Post by Admin on May 22, 2020 14:07:40 GMT
[Parking Lot.]
A black limo rolls up, and the driver scoots out to open the back door.
[Sato Watanabe.]
Sato is wearing a three piece suit, looking like he could be a part owner of the NAWC with the way he carries himself. He steps aside, and allows for his men to exit the limo.
[Kano Ito.]
[Tetsu Kondo.]
[The Shining Stars.]
The duo exit the limo, carrying their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships with them. Their matching black track suits have their names embroidered on their lapel. Ito screams in Japanese before he leaps in the air and executes a beautiful spin kick that nearly wipes the camera man out. Kondo sneers, as he pats Sato on the shoulder. As the three men approach, the camera pans back to see the owner of the NAWC - Matthew Saunders waiting for them.
Saunders extends a nod to the three of them, before opening the door to allow them to enter. Sato hangs back for a moment to have a word with Saunders, while Ito and Kondo walk through. Saunders asks Sato if 'there was an issue?'
Sato said that he always knew Saunders was about doing business, and that he was very happy with the concessions that Saunders had made to bring them to Canada for tonight's show. Saunders smiled, and said that they had some very valuable items that meant a lot to Gus, and to him. He also said, that Tag Wars wouldn't be the same without them, since he viewed them as one of the more dominant duos in the organization.
Sato said that his men have been training hard for this, and that if he has to get involved tonight to keep the odds even - he planned to do so. Saunders remarked that he figured that might be the case, and was hoping that if Bloodline we're going to continue using the numbers to their advantage, that he suspected Watanabe might have something to say about that.
--
[In the Arena.]
[Karl Hagen.]
Karl took the opportunity to run through a list of his most recent accomplishments as the successor to his father's company. Karl then spoke glowingly about the evolution in the career of his two sons, and how they were destined for greatness. It was here that Karl did his best Jim Cornette Impression by introducing his two son's in the most formidable way possible. Bursting through the curtain were Bennet and Hoyt, collectively known as the Hagen Boyz.
This match was dubbed the clash between siblings - as Hoyt and Bennet were set to wrestle The Roughnecks, who also happen to be brothers who enjoy a good fight. On cue, Myles and Martin hit the ring, and they were looking to FIGHT.
--
Tag Team Match
20 Minute Time Limit
The Roughnecks vs. The Hagen Boyz
--
The referee wasn't able to establish control of the match until nearly two minutes in. Myles and Martin seemed to have taken exception to what the Hagen clan stood for, and were taking the fight to them as if they'd stolen something from them. Perhaps their contrasting styles was the motivator, perhaps it was their father Karl's complete lack of respect for his own father - or maybe it's just because the Roughnecks enjoy a good tussle.
Karl Hagen was all over the referee, as he was unable to control the wild duo, but also because his boyz were on the receiving end of the onslaught and couldn't seem to solve the fury. Finally Karl pulled Hoyt aside, and told him not to fight their fight, and to use strategy. In the interim, Bennet was getting rocked, and ended up being clotheslined into the first row from the other side of the guardrail.
If there were fans in the arena, they would certainly be on their feet.
As Karl struggled to reach his sons from a strategy perspective, he resorted to slandering Myles and Martin, and even getting up on the apron threatening to get into the ring. Martin went as far as to sit on the middle rope to allow Karl to walk through it. By then Hoyt had cleared the cobwebs enough to roll under the opposite side of the ring and attempt to blindside Myles. His efforts were unsuccessful and the war raged onward.
to his credit, Karl Hagen seemed to understand that this situation benefitted their opponents much more then it did themselves - so he tried to cut every corner possible to help provide a lift for his sons. It started to work, as The Roughnecks almost seemed more interested in teaching Karl a lesson, that they ended up getting a little sloppy. Their cardinal mistake was allowing Karl to get into their heads, and that provided enough of a distraction that The Hagen Boyz were able to capitalize on.
At around the six minute mark, and after being beaten from pillar to post the entire way, it would be Myles that slipped up, as he bounced off the ropes, and turned his back to Karl, who opened up the middle rope, much like what was offered to hm earlier - and Myles spilled through the ropes onto the floor. The referee asked Karl if he had anything to do with it, which Karl said he didn't.
A low blow from Bennet followed, allowing his brother time to recover. Bennet picked Martin up in a pile driver position - and Hoyt slingshotted himself from the apron, to the top rope in his bare-feet - and he jumped forcefully towards his brother and they executed a perfectly timed spike pile driver. Hoyt turned the referee around so Bennet would cover and hook the leg. Just then, Myles Alexander tried to roll back into the ring, but Karl impeded his progress by holding onto his leg. All Myles could do was watch as the referee counted his brother's shoulder to the mat for a count of three.
Winners: The Hagen Boyz via Spike Piledriver (7:13)
Karl jumped in the air with passion and pizzazz - almost to an embarrassing degree. Hoyt and Bennet put him up on their shoulders and they mocked The Roughnecks from a distance. If you had just tuned in you would've assumed that the Hagen Boyz were the new North American Tag Team Champions - when in fact, they got their asses kicked for 6 and a half minutes, before they cheated their way to victory. Disgusting.
--
[Backstage.]
Matthew Saunders approached Gus Arnold just outside of his office. The two men exchanged a few words. Gus asked if The Shining Stars had arrived to which Saunders confirmed they had. Gus then asked if they brought the championship belts with them? Saunders replied that they had. Gus then went onto say that it was a concern of his that Saunders had set a dangerous precedent by succumbing to Sato's demands earlier in the month.
Saunders agreed, and said that this would be the ONLY time where such an instance would take place. Saunders then asked Gus if he had done what he had asked, and if he called Leon Van Zandt and Liam Beesley to be there. Gus said that they were both in the building. Saunders asked Gus to have both men come and see them by the main monitors backstage while the Imperial Crown Championship match was taking place. Gus seemed confused, and ask Saunders why? Saunders told Gus not to worry about it, and that whatever happens out there tonight, that he will take care of it.
Gus knew better than to ask, perhaps it was better if he didn't know what that last statement meant.
Gus then said he would find Leon and Liam, and bring them over to this area the building. Saunders nodded, before looking down at his phone, seemingly waiting to hear from someone.
--
Open Challenge
20 Minute Time Limit
The World Beaters vs. TBD
--
Jamal Williams and Reggie Taylor hit the ring randomly. Jamal and Reggie said that they were on a roll in Midwestern Pro Wrestling before the federation went on hiatus. Taylor reminded the viewers at home that they were also involved in last year's inaugural event, and felt that there was no better platform to announce their return to the NAWC, then at Tag Wars by accepting the open challenge laid out by the Former North American Tag Team Champions; The World Beaters.
[Boom.]
Just like that, Dave Thompson and Jason Brown emerged from behind the curtain. Both men looked extremely focused, as they took their time walking towards the ring. No pleasantries were exchanged, just pure focus. The referee called for the bell, and the match started. Just as it started, the end was near.
Dave Thompson is set to challenge for the top prize in CJW upon it's return, and he looked very impressive in this contest. A spear got things going, as Thompson floored Reggie Taylor. Jason Brown entered the ring, and ran towards Jamal Williams, and with a diving forearm smash, knocked Williams off of the apron, and sent him spiralling to the floor. The referee took the opportunity to start a five count, which Brown broke easily. Meanwhile Thompson had Reggie Taylor pressed over his head, and drove him down to the mat with extreme force.
Thompson mounted Taylor and rained down punches from the top position, before seamlessly transitioning to Taylor's lower half - and locked him up in a high elevated Single Leg Crab. The referee was in position and it wouldn't take long for Taylor to succumb to the pain and tap.
Winners: The World Beaters via Single Leg Crab (0:32)
--
Jason Brown entered the ring, and continued to encourage Dave, congratulating him on a dominant performance. Thompson and Brown took the opportunity to shout that 'they were going to start getting more familiar with these parts in the near future. Dave Thompson said that The World Beaters were still the best tag team in the NAWC, and they planned on taking trips all over North America to prove it.
--
[Backstage.]
Seemingly lost in all of the drama surrounding the event were the North American Tag Team Champions; Pressure Point. Bishop and Brewer seemed oblivious to what may or may not take place - and we're solely focused on the task at hand. Bishop reminded Brewer that even though Frank Dylan James and Joe Wolfe were a 'new team' that might still be trying to find chemistry - that it didn't take them long to gel together as a unit.
Brewer said that it helped knowing that Joe Wolfe was Dusty Griffith's protege, and that Dusty and Frank were very familiar with one and other's styles and mindset. Brewer felt that their opponents were completely capable of winning the North American Tag Team Championships if they weren't at their best.
Bishop said that he thought he ought to be the one to try and wrangle with 'FDJ', as his style might be better suited to slow down the West Virginia Whack Job.
Brewer agreed, siting Bishop's acumen on the ground, and how those skills might help immobilize the unpredictable Mastadon. Bishop said that Wolfe was a wildcard, and was full of momentum. Brewer said that he felt like under estimating him would be a major mistake, and that he was brought up the proper way in the business.
After a brief moment of silence, Bishop reiterated how important this opportunity was for the two of them. However they performed in this contest would say a lot about who they are, and where they were headed as a team. Up until now, The North American Championships were considered to be on their way to being recognized as the top championship in the industry, and it was their job to continue to elevate it beyond where it was when they picked it up.
[Fist Pump.]
--
[The Arena.]
[Bloodline.]
Esteban Fuentes and Manuel Mayorga made their way toward the ring, accompanied by Santiago Ortega. Bloodline made their debut at last year's Tag War event, and ran roughshod over the competition in Midwestern Pro Wrestling, while driving a wedge between MdM in A*P. In what was a huge swerve, Fuentes joined forces with Mayorga and Ortega to oust former leader Edgar Delgado from the group, and are now taking on a more neutralistic leadership approach.
Mayorga has been referred to as 'the future' while Fuentes would have to be viewed as 'the present' based on his run as Midwest Champion, as well as his encounters with the likes of Dusty Griffith.
As Kano and Tetsu followed their leader to the ring, they looked like they were prepared. They knew that the three men who stood across from them weren't above bending the rules to gain an advantage.
The referee approached Sato in gesture to raise the Imperial Crown Tag Team Titles high above his head to symbolize what this battle was for. Sato refused, and exited the ring, while still holding onto the championship gold. Before the referee could protest, it was the champions who rushed their opponents to get the match underway.
--
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship
30 Minute Time Limit
The Shining Stars(c) vs. Bloodline
--
The pace started out fast and furious. The Champions looked to gain an early edge in the match, with the plan to hold onto the lead for as long as possible. Fighting from behind is more likely to drain one's gas tank, and that seemed to be the strategy implored by the Champions early on.
Kondo and Mayorga were stiffing each other with strikes in the corner, while Fuentes and Ito put on a dazzling display of high acrobatics, with a myriad of counters and springboard attacks which went both ways. Eventually, Kondo knocked Mayorga out of the ring, as Ito was able to step away from Fuentes - ran at his partner, who launched him over the top rope onto Mayorga with a Plancha.
The referee instructed Kondo to continue as the legal man with Fuentes, and the traditional style tag team match got underway at around two minutes.
Sato was in the corner, shouting instructions to Kondo on how to immobilize Fuentes. It appeared as though Sato had been studying film on their opponents, and felt that there were weaknesses in Fuentes game that they could expose. Whether true or not, Bloodline has been pretty well undefeated since their inception, and haven't taken a step backward in the process.
Ortega was in the other corner, and he was mouthing off to Sato, trying to bait him into a fight - which was ignored for the most part. When Ortega looked to take a shot at Kondo from the apron, this drew Sato over to the neutral side of the ring, where he looked to help to play defence for his men.
At around the twelve minute mark, Mayorga and Fuentes looked to have their backs against the wall, as the champions really hadn't looked back from the opening bell. Ortega jumped up on the apron once again, which finally drew Sato over to the opposite side of the ring, and he looked to put an end to it once and for all. The referee was seemingly losing a bit of control, and allowed Sato and Ortega some rope to settle their differences. Ortega was out matched by the wiley veteran, which was proven when Sato Saito Suplexed him on the arena floor.
[Aaron Vasquez.]
All of the sudden, Aaron Vasquez hopped the guardrail and planted Sato with a double arm DDT on the concrete floor. Ito saw what was happening, so he ran the apron and attempted to take Vasquez out, but he was blistered with a stunning forearm strike while in mid-air. The referee was tied up in the ring with Kondo and Mayorga, as well as Fuentes who was taking advantage of the five count.
Vasquez went over to the corner of The Shining Stars and grabbed the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships. In the ring, Mayorga and Fuentes executed a double power bomb, to which Mayorga hit the top rope and came off with a nasty frog splash. He held the move for the cover, and the referee counted to three.
Winners and NEW Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: Bloodline
--
As soon as the referee's hand hit the mat for a third time, Vasquez shoved the tag team titles into the ring, so the referee could pick them up and hand them over to the new champions. The trio celebrated in the ring, as they looked over at Vasquez, seemingly stunned at his presence.
Was this a swerve? Is Aaron Vasquez part of Bloodline? If so, he didn't join in on their celebration. He merely retreated up the ramp, and out of the arena. The referee went to the outside and was checking on Sato, who had barely moved after the blindside. Ito was starting to clear the cob webs, and was unaware that he had just lost his half of the titles.
Bloodline gathered themselves, and exited the arena, leaving Sato and the Shining Stars to wonder what had just happened.
--
[Backstage.]
We watched as Aaron Vasquez walked down a hallway towards the exit. As he did, he approach Matthew Saunders, Gus Arnold, Leon Van Zandt, and Liam Beesley. No words were exchanged, but Vasquez nodded to Saunders, who nodded in return. An unspoken gesture between the two lead us to believe that Saunders had acquired the services of Vasquez to carry out a mission. With all of the talk about Sato demanding more money, and holding Gus up for this appearance, we're to assume that Saunders wasn't going to allow The Shining Stars to leave with the Imperial Crown Tag Team Titles in tow.
As Vasquez passed, Gus looked back at Liam and Leon, and told them that if Sato, Kano or Tetsu wouldn't leave the arena on their own recognizance that they were to make sure that they did.
The referee from the match and a few of his cohorts were helping guide Kondo, Ito and Sato towards the backstage area. As they approached, Saunders thanked them for appearing, and wished them a safe trip back to their homeland.
Sato glared at Saunders, and if looks could kill, they would all be dead.
Sato questioned what happened out there, to which Gus spoke up and said that 'business' happened out there tonight. Ito took an aggressive step forward, which caused Leon to step up and almost dare him to do something. Liam Beesley never took his eyes off of Kondo, and made him aware that he was ready to get physical should it be required.
Sato spoke to Japanese to his men, and they decided to fight another day. Some great restraint shown by the former champions. Before they exited the arena, Sato told Saunders that he had 'no idea' what he had just done. Nobody sold the comment for anything more than ego and disdain.
Once the group had left - Saunders thanked Leon and Liam for standing tall. Saunders said that Northern Pro Wrestling and the NAWC wouldn't exist if the wrestlers weren't willing to do whatever it took to protect it from within.
--
[On the other side of the Arena.]
It was as if the chaos that just took place had been injected directly into the veins of Frank Dylan James. He was pacing, and shouting. Joe Wolfe told him to save his energy for the match. FDJ perked up and said that Wolfe should follow his lead out there.
Frank said that if there was anyone who thrived in the face of chaos, it was him. Wolfe questioned whether he was still holding onto resentment for how The Untouchables treated him recently - to which Frank said that all they did was 'wake him up' and help him realize that he needed to re-establish himself as the biggest and baddest dog in the fight.
And with that, FDJ stormed off, with Wolfe following closely behind.
--
[The Arena.]
[Frank Dylan James.]
[Howlin' Joe Wolfe.]
Frank lead the way, swinging his half of the Southern Tag Team Championship in the air like a helicopter. Wolfe looked like he was just trying to keep up, but Frank told him to follow his lead without explaining to him what that meant.
Before the Champions made their way down, not having any fans in the arena helped us overhear Frank. He whispered to Wolfe that 'These Boys have been muscling everyone they've faced.... Until today." Joe perked up, knowing that he was no being let in on the strategy. Frank said - 'let's make them earn every inch of this arena.' Joe asked if Frank meant ring as opposed to arena. Frank said that he might stutter sometimes, but he wasn't stuttering there.
[Pressure Point.]
[Brinley Bishop.]
[Tyson Brewer.]
With a flash, FDJ was out of the ring and throwing fists at both men as they attempted to walk the aisle. Wolfe was in tow, and paired off with Tyson Brewer in a slugfest.
Bishop could barely unclasp his championship before he started swinging back at Frank as a form of Defence. Frank showed immense strength by being able to overpower the big burly Bishop, who wasn't used to having to reach deep into the tank to match force with anyone.
Wolfe was holding his own against the slightly bigger and broader Tyson Brewer - and Wolfe was clearly earning Brewer's respect. Not many folks have been able to put him on his heels.
The referee was in the ring, but he was alone, and looked at the time keeper and said - should we ring the bell?
Instead the referee made a big mistake by exiting the ring to try and gain some control. He walked right in between FDJ and Bishop and caught a big boot from Frank at the same time Bishop was lunging forward with a clothesline. Needeless to say, the referee was out cold - and the two big men didn't seem to notice.
Wolfe ran full steam and speared Brewer down on the steel aisle, before picking him up and slamming his face off of the guardrail. A cut opened up on his forehead, and droplets of blood began to pour.
Just then, another referee was sent out from the back to try and get the match started. This time, he was met with an intentional clotheslines from FDJ - which seemed to indicate that this wasn't about the North American Tag Team Titles - This wasn't about winning a tag team match - this was about a HOSS BRAWL! This was about Frank and Joe showcasing their toughness against two of the biggest boys in the yard.
Brewer started to fight back after tasting his own blood, but his fury was cut off by Wolfe, who seemed to have an answer at every turn for his opponent.
Frank shouted a war cry, before blindsiding Brewer with a big boot to the side of his head, completely wiping him out. Bishop was clearing the cob webs, and double legged Frank, taking him into his world. Bishop started to rain down punches, and looked to try and grab Frank's arm to hyper extend it - but Wolfe was there to hit Bishop with a running knee strike and caught him right in the temple.
The blow knocked Bishop down, and he barely moved afterwards. Wolfe helped Frank up to his feet, they grabbed the Southern Tag Team Titles from ringside, and exited through the crowd - feeling as though they had proven their point.
The final shot of the evening was of Tyson Brewer checking his cut, then realizing that his partner was actually in worse shape. Once Brewer realized that they had lost the brawl, he went over to check on his partner. Officials stormed the aisle from the back to make sure that no serious damage was done. By then, Bishop was starting to come to, and was aware that he had just gotten his ass handed to him in a street fight.
[Cut.]
A black limo rolls up, and the driver scoots out to open the back door.
[Sato Watanabe.]
Sato is wearing a three piece suit, looking like he could be a part owner of the NAWC with the way he carries himself. He steps aside, and allows for his men to exit the limo.
[Kano Ito.]
[Tetsu Kondo.]
[The Shining Stars.]
The duo exit the limo, carrying their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships with them. Their matching black track suits have their names embroidered on their lapel. Ito screams in Japanese before he leaps in the air and executes a beautiful spin kick that nearly wipes the camera man out. Kondo sneers, as he pats Sato on the shoulder. As the three men approach, the camera pans back to see the owner of the NAWC - Matthew Saunders waiting for them.
Saunders extends a nod to the three of them, before opening the door to allow them to enter. Sato hangs back for a moment to have a word with Saunders, while Ito and Kondo walk through. Saunders asks Sato if 'there was an issue?'
Sato said that he always knew Saunders was about doing business, and that he was very happy with the concessions that Saunders had made to bring them to Canada for tonight's show. Saunders smiled, and said that they had some very valuable items that meant a lot to Gus, and to him. He also said, that Tag Wars wouldn't be the same without them, since he viewed them as one of the more dominant duos in the organization.
Sato said that his men have been training hard for this, and that if he has to get involved tonight to keep the odds even - he planned to do so. Saunders remarked that he figured that might be the case, and was hoping that if Bloodline we're going to continue using the numbers to their advantage, that he suspected Watanabe might have something to say about that.
--
[In the Arena.]
[Karl Hagen.]
Karl took the opportunity to run through a list of his most recent accomplishments as the successor to his father's company. Karl then spoke glowingly about the evolution in the career of his two sons, and how they were destined for greatness. It was here that Karl did his best Jim Cornette Impression by introducing his two son's in the most formidable way possible. Bursting through the curtain were Bennet and Hoyt, collectively known as the Hagen Boyz.
This match was dubbed the clash between siblings - as Hoyt and Bennet were set to wrestle The Roughnecks, who also happen to be brothers who enjoy a good fight. On cue, Myles and Martin hit the ring, and they were looking to FIGHT.
--
Tag Team Match
20 Minute Time Limit
The Roughnecks vs. The Hagen Boyz
--
The referee wasn't able to establish control of the match until nearly two minutes in. Myles and Martin seemed to have taken exception to what the Hagen clan stood for, and were taking the fight to them as if they'd stolen something from them. Perhaps their contrasting styles was the motivator, perhaps it was their father Karl's complete lack of respect for his own father - or maybe it's just because the Roughnecks enjoy a good tussle.
Karl Hagen was all over the referee, as he was unable to control the wild duo, but also because his boyz were on the receiving end of the onslaught and couldn't seem to solve the fury. Finally Karl pulled Hoyt aside, and told him not to fight their fight, and to use strategy. In the interim, Bennet was getting rocked, and ended up being clotheslined into the first row from the other side of the guardrail.
If there were fans in the arena, they would certainly be on their feet.
As Karl struggled to reach his sons from a strategy perspective, he resorted to slandering Myles and Martin, and even getting up on the apron threatening to get into the ring. Martin went as far as to sit on the middle rope to allow Karl to walk through it. By then Hoyt had cleared the cobwebs enough to roll under the opposite side of the ring and attempt to blindside Myles. His efforts were unsuccessful and the war raged onward.
to his credit, Karl Hagen seemed to understand that this situation benefitted their opponents much more then it did themselves - so he tried to cut every corner possible to help provide a lift for his sons. It started to work, as The Roughnecks almost seemed more interested in teaching Karl a lesson, that they ended up getting a little sloppy. Their cardinal mistake was allowing Karl to get into their heads, and that provided enough of a distraction that The Hagen Boyz were able to capitalize on.
At around the six minute mark, and after being beaten from pillar to post the entire way, it would be Myles that slipped up, as he bounced off the ropes, and turned his back to Karl, who opened up the middle rope, much like what was offered to hm earlier - and Myles spilled through the ropes onto the floor. The referee asked Karl if he had anything to do with it, which Karl said he didn't.
A low blow from Bennet followed, allowing his brother time to recover. Bennet picked Martin up in a pile driver position - and Hoyt slingshotted himself from the apron, to the top rope in his bare-feet - and he jumped forcefully towards his brother and they executed a perfectly timed spike pile driver. Hoyt turned the referee around so Bennet would cover and hook the leg. Just then, Myles Alexander tried to roll back into the ring, but Karl impeded his progress by holding onto his leg. All Myles could do was watch as the referee counted his brother's shoulder to the mat for a count of three.
Winners: The Hagen Boyz via Spike Piledriver (7:13)
Karl jumped in the air with passion and pizzazz - almost to an embarrassing degree. Hoyt and Bennet put him up on their shoulders and they mocked The Roughnecks from a distance. If you had just tuned in you would've assumed that the Hagen Boyz were the new North American Tag Team Champions - when in fact, they got their asses kicked for 6 and a half minutes, before they cheated their way to victory. Disgusting.
--
[Backstage.]
Matthew Saunders approached Gus Arnold just outside of his office. The two men exchanged a few words. Gus asked if The Shining Stars had arrived to which Saunders confirmed they had. Gus then asked if they brought the championship belts with them? Saunders replied that they had. Gus then went onto say that it was a concern of his that Saunders had set a dangerous precedent by succumbing to Sato's demands earlier in the month.
Saunders agreed, and said that this would be the ONLY time where such an instance would take place. Saunders then asked Gus if he had done what he had asked, and if he called Leon Van Zandt and Liam Beesley to be there. Gus said that they were both in the building. Saunders asked Gus to have both men come and see them by the main monitors backstage while the Imperial Crown Championship match was taking place. Gus seemed confused, and ask Saunders why? Saunders told Gus not to worry about it, and that whatever happens out there tonight, that he will take care of it.
Gus knew better than to ask, perhaps it was better if he didn't know what that last statement meant.
Gus then said he would find Leon and Liam, and bring them over to this area the building. Saunders nodded, before looking down at his phone, seemingly waiting to hear from someone.
--
Open Challenge
20 Minute Time Limit
The World Beaters vs. TBD
--
Jamal Williams and Reggie Taylor hit the ring randomly. Jamal and Reggie said that they were on a roll in Midwestern Pro Wrestling before the federation went on hiatus. Taylor reminded the viewers at home that they were also involved in last year's inaugural event, and felt that there was no better platform to announce their return to the NAWC, then at Tag Wars by accepting the open challenge laid out by the Former North American Tag Team Champions; The World Beaters.
[Boom.]
Just like that, Dave Thompson and Jason Brown emerged from behind the curtain. Both men looked extremely focused, as they took their time walking towards the ring. No pleasantries were exchanged, just pure focus. The referee called for the bell, and the match started. Just as it started, the end was near.
Dave Thompson is set to challenge for the top prize in CJW upon it's return, and he looked very impressive in this contest. A spear got things going, as Thompson floored Reggie Taylor. Jason Brown entered the ring, and ran towards Jamal Williams, and with a diving forearm smash, knocked Williams off of the apron, and sent him spiralling to the floor. The referee took the opportunity to start a five count, which Brown broke easily. Meanwhile Thompson had Reggie Taylor pressed over his head, and drove him down to the mat with extreme force.
Thompson mounted Taylor and rained down punches from the top position, before seamlessly transitioning to Taylor's lower half - and locked him up in a high elevated Single Leg Crab. The referee was in position and it wouldn't take long for Taylor to succumb to the pain and tap.
Winners: The World Beaters via Single Leg Crab (0:32)
--
Jason Brown entered the ring, and continued to encourage Dave, congratulating him on a dominant performance. Thompson and Brown took the opportunity to shout that 'they were going to start getting more familiar with these parts in the near future. Dave Thompson said that The World Beaters were still the best tag team in the NAWC, and they planned on taking trips all over North America to prove it.
--
[Backstage.]
Seemingly lost in all of the drama surrounding the event were the North American Tag Team Champions; Pressure Point. Bishop and Brewer seemed oblivious to what may or may not take place - and we're solely focused on the task at hand. Bishop reminded Brewer that even though Frank Dylan James and Joe Wolfe were a 'new team' that might still be trying to find chemistry - that it didn't take them long to gel together as a unit.
Brewer said that it helped knowing that Joe Wolfe was Dusty Griffith's protege, and that Dusty and Frank were very familiar with one and other's styles and mindset. Brewer felt that their opponents were completely capable of winning the North American Tag Team Championships if they weren't at their best.
Bishop said that he thought he ought to be the one to try and wrangle with 'FDJ', as his style might be better suited to slow down the West Virginia Whack Job.
Brewer agreed, siting Bishop's acumen on the ground, and how those skills might help immobilize the unpredictable Mastadon. Bishop said that Wolfe was a wildcard, and was full of momentum. Brewer said that he felt like under estimating him would be a major mistake, and that he was brought up the proper way in the business.
After a brief moment of silence, Bishop reiterated how important this opportunity was for the two of them. However they performed in this contest would say a lot about who they are, and where they were headed as a team. Up until now, The North American Championships were considered to be on their way to being recognized as the top championship in the industry, and it was their job to continue to elevate it beyond where it was when they picked it up.
[Fist Pump.]
--
[The Arena.]
[Bloodline.]
Esteban Fuentes and Manuel Mayorga made their way toward the ring, accompanied by Santiago Ortega. Bloodline made their debut at last year's Tag War event, and ran roughshod over the competition in Midwestern Pro Wrestling, while driving a wedge between MdM in A*P. In what was a huge swerve, Fuentes joined forces with Mayorga and Ortega to oust former leader Edgar Delgado from the group, and are now taking on a more neutralistic leadership approach.
Mayorga has been referred to as 'the future' while Fuentes would have to be viewed as 'the present' based on his run as Midwest Champion, as well as his encounters with the likes of Dusty Griffith.
As Kano and Tetsu followed their leader to the ring, they looked like they were prepared. They knew that the three men who stood across from them weren't above bending the rules to gain an advantage.
The referee approached Sato in gesture to raise the Imperial Crown Tag Team Titles high above his head to symbolize what this battle was for. Sato refused, and exited the ring, while still holding onto the championship gold. Before the referee could protest, it was the champions who rushed their opponents to get the match underway.
--
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship
30 Minute Time Limit
The Shining Stars(c) vs. Bloodline
--
The pace started out fast and furious. The Champions looked to gain an early edge in the match, with the plan to hold onto the lead for as long as possible. Fighting from behind is more likely to drain one's gas tank, and that seemed to be the strategy implored by the Champions early on.
Kondo and Mayorga were stiffing each other with strikes in the corner, while Fuentes and Ito put on a dazzling display of high acrobatics, with a myriad of counters and springboard attacks which went both ways. Eventually, Kondo knocked Mayorga out of the ring, as Ito was able to step away from Fuentes - ran at his partner, who launched him over the top rope onto Mayorga with a Plancha.
The referee instructed Kondo to continue as the legal man with Fuentes, and the traditional style tag team match got underway at around two minutes.
Sato was in the corner, shouting instructions to Kondo on how to immobilize Fuentes. It appeared as though Sato had been studying film on their opponents, and felt that there were weaknesses in Fuentes game that they could expose. Whether true or not, Bloodline has been pretty well undefeated since their inception, and haven't taken a step backward in the process.
Ortega was in the other corner, and he was mouthing off to Sato, trying to bait him into a fight - which was ignored for the most part. When Ortega looked to take a shot at Kondo from the apron, this drew Sato over to the neutral side of the ring, where he looked to help to play defence for his men.
At around the twelve minute mark, Mayorga and Fuentes looked to have their backs against the wall, as the champions really hadn't looked back from the opening bell. Ortega jumped up on the apron once again, which finally drew Sato over to the opposite side of the ring, and he looked to put an end to it once and for all. The referee was seemingly losing a bit of control, and allowed Sato and Ortega some rope to settle their differences. Ortega was out matched by the wiley veteran, which was proven when Sato Saito Suplexed him on the arena floor.
[Aaron Vasquez.]
All of the sudden, Aaron Vasquez hopped the guardrail and planted Sato with a double arm DDT on the concrete floor. Ito saw what was happening, so he ran the apron and attempted to take Vasquez out, but he was blistered with a stunning forearm strike while in mid-air. The referee was tied up in the ring with Kondo and Mayorga, as well as Fuentes who was taking advantage of the five count.
Vasquez went over to the corner of The Shining Stars and grabbed the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships. In the ring, Mayorga and Fuentes executed a double power bomb, to which Mayorga hit the top rope and came off with a nasty frog splash. He held the move for the cover, and the referee counted to three.
Winners and NEW Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: Bloodline
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As soon as the referee's hand hit the mat for a third time, Vasquez shoved the tag team titles into the ring, so the referee could pick them up and hand them over to the new champions. The trio celebrated in the ring, as they looked over at Vasquez, seemingly stunned at his presence.
Was this a swerve? Is Aaron Vasquez part of Bloodline? If so, he didn't join in on their celebration. He merely retreated up the ramp, and out of the arena. The referee went to the outside and was checking on Sato, who had barely moved after the blindside. Ito was starting to clear the cob webs, and was unaware that he had just lost his half of the titles.
Bloodline gathered themselves, and exited the arena, leaving Sato and the Shining Stars to wonder what had just happened.
--
[Backstage.]
We watched as Aaron Vasquez walked down a hallway towards the exit. As he did, he approach Matthew Saunders, Gus Arnold, Leon Van Zandt, and Liam Beesley. No words were exchanged, but Vasquez nodded to Saunders, who nodded in return. An unspoken gesture between the two lead us to believe that Saunders had acquired the services of Vasquez to carry out a mission. With all of the talk about Sato demanding more money, and holding Gus up for this appearance, we're to assume that Saunders wasn't going to allow The Shining Stars to leave with the Imperial Crown Tag Team Titles in tow.
As Vasquez passed, Gus looked back at Liam and Leon, and told them that if Sato, Kano or Tetsu wouldn't leave the arena on their own recognizance that they were to make sure that they did.
The referee from the match and a few of his cohorts were helping guide Kondo, Ito and Sato towards the backstage area. As they approached, Saunders thanked them for appearing, and wished them a safe trip back to their homeland.
Sato glared at Saunders, and if looks could kill, they would all be dead.
Sato questioned what happened out there, to which Gus spoke up and said that 'business' happened out there tonight. Ito took an aggressive step forward, which caused Leon to step up and almost dare him to do something. Liam Beesley never took his eyes off of Kondo, and made him aware that he was ready to get physical should it be required.
Sato spoke to Japanese to his men, and they decided to fight another day. Some great restraint shown by the former champions. Before they exited the arena, Sato told Saunders that he had 'no idea' what he had just done. Nobody sold the comment for anything more than ego and disdain.
Once the group had left - Saunders thanked Leon and Liam for standing tall. Saunders said that Northern Pro Wrestling and the NAWC wouldn't exist if the wrestlers weren't willing to do whatever it took to protect it from within.
--
[On the other side of the Arena.]
It was as if the chaos that just took place had been injected directly into the veins of Frank Dylan James. He was pacing, and shouting. Joe Wolfe told him to save his energy for the match. FDJ perked up and said that Wolfe should follow his lead out there.
Frank said that if there was anyone who thrived in the face of chaos, it was him. Wolfe questioned whether he was still holding onto resentment for how The Untouchables treated him recently - to which Frank said that all they did was 'wake him up' and help him realize that he needed to re-establish himself as the biggest and baddest dog in the fight.
And with that, FDJ stormed off, with Wolfe following closely behind.
--
[The Arena.]
[Frank Dylan James.]
[Howlin' Joe Wolfe.]
Frank lead the way, swinging his half of the Southern Tag Team Championship in the air like a helicopter. Wolfe looked like he was just trying to keep up, but Frank told him to follow his lead without explaining to him what that meant.
Before the Champions made their way down, not having any fans in the arena helped us overhear Frank. He whispered to Wolfe that 'These Boys have been muscling everyone they've faced.... Until today." Joe perked up, knowing that he was no being let in on the strategy. Frank said - 'let's make them earn every inch of this arena.' Joe asked if Frank meant ring as opposed to arena. Frank said that he might stutter sometimes, but he wasn't stuttering there.
[Pressure Point.]
[Brinley Bishop.]
[Tyson Brewer.]
With a flash, FDJ was out of the ring and throwing fists at both men as they attempted to walk the aisle. Wolfe was in tow, and paired off with Tyson Brewer in a slugfest.
Bishop could barely unclasp his championship before he started swinging back at Frank as a form of Defence. Frank showed immense strength by being able to overpower the big burly Bishop, who wasn't used to having to reach deep into the tank to match force with anyone.
Wolfe was holding his own against the slightly bigger and broader Tyson Brewer - and Wolfe was clearly earning Brewer's respect. Not many folks have been able to put him on his heels.
The referee was in the ring, but he was alone, and looked at the time keeper and said - should we ring the bell?
Instead the referee made a big mistake by exiting the ring to try and gain some control. He walked right in between FDJ and Bishop and caught a big boot from Frank at the same time Bishop was lunging forward with a clothesline. Needeless to say, the referee was out cold - and the two big men didn't seem to notice.
Wolfe ran full steam and speared Brewer down on the steel aisle, before picking him up and slamming his face off of the guardrail. A cut opened up on his forehead, and droplets of blood began to pour.
Just then, another referee was sent out from the back to try and get the match started. This time, he was met with an intentional clotheslines from FDJ - which seemed to indicate that this wasn't about the North American Tag Team Titles - This wasn't about winning a tag team match - this was about a HOSS BRAWL! This was about Frank and Joe showcasing their toughness against two of the biggest boys in the yard.
Brewer started to fight back after tasting his own blood, but his fury was cut off by Wolfe, who seemed to have an answer at every turn for his opponent.
Frank shouted a war cry, before blindsiding Brewer with a big boot to the side of his head, completely wiping him out. Bishop was clearing the cob webs, and double legged Frank, taking him into his world. Bishop started to rain down punches, and looked to try and grab Frank's arm to hyper extend it - but Wolfe was there to hit Bishop with a running knee strike and caught him right in the temple.
The blow knocked Bishop down, and he barely moved afterwards. Wolfe helped Frank up to his feet, they grabbed the Southern Tag Team Titles from ringside, and exited through the crowd - feeling as though they had proven their point.
The final shot of the evening was of Tyson Brewer checking his cut, then realizing that his partner was actually in worse shape. Once Brewer realized that they had lost the brawl, he went over to check on his partner. Officials stormed the aisle from the back to make sure that no serious damage was done. By then, Bishop was starting to come to, and was aware that he had just gotten his ass handed to him in a street fight.
[Cut.]