Post by Staff on Apr 2, 2024 6:57:54 GMT
LIVE! From Reading
Monday 1st April
A recap was shown of the Sean Parker and Flynn Howell incident from earlier in the day before switching to the arena and the fans in attendance. The opening theme from Taylor Swift screeched to a grinding halt, much to the dismay of the natives in attendance.
Suddenly ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ hit the speakers and out came the new Television Champion Tater slapping his knee and linking arms with the fans in the front row, spilling it over into ringside. It was pandemonium as half the crowd started dancing around the place creating a giant barn dance that nobody expected but everybody wanted. He entered the ring and pulled a mic from his pocket. He hyped the crowd and promised to be a hell of a Television Champion. He said tonight was going to be a stern test against a difficult opponent but Tater had it in him to leave Reading with the belt and take it forward.
Suddenly ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ hit the speakers and out came the new Television Champion Tater slapping his knee and linking arms with the fans in the front row, spilling it over into ringside. It was pandemonium as half the crowd started dancing around the place creating a giant barn dance that nobody expected but everybody wanted. He entered the ring and pulled a mic from his pocket. He hyped the crowd and promised to be a hell of a Television Champion. He said tonight was going to be a stern test against a difficult opponent but Tater had it in him to leave Reading with the belt and take it forward.
IN THE RING
After the crowd had settled down and returned to their seats, and Tater had returned to the back, Frank James came out to greet the fans. He said he had some urgent announcements to make. First up was the already broken news of the new Television Tag Team Titles. He had decided the first match for these belts should be a great one, and he had personally selected The Rogues Gallery to face Andrew Raynes and Duke Andrews! He then went on to make the second big announcement, one which had also been released earlier in the week. He was stepping down as General Manager of Five Lakes Wrestling with immediate effect. As the NAWL continues to grow he will oversee both companies and leave the day to day running to someone new. That person was here tonight and someone they all knew well. He then introduced the new General Manager, Nigel ‘Journeyman’ Phillips. Out stepped the veteran grappler, smartly dressed, who shook James’ hand. The crowd weren’t happy and let it be known. James assured them that Phillips has been in professional wrestling for a long time, and wrestled all over all the world. He knew better than anyone what it takes to promote great wrestling and steer this ship.
Phillips acknowledged that he hadn’t always done things by the book and maybe looked out for his own interests at times. But now he was only going to look out for the fans, and give them the matches they want to see. James welcomed this and said from this point on Phillips makes all the key decisions regarding 5LW.
NEWCOMERS BATTLE ROYAL
WINNER TO RECEIVE A SHOT AT THE TELEVISION TITLE
Feat. Cozy Kazama, Ryn Ruin, Donovan Basch, Danielle Basch, Archie Collins, Raymond Blackwood, Ginny Kayl, Patti Rose, Flynn Howell, Scarlett Howell, Corsen Howell, Serenity Holmes
With everyone in the ring Nigel Phillips came out onto the entrance ramp and personally welcomed them to the company. He knew many of the people in this match has what it takes to make it to the top and that it was him who had made the decision to reward the winner with a Television Title shot for that very reason. With that in mind he wanted to make this a Battle Royal one that nobody ever forgets. So he was bringing back a former 5LW superstar. Don’t worry, he said, it’s not Khloe Bell. Or any of the other weirdos. He then welcomed out the 7 feet 2 Kanaka Mauna. ‘The Hawaiian Giant’ was forced to retire when losing to Ryan Samuels back in 2023, but had been reinstated as of today. There was a mixed reception from the crowd, and a few grumbles from inside the ring as the colossal Mauna made his entrance, stepping over the ropes to tower over his opponents. The match then gotunderway and the first one to go was Patti Rose, who was eliminated by Scarlett Howell after grabbing her by the mullet. Cozy Kazama was then eliminated by an Archie Collins Powerbomb to the outside. Collins was on the war path now. Scarlett Howell was then eliminated by an Archie Collins clothesline. Soon after though his partner Raymond Blackwood was eliminated by Donovan Basch from behind. After appearing to be in control as they fought around the ring Ryn Ruin was given a surprise elimination by Ginny Kayl. Revenge for their match the previous week. Kanaka Mauna was causing havoc but nobody could eliminate the big man. That was until he went toe to toe with Donovan Basch. The crowd then cheered as Kanaka Mauna was eliminated by a Donovan Basch clothesline. However in a bizarre turn of events, no sooner had he achieved the unexpected Donovan Basch was eliminated from behind by his wife Danielle Basch. Ginny Kayl was then eliminated by the debuting Serenity Holmes after a good back and forth. Flynn Howell was doing his best to get under the skin of his opponents and after working in tandem with his sister to try and get rid of Archie Collins, but then he (Flynn Howell) was eliminated on the sly by Corsen Howell! Meanwhile on the other side of the ring Danielle Basch was eliminated by a Serenity Holmes dropkick. The opportunity was seized immediately after though as Serenity Holmes was eliminated by Archie Collins when he threw her over the ropes. With just two left Corsen Howell snuck up behind him and hit a low blow before hoisting the legs of Archie Collins up and over the ropes. As Archie Collins was eliminated by Corsen Howell she staggered back into the ropes in disbelief before celebrating this well earned, albeit perhaps the unlikeliest of victories.
Winner: Corsen Howell (No. 1 Contender to the Television Title)
BACKSTAGE
Ryan Samuels was backstage knocking furiously on the door of Nigel Phillips. Phillips opened and Samuels came tumbling through the door, which only fuelled his anger even more so. He demanded to know why Kanaka Mauna had been reinstated. Samuels retired him and then beat his ass when he returned, under a mask, with Phillips! Samuels suggested he beats both their asses again, but Phillips advised this was not a wise idea, given his new position of power. Samuels scowled, then changed the conversation. He would beat down Mauna another day, right now he wanted to fight Alejandro Rivera. Samuels thought that Openweight Title would look much better round his waist than Rivera’s fat sweaty hips. Funnily enough he feels the same way about you and your Brass Kuckles belt, replied Phillips. Unfortunately for him though there’s a mandatory challenger for his (Samuels) championship in Jack McGrath. The ignorant Samuels had no idea who that was, despite already facing him back in January. ‘The man with the eye patch,’ said Phillips, confident that would jog his memory. Samuels shrugged. ‘You beat him in the Brass Knuckles Title tournament.’ ‘God damn you British buffoon,’ bellowed Samuels. ‘I would know if I done beat some guy with half his face missing!’ Phillips shook his head. And then he had an idea. Next week Samuels and Rivera would get their match. With both the Brass Knuckles and Openweight Titles on the line. However, McGrath has earned his shot and would be in the match too. Someone will be leaving Philadelphia with two belts..
LOW CARD
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH
Tater (c) v Andrew Garrison
Tater and Garrison put on a great fight, two heavyweights knocking seven bells out of one another. Former champion Garrison has unfinished business with the belt but that business won’t be dealt with today as Tater finished an even out with the TATER TOT (Bull Hammer)!
Winner: Tater (Still Television Champion)
BACKSTAGE
We go to the backstage area where Colin Moriarty and Koriand’r Violet are having a discussion, the two of them exchanging glances as they discuss the championship situation.
Colin Moriarty: “I know you wanted the championship back, and I promise, one way or another it will be yours. But tonight, I have a chance, love. A chance to be Undisputed Champion, my first ever chance, and I don’t intend to mess it up.”
Koriand’r Violet: “I get it.”
He stopped for a moment and leaned down, looking her in the face and shaking his head.
Colin Moriarty: “Listen, we’re both championship caliber athletes, the both of us, we knew that when we got together. I supported you through your success, when I succeed, I know you’ll support me through mine…”
Then came a brief thought of another possible reality given the multiple factors involved in the match, all of which made him consider a possible third option.
Colin Moriarty: “The third option is that big oaf Silas gets in my way, and I just end up softening up Vanessa for you in the long run…”
That shifted her face to a big smile as she wrapped her arms around him, and his around her waist, resting on her behind as the two smiled at one another.
Koriand’r Violet: “You’d do that for me?”
Colin Moriarty: “If it comes to it, you know I would…”
The two shared a quick kiss, as the scene fades with the happy couple plotting either a victory, or a champions downfall all at the same time.
PRE MATCH
With all competitors in the ring Marisol Vilaro came out onto the entrance ramp. She was here to see what wrestler was going to get a boost in their career when she beats them. Reading was of course the home county of Taylor Swift, who had probably not come back she since she earned a bit of money and could afford to get out of town, she said. So she was honoured to sprinkle her own bit of star dust on them, and give them that much needed inspiration to climb their way out of poverty.
LOWER MID CARD
NORTH AMERICAN TITLE NO. 1 CONTENDERS MATCH
Arsyn Next v Zara Walker v Indie Legends v Callie Renton
A huge opportunity for these four women now as they stand in each corner of the ring waiting for the bell. With each of them having a win and a defeat against one of the others there was plenty of familiarity and animosity to add fuel to the fire. Zara had a close two count early on after a surpris one-armed Neckbreaker Slam on Indie, but Next was on hand to to break the pin. Renton, a former Television champion, who has previously challenged for the North American strap, had several agonising two counts to line up another shot. It looked like Next was going to pull this off with a Fyre Flip (Backflip Reverse DDT) on Walker but Indie appeared underneath the ropes to steal the win with The Pinup Girl (Pin Up Strong). The finest of margins can decide these matches but the fourth generation superstar finds herself in line to challenge for Vilaro’s throne, as she paraded her belt over her shoulder, while Indie motioned that it would soon be around her waist.
Winner: Indie Legends (New No. 1 Contender to the North American Title)
BACKSTAGE
The Red Lock Legion are with Emma Harrington. Harrington was very interested in speaking to Corsen about her win tonight but Flynn had other ideas. He talked about how he was going to be keeping an eye on the Junior Heavyweight Title match, because he should be in it and will eventually beat the champion anyway. Harrington again tried to get Corsen’s views on that impressive win but Flynn again interrupted. He said it was all part of the plan to ensure Corsen won, as they set about their dominance of this company. Harrington tried a third time to get her opinion but she was whisked away after Scarlett and Flynn decided the interview was over.
MID CARD
TABLES MATCH
Ryan Samuels v Chris Styles
Long term rivals Samuels and Styles are reacquainted as several tables are lined up around the ring. Last time Styles got the win after Kanaka Mauna distracted the Midwest Nightmare but this time around, despite knowingly being in the building, he did not appear. Samuels spent half the match looking up at the ramp expecting the unexpected but Mauna never appeared. Whether that appeased the cowboy or disappointed him is another question but he put this one to bed with a Powerbomb on Styles through the tables for the win, picking him up and driving a Lariat to the gullet for good measure to piss off the fans. When he finished Nigel ‘Journeyman’ Phillips stood on top of the entrance ramp, somewhat smirking but shaking his head simultaneously.
Winner: Ryan Samuels
BACKSTAGE
Nigel ‘Journeyman’ Phillips was backstage with interviewer Emma Harrington and already we get the impression he’s going to be on screen a lot in the coming weeks. Phillips said he has been sat in the back drafting up a great card for the next two shows in Philadelphia. He has decided that there is going to be an amendment to the Television Tag Team Title match. Instead of The Rogues Gallery facing Andrew Raynes and Duke Andrews, instead they (Rogues Gallery) will face Archie Collins and Raymond Blackwood, aka Hook // Grapple. Harrington asked him if this has anything to do with the fact he doesn’t see eye to eye with Raynes, but he dismissed this with a wry smile. He said it was only right the first match involved two actual teams and not a ‘couple of random blokes thrown together for the night’. He also said there was going to be a big announcement at the end of the night around the Undisputed Title.
UPPER MID CARD
JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Gabriel Landry v Sean Parker
The inaugural Junior Heavyweight Title match needed no introduction or hype, as the two specially chosen competitors came face to face in the centre of the ring. These two were no strangers, having crossed passed paths in other promotions in years gone by. As things got underway it was massively prevalent why they were chosen to put this new division on the platform it deserved, with multiple high risk manoeuvres and high flying moves one display throughout. Landry, for all his cold flaws and easily discernible traits proved to be the great wrestler people know he can be, while Parker showed why he calls himself the ‘King of the Skies’ with exquisite dives from the top turnbuckle. But Landry had the last laugh here in what will no doubt be the first of many encounters, reversing a Masamune Decapitation into a Diving Tornado DDT for the win.
Winner: Gabriel Landry (New Junior Heavyweight Champion)
BACKSTAGE
Gwen and Monty Margolis were heading to the ring when they came face to face with the new General Manager, Nigel Phillips. Gwen nodded, more focused on the match and uninterested in any small talk but Monty stopped to shake his hand as the two old timers exchanged a few inaudible words. The screen then split to show their opponents in their locker room, Tag Team Titles around their waists, preparing for the match ahead.
HEADLINER
TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Myra Rivers & Chelsea LeClair (c) v Illuminati PROJEKT
A first defence for the champions for LeClair & Rivers after impressively beating three teams to claim the belts back in February. Illuminati PROJEKT have their own story to tell though after their own tag team dream was unceremoniously ripped to shreds by Vilaro and Landry at the first hurdle. Gwen has set about personally righting that wrong against the new current holders, despite the fact it wasn't them who wronged them, and with singles victories over both competitors she more than earned her right at least to challenge for the belts they lost. But a valiant fight, and predictably even one, did not go the way she hoped with as LeClair and Rivers synced up superbly to rightfully earn themselves top spot in the division when LeClair pinned Monty after a mistake with a Jersey Drop (Diamond Cutter)!
Winners: Myra Rivers & Chelsea LeClair (Still Tag Team Champions)
BACKSTAGE
Gwen and Monty were backstage in their locker room. Monty, ever the gentlemen and consummate pro, put his arms on the shoulders of his niece, the girl he had watched grow. The girl he had trained and parented into the woman she was today. She had beaten two top tier superstars in recent weeks in Rivers and LeClair. Few could achieve that feat against such talented wrestlers. And yet they had fallen short at their attempt to reclaim the Tag Team Titles. He couldn’t help but think he was holding her back, telling her so, in no uncertain terms. Gwen was hesitant to agree, but Monty gave her no alternative. It was time for him to step away from the sport, temporarily, and focus on his personal life, but at the same time allow her to become the talent he knew she would someday be. They embraced momentarily as the cameras cut back to ringside for the Main Event.
MAIN EVENT
UNDISPUTED TITLE MATCH
Vanessa Reckless (c) v Silas Romero v Colin Moriarty
Reckless finally defends her crown after 3 months of waiting and gets not one, but two rivals in the process. Moriarty and Romero earned their rights respectively and as all three entered the ring there was an audible silence for the importance of this match up. 5LW has existed for 8 months now, and in that thime this was only the fourth Undisputed Title match, including the inaugural match, won by Moriarty’s beau, none the less, in Kore Violet. This was going to be hotly contested match up, and everyone was ready for it.
Unsurprisingly it did not disappoint, all three fighters going at it, pound for pound, flesh for flesh. Romero, unsurprisingly here, had the crowd on his side. He never courted it but often found himself in these situations. As he fought off Vanessa, and Moriarty, a man he unequivocally revered for much of this match up. But three was a crowd, as the saying goes and he could not fight them them both, especially when they were intent on fighting each other also in search of the win. Moriarty forced Reckless to kick out of his PALE HAND OF DEATH (Sitout Chokeslam) but soon after found himself on the receiving end of a GKFO (Ripcord Rolling Elbow)! Romero went for the pin but he too kicked out. Nessa hit him with her We All Fall Down (Double Knee Backbreaker) and he rolled out the ring before launching a brutal curb stomp on Moriarty to retain the title.
Winner: Vanessa Reckless (Still Undisputed Champion)
IN THE RING
‘The Day is My Enemy’ by The Prodigy hit as Nigel Phillips came out for the final time tonight. He congratulated Nessa on her victory. Defeating two elite wrestlers in Romero AND Moriarty was a great achievement, and he expected them both to be back in the title picture very quickly. However she was reigned now for 3 months and tonight was her first defence. This can’t be the case moving forward. The Undisputed Title will be defended a lot more often from now on. He will be watching the roster closely at all times to decide who is ready to step up and challenge. First up though will be the match she wants most. The match everybody wants to see. Current champion versus former champion. In two weeks time it will be Vanessa Reckless versus Kore Violet for the Undisputed Championship. He is banning EVERYONE from ringside for this match and this time there will be nobody to get in the middle of them. Reckless rubbed her hands together, but was immediately jumped from behind by Moriarty and hit with another Pale Hand of Death. He looked down and snarled, intent on inflicting further damage but was then sent flying out the ring by Romero, who whether intentionally or not had saved her from further punishment. Silas pointed at him across the ropes, bad mouthing one another as the night came to a close.