After a long hiatus, the NRWL returned with the start of its fifth season on October 26th, 2012. Most of last season's roster returned but there were also a few new faces as well as some returning veterans.
The Season Five kickoff started with a bang! Fireworks shot through the arena. Fans were jumping out their seats. The NRWL Arena had come to life once again. To kick things off, fans got a taste of the old and the new as newcomer Katsutoshi entered the ring with his valet, Leiko. His opponent, the returning Balance, came down to the ring and pumped up the already excited crowd. The match was fast paced. Balance, the veteran, didn't show any ring rust as the match started but was a bit unprepared for the swift attacks from Katsutoshi. The match swayed in each man's favor throughout the match but as Balance tried to finish off his opponent, Leiko distracted the ref, preventing a pinfall. Ultimately, Katsutoshi was able to pin Balance to start his NRWL career off with great momentum.
During the buildup to the event, Tommy V challenged returning Masters of Wrestling legend Tiger Johnson to a match. Never one to back down from a fight, Tiger accepted and showed Tommy that the old dog still had some tricks. Tiger came out strong with big punches and thunderous slams. Tommy evened the battle by using his speed advantage and technical prowess to keep Tiger off his feet. Despite the attempt, he wasn't able to keep Tiger Johnson down for long. Tiger delivered a massive powerbomb, driving Tommy V seven feet to the mat. Tommy was unable to kick out of the pin that followed.
Tommy's protégé, Marcus, had made a challenge of his own. He went after Mark Blood. Both men came out to the ring hungry. Marcus, a former student of Flawless Fred, and Mark Blood, the son of the legendary wrestler Mike Blood wanted to prove that they weren't in the shadow of their predecessors. The match started with a back and forth struggle. Mark Blood delivered more strikes and reversals than Marcus but Marcus made even second count by delivering hard hitting slams. Marcus begins to control the match and while Mark Blood tried to mount a comeback, he was stopped by the Marc of Perfection. Marcus walked away with a strong sign that he is on his own path now.
Last season, a complete unknown named Mikey Armstrong appeared on the scene and despite all odds, went on to remain undefeated. This season, a new wrestler named Jacob Washingon appeared on the scene with a lot of hype and even more confidence. He promised to end Mikey Armstrong's undefeated streak. Both men looked impressive but it was Washington who controlled the early minutes of the match. Armstrong comes back strong and nearly gets a pinfall. Washington, getting a second wind, overpowered Armstrong. Washington slammed Armstrong hard to the mat and in a show of confidence, dragged his opponent to the other side of the ring where he pinned him for the win.
Bruno Kowalski had begun to train with returning legend Max Destruction and their alliance was on someone's radar. The Sons of Darkness, led by their manager Nick Belhor, challenged the powerhouse team to a tag team match. Apollyon and Abbadon of the Sons of Darkness dominated their opponents throughout the match. They came at Bruno and Max with a determination that the NRWL hasn't seen the previous season. Max is weakened by the SoD onslaught but managed to get a tag to his partner. Bruno valiantly tries to get control of the match but is dominated in the ring. After succumbing to Darkness Falls, it appeared that the Sons of Darkness would be victorious, however, Max Destruction broke up the pin attempt. In the midst of the breakup attempt, Max inadvertently knocked out the referee. Max begins brawling with Apollyon on the outside of the ring. Abbadon is caught off guard and Bruno pins him for an upset victory.
Last season, one of the most talked about rivalries in the NRWL was between two men who were originally tag tem partners. Most people expected Marty Anderson and Slugger Malone to be a long running and successful tag team. Malone had other ideas and turned his back on his partner. After a series of matches, the score was even. The rivalry was finally going to be settled in a Last Man Standing match. Marty Anderson and his former partner, now known by the name Killer Malone, started their brutal match with a lot of fists. Malone managed to keep control of the match. While it looked like Anderson may have been able to mount a comeback, a knee to the back of the skull knocked him out cold. The fans counted along with the referee but Anderson was unable to get up. Killer Malone stood over his former partner and celebrated his victory.
Prior to Season Three, John Fraust disappeared from the wrestling world. The announcement that he would be returning to the NRWL after all this time shocked and excited fans. He returned to the ring that was his home for so many years and immediately unleashed a verbal assault on the NRWL and its fans proclaiming the company had become a watered down version of its former self. Taking offense to this, Hardcore Adam, another legendary wrestler whose roots go back to Super Century Strong Fighter, came down to challenge Fraust. A brawl ensued and an Extreme Rules match was set for this event. Hardcore Adam came out to the ring with the fan's support. John Fraust confidently walked to the ring determined to beat his opponent. Once the bell rang, Fraust controlled the early part of the match. The tides turned when the action spilled to the outside. Hardcore Adam found a table under the ring and beat Fraust mercilessly with it. The action returned to the ring where Adam was able to gain a pinfall. After the match, in a surprising show of respect, Fraust congratulated Adam and raised his hand in the middle of the ring.
The closing months of Season Four included a unique "Colors Tournament", where Team Blue and Team Red battled for victory. The team captain would challenge NRWL Champion, Slam Jackson, at the final event of the season. Johnny Young's Team Red won the tournament and went on to win the title. During his victory speech he promised to treat the title with respect and defend it against all comers. Ash, captain of Team Blue, challenged Johnny's promise and the match was set to kick off Season Five. Both men looked determined to win. In a hard hitting match, Ash managed to maintain control early on. Johnny tried to reverse course but Ash's determination was strong. Ash pinned Johnny, becoming the NRWL Champion for the first time in his career. Ash celebrated with fans and ushered in the fifth season of the NRWL with a new attitude.
