Post by CWA Admin on Sept 7, 2021 14:05:08 GMT -5
Outside. A half an hour before bell time.
Off to one side of the building sits a small cavalcade of parked NPW and XHF branded 18-Wheelers, production trucks and ring trucks and the like. Load-in was finished hours ago, but as anyone who’s ever worked a traveling show can tell you Load-out will begin approximately four seconds after the final bell rings for the event. As such, there is no such thing as a break or an off night.
Shortly down the tarmac of the loading dock is an entrance door reserved for production crew, maintenance staff, and performers. Through that door is where Jesse Jamester enters the Powerade Centre, unmasked and pulling a luggage bag along behind him. He doesn’t make it more than a few steps into the arena before being greeted by Northern Pro Wrestling’s self-proclaimed welcoming committee.
Dane: Look who it is, Scott…
The Mountain of NPW looms ominously behind The Only Star. Steel is dressed as usual in his black boots, tights, and a leather vest, while Dane is slightly less casual in an NPW track-suit with his blue and black boots jutting out from the bottom. There is also a scarf because it’s cold as fuck in Canada.
Dane: It’s your partner, ye olde jester, Jesse Jamester.
Eyeing up the big man, Jesse lets go of his travel case, leaning back on his left foot as if preparing for an attack.
Jamester: Steel.. Dane… what do I have the pleasure of seeing you two so early in the evening?
Steel: [unintelligible]
Dane: Well, let’s not rush anything, Scott, the man only just got here.
Jamester raises an eyebrow, doing his best to follow along. Steel turns a menacing eye toward his partner from last week.
Steel: TATERS?!
Dane: You’ll have to excuse our friend here, he’s what you might call excitable. What he means to say is that he enjoyed teaming with you last week, and would be interested in further exploring the tag-team dynamic. If that would be agreeable to you, that is.
Steel clearly likes Jamester. Angus had coached him to not just call him lizardman, a term Scott probably felt was endearing.
Steel: LIZARDMAN.
Somewhere in New Orleans Angus facepalms, probably.
Dane: See?
Jamester: I see… (unclenching his fist) I’m listening.
Dane: Here’s the deal. Scotty-my-dude thinks that you guys made beautiful music together. It was like some kind of beef-slappin’ symphony. There’s no reason for that not to continue tonight, you follow?
Assuming that Jesse does indeed follow, Eric continues.
Dane: Together, you guys own this Battle Royal tonight. And then next week, the three of us together? All I’m saying is that the possibilities are endless.
Rubbing his grizzled beard, Jesse looks at Eric, as though sizing him up, and then peers up at Scott where that thought no longer appears on his face. Gesturing with an open hand, Jesse extends his to Eric.
Jamester: That’s business I can get behind.
A smile curls across Dane’s face, he takes Jesse’s hand almost greedily and shakes it like a man possessed. It might almost look as if he can’t quite contain himself.
Dane: Alrighty then. Good luck out there, tonight, Jesse. Now, I hate to cut this little coming together moment short, but Scott and I have a previous engagement that needs attending to before the big match tonight. We’ll see ya soon.
--
Our show opened under vasty different circumstances than you would typically see. The cameras started rolling in the parking lot of the Powerade Centre, where Bloodline had jumped Jay Stevens and Jordan Neal. 'Kid Dynamite' Nicole Anderson was also involved, but as the brawl started, NPW security kept her out of harm's way. Neal was tied up with Fuentes while Stevens and Mayorga were like magnets, continuing their heated rivalry.
The fight spilled into the front lobby of the arena, where some fans were standing by, wearing masks and watching the events unfold. Stevens earned an advantage, and irish whipped Mayorga face first into a vending machine. When he bounced off, Jay hit him with a basement dropkick. Stevens looked over to find his teammate Jordan Neal being overwhelmed by the leader of Bloodline; Fuentes, so he darted over there to break up a cobra clutch submission that Fuentes had locked on.
'Kid Dynamite' was looking on, shouting encouragement to her teammates.
Stevens started firing heavy shots and Fuentes was on the receiving end! Fuentes tried to scramble away, and was suddenly stumbling into the 100 section of the front of the building. Stevens and Neal were both in pursuit, as Fuentes did his best to beg off, and ran down a few flights of stairs to the ring area. Mayorga was coming to, and was chasing the melee down the steps, as Stevens and Neal continued to head after Fuentes. Stevens caught up to Fuentes, turned him around and executed a nasty clothesline that clipped Fuentes clean, and knocked him from one side of the guard rail, onto the floor just outside of the ring.
A referee rushed down the aisle now that the combatants were close to the ring.
The fight continued, but with Mayorga now inserting himself into the brawl, and blindsided Jordan Neal from behind. The referee was shouting at the competitors to take their respective corners, and allow an official match to begin - but he was ignored. Stevens was fighting valiantly, at some points doing his best work against both Mayorga and Fuentes which allowed Jordan Neal to catch his breath and get the understanding that things move a lot faster in the world of professional wrestling in NPW than they do in other arenas.
Where things got out of control was when Santiago Ortega hit the ring, to make it 3 on 2. As Bloodline often does, they use their numbers to their advantage, and this situation was no different. Ortega clipped Stevens from behind, before locking him up in a single leg crab. While tied up, Mayorga ran forward and blasted Stevens with kick to the mush. Neal tried to cut it off, but he was speared to the floor by Fuentes, before being locked up in another version of the cobra clutch by Fuentes.
Ortega and Mayorga continued their double team offence, with a high/low attack on Stevens. The referee was still trying to get the match to start, but once he realized that Bloodline had no intent on ever having a traditional match, he called for back up, at which point four other NPW officials hit the scene and started to break up the violence. Fuentes reluctantly let go of Neal, who was now unconscious on the outside of the ring. Mayorga and Ortega were about to set Stevens up for a Double DDT, but the officials got there in time to break it up.
Stevens slumped to the ground, barely alert. Fuentes told his boys to back off, but the damage appeared to be done. A pearl harbour blindside attack from Bloodline as The Wrecking Crew entered the building was clearly premeditated, and served to soften them up for a future battle.
As the officials were walking Bloodline backstage - with every final ounce of energy in his being - Jay Stevens grabbed a mic from the time keeper's area.
Stevens: "This schtick is getting a little old, don't you think?"
The crowd is 100% behind Stevens, as he looks around to see their conviction as they stand with him.
Stevens: "I'm starting to believe that this place isn't big enough for all of us. So here is what I propose!"
The officials have woken Jordan Neal from his slumber, and he's starting to come around now.
Stevens: "I've heard that Northern Pro Wrestling is holding another BIG Event two weeks after Crowning of a Champion II. I hear it's going to be on New Year's Eve!"
The fans pop.
Stevens: "I challenge Bloodline - all 3 of you to a match. The catch?"
Jay pauses for effect.
Stevens: "The losers have to pack their stuff and leave Northern Pro Wrestling for good! That's right. Loser Leaves Town! What do you say?"
Fuentes is now ready to tackle every official in his way. Fuentes points to Stevens, and without a mic nods his head in agreement and yells 'you're on.'
The crowd is electric. We now have our first official match for the NYE card on December the 31st. It will be Jay Stevens and Two Partners vs. Bloodline in a loser leaves town match.
--
[Backstage.]
Cassie Hunter is backstage, clad in her wrestling attire and an unzipped black hoodie, clearly warming up for her bout with Terminatrix. She's seated on the floor, stretching, one leg out straight ahead of her, the other with her heel tucked towards her groin, leaning over the straight leg and gripping the toe of her boot. She smirks a little as she eyes one of the production staff walking past before her eyes go wide and she scrambles to her feet as she spots Scott Steel approaching.
All seven feet and more than three-hundred pounds of muscle that makes up Scott Steel stands before Cassie Hunter, and by before, he towers like the Burj Khalifa over Dubai. Notably, Scott is rocking the new HAPP shirt(29.99$ at NPW.com kids) under his Leather vest. A look not previously considered. But what is surprising is the nearly ten-pound container of Jakked Labs Mega Mass Gainer he is carrying with a large and rather awkwardly tied with what appears to be an actual necktie, into not the worst bowtie of all time, but a strong contender in the category.
As Cassie, who can only be horrified that a man who is by some account strong enough to powerbomb a city bus, and temper that is legendary in all of the bad ways is standing before her.
"HERE!"
Scott hands her the immense package.
Cassie is clearly shocked, reaching out a little tentatively to take the gift from Steel.
"Wow, this... uh, wow."
She pauses, trying to phrase her next statement very carefully, wanting to neither encourage the titanic maniac before her or upset him and have something bad happen before her match.
"This is a very generous gift from a new friend and I just want to say thank you, new friend. I really appreciate it and I hope we can be very good friends."
Cassie pauses again, glancing backwards over her shoulder at the locker room door.
"Hey, listen, I need to go finish getting ready for my match, but I'm gonna go put this with my bag first so I don't lose it, okay? And thank you again, pal!"
Somewhere on Steel's person, a loud alarm goes off. Scott ignores it while Stoically staring off into the deepest portion of the cosmos. This doesn't make the exchange more awkward. at. all.
Scott's cameraman, prods The Mountain who snaps back to reality.
"GOTTALEAVEHOPEYOULIKEIT!"
Cassie watches Steel leave before very clearly mouthing the words What the fuuuuuuuuck? then turning and quickly disappearing into the women's locker room.
--
Tag Team Match
20 Minute Time Limit
Desolation vs. I-69
--
The former XHF Tag Team Champions were making their tag team debut in Northern Pro Wrestling, and suffice it to say - expectations are extremely high. The NPW faithful assumed they would get their first glimpse of the duo in action a month ago, but it was a dominating performance from their Church of Oblivion teammate; Nemo that followed. Nemo single handedly disposed of three eager grapplers in under five minutes which undoubtedly sent a message to the rest of the locker room.
The duo of I-69 is out of Michigan and ran roughshod over NPW while it was still part of the North American Wrestling Council. With Oxford Osland's decision to leave for SWAT - I-69 found themselves with a decision to make. Should they stay, should they go, and if so - where? BRAVE came calling, and offered the duo a six week tour of Osaka to hone their skills against a new set of challengers. Reports were that I-69 more than held their own, but fell short of capturing the BRAVE Tag Team Championships which are currently held by The Shining Stars whom are no strangers to the NPW brand as they were the inaugural Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions.
The Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships are undoubtedly on the minds of both teams, as they look to use this match to catapult themselves into contention. Perhaps now that I-69 aren't tasked with doing the bidding of Osland, they'll be more focused on their own collective goals.
The match was methodical in the early stages, as Wayne Sherlock and Allan Joseph isolated Necrophage, and made frequent tags to keep the freshest man involved in the contest. Much to the surprise of the fans, I-69 weren't abusing the five count in between tags, and worked a solid style as opposed to cutting the corners they used to cut. Perhaps it was truly a revival of sorts, and their tour of BRAVE helped jolt some sportsmanship into their veins.
It was clear that I-69 was taking this match very seriously, knowing that their opponents have been to the top of the mountain in the XHF's tag team hierarchy, and are hungry to get back there. At around the seven minute mark, the tide in the match shifted to Desolation, as they were able to work some tandem offence and seize an opportunity that came about through a mistake on the part of Allan Joseph. A double spine buster on Joseph followed. Nephilim was fresh, having spent the majority of the match on the apron, and he wasted little time taking out his anger in frustrations out on Joseph.
A beautiful capture suplex was a highlight, as it lead to a near fall. After a body slam, Nephilim hit the top rope and came down with what he calls 'Raining Fire'! It required Sherlock coming into the ring to break up the pin, or it would've been over right there. The referee admonished the break up, and this allowed for Desolation to attempt their finisher behind the referee's back, but Joseph was able to reverse out of the vertebreaker position, and fall downward with an unprettier. The fans were shocked, and seemed to appreciate the guts it required to pull it off by Joseph.
Sherlock had his hand extended, looking for the hot tag, and he got it!
Sherlock git the ring, and was able to get the initial advantage as both members of Desolation were caught off guard. All it took was a swift low blow behind the referee's back by Necrophage to slow things down. The referee missed it, and knew something happened but couldn't prove it. Necro ran forward and knocked Joseph off of the opposing apron, sending him crashing into the guardrail. As Sherlock attempted to get to his feet, Nephilim made sure to force him back to his corner, and the former XHF Tag Team Champions took turns softening Sherlock up in the corner. With the threat of a pinfall break up falling by the wayside, Desolation set Sherlock up for their finish which they call 'To Fall Further' and they connected! The impact drove Sherlock to the mat head first in devastating fashion. Necrophage was the legal man, so he made the pinfall while the referee was in perfect position to make the count, and declare Desolation the winners.
Winners: Desolation via 'To Fall Further' -- (11:37)
An impressive victory, which will undoubtedly put Desolation in line for an Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship match in the near future. The duo stood over the carnage and admired their handy work, before exiting the ring area.
--
[Backstage.]
Backstage, Dylan Black rounds a corner. The XHF X*Crown Champion stops a passing NPW producer in the hallway and asks for directions.
Black: I’m looking for Bryan Chase.
Producer: Around that next corner, first door you come to.
Black: Thanks.
The champ presses on as the producer scurries off to produce… something. Probably. Dylan wastes little time rounding the corner and coming up to the aforementioned door. Courteously, he gives a curt knock.
There is no answer, but Dylan hears movement on the other side of the door.
Black: Chase? You in there?
He knocks again.
Nothing.
Black: Chase? It’s Dylan!
A muffled voice from the other side gives an answer.
“Come in!”
Something is fishy. Dylan hesitates for just a split second before barging into the room to find out what. The first thing the Champ’s eyes settle on is an unconscious Bryan Chase, laid out on the floor. Next is the giant of a man standing over Dylan’s Lethal Lottery opponent. That’s right, Scott Steel is staring death rays at the X*Crown Champion.
Steel: WHOTHEFUCKAREYOUEXACTLYMINNOWMAN?! YOUREADYTOBEEATENBYJORMUNGANDR?!
Dylan readies himself for a fight.
“He most certainly is not.”
That voice, it’s familiar. Too familiar. Eric Dane appears in the hallway behind Dylan Black with a maniacal smile plastered across his face. Making a split-second command decision, Dylan lunges forward at The Mountain in front of him. The Only Star steps into the room and shuts the door behind him, leaving the camera stuck outside of the room, filming little more than a door in a hallway. From behind the doors come the muffled sounds of a fight.
Seconds pass.
The door opens, and out steps Eric Dane.
Dane: Well now, I guess Dylan Black ain’t so fuckin’ tough after all.
The Mountain of NPW steps out behind The Only Star.
Steel: [INCOHERENT]
Satisfied, The Only Star leads his Mountain on down the hallway. There is nothing coming from behind that door, no movement, no sounds… nothing.
--
Singles Match
20 Minute Time Limit
Cassie Hunter vs. Termanatrix
--
In what was supposed to be a showing of the growing women’s division at NPW, events took a surprising turn. As Cassie Hunter was making her way down to the ring she was jumped from behind by Terminatrix and Commandrix, the duo catching her as Hunter was nearing the ring and driving her from behind into the ring steps. Though Hunter fought back valiantly against her foes the numbers advantage allowed the Dark Novas to maintain control.
After a few moments Commandrix was able to execute the Dark Claw on Hunter on the floor, holding her down in the mandible claw as Terminatrix retrieved a steel chair from under the ring, folding it around the ankle of Hunter before climbing up to the ring apron. With no music or fanfare Isabel Rios charged out from the back in an apparent attempt to assist Hunter, but with the position the Dark Novas were in Terminatrix was able to warn Commandrix, who released the claw to charge Rios, the two women trading punches on the ramp. Before Hunter could recover from the attack enough to protect herself, Terminatrix leapt from the ring apron, double stomping the chair around Hunter’s ankle, causing the powerhouse to cry out in pain, writhing on the floor.
Rios broke away from Commandrix to charge at Terminatrix but, with the damage done, Terminatrix leapt over the guard rail to retreat to the back as Commandrix made her way back up the ramp, leaving the scene as well. Rios knelt down with Hunter to check on her, freeing her ankle from the wrecked chair, before helping the clearly badly injured woman to the back with the assistance of a referee.
The scene faded away with Rios staying by Cassie's side, as the Dark Novas exit the ring, looking pleased with themselves.
--
[Backstage.]
["The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven.]
[Gordon Carlson.]
We listened to the duo speak about their recent success in a Tag Team Main Event in Destiny Wrestling that should earn them the XHF Tag Team Opportunity that they desire. Gordon thanked Joe for having his back in Destiny, and promised to give it his best effort when he challenges for the Destiny Wrestling Championship at the end of the month against Rockface Anchorage. At which point, Gordon offered Joe his support in the 2nd chance match later in the evening.
Joe acknowledged everything that Gordon said, and reminded Gordon that they were in this together, and that 2021 would be 'their year'. Joe piped up and smartened Gordon up to the fact that the Purple Emperor's would be defending their championships in the near future, and that the two of them ought to be present for the match to study them. Gordon agreed, and said that he was down to do so.
'The Heat Rocks' exchanged a strong handshake, before Joe exited the area in last minute preparation for the 2nd Chance Battle Royal.
[Cut.]
--
Singles Match
30 Minute Time Limit
'The Only Star' Eric Dane vs. 'The Canadian Tom Hanks' Jonnie Valentine
--
After the events that took place during the Lethal Lottery Day 1 show, as well as the aftermath - Gus Arnold felt it best to let these two men sort out their differences inside of the ring. Eric Dane's strategy to send Scott Steel to the ring and have him attack Valentine served both men well on their quest to become the first North American Double Crown Champion. But I'm sure if you were to ask Jonnie his opinion, he would've preferred to qualify for the final on his own merit, and not have taken the beating from Steel in the process.
Both men hinted that utensils might used to inflict damage upon the other, but early on it was straight to business. Valentine was fired up and rightfully so, as he felt betrayed even though he shouldn't expect anything from Eric Dane other than lies and deceit. Dane did find himself on the defensive, but a quick thumb to the eye slowed things down and allowed him to regain his composure after the initial onslaught from Valentine.
As was to be expected, Scott Steel made his way down the aisle and posted up in Eric Dane's corner - surveying the situation. Something tells me that it might always be this way going forward, and Dane can stick his chest out a little further with that extra layer of protection from the 'Big Man'.
Dane continued to press, and dropped Valentine down to one knee and continued to put the boots to him. Dane grabbed a front face lock, and dropped down quickly executing a SNAP DDT. The camera got a close up of Scott Steel, who was just blinking, and then yelling randomly.
Dane followed it up with some stiff ground and pound, but after absorbing a few shots, Valentine was able to sweep and get on top. Valentine went for a knee bar, and seemed to have it momentarily, until Dane grabbed the ropes forcing the referee to step in and break the hold.
Both men had teased that they were willing to use forks in the match. Valentine took his out of his trunks first. Scott Steel immediately started looking around the ring for a buffet, assuming that there must be some food around there somewhere. When the NPW official saw Valentine trying to conceal something, he got suspicious and tried to forcibly take the object away. As they struggled to gain control of the fork, Dane sprung into action by punching over the referee's shoulder and clipping Valentine clean around the left eye.
Valentine gave up the grip on the weapon, as Dane pushed forward turning Valentine inside out with a nasty lariat.
Dane then distracted the referee, allowing Scott Steel to grab Valentine from behind and execute a few clubbing blows behind the referee's back. As you can imagine, Eric Dane felt he could manipulate the referee into creating openings for Steel to hammer away on Valentine without resistance. This partnership was already paying dividends, and there seemed to be no sign in slowing it down.
Valentine got to his feet, holding the back of his head. Dane locked him in a front face lock, and appeared ready to attempt a star driver - but Somehow Jonnie fought out of it and then hit the ground arm and took Dane's arm with him. Valentine started to crank on Dane's leftism with a fujiwara arm bar. Dane was in obvious pain. Steel took the bottom rope and pushed it towards the center of the ring, looking to make it easier for Dane to grab. The referee then punted Steel's hand as a warning, forcing him to release his grip.
This allowed Valentine a moment to synch the lock in tighter. Dane was in obvious pain, but he refused to tap. Dane kept turning, and finally got his ankle under the bottom rope, which forced a break.
Steel clapped loudly, and started shouting. The referee seemed annoyed and told him to leave ringside. Steel just blinked, and refused to move. Valentine turned to Steel and echoed the referee's sentiments. Steel actually flinched in Valentine's direction, which caused him to step backward. All the while, Eric Dane was starting to stir. When Valentine turned around, he ducked a clothesline from Dane, and caught a front face lock. Valentine was looking for a DDT, but Dane countered, and rolled him up with a small package! The referee turned, and made the three count. And just like that, with a lapse in concentration - The 'Only Star' and found a way to defeat 'The Canadian Tom Hanks.
Winner: Eric Dane via Small Package (15:36)
Dane left the ring, and proceeded to point to his temple, reminding the fans in attendance, and his opponent - that he's always thinking, always adapting and always primed to pull a victory out of thin air. Mix that with a World Championship pedigree, and Northern Pro Wrestling has a lot to deal with going forward.
--
[Promo Package.]
[The 3rd Annual Cruiserweight Cup.]
[8 Competitors.]
[2 Blocks.]
[1 Winner.]
[The XHF Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match in February.]
[Coming Soon.]
[FLASH!]
[January 2021.]
--
6 Man Tag Team Match
30 Minute Time Limit
"The Real" Lord Dominicus, "The King" Brad Swann, and John Cavanagh vs. "Timeless" Alex Turner, 'Unbalanced' Lou Natic, and Leon Van Zandt
--
Audience in attendance swayed to the music of the men as they all made their way individually to the ring tonight for the six-man tag team bout of the evening. The first to the ring was Lord Dominicus, giving fans a reason to boo him, as he walked with his chest puffed out, strutting to the ring. Lord Dominicus was not shy of being the center of attention, and made sure people looked his way as he told a fan to kiss his rear after seeing the fan’s sign disrespecting him.
Brad Swann would enter next, his head held high, a proud ‘King’ of his domain, as he took the ring in royal fashion. Fans showing their misappreciation with a choir of jeers for the star. Swann was no slouch in his own right, coming off a hot victory with his partner this evening, Swann was ready to launch himself to the next stage, and a pinfall or submission for the win tonight would have all eyes on him.
Swann took his spot next to Lord Dominicus in the ring, as the music hit for John Cavanagh. Relatively new to Northern Pro, John Cavanagh was coming off a strong win with Brad Swann from Lethal Lottery night two. Showing why he was the former EWF world heavy weight champion, his showing tonight would go a long way of pushing that confidence. John walked with a chip on his shoulder, ready and hungry for the action, maybe because of who was coming out next.
As the music played through the sound system in the arena, Lou Natic, stepped out from behind the curtains and made his way down the aisle. The fans cheering on the rough brawler with a history of putting his body on the line if it meant getting the win. His no guts no glory approach was a hit with the crowd, as the whole arena turned up the volume to eleven!
As Lou Natic entered the ring, John Cavanagh and him immediately showed their dislike, Cavanagh displaying a single finger to express his thoughts on the matter to Lou, who nodded and mouthed something that made John seethe, all before the match was underway. Lord Dominicus and Brad Swann took opposite sides of the ring, looking to attach the lonesome Lou before the bell rang. Suddenly the music switched, and ‘Timeless” Alex Turner came striding out of the back, looking ready to kick some teeth in. He made short work of his entrance, getting to the squared circle, standing with Lou Natic to establish that they were on the same page.
Leon Van Zandt runs down the aisle like a bat out of hell and slides in to make his grand entrance. The match gets off to a quick start with Leon jumping to his feet and mouthing something to Swann, who goes to fire a shot at him, and gets backdropped on his head. Referee signals for the bell, and before we know it, Swann gets a inverted backbreaker on the knees of Leon, and rolls to the apron. Cavanagh tags himself in, as Swann falls off the apron and holds his back in agony. John circled the smaller Leon, making him work to his strengths, slowing down the now fired up Leon Van Zandt. John throws up a hand to signal a test of strength, and as Leon hesitates to respond, John grabs him by the hand, kicks him in the gut, and judo roll flips him into the center of the ring. Releasing him on impact, we see Leon slap the ring, echoing throughout the arena.
John Cavanagh didn’t stop there, he began working the neck of Leon Van Zandt with a headlock, lifting him from the mat to a standing position. Leon would counter and send Cavanagh into the ropes, firing back with a spinning elbow, knocking John off his feet, and sending Leon to his back. The wind of their sails wegfv re paused for that moment, as both men took a few moments to get up. Cavanagh would show his grit, getting up in the corner, Leon Van Zandt on the opposite side doing the same. Leon a tad faster, would rush Cavanagh at the other corner, leaping for a splash, only to meet the empty turnbuckle as Cavanagh dipped out of the way. Grabbing him by the neck again, John delivered a hellacious sit-out neck breaker. Following it up, he would tag in Lord Dominicus.
Chomping it to bits, Lord Dominicus would make short work by putting a knee to the back of the shoulders of a prone Leon Van Zandt, and went for the pin, only to have Leon answer with a shoulder at two. Leon would fight back, rallying for some momentum as he began punching Lord Dominicus as he brought Leon to his feet. One rocking blow, and LD would take the advantage, gripping Leon’s waist and wrenching the hips to deliver a release German Suplex! Leon flipped through the air and landed on his feet, stumbling backwards into his corner, where Alex Turner would tag himself in.
Turner and Lord Dominicus had heat, and it showed, as these met with fists rather than a grapple. Alex Turner would whip LD to the far corner, and short order clothesline him as he sat on the second rope, choking Lord Dominicus using the leverage. Letting go, Alex Turner would show some aerial presences, leaping off the top rope to deliver a beautiful missile drop kick that sent Lord Dominicus across the canvas. These two were showing off their arsenals, punishing one another with a variation of holds following the big aerial dropkick, before Alex Turner would tie up Lord Dominicus in a submission clover leaf, holding him near his respective team’s corner, allowing for Lou Natic to tag himself in and drop an elbow on the shoulder area of the cloverleafed Lord Dominicus.
Lou would follow up with a hellacious leg drop to the back as Alex Turner took to the ring apron. Lou Natic showed up with a vengeance, lifting Lord Dominicus up for a death valley driver! Lord Dominicus would float over his shoulders and deliver a reverse DDT drop, to stop Lou in his tracks. Lord Dominicus stretched for the tag, exhausted by the events he was put up against, facing all of the other team so far – he needed out, and as he inched closer, Lou would drop an elbow on the back of his neck, halting the star from making the much needed tag.
Lou picked up Lord Dominicus and positioned for the sit-out powerbomb, but Lord Dominicus used Lou’s momentum and head scissored him over with a hurricarana! Hooking the leg for the count, he rolled Lou up! One! Two! Kick out! The arena was pulsing with fans cheering and booing respectfully, seeing the chance for Lord Dominicus to take the win after a hellacious fight to survive, would have been icing on the cake.
Lord Dominicus crawled from the broken up pin fall and reached out for his team, Lou did the same on the opposite side of the ring. With all the mustard in him, he leaped and tagged the first open hand, Jon Cavanagh.
Lou Natic would see this, and stop in his tracks. He shook his head to Alex Turner who wanted in, and turned to face his former nemesis. These two had history, and the tension in the building could be cut with a knife as they met face to face in the middle of the ring, nose to nose, John wasted no time in cuffing a punch on the cheek of Lou, who answered back with his own. The brawl would ensue to the ropes, where Lou knee’d John Cavanagh and irish whipped him across the ring, sending him into the ropes and back, catapulting Cavanagh into the air so he would land on his stomach, but John was aware, and used the momentum to grab Lou by the arm and arm drag him with his momentum, slamming Lou into the middle turnbuckle! The fans ooooooh’ing the quick thinking as John Cavanagh appeared to take this personal, going for Lou Natic’s head with kicks in the corner, he was ready to dish back all the punishment he endured in their last bout together.
Alex Turner would come in for the save, smashing John Cavanagh with an elbow from behind, causing Lord Dominicus to try and interrupt, only for the referee to stop him. Lord Dominicus had words for the referee, as he tried pleading his case, allowing Turner to help Lou regain control, and the two worked over John Cavanagh in the corner with chokes and stiff elbow shots to Cavanagh’s chest.
Cav fought hard and was able to duck a wild shot from Lou, before dropping down with a drop toe hold in his corner. Cav made the tag to 'LD' who ran across the ring and shoved 'Timeless' into the ring, which drew the referee's attention. Behind the referee's back LD executed a low blow to Lou, before rolling him up with a handful of tights. The referee turned around to see the pinfall attempt, and Lord Dominicus was able hold serve in the position for the three count!
Winners: "The Real" Lord Dominicus, John Cavanagh and 'The King" Brad Swann
After the match, Timeless went for LD, who scurried out of the ring and up the ramp. Timeless was going to put hands on anyone in the vicinity. Leon Van Zandt appeared displeased with the result, as he saw LD use the low blow to earn the victory. A lot of these issues will have to be settled in the Main Event of Crowning of a Champion II - inside of the Lethal Lottery Rumble.
--
[Backstage.]
We cut to the newest signee to Northern Pro Wrestling; Black Diamond. The masked man stands calmly in front of the camera.
Black Diamond put over the fact that Northern Pro Wrestling is widely considered the place to be when it comes to professional wrestling. 'BD' explored his history in Mexico, and how due to some unforeseen circumstances he found himself without a home promotion. Gus Arnold contacted him, and with the 3rd Annual Cruiserweight Cup hanging in the balance, he and Gus felt that Northern Pro was a strong fit.
Black Diamond used this opportunity to announce that he would be one of the competitors in the upcoming 8 man round robin tournament. But first, he said he was eager to have his first match in Northern Pro Wrestling and issued an open challenge to anyone who wanted to tussle with him at Crowning of a Champion II on December 17th.
[Cut.]
--
2nd Chance Battle Royal
No Time Limit
Maverick, Danuwaanahilli, Scott Steel, Jesse Jamester, Nicholas Windsor, Primal, Solomon Graham, Adrian King, Joe Ghaven, Bryan Chase
--
This could be a life changing opportunity for one of these 9 men. It ended up being 9, as Bryan Chase was unable to make it to the ring following the savage beating he suffered at the hands of Eric Dane and Scott Steel earlier in the evening. There were two groups of two who would seemingly be able to use one and other in the numbers game - as Danu and Solomon Graham have declared their intentions to continue a tag team going forward. Most recently, Scott Steel and Jesse Jamester were successful in defeating the Evanston Express, and looked dominant in doing so. Add to the fact that Eric Dane made a bold proposition at the inception of tonight's event - essentially courting Jamester.
There weren't any eliminations in the first five minutes, but someone had to be first. Unfortunately, it was Adrian King, who just didn't ever get off on the right foot since his debut. King fell victim to a huge running clothesline when he was near the ropes from Jesse Jamester, and the impact sent him flying over the top rope and down to the arena floor.
Adrian King was Eliminated by Jesse Jamester (6:16)
With 8 men left in the match, everyone found their dancing partner. Scott Steel and May paired off, while Jamester and Primal did the same. Danu was locked up with Nicolas Windsor, while Sol and Joe Ghaven locked horns. There was a lot of beef in the ring, as a handful of these competitors were north of 6'6" and around or above the 300 pound mark. Scott Steel accidentally bumped into Ghaven after a solid dropkick from Maverick and Steel looked perplexed at the sheer size of the 'Iron Bear'. Steel started shouting unintelligible things, before Ghaven clubbed him and sent him right back into a switchblade from Maverick which was an early highlight.
On the other side of the ring, Primal was faring well in his battle with 'JJ'. 'JJ' was making faces as if it was difficult to be around Primal, who might not have seen the inside of a shower since we saw him last two weeks ago. Jamester did his best to get out of dodge, which forced Nicolas Windsor into Primal's range, which was punishment enough on its own, but Windsor was greeted with a nasty headbutt for his troubles, and from the outset just looked through uncomfortable. Without realizing it, Windsor crept close to the ropes, and fell victim to a running shoulder tackle from Primal, which sent him over the top rope and down to the floor.
Nicolas Windsor was eliminated by Primal (9:44)
Maverick was getting himself in trouble with Steel, as he refused to back down. What he didn't realize is that Steel often doesn't have the capacity to feel pain. In turn, Steel would walk through punishment to get his hands around Mav's neck. Danu and Sol were in range, and they saw an opportunity to blindside Steel. They rushed forward, and along with Maverick had Steel teetering on the brink of elimination. It would be 'JJ' who saw what was happening, and saved Steel. This was the first inclination that the Steel and JJ pairing might actually become a 'thing' beyond their one tag team match at the last event. Never under estimate the power of Eric Dane's influences.
Once the plan was soiled, Maverick was left relatively unscathed, and JJ turned his attention to Danu, who caught a big boot for his trouble. The impact had him stumbling backwards right into a release german suplex from Maverick! The fans were a bit shocked, but Maverick is opportunistic, and it IS every man for himself. The impact of the suplex shook the ring, and Danu was slow to get up. When he did, he was caught by a running spinning heel kick that caught him clean, and sent him over the top rope to the arena floor,
Danuwaanahili was eliminated by Maverick (12:30)
'The Iron Bear' and Solomon Graham were tangled up, Sol was fiesta, but the Iron Bear wasn't phased. Ghaven grabbed Sol with both hands around his neck, picked him up and dropped him over the top rope, down to the arena floor.
Solomon Graham was Eliminated by Joe Ghaven (12:54)
With five men left, we watched as 'JJ' did his best to talk strategy with Steel, who just looked ahead with saliva spewing everywhere. THUNDER!! Maverick looked around, hoping to find an ally. Joe Ghaven fit the bill, as everyone was sort of hoping that Primal would just eliminate himself. Scott Steel flared his nostrils, perhaps trying to locate the stench, and it's place of origin. As Primal got closer, Steel seemed to be more intrigued. Primal showed his teeth, which was enough of an invitation for Steel to engage. The two men started swinging wildly at one and other, as the other three tip toed around them.
Maverick and Ghaven went after JJ, and had him against the ropes, working him over. Ghaven attempted to eliminate JJ but his attempt was unsuccessful when he had his eye raked. Maverick threw caution to the wind, hitting the ropes, and looked to execute a diving attack - but JJ caught him in mid air. JJ swung him around and launched him over the top rope.
But Maverick held on! Somehow, he was able to avoid hitting the floor.
JJ appeared to assume he had completed the elimination, so he ws surprised when Man springboard himself back into the ring and caught JJ flush with a missile dropkick to the back of the head. JJ fell into a tilt a whirl slam from Ghaven, which shook the ring. The impact alerted Steel that trouble was afoot, so he clobbered Primal a few times, before turning his focus to Ghaven. Steel kicked him in the gut, and appeared ready to execute a power bomb, but Primal was back up and low blowed Steel.
Steel slumped to the mat, before popping up and refusing to admit he was in pain. He was seething, and was ready to rip a ring post out from it's position and start swinging it. Steel popped up and power bombed Primal! It was sloppy, and ugly but the damage was done. Steel grabbed Primal and tossed him over the top.
Primal was eliminated by Scott Steel (17:12)
Down to 4, and it didn't take long for the fans to understand it was more like 2 vs 2. Maverick and Ghaven assumed that Steel and JJ would work together to increase their chances of moving onto the Lethal Lottery finals. Maverick showed tremendous guts, being the smallest wrestler in the ring, he certainly didn't carry himself that way. He was out of gates with lots of fire, taking the fight to JJ. Ghaven went after Steel, and the two giants took turns grabbing the other by the throat, looking to execute a choke slam.
Much to the surprise of the fans, it would be Steel that would lift the 400 pound Ghaven up, and drive him to the mat with a chokeslam. At the same time, JJ had delivered a nasty spine buster to Maverick. JJ walked over to assist Steel in trying to eliminate the massive 'Iron Bear'. It wasn't easy, but after a few moments of resistance, Ghaven eventually fell victim to a double clothesline from Steel and JJ, which eliminated him.
Joe Ghaven was eliminated by Scott Steel & Jesse Jamester
Maverick was getting to his feet, and saw the united front of 'JJ' and Steel walking in his direction. It didn't look good at all. Maverick thought fast, and hit the side ropes and used it to springboard himself back into the middle of the ring. He caught Steel with a spinning back kick, that connected right on the jaw. The impact dropped Steel in a heap, as the fans started to voice their approval of a Maverick comeback. 'JJ moved forward and he was put down with a drop toe hold followed by a basement dropkick!
Maverick connected flush, and had both of his tormentors down on the mat. It became clear that Maverick felt his best option would be to alternate his offence from one to the other, hoping to keep them at bay long enough so he could find a way to eliminate one of them. The magnitude of the moment dawned on the crowd, as they now knew that they were getting closer and closer to the lethal lottery finals.
A Fame Asser on Steel as he was getting to his feet was next. Maverick popped up, and rushed JJ, executing a running forearm strike, that rattled JJ. Maverick followed it up by trying to force JJ over the top rope. It was a struggle of epic proportions, as JJ was fighting back.
Just then, Scott Steel got to his feet, and wiped a small drop of blood from his mouth. He ran forward with a big boot that caught Maverick Flush, but as he was falling backward, Maverick grabbed JJ with a Spanish fly, and both men went over the top rope at the same time!
Scott Steel was the lone man in the ring, and he raised his arms, starting his celebration. But that didn't bring us any clarity when it came to the official result of the match. While Steel was indeed the last man standing, it appeared as though Maverick's quick thinking saved himself - as he was able to use his momentum to bring JJ out with him.
Gus Arnold was at ringside, and he demanded to see a replay. His request was granted, and the final moments of the match were replayed on the big screen. The video evidence showed that the feet of Maverick and JJ hit the ground at the exact same time!!
The fans started to chant 5 more minutes!
Gus grabbed the mic at ringside, and addressed the situation. Gus stated that because the final elimination was inconclusive, and due to the fact that both men had fought their hearts out - that BOTH Maverick and Jesse Jamester would qualify for the Lethal Lottery Finals along with Scott Steel.
Gus announced that the 1st Entrant in the Lethal Lottery would be Maverick.
Gus then announced that the 2nd Entrant in the Lethal Lottery would be Jesse Jamester.
The fans were excited, and a 'Maverick' Chant started to brew.
Gus then said that since Scott Steel was the last man standing, that he would by the last entrant in the Lethal Lottery Royal Rumble.
The fans gasped, as the big man would have a huge advantage in the finals based on Gus' decision. Gus then went onto say that there would be a Lethal Lottery selection show next week, where the rest of the entrants would receive their numbers drawn at random, so they could strategize.
The final shot of the night was of Scott Steel and Jesse Jamester fist bumping in the middle of the ring, while Maverick repeated up the aisle, keeping his eyes locked on the two men who tried to end his chances to become the North American Double Crown Champion - but to no avail. Maverick stopped in the middle of the ramp, raised his hand - which received a positive response from the fans.
[Cut.]
Off to one side of the building sits a small cavalcade of parked NPW and XHF branded 18-Wheelers, production trucks and ring trucks and the like. Load-in was finished hours ago, but as anyone who’s ever worked a traveling show can tell you Load-out will begin approximately four seconds after the final bell rings for the event. As such, there is no such thing as a break or an off night.
Shortly down the tarmac of the loading dock is an entrance door reserved for production crew, maintenance staff, and performers. Through that door is where Jesse Jamester enters the Powerade Centre, unmasked and pulling a luggage bag along behind him. He doesn’t make it more than a few steps into the arena before being greeted by Northern Pro Wrestling’s self-proclaimed welcoming committee.
Dane: Look who it is, Scott…
The Mountain of NPW looms ominously behind The Only Star. Steel is dressed as usual in his black boots, tights, and a leather vest, while Dane is slightly less casual in an NPW track-suit with his blue and black boots jutting out from the bottom. There is also a scarf because it’s cold as fuck in Canada.
Dane: It’s your partner, ye olde jester, Jesse Jamester.
Eyeing up the big man, Jesse lets go of his travel case, leaning back on his left foot as if preparing for an attack.
Jamester: Steel.. Dane… what do I have the pleasure of seeing you two so early in the evening?
Steel: [unintelligible]
Dane: Well, let’s not rush anything, Scott, the man only just got here.
Jamester raises an eyebrow, doing his best to follow along. Steel turns a menacing eye toward his partner from last week.
Steel: TATERS?!
Dane: You’ll have to excuse our friend here, he’s what you might call excitable. What he means to say is that he enjoyed teaming with you last week, and would be interested in further exploring the tag-team dynamic. If that would be agreeable to you, that is.
Steel clearly likes Jamester. Angus had coached him to not just call him lizardman, a term Scott probably felt was endearing.
Steel: LIZARDMAN.
Somewhere in New Orleans Angus facepalms, probably.
Dane: See?
Jamester: I see… (unclenching his fist) I’m listening.
Dane: Here’s the deal. Scotty-my-dude thinks that you guys made beautiful music together. It was like some kind of beef-slappin’ symphony. There’s no reason for that not to continue tonight, you follow?
Assuming that Jesse does indeed follow, Eric continues.
Dane: Together, you guys own this Battle Royal tonight. And then next week, the three of us together? All I’m saying is that the possibilities are endless.
Rubbing his grizzled beard, Jesse looks at Eric, as though sizing him up, and then peers up at Scott where that thought no longer appears on his face. Gesturing with an open hand, Jesse extends his to Eric.
Jamester: That’s business I can get behind.
A smile curls across Dane’s face, he takes Jesse’s hand almost greedily and shakes it like a man possessed. It might almost look as if he can’t quite contain himself.
Dane: Alrighty then. Good luck out there, tonight, Jesse. Now, I hate to cut this little coming together moment short, but Scott and I have a previous engagement that needs attending to before the big match tonight. We’ll see ya soon.
--
Our show opened under vasty different circumstances than you would typically see. The cameras started rolling in the parking lot of the Powerade Centre, where Bloodline had jumped Jay Stevens and Jordan Neal. 'Kid Dynamite' Nicole Anderson was also involved, but as the brawl started, NPW security kept her out of harm's way. Neal was tied up with Fuentes while Stevens and Mayorga were like magnets, continuing their heated rivalry.
The fight spilled into the front lobby of the arena, where some fans were standing by, wearing masks and watching the events unfold. Stevens earned an advantage, and irish whipped Mayorga face first into a vending machine. When he bounced off, Jay hit him with a basement dropkick. Stevens looked over to find his teammate Jordan Neal being overwhelmed by the leader of Bloodline; Fuentes, so he darted over there to break up a cobra clutch submission that Fuentes had locked on.
'Kid Dynamite' was looking on, shouting encouragement to her teammates.
Stevens started firing heavy shots and Fuentes was on the receiving end! Fuentes tried to scramble away, and was suddenly stumbling into the 100 section of the front of the building. Stevens and Neal were both in pursuit, as Fuentes did his best to beg off, and ran down a few flights of stairs to the ring area. Mayorga was coming to, and was chasing the melee down the steps, as Stevens and Neal continued to head after Fuentes. Stevens caught up to Fuentes, turned him around and executed a nasty clothesline that clipped Fuentes clean, and knocked him from one side of the guard rail, onto the floor just outside of the ring.
A referee rushed down the aisle now that the combatants were close to the ring.
The fight continued, but with Mayorga now inserting himself into the brawl, and blindsided Jordan Neal from behind. The referee was shouting at the competitors to take their respective corners, and allow an official match to begin - but he was ignored. Stevens was fighting valiantly, at some points doing his best work against both Mayorga and Fuentes which allowed Jordan Neal to catch his breath and get the understanding that things move a lot faster in the world of professional wrestling in NPW than they do in other arenas.
Where things got out of control was when Santiago Ortega hit the ring, to make it 3 on 2. As Bloodline often does, they use their numbers to their advantage, and this situation was no different. Ortega clipped Stevens from behind, before locking him up in a single leg crab. While tied up, Mayorga ran forward and blasted Stevens with kick to the mush. Neal tried to cut it off, but he was speared to the floor by Fuentes, before being locked up in another version of the cobra clutch by Fuentes.
Ortega and Mayorga continued their double team offence, with a high/low attack on Stevens. The referee was still trying to get the match to start, but once he realized that Bloodline had no intent on ever having a traditional match, he called for back up, at which point four other NPW officials hit the scene and started to break up the violence. Fuentes reluctantly let go of Neal, who was now unconscious on the outside of the ring. Mayorga and Ortega were about to set Stevens up for a Double DDT, but the officials got there in time to break it up.
Stevens slumped to the ground, barely alert. Fuentes told his boys to back off, but the damage appeared to be done. A pearl harbour blindside attack from Bloodline as The Wrecking Crew entered the building was clearly premeditated, and served to soften them up for a future battle.
As the officials were walking Bloodline backstage - with every final ounce of energy in his being - Jay Stevens grabbed a mic from the time keeper's area.
Stevens: "This schtick is getting a little old, don't you think?"
The crowd is 100% behind Stevens, as he looks around to see their conviction as they stand with him.
Stevens: "I'm starting to believe that this place isn't big enough for all of us. So here is what I propose!"
The officials have woken Jordan Neal from his slumber, and he's starting to come around now.
Stevens: "I've heard that Northern Pro Wrestling is holding another BIG Event two weeks after Crowning of a Champion II. I hear it's going to be on New Year's Eve!"
The fans pop.
Stevens: "I challenge Bloodline - all 3 of you to a match. The catch?"
Jay pauses for effect.
Stevens: "The losers have to pack their stuff and leave Northern Pro Wrestling for good! That's right. Loser Leaves Town! What do you say?"
Fuentes is now ready to tackle every official in his way. Fuentes points to Stevens, and without a mic nods his head in agreement and yells 'you're on.'
The crowd is electric. We now have our first official match for the NYE card on December the 31st. It will be Jay Stevens and Two Partners vs. Bloodline in a loser leaves town match.
--
[Backstage.]
Cassie Hunter is backstage, clad in her wrestling attire and an unzipped black hoodie, clearly warming up for her bout with Terminatrix. She's seated on the floor, stretching, one leg out straight ahead of her, the other with her heel tucked towards her groin, leaning over the straight leg and gripping the toe of her boot. She smirks a little as she eyes one of the production staff walking past before her eyes go wide and she scrambles to her feet as she spots Scott Steel approaching.
All seven feet and more than three-hundred pounds of muscle that makes up Scott Steel stands before Cassie Hunter, and by before, he towers like the Burj Khalifa over Dubai. Notably, Scott is rocking the new HAPP shirt(29.99$ at NPW.com kids) under his Leather vest. A look not previously considered. But what is surprising is the nearly ten-pound container of Jakked Labs Mega Mass Gainer he is carrying with a large and rather awkwardly tied with what appears to be an actual necktie, into not the worst bowtie of all time, but a strong contender in the category.
As Cassie, who can only be horrified that a man who is by some account strong enough to powerbomb a city bus, and temper that is legendary in all of the bad ways is standing before her.
"HERE!"
Scott hands her the immense package.
Cassie is clearly shocked, reaching out a little tentatively to take the gift from Steel.
"Wow, this... uh, wow."
She pauses, trying to phrase her next statement very carefully, wanting to neither encourage the titanic maniac before her or upset him and have something bad happen before her match.
"This is a very generous gift from a new friend and I just want to say thank you, new friend. I really appreciate it and I hope we can be very good friends."
Cassie pauses again, glancing backwards over her shoulder at the locker room door.
"Hey, listen, I need to go finish getting ready for my match, but I'm gonna go put this with my bag first so I don't lose it, okay? And thank you again, pal!"
Somewhere on Steel's person, a loud alarm goes off. Scott ignores it while Stoically staring off into the deepest portion of the cosmos. This doesn't make the exchange more awkward. at. all.
Scott's cameraman, prods The Mountain who snaps back to reality.
"GOTTALEAVEHOPEYOULIKEIT!"
Cassie watches Steel leave before very clearly mouthing the words What the fuuuuuuuuck? then turning and quickly disappearing into the women's locker room.
--
Tag Team Match
20 Minute Time Limit
Desolation vs. I-69
--
The former XHF Tag Team Champions were making their tag team debut in Northern Pro Wrestling, and suffice it to say - expectations are extremely high. The NPW faithful assumed they would get their first glimpse of the duo in action a month ago, but it was a dominating performance from their Church of Oblivion teammate; Nemo that followed. Nemo single handedly disposed of three eager grapplers in under five minutes which undoubtedly sent a message to the rest of the locker room.
The duo of I-69 is out of Michigan and ran roughshod over NPW while it was still part of the North American Wrestling Council. With Oxford Osland's decision to leave for SWAT - I-69 found themselves with a decision to make. Should they stay, should they go, and if so - where? BRAVE came calling, and offered the duo a six week tour of Osaka to hone their skills against a new set of challengers. Reports were that I-69 more than held their own, but fell short of capturing the BRAVE Tag Team Championships which are currently held by The Shining Stars whom are no strangers to the NPW brand as they were the inaugural Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions.
The Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships are undoubtedly on the minds of both teams, as they look to use this match to catapult themselves into contention. Perhaps now that I-69 aren't tasked with doing the bidding of Osland, they'll be more focused on their own collective goals.
The match was methodical in the early stages, as Wayne Sherlock and Allan Joseph isolated Necrophage, and made frequent tags to keep the freshest man involved in the contest. Much to the surprise of the fans, I-69 weren't abusing the five count in between tags, and worked a solid style as opposed to cutting the corners they used to cut. Perhaps it was truly a revival of sorts, and their tour of BRAVE helped jolt some sportsmanship into their veins.
It was clear that I-69 was taking this match very seriously, knowing that their opponents have been to the top of the mountain in the XHF's tag team hierarchy, and are hungry to get back there. At around the seven minute mark, the tide in the match shifted to Desolation, as they were able to work some tandem offence and seize an opportunity that came about through a mistake on the part of Allan Joseph. A double spine buster on Joseph followed. Nephilim was fresh, having spent the majority of the match on the apron, and he wasted little time taking out his anger in frustrations out on Joseph.
A beautiful capture suplex was a highlight, as it lead to a near fall. After a body slam, Nephilim hit the top rope and came down with what he calls 'Raining Fire'! It required Sherlock coming into the ring to break up the pin, or it would've been over right there. The referee admonished the break up, and this allowed for Desolation to attempt their finisher behind the referee's back, but Joseph was able to reverse out of the vertebreaker position, and fall downward with an unprettier. The fans were shocked, and seemed to appreciate the guts it required to pull it off by Joseph.
Sherlock had his hand extended, looking for the hot tag, and he got it!
Sherlock git the ring, and was able to get the initial advantage as both members of Desolation were caught off guard. All it took was a swift low blow behind the referee's back by Necrophage to slow things down. The referee missed it, and knew something happened but couldn't prove it. Necro ran forward and knocked Joseph off of the opposing apron, sending him crashing into the guardrail. As Sherlock attempted to get to his feet, Nephilim made sure to force him back to his corner, and the former XHF Tag Team Champions took turns softening Sherlock up in the corner. With the threat of a pinfall break up falling by the wayside, Desolation set Sherlock up for their finish which they call 'To Fall Further' and they connected! The impact drove Sherlock to the mat head first in devastating fashion. Necrophage was the legal man, so he made the pinfall while the referee was in perfect position to make the count, and declare Desolation the winners.
Winners: Desolation via 'To Fall Further' -- (11:37)
An impressive victory, which will undoubtedly put Desolation in line for an Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship match in the near future. The duo stood over the carnage and admired their handy work, before exiting the ring area.
--
[Backstage.]
Backstage, Dylan Black rounds a corner. The XHF X*Crown Champion stops a passing NPW producer in the hallway and asks for directions.
Black: I’m looking for Bryan Chase.
Producer: Around that next corner, first door you come to.
Black: Thanks.
The champ presses on as the producer scurries off to produce… something. Probably. Dylan wastes little time rounding the corner and coming up to the aforementioned door. Courteously, he gives a curt knock.
There is no answer, but Dylan hears movement on the other side of the door.
Black: Chase? You in there?
He knocks again.
Nothing.
Black: Chase? It’s Dylan!
A muffled voice from the other side gives an answer.
“Come in!”
Something is fishy. Dylan hesitates for just a split second before barging into the room to find out what. The first thing the Champ’s eyes settle on is an unconscious Bryan Chase, laid out on the floor. Next is the giant of a man standing over Dylan’s Lethal Lottery opponent. That’s right, Scott Steel is staring death rays at the X*Crown Champion.
Steel: WHOTHEFUCKAREYOUEXACTLYMINNOWMAN?! YOUREADYTOBEEATENBYJORMUNGANDR?!
Dylan readies himself for a fight.
“He most certainly is not.”
That voice, it’s familiar. Too familiar. Eric Dane appears in the hallway behind Dylan Black with a maniacal smile plastered across his face. Making a split-second command decision, Dylan lunges forward at The Mountain in front of him. The Only Star steps into the room and shuts the door behind him, leaving the camera stuck outside of the room, filming little more than a door in a hallway. From behind the doors come the muffled sounds of a fight.
Seconds pass.
The door opens, and out steps Eric Dane.
Dane: Well now, I guess Dylan Black ain’t so fuckin’ tough after all.
The Mountain of NPW steps out behind The Only Star.
Steel: [INCOHERENT]
Satisfied, The Only Star leads his Mountain on down the hallway. There is nothing coming from behind that door, no movement, no sounds… nothing.
--
Singles Match
20 Minute Time Limit
Cassie Hunter vs. Termanatrix
--
In what was supposed to be a showing of the growing women’s division at NPW, events took a surprising turn. As Cassie Hunter was making her way down to the ring she was jumped from behind by Terminatrix and Commandrix, the duo catching her as Hunter was nearing the ring and driving her from behind into the ring steps. Though Hunter fought back valiantly against her foes the numbers advantage allowed the Dark Novas to maintain control.
After a few moments Commandrix was able to execute the Dark Claw on Hunter on the floor, holding her down in the mandible claw as Terminatrix retrieved a steel chair from under the ring, folding it around the ankle of Hunter before climbing up to the ring apron. With no music or fanfare Isabel Rios charged out from the back in an apparent attempt to assist Hunter, but with the position the Dark Novas were in Terminatrix was able to warn Commandrix, who released the claw to charge Rios, the two women trading punches on the ramp. Before Hunter could recover from the attack enough to protect herself, Terminatrix leapt from the ring apron, double stomping the chair around Hunter’s ankle, causing the powerhouse to cry out in pain, writhing on the floor.
Rios broke away from Commandrix to charge at Terminatrix but, with the damage done, Terminatrix leapt over the guard rail to retreat to the back as Commandrix made her way back up the ramp, leaving the scene as well. Rios knelt down with Hunter to check on her, freeing her ankle from the wrecked chair, before helping the clearly badly injured woman to the back with the assistance of a referee.
The scene faded away with Rios staying by Cassie's side, as the Dark Novas exit the ring, looking pleased with themselves.
--
[Backstage.]
["The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven.]
[Gordon Carlson.]
We listened to the duo speak about their recent success in a Tag Team Main Event in Destiny Wrestling that should earn them the XHF Tag Team Opportunity that they desire. Gordon thanked Joe for having his back in Destiny, and promised to give it his best effort when he challenges for the Destiny Wrestling Championship at the end of the month against Rockface Anchorage. At which point, Gordon offered Joe his support in the 2nd chance match later in the evening.
Joe acknowledged everything that Gordon said, and reminded Gordon that they were in this together, and that 2021 would be 'their year'. Joe piped up and smartened Gordon up to the fact that the Purple Emperor's would be defending their championships in the near future, and that the two of them ought to be present for the match to study them. Gordon agreed, and said that he was down to do so.
'The Heat Rocks' exchanged a strong handshake, before Joe exited the area in last minute preparation for the 2nd Chance Battle Royal.
[Cut.]
--
Singles Match
30 Minute Time Limit
'The Only Star' Eric Dane vs. 'The Canadian Tom Hanks' Jonnie Valentine
--
After the events that took place during the Lethal Lottery Day 1 show, as well as the aftermath - Gus Arnold felt it best to let these two men sort out their differences inside of the ring. Eric Dane's strategy to send Scott Steel to the ring and have him attack Valentine served both men well on their quest to become the first North American Double Crown Champion. But I'm sure if you were to ask Jonnie his opinion, he would've preferred to qualify for the final on his own merit, and not have taken the beating from Steel in the process.
Both men hinted that utensils might used to inflict damage upon the other, but early on it was straight to business. Valentine was fired up and rightfully so, as he felt betrayed even though he shouldn't expect anything from Eric Dane other than lies and deceit. Dane did find himself on the defensive, but a quick thumb to the eye slowed things down and allowed him to regain his composure after the initial onslaught from Valentine.
As was to be expected, Scott Steel made his way down the aisle and posted up in Eric Dane's corner - surveying the situation. Something tells me that it might always be this way going forward, and Dane can stick his chest out a little further with that extra layer of protection from the 'Big Man'.
Dane continued to press, and dropped Valentine down to one knee and continued to put the boots to him. Dane grabbed a front face lock, and dropped down quickly executing a SNAP DDT. The camera got a close up of Scott Steel, who was just blinking, and then yelling randomly.
Dane followed it up with some stiff ground and pound, but after absorbing a few shots, Valentine was able to sweep and get on top. Valentine went for a knee bar, and seemed to have it momentarily, until Dane grabbed the ropes forcing the referee to step in and break the hold.
Both men had teased that they were willing to use forks in the match. Valentine took his out of his trunks first. Scott Steel immediately started looking around the ring for a buffet, assuming that there must be some food around there somewhere. When the NPW official saw Valentine trying to conceal something, he got suspicious and tried to forcibly take the object away. As they struggled to gain control of the fork, Dane sprung into action by punching over the referee's shoulder and clipping Valentine clean around the left eye.
Valentine gave up the grip on the weapon, as Dane pushed forward turning Valentine inside out with a nasty lariat.
Dane then distracted the referee, allowing Scott Steel to grab Valentine from behind and execute a few clubbing blows behind the referee's back. As you can imagine, Eric Dane felt he could manipulate the referee into creating openings for Steel to hammer away on Valentine without resistance. This partnership was already paying dividends, and there seemed to be no sign in slowing it down.
Valentine got to his feet, holding the back of his head. Dane locked him in a front face lock, and appeared ready to attempt a star driver - but Somehow Jonnie fought out of it and then hit the ground arm and took Dane's arm with him. Valentine started to crank on Dane's leftism with a fujiwara arm bar. Dane was in obvious pain. Steel took the bottom rope and pushed it towards the center of the ring, looking to make it easier for Dane to grab. The referee then punted Steel's hand as a warning, forcing him to release his grip.
This allowed Valentine a moment to synch the lock in tighter. Dane was in obvious pain, but he refused to tap. Dane kept turning, and finally got his ankle under the bottom rope, which forced a break.
Steel clapped loudly, and started shouting. The referee seemed annoyed and told him to leave ringside. Steel just blinked, and refused to move. Valentine turned to Steel and echoed the referee's sentiments. Steel actually flinched in Valentine's direction, which caused him to step backward. All the while, Eric Dane was starting to stir. When Valentine turned around, he ducked a clothesline from Dane, and caught a front face lock. Valentine was looking for a DDT, but Dane countered, and rolled him up with a small package! The referee turned, and made the three count. And just like that, with a lapse in concentration - The 'Only Star' and found a way to defeat 'The Canadian Tom Hanks.
Winner: Eric Dane via Small Package (15:36)
Dane left the ring, and proceeded to point to his temple, reminding the fans in attendance, and his opponent - that he's always thinking, always adapting and always primed to pull a victory out of thin air. Mix that with a World Championship pedigree, and Northern Pro Wrestling has a lot to deal with going forward.
--
[Promo Package.]
[The 3rd Annual Cruiserweight Cup.]
[8 Competitors.]
[2 Blocks.]
[1 Winner.]
[The XHF Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match in February.]
[Coming Soon.]
[FLASH!]
[January 2021.]
--
6 Man Tag Team Match
30 Minute Time Limit
"The Real" Lord Dominicus, "The King" Brad Swann, and John Cavanagh vs. "Timeless" Alex Turner, 'Unbalanced' Lou Natic, and Leon Van Zandt
--
Audience in attendance swayed to the music of the men as they all made their way individually to the ring tonight for the six-man tag team bout of the evening. The first to the ring was Lord Dominicus, giving fans a reason to boo him, as he walked with his chest puffed out, strutting to the ring. Lord Dominicus was not shy of being the center of attention, and made sure people looked his way as he told a fan to kiss his rear after seeing the fan’s sign disrespecting him.
Brad Swann would enter next, his head held high, a proud ‘King’ of his domain, as he took the ring in royal fashion. Fans showing their misappreciation with a choir of jeers for the star. Swann was no slouch in his own right, coming off a hot victory with his partner this evening, Swann was ready to launch himself to the next stage, and a pinfall or submission for the win tonight would have all eyes on him.
Swann took his spot next to Lord Dominicus in the ring, as the music hit for John Cavanagh. Relatively new to Northern Pro, John Cavanagh was coming off a strong win with Brad Swann from Lethal Lottery night two. Showing why he was the former EWF world heavy weight champion, his showing tonight would go a long way of pushing that confidence. John walked with a chip on his shoulder, ready and hungry for the action, maybe because of who was coming out next.
As the music played through the sound system in the arena, Lou Natic, stepped out from behind the curtains and made his way down the aisle. The fans cheering on the rough brawler with a history of putting his body on the line if it meant getting the win. His no guts no glory approach was a hit with the crowd, as the whole arena turned up the volume to eleven!
As Lou Natic entered the ring, John Cavanagh and him immediately showed their dislike, Cavanagh displaying a single finger to express his thoughts on the matter to Lou, who nodded and mouthed something that made John seethe, all before the match was underway. Lord Dominicus and Brad Swann took opposite sides of the ring, looking to attach the lonesome Lou before the bell rang. Suddenly the music switched, and ‘Timeless” Alex Turner came striding out of the back, looking ready to kick some teeth in. He made short work of his entrance, getting to the squared circle, standing with Lou Natic to establish that they were on the same page.
Leon Van Zandt runs down the aisle like a bat out of hell and slides in to make his grand entrance. The match gets off to a quick start with Leon jumping to his feet and mouthing something to Swann, who goes to fire a shot at him, and gets backdropped on his head. Referee signals for the bell, and before we know it, Swann gets a inverted backbreaker on the knees of Leon, and rolls to the apron. Cavanagh tags himself in, as Swann falls off the apron and holds his back in agony. John circled the smaller Leon, making him work to his strengths, slowing down the now fired up Leon Van Zandt. John throws up a hand to signal a test of strength, and as Leon hesitates to respond, John grabs him by the hand, kicks him in the gut, and judo roll flips him into the center of the ring. Releasing him on impact, we see Leon slap the ring, echoing throughout the arena.
John Cavanagh didn’t stop there, he began working the neck of Leon Van Zandt with a headlock, lifting him from the mat to a standing position. Leon would counter and send Cavanagh into the ropes, firing back with a spinning elbow, knocking John off his feet, and sending Leon to his back. The wind of their sails wegfv re paused for that moment, as both men took a few moments to get up. Cavanagh would show his grit, getting up in the corner, Leon Van Zandt on the opposite side doing the same. Leon a tad faster, would rush Cavanagh at the other corner, leaping for a splash, only to meet the empty turnbuckle as Cavanagh dipped out of the way. Grabbing him by the neck again, John delivered a hellacious sit-out neck breaker. Following it up, he would tag in Lord Dominicus.
Chomping it to bits, Lord Dominicus would make short work by putting a knee to the back of the shoulders of a prone Leon Van Zandt, and went for the pin, only to have Leon answer with a shoulder at two. Leon would fight back, rallying for some momentum as he began punching Lord Dominicus as he brought Leon to his feet. One rocking blow, and LD would take the advantage, gripping Leon’s waist and wrenching the hips to deliver a release German Suplex! Leon flipped through the air and landed on his feet, stumbling backwards into his corner, where Alex Turner would tag himself in.
Turner and Lord Dominicus had heat, and it showed, as these met with fists rather than a grapple. Alex Turner would whip LD to the far corner, and short order clothesline him as he sat on the second rope, choking Lord Dominicus using the leverage. Letting go, Alex Turner would show some aerial presences, leaping off the top rope to deliver a beautiful missile drop kick that sent Lord Dominicus across the canvas. These two were showing off their arsenals, punishing one another with a variation of holds following the big aerial dropkick, before Alex Turner would tie up Lord Dominicus in a submission clover leaf, holding him near his respective team’s corner, allowing for Lou Natic to tag himself in and drop an elbow on the shoulder area of the cloverleafed Lord Dominicus.
Lou would follow up with a hellacious leg drop to the back as Alex Turner took to the ring apron. Lou Natic showed up with a vengeance, lifting Lord Dominicus up for a death valley driver! Lord Dominicus would float over his shoulders and deliver a reverse DDT drop, to stop Lou in his tracks. Lord Dominicus stretched for the tag, exhausted by the events he was put up against, facing all of the other team so far – he needed out, and as he inched closer, Lou would drop an elbow on the back of his neck, halting the star from making the much needed tag.
Lou picked up Lord Dominicus and positioned for the sit-out powerbomb, but Lord Dominicus used Lou’s momentum and head scissored him over with a hurricarana! Hooking the leg for the count, he rolled Lou up! One! Two! Kick out! The arena was pulsing with fans cheering and booing respectfully, seeing the chance for Lord Dominicus to take the win after a hellacious fight to survive, would have been icing on the cake.
Lord Dominicus crawled from the broken up pin fall and reached out for his team, Lou did the same on the opposite side of the ring. With all the mustard in him, he leaped and tagged the first open hand, Jon Cavanagh.
Lou Natic would see this, and stop in his tracks. He shook his head to Alex Turner who wanted in, and turned to face his former nemesis. These two had history, and the tension in the building could be cut with a knife as they met face to face in the middle of the ring, nose to nose, John wasted no time in cuffing a punch on the cheek of Lou, who answered back with his own. The brawl would ensue to the ropes, where Lou knee’d John Cavanagh and irish whipped him across the ring, sending him into the ropes and back, catapulting Cavanagh into the air so he would land on his stomach, but John was aware, and used the momentum to grab Lou by the arm and arm drag him with his momentum, slamming Lou into the middle turnbuckle! The fans ooooooh’ing the quick thinking as John Cavanagh appeared to take this personal, going for Lou Natic’s head with kicks in the corner, he was ready to dish back all the punishment he endured in their last bout together.
Alex Turner would come in for the save, smashing John Cavanagh with an elbow from behind, causing Lord Dominicus to try and interrupt, only for the referee to stop him. Lord Dominicus had words for the referee, as he tried pleading his case, allowing Turner to help Lou regain control, and the two worked over John Cavanagh in the corner with chokes and stiff elbow shots to Cavanagh’s chest.
Cav fought hard and was able to duck a wild shot from Lou, before dropping down with a drop toe hold in his corner. Cav made the tag to 'LD' who ran across the ring and shoved 'Timeless' into the ring, which drew the referee's attention. Behind the referee's back LD executed a low blow to Lou, before rolling him up with a handful of tights. The referee turned around to see the pinfall attempt, and Lord Dominicus was able hold serve in the position for the three count!
Winners: "The Real" Lord Dominicus, John Cavanagh and 'The King" Brad Swann
After the match, Timeless went for LD, who scurried out of the ring and up the ramp. Timeless was going to put hands on anyone in the vicinity. Leon Van Zandt appeared displeased with the result, as he saw LD use the low blow to earn the victory. A lot of these issues will have to be settled in the Main Event of Crowning of a Champion II - inside of the Lethal Lottery Rumble.
--
[Backstage.]
We cut to the newest signee to Northern Pro Wrestling; Black Diamond. The masked man stands calmly in front of the camera.
Black Diamond put over the fact that Northern Pro Wrestling is widely considered the place to be when it comes to professional wrestling. 'BD' explored his history in Mexico, and how due to some unforeseen circumstances he found himself without a home promotion. Gus Arnold contacted him, and with the 3rd Annual Cruiserweight Cup hanging in the balance, he and Gus felt that Northern Pro was a strong fit.
Black Diamond used this opportunity to announce that he would be one of the competitors in the upcoming 8 man round robin tournament. But first, he said he was eager to have his first match in Northern Pro Wrestling and issued an open challenge to anyone who wanted to tussle with him at Crowning of a Champion II on December 17th.
[Cut.]
--
2nd Chance Battle Royal
No Time Limit
Maverick, Danuwaanahilli, Scott Steel, Jesse Jamester, Nicholas Windsor, Primal, Solomon Graham, Adrian King, Joe Ghaven, Bryan Chase
--
This could be a life changing opportunity for one of these 9 men. It ended up being 9, as Bryan Chase was unable to make it to the ring following the savage beating he suffered at the hands of Eric Dane and Scott Steel earlier in the evening. There were two groups of two who would seemingly be able to use one and other in the numbers game - as Danu and Solomon Graham have declared their intentions to continue a tag team going forward. Most recently, Scott Steel and Jesse Jamester were successful in defeating the Evanston Express, and looked dominant in doing so. Add to the fact that Eric Dane made a bold proposition at the inception of tonight's event - essentially courting Jamester.
There weren't any eliminations in the first five minutes, but someone had to be first. Unfortunately, it was Adrian King, who just didn't ever get off on the right foot since his debut. King fell victim to a huge running clothesline when he was near the ropes from Jesse Jamester, and the impact sent him flying over the top rope and down to the arena floor.
Adrian King was Eliminated by Jesse Jamester (6:16)
With 8 men left in the match, everyone found their dancing partner. Scott Steel and May paired off, while Jamester and Primal did the same. Danu was locked up with Nicolas Windsor, while Sol and Joe Ghaven locked horns. There was a lot of beef in the ring, as a handful of these competitors were north of 6'6" and around or above the 300 pound mark. Scott Steel accidentally bumped into Ghaven after a solid dropkick from Maverick and Steel looked perplexed at the sheer size of the 'Iron Bear'. Steel started shouting unintelligible things, before Ghaven clubbed him and sent him right back into a switchblade from Maverick which was an early highlight.
On the other side of the ring, Primal was faring well in his battle with 'JJ'. 'JJ' was making faces as if it was difficult to be around Primal, who might not have seen the inside of a shower since we saw him last two weeks ago. Jamester did his best to get out of dodge, which forced Nicolas Windsor into Primal's range, which was punishment enough on its own, but Windsor was greeted with a nasty headbutt for his troubles, and from the outset just looked through uncomfortable. Without realizing it, Windsor crept close to the ropes, and fell victim to a running shoulder tackle from Primal, which sent him over the top rope and down to the floor.
Nicolas Windsor was eliminated by Primal (9:44)
Maverick was getting himself in trouble with Steel, as he refused to back down. What he didn't realize is that Steel often doesn't have the capacity to feel pain. In turn, Steel would walk through punishment to get his hands around Mav's neck. Danu and Sol were in range, and they saw an opportunity to blindside Steel. They rushed forward, and along with Maverick had Steel teetering on the brink of elimination. It would be 'JJ' who saw what was happening, and saved Steel. This was the first inclination that the Steel and JJ pairing might actually become a 'thing' beyond their one tag team match at the last event. Never under estimate the power of Eric Dane's influences.
Once the plan was soiled, Maverick was left relatively unscathed, and JJ turned his attention to Danu, who caught a big boot for his trouble. The impact had him stumbling backwards right into a release german suplex from Maverick! The fans were a bit shocked, but Maverick is opportunistic, and it IS every man for himself. The impact of the suplex shook the ring, and Danu was slow to get up. When he did, he was caught by a running spinning heel kick that caught him clean, and sent him over the top rope to the arena floor,
Danuwaanahili was eliminated by Maverick (12:30)
'The Iron Bear' and Solomon Graham were tangled up, Sol was fiesta, but the Iron Bear wasn't phased. Ghaven grabbed Sol with both hands around his neck, picked him up and dropped him over the top rope, down to the arena floor.
Solomon Graham was Eliminated by Joe Ghaven (12:54)
With five men left, we watched as 'JJ' did his best to talk strategy with Steel, who just looked ahead with saliva spewing everywhere. THUNDER!! Maverick looked around, hoping to find an ally. Joe Ghaven fit the bill, as everyone was sort of hoping that Primal would just eliminate himself. Scott Steel flared his nostrils, perhaps trying to locate the stench, and it's place of origin. As Primal got closer, Steel seemed to be more intrigued. Primal showed his teeth, which was enough of an invitation for Steel to engage. The two men started swinging wildly at one and other, as the other three tip toed around them.
Maverick and Ghaven went after JJ, and had him against the ropes, working him over. Ghaven attempted to eliminate JJ but his attempt was unsuccessful when he had his eye raked. Maverick threw caution to the wind, hitting the ropes, and looked to execute a diving attack - but JJ caught him in mid air. JJ swung him around and launched him over the top rope.
But Maverick held on! Somehow, he was able to avoid hitting the floor.
JJ appeared to assume he had completed the elimination, so he ws surprised when Man springboard himself back into the ring and caught JJ flush with a missile dropkick to the back of the head. JJ fell into a tilt a whirl slam from Ghaven, which shook the ring. The impact alerted Steel that trouble was afoot, so he clobbered Primal a few times, before turning his focus to Ghaven. Steel kicked him in the gut, and appeared ready to execute a power bomb, but Primal was back up and low blowed Steel.
Steel slumped to the mat, before popping up and refusing to admit he was in pain. He was seething, and was ready to rip a ring post out from it's position and start swinging it. Steel popped up and power bombed Primal! It was sloppy, and ugly but the damage was done. Steel grabbed Primal and tossed him over the top.
Primal was eliminated by Scott Steel (17:12)
Down to 4, and it didn't take long for the fans to understand it was more like 2 vs 2. Maverick and Ghaven assumed that Steel and JJ would work together to increase their chances of moving onto the Lethal Lottery finals. Maverick showed tremendous guts, being the smallest wrestler in the ring, he certainly didn't carry himself that way. He was out of gates with lots of fire, taking the fight to JJ. Ghaven went after Steel, and the two giants took turns grabbing the other by the throat, looking to execute a choke slam.
Much to the surprise of the fans, it would be Steel that would lift the 400 pound Ghaven up, and drive him to the mat with a chokeslam. At the same time, JJ had delivered a nasty spine buster to Maverick. JJ walked over to assist Steel in trying to eliminate the massive 'Iron Bear'. It wasn't easy, but after a few moments of resistance, Ghaven eventually fell victim to a double clothesline from Steel and JJ, which eliminated him.
Joe Ghaven was eliminated by Scott Steel & Jesse Jamester
Maverick was getting to his feet, and saw the united front of 'JJ' and Steel walking in his direction. It didn't look good at all. Maverick thought fast, and hit the side ropes and used it to springboard himself back into the middle of the ring. He caught Steel with a spinning back kick, that connected right on the jaw. The impact dropped Steel in a heap, as the fans started to voice their approval of a Maverick comeback. 'JJ moved forward and he was put down with a drop toe hold followed by a basement dropkick!
Maverick connected flush, and had both of his tormentors down on the mat. It became clear that Maverick felt his best option would be to alternate his offence from one to the other, hoping to keep them at bay long enough so he could find a way to eliminate one of them. The magnitude of the moment dawned on the crowd, as they now knew that they were getting closer and closer to the lethal lottery finals.
A Fame Asser on Steel as he was getting to his feet was next. Maverick popped up, and rushed JJ, executing a running forearm strike, that rattled JJ. Maverick followed it up by trying to force JJ over the top rope. It was a struggle of epic proportions, as JJ was fighting back.
Just then, Scott Steel got to his feet, and wiped a small drop of blood from his mouth. He ran forward with a big boot that caught Maverick Flush, but as he was falling backward, Maverick grabbed JJ with a Spanish fly, and both men went over the top rope at the same time!
Scott Steel was the lone man in the ring, and he raised his arms, starting his celebration. But that didn't bring us any clarity when it came to the official result of the match. While Steel was indeed the last man standing, it appeared as though Maverick's quick thinking saved himself - as he was able to use his momentum to bring JJ out with him.
Gus Arnold was at ringside, and he demanded to see a replay. His request was granted, and the final moments of the match were replayed on the big screen. The video evidence showed that the feet of Maverick and JJ hit the ground at the exact same time!!
The fans started to chant 5 more minutes!
Gus grabbed the mic at ringside, and addressed the situation. Gus stated that because the final elimination was inconclusive, and due to the fact that both men had fought their hearts out - that BOTH Maverick and Jesse Jamester would qualify for the Lethal Lottery Finals along with Scott Steel.
Gus announced that the 1st Entrant in the Lethal Lottery would be Maverick.
Gus then announced that the 2nd Entrant in the Lethal Lottery would be Jesse Jamester.
The fans were excited, and a 'Maverick' Chant started to brew.
Gus then said that since Scott Steel was the last man standing, that he would by the last entrant in the Lethal Lottery Royal Rumble.
The fans gasped, as the big man would have a huge advantage in the finals based on Gus' decision. Gus then went onto say that there would be a Lethal Lottery selection show next week, where the rest of the entrants would receive their numbers drawn at random, so they could strategize.
The final shot of the night was of Scott Steel and Jesse Jamester fist bumping in the middle of the ring, while Maverick repeated up the aisle, keeping his eyes locked on the two men who tried to end his chances to become the North American Double Crown Champion - but to no avail. Maverick stopped in the middle of the ramp, raised his hand - which received a positive response from the fans.
[Cut.]
