SUNDAY OCTOBER 3RD, 2021

With only 1 show before the first ever WOMEN'S ONLY PPV Malevolence, the battle lines are drawn!

Moira Arches prepares herself to face off against Coven's leader, Casie Debonair in a long awaited family affair for the Women's title... but with Casie heading for the top, Mercedes has set fire to those she considers beneathe... a path of destruction even a returning Solace Tatum couldn't fully stop, but Jolie Vexx has had enough!

Also... The Return of Katia Fyre... the battle continues between The Crimson Lotus and Chelsey Chaingang... Plus MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!
Tune in LIVE as the unstoppable Action of IIW's Superior Brand, The Women of First Class battle it out!

MATCH 1
Battle Royal Rules
Kassidy Owens Vs. Jessica Vs. Cristina Cano

MATCH 2
Battle Royal Rules
Ceila Luiz Vs. Sarah Frost Vs. Cheyanne Walker

MATCH 3
Singles Match
Jamie Riott Vs. Katia Fyre

MATCH 4
Singles Match
La Volpe Nera Vs. Ariel Dixon

MATCH 5
Singles Match
Chelsey Chaingang Vs. Lien Xinya

MATCH 6
Singles Match
Solace Tatum Vs. Steph

MAIN EVENT

The camera cut to the back, focusing in on a door with a stunning gold plate on it reading ‘Jolie Vexx’. It opens and a woman slips out into the hallway, one not seen before in the IIW, striding away from it, a smile on her face.

Nyssa: I wonder who that is...

Leana: We are about to find out, looks like she's coming to the ring!

The lights in the arena fade down to nothing as teal, green, and pink spotlights race around the crowd. The screen lights up with the words 'NOVA SKYE' as "Inferno" hits the speakers. The stage area fills with smoke as the multicolored spotlights hit the top of the ramp. 5 foot 5 of pure cockiness strolls through the swirling mist.

She pauses at the top of the stage, looking out over the fans assembled before striking a pose, hip jutted out, one arm high in the air. She flashes a grin, tossing purple tinged hair over her shoulder before she struts down the ramp, hips swaying. She reaches the ring, and plays for the camera as she moves around the corner.

She climbs up on the apron, stepping through the middle of the ropes and strolling to the center of the ring, where she is handed a microphone. She waits until the music dies down, before raising it to her lips.

Nova: Hello IIW! Allow me to introduce myself to you, the newest member of First Class... I am Nova Skye, and things are going to get shaken up around here.

She smirks.

Nova: You see, I’ve looked over the roster and found it to be a little... lacking for my tastes.

The crowd rumbles a little at this, a few boos rising above the murmurs.

Nova: Now now, it's not that there are no ladies that tickle my fancy, ones who I think that could give me a run for my money... just that... there are very few. Which is quite alright with me, given that I fully plan on dominating everyone who steps in my path on the way up the ladder. You see, those pretty belts are awfully sparkly, and I do love all things that shine. I think they would look just stunning around my waist, don’t you?

Mixed reaction from the crowd as Nova runs her hands over her waist and hips.

Nova: This is your notice girls... You might have had it pretty easy up until now, but Nova Skye has arrived in the IIW, and none of you are going to be able to stop me from getting everything I want!

She tosses the mic and smiles, hopping up on a turnbuckle to pose for the crowd before rolling over the top rope, and back down to the floor. She skips playfully up the ramp, posing one more time for good measure before disappearing behind the curtains.

Nyssa: Well, we haven't even introduced the show yet and it's already heating up!!

Leana: If this is any indication of what Malevolence will be like on October 17th, we are truly in for a tre-


The crowd in the First Class arena is raucous as usual as another show begins. While the crowd awaits the participants of the first match, something unexpected happens.



Suddenly the opening strains of Subconscious hit and all eyes in the arena are drawn to the entrance ramp. Despite not being in action until later in the evening, Ichiko Oda emerges from the back with the usual scowl on her face. Even Lena and Nyssa are at a loss to explain Ichiko’s sudden arrival. With a crowd unsure of how to treat her, Ichiko storms to ringside and seizes a folding chair. Her face is not filled with rage or fury though; instead her expression is enigmatic, hiding whatever purpose she has beneath something vaguely resembling smugness. She rolls under the bottom rope, then gets to her feet and moves to the center of the ring. An official at ringside moves toward the apron and Ichiko raises the chair as if to swing at them. When the official backs away she laughs, then sets the chair up in the middle of the ring. After a moment she thrusts her right hand into a pocket inside her biker coat and pulls out.. A microphone.

Ichiko toys with the mic for a moment before beginning to pace back and forth. As she does so she lifts the mic up to her lips.

Ichiko: “Ano sa... “

A pause. Ichiko turns around and walks the other direction.

Ichiko: “Teme wa.. Eto.. shitsure, omaetachi wa Nihongo wakaranai no ka?”

The perspective changes, the chair now in the foreground as she turns around to face the camera in its new spot.

Ichiko: “Sou ka?”
Ichiko feigns befuddlement before a mean grin forms on her face.

Ichiko: “Well surprise, assholes! I speak English!”

There’s an odd mix of mostly boos but a few pockets of cheers as she reveals this. Ignoring the reaction, Ichiko puts her foot on the chair and continues.

Ichiko: “And that’s good, because there’s some things I need to say. In a language that everyone here can easily understand.”

She pauses again for dramatic effect before sitting down.

Ichiko: “So let’s get started. I am Ichiko Oda, and I am a very, very good professional wrestler. You have all seen me fight a few times, and you know that’s the truth. I fought and beat some of the best women in the world before even coming here. And I thought that in a place like this there’s no way that I was not gonna face wrestlers just as good as me every show. But that’s the funny thing. Guess what they have me, Ichiko Oda, doing every show? Lemme go through it real quick."

Ichiko counts the previous matches on her hand as she speaks.

Ichiko: "A match against two “hardcore” fighters, with one of them so obsessed with her chain that it cost her the chance to be kneed in the face instead of Dracona. A kendo stick match against yet another “hardcore” fighter. Do you see a pattern here? Let’s add tonight: part of a gauntlet match against a cowardly cockroach you all know as Mercedes. I’ll get back to her. But you can see that they only think I’m good for being in street brawls. Or being used as a punishment for losers who can’t be bothered to face another woman toe to toe."

An undisciplined girl might fit into that, but I’m not just an angry little girl. I am the Boss of Them All, and I demand to be given more respect than I’ve been shown. I am so much better than what I’m seen as. It’s not surprising that they don’t understand what to do with talent, it’s written all over how this show seems to go just about every damn time. Despite what I despise about a lot of them, the women in that locker room are mostly talented, gifted athletes. But you wouldn’t know that by watching the show that we’re on."

Turn on First Class and what’s the first ad you see most of the time? Monday Night Mayhem. Not our first pay per view, not matches coming later on that episode of First Class. Not even merchandise for First Class talents. Monday Night Meh-hem.. And that’s how bad things are around here. We are the best athletes, the best talkers, the best talent.. And we don’t often get top billing on our own damn show. Last show was an exception, they’ll go back to the same old pattern. And you go to the IIW web site and we’re barely promoted. We sure as hell aren’t on the big impressive banner at the top, It’s a damn insult to professional wrestlers like me who work our ass off in this ring every show!”

This surprisingly draws more cheers than boos.

“So clearly how things are going right now isn’t working. What needs to change? What we need is to be represented by someone who people will take seriously. What we need is for there to be a new face of First Class. And they have been nice enough to give us a shot at creating the new face this show desperately needs. A shiny new toy they’re calling the Evolution Championship. “

Ichiko snickers at this before continuing.

“You know, Evolution is a good name for it. Because an evolution is exactly what we need. And I will be the face of that evolution - the evolution that takes First Class and makes it actually first class. Which brings me back to that cockroach Mercedes. Girl likes to talk a lot of shit and jump people instead of challenging them to an actual fight like a woman. Coming after me was the biggest mistake she’s ever made because now.. She’s made this all personal. Make no mistake I am going to make her regret laying a finger on me tonight when I beat the hell out of here for your entertainment. But that’s not the only pain I’m going to cause her. Because while she made a dumbass move by getting my attention, she did give me a shot at this new championship. And a shot at Steph.

So at Malevolence, I’m gonna take special joy in inflicting all kinds of pain on Steph while Meredes just watches on. Make her regret every last second she’s ever spent within ten miles of me. And after I’ve given Mercedes and Steph the ass kickings they’re owed, after out wrestling everyone in that title match, no one will be able to say Ichiko Oda is just a mindless brawler. This…”

She points to her face and grins
.
Ichiko: “Will be the face of First Class, the evolution it deserves."

This gets even more cheers, which catches Ichiko by surprise. She raises an eyebrow as if to ask them ‘really? Huh, that’s unexpected’. Then she continues.

Ichiko: “But maybe I’ll decide that First Class isn't where I belong. And if that’s the case then I’ve got a backup plan. If this place really doesn’t change after I win that championship, then that championship is going to be defended somewhere else. So I might just take that shiny new title and go defend it in Queendom Joshi Pro Wrestling. Because I am a damn good professional wrestler. And I will prove that I am the best professional wrestler on this show by becoming Evolution Champion and doing whatever the hell I want with it."

While there’s still plenty of booing, we can hear a faint but growing chant of ‘I-CHI-KO! I-CHI-KO!’. Ichiko raises her eyebrow again and then callously tosses the mic over her shoulder. Her music hits and she heads back up the ramp with a bit of malevolence tinging her expression. The Boss of Them All has some ideas in her mind - whether for Mercedes tonight or for her opponents at Malevolence is not clear.

Battle Royal Rules

Nyssa: Well after those stunning remarks by Ichiko, it’s time for the action to get started! Tonight is our last show before the first ever First Class pay per view, Malevolence!

Lena: That’s right, and we start off with two matches featuring new faces to First Class squaring off in Battle Royale rules matches! Later on we’ll have the in ring return of Katia Fyre as she takes on Jamie Riott, which should be very entertaining.

Nyssa: The match I’m most excited for is Chelsey Chaingang vs Lien Xinya - two women who despise each other facing off right before the biggest show in First Class’ history! And of course, the war between the Coven and everyone else continues as Solace Tatum and Steph go one on one. Solace and Lien scored a big win over the Coven last time out, but can Solace handle Steph on her own?

Lena: Then the main event - Mercedes Debonair must face each of the women she attacked in a gauntlet match. Ada Pierce, Robin Vengeance and Ichiko all have a bone to pick with her, so it should be a wild night! But now, on to our first match.

A hologram appears atop the stage of a female wearing a pink sports jacket, leggings and white tennis shoes as lighting effects begin to surround it, as if they are fixated whilst the small video screens begin to show flashing cameras shooting a human form of the hologram and the big screen shows a gold, white and pink background with the name :Jessica Wyld" written in jet black font across the center. At this point, "Villain" by K/DA as Jessica appears on the stage, hood over her head much like the holographic version of herself has. It is as if she is a spitting image of it (she absolutely is) before making her way to where it is positioned, as the two forms of her pull off their hoods simultaneously, causing an eruption of cheers from the fans.

She then begins to walk down the ramp in a manner not too dissimilar to a person walking down the catwalk, slapping the hands of fans as she does. As she reaches the top of the ramp, she does a handstand before flipping forward and posing for those who wish to take photos. Sliding into the ring, she does a handspring off the ropes, transitioning into a backflip when she returns to her feet and gives one final pose before taking off her hoodie and handing it to ringside personnel as her music fades.

The Arena is bathed in a mixture of violet, red and pink light as I Like The Way You Die by Black Honey begins playing. As the vocals begin, Kassidy Owens emerges from the back wearing her gear with an open kimono over the top, in her mouth is what appears to be a sharpened knitting needle and she’s carrying a double hook ended turnbuckle. She throws both arms in the air before making her way down to the ring, slapping fans hands as she approaches the ring. Kassidy jumps up onto the apron and removes the knitting needle from her mouth and wields it like a dagger and poses on the apron, pointing the needle at the camera whilst hooking her mouth with one end of the turnbuckle. She walks along the apron and climbs up the outside of the turnbuckle, She throws her arms up in the air before entering the ring by climbing up and springing off the top turnbuckle with one foot and landing in the ring. She places the needle back in her mouth and then removes and throws her kimono towards the timekeeper’s corner whilst pacing around the ring as the music fades, turnbuckle in hand, needle in mouth.

A Day to Remember by Reassemble plays as Cristina Cano makes her way to the First Class ring for the first time.

The bell sounds and the three women launch into action. Kassidy Owens immediately goes after Cristina with some sharp punches to try and catch her off balance. Cristina counters by hitting Owens with rolling elbow strike followed by a roundhouse kick! As Kassidy is taken off her feet by the blows, Cristina’s attention is suddenly focused on Jessica Wyld. The rookie has been sizing up her opponents, and is now ready to get things going. She rushes in and attempts a flying clothesline, but Cristina realizes she’s by the ropes and ducks while holding the top rope. Jessica flies over the top rope and hits the floor in a dramatic crash.

Lena: And just like that Jessica Wyld is eliminated!

Nyssa: Great ring presence by Cano there!

Down to just Kassidy Owens and Cristina Cano, the two women eye each other across the ring. This time it’s Cristina who engages Kassidy, nailing her with a barrage of punches. Kassidy returns the favor, and soon the two are just throwing hands in a contest to see who can hit the hardest. Eventually Cristina hits another roundhouse kick which staggers Kassidy back to the ropes. Seeing her opportunity, Cristina rushes in and clotheslines Kassidy over the top rope!

WINNER: “THE SEEKER” CRISTINA CANO!

Nyssa: An impressive win for Cristina Cano in her First Class debut!

Lena: And that’s just the start of the action here on First Class! Stay tuned for more!

The last image we see is of Cristina Cano celebrating her win as she exits the ring.

The scene cuts backstage and we see that the view is from inside the office of Jolie Vexx. A loud voice can be heard outside as the woman herself makes her way toward the office.

Jolie - “Are you sure you saw someone headed to my office? Yes, okay I’m checking now. The door doesn’t seem to have been forced at all…”

Jolie opens the door as we notice she’s talking to somebody on her cellphone. She goes to step inside but stops short, just looking towards her desk.

Jolie - “Ah, it’s okay I’ve got it sorted this end. Thank you.”

Jolie hangs up her cellphone and starts toward her desk, the angle turns and we see Steph sat at the desk, legs crossed on top.

Jolie - “What is this Steph? You may be part of the most toxic pity party in First Class, but this isn’t like you…”

Steph - “You’re right, it isn’t… But I wouldn’t put it past her.”

Steph points behind Vexx, but before she can turn around, Mercedes has come flying at her with a desk lamp, presumably Jolie’s and smashes it across her head. She lays a few punches in before kicking Jolie in the gut and nailing a vicious DDT into the office flooring. The boos around the arena are heavily audible as Steph walks around to join Mercedes and they both walk off, Mercedes dropping the lamp down on Jolie as they do leaving the scene to cut back to ringside.

Battle Royal Rules

"Control" by Puddle of Mudd plays and Sarah Frost makes her way down to the ring for her second match on First Class

The lights inside the arena dim slightly. Then, the sounds of Saweetie’s “Fast (Motion)” begins to fill the arena. With the sounds of the hip-hop banger, the crowd instantly begins to cheer as the camera pans towards the entrance way. Emerging from behind the curtain, the “Killa Bae” Cheyenne Walker runs onto the stage. With the fans' cheers raining down on the arena, a large smile comes over her face. Throwing her hands into the air, she acknowledges the fans with head nods and mouthing phrases such as “I love you too”, and “thanks so much!” at the fans. As she begins to walk down the ramp, her father, “wrestling’s only underrated living manager”, “The Louisiana Ramblin’ Man” Cornelius Walker comes from behind the curtain. Shaking his head, he begins to walk behind his daughter. Walking down the ramp, Cheyenne runs from side to side hi-fiving fans, and hugging the children in attendance.

I disagree by Poppy plays as Ciela Luiz makes her entrance, heading to the ring for her in ring debut on First Class.

Lena: Three more relative newcomers to First Class will battle it out looking for a big win here tonight.

Nyssa: Who knows what surprises this match will have for us, let’s get into it.

Sarah Frost immediately launches herself into action, attempting a running knee strike on Cheyenne. While she connects and knocks Cheyenne back into the corner, Sarah doesn’t notice Ciela coming up behind her. Sarah moves to continue the attack on Cheyenne but suddenly gets a tap on the shoulder from behind. She spins around right into a stunner from Ciela that lands with such force Sarah is up against the ropes! Ciela takes advantage and dropkicks Sarah, sending her over the top rope and onto the floor.

Nyssa: Sarah Frost is gone! It’s just Cheyenne Walker and Ciela Luiz now.

Cheyenne moves in to attack Ciela, using her superior strength to get the advantage over the Mexican. First a roaring elbow, then a flurry of kicks to knock Ciela off balance. When this works she smiles to the camera and looks to the nearby ropes. It’s clear she has an elimination and victory on her mind. She picks Ciela up in a shoulder carry position and moves to the ropes to throw Ciela out. But when she goes for it, Ciela uses the momentum and a strong grip on Cheyenne to throw the Killer Bae over the top instead! Ciela manages to skin the cat, keeping her feet on the apron while Cheyenne’s feet hit the floor.

Lena: And that’s it! Ciela Luiz with a victory in her First Class debut! We’ll be right back after this quick break.

Winner: Ciela Luiz!!!

Ciela poses on the turnbuckles to celebrate her win.

The fans of First Class are incredibly pumped for the action coming up, from the return of Katia Fyre to the main event gauntlet match. It’s also been a match full of surprises already with the revelation that Ichiko Oda speaks English and expressed her grievances for all to hear. Another surprise occurs as we head backstage where First Class’ intrepid backstage interviewer is joined by none other than Sawako Nakada. Nakada wears her Battle Maiden shirt with a pair of jeans and sneakers, opting for a casual look since she’s not in action tonight.

Interviewer: “I’m joined now by ‘Battle Maiden’ Sawako Nakada, who scored an impressive win in her IIW debut by eliminating all three of her opponents. Sawako, i think everyone here in Manchester wants to know: what’s next for the Battle Maiden?”

Sawako smiles as the question is being asked, hands on her hips as she listens. She then nods and looks into the camera.

Sawako: “Well, there are a number of things. We don’t need to go into details about all of them right now, though. The Coven knows where I stand and that they need to watch their backs. We’ve got our first pay per view, Malevolence, coming up and I’m quite excited about being a part of it. But tonight I’m not here to talk about either of those things. Tonight I’m here to send a message to just one woman in particular. A woman who’s off to a fantastic start here on First Class. I’m sure you’re all quite familiar with her.”

She pauses for a moment and her smile fades. Suddenly Sawako becomes far more serious in both expression and tone.

Sawako: “I’m here tonight to send a message to Ichiko. A woman I shared many special moments with before we moved here from Japan. A woman who I did my very best to support while she worked to break through as herself, not what someone thought she was. A woman who turned her back on me because I dared to chase my own dreams. A woman who is getting her hands on one of the Coven tonight.”

There are a few cheers at this before the Battle Maiden continues.

Sawako: “Ichiko, wherever you are in this building, I’m sure you can hear me. Whether you choose to really listen is up to you. I know you must still be hurting and I don’t blame you. What I did wasn’t wrong, but I should have told you. But I need you to know that even though we’re apart, you’re still in my thoughts. I see you fight every show and prove that you are just as good as I always knew that you could be. Even if I disagree with some of your methods, I'm proud that you’re seeing this success. And no matter how hard I try not to, I’m thinking of you every day. Which made me realize something.. It’s something that you showed the world when you dared to kiss the person you were dating in front of 15,000 people and who knows how many watching from home.”

She chokes up a little as she gathers her thoughts. This is a big, emotional admission, and she has to work up the courage to say it.

Sawako: “I wasn’t brave enough to say it in front of all those people back then. But I’m going to do it now, here on First Class with who knows how many people as my audience. Ichiko Oda.. I love you. Even though it maybe doesn’t make any sense in the world, I still love you. And I’ve been trying to get you to see that without success. I tried talking to you. I tried showing you with my performance in the ring on the last episode of First Class. Nothing’s worked so far so.. As far as I’m concerned there’s only one way to get your attention.”
Sawako takes a deep breath and then points down the camera and by extension out to Ichiko.

Sawako: “Ichiko Oda, I demand a match with you. You and me, the Boss of Them All and the Battle Maiden toe to toe, one on one. That’s the only language you understand, so let’s do it! If you want to take out your anger on me, go ahead, but I think deep down you feel the same way I do. We’re past due for the third part of our great trilogy, and the time is right for me to make that happen. I don’t expect you to answer right away. But I’ll be down at ringside tonight for your match if you want to give me one. If not, then I’ll just keep up the pressure until I get the fight that I want.”

The crowd erupts into cheers as she issues the challenge, but she seems to ignore them as she concludes.

Sawako: “See you in the Main Event, Ichiko.”

COMMERCIAL BREAK

BACK TO THE SHOW

The IIWTron turns pitch black, as the attention of the crowd turns to it, with the ring itself at this stage being vacant as they are eagerly awaiting the next match to commence. Accompanying it, is the lights going dim, as if it were a movie theater and a film is about to commence.

Leana - "Did we forget to pay the power bill or something?"

Nyssa - "I don't know. What I do know is that it suddenly feels a little chillier than usual here."

It is then that the Tron comes to life once more. This time showing a backdrop of what appears to be an underground bunker, with a feminine figure seated atop a steel chair, attired in all black and with her right leg crossed over the top of her left knee. She mockingly waves to the crowd, who instantly catch onto the fact that this is Bellatrix.

Bellatrix - "Did I interrupt something?"

She giggles as she looks out at the screen in front of her, sweetly smiling as the crowd begin to jeer.

Leana - "Is... Is that THE Bellatrix? Is that the leader of Equinox?"

Nyssa - "It is, and it was reported that she has come here to first class to wrestle herself, just like her three comrades are doing on Mayhem."

Meanwhile, Bellatrix continues surveying the crowd, her sweet smile slightly morphing into a stoic look.

Bellatrix - "How very perceptive of the two of you. It is true, I have come to First Class in order to further the cause of Equinox. To ensure that you all understand that it doesn't matter who you are. Or what you claim, for ultimately... You shall all fall. You will all be left in the wake of the oblivion and destruction that shall arise once the cause has been carried out."

She pauses, a more sinister expression crossing her face.

Bellatrix - "You see, this isn't something that you can control. This isn't a questionnaire or a test where you have choices. This is me being kind enough to give you a warning of what is to come, and if you wish to attempt to stand up and resist. Or if you wish to play the hero and naively believe that you can withstand what shall come forth, then it will be your own farewell."

She glares forward, her piercing brown eyes revealing a focused and devious Mistress of Demise.

Bellatrix - "For just like my darlings shall do on Mayhem, I intend on ensuring that our message resonates throughout the halls, as you lay within the beds that you have made for yourselves. This isn't about trying to become the best, or about trying to claim gold. Those shall come, but this is about making sure that you are crystal clear on whose domain First Class belongs to, and that this was always going to be."

She softly laughs.

Bellatrix - "Soon... you will meet the Apocalyptic Goddess... Just some advice from me to you: Run. Flee. Do whatever you need to, so that you are not in my path, because if you do end up staring into my eyes... I cannot guarantee that you will leave that ring alive, or even in one piece. For you are all mere vassals. Mere lambs that are awaiting the slaughter. *whispers* And I shall be the one who brings it about."

She then waves once more, as the screen returns to its pitch black state and the attention returns to the commentators.

Leana - "She scares me. Like, seriously."

Nyssa - "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid either. She just has that vibe about her. The type of woman you don't want to see in a dark alleyway. Especially not at night."

The crowd, meanwhile, have begun to chatter among themselves about what they had just witnessed as Nyssa and Leana attempt to regain their composure.

Leana- "Anyway, we should probably get back to this epic card we have going on tonight. More specifically the upcoming match between Katia Frye and Jamie Riott."

Nyssa - "Yeah. A match I've been looking forward to for the entire week."

COMMERCIAL BREAK

BACK TO THE SHOW

Singles Match

“Deliverance” plays over the loud speakers as black fireworks erupt on the stage, drawing the crowd’s attention to the entrance way. On the big screen, a video of a lion stalking its prey is shown, before it opens its maws, bares its teeth, and emits a loud growl. Katia then emerges from the back, stopping at the top of the ramp and placing her hands on her hips. She takes a brief look out at the crowd before she saunters down to the ring. Walking towards the TV-side of the ring, Katia slides up onto the apron and turns and faces the crowd once more. Smirking, she walks to the middle of the apron, laying her arms across the top rope and placing one foot on the bottom rope. Without hesitation, Katia backflips into the ring, landing easily on her feet and raising her hand high into the air, pointing a finger into the air

Lena: Katia Fyre returned in a big way on our last show, making the save for her allies in the Triumvirate. Listen to the crowd, and you can hear how glad they are to see her back in action.

Nyssa: But this is the first time we’ve seen her in an actual contest for a while. I’m not sure how well she’s going to do tonight.

Dead Girl Superstar by Rob Zombie blares over the PA system. Jamie Riot explodes from behind the curtain. He runs back and forth across the stage trying to hype the crowd up. He walks down the ramp highfiving fans. She slides under the bottom rope jumps to her feet and climbs the ropes in the corner taking in all the excitement.

Nyssa: And here comes Jamie Riott, who’s new to First Class but has already shown us how crazy things get when she’s involved. That’s going to be a real test for Katia.

Lena: She lost that time out, though, so you have to wonder if her inexperience is going to come into play here.

Jamie and Katia immediately lock up, Jamie quickly overmatched by kicks from Katia. To counter Jamie lands a couple of punches to Katia’s face and whips her into the ropes to break the lock up. On the rebound Jamie leaps up to go for a DDT, but Katia uses her momentum to counter it into a tilt a whirl headscissor takedown! Before Jamie can recover, Katia moves in and hammers her with a single knee face breaker while the other woman is getting up. As Jamie hits the mat, Katia rushes to the nearest corner. Jamie once again gets to her feet only for Katia to race up the turnbuckles and hits a diving meteora! She goes for the early pin.

1..
Jamie kicks out!

Nyssa: Come on that’s way too early to try and keep Jamie Riott Down! Katia’s just afraid to let this match go on for too long. Maybe she’s still hurting.

Lena: Katia’s looked fine to me so far, partner! It’s like she was never away from the ring!

Katia gets up and circles Jamie as the younger woman moves toward the ropes to assist her in getting back up. Just as she manages to do so, Katia charges her and goes for a dropkick! Jamie counters, just barely deflecting Katia’s feet and slamming her into the mat instead. Katia’s now the one getting back to her feet, only to receive a DDT from Jamie! Being close to the ropes, Katia manages to roll out under the bottom rope. Trying to take advantage of the change in momentum Jamie runs the ropes and then flies through the middle rope in a suicide dive! But Katia sees this coming and plucks Jamie out of thin air, hitting a sit-out spinebuster on the ringside mats!

Nyssa: A brutal counter there by Katia! Jamie’s going to have a hard time recovering, but Katia’s not at 100% either.

Lena: She’s really turned this in her favor quickly!

With things back under her control, Katia picks Jamie up and throws her into the ringside barricade. As the crowd cheers her on she whips Jamie back into the ring under the bottom rope. Katia follows her in and begins to stalk her opponent, pacing around to position herself for another move. Jamie slowly reaches her feet and Katia again rushes her, running under an attempted clothesline and sprinboarding off the ropes for a tornado DDT! Instead of going for the cover, she climbs the turnbuckles and launches herself off the top, looking for the 054 splash. Jamie has recovered just enough to counter, hitting a Chaos Rising superkick on the flying Hungarian. Both women crash to the mat as the fans roar their approval. While the ref moves in to check on them, Jamie just barely manages to roll over to Katia and put her arm over her opponent to cover her.

Nyssa: There we go! Jamie Riott just put Katia’s lights out with that!

Lena: Cover!

1…
2..
Katia kicks out!

Both women take a bit to get back up after the last exchange, having each hit landed big offense already. Jamie’s the first to be on her feet and moves over to Katia, pulling her into position for Nova Scotia Nonsense. But when she tries for it Katia breaks out, landing a nasty punch to Jamie’s face. She then scoops Jamie up and hits her with a catatonic backbreaker! Jamie bounces off her leg from the impact and ends up balanced face down on the middle rope. Katia seizes the advantage and moves outside to the apron right in front of Jamie. The fans start cheering in anticipation as Katia hits a Red Sparrow on Jamie!

Nyssa: No! Come on Jamie, get some of that wild energy going!
Lena: A fantastic move by Katia Fyre! Jamie Riott might be done for!

Katia goes for the pin, hooking Jamie’s leg.

1..
2…
Jamie gets her shoulder up!

Lena: She kicks out but how much does she have left in her tank?

Nyssa: Enough to turn this around? Maybe she can do something out of left field to change this up.

Katia slaps the mat in frustration and stomps Jamie’s back and legs a few times. She then grabs Jamie’s legs and pulls her toward the center of the ring. But as she tries to lock in the Coup D’Etat, Jamie pokes her in the eyes and causes Katia to stagger back!

A smile crawls across Jamie's face as she see's the opportunity she needs, and leaps up in the air at Katia, but without warning, Katia catches her, pulling her head under her arm and falls back.

Leana: FATAL FYRE!!!! AND THAT WAS OUT OF NO WHERE!

Nyssa: SHE MAKES THE COVER!

1...



2...



3!!!!!

Leana: Katia wins her first match back!!!!!

WINNER: KATIA FYRE!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

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BACK TO THE SHOW

Singles Match

Daughter of the Flame begins to play out of the PA system's speakers, as the lights begin to flash with each beat of the music, before stopping right as "La Volpe Nera '' appears on the stage, smiling as she looks out at the fans in attendance. Doing some shadow boxing as she jumps on the spot, she then begins to make her way down the ramp, turning her focus strictly to the ring as she rolls each shoulder clockwise, attempting to ensure that she is in "fight" mode and as loose as possible for her upcoming match. She then slides into the ring before standing up and walking over to her assigned corner, scaling it before posing for the fans and jumping off to finish her preparations for the match as Daughter of the Flame finishes playing.

Leana - La Volpe Nera looks very focused tonight. She is ready for war.

Nyssa - She will need to be because Ariel Dixon isn't going to be an easy woman to beat. Both woman will need their A games here tonight.

Bite Your Kiss by Diamante hits the PA system As soon as the singing starts, Ariel steps into the entrance. As soon as the refrain builds green pyro bangs and lights flicker and flash. Ariel runs to the ring rolling under the bottom rope and mounts the turn buckle banging her head to the music her dreads flying.

Nera is standing across the ring from Dixon both woman are stareing at one an other waiting for the other to make the first move. Nera runs across the ring attempting a spear takedown but Dixon side steps causing Nera to hit the corner. Dixon smiles as Nera turns around angry. Dixon backs up to the center of the ring and yells Let's go to Nera. Nera is angry and sprints across the ring locking up with Dixon. Dixon takes Neras arm spins out of the lockup and begins to twist her arm. Nera grabs her shoulder than does a front flip to break the arm bar. Dixon holds her hand up nera looks at it than smiles. Nera holds her hand up than than lock fingers.

Nyssa - A test of strength we haven't seen this is a long time.

Leana - Dixon really wants to show she is smart as well as stronger.

Both woman go shoulder to shoulder neither willing to give in. Nera begins to turn her wrists causing Dixon to drop to a knee. Nera locks her arms out twisting the arms of Dixon backwards a bit. Dixon is screaming. Nera let's go of Dixons hands than kicks her in the gut, grabs her arm and twists it spinning Dixon around. Nera hits a neck breaker. Nera immediately picks up Dixon by the hair standing her up. Nera backs up a few steps than attempts a super kick but Dixon leans back causing Nera to miss. Dixon grabs nera from behind hitting a German suplex.

Leana - What a match so far. Neither woman wants to lose advantage.

Nyssa - The roster in First Class right now is strong and both of this woman want to rise to the top. They know they need this won here tonight.

Leana - Do they ever. Every match counts.

Nera slides out of the ring holding her shoulder. She gets to her feet but is taking her time getting back into the ring. Dixon is standing in the middles of the ring as the ref begins to count.

1....2....3....4....5....

Dixon goes to the corner and begins climbing up. She gets to the top looks at the fans for a second than dives off the top rope. Huge cross body connecting with Nera sending both woman crashing to the floor. Dixon gets up drags nera to the ring than tries to roll her in. Nera shoves Dixon hard sending her into the ring post. Both woman fall to the ground.

Leana - That was a lure desperation moves on Nera's part. She used everything she had right there.

Nyssa - That cross body was huge and a game changer but you can't count Nera out.

Leana - Not at all. She is a fierce competitor and won't go down that easy.

The ref is yelling for the woman to get back into the ring. Nera is slowly getting to her feet but so is Dixon. Dixon tries to kick Nera but Nera swats it away. Nera grabs Dixons hair than smashes her face into the ring apron. Nera rolls Dixon into the ring leaving her upper body under the bottom rope on the apron. Nera climbs up to the apron than drops a leg to the upper body of Dixon. Dixon rolls back into the ring holding her chest. Nera pulls herself up to the apron once again. She runs to the corner climbs the to the top rope than dives in with a huge senton. She hooks Dixons leg.

1...2...KICKOUT

Nyssa - Wow that was close Nera almost had it won right there.

Leana - I thought she did.

Nyssa - Wow I'm amazed. This is exactly why you don't count Nera out.

Leana - It sure is.

Nera glares at the ref who assures her it was only a 2 count. Nera stands up grabs the arm of Dixon pulling her to her feet. Nera hits a hip toss plants Dixon hard. Nera walks to the corner than begins to climb the ropes. She gets to the top than jumps looking to hit a moonsault. Dixon gets her knees up Nera screams as she lands on them. Both woman are down.

Leana - If Dixon couldn't get her Knees up it would have been all she wrote for her.

Nyssa - That absolutely would have put Dixon away.

Leana - That's why anything off the top rope is high risk high reward. Both woman are down and look beaten up.

Nyssa - It's still anyone's match to win here

As Nera moves at Dixon, Dixon grabs her head and pulls her downward, rolling her up in a small package.

1...



2...


3!!!!

Leana: What an impressive victory from one of our newest talents!!!

WINNER: ARIEL DIXON!!!


Singles Match

Nyssa: This next match is going to be nuts! After everything that’s already gone down between these two, we get to see them face off one on one.

Lena: I’m not sure the ring can contain the two of them with how much they must hate each other.

The opening notes of "The Heresy" by Mushroomhead waft upon the speakers, the lights go dark, and four flames begin to slowly rise from the stage: one on each far edge, and two on the smaller protrusion's edges, framing the entranceway. The flames creep steadily as the music swells, climbing to a height of around four feet, until the guitars kick in and they are replaced in time with immediate jets of blue flame, each rising six-to-eight feet into the sky as Chelsey steps out between them, chain draped around her neck and elbows, bathing in the azure glow. The video screen begins to play clips of Chelsey's greatest hits, framed and transitioned by stylized chain animations. She pauses but a moment, settling her weight on one leg and making a show of looking at the crowd with a bemused smirk, and then strolls towards the ring at a rapid clip as the music once again settles into a more somber tone.

Chelsey reaches the ring and throws her chain over the ropes, using it to half-pull, half-springboard herself onto the apron. She rolls into the ring from there, walking a short lap around before coming to a stop in the middle of the ring, facing the crowd. Finally, Chelsey swings the chain around, cracking it down sharply against the mat as the guitars make their presence known again. This time, they are punctuated by swirling fireworks from the turnbuckle posts, each sending a pair of twin rockets straight upwards in a helix pattern as the lights begin to fade back to normal.

Lena: I know she’s one of your favorites already, partner, but Lien seems to know her well enough to get the advantage against her.

Nyssa: I’m sure it’s going to be a good match, but if we don’t see that chain come into the mix of things then I’ll be very disappointed.

“Entertain You” by Within Temptation plays over the loud speakers as the lights dim to almost complete darkness. Smoke begins to rise up from the center panel of the stage as Lien Xinya stands amongst it, her head down. As the chorus of her music hits, she raises her head and lifts her right hand high into the air, her fingers closing tightly into a fist. She cracks her neck side-to-side as she runs down the ramp and slides into the ring. Before she makes it there, though, Chelsey intercepts her, chain in hand!
Nyssa: I’m surprised she even made it to the ring. I was sure that she or Chaingang would take the fight to the other before the bell rang. For a moment the two women glare at each other with the intensity of a thousand burning suns. Then both of them start trading blows - punches from Chelsey and kicks from Lien!

Lena: This is breaking down before we can even ring the bell!

Nyssa: And Chelsey has the chain ready to go!

At first it looks like Lien might get the upper hand, but then Chelsey scoops her up and slams her hard onto the ringside mats! Chelsey wastes no time in wrapping the chain around one of her hands, which she then clenches into a fist. As Lien gets up, Chelsey storms in with the intention of nailing her with a chain-enhanced haymaker! But instead Lien knocks her back with a Pele kick out of nowhere! With eyes only for engaging Chelsey in a brutal fight Lien keeps the pressure on with a spinning roundhouse kick that sends Chelsey flying back into the ring steps! The top half of the steps is dislodged by the impact. Lien pursues Chelsey and goes for a bicycle knee strike to send her back to the ground. This time Chelsey manages to catch Lien’s incoming leg, grabs her other leg and then lifts Lien up to powerbomb her into the ringside barrier!
Nyssa: It’s total anarchy here! Only a matter of time before Chelsey gets a hit in with that chain.

Lena: Are either of these two going to make it to Malevolence at this rate?

A security guard who’s run down to the ring tries to get between the two women, but just gets cracked in the head by a haymaker from Chelsey that was intended for Lien. The guard crumples to the ground and the brawl continues as Chelsey grabs Lien by the hair and lands another haymaker with her chained fist! Lien falls to the ground and Chelsey starts to swing the chain overhead. When she lunges forward and swings the chain at Lien, though, the Crimson Lotus rolls out of the way. Chelsey’s chain wraps around the ring post and the Siberian attempts to free it. Before she can Lien uses the ringside barrier to springboard herself right at Chelsey and hit a Frankensteiner right onto the detached top ring step! As Chelsey writhes painfully, Lien looks at her for a moment before looking to the chain still wrapped around the ring post.

Lena: It looks like she’s about to give Chelsey Chaingang some payback!

Nyssa: Hey now, that’s not fair! It’s an insult to use a woman’s chain against her!

Lien gets the chain loose and uses it as a whip, hitting Chelsey on the back right as she’s starting to get up. A shout of pain comes from the Siberian on the impact, and Lien moves in for the kill. Before she can land another blow, though, Chelsey lands a kick to her knee, then another. As Lien staggers, Chelsey stands up and hits Lien with a Chainlink Combo into a Tuvan Throat Song! With Lien down, Chelsey seizes her chain back and returns the favor with a sharp and nasty whip of that chain to Lien. Lien shouts in pain at the impact while Chelsey laughs and starts swinging her chain again. When she attempts to whip Lien a second time, the Crimson Lotus manages to evade the strike. Using a last burst of adrenaline, she runs to the steps and launches herself with them, hitting a Storm Rising onto the floor! Both women lay where they landed as more security personnel rush in to prevent any further brawling. Chants of “This is awesome!” and “Let them fight!” rain down as Chlesey and Lien slowly get to their knees and glare at each other with murderous intent.

WINNER: NO CONTEST



COMMERCIAL BREAK

BACK TO THE SHOW

Singles Match

Nyssa: If you are just tuning in, Steph of the Coven is taking on this year’s queen of the ring, Solace Tatum in her third ever professional wrestling match up.

Leana: That’s right, and this is not a beginner by any means… Steph has been just as much a part of the IIW First Class roster as any other lady talent here now… and even considered a ‘made woman’ for her relationship with Mercedes and Casie’s brother, Tyler from the Mayhem side of IIW.

Nyssa: She’s been here since day one, Leana.

Leana: And yet, her in-ring experience is much less than her opponent here tonight, a true technician, making this match pretty imbalanced.

Nyssa: I wouldn’t count her out just yet… she did, in fact, win against fellow Triumvirate member, Lien Xinya, in a major upset just a few weeks ago.

Leana: Well, the referee has come to the ring so we are about to get started here!

The lights in the arena begin to flicker, before the intro of the Phantoms version of “You are my Sunshine” begins to play over the speakers... A strobe lighting effect gives the impression that somebody is darting around, up and down the aisle very fast before all the lights cut out and one solo spotlight stops on Steph, standing at the top of the ramp in a very feminine pose.

She begins to walk down the aisle in almost complete darkness, except for the spotlight following her, as she climbs the steps to the ring, between the ropes then up onto the turnbuckle as the music fades and the house lights return slowly...

Nyssa: It’s still crazy to think about what we know of the Coven all of these years… and what they have become just this year.

Leana: People change, Nyssa… but one thing that hasn’t changed is their loyalty to each other.

With purple lights flashing, "The Quiet Storm" Solace Tatum makes her way out to a large pop from the audience, as they watch her descend down the ramp with an unrelenting focus in her eyes. Her hair is wet with the water she doused from her water bottle prior to making her entrance, and the lightning bolts seem to blink along with the lights as the bright strobes behind her reach around her moving body to light up her white/purple tights. She is a walking hurricane, determined to make a name for herself as she picks up the pace and slides into the ring. She grabs the ropes to stretch against their pull, her dark purple boots firmly planted on the IIW ring mat to counter the rope's resistance as she prepares for the coming contest.

Nyssa: The queen has arrived!

Leana: She is no queen Elizabeth, she won’t hesitate to send you to the gallows.

Solace looks like a determined wolf, moving side to side in her own corner, but her eyes never leave her opponent across the ring. Steph simply grins.

Nyssa: Steph really knows how to push those buttons, Leana.

Leana: Tatum looks like she could strike at any moment and HERE WE GO!

Solace rushes towards Steph, causing her to retreat behind the top rope as she bends her body to evade Solace. The referee steps in between as the fans boo.

Nyssa: Smart move. Steph knows how to play to Solace’s frustrations.

Solace backs off, and Steph returns inside the squared circle, still grinning.

Solace circles her, and Steph evades her, keeping the same distance as Solace fakes her out, but Steph stays with her every move.

Nyssa: Steph is playing defense, and Solace looks irritated.

Leana: That’s not how you want Tatum to get!

Solace rushes her a second time, but Steph repeats her cowardly tactic, albeit in another corner. This time, Solace smiles, looking away in anger, and as Steph can’t help but laugh, Solace throws her leg back like a lightning bolt and catches her with the Sol-searcher.

Nyssa: SOL-SEARCHER! SOL-SEARCHER! FROM OUT OF NO WHERE!!

Leana: What a shot!!

Steph falls out of the ring and to the mat, beginning a 10 count from the ref as the fans boo in displeasure.

Nyssa: She needs to get her back up and make the cover! This one should be over!

Steph lands flat on her back, Solace allows the count to continue.

1…

2…

3…

Nyssa: There is no way she’s getting up after that one.

4…

Leana: Solace might win here by count out, Nys.

5…

Solace, losing patience, climbs out of the ring and the ref begins counting all over again.

1…

Solace reaches down to grab Steph’s hair, yanking it up, forcing her opponent to her feet to get back into the ring.

2…

3…

But as she does, Steph throws a punch into her gut, causing Solace to relent. Steph opens herself and begins throwing right hand after right at Solace, grabbing her arm to whip her into the steel steps but Solace leaps over them, falling with a roll, and jumps back to her feet.

Leana: WHAT ATHLETICISM!!

4…

As Solace turns around, Steph has ran up the steps to leap off at Solace…

Leana: STEPH IN THE AIR!!

Solace tries to react but Steph lands on her, sending both women down to the mat, Solace backfirst.

Nyssa: I’ve never seen so much veracity in Steph!!

5…

6…

Steph peels Solace up and throws her into the ring. As Steph reenters, the ref’s count stops, and the legal match resumes.

Steph lays kick after kick into Solace’s previously injured leg.

Leana: Another smart decision from Steph, working on that leg.

Nyssa: I’m surprised to be saying this, but Steph is in control of this match here, Leana.

Steph picks up Solace’s leg and throws it down to the mat, causing Solace to writhe in anguish as she holds her knee.

Steph throws her hands up, smiling as she taunts the crowd.

Leana: I would not waste too much time here, Solace can come back in a… SOLACE TATUM WITH THE ROLL UP! The referee drops as Steph’s shoulders touch the mat…

1…

2…

Thrr----- KICK OUT!

Steph rolls away, staring up at Solace with widened eyes, in complete shock.

Nyssa: I think her heart just stopped there, Leana!

Leana: It could have been over JUST LIKE THAT!

Nyssa: A rookie mistake from Steph, but now Steph is back on top of Solace, laying punches on her enemy’s forehead until the referee warns her to open the fists.

Steph climbs to her feet, running to the ropes, she jumps in the air and drops both feet down on Solace's injured leg. Steph begins to laugh as Solace rolls around holding her wound.

Steph picks up Solace and throws her against the ropes, but Solace trips before she can run across the ring. Steph laughs again, walking towards Solace when…

Nyssa: A drop toe hold from Solace! Steph’s face just hit the mat with nothing to soften the blow!

Solace quickly crawls on Steph’s back and reaches for her face, pulling back on it with a crossface. Steph flails her arms around, reaching for anything she can in front of her, refusing to tap out as Solace pulls harder.

Leana: This could be it here!

Steph manages to reach her hand back and as Solace tries to hook it, she digs her fingernails into Solace’s hurt leg. Solace releases and both girls get to their feet, only Solace has a limp.

Steph pushes Solace back and into the ropes, launching her forward, and when Solace returns Steph attempts a drop kick, but Solace hangs onto the ropes leaving Steph to fall with her target missed.

Just now, the fans react negatively to Mercedes, who has leaped over the barricade from the crowd, and is attempting to hide as she ducks around the surface level of the ring.

Leana: And look who it is…

Nyssa: She is just coming to look after her stablemate… We know how these Triumvirate girls can be.

Leana: Seriously??

Solace runs at Steph, ducking her wild clothesline attempt, bounches off the ropes and catches the back of Steph’s head for a running bulldog. Steph falls to her stomach and flips over to her back right after.

Solace sees Mercedes and starts threatening her, leaving Steph behind her to collect her energy.

Nyssa: For a woman with such technical prowess, Solace is making an amature mistake here by taking her eyes off of Steph.

Leana: It’s amazing the toll this rivalry is taking on Solace, it’s even causing her to overlook the most obvious no-nos of wrestling against members of the Coven… WAIT! STEPH GRABS HER FROM BEHIND!!

Steph throws Solace backwards and slams her neck to the mat, but as she is flipped, her legs hit the referee and knock them out.

Nyssa: Sunny Daze!!! THIS IS OVER!!

Leana: Steph makes the cover! But the ref is down!

Just then, Mercedes decides it would be a great idea to take advantage of the situation and enter the ring. She reaches in her pocket and retrieves what looks like the planchette from an Ouji board.

Nyssa: What is that? Is that the Ouji thing??

Leana: A little payback for Solace, I’m betting… you heard her comments during that promo.

Nyssa: That’s right! Mercedes is going to make Solace eat her words here.

Steph picks up Solace and holds her arms from behind as Mercedes prepares the planchette in her right grip. She says a few choice words to Solace and runs at her nemesis, but as she swings it, Solace ducks, and she connects with Steph instead.

Nyssa: OH NO!!!

Leana: She just hit her own stablemate!!

As Steph falls, Mercedes turns around to Solace, but finds a Sol-Searcher instead.

Leana: Sol-Searcher!!!!

Mercedes falls against the ropes and collapses out of the ring, leaving Solace cover Steph as the referee is beginning to show signs of life.

1…

2…

3!!!!!!

WINNER: SOLACE TATUM!!!

Nyssa: Steph HAD THIS WON!!!

Leana: Thanks to Mercedes, but in the end, it was Mercedes who cost her the win! Ironic, don’t ya think??

Nyssa: But wait! Solace may have won the match but she isn’t going to leave her looking like a winner!

Mercedes is now back in the ring, attacking Solace from behind as her hand was lifted. As Solace falls, the ref attempts to restore order, only to be taking out by Steph with a hard right fist. The ref falls, and the two Coven girls kick Solace on the mat.

This brutality continues until Katia Fyre runs out from the back with a chair, hitting Steph in the spine, and then planting Mercedes in the forehead. Both Coven girls drop and roll out of the ring on opposite sides before staggering their way to each other at the bottom of the rampway.

Katia stalks them from the mat as Solace climbs back to her feet, favoring her back.

Katia reaches out to the announce team and they hand her a microphone. Taking the hair elastic off her wrist she threw her hair up out of her face. She grabbed the microphone as the crowd mixed with cheers and whistles.

“I know you think you may have gotten rid of me, back-to-back injuries by the cowards that lay behind us backstage. But I am back, stronger than before.I am not someone who can just be replaced. I won my rounds in the tournaments. I demand my shot at the Evo title at Malevolence, which was secured for me. Or else there will be hell to pay''

"HOLD ON GIRLFRIEND!" A voice is heard on another microphone.

Nyssa: Wait a minute... is that?

La Volpe Nera walks out, microphone in hand, and stops at the top of the ramp, causing Mercedes and Steph to stop halfway up the ramp between her and The Triumvirate girls.

"I don't know who you are... but with all due respect, I EARNED my shot at the Evo title... if ANYONE should be in the Evo match, it's ME... La Volpe Nera!

Katia: Oh, you think so? I never even heard of you so...

Nera: Maybe instead of coming out here making demands, you should do some homework. How can you ask for a shot at the Evolution title when you, yourself haven't adapted to the Nera-Evolution!

Katia: I EARNED my shot before you even joined! It's going to be me!

Nera: Well, sorry to break it to you sweetheart, but Jolie has been rushed to the hospital because of THIS one.

Leana: She's talking about that brutal attack earlier in Jolie's office at the hands of Mercedes and Steph.

Nera: So, since the General Manager is gone, I'm afraid I don't know who would have enough power to even grant you your ill-timed demand...

Suddenly the image of IIW's Managing Director, Bob Mitchell flashes on the screen to a chorus of heat.

Bob: As much as everyone in the IIW would love to see a catfight right now, your two so called ladies just calm down a minute while the big boys are doing some business. Katia is it? Must be nice to live in whatever fantasy land dump they pulled you out of, but this is IIW. Now I get your little show likes to think it's something special, but it's HIGH time the lot of you got your act together. This isn't some country club where you can just go on vacation when you please and get title shots! I know, it's First Class and your titles aren't worth the price they charge at the merchandise tables, but that starts now!

The crowd boos so loud, Mercedes feels a bit jealous.

You want to be good little girls and show your little brand has any worth, then it's time to stop playing in fantasy land and start singing for your supper. Just because your little middle manager Jolie has run her mouth YET again and got it slapped off her face doesn't mean everything grinds to a halt. I have more than enough power to make any matches I want, so here's what we're going to do. You both want to prove your worth, then Black Fox, whatever you like calling yourself, you're going to defend your title shot on Pay Per View against Katia Fyre! The winner of that gets the Evolution title shot and maybe, just maybe the both of you might learn a little something about what it takes to actually succeed here in IIW!

Despite their hatred of Bob Mitchell, the fans explode with excitement at the match announcement.

Nyssa: WOW! What a MATCH!!

Leana: Malevolence just got even hotter thanks to Bob Mitchell! Katia... Nera... Number one contendership for the Evo title... October 17th!!

Leana Wilcox: Don’t go anywhere folks, we still have one more final match before our send-off to Malevolence!

Nyssa Laurie: And odds are Leana, it’s going to feature one of the ladies that will be able to call themselves the new Evolution Champion!

“Oedu Ranbu” (2019 remix) hits as the “Battle Maiden” Sawako Nakada emerges from behind the curtain. The crowd gives her a rousing ovation as she waves to her fans before making her way over to the commentary table, taking a seat next to Leana.

Leana Wilcox: Sawako, what a surprise? To what do we owe this pleasure?

Sawako Nakada: Hi Leana; Hi Nyssa! Thanks for that warm welcome! I’m just out here scouting one of my opponents for Malevolence! Want to see how this robotic leg work of Robin actually works!

Nyssa Laurie: Well, you could argue that it’s been more of a disadvantage than an advantage as of late, what with all the technical issues.

“Daisy Bell” begins to play over the speaker system in the arena as Mercedes makes her way out from behind the curtain, all smiles and bouncing up and down.

Leana Wilcox: Here comes the deranged Mercedes-Jane Debonair!

Nyssa Laurie: Careful Leana,she might hear you!

Sawako Nakada: We’ve certainly seen a much different side to her, as of late.

As if she could hear them talking about her, “MJ” shot a glare over at the three at the announce table, a violent sneer across her lips. After a tense few moments, she then smiled as if the world was all “sunshine and rainbows” skipping towards the ring but then suddenly stopping mid-aisle and freezing in place Her head flopping down to the ground as the music slightly stuttered…

As it slowly begins to pick up again, Mercedes lifts her head up with an extremely serious look on her face and she stalks towards the ring, sliding under the ropes and clambering up a turnbuckle backwards, tilting her head and keeping her eyes fixated on the opposition as the music fades...

Leana Wilcox: As if the Coven weren’t scary enough, now you got MJ in rare form as of late.

Nyssa Laurie: Did they ever find Todd’s body?

Sawako Nakada: You say that like she killed him…

Nyssa Laurie: You said it girl, not me.

As “MJ” stalks around the ring, “Diet” by MARIKO as Ada Pierce emerges from the back, dressed in her traditional karate gi and black flip flops.

Leana Wilcox: Looks like Ada Pierce will be up first in this gauntlet match.

Nyssa Laurie: Jolie has certainly stacked the deck against Mercedes and the Coven tonight.

As Ada begins to walk down the ramp, she waves to her fans when Jamie Riott suddenly runs out from the back, ambushing Pierce from behind!

Leana Wilcox: What the hell!? It’s Jamie Riott!

Jamie slams into Ada, knocking her down onto the ramp. Pierce then mounts her from behind, repeatedly slamming her fists and elbows into the back of Ada’s head! Pierce tries to cover up but is unable to really protect herself. Riott gets up off of her victim, pulling her up by the hair and bringing her down to the ring, slamming her into the ring apron! Ada falls to the ground as Jamie pulls up the curtain and begins digging underneath the ring.

Leana Wilcox: Now what is Jamie doing!?

Nyssa Laurie: I’m not sure, but I’m guessing Ada’s night is about to go from bad to worse.

Riott finds what she is looking for, pulling out a tangle of barbed wire and wrapping it around her wrist and knuckles. Mercedes sits cross-legged in the ring, admiring the beatdown as Sawako rises to her feet, contemplating leaving the announcer’s table. Catching the flash of movement out of the corner of her eye, “MJ” turns her gaze to Nakada and smirks at her, daring her to make a move.

Leana Wilcox: We need help out here!

Nyssa Laurie: I think it’s too little, too late.

Ensuring the wire was wrapped tightly around her hand, Jamie turned and met the rising Pierce with a vicious punch that busted her open immediately, the flesh tearing from her face! Ada collapsed to the ground, rolling around in agony as her fingers covered her bloodied visage. Jamie threw down a few insults at Pierce before scuffing her boots in her general direction and walking off.

Leana Wilcox: What was the reason for that!?

Nyssa Laurie: I’m not sure, but it looks like Ada won’t be able to compete tonight.

As Riott disappeared behind the curtain, medical personnel ran out to attend to Ada as Mercedes simply laughed at her opponent's misfortune. Her smile is quickly erased as “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold hits and LEDs lining the ramp flash with every beat of the snare. The pause in the intro hits and the lights and screens go out leaving the arena in pitch black. As it drops again green pyro pops from the corners as the lights come back up revealing Robin Vengeance standing in the middle of the ring!

Leana Wilcox: Robin’s in the ring!

Nyssa Laurie: And Mercedes has no idea!

“MJ” gets up to her feet as she turns and is met with a kick right to her gut from Robin’s prosthetic leg! Mercedes is doubled over in pain as Vengeance grabs her and sends her against the ropes. “MJ” bounces off and runs right into Robin, who plants her to the mat and begins laying into her with vicious rights with the Lou Thesz Press!

Leana Wilcox: Ada may be knocked out of this one, but Robin is going to make sure Mercedes has a fight on her hands!

Nyssa Laurie: Even with Pierce taken out, “MJ” still needs to battle her way through two of First Class’ finest!

Sawako has sat back down and placed her headset back on, her focus on the action in the ring. Vengeance rolls off of Mercedes and backs into a corner, taunting her to get up. “MJ” is dazed from the sudden attack as she staggers up, turning right into a Running High Knee from Robin!

Leana Wilcox: What a shot from Robin Vengeance there!

Nyssa Laurie: I’m still not sure how that prosthetic isn’t considered a weapon, Leana!

Vengeance crawled into the cover…

One…

Two…

Kick-out!

Leana Wilcox: Mercedes just getting that shoulder up!

Robin looked to stay on the offensive, pulling Mercedes up and sending her into the corner. Vengeance pointed to Nakada on commentary, as if to say “watch this”, before rushing in and looking for a Helluva-Kick. “MJ” was able to dodge out of the way at the last second as Robin got her cybernetic leg stuck on the top rope!

Nyssa Laurie: It looked like Robin trying to take a page out of Ichiko’s playbook there Sawako!

Sawako Nakada: Yeah, almost looked like she was going for the “Hell Rally Kick” but she might need to practice that move a bit more.

Mercedes rushed in, sliding into Vengeance and hitting a Chop Block to Robin’s exposed leg as she bent awkwardly back down towards the ring, her prosthetic still tied up on the top rope! With Vengeance stuck in some bizarre form of a Tree of Woe, “MJ” bounces off the ropes and hits a sliding Dropkick to Robin’s skull, finally jarring her free from the ropes. Mercedes quickly rolls her over and goes for the cover…

One…

Two…

Kick-out!

Leana Wilcox: Robin showing some true heart here!

Nyssa Laurie: I thought she was knocked out for sure there!

“MJ” slammed her hand on the mat in frustration as she slammed Vengeance’s head repeatedly into the mat, taking her irritation out on her opponent. Mercedes then dragged her thumb across her own throat, indicating that “this match was over”. She pulled a dazed Robin up, setting her up for the “No Mercy” (Swinging Reverse STO) but as she began to spin through the rotation, Vengeance somehow got free and ended up stumbling behind “MJ”. Mercedes turned only for Robin to flip backwards and drive her cybernetic leg right into her skull with the “Prime Delivery” (Pele Kick)!

Leana Wilcox: “Prime Delivery” by Robin from out of nowhere!

Nyssa Laurie: Mercedes is out!

Sawako Nakada: Robin with a chance to end this one right here!

Vengeance clawed her way across the canvas to her opponent, draping an arm over her…

One…

Two…

Thr-Kick Out!

Nyssa Laurie: Whew! That was TOO close!

Leana Wilcox: I thought Robin had it!

Robin looked over at the official, confirming that only two fingers were up. She tried to shake off the disappointment as she got back to a vertical base, yelling for “MJ” to “get up”. Mercedes stumbled up as Vengeance doubled her over, putting her in a Powerbomb-type position.

Leana Wilcox: Robin looking for the “The Fame and Glory” (Razor’s Edge)!

Robin flipped “MJ” up and began to put her into position for her finisher, when she abruptly fell to a knee, sparks flying from her prosthetic. Vengeance screamed out in pain as she grabbed at her cybernetic leg while Mercedes maneuvered her way into position, taking advantage of the malfunction and slamming Robin face-first into the mat with the “No Mercy” (Swinging Reverse STO)!

Nyssa Laurie: “No Mercy” from “MJ”! Say goodnight to Robin!

Sawako Nakada: That leg continues to be a hindrance to Vengeance!

Mercedes slithered into the cover, initially going to hook the leg until she saw the sparks flying from it. Instead, she grinds her elbow into Robin’s face as the referee makes the count…

One…

Two…

Three…!

Leana Wilcox: Mercedes picks up the pinfall on Robin!

Nyssa Laurie: Two down, one to go!

Sawako Nakada: Sure, but Ada never really got a chance to even get into this match, remember.

“MJ” kicks Vengeance out of her ring as both Robin and Pierce are assisted to the back. Like a caged lion, Mercedes paces around the ring, yelling for Jolie to send out her next “champion”.

The lights of the arena dim at first, no music yet playing. As the opening strains of “Subconscious” by Julia Claris hit, the lights strobe rapidly in time with the ensuing percussive cacophony. A video of a young woman in a Japanese biker coat walking down an alley toward the camera plays, the words 'GET READY' and 'IT'S TIME' in red lettering serving as a border. When the first guitar notes sound the red lettering changes to 'YOU WANNA DIE?!', and Sukeban Ichiko appears in a spotlight with that same biker coat over her ring gear.

Leana: Here comes the third and final competitor in the gauntlet match!

Nyssa: As they like to say in the old country, “business is about to pick up”.

Sawako: Nobody says that…

Sukeban holds a metal baseball bat in her right hand, which has a couple of dents in it. For a moment she stands there with her back to the crowd. As the melody plays she moves down the ramp, a menacing swagger in her step and an expression promising violence on her face. She casts a sidelong glance over at the announce table, narrowing her eyes at Sawako, as if indicating to her to “not interfere in her affairs”. Ichiko continues on, stopping at the bottom of the ramp and leering into the camera smugly, punching toward the lens before hopping up to the ring apron. She lingers there glaring at the crowd before entering through the middle rope. As she does, “MJ” has waited long enough as she rushes in, throwing a flurry of punches.

Leana: Mercedes wasting little time here!

Ichiko is caught off guard as she drops the baseball bat to the mat and does her best to cover up. “MJ” tears the biker jacket off and throws it into the first row of the crowd as she turns and walks right into a Double Knee Facebreaker from Sukeban! Mercedes crumples to the canvas as Ichiko goes for the quick pin…

One…

Two…

Kick-out!

Nyssa: Sukeban almost stole one!

Sawako: You can’t take your eyes off of Ichiko for a second, so quick are her strikes!

Staying on the offensive, Ichiko tries to position “MJ” for the “Agonizer” (Rings of Saturn) but Mercedes fights against the submission hold, wiggling her body over so she can drape a foot on the bottom rope. The referee forces Sukeban off of “MJ” as the two reset.

Leana: Sukeban did say she wanted to make Mercedes tap!

Nyssa: Better luck next time!

The two lock up again as Ichiko gets the better of the exchange, twisting “MJ” around for a Swinging Neckbreaker but Mercedes slithers out of the grip. Sukeban turns as “MJ” hits her in the gut, setting her up for the Sunset Flip Powerbomb but Ichiko pulls Mercedes legs out from underneath her. Falling backwards, Sukeban catapults “MJ” towards the corner ropes but Mercedes is able to land safely on the second rope!

Leana: Impressive sequence here!

Nyssa: These ladies clearly did their homework!

“MJ” scampered up to the top rope, leaping off backwards for a Moonsault but Ichiko rushed underneath it, avoiding the blow as Mercedes was able to rotate through and land on her feet. Sukeban then shot out of the corner, catching “MJ” right as she landed and turning her inside out with the “Razor Whip” (Discus Lariat)!

Sawako: Ichiko almost took Mercedes’ head off with that one!

Ichiko quickly went for the pin fall as the referee made the count…

One…

Two…

Kick-out!

Sukeban muttered something in Japanese as she pulled her opponent up again, sending Mercedes into the corner. Building up a head of steam, Ichiko began running in place as the fans cheered her on.

Leana: Looks like Sukeban is going to show us how it’s done.

Nyssa: I don’t know, Robin missed on his earlier attempt.

Sawako: When Ichiko locks her sights on you though, she doesn’t miss.

Sukeban rushed forward, looking for the “Hell Rally Kick” (Helluva Kick) but “MJ” reached out and grabbed the official, pulling them into the path of the blow! Ichiko was unable to stop herself as her boot kicked the referee in the head, knocking them to the mat!

Nyssa: What smart thinking from Mercedes!

As the official began to fall, Mercedes pushed them towards Sukeban, falling into her and disorienting her. “MJ'' leapt into the air, driving the air from Ichiko’s lungs with a Front Dropkick, followed by a Kip-Up!

Leana: Nothing ever good comes from the referee being knocked out, not when the Coven are involved!

Sukeban clutched at her chest as Mercedes quickly checked to make sure the official wasn’t going to be a problem. Seeing that he wasn’t, “MJ” went over to the ring apron, grabbing the metal bat that Ichiko had brought down to the ring with her.

Nyssa: This is when bringing a weapon with you backfires, Leana.

Sawako stood up from the announce table again as Mercedes stalked after her prey. Sukeban got to her feet, turning to see “MJ” barreling down at her. She narrowly ducked the blow as Mercedes swung widely, just missing the top of Ichiko’s skull. Confused, “MJ” spun around as Sukeban lifted her up onto her shoulders, the bat slipping harmlessly out of Mercedes’ grip.

Leana: Ichiko saw it coming! She dodged the blow!

Nyssa: And now Mercedes is in a bad way!

“MJ” flailed about, trying to prevent the inevitable, as Ichiko had her set up for the “Sudden Death” (GTS)! Before she could pull the trigger however, Steph was suddenly in the ring, hitting a Shotgun Dropkick to Sukeban and saving her stablemate from certain doom.

Leana: Where the hell did Steph come from!?

Nyssa: You didn’t really think that Mercedes would take on this gauntlet match alone, did you?

Mercedes managed to roll off Ichiko’s shoulders and to safety as Sukeban hit the mat hard and rolled into the corner. After a quick check from Steph on her partner, she then charged forward at Ichiko, dragging her foot across her face with a Face Wash!

Nyssa: I think Steph might’ve knocked some teeth out with that shot!

Leana: Hey! Sawako! Where are you going?

Sawako had, apparently, seen enough as she put her headset down and began to approach the ring. Steph and “MJ” paid her no mind as Mercedes began issuing commands. “MJ” grabbed a hold of the steel bat again as Steph pulled Ichiko up and sent her stumbling into Mercedes, her partner swinging the bat right into Sukeban’s ribs

Leana: What a brutal shot from “MJ”!

Ichiko dropped to her knees as Sawako’s pace quickened, now charging towards the ring. Mercedes began to line up her shot, taking a few practice swings, wanting to make sure she hit the right mark. As “MJ” reared back, Nakada was on her, tackling her to the ground and laying into her with a flurry of elbow and forearm strikes!

Nyssa: What is Sawako thinking!?

Leana: She’s coming to the aid of Sukeban!

Irritated by her intrusion, Steph grabbed a hold of Sawako and pulled her off of her partner. Nakada rolled through, bouncing off the ropes and flying back towards Steph, dropping her to the mat with the “Sapphire Arrow” (Rope Rebound Spear)!

Leana: Sawako is doing the right thing, here! She’s restoring order to this match!

Nyssa: More like, sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong!

“MJ” was back up, swinging the weapon in Sawako’s general direction but Nakada was too quick, side-stepping, back-peddling, and dodging each swing. Mercedes began to get frustrated as she ran forward, looking for the knock-out blow but Sawako met her in the middle of the ring, dropping her down with the Sling Blade!

Leana: Sawako is like a woman-possessed, the Coven may’ve bitten off more than they can chew here!

The fans were purely behind the crowd-favorite as Nakada kicked Steph from the ring and then rolled out onto the apron, hopping up and down excitedly.

Nyssa: Oh now what!? Hasn’t Sawako done enough!?

“MJ” slowly started to rise up once more as Sawako leapt up onto the top rope and flew off, looking for the “Thunder From Heaven” (Springboard Flying Forearm)! At the last second, Mercedes grabbed a hold of Sukeban and pulled her into the line of fire as Nakada drilled Ichiko right in the face!

Leana: Oh no! Sawako hit Sukeban with the “Thunder From Heaven”!

Nyssa: I don’t think that was an accident, Leana!

Sawako bounced up, holding her head in disbelief at what she had done as “MJ” slammed the bat into her spine, dropping her to the mat. Mercedes then stomped Nakada out of the ring as she looked over to see the referee finally rousing. Looking to take advantage one last time, she pulled the dazed Sukeban up, wrapping the bat around her throat. Violently, “MJ” pulled Ichiko back down onto her knees, using the metal bat as added leverage, as she laid Sukeban out with the “Merciless” (Backstabber/Double-Knee Backbreaker)!

Nyssa: “Merciless” from “MJ” and it looks like the Coven have won this one!

Mercedes disposed of the evidence as she rolled Ichiko onto her back and went into the cover, yelling for the referee to “do his damn job”. Slowly, the official crawled over and began to make the count, unaware that “MJ” had now put her feet up on the second rope, applying added pressure to the pin fall…

One…

Two…

Three…!

Winner of the Gauntlet Match via Pinfall: Mercedes-Jane “MJ” Debonair!!!

Laura: I think I’m going to be sick...

Nyssa: Looks like Jolie’s plan backfired… again.

Mercedes rises up to her feet, sneering down at her opponent as Steph rolls back in, hugging her friend and raising her arm into the air. The two celebrate briefly before turning back to Sukeban. “MJ” begins to discuss some sort of further assault when Sawako slides back into the ring and goes after the two Coven members. Nakada begins laying into both, alternating with various forearm, elbow, and kick strikes, trying to get the two to back down. But the two-on-one assault is too much as Steph manages to catch Sawako’s leg in her grip, leaving her off balance. Unable to break away, Mercedes delivers a stomp to Nakada’s knee!

Laura: Oh God, I think “MJ” might’ve broken Sawako’s knee!

Nyssa: I did try to warn her not to interfere. At least, I think I did. Maybe I just thought about it…?

Sawako fell down to the mat in a heap, clutching at her damaged leg as the two Coven members looked over their fallen victims. “MJ” directed Steph to the top rope as she began to pull a lifeless Ichiko back up to her feet. Holding her in place and positioning her just so, Steph leapt off, spinning through the air and dropping Sukeban chin-first into her shoulder with the “Stephacide” (Top Rope/Eclipse)!

Laura: And now a “Stephacide” onto Sukeban! When will enough be enough for these damn witches!?

With Ichiko taken care of, the two turned back to Nakada as she was trying to crawl her way to the ropes. Steph cut her off at the pass, driving her boot into any exposed area she could find as Mercedes retrieved the steel bat once more. “MJ” tied the weapon up within Sawako’s legs, before applying a variation of a Figure Four Leg Lock, further wrenching away at her injured knee!

Nyssa: The Coven have made it very clear that the First Class division is THEIR division. This type of display is just them re-asserting their dominance!

As the fans hissed at the actions of the two Coven members and chanted unflattering remarks, the lights in the arena suddenly dimmed. Just then, “Black Sheep” by Brie Larson began playing over the loudspeakers as Solace Tatum emerged from the back and rushed down the ring!

Leana: Apparently, like all of us, Solace has seen enough!

Nyssa: When will these women learn, Leana!? You can’t stop the Coven!

Solace slid into the ring, instantly catching Steph right in the jaw with “The Sol-Searcher” (Superkick)!

Leana: Solace with the “Sol-Searcher” on Steph and now it’s just her and “MJ”!

Nyssa: Looks like we’re going to get a preview of Malevolence tonight!

Mercedes relinquished the submission hold on Nakada as she stood to meet her opponent at the upcoming PPV. Time seemed to stand still as the two simply stared into each other’s eyes, both waiting for their rival to make the first move. As if a silent countdown had just gone off, Solace and “MJ” met in the center of the ring with fists flying.

Leana: And here we go! Solace and Mercedes!

Tatum begins to get the upper hand, her strikes landing their mark more than “MJ’s”. Out of desperation, Mercedes delivers a thumb to the eye, temporarily blinding Solace. “MJ” shoves Tatum into the ropes but, out of instinct, Solace leaps up, bounces off the second rope, and manages to spin around, catching Mercedes right under the jaw with a Springboard European Uppercut!

Nyssa: How on earth was Solace able to even see to connect on that!?

Tatum clutched at her right eye, trying to blink the pain away as “MJ” stumbled up. Solace lunged forward, looking to catch Mercedes with her own “ Sol-Searcher” (Superkick) but “MJ”, somehow, blocked the blow. Mercedes shoved Tatum’s leg down and lunged at her, ensnaring her in her own wicked web as she went for the “No Mercy” (Swinging Reverse STO)! As she rotated backwards, Solace freed herself from “MJ’s” grasp and rolled out of the move. Enraged, Mercedes rushed forward at her opponent as the rising Tatum leapt up, wrapping her arms around “MJ’s” head and going for “The Tatum Bomb” (RKO)! Sensing what was about to happen, Mercedes shoved Solace away from her and rolled backwards, slipping out of the ring under the bottom rope and walking backwards away from her opponent at Malevolence!

Leana: Counter after counter, these women know each other so well!

Nyssa: “MJ” dodges a bullet tonight but come Malevolence, there’ll be nowhere for her to run.

Tatum surveys the fallen bodies laying strewn about the ring, reaffirming her desire to put a stop to the Coven once and for all. Leaning against the ropes, she glares up the ramp at “MJ” as Mercedes simply smiles and waves back at her.

Leana: The stage is finally set ladies and gentlemen! Two weeks from tonight, at Malevolence, on October 17th! Solace will finally get her hands on “MJ” in a Salem Street Fight!

Nyssa: I’d like to say that this is the beginning of the end of this feud, but something tells me… business is about to pick up.

Leana: Stop trying to make that a thing, Nyssa! From First Class, goodnight everyone!

SPECIAL THANKS:
ICHIKO
CURTIS
LIEN
BELLATRIX
NOVA SKYE
MERCEDES
BOB MITCHELL (GUEST APPEARANCE)