'Game On' by Discipline begins to play as the words 'NLW' flash across the screen, and the scene flashes back to last Uprising, where Corbin Damari defeated Emanuel Jackson, Okuma defeated 'The Promise' John Thomas, Nick James defeated Troy Munday, Olivia Winterborne and Kevin Heat fought to a double countout and in our main event Josh Allen defeated Jesse Williams to reclaim the NLW Championship before getting into a brawl with the newly debuting Ray Lopes. The scene cuts to ringside, with Caelan Tyler and Jake Steel.

Caelan Tyler: Hello and welcome to Uprising, and with me tonight as always is 'The Real Deal' Jake Steel.

Jake Steel: I just don't know when to end my own suffering apparently.

Caelan Tyler: In spite of Mr. Grumpy McGrumperson here I'm excited to see the fallout tonight after Josh Allen won back the NLW Championship that he was never pinned for.

Jake Steel: Yeah, but then he had to go sticking his nose in other people's business by attacking Ray Lopes!

Caelan Tyler: Ray didn't seem like he was out there to be his friend Jake, besides, you were unconscious!

Jake Steel: How do you know Cael? I have it from a good source that Ray was actually going to be giving a beautiful fruit basket to the winner, but after Allen's absolutely despicable display Lopes gave that basket to some orphans before vowing to hunt down Allen's family.

Caelan Tyler: ...What are you talking about? You were unconscious.

Jake Steel: Okay, parts of that story might be a tad embellished, but the fact remains that Allen acted in a matter unbecoming of a champion.

Caelan Tyler: How should he have acted then Jake?

Jake Steel: He should've rolled over like the dog he is.

Caelan Tyler: Oh brother. You're hopeless Jake.

Jake Steel: No, you're the hopeless one for being such a steadfast JA supporter.

The lights dim in the arena as a quiet melody begins to play. Fans are unable to make out what's being played until sparks start to fly out of the top of the stage, and then the volume builds until the unmistakable sound of 'Bad' by Michael Jackson can be heard. The fans start to cheer as Eddie Williams appears on the stage, wearing a red leather jacket and his signature purple and gold boas around his neck. He starts to slap the hands of fans as he makes his way to the ring.

Zach King: The following match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Cleveland, Ohio... Weighing in at 238 pounds... EDDIE WILLIAMS!

Caelan Tyler: Well regardless of how you feel about Josh it's time for our first bout of the evening. Eddie Williams has been off to a rather rocky start here in NLW, but he's looking to try to get himself back on track against the 'Hardcore Prodigy' in Nick James.

Jake Steel: Pfft, that's such a lame moniker to give the kid Cael.

Caelan Tyler: Why, what would you call him?

Jake Steel: Super Ultimate Hardcore Thriller Version 1.337.

Caelan Tyler: ...

Flickering red and purple stage lights strobe over the dimmed entrance and the upbeat tempo of Angry Young Man by Billy Joel slams out through the arena. The curtains burst open with flourish and James pauses on the stage, looking down to peer out at the crowd over top his sunglasses, with both the Legacy and NLW Tag Team championships strapped around his mid-section. Soaking in their cheers for a moment, James brushes them off, marching toward the ring while he wraps white tape around his wrists. James leaps from the floor to the apron without even taking a running start, then hooks an arm over the middle rope and rolls through into the ring, throwing his arms out to the sides and spinning in a circle as he enjoys the spotlight.

Zach King: And his opponent, from Brantford, Ontario, Canada... Weighing in at 171 pounds... He is the one half of the NLW Tag Team champions as well as the Legacy champion... 'UNTAMED' NICK JAMES!

Caelan Tyler: To my understanding Jake Nick was quite upset to not be able to face Jesse Williams here.

Jake Steel: Of course he is Cael, Nick wants a challenge.

Caelan Tyler: Believe it or not Eddie is a former World champion!

Jake Steel: Of being a dope?

The bell sounds and Nick James comes charging out of his corner with an attempted running dropkick but Eddie Williams moves out of the way. Nick James quickly kips up to his feet and turns around and ducks a running clothesline attempt by Eddie. Both men stare at each other for a moment as Eddie goes for a lock up attempt but Nick James ducks under it and comes bouncing off the ropes. Eddie drops down as Nick James jumps over him. Nick James bounces off the ropes again this time Eddie leap frogs over him... Nick James stops in his tracks and waits for Eddie to turn around. Eddie turns around and is met with a dropkick. Eddie gets back up and is met with another dropkick. Eddie gets up and again is met with a third dropkick this time Eddie Williams frustrated at it all rolls to the outside to catch a breather as Nick James is ready and willing in this match! Eddie takes a few seconds outside to catch his breath as the referee's count reaches five. At the five mark Eddie Williams rolls back in the ring and stares down at Nick James who has a cocky half smile on his face from the earlier display.

Caelan Tyler: Nick's on fire to open things up here, definitely showing that regardless of which Williams he was facing tonight he was planning on bringing it.

Jake Steel: Why wouldn't he? He's no Josh Allen; he doesn't wimp out when the going gets tough!

Caelan Tyler: Jake, he had cancer.

Jake Steel: Psh, a real man would've walked it off.

Eddie Williams goes for the lock up again this time successful in doing so. He twists Nick James arm and keeps control of it. He wrenches in the hold as Nick James flips on to his back to untwist the arm kips up and does an arm twist of his own in a nice reversal. Eddie Williams grimaces in pain as Nick James lifts up on the hold. Eddie Williams. Eddie Williams does a one handed cartwheel untwisting his arm and then falls down backwards sending Nick James over in an arm drag type take down. Nick James ends up rolling out of the ring as a result as it's his turn now to take a breather. Eddie Williams is on his feet and he plays to the crowd the show boat side of him coming out. The referee only gets to a three count before Nick James rolls back into the ring to continue the match. Eddie Williams locks up with him again and successfully knees him in the stomach. He knees him a second time before Irish whipping him into the ropes. He goes for a standing clothesline but Nick James ducks it. Nick James bounces off the ropes as Eddie Williams turns around. Nick James jumps up in the air and wraps his legs around Eddie Williams spinning him around with a leg scissors take down. Eddie Williams rolls on the mat and quickly stands up his back to the ropes as Nick James charges and nails another dropkick sending Eddie Williams head over heels backwards over the top rope! Eddie Williams lands on his knees with his chin hitting the outer apron and he ends up on his back. The Referee begins the count...

1...

2...

3...

Eddie Williams is back on his feet and he pounds the outer apron in frustration.

4...

5...

Eddie Williams rolls back into the ring.

Caelan Tyler: Eddie's really starting to get pretty acquainted with the ringside area.

Jake Steel: Which is so very stupid of him.

Caelan Tyler: Why would you say that?

Jake Steel: Look at all that stuff out there Nick could hit/toss/press/slam you into.

Eddie Williams locks up with Nick James again and backs him into the corner. The Referee calls for the clean break and it seems Eddie is going to give it to him...no a forearm to the face. Another forearm to the face. Eddie Williams Irish whips Nick James into the opposite corner and Nick James hits back first hard. Eddie Williams charges in and goes for a dropkick of his own and nails it sandwiching Nick James between the top turnbuckle and his feet. Nick James stumbles out of the corner as Eddie Williams hip tosses him down. Eddie Williams goes for the cover:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Eddie Williams has control of the match as he picks Nick James up. He goes for a snap suplex and perfectly nails it as Nick James arches his back in pain. Eddie Williams crawls over for another cover attempt:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: Looks like Eddie's Oh Snap~! Suplex wasn't enough to get the job done there.

Jake Steel: ...Wait, he seriously has the tilde and exclamation point in the name?

Caelan Tyler: For emphasis I'd imagine.

Jake Steel: I don't know what to say.

Eddie Williams picks Nick James up and lifts him up in a side suplex attempt but instead drops him down with a back breaker doing more damage to the back. He doesn't go for the pin this time instead taking the time to walk around the ring with his arms in the air show boating to the crowd. The crowd eats it up but it costs Eddie Williams time as he goes for the cover:

1...

He got the shoulder up!

Eddie Williams picks Nick James up and Irish whips him into the corner again. This time Nick James hits the corner front first hard stumbling back from doing so as Eddie Williams charges and nails him with a running forearm from behind causing Nick James to face plant into the mat. Eddie Williams picks up Nick James and goes for an attempt atomic drop attempt but Nick James flips out of it and grabs Eddie Williams into a waist lock. He runs him into the ropes and rolls him over for a pin attempt:

1...

2...

Shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: Nick able to put a stop to Eddie's momentum by countering with that pin attempt.

Jake Steel: Too bad he couldn't have used that to put Eddie through a table...

It's a powerful kick out as Nick James goes running from the roll up position and bounces off the ropes. Eddie Williams lifts his feet in the air and propels Nick James over him. Nick James flips in the air but lands on his feet as he runs into the ropes again. Eddie Williams rolls on to his stomach as Nick James jumps over him. Eddie William quickly stands up and leap frogs over the returning Nick James. Eddie Williams spins around as Nick James bounces off the ropes again and this time hits a running cross body that knocks Eddie Williams over. It's a pin attempt:

1...

2...

Eddie gets his shoulder up!

Nick James runs into the ropes as Eddie Williams get up. Nick James nails a spinning wheel kick that takes Eddie Williams back down to the mat. Nick James stands up and then slips to the outside onto the apron, pulling back on the top rope before allowing the rope to catapult him up and over, landing hard on Eddie with a flipping senton. He stays on top of Eddie for another pin attempt:

1...

2...

Kick out at the last second!

Caelan Tyler: Nick's picking up the pace here, but he's gotta remember that Eddie is no stranger to fast pace wrestling either.

Jake Steel: Nah, he's just strange in most other ways.

Nick James goes to the outside and begins to climb up to the top rope. Eddie Williams is stumbling up to his feet. Nick James is on the top rope but hesitates for a second losing his balance. He regains his balance and launches himself off the top rope with a flying cross body attempt but the hesitation gives Eddie the recovery time he needs to jump up in the air and nail the flying Nick James with a dropkick. Nick James and Eddie both crash to the mat but Nick James is the worse off from it as he grabs his gut and hurdles up in a fetal position. Eddie Williams crawls over and goes for the pin attempt:

1...

2...

Shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: That was a nasty mid-air collision there!

Eddie Williams now has control of the match as he picks Nick James up and brings him to the center of the ring. He twists him for a neck breaker attempt and nails it. Eddie Williams is on his knees and lifts his hands up in a winning pose before covering Nick James:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Once again the showboating costs Eddie Williams who seems to be in disbelief that Nick James keeps kicking out. Eddie Williams picks up Nick James and Irish whips him into the ropes. He bends down to back body drop him but Nick James puts on the breaks and goes for a small package:

1...

2...

No, Eddie Williams reverses the package!

1...

2...

Nick James reverses the package this time!

1...

2...

Eddie Williams reverses it... no Nick James reverses it. It turns into a rolling around fest as both men roll around the ring taking turns reversing the small package before the referee even has time to drop down for count. Finally with Eddie Williams on top Nick James opts to kick out ending Small Packagefest 2009.

Caelan Tyler: Neither man managed to accomplish anything with that exchange.

Jake Steel: Man, I was so waiting for Yakkity Sax to start playing there.

Eddie Williams is up on his feet first though and delivers a boot to the back of Nick James head sending him down to the mat. Eddie Williams scoops him and sets him up for a suplex attempt. He lifts Nick James in the air but Nick James flips out of it landing on his feet and he gets another running start into the ropes. This time Eddie Williams decides not to play this game and he comes running at Nick James with a knee into the gut that sends Nick James flipping into the air and landing on his back. Eddie Williams goes for the pin attempt again:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Eddie Williams stands up and goes for a few boot shots to Nick James before going to the outside and climbing to the top rope himself. He points to the fans and yells 'THIS IS IT!' as he goes for the Thrill Ride. Nick James rolls out of the way though and Eddie Williams lands butt first. Eddie Williams grabs his rump as Nick James gets up and does a running dropkick knocking Eddie Williams down from his sitting position. He goes for the cover:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: That clearly demonstrated the danger of high risk moves, as Eddie paid for trying to be fancy.

Jake Steel: See? Proof positive that sometimes just smacking them over the head with a steel chair is a better idea.

Caelan Tyler: That would've gotten him disqualified Jake.

Jake Steel: Pfft, details details.

Nick James is on his feet and he's feeling the momentum. He sees Eddie Williams standing up so he quickly runs to the ropes jumping onto the top rope and flipping through the air with a moonsault. He connects knocking Eddie Williams down and successfully going for another pin attempt:

1...

2...

Shoulder up!

Nick James stands back up and goes outside to climb to the top rope. He's on the top rope and he waits for Eddie Williams to stand up. Eddie's up and Nick James comes flying into the air with another cross body attempt. THIS TIME HE NAILS IT! It's another pin attempt:

1...

2...

Kick out!

Caelan Tyler: That flurry just wasn't enough to keep a veteran like Eddie Williams down here.

Nick James feels the momentum he goes outside and begins to climb to the top rope again. Eddie Williams is able to get up on his feet though and he falls into the top rope causing Nick James to crotch himself. Nick James grimaces in pain as Eddie Williams makes his way to the corner and climbs up there with Nick James. It seems he's going to go for a superplex attempt. He pumps his fist to the crowd showboating once more, this gives Nick James the opportunity to forearm him in the gut... another forearm in the gut. He pushes Eddie Williams down and Eddie goes crashing to the mat. Nick James quickly stands up not wasting time as he goes for the Anti-Williams AND CONNECTS! Nick James goes for the pin fall:

1...

2...

3! The bell sounds as Nick rolls off of Eddie before raising his arms in victory.

Zach King: Here is your winner... 'UNTAMED' NICK JAMES!

Caelan Tyler: Eddie put up a heck of a fight, but in the end Nick just got the better of him.

Jake Steel: Damn skippy he did.

Caelan Tyler: ...Damn skippy?

Jake Steel: Yeah, you got a problem with that?!

Caelan Tyler: I guess not. In any case, did they ever establish whether or not you blacked out last Uprising because of the beating you were given?

Jake Steel: I already told you that I remembered that stuff dumbass!

Caelan Tyler: Considering the 'theory' you offered earlier I don't think you do.

Jake Steel: Psh!

Caelan Tyler: Anyways, I can't say that I agree with a guy like Ray Lopes being able to just come in here and antagonize the champ like that.

Josh Allen: You talked to Josh Allen before the show, didn't you?

Caelan Tyler: Uhm, yeah, why?

Jake Steel: So is that what he's going to say tonight? You know, Lopes is trash, blah blah blah? Look for a way to avoid the fight instead of being a man?

Caelan Tyler: Uhm... I dunno. He's backstage right now, which is why I was doing the connection to last week's show. Let's take a look.

Jake Steel: Or take a bathroom break.

Indeed, backstage, Josh Allen, talking on his cell phone and proudly wearing his golden NLW Championship belt around his waist, stops outside a closed door.

Josh Allen: Hold on just a second....

He took the phone away from his ear and began pounding at the door.

Josh Allen: Yo Mobely, open the damn door. You can't hide from me all night, you know? Those people out there need answers about how you're going to turn this place around! ...Damn it, don't ignore me, Eriq!

Allen puts the phone back up to his ear.

Josh Allen: Listen, I just don't have time to deal with Jordan Brock tonight. Get with me Monday at my office.

He shuts the phone and makes a final plea by kicking the door with his right foot.

Josh Allen: So you run out of talent in NLW and start recruiting from OWF? I get it. You've hit rock bottom. You think you'll sell Uprisings that way? A pay-per-view? Well screw you. I'm not stepping in the ring with a nobody from OWF. Been there, done that, and it ended with me getting screwed. Either find someone from NLW or leave me the hell alone!

Allen sighed and turned from the door. A man in a janitor's suit nearly bumped into Allen as Josh started to walk away.

Janitor: Who were you yelling at, dude?

Josh Allen: That son of bitch Mobely.

Janitor: In my closet? Why is he in there?

Josh Allen: Excuse me? That guy down there...

Allen pointed to a receptionist at a large U-shaped desk.

Josh Allen: ...Told me this was Mobely's office.

The janitor chuckled and opened the door, revealing shelves, brooms and more.

Janitor: That 'guy' down there...

He pointed to the receptionist.

Janitor: Has the last name of Steel. You figure it out.

Allen looked toward the guy and grumbled. His face turned red and he started for the man as the camera faded back to Caelan and Jake.

Caelan Tyler: Uhm, Jake? Any relation to... you?

Jake Steel: An uncle.

Caelan Tyler: What a jerk! You should go back there and save him before Allen destroys him.

Jake Steel: Oh no, I want Allen to kick his ass! Last Christmas my uncle gave me $5 and a box of Rogaine for Men. This is payback.

Caelan Tyler: ...Seriously...?

Jake Steel: Nothing but serious. I would act if it were anything lesser.

Caelan Tyler: He does kinda have a point Jake...

Jake Steel: You shut your mouth!

'Redneck' by Lamb of God plays, as Emanuel Jackson's massive form appears on the stage, menacingly lumbering down to the ring.

Zach King: The following match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... From Parts Unknown... weighing in at 255 pounds...EMANUEL JACKSON!

Jake Steel: And there's a face only a mother could love...

Caelan Tyler: Jake...he's wearing a mask.

Jake Steel: You ever think that's the reason why he is?

Caelan Tyler: ...

'Mad Mann' by Sean Price blasts throughout the arena as most of the fans rise up to their feet and begin cheering for Ray Lopes, as he makes his way down the ramp. He gives a pound to a fan or two along the way and then slides inside the ring.

Zach King: And his opponent, making his NLW debut... From Los Angeles, California... Weighing in at 225 pounds... RAY LOPES!

Caelan Tyler: Some say that he cost Jesse Williams the NLW Championship last Uprising, but now Lopes makes is official NLW debut tonight.

Jake Steel: Hey, Caelan, is it true that when he makes a successful title defense, he gets to whip his opponent with a Haitian Cane?

Caelan Tyler: Actually, Jake, that is true. That's the current stipulation of the OWF Network Championship.

Jake Steel: I knew I'd like this guy for reasons besides messing with Josh Allen!

The bell sounds, and Jackson immediately leaps to the attack, catching Lopes off guard with a hard right hand to the temple. A second one follows this, forcing Lopes to stagger back in the corner. A knee to the gut is next, followed by a rising knee lift to the face; Lopes is in trouble already and we're not even a minute into the match! With a snarl, Jackson forces Lopes into the opposite corner, and the impact from the whip is enough to send Lopes flipping over the top turnbuckle and to the outside of the ring. The OWF Caribbean Champion is slow to regain his senses as Jackson exits on the opposite side of the ring and starts to come around to the area where Lopes is recovering.

Jake Steel: See, this is what we've been missing the last few shows. The potential for ABUSE!

Caelan Tyler: We're never going to hear the end of this tonight, are we?

Jake Steel: Hell, no!

Caelan Tyler: I was afraid of that...

The ref is forced to begin his count as Jackson grabs Lopes by the head and slams him face-first into the security wall, and then a second time for good measure.. The ref has gotten to a count of four by this point, so Jackson slides into the ring to break the count before coming back outside. Lopes is still trying to shake out the cobwebs, but is done no favors by Jackson, who grabs one of the camera cables and begins to choke the life out of his opponent. The ref can do nothing but continue his ten-count because it's happening outside of the ring. After a good bit of time, Jackson finally releases the cords, but pulls Lopes to his feet and slams his head into the apron of the mat before rolling him inside and following himself. As soon as Lopes is clear of the ropes, Jackson looks for the first cover of the match, but barely gets a two before Lopes gets the shoulder up.

Jake Steel: There hasn't been enough ABUSE yet! Come on, guys!

Caelan Tyler: Jake, didn't you get your share of abuse last Uprising when you ended the show being knocked out?

Jake Steel: You get hit in the back of the head with a cheap cane shot from some tubby bastard, and see how you end up!

Caelan Tyler: Shouldn't have pushed him, Jake. You should be damn lucky he doesn't make it a full-time thing.

Jake Steel: The audience would miss me too much!

Jackson does not waste much time as he pulls the OWF star to his feet and blasts him with a back elbow to stun Lopes once again. A hard shoulder block knocks Lopes down, and a quick elbow to the sternum follows this before Jackson decides to stomp a proverbial mudhole in Lopes, who finally gets to the ropes to get a breather. Jackson works the count to four and a half before finally opening some distance between himself and Lopes. The ref tries to admonish Jackson, but the big man simply ignores it and hauls Lopes to his feet, knocking him through the ropes and back outside with a haymaker of a right hook! The Caribbean champ falls hard to the floor, and as he checks his mouth to see if he's bleeding he sees a spot of blood where his lip was busted open by his opponent.

Jake Steel: See, they don't want two goody-two-shoes at the table, they need someone to hate! I've got job security for life!

Caelan Tyler: Be that as it may, I think Lopes' lip just got cut on that last exchange.

Jake Steel: Blood? All right!

Caelan Tyler: Jake, it's only a flesh wound. Don't have a coronary.

Jackson comes to the outside to press the advantage, but is caught napping by a kick from Lopes, who follows it up by ramming Jackson spine-first into the ring post! He then throws Jackson back into the ring before sliding under the ropes himself, the look on his face one of righteous anger as he brings Jackson to a standing base. An Irish whip follows this, and as Jackson comes back on the rebound, Lopes catches him with an Enforcer-style spinebuster! The OWF star holds into the cover:

1...

2...

Kick out at two and a half!

Jake Steel: Hey, wait, I thought you said there was blood!

Caelan Tyler: I told you it was only a small wound, but you took it too far, Jake. Not my fault.

Jake Steel: You lying, inglorious bastard!

Caelan Tyler: ...Thank you, I think...

Lopes appears to be literally seething as he gets to his feet, motioning for Jackson to get up. Jackson is slow to do so, and once he does get to his feet, Lopes is there to send him back down with a release German suplex! Jackson is folded up like an accordion as Lopes goes for another cover:

1...

2...

A foot on the ropes breaks the count. Frustrated, Lopes none-too-gently pulls Jackson off the mat and hits a gutwrench suplex, again looking for a cover:

1...

2...

Right shoulder up at two and three quarters!

Caelan Tyler: Couple of high-impact moves there, but not enough to put Jackson away.

Jake Steel: Good. The chance for ABUSE remains!

Caelan Tyler: Oy....

For a moment, Lopes looks surprised that Jackson is managing to get out of these high-impact moves...but then he grins devilishly, knowing he can inflict more punishment on his opponent. Looking for something else high-powered, Lopes sends Jackson into the far ropes, looking perhaps for a clothesline...but Jackson is thinking the same thing, sending both men to the canvas. The ref is forced to utilize his count, and it's not until six that Jackson gets to his feet, Lopes a split-second later. Lopes hits a right hand, which is cheered by the crowd; Jackson hits one right back which is promptly booed.. Lopes lands another shot to cheers, Jackson another to boos--

Jake Steel: For the love of what is good, people, shut up! You're ruining my ABUSE time!

--and then Jackson hits a knee that looks questionable in terms of legality, but the ref lets it go as Jackson spins once and hits a discus clothesline to drop Lopes to the mat. He doesn't go for the cover, though, as instead he picks up Lopes and delivers a running powerslam that rattles the ring. This time he holds on for the cover:

1...

2...

Lopes gets a shoulder up at the last moment! Frustrated, Jackson pulls the Caribbean champ to the ropes and begins to stand on his back, choking Lopes across the middle strand as the ref calls for the break (and gets it a moment before the five-count is reached). Jackson heads to the opposite ropes, maybe looking to crush Lopes against the ropes...but instead he slides to the outside, looking for an uppercut that misses as Lopes gets out of the way! Irate, Jackson slides in the ring but doesn't get his head up in time to see Ray simply kick him in the side of the head. With Jackson stunned, Lopes sets his opponent up...and seems to destroy Jackson with a running power bomb out of the corner!

Jake Steel: Damn!

Caelan Tyler: Jake, you trying to get us sued for gimmick infringement?

Jake Steel: Well what the hell else am I supposed to say, Caelan?

Caelan Tyler: Good point, actually....

Instead of going for the cover, Lopes signals that he wants to make sure he's got this match in the bag as he scoops up Jackson for Snake--wait a minute, Lopes instead has Jackson in position for the tombstone piledriver, and it connects with authority! Jackson's legs a twitching violently as the OWF star falls into a cover:

1...

2...

Thre--NO! Somehow a shoulder gets up at the very last moment, as Lopes hits the mat in frustration!

Caelan Tyler: Lopes needs to watch himself here. If he gets frustrated he could lose his focus quite easily and be caught by surprise.

Jake Steel: And not cane the opponent after the match? NOOOOOO!

Caelan Tyler: Jake, this isn't an OWF Network Title match. That stipulation does not apply.

Jake Steel: You lie!

Lopes signals that the end is near as he gets out of the cover attempt, looking to end the match right here and now. Jackson is slow to get to his feet, and is looking the worse for wear as Lopes waits impatiently for his moment to strike. Finally, Jackson is up and turns towards Lopes, who is quick to capitalize and set up for the Boxcutter....but Jackson slips out the back door and stuns Lopes with a forearm to the back of the head. Then grabbing an arm, Jackson sets Lopes up for the Midnight Menagerie, looking to pull out the major upset...but Lopes shows great awareness to drop dead-weight and block his opponent from lifting him into the modified powerbomb finisher. Irate, Jackson pulls Lopes to his feet, only to be met with a jawbreaker as Lopes was playing possum! The stunned Jackson is defenseless as Lopes quickly sets him up and nails the Boxcutter in the middle of the ring! Here's the cover:

1...

2...

3!

The bell sounds as Lopes gets to his feet, his face a classic mask of determination.

Zach King: Here is your winner...RAY LOPES!

Caelan Tyler: Ray Lopes victorious in his first match inside a NLW ring, and I must admit he looked good out there.

Jake Steel: As long as he brings the pain I'll be happy.

Caelan Tyler: I'm sure you will be Jake.

Jake Steel: He just needs to bring it to Allen.

Caelan Tyler: Hey!

Within a locker room backstage, Okuma is more or less shadowboxing, throwing fierce palm and elbow strikes into the air before him. Asuka sits on the bench nearby, and nearly jumps through the roof as the locker door suddenly slams open. Ethan Dashery appears in the doorway, glaring at Okuma, who barely reacts at the intrusion. Ethan glares at Asuka for a moment, undressing her with his eyes, before stepping over beside Okuma, who continues throwing strikes.

Ethan Dashery: Hey. Hey!

Okuma politely nods in his direction, while continuing to throw his strikes. Ethan shakes his head, clearly biting his lip, before squaring his shoulders and speaking.

Ethan Dashery: Fine then, this will be how it is. All I ask is for you to do your job. I'm not asking for miracles, nor some kind of titanic sacrifice on your part. I've heard all of your mumbo-jumbo about honor and how I'm scum and you're some kind of samurai warrior. Whatever. It's nothing to me. I just want you to go break Nick James. That's all.

Okuma says something short, and Asuka translates, largely ignoring Ethan, and not even looking at him.

Asuka: He says he isn't interested, and you can have your money back. He says you just don't understand.

Ethan fumes for a moment, glaring at Asuka, before turning back to Okuma, pointing a finger in his face. Okuma grabs his hand, lightly moving it aside, before continuing his strikes.

Ethan Dashery: I don't understand? I don't understand?! You don't seem to understand, Okuma! Things are changing around this dump! You're either on good terms with me, Ethan...or you might find that someone's going to collect a paycheck breaking you instead.

Okuma continues striking, with this happily blank expression. He says something, a little longer this time, which Asuka promptly translates.

Asuka: He said he isn't afraid. He says you clearly aren't used to a world where you can't buy everything, and he says that nothing or no one you could buy in this company scares him at all. He says you should go away, Ethan, before you make him angry. Before you make him hurt you.

Ethan turns to Asuka, his face flushing red. He steps toward her, before shaking his head, and turning back to Okuma. He points again at Okuma, before shaking his head yet again, and turning to Asuka. He steps over to her, crouching down to get right in her face. Uncomfortably close, to put it mildly, as he spoke, his eyes an inch away from hers.

Ethan Dashery: Tell your animal...I want it done. Period. And then I'm done with him. Maybe not you...

She stands quickly, pointing to the door. Ethan stands as well, not backing up from her at all.

Asuka: Get out, now!

Ethan Dashery: If he gets it done, I'll leave both of you alone. If not...well, I'm not terribly interested in him for his own sake, but you...

Ethan didn't notice, but suddenly Okuma steps between him and Asuka. Suddenly it's Okuma's face, staring back, inches from Ethan, instead of Asuka. Ethan retreats slowly, stepping into the doorway.

Ethan Dashery: I'm telling you. Get it done. For your sake and hers.

He steps back and disappears in the hall, as Asuka glares at the door from behind Okuma, who stares menacingly still at the departing Dashery.

Caelan Tyler: Man, Dashery just doesn't know when to quit.

Jake Steel: Does anyone in this company?

Caelan Tyler: I suppose not...

Jake Steel: Well, except The Phoenix! Ha!

The soft piano in Pennywise's 'Unknown Road' begins to play melodically throughout the arena. The calming melody almost soothing to the crowd, roars of cheers or jeers are contained to solitary shouts from random attendants rather than the group as a whole. A few moments pass, and Corbin Damari emerges from the back with a domineering presence, but not one of hostility or pride - merely the subtle resolve of determination. Without losing stride, he glances out over the arena inquisitively before giving a satisfactory nod. Upon reaching the ring, he uses the stairs to guide his way into the squared circle. The melody of 'Unknown Road' still ringing through the arena, keeping the crowd at bay. A few more moments pass which seem to last a life time, before the melody begins to drift off. Corbin merely stands in his corner, head bowed, pacing, in some what of a pre-match meditation. Once the music has finally faded out, his head raises, determination radiates from his eyes as the sound of the bell is awaited in quiet contemplation.

Zach King: The following match is scheduled for one fall and is a Path of Destiny opening round match! Introducing first, from New York City, New York... weighing in at 215 pounds... CORBIN DAMARI!

Caelan Tyler: Corbin was impressive in his debut last Uprising, although this time he's facing a more established talent in Okuma.

Jake Steel: Oh good lord this will be booooooring.

Lights go out as the crowd ohhhs and ahhs in anticipation. Evolution by Ayumi Hamasaki begins as a light show plays. Okuma followed by his ring entourage begins to run through the hallway and out to the entrance area. His (and the entourage's) run slows to a walk as the crowd cheers him down the entrance way. A spotlight flashes down on him and follows him all the way. The entourage follows behind Okuma as he jumps up onto the ring entrance and enters the ring going to a neutral corner. He then removes his bright purple ring robe and tosses it to a member of his entourage. His entourage, with the exception of his interpreter and manager Asuka, then walk back to the locker room area.

Zach King: And his opponent, from Osaka, Japan... Weighing in at 232 pounds... OKUMA!

Caelan Tyler: Okuma advanced to this match by beating John Thomas, and one has to figure he's using that loss to Nick James a couple of shows ago as motivation in this tournament.

Jake Steel: Only if he starts using more cool moves.

The referee calls for the bell, and Okuma steps out of his corner, bowing deeply toward Corbin Damari. Damari seems a little taken back like this, simply returning a small nod in courtesy, before slowly circling around the ring, as Okuma does the same. They move toward the center, perhaps for a grapple, when Okuma fires a roundhouse side kick aimed right for Damari's midsection! Damari just barely hops aside, looking considerably more wary toward Okuma now.

Caelan Tyler: I don't know if Corbin Damari knows what we do, that Okuma's spent his time between this show and last working mainly on strikes. I expect to see a whole lot more offense than Okuma's usual countering and technical displays.

Jake Steel: I expect to maybe catch a few less Zs here.

The two close again, but Okuma lunges forward, throwing a Yakuza style kick toward Damari's face! Damari sidesteps again, and connects for himself with a kick to Okuma's upper thigh! Okuma shakes it off with apparently no effect though, as he steps out of his usual arsenal and simply shoulder blocks Damari, hooking his legs as he makes contact, and smashes him back into the corner against the turnbuckles! Damari immediately falters under a fusillade of palm strikes, but quickly catches an opening and flips Okuma in the corner instead, and then throws some punches of his own into Okuma's face! He follows with several big knee lifts into Okuma's midsection, taking the wind out of Okuma's lungs!

Caelan Tyler: It's interesting to see Corbin Damari sort of taking the page out of Okuma's own book, in taking the fight to him with many strikes and not much else.

Jake Steel: Oh, give him time. I'm sure both him and Okuma will quickly devolve into technical wrestling displays where you'll have to contain yourself and I'll have to snort coke to stay awake.

Caelan Tyler: I can't help that I'm a connoisseur of the technical arts.

Corbin Damari grabs Okuma by the arm, whipping him to the opposite corner at high velocity! Okuma reverses! But Damari reverses! The two come to a standstill in the middle of the ring, and Damari yanks Okuma forward for a short-arm clothesline! Okuma ducks, and clinches a waistlock...and crushes Damari to the mat with a swift German suplex! Okuma holds the bridge for a cover!

1...

Kickout!

Caelan Tyler: Too early for the win, but Okuma knows that forcing Damari to kick out expends some energy that might add up over the course of the match.

Jake Steel: You know what also might expend some energy? If Corbin Damari left the ring to get a lead pipe and came back to beat the armbars out of Okuma.

Caelan Tyler: Come on now Jake, we haven't even seen an armbar yet.
Jake Steel: Oh, but we will. Oh yes, we will.

Damari kicks out of the bridge and as the two get to their feet, he charges at Okuma. Okuma quickly tosses him to the mat with a hiptoss, and Damari's quickly back to his feet, looking flustered. He charges again! Okuma goes for the hiptoss, but Damari halts suddenly, dropping hammering strikes on Okuma's torso and ribs, before using their positioning to clamp on an abdominal stretch! He cranks back mercilessly, as Okuma fights hard!

Jake Steel: You know they call it the abdominal STRETCH because it stretches the match...interminably long...

Caelan Tyler: Why don't you go get a soda, hit the bathroom or something, and let me call the match if it's going to be that painful for you?

Jake Steel: Really? You'd let me? Awesome!

Jake promptly wanders off, while Corbin Damari shifts his position and throws a few elbows into Okuma to ensure maximum pain. Okuma throws himself back to break the pressure, but as they fall off balance, Damari rolls him into a pinning position!

1...

Kickout!

As soon as Okuma kicks out, Damari pushes him back to the mat as he gets up himself, only to lift Okuma's arm and throw a legdrop across it! Okuma winces in pain, with sympathetic groans heard in the crowd. Damari repeats the maneuver! And again! Damari shifts his weight and drops, locking in a Fujiwara armbar! Okuma quickly shifts around, throwing a foot over the nearby bottom rope, starting the referee's count for Damari to break the hold.

Caelan Tyler: Corbin Damari has really impressed thus far by taking the fight to Okuma, mainly with his own brand of maneuvers! He has to be careful, though, while he's more versatile in general, if Okuma can turn the tide in the technical side of things, his skill there makes things very difficult on his opponents.

Damari breaks the hold and gets up, throwing a few stomps at Okuma's arm, looking to continue the damage done so far. Okuma though is quick to slide out of the ring, giving himself a chance to catch his breath. When he turns back though, Corbin Damari has vaulted the ropes and is soaring down on him with a flying crossbody press! Okuma leaps straight up, dropkicking Damari on the way down! Okuma crashes to the floor on his neck and shoulders! Damari's now overshooting, and crashes into the guardrail! Both men are down as the referee begins the count!

1...

2...

Caelan Tyler: A high risk maneuver by Corbin Damari pays off for neither him nor Okuma as he runs into a dropkick and then a guardrail for his efforts! Okuma's extreme counter seems to have left him rocked as well, and things look good for neither man at the moment!

Okuma stirs on the arena floor, painfully crawling across the mats as he clutches his neck and seems to be very pained both there and in his shoulders. Corbin Damari is still sprawled against the guardrail, apparently knocked out from the impact prior!

3...

4...

Finally making it to his feet, even then Okuma stumbles, falling back to the mat in pain. He pulls himself up against the ring apron, while Damari finally begins stirring, his eyes still very much glazed over.

Caelan Tyler: Look at that! These two are both alive! Who knew?!

5...

Okuma's in the ring! He rolls in and remains on the mat, slumped, catching his breath. The count still continues on Damari, who finally pulls himself to one knee against the guardrail!

6...

7...

And Damari half-staggers, half-falls across the floor and into the ring under the bottom rope! Okuma finally pulls himself completely to his feet in the corner nearby, and eyes Damari, clearly sizing him up for some serious pain. Sure enough, Okuma grabs Damari by the legs, fighting with him to get into position for the Osaka Deathlock! Of course, this is where Jake Steel comes back to the announce table, sighing as he sees a submission hold being attempted.

Jake Steel: I see I missed absolutely nothing.

Caelan Tyler: No, you missed a lot! Seriously! Massive high risk move and a counter to it nearly killed both of them!

Jake Steel: Sure, Cael. Yup. Keep telling yourself that, when I really missed what, three successive wristlocks followed by reversal on reversal of sleeperholds? Please.

Caelan Tyler: Whatever man, you'll feel like an idiot when you see what you missed later.

Okuma finally gets his leg between Damari's, but it's too late, as the referee points out that Damari has reached out and is now fiercely clinging to the bottom rope! Okuma pulls hard, but Damari's not letting go of that rope, knowing most likely that if he lets go that this will be the end of the match! Okuma shifts position, perhaps for a final pull before he has to let go, but Damari senses the moment and torques his entire body hard, curling up and sending Okuma falling through the ropes, as well as escaping the deadly hold!

Caelan Tyler: What a counter! Okuma didn't go all the way outside, either, he's got one leg caught in the ropes, leaving him hanging outside the ring, particularly vulnerable to any attack!

Jake Steel: Come on, Corbin, this is your chance! Put this boring joker out of commission!

Damari opts for the lesser of his options, perhaps, in simply kicking Okuma in the leg, causing him considerable pain, but also knocking him free from the ropes. Of course, Okuma then tumbles awkwardly to the floor, and as he gets up, finds himself the recipient of yet another vaulting crossbody, this time which catches him perfectly and splatters him across the floor! Damari rises with a fist triumphantly in the air to his small but vocal number of fans in the audience. Most of them seem pro-Okuma, but not particularly anti-Damari, so he gets some small chants and cheers for his hits. Corbin doesn't flaunt for long though, as he quickly pulls Okuma to his feet and rolls him into the ring, looking to put him away. He goes for the cover!

1...

2...KICK OUT!

Caelan Tyler: The Master of the Deathlock isn't done yet!

Jake Steel: He should be! How can his move sound so cool, but be so boring?

Caelan Tyler: What he calls it is irrelevant, Jake, it works. That's all that matters!

Okuma rises slowly, but Damari isn't shaken at all by the kickout. He's stalking him, waiting for him to rise, ready to clamp on the Milieu! Okuma rises...and Damari clamps on to him from behind...but Okuma drops out the bottom on him, grabbing his head and slipping his grip, smacking him with a jawbreaker for his efforts! Damari staggers back, and Okuma is quick to bury a roundhouse side kick into Damari's ribs! Damari crumbles, and Okuma's quickly atop him, clamping an arm back and smashing elbow after elbow into Damari's side and back!

Caelan Tyler: The dissection has begun! Okuma's obviously starting to wear down Damari for the Deathlock! It's already a near-guaranteed dealbreaker, that hold, but can you imagine being stuck in it after Okuma smashes up your back and ribs, and stretches you out?

Jake Steel: Look, Cael, I'm sure it hurts like hell, okay? I get it! Really! I'm just saying it's boring TV. I'm pretty sure Nielsen confirmed that half our viewers switch over to Jon and Kate Plus 8 during Okuma matches. That's not good, Cael.

Caelan Tyler: To be fair, the fracturing of their marriage under the pressure of milking their kids for everything their worth is hypnotic.

Jake Steel: Yes, but...well, yes. Yes it is.

Okuma finally lets Damari rise, holding onto him by one wrenched arm, and then smashes forearms over and over into Damari's back! Damari drops to his knees, cringing in pain, as Okuma smashes yet another stiff kick across his back! Okuma fires another across his chest, but Damari catches it somehow! He rises, holding Okuma's leg, but Okuma spins into an enziguri! No contact! He hits the mat, having more or less twisted himself with a dragon screw, and Corbin Damari pushes his weight down onto his knee, wrenching it into Okuma's own knee! Okuma grunts in pain, but the hold doesn't last long as Okuma breaks it by leaning forward and elbow-smashing Damari in the face!

Caelan Tyler: Those strikes of Okuma's are fierce! I didn't imagine his workouts this week would have this much of an impact, but he's really dominated moreso on strikes than his usual fare here.

Jake Steel: It's decent, I tell you. Not HARDCORE ABUSE~!, mind you, but decent. 'Lower-case' abuse, if you will.

Caelan Tyler: You told me there was no such thing!

Jake Steel: I lied.

Okuma and Corbin Damari are both on their feet, both somewhat worse for wear, but looking ready to start all over again, more or less! They move to a grapple, and Okuma quickly whips around Damari, locking him with a hammerlock, immediately transitioning to a waistlock, and promptly yanking him off his feet and planting him to the mat on his chest. Okuma spins right around, and the move becomes a front facelock, sapping Damari's strength. The crowd decently applauds Okuma's technical display, as Corbin Damari powers his way back to his feet. Okuma shifts his grip, and looks to lift him with a vertical suplex! Damari locks his leg on Okuma's, blocking the hold, and instead lifting Okuma into a vertical suplex! He only lifts Okuma about halfway up before tossing him forward, so that his face falls right into the knee lift Damari has lined up!

Caelan Tyler: Wow, like a modified Go To Sleep! Okuma's got to be see stars after that strike! What a hit by Corbin Damari!

Jake Steel: He can't win trading holds, but when it comes to the unexpected, Corbin's delivered this whole match.

Caelan Tyler: Indeed, Damari seems to be making a name for himself as a rather unpredictable competitor, able to wrestle nearly any style, but capable of surprisingly unorthodox offense when times call for it.

Jake Steel: Now he goes for the cover, will that be enough to take Okuma out?

Indeed, Damari rolls Okuma over for the cover!

1...

2...

...KICK OUT!

Okuma gets a shoulder up a fraction of a second before the three count! The audience goes wild, near certain that it was the end for the Japanese warrior. Corbin Damari shakes his head in frustration, before quickly sitting Okuma up and attempting to clamp the Milieu onto him!

Caelan Tyler: You have to admit, while we've been impressed by Damari thusforth, wouldn't it be some kind of upset if he put Okuma to sleep?

Jake Blood: I've been impressed by Damari right up until his finisher comes out. Then I'm some kind of let down. A sleeper?

Caelan Tyler: Again, it's about pain and effectiveness, not ratings, Jake.

Damari isn't able to get his arm under Okuma's chin, as he fights the hold mightily, knowing that it properly applied away from the ropes would be the end of the match. Okuma fights his way to his feet, before charging into the corner! He goes to turn at the last moment, but Damari pushes off of him, smashing Okuma into the corner! Damari climbs the ropes beside Okuma, before kicking him out of the corner. Okuma falls to his knees, before staggering to his feet, only to take a top-rope lariat from Corbin Damari! Okuma is flipped ass over teakettle to the mat, as Damari rolls to the corner, where he wipes sweat off of his face, and gestures to the crowd that the end is nigh. Lunging forward, Damari quickly wraps his arm around Okuma's neck, this time having managed to stun him long enough to apply the Milieu! Okuma struggles to free himself, but Damari holds on with pitbull-like tenacity, and after a minute or so Okuma stops putting up much of a fight. The referee checks on Okuma, and not getting a response is forced to call for the bell.

Zach King: Here is your winner... CORBIN DAMARI!

Caelan Tyler: Huge win for Damari here, as he managed to pick up the victory against a tough customer in Okuma.

Jake Steel: Apparently they don't teach you how to hold your breath in Japan.

Caelan Tyler: It's not a choke Jake, it's a move that deprives the brain of oxygen.

Jake Steel: ...That sounds like a choke to me.

The scene cuts backstage, where Eriq Mobely is sitting in his office. Sitting in a chair across from him is Ray Lopes, who looks quite pleased with himself after winning his debut match with NLW.

Eriq Mobely: Great showing there Ray, I knew you would be just the man the NLW was looking for.

Ray Lopes: Good to know I'm living up to expectations, but I gotta know, when do I get Allen?

Eriq Mobely: Soon enough Ray, but we need to do some build-up first, really make the fans want to see this match, and I have the perfect idea for it.

Ray Lopes: I'm listening.

Before Eriq and start to explain his idea to Lopes the door to his office swings open, and in walks Nick James, who looks quite annoyed at the bait and switch that was pulled on him earlier this week.

Nick James: I didn't think I had stuttered Mobely, I want Jesse in a match!

Eriq Mobely: Excuse me?

Nick James: You heard me! I'm the NLW Legacy Champion Eriq, I'm a valuable part of this company, and you can't just keep pulling things like that on me!

Eriq Mobely: Ohh right, that whole match thing. Well Nick, Jesse's no longer under contract since he's not champ, so you're a bit SOL at the moment.

Nick looks furious as he stares at Mobely, who either doesn't seem to notice or flat out doesn't care.

Eriq Mobely: I am glad you're here though Nick. You know Ray Lopes, right?

Nick glances over at Lopes, who stands up from his chair, eyeing the Legacy Champion.

Eriq Mobely: I got big plans for Lopes, I'm sure you've seen what he can do in the ring. Absolutely stunning! This is something I plan on capitalizing on next week when in our main event Lopes takes on you...

Eriq points at the Legacy Championship.

Eriq Mobely: For that. Now if you'll excuse us Nick, Lopes and I have some business to discuss.

Before Nick even gets the chance to retort the scene cuts back to ringside.

Caelan Tyler: Nick looks furious at that announcement, but boy is it a big one. Lopes versus Nick James next Uprising?

Jake Steel: Awesome!

Caelan Tyler: I guess Eriq wasn't kidding when he said he had big plans for Ray Lopes.

Jake Steel: Oh the abuse from that will be epic!

Caelan Tyler: It'll be Legacy rules Jake.

Jake Steel: Like that would stop either man!
The arena lights shift to differing shades of red, as spotlights focus on at the top of the entrance ramp, while 'Debonaire' by Dope begins playing. As the heavier guitars come in, Ethan Dashery steps onto the stage, holding his hands in the air, as if gesturing for the whole world to check him out. He's got a neck brace on, but doesn't seem to be calling any real attention to it.

He saunters down the entrance ramp, sneering at the audience and trading insults with nearby fans. Reaching the ringside area, he charges onto the ring apron near one of the corners, before vaulting over the top rope and into the ring, landing on the adjacent second rope, where he takes a few final pot shots at the fans, and spits at them, before hopping off the ropes. The music fades and the lights return to normal, as Dashery removes the neck brace before he leans cockily in his corner, waiting for the match to start.

Zach King: The following match is a non-title match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... from Warwick, Rhode Island... Weighing in at 195 pounds... ETHAN DASHERY!

Caelan Tyler: Dashery back in business here after a supposed 'neck injury' put him out last Uprising.

Jake Steel: Supposed? He's got the brace on!

Caelan Tyler: Oh, as if that means anything!

'Riot' by Three Days Grace hits, causing some unsettled fans to stand and boo. Josh Allen strides onto stage and treads down the aisle, shaking his head in apparent disgust at some of the front-row fans before patting the NLW Championship around his waist and smiling.

Zach King: And his opponent... From Broken Arrow, Oklahoma... Weighing in at 221 pounds... He is the NLW Champion... JOSH ALLEN!

Caelan Tyler: Josh Allen has been on a tear since returning to NLW, capping it off with the victory for the NLW Championship last Uprising, and much to Jake's chagrin I don't think Allen's going to be losing that belt anytime soon.

Jake Steel: We'll see.

Allen hands the belt over to the referee, and after getting it he signals for the bell. The two men circle each other, waiting for the other to make a move before Allen moves to the center of the ring. Dashery decides to follow suit, but catches a right for his trouble. Dashery attempts to counter with a European uppercut, but again Allen cuts him off with a right before drilling the blueblood in the gut with a knee. With his opponent doubled over, Allen immediately capitalizes, driving a knee into the back of Dashery's neck. Ethan immediately drops to his knees, clinching at his neck as Allen delivers another well-placed elbow.

Caelan Tyler: Josh Allen quickly showing why he's the best in the business today by taking advantage of the obvious weakness of his opponent.

Jake Steel: He's nothing more than a lucky opportunist Cael, and it's only a matter of time before he gets exposed as such.

Caelan Tyler: Just keep saying that Jake, the amount of titles he's won over the years says otherwise.

Grabbing Dashery's arm, Josh whips him to the ropes, catching him with a nice lariat as he bounces back, with the back of Ethan's head bouncing off of the mat from the impact. A leg drop follows that up, and Allen goes for the first pin attempt of the match:

1...

2...

No, Ethan got his shoulder up! Allen stands up, stomping on Dashery before dragging him to his feet and slapping on a headlock, wrenching at the neck some more.

Caelan Tyler: Allen is being absolutely relentless with how he's targeting that neck of Dashery. Should be interesting to see just how long Ethan manages to hold out.

Jake Steel: Ugh, haven't we seen enough headlocks and submission holds already this show?

Dashery manages to shove free of Allen's grasp, sending the champ into the ropes. Dashery catches Josh with a dropkick on the rebound, temporarily slowing him down. Dashery rubs his neck before pouncing on the champ, delivering rights into the side of his head until the referee forces him to get up. Once he's back to his feet, Dashery delivers another dropkick to the now-seated champion, looking to keep the pressure up. A kneedrop finds its mark before Dashery goes for his first pin attempt of the match:

1...

2...

No, Allen kicks out!

Caelan Tyler: Dashery trying to turn the tables on Allen with a display of agility of his own here.

Jake Steel: At least it wasn't a headlock, I don't think I could handle seeing more headlocks.

Dashery grabs Allen's arm, twisting it as if he's about to apply an armbar.

Jake Steel: NOOOOOO!

Before he can lock in the hold though, Dashery appears to change his mind, driving an elbow into Allen's shoulder.

Jake Steel: Oh thank heaven, I don't think I could've handled that.

Caelan Tyler: That's sad Jake.

Dashery yanks Allen up, catching him square on the chin with a European uppercut before doing a standing switch and catching the champ with an atomic drop. Dashery taunts Allen, demanding he get to his feet to 'fight like a man' before bouncing off of the ropes, slamming into Josh with a flying forearm. Allen quickly rolls to the outside, the crowd booing him a bit for taking the breather. Allen just shrugs them off, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs.

Caelan Tyler: Veteran move by Allen here, knowing just when to go and catch his breath and when to fight his opponent.

Jake Steel: You're just going to keep making excuses for him, aren't you?

Caelan Tyler: Just like you used to do with Titan 3.

Jake Steel: He's going to come back, I just know it!

Caelan Tyler: Sure he will Jake... Sure he will.

Dashery walks over to the ropes, taunting Allen to get back in. Allen shakes his head before reaching into the ring and grabbing Dashery's leg. Ethan tries to shake Allen off but Allen yanks him down, dragging him out of the ring and delivering a loud chop across his chest. Dashery yelps out in pain as Allen whips him into the ring steps, with Ethan toppling over them. Allen stays in pursuit, grabbing Ethan and bouncing his head off of the stairs before rolling him back into the ring for a pin attempt:

1...

2...

No, Ethan manages to kick out!

Caelan Tyler: Pin attempt by Allen, but Ethan's still too fresh for that.

Pulling Ethan up, Allen delivers a back suplex, positioning Ethan so that he can climb the turnbuckles. Allen gets to the second before turning around, measuring the distance before leaping off and dropping an elbow right across the neck of Dashery! This prompts another pin attempt by the champion:

1...

2...

No, Dashery gets his shoulder up! Undaunted, Allen drills Ethan into the mat with an implant DDT before going for another pin:

1...

2...

No, Ethan just isn't ready to give up just yet!

Caelan Tyler: Allen just methodically continuing the targeting of that injured neck area, although I have to give Dashery credit for hanging in there with the champ so far.

Jake Steel: You act like standing up to the champ is such a difficult thing. I bet anyone could do it.

Caelan Tyler: Why don't you do it then Jake?

Jake Steel: Sorry, too busy.

Josh pulls Dashery up, bound and determined to continue working over that neck, this time setting Dashery up in a piledriver-style position. Ethan manages to fight back, powering Allen up and over with a big back body drop that sends the champ over the top rope and to the outside. With the champ down and out, Ethan teases leaping over the top rope, but decides to instead slide out of the ring. Grabbing Allen by the hair, Ethan whips him, sending the champ into the ring post head-first. Josh's skull bounces off, and Ethan rolls him into the ring, eager to try to get a pin off of the move:

1...

2...

No, Allen with the kick out!

Caelan Tyler: Great momentum turner by Dashery there.

Jake Steel: Bleh, I was hoping he's draw blood with that, but it doesn't look like he did.

No blood, but no doubt Allen's head is ringing as Dashery hits him with a dropkick. Dashery continues to pound on the champ, hoping to keep the more experienced competitor off of his game. Whipping Allen into the ropes, the champ bounces back as Ethan tries for a superkick! Allen ducks under, but is quickly greeted by a Shadow Kick instead! Dashery once again goes for the pin:

1...

2...

No, shoulder up!

Caelan Tyler: One of Ethan's more high impact moves in his arsenal not enough to keep the champ down there.

Jake Steel: Should've opted for a chair.

Dashery taunts the crowd a bit before pulling Allen upright. Allen is ready for it though, catching Dashery in the guy with a boot before delivering another implant DDT, leaving both men down and out. The referee starts his count as both men try to catch their breath. The referee gets to 4 before the champ gets to his feet, quickly scampering up to the top turnbuckle. Once up top he waits for Dashery, watching for the blueblood to be in position. Dashery gets to his feet, turning to face Allen as the NLW Champion leaps off of the top for a flying cross body. Incredibly, right as Josh hits Dashery falls back, rolling through and ending up on top for the pin attempt, using the nearby ropes for leverage:

1...

2...

3? Yes, the referee calls for the bell, not noticing that Dashery had his feet on the ropes! The crowd immediately starts to boo as Dashery bolts from the ring, the champ trying to get his hands on him as he does so. Dashery raises his arms in victory as Josh Allen steams in the ring.

Zach King: Here is your winner... ETHAN DASHERY!

Caelan Tyler: Dashery stole another one here tonight!

Jake Steel: You act so surprised, I told you Allen could be pinned.

Caelan Tyler: Yeah but that was cheating!

Jake Steel: Boo hoo sour grapes.

Caelan Tyler: Ugh, well we're out of time folks, see you next time!