel: Says you.

Caelan Tyler: ...Yes says me, I'm the guy that works with you. Of course I'd notice!

Jake Steel: Psh, whatever poser!

With Kane gasping for air, Ice Man shakes his head to clear the cobwebs before grabbing Kane and launching him like a lawn dart back into the corner, slamming his shoulder into the ring post. Kane yells out as the steel crunches into the injured limb, and sensing the blood in the water Ice Man decides that now is the time for the kill, propping Kane up onto the top turnbuckle before climbing it himself. Once he's up, he lifts Kane onto his shoulders and leaps back, spinning Kane and driving him into the mat with The Ice Pick! The crowd roars in approval as both men lie motionless for a few moments. Kane looks completely out once Ice Man begins to move, and the champ pushes Kane along the mat, rolling him towards the ropes. Once they reach the ropes Ice Man is back to his feet, kicking Kane to try to get him into the freezer. As a last ditch effort Kane grabs the bottom rope, but Ice Man stomps on his shoulder, and the jolt of pain through his arm causes Kane to release the rope, allowing Ice Man to shove him into the freezer and close the lid.

Caelan Tyler: Here is your winner and STILL NLW Champion... THE ICE MAN!

The bell rings as the crowd erupts, with a referee entering the ring and handing the bloody Ice Man his NLW Championship.

Caelan Tyler: Ice Man did it! He retains!

Jake Steel: First The Phoenix wins gold, then The Ice Man retains? Is there no justice in this world?!

Caelan Tyler: Too bad so sad Jake.

Ice Man holds up his title triumphantly, taunting Arrington and Svoboda at ringside as the scene fades to black.