A Common Bond

[Tornado's music plays and he walks down to the ring with none of the usual emotion.]

WarHead: This kid's got something on his mind. I can see it on his face.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Well, he's had a rough go of it lately.

[As Tornado is about to step into the ring his music stops and Warlock's music begins to play. Warlock appears and walks to the ring with a straight face.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'm checking my notes. I'm not aware of these guys having a match. I'm not sure what's going on here.

[Warlock climbs into the ring and shakes hands with Tornado. They both look around the arena. Tornado walks over to the corner of the ring and retrieves microphones for himself and Warlock.]

WarHead: This is definitely unusual. What is going on here?

Tornado: There are a lot of guys in the NRWL locker room these days. None of them have it any harder than guys like Warlock and myself. Other wrestlers come in and make a name for themselves with a clean slate. The climb to the top isn't scrutinized from the start. They are given time to grow. Not us. We are both second generation wrestlers. My father, Cyclone, is one of the greatest fighters in SCSF history. Warlock's father, The Druid, was an iconic member of the MoW roster. For those reasons alone, we are held to a higher standard.

Warlock: We came here to make names for ourselves, not to cater to people who just want to see more of their retired heroes. We aren't here so people can use us to latch onto their memories of the past. We have our own legacies to build.

Tornado: Even in the locker room, we don't quite fit in back there. The boys in the back don't give us the same amount of respect they give each other. It's like they don't believe we earned our spots in this company the same way they did. It's gotten old fast. So, we decided that it's time to stick together. If everyone is against us, then we might as well have each others' backs.

Warlock: But... two isn't enough.

[Nirvana's "Scentless Apprentice" begins to play through the arena. The crowd looks to the stage, waiting for someone to come out. A section of fans start to make noise. As attention shifts to them, a man in a hoodie and faded jeans comes walking toward the ring from the crowd.]

WarHead: Hey! Is that Mark Blood?

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: We haven't seen him lately. Where has he been?

[Mark Blood jumps the barricade and climbs into the ring. Warlock hands him his microphone. Mark Blood waits for the audience to settle before speaking.]

Mark Blood: If there is anyone who knows the difficulty of being given the shaft by the NRWL for being a second generation wrestler, it's me. Ever since I came here it's been an uphill battle. All I ever wanted to do was work my way to the top and become the champion, just like my friends in the ring here. But right from the start, I've been treated like a black sheep.

[The crowd begins to get noisy again with mixed emotions. Some supportive, others negative.]

Mark Blood: OK, so you want proof? Where do I begin? Right from the start, the office decreed me as a disappointment because I didn't win the NRWL Championship tournament when this company relaunched. Somehow, the second generation guy should have picked up the torch right off the bat. Remember the Colors Tournament? Johnny Young's team won that tournament. Ash's team lost. One of his excuses for losing? That I was on his team. I never forgot that. Last season, these two [Mark points to the announcer's table] continued to say "if he loses this match, he's done", "he's hasn't won a match in quite a while", while ignoring the fact that a lot of guys had lackluster showings all season long. I'm still here. Some of those other guys aren't. Let's not forget that I was involved in some of the more interesting, long running feuds with some of this industries biggest names. Johnny Young and I brawled many times. I took John Fraust to the absolute limits. Bruno, Slam Jackson, I could go on. Despite what I've done for this company I've never gotten respect... except from you fans.

[Mark Blood points to the people in the audience.]

Mark Blood: The reason I am still here is because you people always saw me for who I was. A fighter. One who kept getting into the ring no matter what. How many guys stayed out of the ring last season with injuries? I was almost blinded, and yet, I came back week after week and competed while other guys hosted awful talk shows or pretended to be injured worse than they were for sympathy. NRWL never cared that I kept going. You people did. That is why I came to this ring through the crowd tonight. The NRWL offices and locker room gave me the cold shoulder but you always stuck by me. Thank you.

[The crowd cheers for themselves.]

Mark Blood: I also noticed your appreciation for Tornado and Warlock. You cheer for them. You hold up signs in support of them despite the company ignoring them. These guys deserve better than the way this company perceives them. So we got together, the three of us, and decided that working together to fight the system is the way to succeed.

Tornado: This company wants us to stand in for our fathers, not be ourselves. The only way to prove them wrong is to fight back. This is your official notice. We're taking over and we're doing it our own way.

[Suddenly, Hardcore Adam's music begins to play and he steps out onto the stage with Tiger Johnson. Both men walk down to the ring and climb in.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Adam and Tiger? What is this about?

WarHead: Who cares! I'm still stinging from Mark Blood critiquing my announcing!

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: He jabbed both of us.

WarHead: Yeah, but I can't totally fault him for taking a jab at you, Amp.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Funny.

[Adam and Tiger both have microphones in hand.]

Hardcore Adam: Whoa, whoa. Guys. What is this about? Mark, Tornado, I've been tag team partners with both of you. Warlock, we've traveled together between shows. We're all friends here. You never told me you were this upset. I have to be honest. I think you're making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be.

Tiger Johnson: Hey, I get it. I mean, we are both good friends of all of  your fathers and we--

Tornado: And that's the problem! You don't get it! It's not about our fathers. This is about what's best for us and only us.

Mark Blood: We aren't asking for much. We just want to be put against the same measuring stick as everyone else. We respect our families' legacies. We respect those who came before us. We just don't want to be treated like disappointments because we haven't been the replacements. We've only tried to be ourselves.

Tiger Johnson: We don't see you that way. We don't. We just think this tirade on the NRWL is a little extreme.

Hardcore Adam: Why didn't you talk to us about this? You know you can trust us.

Tornado: We're doing this alone.

Mark Blood: And let's not kid ourselves here, Adam. What are you going to do about it?

Hardcore Adam: We could work together to figure something out.

[Mark shakes his head and starts to turn around to walk away in frustration. Tiger grabs his shoulder.]

Tiger Johnson: Come on. Just listen to the man.

[Mark throws Tiger's hand off of his shoulder. He gets in Tiger's face.]

Mark Blood: We made it clear the three of us are doing this together. If you want to get in our way, fine. You two against Tornado and me.

[Hardcore Adam takes off his sunglasses and steps toe to toe with Tornado. Warlock steps up behind Mark Blood and Tornado. All five men hold a tense stare down before Adam and Tiger step out of the ring.]

WarHead: I think it's safe to say we have a match.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: These kids have a huge chip on their shoulder. I hope Hardcore Adam and Tiger Johnson know what they've gotten themselves in the middle of. This could get ugly.

Foursome

[Mandy, Jax Rivers' girlfriend, is backstage with Jax while he is speaking with a trainer. She stands off to the side, minding her own business, when Paul Priest steps up behind her and taps her on the shoulder. Mandy turns around to see Paul staring at her with a straight face. No smarmy smile like he usually does.]

Mandy: Jax!

[Jax turns around, and immediately walks over, breaking his conversation.]

Jax Rivers: Hey! Get away from her. What's your deal, man? She's not interested in you. She's with me. Don't you have anything better to do than bother us?

Paul Priest: I'm not here to flirt with your girlfriend, Jax. Honestly, I made a mistake even bothering with her. She's not my type. No, I'm here to propose a challenge.

[Jax gets right into Paul's face.]

Jax Rivers: I beat you once. You're looking for a rematch? You got it. I'll leave you even bloodier than last time.

Paul Priest: No no no. That's not quite the match I'm looking for. I'm glad the two of you are together because my challenge involves both of you.

[Jax and Mandy look at each other with puzzled looks.]

Paul Priest: Your girl here. She's a big wrestling fan. How about she step into the ring? 

Jax Rivers: What? No way!

[Paul looks at Mandy.]

Paul Priest: How about it? I'm sure you'd love the opportunity to get into the ring.

[Mandy keeps quiet.]

Paul Priest: My challenge. The two of you against me and my favorite, uh, "exercise partner". Jade! Come here!

[A tall, dark haired woman wearing a dress that leaves little to the imagination and what could only be described as "stripper heels" walks up alongside Paul Priest.]

Paul Priest: What do you say?

Jax Rivers: This is insane. No way are we agreeing to this.

[Mandy pulls on Jax's shoulder.]

Mandy: Jax, wait a second. Maybe...

Jax Rivers: No. I'm not going to put you in danger.

Jade: He's probably right, little girl. You'll just get yourself hurt.

[Mandy frowns and then, without warning, tackles Jade and begins throwing fists. Jax pulls Mandy off of Jade while Paul gets between the girls.]

Mandy: You're on!!! We'll see you in the ring!

Jax Rivers: What?!?

Mandy: We're doing this!

[Jax pulls Mandy down the hallway, arguing with her. Paul helps Jade to her feet. They look at each other and smile as their plan appears to be coming together.]

Victory!

[Jay Phillips is in the interview area.]

Jay:  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest, Travis 22.

[Travis 22 steps into the scene]

Jay:  Travis, I wanted to ask you about your thoughts on your loss to Tiger--

Travis 22:  Whoa whoa whoa there, Jay!  Loss?  What loss?

Jay:  Your….loss to Tiger Johnson.

Travis 22:  You might want to re-watch that match, Jay.  I didn’t lose!

Jay:  Y…..yes you did.  You got pinned for a 3 count.

Travis 22:  Oh.  NOW I see where your disconnect is.  You’re one of THOSE people who think an entire match is summarized in 3 seconds.  Well, you couldn’t be more wrong, Jay.  Watch the entire match.  I was phenomenal.  I completely dominated.  I owned that old hack with techniques that are far better than anyone else on the planet!  Re-watch the match, Jay.  You’ll see how freakin’ incredible I was.  Then, come back and tell me if old man Johnson laying on me for 3 seconds is better than the extraordinary match I put on.

Jay:  Well, the win/loss record is kind of important…

Travis 22:  The win/loss record is just stats, and as we all know, stats can be manipulated to say anything.  The fans would really be bored if matches were just three-second contests.  Look at the whole picture, Jay.  I entertained everyone out of their seats that match!  I was pulling double-duty because I had to pick up all the slack that old Tiger was putting down with his snooze-inducing style!  And if you ask me, that makes ME the real winner here.

Jay:  Uh, ok, I guess.  So what’s next for you?

Travis 22:  There’s this cat who keeps calling himself the “fans’ favorite wrestler.”  Well, Ash.  I am calling you out on that, sir!  You might have been the fans’ favorite...until now!  That is a title that now belongs to me!  People love winners, and I am not only a winner, but I’m also undefeated!  So let’s do this Ash!  Let’s give the fans’ their welfare checks’ worth!  Yeah!

[Travis 22 walks off camera smiling.]

Jay:  Uh…interesting.  Well then, Travis 22 and Ash at the next show!  Should be a good one, folks!

[scene fades out.]

Champ Chaos!

[“Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy plays on the PA system and Scotty Paris, with Trixie, comes out from behind the curtain to a surprising cheer from the crowd.  On his way down the ramp he points to the belt and them to himself, smiling the whole time.  He and Trixie climb into the ring and Scotty takes a mic as his music dies down.  The crowd is actually cheering “Scot-ty!  Scot-ty!  Scot-ty!”]

Scotty:  It was only a matter of time.  I couldn’t be denied for much longer.  They tried to keep me down, but they failed!  They are failures, I’m a success!

[The crowd cheers with approval.]

Scotty:  I fought back against shifty backstage politics keeping me out of the title hunt.  I fought back from atrocious refereeing that denied me a title shot.  I fought back against injury that would’ve retired a lesser man.  And when the time was right, I made my move and used my guaranteed title match contract after they all forgot I even had one!  And here I am.  The NRWL Champion!  I can’t think of anyone more deserving!

[The crowd cheers, but is cut-off by Dropbox’s “Wishbone” as The 4 Elements come out from behind the curtain.  The cheers turn to boo’s as they make their way down the ramp and into the ring  They form a semicircle around Scotty and Trixie.]

Tommy V:  Congratulations on your cheap win, Scotty.  Boy, that was really a test of valor, what you did at the last show - coming out and immediately challenging someone who just went through a war of a match.

Marcus:  Yeah.  You want to talk about someone who has overcome the deck being stacked against him.  THIS man [points to Max Destruction] has been getting ducked and dodged during Bruno’s entire, unimpressive, title reign. 

Mikey:  Despite Max showing he’s got what it takes, he had to claw and scrape to get his title shot.  And while he was doing that, you were [does scare quotes] “recovering” from your injury, sunning yourself in front of your pool.  And now you crow about how you’re back from such an injury?  You don’t have any idea what it’s like to be REALLY injured, like I was!  The real miracle recovery story here is me, not you.

Max:  There’s two ways you’re leaving this ring in the next 2 minutes.  You’re walking out without the belt, or you’re being carted off without the belt.

[The 4 Elements slowly start advancing, when suddenly “Crying  Like a Bitch” by Godsmack starts playing the crowd erupts in cheers!  Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson make their way down the ramp and climb into the ring.]

Bruno:  Well, you guys have a lot of nerve.  Accusations, lies, and playing the victim.  It’s tired, and we’re all sick of hearing it.  For all the blah, blah, blah you guys come out here and spew, you haven’t really done anything except have a brief tag team title run, which I would contest that your
victory in that match was due more to dissension in the Sons of Darkness than anything you did.

Marty:  And on top of that, you guys promptly lost those belts...to Bruno and me!  And you’re not going to be getting them back any time soon.

Tommy V:  Oh, you guys really want to go there?  Typical of you Bruno and this caveman you align yourself with - deny us a rightful rematch for those belts and duck and dodge us.  You’re scared.  We all know it.  You can’t hide forever.  We’re coming for those belts and there’s nothing you or anyone can do about it!

[“Stain” by Full Devil Jacket starts playing and the crowd cheers even louder!  Johnny Young and Jacob Washing walk out of the curtain and down to the ring with serious intent.  They climb in and take mics.]

Johnny:  Aw yeeeeaah!  You guys need to slow your roll.  When you mention those tag team belts, you guys aren’t next in line. That honor goes to Jacob and myself.  We’ve done nothing but tear through every tag team we’ve been put up against.

Jacob:  We’re the #1 contenders for a reason. You JV’ers need to take your little club back to the treehouse you came from.  When you grow up and become men, then maybe you’ll be treated like some.  Until then we got nothing to say to you.  But Bruno and Marty, we’re coming for your belts the next show, so you--

Max:  Enough of this.  Scotty, you and me for that belt.  Here’s a sample of things to come!

[Max decks Scotty in the face.  Bruno charges Max but Marcus jumps and Thesz presses Bruno and starts pounding him in the face.  Marty kicks Marcus in the head to get him off Bruno while Jabob and Johnny lock up with Tommy V and Mikey.  Scotty gets up and runs and spears MaxIt’s complete bedlam in the ring as all 9 men pummel each other.  One by one The 4 Elements slither their way out of the ring and onto the ramp.  They yell at the other 6 people in the ring.  Scotty holds the belt up and waves at Max to come get it.  Bruno and Marty stand opposite of Jacob and Johnny, as the twosomes eye each other suspiciously.  The scene fades out.]

Sore Spot

[Tornado is walking through the halls backstage at the arena when he approached by Jay Phillips.]

Jay:  Tornado, a minute of your time?

[Tornado begrudgingly puts down his gym bag and gestures Jay to proceed.]

Jay:  Tornado, another tough loss this past show, especially to someone who’s made it a point to get under your skin, Tommy V.

[Tornado bites his lip, fighting back angst.]

Tornado:  Yeah, Jay.  It was a tough loss.  I thought I had him, but he’s much tougher than he leads you to believe.

Jay:  The people are likening you to another second-generation star in the NRWL, Mark Blood.  He struggled pretty hard at first too, and like you he had to deal with being cast in the shadow of his fath--

[Tornado swats the microphone out of Jay’s hand and get’s in Jay’s face.]

Tornado:  Jay, I’ve already told you once.  Do not compare me to my father!  We are two separate people.  I’m not him.  He’s not me.  I will forge my own legacy and not letting the history of my father dictate if I’ll be successful or not.  This interview is done.

[Tornado storms off camera.  Jay stands for a second with a shocked look on his face.  He shrugs to the camera, and walks out of view.  The camera then focuses on a figure lurking in the background, wearing a black hoodie up over his head.  The figure puts his hands in his pockets, turns, and walks away down the hallway.  The scene fades out.]

Side Effects Include Muscle Loss

[The camera approaches Crash MuscleGate and Lovable Liam, who are backstage at the wrestler's entrance to the arena, having an animated discussion]

Crash: You're telling me you had no idea Frederic was going to attack you and leave?

Liam: I wouldn't have tagged in if I knew he was going to do that!

[One of the arena doors opens up, and Frederic St. Pierre enters, carrying his wrestling gear.]

Crash: Frederic! Over here, now!

[Frederic St. Pierre eyes Crash and Liam, then cautiously approaches them]

Frederic: Bonjour, Crash.

Crash: Look man, what the hell were you thinking? You guys have been great partners for a long time! What's the deal?!

Frederic: I shall speak only the truth. Crash, look around you. You're in the NRWL now. Surely you've heard talk in the locker room...you have heard the fans....Liam...is not a fit here. He belongs more in...a freakshow, than a wrestling company.

Liam: That's uncalled for!

Crash: It really is. You should apologize!

Frederic: Non! I will not. Crash....realize that Liam was a valuable asset in HAW. But here...he is a reject. I will not associate myself with him. However, I wish that you would keep me on board with the MuscleGang, and force Liam out.

Liam: No! Not happening! Crash, I didn't back stab anyone! I've been loyal to you since the start. I've been in the Gang longer than he has! If anyone should be gone, it's a traitor!

Crash: So you guys won't co-exist. One of you has to be gone. And I think the best way to solve that...is to have a one on one match between the two of. Loser leaves MuscleGang.

Frederic: I can agree to that.

Liam: Me too, and I expect to stay!

Frederic: And I expect you will go.

Liam: Stay!

Crash: Stop it! Stop! I don't need you two arguing while I have other issues to deal with! I don't have a match for the second week in a row! The card is filling up! I don't know what I'm going to do!

Liam: Crash, I believe that you'll find a spot on the card. Someone will want to fight you!

Crash: Thank you Liam, it means a lot.

Frederic: I believe that not only will you find a spot, you'll win your match.

Crash: And thank you Frederic, I appreciate that.

Liam: And after you win that match, you'll become so popular, all of your merchandise will sell out!

Frederic: You'll be made number one contender for the NRWL championship!

Liam: And you'll win it!

Crash: STOP! No more one-upping! Ugh...I..I need to go be alone on a treadmill!

[Crash walks off, shaking his head. Liam and Frederic stare at each other for a few seconds, before going their separate ways]

Going After The Big Fish

[The camera fades in to show Mr. Lifeguard in the locker room, his head in his hands. A few seconds later, El Termitas walks into view]

Termitas: You're not looking too good Lifeguard. What's the matter?

Mr. Lifeguard: I've been doing some thinking. What if...what if I'm not cut out to be a wrestler? What if my true calling is saving people, and not hurting them? What if I just.......quit?

Termitas: Aw, come on man! Don't say things like that! It's only been a couple of losses. No need to beat yourself up over that! You even beat Storm Harrison!

Mr. Lifeguard: I know that but, it just seems like I can't get on a good winning streak. This goes beyond NRWL! Things haven't been the same since my father got thrown off the roof of a building by the Behemoth.

Termitas: But you got revenge on the Behemoth and beat him, remember?

Mr. Lifeguard: That's true, I suppose.

Termitas: Then I have a plan. You need to channel that anger you felt then towards massive, giant men. Then, team with me, and take it out on the Sons of Darkness!

Mr. Lifeguard: I don't know, that just seems like it won't work.

Termitas: Lifeguard, you need to remember! Remember that it was the Sons of Darkness who through your father off that roof!

Mr. Lifeguard: But it wasn't.

Termitas: They put your father in coma!

Mr. Lifeguard: He's actually healthy, now.

Termitas: Fine, fine....But you know what they DID do? They told me.... [El Termitas looks around to make sure no one else is around, then leans forward to whisper in Lifeguard's ear] ...they told me, that when they go to the beach, and they see warning flags indicating strong tides...they take those flags down, and tell swimmers that the ocean is safe!

Mr. Lifeguard: That's dangerous! People can drown!

Termitas: Exactly! And as I look around now, there's only one lifeguard that can stop them, and that's YOU! Mr. Lifeguard!

Mr. Lifeguard: I must stop them! But, you're still teaming with me, right?

Termitas: I am! I'm just not a certified lifeguard.

Mr. Lifeguard: Well I'm anointing you an honorary lifeguard for this match. The Sons of Darkness will learn a few things about safety by the time we're done with them!

Witch Hunt

[The lights in the arena slightly dim, and Warlock's music begins to play, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: It looks like Warlock is making his way down to the ring!

Warhead: And the fans are loving it already!

[Warlock walks onto the stage, nodding and pointing to some of the fans. He moves to the center of the stage, getting ready to pose, when a hooded figure attacks him from behind]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: What the?! Who is that?!

[The figure picks Warlock up, then throws him off the stage to the floor below. The figure lowers his hood, revealing himself to be The Filthy Friar]

Warhead: Of course, it would be The Filthy Friar!

[The Friar jumps down to the arena floor, and picks Warlock up. Warlock unleashes a series of punches to The Filthy Friar, drawing cheers from the crowd. Warlock attempts to Irish Whip The Friar into the crowd barricade, but the Friar reverses it, sending Warlock back-first into it. The Filthy Friar finally picks Warlock up, and slams Warlock through a table. Emerging from backstage a few seconds later, Benjamin the Blessed appears, holding a microphone and lit candle]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: Well you had to figure that if the Friar was around, Benjamin wouldn't be too far away.

[Benjamin stands over Warlock, then starts to pour the hot wax onto his body. Warlock's instincts take over, and he sits up in pain. Benjamin then smashes the candle over Warlock's head, knocking him out]

Benjamin: We heard you last week, Warlock. I was able to respond to you with actions, but now, I want to respond to you in words. You want the NRWL to stay the same, and that makes you our most outspoken enemy. We can not have people speaking against our mission, promoting the lifestyle of the heathens! You call yourself ”Warlock.” You celebrate the occult by that very act! This can not be. We will not allow this! The Filthy Friar will see to it that you are finally destroyed.

Warhead: These guys are insane!

[Benjamin the Blessed looks up from Warlock, then turns toward the crowd]

Benjamin: You are all witness to moment! The truth of your cult leader has been unraveled for all to see! The next time you see Warlock, his music will blast through the arena. Fire and explosions will burn and shake the surrounding concrete! You may be inclined to cheer for this man, to make your voice louder than the artificial sounds around you! But know this: The loudest your voice can go...will be nothing compared to the shrills of your soul, as it suffers for following false idols! Di te incolumem custodiant!

[Benjamin throws the microphone down and walks away with The Filthy Friar, leaving Warlock lying in the carnage]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: I think we need help out here for Warlock! And who's going to stop the Holy Duo?!

Warhead: From what we've seen of Warlock so far, I think he'll be volunteering once he's recovered!

April 18th - Development League Results

Triple Threat Match
Tattoo Rodeo def. Ridge and Dan Masters

Singles Match
Alvarez def. Pedro Muchacho

Singles Match
Fireburner def Mikey Angel

Singles Match
Killjoy def. Dr. Pain

Singles Match
Thresher def. The Combatant

Triple Threat Match
Kung Food def. Ace Holderby and "Crazy Man" Earl Stevens

Triple Threat Match
Combatant def Tattoo Rodeo and Pedro Muchacho

Triple Threat Match
Thresher def. Alvarex and Ridge

Triple Threat Match
Ace Holderby def. Dr. Pain and Fireburner

Tag Team Match
Kung Food and Killjoy def. "Crazy Man" Earl Stevens and Dan Masters

Singles Match
Pedro Muchacho def. Don Suave

April 18th - Development League Championship Tournament Results

NRWL's Development League, Rise Up, showcases wrestlers who are working toward earning a spot on the main roster. The Rise Up Championship was decided in a 16-man elimination tournament.

First Round

Pedro Muchacho def. The Combatant

Fireburner def. Tattoo Rodeo

Killjoy def. Alvarez

Earl Stevens def. Don Suave

Dr. Pain def. Mikey Angel

The Bean def. Ridge

Kung Food def. Thresher

Dan Masters def. Ace Holderby


Quarterfinal Round

Fireburner def. Pedro Muchacho

Killjoy def. Earl Stevens

Dr. Pain def. The Bean

Kung Food def. Dan Masters


Semifinal Round

Killjoy def. Fireburner

Kung Food def. Dr. Pain


Final Round

Kung Food def. Killjoy to capture the Rise Up Championship

April 17th 2014 NRWL Event Results

Benjamin the Blessed def. Warlock
A highly physical match from the start. Both men trade blows, suplexes, and hip tosses to try and get offense going. Warlock uses some quick tosses to try and get an advantage but Benjamin stops his momentum with a brutal DDT. Both men counter each other's moves and keep the match fast paced. Benjamin drops Warlock with a german suplex from the top rope and follows up with a moonsault. Warlock kicks out but Benjamin nails a backbreaker on him. Benjamin covers for the pinfall victory.

Tommy V. def. Tornado
The match begins with an exchange of fists before Tornado dumps Tommy to the outside. Both men battle on the outside before Tornado rolls Tommy in the ring  drops an elbow on the apron followed by a leg drop. Back in the ring, Tornado starts to wear down Tommy V, showing a lot of aggression. Tommy turns the tables and begins to choke Tornado. Tommy takes control of the match. Tornado comes back with a piledriver. Tornado tries to throw Tommy V out of the ring but it's reversed. Tornado tries to hang onto the ropes but Tommy spears him to the outside. Tornado gets back in the ring and hits a Downburst on Tommy. Tommy comes back with Critical Silence on Tornado. Tommy covers for the pin for a victory.

Ash def. The Filthy Friar
Friar comes out first showing his strength advantage. Ash tries to fight back but is stopped every chance he gets. Ash gets his bigger opponent off of his feet and begins to work on his knees. Frist stops Ash's assault and continues to throw his smaller opponent around. Ash starts to break away with some offense of his own and gets two near falls. Ash slams Friar with a double underhook powerbomb pin but Friar kicks out. Ash follows up with a Fan's Favorite Finisher and pins Filthy Friar for the victory.

After the match, Ash offers to shake Filthy Friar's hand but it is slapped away

Muscle Bombers (Alex & Colt) def. MuscleGang (Fredrick St. Pierre & Lovable Liam)
Frederick starts with some good offense but Alex delivers a huge slam and attempts a pin. Colt runs into the ring and spears Liam out of the ring. Frederick kicks out and tags in Liam. Liam enters the ring but Frederick suddenly attacks his partner from behind and leaves the match!

Liam, alone against the Muscle Bombers. Liam holds his own in the match, showing impressive offense. Colt breaks through Liam's offense and both Muscle Bombers take turns wearing him down. Liam starts to come back, pulling off a huge powerbomb on Colt. Colt kicks out of the pin attempt and gets to his corner to tag in Alex. Alex slams Liam hard with an arm drag slam and pins him for the victory. Despite the loss, the fans are impressed with Lovable Liam's debut in NRWL.

Katsutoshi w/ Leiko def. Mr. Lifeguard w/ El Termitas
Mr. Lifeguard starts with a strong offense to start but Katsutoshi stops his momentum with kicks and high speed kicks. Both men trade strikes back and forth. Katsutoshi sets the pace with a faster style. El Termitas climbs up on the apron to argue with Katsutoshi. The ref is distracted and Katsutoshi uses the opportunity to get the upper hand on Mr. Lifeguard, pinning him for the victory.

Franco Marcini def. Hardcore Adam
Franco starts off with the first offense but Adam matches him. Franco is tossed over the ropes and tries to hold on. Adam spears him out of the ring and into the fan barricade. Franco throws Adam head first into the ring post before taking the action back inside. Franco uses his fists to wear down Adam, including body shots. Adam comes back with a strong barrage of slams and elbow strikes. Adam attempts a pin but Fronco kicks out and starts to mount an offense of his own. Both men start to trade blows. Adam wears down Franco with elbows to the back before following up with a neckbreaker and a Hardcore Throwdown. Franco kicks out at the count of one. Franco trips Adam to the mat and locks in a crossface submission. Hardcore Adam cannot reach the ropes and is forced to submit.

Jax Rivers def. Paul Priest
Both men trade offense in the early stages of the match. Jax begins to take control of the match before getting thrown to the outside. Priest follows him out of the ring but Jax slams him to the floor with a bulldog. Jax brings Priest back into the ring where Priest begins to use impressive speed to counter Jax and mount an offense. Jax comes back with some slams and tries to finish Priest off but Priest surprises him with a reverse hurricanrana. Priest attempts a pin but Jax kicks out. Jax and Priest trade off with many close pinfalls. Jax hits Priest with a facebuster leg drop that busts Priest's head open. Jax covers Priest for the victory.

Tiger Johnson def. Travis 22
Travis 22 uses his speed to quickly take control of the match. Travis attacks the leg of Johnson, trying to keep the bigger man on the mat. Johnson starts a comeback using his strength advantage but Travis comes back with several flapjacks that bounce Johnson's head off the ropes. Johnson, infuriated, begins to pummel Travis with clotheslines, fists, and knees. Johnson locks in a front face lock submission but Travis slides out of it. Travis catches Johnson off guard with the Catch 22. Johnson manages to kick out of a pin attempt and comes back with a sitout powerbomb. Johnson covers for the pinfall victory. 

NRWL Tag Team Championship
Bruno Kowalski & Marty Anderson © def. The 4 Elements (Marcus & Mikey Armstrong)
Bruno begins an assault on Marcus with a flurry of boxing blows. Marcus tags out to Mikey. Mikey and Bruno trade moves back and forth until Bruno tags out to Marty Anderson. Anderson is kept down on the mat by Mikey's series of suplexes. Marcus is tagged in and continues the attack but Anderson fights out of it and tags in Bruno. Bruno go on the assault with bulldogs, elbow drops, and subplexes. Mikey is tagged back in and tries to break through Bruno's momentum but Bruno keeps Mikey in his teams corner. Mikey escapes and tags in Marcus who battles back and forth with Anderson in the ring. Both teams begin a series of tags until Anderson and Mikey end up in the ring together. Marcus and Bruno brawl outside the ring while Anderson hits a huge spinebuster on Mikey. Anderson covers for a pin a successful title defense against The 4 Elements.

After the match, Bruno joins Anderson in the ring. Max Destruction and Tommy V enter the ring and attack the tag team champions from behind.

Tornado-Tag No-Holds-Barred Losers-Leave-Town
The Sons of Darkness (Abbadon and Mastema) def. Apollyon & Fireburner
All four big men brawl with each other. Fireburner and Abbadon wrestle in the ring while Apollyon and Mastema fight outside the ring. Apollyon suplexes Mastema on the steel entrance ramp outside the ring. Fireburner applies a camel clutch to Abbadon in the ring. Mastema manages to get up and run to the ring in time to break it up. The action returns to the ring. All four men brawl in the ring but Fireburner is distracted by Mastema on one side of the ring while Abbadon pins Apollyon for the victory, forcing Apollyon to leave the NRWL.

Backstage One on Three Handicap Match
The Sons of Darkness and Nick Belhor def. Apollyon
Backstage, Apollyon is assaulted by The Sons of Darkness and Nick Belhor. Apollyon tries to put up a fight but is ultimately knocked out cold on the concrete.

NRWL Championship
Max Destruction def. Bruno Kowalski ©
These former tag team partners and friends collide for the NRWL Championship. Both men display their boxing experience by starting the match with a strike heavy offense. Max begins to slam Bruno with sidewalk slams and tackles. Bruno tries to fight through the offense but is kept down. Max nails Bruno with a strong backbreaker. Bruno comes out of nowhere with a  bulldog, a burst of punches, and a jaw jacker. Max returns to the offensive with a belly to belly suplex. Bruno, realizing his strategy isn't working, tries to go back to a strike offense. It begins to work but Max finds and opening and goes back to an offense of suplexes. Bruno begins to show signs of life but Max once again stops him in his tracks. Max locks Bruno's wounded back in with a backbreaker submission. Bruno refuses to give up and breaks free from the hold. Bruno, with a wounded back, tries to fight back but Max continues to punish him with suplexes and locks in a bearhug submission. Bruno tries to hold on but is forced into submission. Max Destruction wins the match and becomes the new NRWL Champion.

After the match, Scotty Paris surprises everyone by returning from injury and cashes in his guaranteed title match that he won in Season Four!

NRWL Championship
Scotty Paris vs. Max Destruction

Scotty begins to work on Max immediately. Scotty takes advantage of the champion, who is surely tired from his match with Bruno. Max still has adrenaline running through his body as he puts up a fight but Scotty, still the fresh man, levels Max with From Paris With Love. Max kicks out but Scotty locks in a cobra clutch, forcing Max to submit. Scotty Paris becomes the new NRWL Champion.

Calling Out the Champs

[Jay Phillips is standing in the interview set with Jacob Washington and Johnny Young.]

Jay: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Jacob Washington and Johnny Young. Gentlemen, congratulations on your impressive win last show over tag champs Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson.

Jacob Washington: Why aren’t we tag team champions, now?

Jay: Uh….it was a non-title--

Jacob: That’s right. A bullcrap non-title match! Johnny Young is the Star Player and former two-time NRWL Champion. I’m a pure athlete and unarguable they stand-out guy of Season 5. Why was that not a title match?!

Jay: I--

Jacob: I’ll tell you why, Bruno and Marty are scared! They know that the second they put those titles on the line against us, they lose them. Who do they grant a title shot to? The 4 Developments! A team they already know they can beat! Cowardice. Plain and simple.

Jay: Uh….Johnny? Care to weigh-in?

Johnny: Aaaaaa yeeeaaahhh!!! My man Jacob keeps it real! At the next show, no matter who is tag team champs, they put those belts on the line against us! And make no mistake, we WILL be the champs after that. But before that, we’re going to keep dominating the tag team scene by totally embarrassing that loser Storm Harrison and his enforcer, Caleb! The big man and the little man are go-wing dooooowwwwnnnn!!  Yeeeaaaah!

[Johnny flexes in front of the camera, smiling.]

Jay: What a packed card we have for tonight! I wouldn’t miss this for anything! The show, coming up next!

[Scene fades out.]

Holy War

[Jay Phillips is running down a hallway backstage.]

Jay Phillips: Warlock!

[Jay calls to Warlock, who is walking further up the hallway. Warlock stops and turns around.]

Jay Phillips: Warlock! You're a hard man to track down. I've been meaning to talk to you about your match this week with Benjamin the Blessed.

[Warlock smiles and laughs, grabbing Jay by the shoulder and shaking him for a moment.]

Warlock: Jay Phillips, right? Yes, I saw that I have a match scheduled with Benjamin the Blessed. What can I say? He's an impressive character, isn't he? I managed to catch a glimpse of his match last time. I'm looking forward to the match. Can I share an observation, Jay?

Jay Phillips: Uh, yeah sure. What is it?

Warlock: I feel, and this is just me, I feel like the guy is just a little too serious. I've heard The Holy Duo talking about cleansing the NRWL and fighting fire with fire to do it. It's a noble cause!!! But! It's not going to work. Not as long as I'm around. You know why, Jay? Because I LIKE the rock and roll attitude around here and I'm not about to let two monks ruin my fun! Their job is about to get a whole lot harder because Warlock has arrived and that means the volume just got turned up! If you don't like it, just try to stop me!

Jay Phillips: [laughs] Well, if you are anything like your father, The Druid, I suspect you'll be here for a long time.

[Warlock stops smiling and gives Jay a cold stare.]

Warlock: Jay, I've worked hard to make it clear that I am not my father. We're two completely different people. I'm going to be around for a long time, that's for sure, but it's because I am my own man. Just you watch me.

Jay Phillips: I'm... I'm sorry.

[Warlock suddenly grins wide.]

Warlock: [laughing] Don't worry about it, Jay! We're good! [his face gets serious again and his voice gets deeper] But don't let it happen again.

[Warlock walks away from Jay. The hallway is busy with backstage crew preparing for the next event. Warlock walks by a man standing against a wall wearing a black hoodie and jeans. He doesn't seem to notice the man in the hoodie. The man in the hoodie notices him, however, as he steps away from the wall and quietly watches Warlock walking away.]

Iced

[Jim "The Amp" Johnson and WarHead are at the announcer's table.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Fans, I'm being told there is something going on backstage. Let's go to the camera feed. 

[Max Destruction is alone in the training area of the NRWL Arena hitting a heavy bag. He finishes a round of punches and steps back from the bag. He blindly reaches for the towel on the bench behind him. He is surprised to find someone is handing it to him. He quickly takes it, wipes his eyes and sees John Fraust standing in front of him. Max looks Fraust up and down.]

Max Destruction: What do you want?

John Fraust: I saw the card for the next event. Somehow, you managed to get yourself a title shot against Bruno Kowalski.

Max Destruction: That's right. You all puffed out your chests and declared yourselves the next in line but you'll all have to sit back and wait. Bruno and I have some business to clear up and it surrounds that belt. The NRWL Championship is coming home to The 4 Elements, just like the Tag Team Championship is coming back to us as well. It's our time, John. The rest of you are just extras in the Era of the 4 Elements.

John Fraust: Please. You guys have spent a lot of time running your mouths. The only era you guys will be a part of is the New Ice Age because I'm getting another shot at that belt and once I put that strap around my waist, the Elements will never be able to stop me!

Max Destruction: Is that so?

John Fraust: Oh yeah.

[Suddenly, from behind a row of lockers, Mikey Armstrong steps out into view. From a side room, Tommy V. steps through the door. From the shower area, Marcus walks into the room. All four members of The 4 Elements surround John Fraust.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: What's going on here?

WarHead: Oh, this is not good.

[Fraust looks around at the members of the 4 Elements. He sneers as he turns to look at each man. He looks down and adjusts the tape on his hands.]

John Fraust: So, this is how it's going to go.

[Fraust sighs and then throws himself at Max Destruction with a barrage of fists. He turns in time to toss Marcus to the side. He dodges a punch by Mikey and uses the momentum to shove him into the lockers. He spears Tommy V. and lands a few punches before Marcus and Max grab him by the arms and throw him violently backward into the bench that is bolted to the floor.]

John Fraust: Ahhh.. god!

[Tommy, Max, Mikey, and Marcus all surround Fraust and begin to stomp on him.]

WarHead: Oh no...

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: They are going to kill him!

[The sound of a microphone bouncing off a table is heard. The camera cuts away from the commotion backstage and back to the ringside area where WarHead is running from the announcer's table toward the backstage area.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: WarHead! Where are you going? WarHead! This is bad. It's out of control back there! Someone stop this!

[The camera returns to the exercise room where Fraust is being slammed into the lockers like a battering ram. The point of impact on the lockers is bloodied. Max walks over to the heavy bag, bear hugs it, and rips it right off of the ceiling. Fraust lay on the ground as Max approaches him and slams the bag into his midsection. Fraust begins coughing and choking. He manages to swing his fists in a last ditch effort to defend himself. Marcus picks Fraust up off the floor and runs him into a rack full of weights and bar bells. Fraust falls to the floor as Mikey, Tommy V. and Max collectively push the weight rack on top of Fraust.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: [whispering] Oh my god. Oh my god. Please... please. Leave him alone.

[Max pulls Fraust's motionless body out from under the weights and drags him back over to the bench. He lifts Fraust and powerbombs him through the bench. Fraust lay below him in the splinters, motionless, in a pool of blood. Max huffs and puffs for a moment while the other members of The 4 Elements stand around Fraust's body.]

Max Destruction: Welcome to Era of The 4 Elements.

[All four men walk out of the exercise room together. A few seconds later, WarHead bursts through the door and kneels down next to Fraust.]

WarHead: Come on, man. Can you hear me? Fraust? Come on. Fraust!!!! SOMEBODY HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The camera switches back to the announcer's table. Jim "The Amp" Johnson is looking away from the monitors with a hand over his mouth. With is other hand, he waves away the camera.]

About A Girl

[Paul Priest is walking through the backstage area heading toward his dressing room. He spots someone up ahead of him and smiles.]

Paul Priest: Well, well. Look who we've got here.

[Paul walks up to Mandy, the young college student Jax Rivers walked away with during their first meeting. She looks to see who is approaching her and backs away.]

Mandy: No way. Get away from me, you jerk.

Paul Priest: Little harsh, don't you think? Look, I get it. You were all excited about meeting that Jax Rivers guy. But he's some big name from some little wrestling company. Me? I'm the big time. I'm one of the hottest stars in the biggest wrestling company around. You really need to think this through.

Mandy: Jax is ten times the man you could ever hope to be. He treats me with respect! Something you know nothing about.

[Paul laughs.]

Paul Priest: Well, I don't know if you saw this but I left your "man" lying face down on the mat at the last event. He didn't look so great then.

Mandy: You hit him from behind with a baseball bat!

[Paul smirks and is about to respond when Jax Rivers dives into view and tackles him. Jax assaults Paul with a series of punches. Paul tosses Jax off of him and scrambles to get away. Mandy trips Paul, who crashes into a large plastic garbage can. He tries to recover and run off but Jax grabs him by the hair and smacks his head into a wall. Paul starts to stumble backward. Jax grabs Paul and shoves him head first into the garbage can. Paul's legs comically kick from the top of the garbage can as Jax takes Mandy's hand and they walk off. Paul eventually gets the garbage can to tip over. He climbs out with trash covering his face, hair, and chest. He looks humiliated.]

Paul Priest: [muttering to himself] If that's the way you want to play it, you got it!

[Behind Paul, a few crew members see him and snicker to each other. He stands up, brushes himself off, and glaces over at them. He puffs out his chest, points his nose in the air, puts on the bravest face he can muster, and walks away.]

World Warriors

[Jay Phillips is standing in the ring.]

Jay Phillips: Fans, my guests at this time, Alex and Colt, The Muscle Bombers.

[The Muscle Bombers music begins to play and the masked tag team walks down to the ring, pumping up the fans along the way.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Boy, I tell you what, WarHead. These guys really know how to get the fans excited! What a great addition to the NRWL these guys have been.

WarHead: Yeah... They seem awfully familiar, though, don't they, Jim?

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: They have wrestled all over the world the last eight years or so. I'm sure you've seen or read about their career at some point.

WarHead: I guess that's it....  Huh. Well, whatever. I can't wait to see what they do here in NRWL!

[The Muscle Bombers are in the ring and stand next to Jay. Alex is on his right. Colt is on his left.]

Jay Phillips: Muscle Bombers, welcome to NRWL. You aren't here five minutes and you've already got buzz surrounding you. The fans are loving you guys. But, you've also attracted attention from some boys in the back. Of course, I'm talking about MuscleGang.

Alex: First off, these fans are excited because we have finally arrived here in NRWL! We've traveled all over the world looking for the best competition the wrestling world has to offer. Now that we're in NRWL, we know we have our toughest competition yet.

Colt: That's right, Alex. This ring is the big leagues and we're ready to take on everyone in our path in our quest to capture the NRWL Tag Team Championship. We've heard that MuscleGang is upset with us... over our name?

Alex: That's the story. If you guys have a problem with us, for any reason, we'll be more than happy to show you why we're the best team in the world. Frederick, Liam, you two better do some extra workouts between now and our match because you are in for the fight of your lives.

Colt: NRWL fans, this is just the beginning. MuscleGate is a barrier we will just have to walk through in our climb to the top. Make no mistake. When the Muscle Bombers have you in their sights, you can't outrun the blast!

[The Muscle Bombers step away from Jay and raise their arms in the air as their music begins to play once again. They pose in the ring and on the turnbuckles before leaving.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Challenge accepted! This is going to be a big match. MuscleGang vs. The Muscle Bombers. What do you think about this one, WarHead?

WarHead: I'm really looking forward to this match. Two teams on a collision course looking to make a name for themselves here in the NRWL can only mean one thing. They are both hungry and will put in 100% of the effort to get the win.

Tornado Warning

[Scene opens to Jay Phillips in the interview area.]
Jay Phillips: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at the time, Tornado.

[Tornado steps into view.]

Jay: Tornado, last season was pretty rough for you, and this season hasn’t started out on the right foot either. What do you think is going wrong?

Tornado: Well, Jay, it’s disappointing. I think I’ve been doing very well, but coming up just short in the matches. But sometimes you start out slow coming out of the gate. Look at Bruno Kowalski. He came into Season 4 with some hype had an OK season that year. Now, he’s NRWL Champion and one of the biggest names and top stars of the company. So don’t be too quick to write me off yet!

Jay: I don’t think anyone is quite ready to write off the son of the legend—

[Tornado quickly puts his hand up to Jay.]

Tornado: Jay, please. Do NOT mention my father. It’s getting really old really fast. I know who my father is. I know what my father accomplished. But he’s not wrestling in the NRWL, I am.

Jay: Uh..ok. Understood. Sorry about that. So, I understand that at the next show you’re taking on Tommy V. one-on-one.

Tornado: That’s right. I’ve had it up to here with him. He’s been a thorn in my side since I got here. I don’t know why he targeted me, but I’m going to make him wish he didn’t. He’s been able to slither away from me in tag team matches, but now I got him one on one. It’s time to make him pay up! And I might not stop with him. I might make it my short-term goal to take out the rest of The 4 Element. They’re a nuisance and do nothing to better this company. It’s about time someone does something about them.

Jay: That seems like a tall order to be giving yourself. Just you against all four of them?

Tornado: I don’t care. They’ll see that I don’t forgive, and I don’t forget. Get ready, Tommy V. I’m coming for you!

[Tornado walks off camera.]

Jay: Anxious to see how this all pans out! Tune in to find out too!

[Scene apparently ends, but the camera stays on. Jay walks off set and some members of the camera crew come in begin breaking down the set, lights, and microphones. Then, the camera is bumped and turns slightly to the side, aiming off set into the arena hallways. A figure wearing a black hoodie and jeans is leaning against the wall, but the face can’t be seen. He turns and walks down the hallway. A voice of one of the crew is heard off-camera saying “Hey, I think the camera is still on.” The camera jostles and then cuts out.]

A Breath of Fresh Air

[“Tears Don’t Fall” by Bullet For My Valentine plays over the sound system and Travis 22 comes out at the top of the ramp smiling, yelling, and fist-pumping. He has a purple faux-hawk, red Hawaiian shirt, white shorts, sneakers, and white shutter shades.]

WarHead: Ooo! The circus is in town!

Jim “The Amp”Johnson: I heard about this guy. 

[Travis 22 walks down the ramp talking to the crowd. Fans stretch their hands over the barricade and Travis puts his hand just *barely* out of reach, but acts like that’s normal, still talking up the crowd on his way to the ring.]

WarHead: What the--? Perhaps he needs glasses.

[Travis 22 climbs into the ring and takes a mic. He stands in the center and puts his hands on his hips triumphantly and smiles. The music dies down and he continues to stand there. The crowd is rather quiet with confusion.]

WarHead: Psst! Travis! This is where you speak into the microphone!

Jim: I’m sure he knows that. He’s being arrogant!

[Finally, after a long 30 seconds, Travis raises the mic.]

Travis 22: Oh yeah! That’s right! The Epoch of 22 has OFFICIALLY STARTED!!!!

[The crowd gives mixed reactions. Many are confused. Some cheer by default.]

Travis 22: Everyone can let out a great big sigh of relief because I am here! And I am going to give YOU the fans the type of wrestler, the type of entertainer, the type of franchise player, that you deserve!

[A portion of the crowd cheers. Most do not.]

Travis 22: I know some of you are hesitant to cheer, and I don’t blame you. Why would you? Why should you? What exactly have you had to cheer about? Nothing! You’re numb to the sub-standard set of talent that the NRWL has been pouring into your feed-bags! Well, NO MORE!!! Because I am three billion times better than all the rest of those dorks in the locker room!

WarHead: Oh boy…

Jim: Well that’s a nice way to introduce yourself.

[The crowd now starts jeering.]

Travis 22: I know, right!?!? I’d boo them too if I was in your place! Look at them! The quote Start Player end quote Johnny Young! The Fans Favorite goofball Ash! And the champion is called the Polish Powerhouse?!? El oh el! Oh man, you people have settled for far too less for far too long!

Jim: He just called out 3 NRWL champions.

WarHead: He’s lucky he didn’t call me out.
Travis 22: But that is how it was, and thanks to me, everyone here will have a reason to wake up in the morning! And each night everyone will say “Thank you Travis 22 for bettering my life,” before you drool yourselves to sleep on the recliner! Because I am the best wrestler on this roster now. My record speaks for itself! I am undefeated in every match I’ve ever been in!

WarHead: Wait, what? Let me see that stat sheet—

Jim: —I’m already checking into it.

Travis 22: From my elementary school playground, to my high school gym, to the development circuits, to now. Never lost a match! Nope. And I’m going to continue that winning streak in the NRWL!

WarHead: …that just doesn’t sound—

Jim: It’s not! He’s lost before!

Travis 22: And that streak continues when I take on the big oaf, Tiger Johnson. How about it, old timer? How does it sound to main event the next show?

WarHead: What about the Bruno/Max…?

Jim: He’s not main eventing the next show!!!

Travis 22: I know, it sounds scary. After what happened last time you headlined, I understand. But it won’t be as bad this time. When you’re in your hospital bed recovering, having your dinner pumped through your feeding tube, you too can also think happily “Travis 22 bettered my life.” It’d be good manners to send me a Thank-You card, FYI. And I’ll never forget you as the first stepping-stone on my path to becoming the NRWL champion! Thank you everybody!!!

[Travis 22’s music starts back up and he stands in the ring smiling while the crowd boos him. He waves and walks around the ring blowing the crowd kisses and fist pumps.]

WarHead: This freakin’ guy…

Jim: He might’ve bit off more than he can chew. Tiger is a former #1 contender and MoW legend.

WarHead: As a ringside commentator, I try to be neutral all the time, but I hope Tiger plants this guy.

Jim: We’ll see soon enough!

[Scene fades.]

Two Types of Wise Guys

[Jay Phillips is in the interview area with Hardcore Adam]

Jay: It's my pleasure to have Hardcore Adam, joining me once again.

Adam: Good to see you again Jay, I could get used to these interviews. Maybe I'll see you next week too!

[Jay chuckles]

Jay: Perhaps. But before we get ahead of ourselves, I want to ask you about last week. You teamed with Tornado and suffered a defeat against The 4 Elements. How do you plan to bounce back from that loss?

Adam: Losing your first match to start a new season is never ideal. But I've been around the ring long enough, I know how to clear my head, and focus on the next match.

Jay: Your next matches can be very crucial.

Adam: Exactly. It's a fact, if I want to face Bruno Kowalski, or whoever may be NRWL champion, I'm going to have to step my game up, and make sure-

[Hardcore Adam trails off and looks off camera. Franco Mancini steps into view and goes face to face with Adam]

Franco: Am I hearing right? You're thinkin' you still have a chance at NRWL Championship? Look it, I don't want to hurt your feelings or nothin', but...it's not happening! This business is all about what have you done for me lately. You're nothin' but a novelty act. You're living off your past! So why not just retire and quit embarrassing yourself?

Adam: I know who you are. And I don't mean your name. You're one of these young guns that comes in, claims they're the best, fight a few matches, then disappear forever. I've seen too many people like you to keep count. So if you want to talk about embarrassing yourself, just keep talking. You'll probably be gone in the next month anyway.

Franco: That's where you're wrong, Adam. You lost a tag match. A match you were in the ring for a grand total of 20 seconds! Me? I wrestled two matches last show, and won both! And you know what I think I'm going to do? I think I'll wrestle another match...against you. I'll move a bit closer to getting gold, and you'll be movin' to a nursing home!

[Franco Mancini laughs and walks off. Hardcore Adam turns his attention back to Jay Phillips]

Adam: Jay, I'll end the interview with this: I'm looking forward to this “bounce back” match.

[Hardcore Adam walks off]

Jay: Ladies and gentlemen, that was Hardcore Adam.

Philosophies

[Mr. Lifeguard's music hits, and he comes out to the ring, energizing the crowd along the way]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: Look at the crowd's reaction to Mr. Lifeguard!

Warhead: I never knew there were this many fans of mathematical addition!

[Lifeguard enters the ring and takes a mic]

Mr. Lifeguard: Wow....that's all I can...wow. Being back here at NRWL....this is just great! I have to admit, I was a bit nervous coming back. It's like when you were back in school, and that kid moves away for a year, but then he comes back a year later, and he's completely different and everyone hates him...well I'm not that kid, because the reception I've received has been tremendous! I want to thank all the fans out there who have been supporting me, coming up to me for pictures, for autographs...although I must say, I signed so many autographs tonight, my swimming hand is a bit sore. So if there IS someone drowning, they may die. But you know what? That will not stop me from signing more autographs for all of you Lifeguard fans!

[The crowd cheers, and Mr. Lifeguards gives his own round of applause for the crowd. This does not last long, as the music of Katsutoshi hits, and he walks out onto the ramp with Leiko]

Katsutoshi: ...You've been talking for about a minute, and you're already the most annoying man I've ever encountered. So just stop with this pandering and tell me straight up...why are you here? Because as I see it, you're here to waste space. You're here to waste time! Just go back to wherever you came from. I'm here to get to the top, and I do that by defeating opponents.

Mr. Lifeguard: Whoa, me too man! We just have different ways of going about it! I love a good match! But when I'm not in the ring fighting, why should I be walking around backstage, pretending to everyone that I'm a big mean, angry, tough guy?! I like to relax, have fun, enjoy life! Try it sometime!

Katsutoshi: Lifeguard, I hope you keep that attitude. You'll make for an easy match. [Katsutoshi and Leiko leave, while Mr. Lifeguard remains in the ring to pump the crowd up a bit more]

Jim: Two very different men, and two different styles!

Warhead: But both can go in the ring! It's going to be interesting to see where this goes between them!

Preperations

[The camera fades in to show a church at night, lit only by candles. Dressed in cloaks, Benjamin the Blessed and The Filthy Friar approach an altar. The Friar holds up a small object, what appears to be a photograph. Benjamin the Blessed begins to chant in Latin, his pace and volume getting faster and louder the longer it goes on. It finally reaches a climax, and Benjamin the Blessed lowers his hood to reveal his face to the camera]

Benjamin: Di te....incolumem.....custodiant.

[The Filthy Friar throws the photograph into one of the candles and the picture starts to burn. The camera zooms in on the burning picture, revealing Ash, before fading to black]

Muscle Them Out

[Fredric St. Pierre and Lovable Liam are in their locker room hanging out, when Crash MuscleGate barges in]

Crash MuscleGate: Do you believe this? We never should have came here! This is wrong! It's a travesty!

Frederic: Please, please. Take a breath. Tell us what is the matter.

Crash MuscleGate: I'm Crash MuscleGate!

Liam: That's something to be proud of!

Crash: You don't get it. I'm Crash...MUSCLE...Gate. I signed up with this company, and I was told all of these great plans...Crash MuscleGate water bottles, Crash MuscleGate heart monitors, Crash MuscleGate headbands! And what happens as soon as I put my name on that contract, AND get my MuscleGang signed too? Oh, here comes a team called the Muscle Bombers!

Liam: Oh my God...they stole your name!

Crash: Their name doesn't even make sense. Human tissue does not just explode and cause massive casualties!

Frederic: Do not worry, mon ami. Liam and I will confront them in a match, and defeat them. Life will be good for us again.

Liam: And if you're still stressed out, I can give you a massage to help calm you down.

Crash: Thank you Liam, but that won't be necessary. I believe in you and Frederic. Defeat those Muscle Bombers!

Return With a Vengeance

[The lights go off in the arena.  Eerie music plays over the sound system.  The Sons of Darkness, led by Nick Belhor, walk menacingly down to the ring.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  Oh boy. These guys.

WarHead:  They nail it with the “scary” factor.

[The Sons of Darkness climb in and Nick takes a mic.  The lights stay dark, but a single red overhead spotlight illuminates the three men in the ring]

Nick Belhor:  The time of safety is over.  The Sons of Darkness have returned.  Prepare for the time of suffering to begin!  I fully plan to unleash Mastema and Abbadon onto the NRWL without mercy!  The agonizing screams of pain will drown out the wailing cries of all you people as you watch your heroes be annihilated one by one.  And we will start by laying waste to the tag team champions, Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson!  Bruno and Marty, savor your last few days, because when the Sons of Darkness come for you, you will--

[Suddenly the JumboTron turns on with a static buzz.  After a few seconds of white noise, it clears to show an old phonograph on a beat-up wooden stand in a decrepit room.  It starts playing creepy pipe organ music.]

Jim:  What is--?  What’s going on?

WarHead:  Did someone plug thier game of Silent Hill into the JumboTron?

[A man then walks out from behind the curtain at the top of the ramp.  He’s wearing a long black coat, a black fedora, and an old gas mask (circa World War II).  He stands at the top of the ramp and stares for several seconds at the Sons of Darkness in the ring.  The music dies down.]

Nick Belhor:  How dare you interrupt!  Do you know what you have now done to yourself?  Your demise will not be quick, and your pleas to end the pain that will be inflicted on you will not be acknowledged!

Stranger:  Demise.  You know nothing of demise.  Suffering.  Screams.  Agony.  Pain.  Annihilation.  To know this things, you must live these things.

Jim:  Is that…?

WarHead:  I think so…

Stranger:  My name is Death Man.

[The crowd erupts at the mention of the name.]

Jim:  IT IS!!  The SCSF legend and Season 1 veteran Death Man!

WarHead:  I can’t believe it!
Death Man:  But this is not about me.  This is about you, and your two henchmen.  I have a declaration.  A match, if you will.  Nick Belhor, as you represent Abbadon and Mastema, I also represent two men.

[Creepy music plays and a large masked man walks out and stands behind Death Man.  The crowd cheers upon seeing him]

Jim:  Holy Moses!  It’s Apollyon!

WarHead:  Aligned with Death Man!  Wow!

[Nick scowls with anger.  Then, bursts of fire erupt from the top of the stage around Death Man and Apollyon, and another masked man walks out.  The crowd cheers loudly yet again when they recognize the man.]

Jim:  OH!  MY!  GOD!!!

WarHead:  It’s Fireburner!!!  No way!!!
[Fireburner walks and stands, arms folded, next to Apollyon, behind Death Man.  Nick stares with nervousness.]

Death Man:  Here is the declaration.  There will be a match.  Abbadon and Mastema versus Apollyon and Fireburner.  Tornado tag match.  No DQ.

[The crowd cheers with approval of the set match.]

Jim:  Oh wow!

WarHead:  That match is NOT going to be pretty.

Death Man:  If the Sons of Darkness win, I will leave, and you will get a handicap match: all of you against Apollyon.

[Nick Belhor grins evilly.]

Death Man:  But if Apollyon and Fireburner win, the Sons of Darkness leave the NRWL…

[Nick’s smile turns into an angry frown.]

Death Man:  And Apollyon gets 1-on-1 Extreme Rules with you, Nick Belhor.

[The crowd roars with cheers.]

Jim:  Ho….ly….

WarHead:  Crap!!!!

[Nick Belhor storms around the ring furious.  The five other men stare each other down.]

Jim:  This is incredible!

WarHead:  I can’t wait for this match!

Jim:  Who will survive?!  Tune in to find out!

[Scene fades.]

April 3rd 2014 NRWL Event Results

NRWL returns! NRWL kicked off Season Six with a warm up event, pitting new and returning wrestlers against each other to get the ball rolling.

Tag Team Match

Johnny Young and Jacob Washington def. Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson

Kowalski maintains and early lead for his team, controlling the match by keeping Johnny young in the corner. Washington tags in and reverses the tide. Washington and Young use some impressive teamwork to wear down the tag team champions. As the match progresses, Young and Anderson and Kowalski and Washington favor battling each other. Anderson is busted open on the forehead after a violent slam by Johnny Young. The tag team champions continue to fight through the match but Johnny Young forces Marty Anderson to submit to a full nelson.


Triple Threat

Paul Priest def. Tiger Johnson and Warlock

Tiger Johnson and Paul Priest form and early alliance to work on Warlock. The action spills to the outside and all three men attack each other. Tiger Johnson is dropped neck first on the steel steps. Short alliances are made between all men throughout the match before it enters the ring once again. Paul Priest brings a sledge hammer with him to the ring and brutalizes his opponents. A number of near falls excites the crowd. Priest and Warlock both work on their larger opponent. All three men take turns controlling the match. Paul Priest fends off Warlock and pins Tiger Johnson for the victory.


Tag Team Match

(Frederic St. Pierre and Crash Musclegate) def. The Holy Duo (The Filthy Friar and Benjamin the Blessed)

The Holy Duo shows off their teamwork early on, controlling the match. Musclegate tags in St. Pierre who begins an offense on The Filthy Friar. Musclegate goes back and forth with Benjamin in an impressive show of skills by both men. Benjamin the Blessed hangs in the ring with both of his opponents. In the end, Musclegate locks The Filthy Friar into a Camel Clutch for the victory.


Tag Team Match

The Muscle Bombers (Colt and Alex) def. Storm Harrison and Caleb

The Muscle Bombers have a hard time getting out of the gate against Caleb and Storm for the most of the early part of the match. Colt tries to slam Storm through the announce table but is stopped by Caleb. Caleb and Storm appeared to have the upper hand but Alex manages to put Storm in the Torture Rack. Colt stops Caleb from interfering and Storm submits.


Tag Team Match

The 4 Elements (Tommy V. and Marcus) def. Hardcore Adam and Tornado

Tommy V. starts with some strong offense but some smart team offense from Tornado and Adam turn the match in their favor. Tornado shows incredible offense in the ring by himself against both opponents. Marcus attempts to use the announcer's table but Tornado manages to stay away. Tornado tags in Adam, who is unable to capitalize on the momentum. Marcus gets two very close pinfalls against Adam but can't keep the veteran down. In the end, Tommy V. pins Tornado to win the match.


Singles Match

Franco Mancini def. Mr. Lifeguard

Mancini initially comes out strong but Mr. Lifeguard comes back with some fierce hurricanranas. Mancini and Mr. Lifeguard trade slams back and forth but Mancini begins to take control of the match with some strong slams. Mancini locks Mr. Lifeguard with an armbar but Lifeguard manages to break free. Mr. Lifeguard is tossed to the outside and is brought back in. Lifeguard returns the favor by DDTing Mancini on the ring apron and attacking his opponent on the outside. Both men reenter the ring. Mancini defeats Mr. Lifeguard by submissoin with a cobra clutch.


Singles Match

Jax Rivers def. El Termitas

Paul Priest appears ringside and sits down in the crowd. El Termitas uses incredible speed to maintain an offense early on. Jax Rivers began to match the quick offense and came through the Rip Tide slam and covered for a pinfall victory.

Following the match, Paul Priest slid into the ring with a baseball bat and attacked Jax Rivers from behind, leaving him out cold in the middle of the ring.


Singles Match

Franco Mancini def. Warlock

Both men start off with back and forth offensive moves. Warlock uses a faster offense to counter Mancini's stronger, more rugged offense. Warlock begins to display some explosive offense but is stopped by a vicious series of suplexes and slams by Mancini. Warlock kicks Mancini outside the ring and brutalizes his larger opponent on the outside. After applying the boston crab, Warlock releases the hold and climbs into the ring. Mancini follows and begins to build an offense on Warlock. Mancini tries several pin attempts but Warlock kicks out. Finally, Mancini tries for an STF submissions that forces Warlock to submit.


Singles Match

Paul Priest def. Tiger Johnson

Tiger Johnson deals out a heavy offense early on the match in an attempt to avenge the loss he suffered at the hands of Paul Priest in their first outing. Priest tries to break through but cannot stop the attack. Priest finally gets the upper hand on Riger johnson, keeping him in the corner and using some quick offense. Priest finds himself on the outside of the ropes and is unceremoniously dumped to the outside. Both men brawl outside the ring before coming back inside where Tiger Johnson throws Priest around. Priest starts a comeback and uses a backbreaker submission, forcing Tiger Johnson to submit.

Singles Match

Mr. Lifeguard def. Storm Harrison

Mr. Lifeguard uses an speedy assault early on. Harrison attempts to break through but Lifeguard keeps on him. Mr. Lifeguard works on the legs of Harrison, trying to slow him down and capitalize on the surgically repaired knee. Harrison starts a comeback, keeping Mr. Lifeguard in the corner. Mr. Lifeguard reverses course and starts to dizzy Harrison with a fast offense. Mr. Lifeguard wins by pinfall after hitting the Shallow Water Dive on Harrison.

April 3rd 2014 - Developmental League Results from Forged

Ridge def. Pedro Muchacho

Alvarez def. Michael Angel

Thresher def. Killjoy

"Crazy Man" Earl Stevens def. Tattoo Rodeo

Kung Food and The Combatant def. Dr. Pain and Dan Masters

Don Suave def. Ace Holderby

The Bean def. F-Bomb

Reaching Critical Mass

[“Crying Like a Bitch” pumps over the PA system as the crowd erupts with cheers. Bruno Kowalski walks out from behind the curtain and the cheers gets louder.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: It just got really really loud in here!

WarHead: What?!?

[Bruno has the NRWL Tag Team Championship belt around his waist, and the NRWL Championship over his shoulder. He pauses at the top of the ramp, taps the Tag Team Belt, taps the NRWL belt, and raises it and his arms in the air. The audience roars with approval.]

Jim: It’s deafening in here!!

WarHead: No, I don’t want a root beer!! Thanks though!!

[Bruno walks down to the ring, fist-bumping fans on the way down. He climbs into the ring and takes a mic as the music dies down.]

Bruno: So…..who’s ready for Season 6?!

[Crowd cheers again. After a moment the cheers start dying down, but the audience starts chanting “Bru-no! Bru-no! Bru-no! Bru-no!”]

Jim: The crowd loves the champ!

WarHead: He reminds me of me.

Bruno: Thank you! Wow! Yeah, sounds like you guys are just as anxious as I am. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks now! I can’t wait to be back where I belong - in this ring wrestling. Are you guys as pumped as I am? ARE YOU GUYS PUMPED?!?

[Crowd cheers loudly in affirmation.]

WarHead: I’d say so.

Bruno: Things are heating up quickly. We haven’t even had a match yet and already there’s a whole bunch of goings-ons! A bunch of guys in the back are already throwing their names into the hat to take a crack at my title. Let’s see, we have…..Johnny Young.

[Crowd cheers at Johnny’s name and starts chanting “John-ny! John-ny!”]

Bruno: …….Hardcore Adam.

[Crowd cheers and starts chanting “HCA! HCA! HCA!”]

Bruno: …….Tiger Johnson.

[Crowd cheers and starts chanting “Ti-ger John-son!” *clap*clap*clapclapclap*]

Bruno: …….Max Destruction.

[crowd boo’s and starts chanting “You sold out! You sold out!”]

Jim: No love for Max from the capacity crowd.

Bruno: …….and John Fraust.

[Crowd cheers loudly and starts chanting “Fraust! Fraust! Fraust! Fraust!”]

Bruno: I think all of them have a legitimate claim at getting a title shot. And you know what? Bring ‘em all on. To those gentlemen I say, I fully expect you to give me all you got. But when the dust settles, I’m walking away from each one of you with this belt!

[“Breathe Into Me” by Red starts playing and Jacob Washington comes out from behind the curtain with a mic. The music fads and he talks as he walks down the ramp.]

Jacob Washington: OK, Bruno. Are you done tooting your horn? Because I while I can’t speak for these people are out here, I can say that everyone in the back is done listening to you.

Jim: What nerve! He isn’t speaking for everyone in the back!

WarHead: Well...let’s hear him out. Maybe he is...

Jacob: Now, I’ll give those guys you mentioned their props. Their all title contenders. I can speak personally that Johnny Young is probably the most talented guy in the business after me. But the fact remains that nobody turned more heads last season than I did! Did you notice how the general consensus is that Season 5 was the NRWL best season ever? That’s because of Jacob Washington!

Jim: That’s not the reason!!!

WarHead: Yeah! The reason was me returning to commentary!

Jim: No it wasn’t!

WarHead: But I took a poll!

[Jacob is at the ring apron. He climbs into the ring and steps up to Bruno.]

Jacob: So, why don’t we cut through all the red tape and get down to brass tacks. People want to see Jacob Washington as the NRWL champion. You did your job as the placeholder champion, but you were NRWL then. I am NRWL...NOW. So, be a good worker and put that title on the line against me!

Jim: Complete disrespect for the champion!!!

WarHead: Well, not “complete.” He could’ve said worse. I probably would’ve.

Bruno: Did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason Season 5 was so popular is because of the champion? [Bruno taps the NRWL belt on his shoulder] There’s a bunch of reasons why the past 2 seasons were so successful. Particularly the influx of new talent. And speaking of which, the line at this belt just got a lot longer, and lot tougher.

Jacob: I know you’re not referring to rabble of HAW guys that just signed.

Bruno: As a matter of fact--

Jacob: Don’t even get me started on them! They have no idea what they signed up for! They probably think this place is the same as it was in Season 1, where guys like WarHead could be champion!

WarHead: Hey!!!

Jacob: Bruno, you and I both know this place is very different. And you and I both know that their caliber of talent doesn’t belong here. I’m just not scared to say it out loud like you are.

Bruno: I think you highly underestimate the talent of the former HAW wrestlers. If you bothered to do your homework and watch some film, you’d know there’s guys that are going to turn heads. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see some of them shoot up the ranks and get a shot at my belt very quickly.

Jacob: Don’t worry Bruno, that won’t be your problem, because that belt will be mine if they do. And when they do, I’ll handle them more easily than I’m going to handle you. Enjoy the rest of your time on top. If I don’t get to you first, Johnny will. Then, you can sit in the locker room and watch the main event for the belt between me and him!

[“Breathe Into Me” starts playing. Jacob drops his mic, taps the NRWL belt and says something inaudible to Bruno whle poking him in the chest. Bruno smirks and holds the belt over his head and the crowd cheers with approval. Jacob smiles and claps sarcastically and walks out of the ring. He walks backwards up the ramp smiling and trash-talking Bruno, who just stands in the ring with the belt high in the air.]

Jim: This season is going to be one for the ages!

WarHead: I can’t remember so much tension before a season. This thing is about to explode!

Jim: I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds! NRWL’s Season 6 is about to begin!!!

[scene fades]

The Line Is Long

[Jay Phillips is in a backstage interview area with Johnny Young. Johnny is looking at his wrist and adjusting his wrist tape.]

Jay Phillips: Johnny Young, we are starting another great season here in the NRWL. I wanted to get your thoughts on this season and where you think it will take you?

[Johnny looks up from the wrist tape and slides his sunglasses down over his nose a bit to look at Jay.]

Johnny Young: Jay, the last two seasons have been pretty big for The Star Player. I had another championship run, I was involved in some very memorable fights with some great opponents, and I lived up to the title of The Star Player. This season, I have one thing in mind, and that's getting the NRWL Championship around my waist yet again. Bruno Kowalski, you've been a great champion but all title reigns must come to an end. The Star Player is coming to get his belt back.

Jay Phillips: Well, I think the message is quite clear. The Star Player is looking for a shot at the NRWL Championship and --

[Suddenly, Max Destruction steps in to interrupt the interview.]

Max Destruction: Not so fast, Johnny. If there's one guy who should have a title shot, it's me. Bruno can't keep hiding from me forever. He's danced around the issue long enough. That title is mine. Not yours.

[Max looks over at someone else coming into the interview area. John Fraust steps into view and stares down Max and Johnny.]

John Fraust: Both of you will have to wait. I earned my title shot and closed out last season with a hell of a match against Bruno. It took everything he had to stop me. I'm not done with him yet. I've been in this game a long time and I've more than earned another crack at the title.

[Tiger Johnson walks in and looks at Fraust, Johnny, and Max.]

Tiger Johnson: Fraust, I can't disagree. You've earned everyone's respect and I am sure another title opportunity will come your way, but not yet. I've been in this business a lot longer than you and I've overcome every obstacle that has been in my way. No one thought I would be back in the NRWL but here I am. A champion is a man who perseveres. I'm back and I'm here for the NRWL Championship.

[Johnny Young steps in the middle of everyone.]

Johnny Young: Boys, the line to the top is a long one and we aren't the only ones in it. One thing is for certain. There can only be one top dog in this company. Today, it's Bruno Kowalski. I'm telling you right now, I'm going to be back on top. I don't care if I have to go through all of you and the rest of the NRWL locker room. The Star Player is reclaiming his spot. This is my season.

[Johnny walks off, leaving the other three standing there. Jay Phillips appears to be at a loss for words. Max, Tiger, and Fraust are staring at each other.]

Jay Phillips: Well... if nothing else, it's going to be an interesting season.

John Fraust: Yeah. Real interesting...

[Fraust, Tiger and Max walk away in separate directions. Jay adjusts his collar and looks at the camera as the scene fades out.]