Dark Matches: Eta Nu Iota (Hannah Rivers, Natasha York, Isabella Dawson) defeated Bethany Watts, Monica Stone, and Adriana Gomez, The Strange Crew (Drizzles the Clown and Hawaii) defeated Enrique Mendoza and Diego Salazar, Strawberry Bates Hill defeated Harvey Allison

Edward Findleton: Welcome everybody to HAW One Way Trip! We are in Columbus, Ohio and it’s going to be a great show!

THE Casey Gains: A ton of championships on the line, but our first match is going to feature two of our toughest competitors in HAW, Franco Mancini and The Insomniac Kenneth Cobb.

Kenneth Cobb made his entrance first, slapping himself to seemingly stay awake. As he awaited Franco, new music started to play, and Franco Mancini walked out, now dressed in black tights, black and red boots and a blazer.  

Edward Findleton: A new look for Franco Mancini, and no sign of the O’Toole Brothers.

THE Casey Gains: I think it’s out with the old in with the new for Franco!

Referee Tom Hunter rang the bell and a brutal match started. Each competitor got in hard attacks, looking to inflict as much pain as possible on their opponent.  In the end, the former World Champion got the better, as Franco hit the Pick Pocket and delivered a three count. 

Franco didn’t celebrate much, allowing his hand to be raised, before heading to the back, a look of needing to take care of more business on his face. As Tom Hunter helped Cobb up, Cobb shook his head in disappointment. Suddenly, The Insomniac grabbed Tom and locked in the Sleeper Hold.

Edward Findleton: What’s he doing?! 

Tom Hunter went limp in seconds, and Cobb let go, before giving a few final kicks. HAW staff rushed to the ring to help Tom Hunter, as security guards escorted The Insomniac out of the arena.

Edward Findleton: It looks like Tom has regained consciousness but I doubt he’ll be refereeing anymore tonight, not after that attack by Cobb.

THE Casey Gains: It seemed the Insomniac thought he had this match won. But he looks like a sore loser if you ask me!

Edward Findleton: Well we’ve got more coming up! Our next match is for the HAW Women’s Tag Team Championships!

The Stable’s music hit, and accompanied by Zoey Chambers, Hazel Glover and Jenna Ingram came down to the ring.  Shortly after, the Biofuel Engineer’s music hit, with Sydney and Dalton coming down holding up the Women’s titles. Lela LaCruse and Phueng Ahunai quickly followed and tried to take the titles off the men, but after a brief tug of war, gave up in frustration. 

The match began on Referee Brenda Moses’s signal. Both teams were looking good, but The Stable was looking better as Jenna Ingram dominated Phueng and Lela. Additionally, The Exotic Delights seemed distracted by the Biofuel Engineers, arguing with them outside the ring occasionally.

As Hazel locked Phueng in a submission, Dalton Elkins made his way to the opposite side of the ring, and started talking to Zoey Chambers.

Edward Findleton: Will Phueng tap out?! Can she get to the ropes and…wait, is Dalton Elkins..flirting with Zoey Chambers?

THE Casey Gains: …Ew.

With a swift motion, Dalton scooped Zoey up, and started to carry her back up the ramp in his arms. Seeing this, Hazel let go of the hold, as she stood up and looked up the ramp at Zoey, calling to her. Jenna also had jumped down to chase after her, while Brenda Moses looked at The Stable members confused. At that point, Sydney Mason slid a title in the ring to Lela LaCruse. As Hazel turned around, Lela blasted Hazel in the face with the title, then rushed out of the ring. Phueng got Brenda’s attention and went for a cover, and got the three count.

As the Exotic Delight’s music hit, Dalton immediately dropped Zoey to the ground, then ran back to the ring. The Biofuel Engineers and Exotic Delights started to laugh and jump around, as Phueng and Lela held the titles up, and Dalton and Sydney lifted the champions on their shoulders.

Edward Findleton: The Stable looks devastated but this team combination has proven to have been working together the whole time!

THE Casey Gains: Regardless of the mind games, I’m still handing it to The Stable. They look like they can be a force in the future!

Backstage, RJ Bu and Niko Green were hanging out.

RJ Bu: Bu and Green, baby! Bu and Green! We got ourselves a tag team victory last week AND a tag team name.

Niko Green: We aren’t a tag team. We were a random team thrown together because of a one time past history-

RJ Bu: Bro! I know that like, you worry about important things like, life, and the world, and bills. But we won! So we’re gonna party!

Niko Green: I’m not partying.

RJ Bu: Too late bro! Ladies! Come on in!

At that point a bunch of young women surrounded Bu and Green, with Green looking very annoyed.

RJ Bu: Aw yeah, let’s go bro! Come on!

As Bu and Green left, the camera turned to the O’Toole Brothers.

Fergus: Hey “bro?”

Sean: Yeah “bro?”

Fergus: I don’t think we need to worry about them.

Sean: Nah. We’ll just worry who comes out in tonight’s tag match.

The music of Douglas Brunswick played, and he came out with Mayor Briggs to a positive reception. They were followed by The Navigators, Aiden North and Pete Arrow, who seemed unenthusiastic as they dragged the Tag Team titles to the ring.

Both teams gave it their all, but as the match went on, Brunswick and Briggs started to gain momentum.  When Aiden North started to complain to referee Dennis Thompson, Briggs started to untie the turnbuckle cover in his end, but Brunswick stopped him. Brunswick seemed to encourage Briggs to go for the finishing blow instead, but an argument broke out between the two.

As Brunswick stepped foot into the ring, Briggs grabbed Brunswick’s head and smashed it against the turnbuckle. With that, Briggs simply walked out of the ring and up the ramp. Brunswick tried to fight The Navigators off on his own but eventually succumbed to the Powerbomb/Shooting Star Press Combo as the Navigators successfully defended their titles.

Edward Findleton: Well two teams came in with game plans, and the Navigators executed their plan to perfection!

THE Casey Gains: It looked like it was going well for Brunswick and Briggs but you have to wonder, if you’re not on the same page as your partner, would you even enjoy being tag team champions? 

Edward Findleton: Well the Navigators are on the same page, but it doesn’t look like they enjoy being HAW’s Tag champs!

THE Casey Gains: They just don’t respect the titles, that’s different!

Edward Findleton: Well speaking of respecting titles, we have the National Championship match up next! Pastor James defends against King Donovan!

King Donovan came out first, accompanied by Bigg Pimpin’ Alex, while Pastor James entered second. Before the match he tried to take Donovan’s hands and pray, but Donovan pushed him away.

As the match began, Pastor James tried to act friendly and smile, but then charged King Donovan, looking to try and deliver a low blow kick to the groin, but Donovan caught the foot of James. King Donovan dropped the foot and hit a clothesline. As James staggered to his feet, Donovan quickly grabbed James and hit the Full Nelson Slam. He went for the cover, and picked up the three count.

Edward Findleton: What?!

THE Casey Gains: Pastor James has been dethroned!

Edward Findleton: I didn’t expect that!

THE Casey Gains: I don’t think James did either!

As Alex presented Donovan the belt, he raised it into the air in triumph. 

Edward Findleton: And King Donovan is National Champion, and showing why he’s one of the best fighters in the company!

THE Casey Gains: I’m telling you this though Edward, I don’t know if his next match will be as fast. But tonight, he was ready and prepared for Pastor James, who’s great run has come to an end!

Edward Findleton: Well folks, are next match coming up is personal…it’s a Viking Funeral Match!

Viking made his entrance first, but midway down the ramp, The Iconoclast came running down and attacked Viking from behind. The bell rang and the match was on, and the fight never made it to the ring. After going into the crowd, the match spilled onto the arena concourse, before going out to the city streets.

A random bystander was pushed out of the way waiting for an Uber, and Iconoclast threw Viking into the car before jumping in after him. The camera man followed as The Iconoclast beat up Viking in the car, before the car stopped. The driver kicked the two men out, and they were now near the Columbus River, with a viking longship in the distance. The Iconoclast started to lead Viking down to the water, but Viking got some strength and whipped the Iconoclast into a nearby lightpole, then slammed him into a railing. As the two men got closer to the ship, Viking lifted the Iconoclast up, and hit the Throat Toss onto the boat. Viking grabbed a nearby torch and threw it onto the wooden boat, then untied it and sent it to the river.

Edward Findleton: …I think that qualifies as a Viking win?!

THE Casey Gains: According to our rulebook on a Viking Funeral Match, it does! Viking defeats The Iconoclast!

Viking let out a roar, pumped up and ready. As the longship started to burn bigger, The Iconoclast came to, and seeing the danger, jumped into the river.

Edward Findleton: Well we still have two more matches left tonight, and this next women’s match won’t disappoint!

Penny “The Hammer” Downs made her entrance followed by the HAW Women’s Champion Sekino “The Stunt Pilot.” Penny seemed nervous but determined, while Sekino had her confident grin she always wore.

Penny started the match off fast, surprising Sekino with her aggressiveness. When Sekino tried to put it away with her Single Underhook Facebuster, Sekino countered to a suplex, then started an offensive flurry. Penny couldn’t recover from the onslaught, and Sekino finally put her away with the Moonstomp in 7:17.

Edward Findleton: And Sekino retains!

THE Casey Gains: Penny tried, but she still has some learning to do. 

Edward Findleton: You have to give her props though for standing up to Sekino! It shows bravery and-

The lights in the arena suddenly went out.

Edward Findleton: Uh oh. I don’t like this.

At the top of the stage, a red spotlight shone down to light up the cloaked man.

Cloaked Mann: My name…….is Jonah Webb. And Sekino…Right now, that’s all you need to remember.

The arena went dark again, and moments later the lights came on, with no sign of Jonah Webb. Sekino simply laughed, took her title, and started heading to the back.

Edward Findleton: Jonah Webb? He’s a guy! He can’t win the title!

THE Casey Gains: Great observation Edward.

Edward Findleton: I’m not sure what’s going on there, but I do know what’s happening next! It’s our main event for the HAW World Championship! 

Frederic St. Pierre entered first, with Crash and Oden by his side. As Mitchell Row’s music hit, Scarred Badger first came out pushing Kitty Kayleen in her wheel chair as she held her purse. Moments later, shirtless, muscular men came out carrying a large throne on a platform, with Mitchell Row sitting on it.

Edward Findleton: I’ve seen everything now.

THE Casey Gains: Mitchell Row is showing support of his wife by using the same transportation methods! Truly he’s an outstanding role model! Meanwhile Lovable Liam couldn’t even be bothered to accompany St. Pierre!

Edward Findleton: Row beat him up last week!

THE Casey Gains: So?!

As Mitchell Row entered the ring, he handed the title to referee Dennis Thompson, and the match began. Row started off showing his strength, but as time went on, St. Pierre was able to reverse and counter Mitchell’s offense, and start to gain control. Frederic St. Pierre got some near falls, but Row managed to kick out each time.

St. Pierre appeared in control until Row hit a desperation Spear, and both men were down, and Row was unable to make the cover. Despite the injuries, St. Pierre was first to his feet and regained control of the tempo. Row rushed out of the ring to catch his breath, but St. Pierre decided not to relent, and started to run for a suicide dive through the ropes. At the last moment, Scarred Badger pushed Kitty Kayleen’s wheelchair in front of Row, and St. Pierre stopped mid stride.

Crash and Oden had seen enough, and went after Scarred Badger. St. Pierre started to complain to Dennis Thompson, and Row rolled into the ring. As Thompson went over to Row to scold him on the rules, Kitty hobbled out of her wheelchair, hopped to the ring near St. Pierre and grabbed his leg. As he turned around, she grabbed her purse and swung it at St. Pierre, hitting him in the head.

St. Pierre was stunned and woozy, and as he turned around, Row hit a second spear. He went for the cover and picked up the three count.

THE Casey Gains: Yes! Row retains! The world’s hero remains on top!

Edward Findleton: His wife won him that match!

THE Casey Gains: Even better!

Kitty crawled into the ring and Row grabbed her, lifting her up into his arms. Doing so, a brick fell out of her purse. The two looked at each other and laughed, then kissed. As the kiss finally ended, Row turned the two of them around and came face to face with Oden Schreiner. Oden started Row down for a few moments, before grabbing St. Pierre and taking him out of the ring and up to the back with the help of Crash.

Edward Findleton: Well what a night we had at One Way Trip! We had new champions..and we had retaining champions. Next up…HAW Downtown Disaster! Good night everybody!

~~~~~~~~

Updated Franco Mancini and Jonah Webb pictures in Flickr gallery

HAW Youtube Music

HAW Flickr Gallery

 Dark Matches: The Samurais of Power (Sensai Onaga, Ozzie Reagan, Trickshot) defeated Dale Waters, Scott Fisher, and Marc Sawyer, Phoenix defeated Jenson West

HAW’s theme song played and came on the air.

Edward Findleton: Welcome to HAW! We’re in Chicago tonight and this crowd is ready to rock!

Mitchell Row’s music played, and he walked out to the top of the ramp with his title. Behind him, Scarred Badger was pushing Kitty Kayleen, who was in a wheelchair.

Mitchell Row: Last week, my beautiful, lovely, gorgeous, stunning wife…was hurt. When Kitty fell, I saw my life flash before my eyes. This woman means the world to me. If she was gone, who would tell me how great I look with this title on? And as we got her to the hospital, it was exactly as I feared. She sprained her ankle.

THE Casey Gains: NO! Not Kitty

Mitchell Row: Doctors expect one day she’ll make a full recovery. So at this time, I want to give a round of applause to the medical staff who saw her last week at the ER, who realized we don’t have the crappy company health insurance but a better one and took her back quickly. You truly are heroes. But now, I’m switching moods. I’m focusing on Frederic St. Pierre. You see, as painful as last week was…I saw some good in this situation. That was the eyes of St. Pierre. To win the HAW World Championship, you need to have a killer instinct. You need to work hard, to do whatever it takes, and earn this title. And St. Pierre? His hesitancy, his concern….he’s a softy. He doesn’t have it. So thank you Frederic St. Pierre. I can rest easy this week knowing that you do not have what it takes to beat me next week.

Row’s music started up again and he started heading to the back, motioning for Badger to push Kitty and follow him.

Elsewhere backstage, Brunswick and Briggs were sitting down talking.

Briggs: Now here’s what I’m thinking mate: I can tip off the light guy to cause a blackout on my signal. Maybe during their entrance? We can attack from behind, ref ain’t stopping us, we got ourselves an advantage out of the gate!

Brunswick: …I was thinking we could follow my plan this time.

Briggs: Ohh, sure! O’course, no worries, what are ya thinking?

Brunswick: We’ve both proven ourselves to be really strong wrestlers. I think we can out wrestle them.

Briggs: …Got it. So we saw those blokes cheat last week, and you want….a fair wrestling match?

Brunswick: We can still outsmart them and be prepared for their cheating. I just don’t think we need to cheat.

Briggs: I understand! But I need to remind ya…lad, you wouldn’t have been World champ without me. So maybe we stick to what works. I’m the brains, you’re the brawn, eh”

Brunswick: Briggs, I’m a lot more than just brawn. I am a student of professional wrestling, I live for this, you’ve seen me analyzing matches from years past and-

Briggs: AND it got ya no where till ya met me! Go ahead and copy the old timers, you’ll sink in no time. It’s a new world where creativity is king.

A slow clapping was heard off screen, and Brunswick and Briggs turned to see the Navigators.

Aiden North: Good team work right there, well done.

Pete Arrow: We’re sorry though! We don’t want to interrupt your strategy sessions anymore. Keep trying, you got a week! Maybe you can figure out a way you can beat us.

Aiden North: Not likely though.

The Navigators walked away, leaving Brunswick and Briggs, both looking annoyed, behind.

The Iconoclas’s music hit as he came out for a match.

Edward Findleton: The Iconoclast will be facing “The Rookie” Kyle Higgins next! But Casey, have you heard the big news?

THE Casey Gains: Yep, I paid attention in the meeting today.

Edward Findleton: Well if you haven’t, The Iconoclast accepted Viking’s challenge to a Viking Funeral Match! And do you know what that is?

THE Casey Gains: Yes! We went over it today already!

Edward Findleton: The object is to knock an opponent into a Longship and light it on fire!

THE Casey Gains: So yes, that means that essentially this will be a No DQ match…with a viking longship involved.

Kyle Higgins entered next, and the match began between The Rookie and the Iconoclast. Higgins held his own, but The Iconoclast started to get the upper hand. With Higgins prone in the corner ropes, The Iconoclast looked into the camera and said “Viking, get ready to feel this next week!” and hit the Cannonball Senton, then covered The Rookie in 8:10.

Edward Findleton THe Iconoclast sending a message to Viking! 

THE Casey Gains: His Cannonball Senton is deadly, but he’s going to have some trouble next week adapting it to…I can’t believe I’m saying this, a viking longship.

Edward Findleton: Well if there’s one thing ships like, it’s cannonballs!

THE Casey Gains: …….

Backstage, Liam rushed in to meet the MuscleGang.

Liam: Guys! Guess what?

Frederic St. Pierre: Quoi?

Liam: Even better! I got access to the production truck!

Crash: Are we stealing it? That seems illegal.

Liam: No! I’m going to make a hype video for Frederic, which will inspire him and cause him to forget all of Mitchell’s hurtful and untrue words!

Frederic St. Pierre: You are a good friend Liam. I appreciate that.

Liam: Just go out to the ring later! We’ll play it for you! Bye!

Liam rushed off at that point.

Oden Schreiner: …I want hype video too!

Crash: Soon buddy, let’s let him try this one first and see how he does.

Backstage, Sekino turned a corner, and was immediately met with a chair to the face. Penny “The Hammer” Downs proceeded to beat Sekino down with the chair. Eventually she stopped, as it looks like Sekino was knocked out. As Penny caught her breath back, she heard clapping in the shadows and looked up to see the Cloaked Man.

Cloaked Man: Good job. I heard you’re facing her next week for the title, and you did a number on her.

Penny: I did. It feels so good! Are you proud of me?

Cloaked Man: You? I don’t care about you. You’re a pawn, as I try and pull a checkmate on her. You, Ms. Downs, have moved forward to free my queen. Thank you.

The Cloaked Man walked away, and frustrated, Penny threw the chair against the wall, leaving Sekino sprawled out.

The music of Pastor James played and he came out with the HAW National Championship, moments later joined by a solo King Donovan. Their opponents, RJ Bu and Niko Green made their way out next.

Edward Findleton: Bu and Green take on the unlikely team of King Donovan and Pastor James!

In the ring, Donovan and James were acting over the top in “friendliness.”

THE Casey Gains: Call my cynical Edward, but I have a bad feeling about this match.

As the match began, Bu and Green actually looked impressive, holding their own and showing great teamwork. The match opened up when Bu and Donovan each hit a double clothesline, and needed to make a tag. As Donovan just about reached Pastor James, Pastor James jumped off the apron and started to walk up the ramp.

THE Casey Gains: Who could have guessed that?!

RJ Bu saw this, and didn’t tag in Niko Green. As James continued up the ramp, Bigg Pimpin’ Alex walked out of the entrance and started to walk towards Pastor James.

Pastor James: Wait, I’m going back! This woman in the audience just said she needed me to pray with her!

Woman: No I didn’t!

Pastor James: Shut up!

Alex motioned for Pastor James to head back to the ring and James gave a thumbs up, making his way back. As he got on the apron, Bu tagged in Green and King Donovan tagged in James. The moment James entered the ring, King Donovan quickly delivered a Full Nelson Slam on Pastor James. Niko Green covered and won the match in 10:53.

Edward Findleton: Well that plan backfired.

THE Casey Gains: And I’m glad the world has gone back to normal, with everyone hating Pastor James and not pretending to be his friend!

Out in the parking lot against the arena, The Stable we’re talking as the camera approached.

Jenna Ingram: So we saw the  footage of the Exotic Delights attempting a suplex. They use it in desperation, so we can counter that, ok?

Hazel Glover: Uhh…Guys…

Jenna Ingram: Hold on! I’m going to show you what to do!

Hazel Glover: There’s….a camera looking at us!

Jenna and Zoey both turned to the camera.

Zoey Chambers: Why’s it here? How did it even find us? Is it a trap by the Biofuel Delights?

Jenna Ingram: Hey! Scram! Get out of here! We’re talking strategy!

Hazel Glover: It’s not moving…it’s just…standing there…recording us!

Jenna Ingram: Why?! Why would we let it record our strategy? What’s its end goal?!

Zoey Chambers: Wait. I have a plan. If we’re being broadcasted live, we just have to do something questionably unethical. They won’t show it on TV.

Hazel Glover: Like…curse?

Zoey Chambers: Yeah!

Hazel Glover: But what if we get fined?!

Jenna Ingram: Just say something.

Hazel Glover: Ok…I’m really sorry Mom if you’re watching, but-

Edward Findleton: Welcome back! Coming up next, it’s Chicago’s own,  “The Insomniac” Kenneth Cobb vs Fergus O’Toole!

Kenneth Cobb came out first to a loud ovation, and was followed by Fergus O’Toole, accompanied by the Trans-Atlantic Family.

Cobb looked very strong in the match, and ultimately defeated Fergus with a sleeper hold in 9:29. As Cobb celebrated, he exited the ring, pointing to Franco Mancini and then back to himself, with Franco looking beyond angry. Sean O’Toole was helping Fergus up, when Franco grabbed Sean and hit the Pickpocket on him. Fergus was still groggy and hunched over, and Franco Whacked Fergus, his Throat Thrust.

Franco stomped both O’Tooles a few more times before exiting the ring.

Edward Findleton: I think Franco Mancini has snapped…and I think this is the end of the Trans-Atlantic Family.

THE Casey Gains: The Insomniac is going to have to deal with a very angry Franco next week.

Edward Findleton: Well up next we’re getting some…St. Pierre party? 

The production crew had wheeled to the top of the ramp a very large box wrapped in blue wrapping paper, white ribbon and a red bow. Moments later, St. Pierre’s music hit and he came down to the ring with Crash and Oden.

Frederic St. Pierre: Merci! Merci! Next week, I have the match of my life against Mitchell Row at One Way Trip. And apparently, my good friend Liam has decided to put together a show! Presents and…a video? So let’s watch!

A voiceover of Lovable Liam started, as pictures and videos of a young Frederic St. Pierre played on the jumbotron.

Lovable Liam: Frederic St. Pierre. When you hear that name, you think class. You think skill. You think France and baguettes. But he is more than that. Frederic St. Pierre…is a champion. The longest reigning HAW National Champion. My former tag team champion, and the soon to be-be-be-be-be-be

The audio started to skip as the jumbotron video distorted, before going to black. St. Pierre, Crash, and Oden looked around in confusion. The jumbotron came back on with a very close up shot of Scarred Badger’s face looking into the lens, a crack across the glass. He turned the camera around and began to video Mitchell Row, who was standing outside the HAW production truck.

Mitchell Row: Good evening Frederic. Sorry to interrupt your little video, but I figured maybe you’d want to see a behind the scenes making of feature! Let’s go into production!

Row entered the truck, and Liam was laid out across the controls, unconscious.

Mitchell Row: Hey, no sleeping on the job Liam! …Liam? Oh no, he’s out cold! Technical difficulties, sorry St. Pierre, looks like your movie isn’t being shown tonight.

St. Pierre started to exit the ring with the remaining Muscle Gang while on screenRow left the production truck and went outside, where he went to Kitty Kayleen in a wheel chair.

Mitchell Row: But hey, you hurt someone I cared about…I just repaid the favor. But Frederic, if you’re coming to stop me, it’s too late. You should stay back.

The Musclegang all stopped at the top of the ramp.

Mitchell Row: See, I’m using the television magic right now. I hear Niko Green’s music playing now, so you’re probably watching this happen 20 minutes later. But don’t be sad! Even though we’re long gone, I thought “outside of the box” and left you a present! See you next week Frederic!

The video cut, and back on the stage, St. Pierre looked over at the large present. He started to unwrap it, revealing a large wooden box with a door. Frederic opened it, and Liam fell out of the box onto the ground, still unconscious. The MuscleGang quickly went to aid him.

Edward Findleton: A vicious statement by Mitchell Row….

THE Casey Gains: Both of these guys are viewing this match personally now.

Edward Findleton: Agreed Casey. We’re out of time but next week, we’ll see this personal World Championship match come to a conclusion at One Way Trip!

~~~~~~~~

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HAW Flickr Gallery

 Dark Matches: Kherti Bhakta defeated Dixie Boyle, Kyle Higgins defeated Caleb Wonder

The HAW Theme played to start the show.

Edward Findleton: Welcome to HAW! We’re in Philadelphia tonight, with a main event of Scarred Badger taking on number one contender Frederic St. Pierre!

The Navigator’s music started up and the crowd began to boo.

THE Casey Gains: It looks like we don’t have to wait long to see the after match of last week, the new tag team champions are here!

Aiden North and Pete Arrow walked out, dragging the Tag Team titles along the ground with them as they got to the ring and prepared to speak.

Aiden North: I have to ask…why are you booing us?

The crowd began to boo louder.

Aiden North: All we did was win a match! Hell, we are restoring respect to tag team wrestling, and mercifully ended this mockery, excuse me, “cinderella run,” of Miller and Trailor.

Pete Arrow: You see, we have a goal, and that’s raising the respect level of tag teams. I’m going to let everyone watching in on a little secret. Remember when the the big news broke? The Navigators are free agents? Where will they go? Who will be lucky enough to sign them? Well, how about we just tell you the truth.

Aiden North: Our last job, they didn’t want us back. We made their tag division the most talked about tag division in the world, and we were cut. But thankfully, in the chaos off all the crappy indie offers for $50 dollars a night, we got an offer from…HAW!

Pete Arrow: Yep. What a great offer….a paycut. On a one year “prove it” deal. This is PROOF! Proof, that no one respects tag team wrestling.

Aiden North: We signed it, we need money to survive, don’t judge us. But Pete and I made a promise. We will come to HAW and win these tag team titles, through any means possible. And then, we will hold these babies hostage until contract renegotiation time. HAW wants their tag titles back? Then pay us!

Pete Arrow: Pay us, and bring respect back to tag team wrestling!

At that point, Douglas Brunswick’s music play, and he came out to the top of the ramp with Mayor Briggs.

Douglas Brunswick: I need a moment to get this straight. Did I hear this correctly? Briggs, can you recap this for me?

Mayor Briggs: Of course mate! See, their plan is to come to HAW, beat one bloke who don’t know where he is and another where he don’t know where’s from, then come out a week later and declare war on their employer for the entire year.

Douglas Brunswick: And Briggs, you’re a pretty innovative guy, how smart is that?

Mayor Briggs: Complete stupidity if you ask me. Logically, if you were to play the ransom card, then wait until maybe the last month to announce your evil plan, instead of the start of the year?

Pete Arrow: It’s more than just money, it’s about bringing respect to all tag team wrestlers! But it figures that two singles wrestlers who paired up wouldn’t understand.

Douglas Brunswick: Really? Because I’m quite sure Briggs and I can defeat both of you easily.

Aiden North: If this is a challenge, then guess what? We accept. The Navigators defend against two guys who don’t even have a team name at One Way Trip.

Douglas Brunswick: Deal. We look forward to seeing your plan end in its first month.

Briggs and Brunswick went to the back, while the Navigators seemed unimpressed.

Backstage, Penny “The Hammer” Downs was eating at a table in the catering area, still rubbing her head. Sekino then walked into view and sat down next to Penny with a food tray of her own.

Sekino: This is not taken, right? No? I thought not.

Penny: …I don’t want any trouble.

Sekino laughed a bit and shook her head.

Sekino: I don’t want any trouble either! How about this? Let’s be friends. Let’s trade food.

Penny: …Ok.

Penny pushed her food over towards Sekino reluctantly. Sekino then “dropped” her tray of food on the ground.

Sekino: Oh, I am sorry! 

Sekino picked the food off the ground, put it back on the tray, and handed it to Penny, who looked at it in disgust.

Sekino: You don’t want what I offered you? Are you not my friend? Eat the food.

Penny slowly picked up a jumbled up sandwich, and took one bite, as Sekino laughed.

Sekino: Good! You’ve shown what a great friend you are! I will see you again soon.

Sekino picked up the tray she acquired and dumped all the food into the garbage before walking off. Penny buried her head in her hands, when a man in a black cloak, his face mostly obscured but bits of long blonde hair peaking through, sat down next to her.

Cloaked Man: I’ve had my eye on that one for a while...Not her biggest fan. You know what you should do? Make a statement next week. Show her you aren’t weak, and make HER regret meeting YOU.

Penny: ….Who are you?

Cloaked Man: Doesn’t matter, just thought you can use some advice.

The cloaked man stood up and walked away, as Penny sat there pondering his words.

Back at ringside, Peter “Carnage” Horn’s music played, and he came out with Alfred Karneus, who talked as they walked down to the ring.

Alfred Karneus: Peter “Carnage” Horn went undefeated last year, and he will do it again this year. Eleven men tried, all failed. Tonight, another name gets added to the Book of Carnage!

His opponent would be Ninja of Club Corruption, who made his entrance with Night Prince.

Edward Findleton: Well, last year Night Prince and Ninja were happy when Horn faced Danny Miller, I’m not sure they’re feeling now, especially Ninja!

The match began, but Horn dominated, defeating Ninja in just 1:31 with a Side Sitout Powerslam. Karneus wrote Ninja’s name into Chapter 12, and the wrestler and manager exited the ring.

Edward Findleton: Another dominant performance by Peter “Carnage” Horn!

THE Casey Gains: He may legit beat every wrestler in this company, there’s no stopping him. 

Edward Findleton: Well folks, we have some big news! As we saw last week, this group called “The Stable” won a match making them the number one contenders for the HAW Women’s Tag Team Titles! It’s officially going to be Hazel Glover and Jenna Ingram vs Lela LaCruse and Phueng Ahunai!

At that moment, the Biofuel Engineers’ music started to play, and Sydney Mason and Dalton Elkins walked out, proudly holding the HAW Women’s Titles in the air. Moments later an annoyed Lela and Phueng followed, and all four grabbed microphones.

Dalton Elkins: Give it up for your new Tag Team Champions! Let’s hear some noise! 

Dalton and Sydney once again raised the titles over their head, but the crowd booed them.

Sydney Mason: Last season it was a hard fought match, but we came out on top when my boy Dalton here did the unthinkable and pinned Smiling Sally!

Dalton Elkins: One of the greatest accomplishments of our career! Thank you Philadelphia! It means a lot!

At that point, The Stable started to make their way out onto the stage, but Zoey Chambers quickly stopped Jenna and Hazel. She ran backstage, Jenna and Hazel standing awkwardly and looking confused. After a few seconds, the Stable’s music started to play and Zoey came out with a thumbs up, now leading the group to the ring. The Stable confronted Biofuel and Exotic Delights and Zoey approached Sydney, and lifted the mic in his hand up to her mouth.

Zoey Chambers: Do you mind if we borrow this? Yoo have four microphones, we forgot to bring one. You can have it back after, we’re sorry!

Sydney laughed and handed the microphone over, as Zoey motioned for the other Stable members to get in close so they could all speak into it.

Hazel Glover: Do we have to turn it on?

Jenna Ingram: It’s on! He just spoke in it a second ago!

Hazel Glover: Oh! I heard you just now! 

Zoey Chambers: Testing 1-2-3!

Jenna Ingram: Are you kidding me? We just established it works.

Zoey Chambers: But you need to say testing for it to be official. ANYWAY Exotic Delights, we have one message for you!

Jenna rolled her eyes.

Jenna Ingram: You’re.

Zoey Chambers: GOING!

Hazel Glover: …Down?

Zoey Chambers: Mic Drop!

Zoey dropped the mic on the ground and began to walk away, Jenna following. Hazel picked the microphone back up.

Hazel Glover: Here you go Mr. Mason. I hope we didn’t damage it.

Hazel handed it back to a perplexed Sydney Mason and exited the ring with The Stable. 

Lela: Hold it! Hold up! That was your message to us?

The Stable stopped midway up the ramp, looked at each other, then nodded back at Lela.

Lela: You just come out and say we’re going down? You’re not sending a message? Do you even take this seriously?

Phueng: They don’t. And that’s ok. We take you three seriously. We’re taking this very seriously. Everyone thinks The Exotic Delights are a joke because these two guys pinned Smiling Sally. Guess what? We’re not a joke! And we’re going to prove it!

Lela: We don’t need guys, we don’t need amateurs, we just need to show the world, once again, don’t underestimate us.

Phueng: And also, you don’t actually say “Mic Drop” when doing it!

Zoey seemed to cringe at that, but nodded, and The Stable continued up the ramp. Lela and Phueng forcefully took the titles from the Biofuel Engineers, and departed as well with them.

Edward Findleton: Well….that really raised the stakes in this match, wouldn’t you agree Casey?

THE Casey Gains: …Wait, do your notes say “Phrases to say when unsure of a segment?”

Edward Findleton: Looks like Gregory Greystone is backstage with The Iconoclast! Let’s check in with Gregory!

Backstage, Gregory was indeed with the Iconoclast.

Gregory Greystone: Hello ladies and gentlemen! Iconoclast, you declared yourself a singles wrestler when you attacked Viking last year. What goals do you hope to accomplish this year?

The Iconoclast:  Goals? Gregory, I have one goal. Complete domination of the HAW roster.  For too long, I’ve been ignored. For too long, I-

Iconoclast was cut off, as Viking attacked him out of nowhere. Viking continued the assault, throwing The Iconoclast into the set, and choking him with wires. Viking then grabbed the Iconoclast, picked him up, and delivered the Throat Toss through a nearby table.

Viking: I didn’t forget last year. I hope you didn’t either. Because I want a fair match. I want to meet you in the ring, where we will go out in a blaze of glory. If you accept…I challenge you to a Viking Funeral match.

With that, Viking walked away, as backstage staff attended to The Iconoclast.

Edward Findleton: A Viking Funeral match? Sounds like fun!

THE Casey Gains: I can see your notes Edward!

The Insomniac’s music started to play, and out came Kenneth Cobb, warming up for his match. The Trans-Atlantic Family came out next, as Sean O’Toole was accompanied by Fergus and Franco.

An even match took place, but Cobb locked in the Sleeper Hold in 9;21 to pick up the victory.

The Insomniac exited the ring smiling, while Franco and Fergus slid into the ring. Fergus started to help Sean up and motioned for Franco to help, but Franco simply stared down at Sean, a look of disappointment on his face. Sean finally got to hit feet, and Fergus helped him out of the ring, with Franco looking on, before following the O’Tooles to the back.

As the ring cleared, King Donovan’s music began to play, and he made his way out with Bigg Pimpin’ Alex. The two grabbed microphones and walked into the ring.

King Donovan: My loyal subjects, if you do not know…I am King Donovan! The last time I was across the pond here, I won championship gold. I returned home and conquered opponents there, quite frankly, growing bored. And that’s when I got a phone call from my friend, Alex.

Bigg Pimpin Alex: I’ve always been a fan of King Donovan’s work. This man is one of the best fighters in the world, and yet he is never given the proper respect. I still had some connections in HAW, I made some calls. King Donovan is here, and will be the new HAW National Champion!

Pastor James: Hold up!

Pastor James came running out from the back and rushing down to the ring. He put his arms up indicating he didn’t mean to fight.

Pastor James: Donovan-

King Donovan: KING…Donovan

Pastor James: My sincere apologies. Self proclaimed King Donovan. We got off on the wrong foot. Now my grandpop always used to say, you can’t change a first impression. But I beg you, man to man, hear me out. I completely misunderstood you. You are a great man! So interesting, so…courageous! You’re a model citizen, someone I’d like to get to know better. So I propose next week…we become tag team partners! What do you say?

Bigg Pimpin’ Alex: Do you think we’re idiots? Why would he agree to that?

Pastor James: Donovan, look at me. What I’m about to say is the truth and if it isn’t the Lord may strike me down right now. But you need to listen to me over him because that man you’re working with? That man….is….Lord forgive me for saying this word,

Pastor James looked around, lowered his head and whispered.

Pastor James: ….A pimp.

King Donovan started to laugh, and slapped Pastor James on the arm, who winced.

King Donovan: You know what? You’re absolutely right. I can’t say no to this. Let’s team up next week. I look forward to it.

Pastor James: And no Alex at ringside!

King Donovan: Self proclaimed Pastor, with you and I together, who needs him?

James smiled and slapped King Donovan on the arm now, who laughed and slapped James much harder across the back, causing James to look like the wind was knocked out of him. Donovan turned and left with James, as Alex shrugged and departed on his own.

Edward Findleton: So we have a tag match next! Pastor James and King Donovan versus unknown opponents! 

THE Casey Gains: I guarantee that’s going to be a 100% clean match with no shenanigans taking place, Edward. None at all.

Edward Findleton: Well this next match will probably fit that bill too! It’s our main event, Frederic St. Pierre vs Scarred Badger!

St. Pierre entered first, accompanied by the MuscleGang, while Scarred Badger had Mitchell Row and Kitty Kayleen with him.

St. Pierre had much of the control in the match, and cleanly pinned Badger with the Butterfly DDT in 7:54.

The rest of the Musclegang got in the ring to celebrate with him, but Row grabbed a microphone outside the ring.

Mitchell Row: Congratulations buddy. You won a match! Don’t stop celebrating, continue! Enjoy it because this is the only time you’ll be celebrating.You hit me with that Butterfly DDT last week. I’m glad. I now know what I’m up against, and quite frankly, I’m not afraid. You’re one of the most skilled, technical wrestlers I’ve seen. But that’s all you are. Liam has the charisma. Oden has the size. Crash has the endurance, and you? The Finesse. If the MuscleGang combined, you would be the perfect wrestler. And that’s when I realized…if the MuscleGang combined? You would be….Me. So good luck Frederic. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame I’m going to give you.

Row helped Badger, and he began to leave with Kitty and Badger. St. Pierre looked angry, and exited the ring to follow them up. St. Pierre caught up to them at the top of the ramp, and hit Row in the back, Badger falling to the ground. St. Pierre hit a few more strikes on Mitchell Row, who crawled to the edge of the stage before stopping at the edge. Frederic sized up Row, waiting for him to get to his feet, when Kitty charged at St. Pierre. Frederic saw her coming and dodged her attack, but her momentum caused her to continue forward and fall off the stage. As she landed on the floor, her leg buckled, screaming in pain and grabbing her ankle.

Immediately Frederic hurried down to check on her, and moments later, Row came as well. He pushed St. Pierre aside, who looked upset.

Mitchell Row: What did you do?!

Row lifted Kitty up into his arms, and hurried to the back, leaving Frederic St. Pierre looking down at the ground, disappointed at the final result.

~~~~~~~~

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