JGB

Desiree Forte is ready!

Things looked like they were finally going right for Ethan Murphy. He was the current AWS American Champion. A workhorse title that fit the values of toughness, tenacity, and grit that the United States Of America embodied and a reward for his hard work. And in Ethan’s life the checks were cashing in, his gorgeous wife was happy to see her man thriving at work. And in return Ethan’s mind, body, and soul felt the best it had felt in YEARS. So you would think that the shiny gold title would be enough for him…but it wasn’t. Oh make no mistake Ethan was proud as hell to be champion again. His penance story was well-documented. The rollercoaster that was his AWS career was back on the smooth track. Ethan was ready to go to work and defend his title at a moment’s notice. But it wasn’t just all about title matches for him. Ethan knew he had to assert dominance in the ring and beat any opponent that came his way. Title or no title. That’s how it was done in the Asylum Wrestling Society. Even if your title wasn’t on the line you couldn’t just sit on your ass, train, and scout opponents. You still had matches. But you can use them to set examples and remind the world that champions were built differently. And a six pack empty asylum match for WrestleVersary was a damn good way to do it! No gold on the line but a hell of a lot of credibility. Ethan was one of six men in a cleared out Asylum match to close the show. No fans, just cameras and referees to catch all of the violence and record the pinfall or submission. Simple as that. And all Ethan had to do is pin one of the five, talented as hell men he was sharing Pennhurst Asylum with. Leon Roberts, Daron Smythe, Drake Nygma, Adam Stryker and Sammy the Creep were Ethan’s opponents. Old opponents like Daron, Drake, and Leon who had wins over Ethan before he earned championship status, Adam Stryker who Ethan faced early on in his career, and Sammy the Creep who was a new sensation in the AWS and all hungry to win as well. But none were hungrier than Ethan was on the way to WrestleVersary. In other words this main event match wasn’t about a title. It was about DOMINANCE and Ethan was going to project all of that with his words and actions. Since he had absolutely no intention of looking weak before his main event bout. Cameras focused on Ethan Murphy as he pulled up to the Asylum in Pennhurst in a dark red Chevy truck outside of Pennhurst Asylum. Grabbing his AWS American Championship and placing it squarely on his shoulders. He wore a dark blue short sleeved shirt with matching jeans and his favorite Reebok shoes that were comfy on his feet. As he was going to do a lot of walking while he talked. But that was later as he just soaked the view of the Pennhurst Asylum in with an audible breath as he gazed at the building Ethan Murphy: Yeah I love wrestling in the Asylum Wrestling Society. Yeah I’ve had bigger companies bid for me, want me to fight for them. Go to their big areas. Hell, their stadiums even. But I always say no. I always decline. Why? Because those matches and experiences are a dime a dozen but what other company has the balls to have a show in an asylum? A place where medically insane people went decades ago? Criminally crazy people who weren’t fit for regular society. Fits the AWS perfectly and I fit the AWS perfectly. This place allows me to be the monster inside every time I have a match. Ethan praised the company he worked for as he entered the asylum. Taking in the scenery that had been fitted to be an AWS venue. Touring it with the camera following him with camera angles to go with it. Capturing his every word and movement. The entrance hall, the security rooms. AWS did wonders in turning Pennhurst into a proper pro wrestling venue at least in the context of the Asylum Wrestling Society. There was no presentation in the wrestling world quite like that of the Asylum Wrestling Society. Ethan Murphy: I'm at home here because venues like this give me free reign to cut loose, fight as hard as I can. Hell, go crazy. As long as I win the match. Which I will need to do as I'm in a six pack challenge match against five of the toughest men I honestly think I could ever be set to fight against. And I don’t even need to be pinned to lose. Leon Roberts, Daron Smythe, Drake Nygma, Adam Stryker and Sammy the Creep. Damn what a lineup of opponents. Happy WrestleVersary to me… Ethan said calmly as he walked through the entrance hall of the Asylum. Looking as he walked with dramatic music supporting his motions and movements Then the viewing public were treated to the sight of a match graphic of Ethan’s six pack bout at WrestleVersary. All while Ethan walked to the inmate cells. Each one having the appearance of one of his five opponents inside of the converted locker rooms. Ethan Murphy: Whether it’s old opponents I got real history with. Enemies of my past like Leon Roberts, Daron Smythe, and Drake Nygma. Or new lunatics and people I’ve never fought before like Adam Stryker and Sammy the Creep. The first three got my number and probably think they got me figured out as they’ve beaten me before. I’m not afraid to admit it. Leon, Daron, Drake. You’ve all gotten a win on me before but not like this, not here, not in the confines of an asylum when I’m powered by American gold and Stryker? We haven’t fought in years. I’ve beaten you early on and I’ll do it again. Oh, and Sammy the Creep I could beat you too new guy. But that’s the thing with this match being a six pack challenge at WrestleVersary. I just need to beat one of you to win. And Ethan pointed his finger to show “one” just for emphasis. Ethan Murphy: And yeah this match isn’t about a title. No gold is on the line but respect is. You never want to be seen as weak in a match like this and there isn’t a weak bone in my body. And I’m coming in here with a cutthroat mentality with the aggression and confidence that fits the United States of America. Just like the title I have. And I meant every word when I said that I can make an asylum my home because you can be calm and cool on the outside like I am… And then the image of a red monster face appeared on Ethan’s as he looked into the camera Ethan Murphy: And you can be a lunatic inside… And those were the last words before he entered his holding cell that was converted into a private locker room to formally end the promo with a fade to black.

The more Mallory researched and prepared for Brittani Bezos the more anxious she was for their match at Chick Fyte in Berlin. Brittani was bigger than her, stronger than her, and would likely be the unofficial babyface since they were wrestling in front of Brittani’s homeland of Germany. This was the kind of match that she was expecting to have for her debut. A hard-hitting singles bout where she could show the whole fucking world what she could do against a challenging, worthy, and by all means FUN opponent. So of course Mallory put in the maximum amount of work to get ready for their singles bout. But that wasn’t the only thing she did. Mallory Hale: Hey can you get the rest of the band together. I need a favor that’ll be fun for us both… Mallory was the lead singer of Maiden Voyage. Which was fittingly an all-woman quintet band. A five piece. And despite their pretty band name they played hard rock music with heavy focus on vocals and musicianship. A little bit of punk rock, a little bit of glam rock, a little bit of symphonic metal, but a lot of damn fun. And just like Mallory they were looking for their big break as they released mixtapes, put their music on every site that would allow them to do it for cheap/free, and even did local gigs. In short, Mallory wanted to have her cake and her pie. Two good things at once. A successful wrestling career and a career as a rock star. And as for that favor. She wanted to get her badass, beautiful, bandmates together to help her with her promo against Brittani Bezos. To get the crowd pumped, give them a reason to watch Chick Fyte live, and most importantly let Brittani know what the hell she was up against. WXW would have to handle the camera work and editing but Mallory had a plan for the music for the promo. And she knew just what to say too with the scene starting off with herself mingling with her band and WXW production crew. Like they were setting up a concert performance with her voice in the background supporting the action. Mallory Hale: I am a woman who follows her passions. I'm passionate about pro wrestling, I'm passionate about music, and I'm passionate about winning. And I believe a woman should and can have it all. I got my band Maiden's Voyage, I'm a WXW wrestler. All I need is to find success at both. And it starts with you Brittani Bezos. Mallory introduced herself and let the people know a little about herself. Including talking about her opponent by name. It was direct enough but she was only getting started. Mallory Hale: Which is why I’m looking forward to our match in Chick Fyte so damn much Brittani. Because I don’t have to worry about two other women, or three other women. Just you. Just one opponent. Besides, very few singers have their first track or first record be a hit. It’s the follow-up that gets the success anyway. You’re a stepping stone Brittani but I know I need to step HARD to get back on the winning track. This wasn’t her first match overall but her first singles match and it meant a lot to her because in her heart this was where she believed that she shone brightest. Mallory Hale: I also know what I’m getting into just by looking at you Brittani. You’re bigger than me, stronger than me, taller than me. But all that means is that when I beat you I’ll have a hell of an accomplishment on my record. Pinfall or submission. I just gotta make it happen. And now Mallory let her ego show. How even though she was smaller than Brittani there was no doubt in her mind that she was going to lose to her. Size difference between damned, home country be damned. Complete with the match graphic of their faces with Chick Fyte font for emphasis. Mallory Hale: That's why I'm looking forward to Chick Fyte because I know I'm a solo star and I'm ready to show the whole damn world what I can do! Well… some of the time I'm a solo star. But if you think you're ready for me then you are just IGNORANT. ONE TWO THREE GO! Then Maiden’s Voyage played Mallory’s theme song before she and her band faded to black.

The scene started with Xander in the Centre Of Attention clubhouse this time on a pleasant April morning. He was wearing his street clothes and sipping black coffee, filled to the brim. It was his go-to drink in the morning especially when he had a lot on his mind. From meeting the media to meeting to interacting with his Centre Of Attention teammates to handling a promo. When Xander hit the black coffee that meant he had a hell of a lot on his mind and his title match at AWS Ward was no exception to this rule. It had been too long since Xander Croft had gold in the Asylum Wrestling Society. Hell, nobody in the Centre Of Attention had gold at the moment which was rare for a group as long-running and as famous as the COA was. Nothing in that trophy cabinet right now as the Asylum Wrestling Society blazed through 2026 and that got on his nerves. Xander was the founder of the group. He got the members together. Olympia Waybright, Desiree Forte, Mason Hurst. All due to his connections, outreach, and approval. And while he didn’t carry himself like a typical stable leader giving orders and scolding team members he led by example. Through wins in title matches that encouraged his teammates to step up and get better. And Xander had his hands full in this case with “The badass” Mike Dimter. Mike Dimter long since lived up to his “badass” moniker. Yeah he wasn’t the biggest or strongest wrestler but he made that up with incredible grit and toughness to make him hit harder than his weight class would lead you to believe. Fitting of a wrestler with over two decades of experience in the ring. Xander could relate to that to the utmost. The Englishman honestly couldn’t think of a better veteran to fight and defeat. But Mike also thrived in big pressure matches and the Convergence Title most definitely qualified. He couldn’t come at this hot like his coffee right now otherwise he might make a mistake. Xander was naturally the calculating type of man and believed that his best chance of beating Mike and taking his Convergence title came with a cool head in the ring and in training but as for the promo?...we’ll see… Xander Croft: Attention. My name is Xander Croft. I am a member of the Centre Of Attention and I wear the red, black, and white with pride. But I’m not proud of one thing right now and that’s the lack of championships we have at the moment. Now don’t get me wrong we have had PLENTY of title glory here in the COA. Hell, there was a point where someone in this group every month had some kind of gold to defend. Singles, tag, men's, women’s. We damn near ran this roster! And we’ve been without gold too long. Now I know titles here in this company are earned not given. No pity title shots and charity championship matches here. You fight champions because you have the skill to become one. That is where you come in Mike Dimter. I’m booked to fight you for your Convergence Title at Ward. I earned the right to take you on but I know I have the skills to take that title from you. Xander said this as he sipped his coffee. Getting down to business with his statement with their match graphic; name, heads, and all appear on screen. Hyping the match up was important to him. As if Xander’s words weren’t enough. Xander Croft: As good as you are Mike and you are indeed damn good in this right. Violent, gritty, with the resilience to do everything it takes to win, just know that I am going to our match at Ward with two goals in mind in all honesty when we fight at Monday Night Ward. I’m not just going to take your title but I’m going to put an end to your “Badass” bravado you’ve been strutting around here with. You’ve had some damn good opponents Mike but you’ve never fought anyone like me. Someone who can grapple, break, and choke out anyone in this damn company regardless of size and experience. There isn’t a man in this company who can outwrestle me. Not even close and if you want to go hardcore and I don’t suggest you do, I can think of some creative ways to torment your pathetic body with a weapon. Your reputation will be gone as well as your Convergence championship! And then came Xander’s mission with glowing arrogance as he, and his coffee were HOT. Fans got to see highlights of Xander’s and Mike’s moments in the ring. Big moves with and without weapons but one thing was clear and that was that Xander was coming into the match with the utmost of confidence in himself. Xander Croft: And above all else I will command attention as I bring the Convergence title home to the Centre Of Attention and show the world that there is an undeniable difference between having “badass” in your ring name and actually being one. Xander finished the promo and his coffee as the red, black, and white Centre Of Attention logo appeared on screen to show the end of it.

Ethan Murphy is ready!

It's Scho-time!

Desiree and Olympia are back together!

Ethan is ready to make things right!

Xander may have been the proud, valiant, C4 Division Champion. The longest reigning champion in the Asylum Wrestling Society among all title active title holders in fact…but the funny thing is he'd never say no to more gold in his collection. And that meant the Centre Of Attention would look stronger as well as his own status in the AWS. As he believed that more gold met more glory for all involved. Prior to coming to the Asylum Wrestling Society he held double titles before on rare occasions overseas. And as for tournaments? Xander had been in loads of them! Some wins, some losses, but plenty of experience and exposure in the process. Tournaments helped build a wrestler’s fame and reputation and Xander knew how important they were. Competing in one, much less winning one meant that you had a special spotlight on you. But if you win that means you were absolutely undeniable, a star, and in some cases a champion. Enter Holiday Hell. Live in Berline, Germany it was AWS’s last event of the 2025 calendar year where he was selected for the National Title tournament. Which he found out at his home in England when he was off-duty and he immediately perked up after seeing the match. Xander Croft: Cracking. One step closer to being champ champ! I gotta book a flight to Berlin then. Lets see who I’m facing in the tourney…TJ Alexander? Oh this is going to be fun~ Fighting TJ Alexander simply excited Xander for a variety of reasons. TJ was a versatile, high-impact, striker who could brawl, fly, and fight with great technique. Xander was a submission master with a variety of holds to bend, snap, and twist bodies in ways they weren’t supposed to. All while neither of these men were American born as they hailed from England. *** Xander Croft: Tournaments. They always catch my attention. Because the wrestlers involved always seem to do a little more for them. They fight harder to win and impress the fans, they bend or even break the rules more, all to get the prize at the end. These matches mean more just by the fact that there’s a visible achievement at the end. Something for wrestlers to want. And in this case with the National Title…I want that. Xander’s voice overheard first as a full-screen picture of the AWS National Title tournament bracket appeared on screen. His name, his opponent TJ Alexander’s name, his Centre Of Attention Mason Hurst’s name, among others were in the bracket. Big names, key players worth watching. In fact it fed into Xander’s next point as he appeared on screen in the Centre Of Attention clubhouse. Specifically their training ring, in his gear. Ready to spar or work out but right now he was still going to talk about his upcoming battle. Xander Croft: Which leads to my situation at hand. I have an AWS National Title match against the one and only TJ Alexander and if I win I get one step closer to the National Title and honestly I could use some new gold because while I have absolutely no problems with being the C4 Division champion I don’t mind having more gold on me. What wrestler would say no to an opportunity like this anyway? Especially if I get a chance to prove my superiority over TJ Alexander? Someone who has been on my radar for quite some time. And with that smirk Xander made it clear that he was going to go absolutely IN on TJ Alexander. Speaking his mind on the talented wrestler who had been a star of the Asylum Wrestling Society. Worthy of a championship just like he was. Xander Croft: Like two ships in the night we’ve traveled similar paths before fighting in the Asylum Wrestling Society. We wrestled in Europe, Asia, multiple stints in the United States. Sometimes for the same company, sometimes not. We’re not that different in that regard as we are two international superstars who don’t need the Asylum Wrestling Society to shine. They need us more than we need them. But the difference between us is in the details. You just represent yourself and your own missions and goals. I represent the Centre Of Attention when I wrestle with every word I say, every match I have, and every win I earn. I represent my family as I am a second generation wrestler whose father RULED European wrestling. And at the risk of sounding like a simple babyface looking for a pop, I have reasons to fight, reasons to defend my C4 Division title, and reasons to win this National Title tournament that trump whatever motivation you may have. I’m not naive to overlook your talents as a wrestler however because I know that when we get in the ring it will be a dream match for these peons in the crowd to witness. Your speed versus my technique. But making this clear…you won’t win. Not against my talents AND my motivation! Xander spoke with fire in his words with supporting footage to support it. The title, match highlights of himself and TJ to make the fight feel like a big damn deal and supporting music to go along with the action. Making this tournament match seem like a dream match for all involved…but one that he was going to win! Xander Croft: So here’s what’s going to happen when we get to Holiday Hell everyone and you better listen up good TJ. We’re going to steal the show. Have the best damn match of the entire night. Hell, BOTH NIGHTS since it’s a two-day event! We’re going to show the whole world we’re the best wrestlers in that entire tournament!... Then a smug grin graced Xander’s face. Xander Croft: But at the end it will be an all too familiar result for me…my hand will be raised in victory while your body will be aching all over on the mat beneath me like so many other men have done in the Asylum. I will advance, you will fall, and I will get one step closer to the AWS National Championship. I’ll be sure to let the medical staff know in advance they’ll be getting your attention though. See you in Berlin bruv.

The fans at home were greeted to an interesting sight of the Bayou Blaze. Antoine and Gabriel LeClair. They were being escorted on an airboat in a verdant, beautiful bayou path. The scent of magnolia and honeysuckle filling the air. A couple of gators swimming by but nothing too dangerous for the AWS cameramen to capture along with some nicely placed camera drones. All while the sun set just right through the crowds to lead to a picturesque scene. A true New Orleans atmosphere backwoods atmosphere while a voice over from the brothers were heard to tell the story and add to the mood. But there was a reason for all of this though. The Bayou Blaze were about to go to battle against Ares and Odin; The War Gods for the AWS Unified World Tag Team Championships and they barely beat them the last time they fought! It wasn’t enough for Antoine and Gabriel to prepare the typical way. Not at this point. Sessions in the AWS dojo and their personal ring and gym at home wasn’t gonna cut it. They had to go deeper and darker into their roots. Hoodoo and voodoo. From their mother’s side of the family the LeClairs had ties to African shamans who were here since the days of the civil war. They protected escaped slaves and good-natured travelers along the waters of the bayou if they were in need and the LeClairs did believe in the spiritual message of the magical faith and believed that it guided them safely in their path as professional wrestlers. That’s why they haven’t been injured, why they haven’t had the personal demons wrestlers have, and that’s why they have had an abundance of success. And it wasn’t over! Antoine LeClair: Once we found out that we were defending our AWS Tag Team titles against the War Gods again we knew that we had to get ready differently. Our old style of training wasn’t gonna cut it. It wouldn’t be enough. Gabriel LeClair: We had to go deeper in our home. Get closer to our roots down here in the bayou. The stuff our parents grew up on, told us about, made sure we knew. Cuz it’s important what we’re ‘bout to do. Antoine LeClair: We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t taking out match as seriously as we can because what we’re going to do…involves some magic man. And then the airboat stopped on a safe dock in the bayou where the Bayou Blaze were greeted by a curvaceous creole woman with a staff with a pelican head on it, wearing a red and black dress with a bit of gold in it. Leading them onto the shore and towards a spiritual temple. Flanked by guards in ritual winged masks. Who gave cautious looks at the cameras but understood that the AWS cameramen were keeping their distance safely as the LeClair voice over spoke some more. Antoine LeClair: Our family comes from a long line of practitioners of hoodoo and voodoo to those who believe. Gabriel LeClair: Hoodoo for your mind and spirit, voodoo for your body and muscles. Both useful as hell and we don’t play with them either. Antoine LeClair: This is what Ares and Odin are making us do. Getting a connection to the spiritual core of ourselves to retain our titles. That’s what this match at Ward means to us! That’s how seriously we take them! Then graphics of Ares and Odin looking malevolent appeared on screen looking ominous. Indeed they were going to do battle at Ward for the AWS Unified World Tag Team titles but they were entering the match like it was a matter of do or die. That’s why they knelt in front of an elderly shaman with a feathered crown and a staff with a “fleur de lis” on it. As he was flanked by the priestess from before and a smattering of acolytes. Antoine LeClair: We require success in our match against the War Gods to defend our Asylum Wrestling Society Unified World Tag Team Championships. Shaman: Then you know the cost for war. Are you ready to pay? Gabriel LeClair: Blood…Yes. Yes we are. Shaman: So… We commence! The LeClairs were then cut by a ritual knife on their right biceps. The blood being captured in a clay pot. And then with a ritual chant in cajun French that Antoine and Gabriel said along with them. The room began to shake, lights began to flicker, and the ritual drums grew louder! And then the screen went dark…and when the screen had an image it was the Bayou Blaze back at home wearing Voodoo facepaint and their tag team championships on their shoulders. Gabriel LeClair: Ares, Odin, y’all done (BEEP) up now. We’re walking out with our tag team titles after what we went through. On our mama. Antoine LeClair:We’re going to fly higher, hit harder, and bring you two down at Ward. Simple as that. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Then the two brothers walked off screen but the camera caught their footsteps leaving flaming footprints in the ground. Whatever voodoo or hoodoo ritual they had might be what it took for them to win and successfully defend their titles at AWS Ward!

There were a fair amount of champions in the Asylum Wrestling Society but none of them cared for their titles quite like Xander Croft did. It was the C4 Division championship but Xander cared about it like it was the world title in all honesty. Xander was the longest running AWS title holder in the company. Nobody held their title longer than him among the current champions. Making him stand out undeniably as he reshaped the C4 Division in his image. Size or speed no longer mattered in the division, skill did. As did aggression. It also didn’t hurt that Xander was fighting to represent the Centre Of Attention. Asylum Wrestling Society’s most dominant stable and while he was the only one of the team that held gold at the moment he believed he was setting a good example on how to behave like a champion. How to be a champion. And how did Xander show that exactly? Simple. The first was by never ducking challengers. Xander wasn’t one of those wrestlers who whined every time that they had to defend their championship. If you wanted a shot at his C4 title you had to earn it and if you did Xander wasn’t hard to find. His ruthless technical mastery in the ring demanded attention. Which flowed into the second reason why he set that champion example, he was brutal AND efficient in the ring. Never doing stupid shit or moves he didn’t know he could do just for a pop or to do extra damage. True enough this was the Asylum Wrestling Society where you weren’t expected to wrestle tactically but Xander was a different breed. But because Xander led with his brain he could stretch and tear wrestlers apart with his bare hands, managing stamina, with no botches or openings for easy reversals or counters. He could be explosive with his muscles and movements true enough but not STUPID. Last but certainly not least was that Xander never looked past any opponent he faced. Yeah he had bravado and self-confidence because he knew he was good and he didn’t become C4 Division Champion by sheer luck which led to some vocal boasting. But Xander never took his opponents lightly. He never acted like a victory was a foregone conclusion. Because that meant that he'd slip up and take opponents lightly. Which meant he'd lose. It would dishonor himself, his team, his father who helped teach Xander how to wrestle, and the C4 title itself. Daron Smythe, Xanders opponent for his C4 Division title match at Ward, wasn't the only person who believed he was “Number One.” Make no mistake Daron was one of the company’s fastest rising stars. Marquee matches, title fights, very few wrestlers in all of AWS had made a name for themselves in 2025 like Daron Smythe did. Complete with two wrestlers that had just one thing in common and that was pure, unadulterated drive to succeed! This was going to make for one hell of a match and one hell of a promo. ×××××××××× The scene started with Xander Croft gripping his C4 Division title and slinging it over his shoulders in the middle of the Centre Of Attention training ring in their clubhouse. Their own private wrestling facility for when they didn’t want to travel to the AWS dojo to hone their skills. It was well-equipped with workout machines and weights and of course it had a regulation-size wrestling ring. And Xander was going to make good use of it. Xander Croft: Attention. Your C4 Division Champion is speaking. I am in the private training area of the Centre Of Attention. It is where I, Mason Hurst, Olympia Waybright, and Desiree Forte train ourselves and hone our skills. We come here daily, at least one of us, we invite freelance wrestlers and pure indy stars for sparring sessions when we're done honing our skills against each other. Iron sharpens iron and all that. Then with a smirk on his face Xander looked at the camera and patted his Championship title for emphasis. Xander Croft: In fact, you can say that I have what it takes to be number one. Just like my opponent Daron Smythe. Xander meant every word in his meaningful statement. Making it clear what his focus was. Talking about himself, and his opponent. Xander Croft: Daron Smythe. We’ve passed each other like ships in the night. Two top level wrestlers who never crossed paths in the ring. You chased world title gold while I led an entire division. Then he paused and gave an intentful glare after footage of them both, pictures and video clips aired to show them both in action. Xander Croft: But despite your earnest facade and self-confidence I can see right through you Daron. You think that because I’ve stayed out of the world championship picture that I’m not on your level. That I’m the biggest fish in a small pond that is the C4 Division. But honestly, I believe you’re scared of the fish that rules that pond. I didn’t become the longest reigning champion in not just the history of the C4 Division but among ALL active champions by just taking it easy. I’ve been tearing, stretching, and bending opponents to my will since the second I entered the ring. Making my team the Centre Of Attention, my country of England, and most importantly myself proud. Underestimate me at your own peril Daron because if you do not only will you lose to me in our championship, which you were going to do regardless but I will HUMILIATE YOU. Xander believed that Daron wasn’t taking their C4 Division championship seriously because Xander never pursued “bigger” titles. But to him the C4 Division was more than just divisional gold; it was a status symbol. A point of dominance that needed to be defended with pride and valor from him. Xander Croft: So at AWS Ward Daron I trust you’ll take our match seriously, that you will take ME seriously like I take every single C4 Division title defense.because if you don’t. I won’t just walk out with my title but I’ll take one of your limbs in the process. Do I have your attention now? And with that statement of confidence the Centre Of Attention red, white, and black eyeball logo faded onto the screen to bring the promo to a proper close.

The Asylum Wrestling Society Parental Advisory Championship. Winning that title meant that you were a must-see attraction on TV for the company. That you were undeniably entertaining and a must-see attraction. Ethan Murphy remembers what it was like to be that type of champion. Even though you could argue he was still that type of wrestler. But Ethan was hungry for championship gold to verify that. Ethan Murphy at this moment was at home reflecting on his current situation as an AWS Lunatic at home. As he had a special room in his Worcester home dedicated just for his accomplishments to wrestling. Promotional posters of events he was and replicas of titles he’d won were framed and secured for viewing and Ethan was indeed viewing. Contemplating on everything that’s happened as it was evident that he had a hell of a lot on his mind! Those replica titles he had were the closest thing lately that Ethan Murphy has been to the real thing. Losses have been piling up. Other wrestlers have been passing him up. Ever since he lost the Unified World Heavyweight Championship the red-haired wrestler believed he’s been poor since. Two steps forward but two back, a little win only to choke when it mattered most. And turning against the fans who cheered him and behaving more villainously in the ring didn’t turn out the way he liked. Other wrestlers were still moving ahead of him and he HATED THAT. That’s when every loss, every disappointing match, made him think about one thing finally. That this shit was brought on by myself. He couldn’t blame the crowd anymore, he was his own wrestler making his own decisions and fighting for himself with his own selfish gains. Every win and loss was on him now…and the losses were outnumbering the wins. He made a mistake turning away the people he used to fight for and he realized that now. Death Baron would take advantage of that but Ethan had to get ready for it. As ruthless as Death Baron was, he was also cunning. A wrestler who had a storm of emotions in his head would be a clear target for him. However there was a difference between a target and a victim and Ethan, babyface or heel, loathed being a victim. A strong promo was needed for a situation like this and Ethan was going to handle the situation head on. ***** Ethan Murphy: Obviously professional wrestling titles mean everything. If you become a champion that means you are more talented than the next wrestler. More valuable than the next wrestler too. But above all else they mean that all of the work you’ve put in has led to real results. It doesn’t matter if it’s a world title either. It can be something divisional, something that shows you’re a workhorse. Championships mean EVERYTHING in wrestling and you can bet your ass I want one! And I got my shot with the Parental Advisory Championship at Ward in Tacoma. But I’m going to go back to basics and earn it with a hard fight, a good fight, a fun fight. Because I don’t like my reflection in the mirror right now! In Ethan’s opening statement the fans got to see Asylum Wrestling Society titles flash on screen. All of the AWS straps to match his words before resting on one. The AWS Parental Advisory Championship to show that it was the focus of Ethan’s point. The object of his aggression and core of his reflection. But it wasn’t just the title. It showed his reflection in the mirror and with a raised foot he broke the mirror with a kick. Shattering it. Proof positive that he didn’t like what he saw in himself. Ethan Murphy: I’m getting my mind right so I can even get worthy to become the AWS Parental Advisory Champion. That means that as violent, and brutal, and bloodthirsty as you are, you are a damn good wrestler and a damn good fit for TV. Now for me? This championship is what I need to get back on the winning track because I am tired of losing matches. I guess it's karma for turning my back on the fans I had. I can’t believe I did that shit. But I can get it right. No more games, gonna build myself back up and be a champion again. And all I need to do is beat Death Baron. Damn…I knew that this wasn’t going to be easy. Silver Baron? He’s easy to plan for. He’s a tough sonuvabitch but he’s a crowd pleaser. One of those guys who like to fight hard and do it with style but his darker half Death Baron?...Damn. Now Ethan Murphy was talking about himself blending with his opponent Death Baron as he appeared on screen looking at the shards of broken glass with pictures of the AWS Parental Advisory Championship appearing on screen with Death Baron holding. With some footage of Silver Baron for good measure and the occasional video clip of Ethan giving his ass kicked. Selling the fact that since turning heel losses have been adding on. Luckily he managed to grind his way to a title shot but it wasn’t easy. He had to go back to his truest self; it meant he had to win. Ethan Murphy: There’s a reason why we only see Death Baron on occasion. Because he’ll put your life to the test in that ring. Imagine all the showmanship of Silver Baron but with even more bloodlust and wrestling grit. At least his Silver side would tone it down a little bit for the hot girl he had at ringside but Death Baron? I can’t think of a better wrestler aside from me who is worthy of Parental Advisory and fighting you Death Baron since I know you’re watching me…excites me. I’m excited to fight you for the Parental Advisory title because I have nothing to lose and everything to gain just by being in this match alone. I can gain my honor from fighting hard and clean like I know I can, I can get a title to make my name mean something in this company again, but most of all I can get the excitement of knowing that I beat one hell of a champion so I can hopefully BE one hell of a champion… Then after a dramatic pause. Going from looking into the camera in his street clothes to a now rebuilt mirror he smiled at his reflection…that wore the AWS Parental Advisory Title. Ethan Murphy: I can confidently look at myself in the mirror. See you at Ward, Death Baron.

Olympia Waybright was living proof that you could move in silence and still move with fire. While Xander Croft and even Mason Hurst, the men of the Centre Of Attention, were getting more matches she was not only still training, sparring, grinding on the house shows, and spreading the word of the team and her company but scouting with Desiree Forte potential new members to liven up the team. The Centre Of Attention could afford some new members given the size and scale of other AWS factions but they were a wrestling family. Not just a stable and didn’t just want new pieces to make them bigger. They wanted fits for their system and bond. But perhaps most importantly Olympia was watching the women’s division of the Asylum Wrestling Society very closely. Especially in terms of new faces and rising stars looking to make names for themselves. So when Sarah-Jane Parker came into the mix Olympia scouted her heavily. Wanting to see what she could do and honestly Olympia was impressed. Which should worry Sarah-Jane. Because if women like Olympia were impressed with you that means they took you seriously. And if they took you seriously…you were in trouble. And if you think about it Olympia had the skills to succeed. She was the daughter of two Canadian Olympic athletes but chose to carve her own path in professional wrestling. All while giving it 110 percent. It’s how she started her career in Canada and she did it with haste. Getting experience and honing her wrestling skills from the Canadian independent wrestling scene to the Asylum Wrestling Society. Preparation and all. So this led to focused training sessions and match studies. Learning about what made Sarah tick. Sarah might know academics but Olympia was a student of wrestling and athletics. And she believed that gave her an edge over her bespectacled opponent on the way to AWS Monday Night Ward and would make her promo go by a lot smoother! And keep in mind. With this being her first televised match in ages The Canadian had a lot to say. ********** So the promo scene started in the Centre Of Attention clubhouse with Olympia in the living room for a change. She was in her latest shirt for Asylum Wrestling Society's merchandise website with some black jeans looking directly at the camera with a small smirk as she looked directly into the camera. Olympia Waybright: Yeah I got your attention for once. I know you're used to seeing the men of my team so I'll reintroduce myself for a bit. My name is Olympia Waybright. I'm a part of the Asylum Wrestling Society’s most powerful wrestling team, the Centre Of Attention. I've won tag team titles as a part of the team, hi Desiree. And I'm a natural born athlete from the great country of Canada. But this isn't about my team or my country. No it's about me and my match at Monday Night Ward and damn it's good to be wrestling on TV once again. I even have a fresh opponent to beat up and knock the dust off my ring boots so Sarah-Jane Parker you're in for a lot of hurt. Olympia felt like she had every reason to take a longer approach with the promo considering how long it’s been since she’d been on TV. But she was treating this like a complete reintroduction with a side of trash talk as the graphic for Olympia versus Sarah-Jane at Ward. Proven veteran versus fiery up-and-comer Olympia Waybright: I could say that it’s a shame I have to beat up Sarah who’s still new to AWS. I mean you have a couple of matches here, in your rookie year in the business. But then I’d be lying if I said it’s a shame because you are just the right opponent I need right now to get back on track and remind people just how good I am. You’re a kid in this business and a nerd at that. Like the kind of geeks I would’ve bullied in school. I’m the one test you’re not going to pass Sarah. Get that into that big brain you have. You’re not winning our match at Ward. Because I’m a student of the ring and while you’ve been pounding textbooks in class I’ve been pounding weights in the gym and people in the ring for YEARS. There’s levels to this Sarah and you’re under mine! Olympia Waybright was never shy about bragging about her own accomplishments but when she could tie it into arrogance and run her mouth about other opponents it made it even sweeter. Humility was never the Canadian blonde’s strong suit but it came out even more so now given the youth and newness of her opponent. Olympia Waybright: But don’t worry Sarah you’ll be going back to school really soon. The school of hard knocks and class is in session at Ward. Because I’m Olympia Waybright and I’m back to kicking ass in the entire women’s division of AWS. Do I have your attention now?

Xander Croft was a wrestler that had gained a fair bit of fear and respect in the confines of the Asylum Wrestling Society. At nearly 400 days as C4 Division Champion he was the company’s longest running champion. And yes the C4 Division title wasn’t the World Heavyweight title but as far as Xander was concerned he was the Asylum Wrestling Society’s defining pro wrestler just based on that lengthy accomplishment alone. And he indeed came so far in his time. He came to the AWS with some hype around him. The indy wrestling star who won titles in Europe, Asia, Canada, and North America and not only made a lot of money but got a lot of respect in the process. And he didn’t stay quiet either as he was not only interviewed by an abundance of wrestling media but he built a network of professional wrestlers from his travels. So while he was elevating his notability he was spreading his outreach to other wrestlers outside of the United States. Passing on his clout and knowledge to Olympia Waybright in Canada, and Mason Hurst in Australia. The former used that connection to bring in Desiree Forte. Building the Centre Of Attention. A wrestling faction built from wrestlers who hailed from outside of the United States who came together to take over the Asylum Wrestling Society. Not for some vague and vain anti-American shite that’s been done before but because they’re a like-minded group of badass international stars who want to dominate the hottest pro wrestling company on the planet. With Xander leading the charge. And as for the C4 Division title? It was Xander’s baby. He took that much pride in it as he put the entire division on the map. Because of this the C4 Division had a varied amount of stars. Not just high flyers but technical savants. Men who can flip and dive but also wrestle on the mat if need be. Xander could grapple and stretch opponents with minimal issue and show the world that you needed to be a well-rounded athlete to fit in the C4 Division of the Asylum Wrestling Society and he had zero intentions on losing his precious title anytime soon…but he’d be more than happy to add a title to his collection though~ Enter AJ Flare who was arguably a perfect matchup for Xander Croft. Like Xander he was the most experienced member of their stable with AJ in the World Elite while Xander was in the Centre Of Attention. They were both technically gifted athletes with no visible flaws in their game. Allowing them to hold their own against any opponent. And lastly they were both champions. A strong even match to look forward to on AWS Ward. And it was a LADDER match no less. Winter takes all for both titles! Fusion and C4. Xander didn’t like matches that involved him doing anything more than beating someone in the middle of the ring but he’ll make an exception to protect his title and he was going to let the whole world know it! ********** The scene took place in the Centre Of Attention clubhouse. Specifically in their training room in the basement which was basically a smaller version of the AWS Dojo. but there was one thing different about it…it had a tall ladder in the middle of it. With Xander looking at it with cold focus from below as the camera was fixed and focused on him front and center. Xander Croft: Attention. I am fighting AJ Flare at AWS Ward. My C4 Title is on the line. His HPW Fusion title is on the line, and it’s in a ladder match, I…hate…ladder matches. Simply because you can’t prepare on how to win them. All the match prep in the world, all the training you can do, doesn’t mean a damn thing when you have to climb a ladder. That’s easy enough until you realize somebody out there is looking to do the same thing. And since this match EMBRACES violence you have to be willing to fight with and without a weapon in your hand and find creative ways to hurt somebody. Which I have no problems with. Never have and never will. HOWEVER. My problem is I have to climb that ladder, knowing I’m going to be hurt, having to watch out for my opponent AJ Flare. Having to fight him on this ladder. Did I mention it could be used as a weapon as well? I hate ladder matches. Xander made it clear with his words and supporting camera work. Along with the AWS Ward match graphic that he loathed the stipulation and why he did. Not because of his opponent or that he was afraid of heights but rather he hated having to climb up and get the win instead of just keeping things on the ground and worry about what he could do on the ground. Xander Croft: So AJ Flare I’m not going to waste any time with you bloke. The sooner this bell rings the sooner I can stretch and tear your limbs apart and the sooner I do that the sooner I can climb the ladder and win the match. Because make no mistake, while I don’t like this type of match at all I know what’s up for grabs. Our titles, MY title, the title that I’ve had for over a bloody year! The C4 Division title that I’ve made special! The title and the division that I elevated! You’re not beating me for it in this…annyoing champion versus champion match. The requiem for HPW will get more somber thanks to me because you’re not winning this match. Xander knew that AWS was ending their relationship with HPW and he was certain that his match wouldn’t be the only title versus title bout but he was going to try his absolute damn hardest to make it so that his title wouldn’t be the one to go away as his C4 title and the HPW Fusion title were shown. Xander Croft: Need I remind all of you that in the process of my holding the C4 Division title for as long as I have I’ve made a variety of things relevant in the Asylum Wrestling Society. Myself of course as I became an Asylum Wrestling Society star, I made my team the Centre Of Attention relevant with it through my valor in that ring with every win I’ve had, I’ve made the C4 Division relevant and a hub for the best pound for pound and move for move wrestling on the planet…while making it’s title relevant to go with it. Now AJ Flare. As good as you are and I know firsthand you are damn good in that ring there are levels to this…and I’m at a higher one than you for the reasons I mentioned alone. I guess maybe wrestling in this ladder match isn’t so bad…because I can wear your body down as much as I want with no referee before I climb that ladder and win your title by retaining mine. Do I have your attention now Then he patted the C4 Division title on his shoulders for emphasis. As the Centre Of Attention eyeball logo faded over Xander to show that the promo met it’s end.

Ethan Murphy used to be one of the biggest damn heroes of the Asylum Wrestling Society at one point. In a wrestling company that was full of mystery men, wrestlers who thrived on violence, and just outright monsters among wrestlers the fans bought into Ethan because of his gimmick-free, earnest appeal. No parlor tricks, no mind games, just a young wrestler with the grit and aggression to be a believable scrappy brawler that the fans could back. They chanted “E-THAN” in every arena as he won titles and had marquee matches…until things changed. The losses started piling up, new stars began to take his fans. Ethan always used to wrestle with a chip on his shoulder anyway based on how different he was compared to so many wrestlers in the Asylum Wrestling Society from a standpoint of not just skills but values and beliefs. But once other wrestlers started coming in and doing everything he did but better it exposed Ethan. It exposed Ethan as a wrestler obviously. Letting his losses accumulate. The “Red Rocket” had crashed and burned. Now he was at the fringes of the championship scene and it turned him into an egotistical crash-out who was chasing fame. Driven by selfishness. It exposed the formerly valiant and noble wrestler into what fans feared he'd become and what his rivals always thought Ethan was. A selfish prick fueled by his own ambition who just pretended to fight for the fans. Becoming one of the wrestlers he hated. Which meant that his matches had new spice. Especially since he was doing something that used to be out of character for him. Wheeling and dealing with other wrestlers for favorable matches. It got him into a match with Leon Roberts and Daron Smythe at AWS Monday Night Ward after all and while it wasn’t a title shot, winning this match would take Ethan closer to getting one! Especially since this was a grudge match. ***** The scene started in the comfort of Ethan’s home. His red hair grew thicker, a little longer since the last time that he came on camera as he stared into the camera. Calm but at the same time smug. Setting an interesting mood for his promo Ethan Murphy: I’m getting ready for a triple threat match at Ward between my friends Leon Roberts and Daron Smythe. You would think I’d be nervous but I’m not. I’m excited~ Why? Because I get the chance to hurt two guys who have been pains in my ass for a while who I’ve been looking forward to hurting. The odds don’t mean anything to me, they never have and they never will. Because all it takes is one fall to win. And Ethan pointed the finger to show the number “one” for emphasis to show where his mind was before the triple threat grudge match. Ethan Murphy: I’ll start with you Leon since you’ve been a recent pain in my ass. And yeah, the Intercontinental Title is no longer active. That sucks. But you still have that Unified World Heavyweight Championship that I want. That I held twice and I want it back for a third time. And winning this match means I get one step closer to getting that title and if you ain’t just gonna give me a shot then I’ll just have to earn it the old fashioned way. By proving that I can beat the champ in a non-title match. So I’m excited for that reason. Leon wasn’t off the hook because AWS management made the IC title defunct. He believed he was still owed a title match for his help at the Ward show. He bailed Leon out but since he wasn’t just going to get that Unified World Heavyweight title match this would do the trick for now. And then came Ethan’s OTHER opponent. Ethan Murphy: And Daron…welcome to the club. No seriously welcome to the club dude. The club of guys who were the company man, did the right things, and were pushed aside through no fault of their own. Yeah I cashed in my briefcase on you but it was just business, nothing personal. I wanted the Unified World Heavyweight title at any cost because I was tired of being overlooked by management. Upstaged by guys who weren’t good enough to lace my boots. You want to talk about bringing hell? I’ve been living in hell every day that I don’t have a championship. You want to talk about carrying companies and elevating titles. I've done that. The only difference is that I’ve given into my CRAVING to be champion again and I’ve long since stopped caring about what the fans stopped thinking about me and that’s why after this match nobody can deny I’m ready for a title shot! Ethan declared to the camera with passion growing with every single word he said. Adding to the appeal of this grudge match he was getting into. Ethan Murphy: That’s why I won’t lose at Ward. Because I’m looking at the big picture, the CHAMPIONSHIP picture. And all it takes…is one fall. And to bring things full circle Ethan raised his index finger for emphasis. Which was the last thing that was seen on camera before his promo ended