The following was originally published in 2016 as part of Series 1 of the original Rapid Fire Wrestling.

Rebirth

Rapid Fire Wrestling has been reborn! Now, under the ownership of legendary wrestling promoter C.W. Sunderland, RFW is blazing a new trail into the future.

Welcome to the new RFW.

News

RFW Is Back!

As mentioned at the start, Rapid Fire Wrestling has returned. New owner, C.W. Sunderland intends to keep the spirit of RFW alive while making some changes to help better position RFW for the future. Here is what you can expect from the new RFW.

• The RFW Championship has been renamed to the RFW Titan Championship. Current titleholder, King Donovan, is continuing his reign as champion.
• The women of RFW are getting their own division and with it is the new RFW Valkyrie Championship. The inaugural champion will be decided in a title match at an upcoming event. Qualifying matches for the title match are being held at this event.
• Celebrating the legacy of Masters of Wrestling, RFW will now be host to special “Masters of Wrestling” matches. These matches will be held occasionally at RFW events. The first one, a triple threat match, is being held at this event.
• Mr. Sunderland has decided to reboot RFW with a stripped down roster that will be added to gradually.

RFW Founder Jim Rogers Launches “Rebel Yell”

Jim “The Rebel” Rogers may not be running RFW anymore but he’s not going away! Rogers will be giving his thoughts about his baby with a new “Rebel Yell” segment at the end of RFW episodes. Look for The Rebel’s rants and raves later in this episode.

Match Card

Masters of Wrestling Match

Mark Blood vs. Warlock vs. Shawn Roberts

Valkyrie Championship Qualifier Matches

Cate Stiles vs. Jessie Vega

Maria Estrella vs. Witchmere

Singles Action

Tracy Blood vs. Annika

Also Appearing

RFW Titan Champion King Donovan

The Children of a Dark Dawn (Giant Wraith and Grave)

Rex Anarchy

Cole Arcane

Jade

Match Results

Chaos, Meet Chaos

The show kicked off with Cole Arcane coming down to the ring with Jade. Since RFW’s original run ended, Arcane and Jade have become romantically involved. Not all was well in Arcane’s life, however, as he wasted no time calling out Rex Anarchy, demanding to know the mystery man who helped Anarchy win during their previous match. Anarchy came out to the ring with his mystery assailant by his side.

Rex Anarchy introduced the man as Pit Viper and said he, unlike Cole Arcane, was smart enough to side with him and together they will run roughshod over RFW, taking the place over as they see fit. Arcane said he wants a tag team match immediately. When Pit Viper commented that Jade will just get herself hurt, Arcane said he had a different partner in mind.

Music began to play and the crowd erupted as New Revolution Wrestling League legend “Badlands” Bill Stanton ran down to the ring wielding a baseball bad and swung it wildly, causing Anarchy and Pit Viper to retreat outside the ring. A referee came down to ringside to make the tag team match official.

Cole Arcane and Bill Stanton vs. Rex Anarchy and Pit Viper

From the moment the bell rang, the match was off to a violent start with all four men in the ring at one time brawling. By the time the referee got order to the match, Cole Arcane was having his way with Rex Anarchy, unleashing a year of frustration on his arch nemesis. Though Anarchy was able to escape and tag in Pit Viper, the assault only continued with Arcane destroying Pit Viper in the middle of the ring. A sneaky eye gouge from Pit Viper was just the opening needed to turn the tide of the match and he and Anarchy used frequent tags and solid team work to keep Arcane from making a tag to Bill Stanton.

Cole Arcane managed a comeback and finally tagged in Stanton who entered the ring with high energy, clotheslining Pit Viper and then shoulder blocking Rex Anarchy off the ring apron to the outside. While the action continued inside the ring, Anarchy looked over and saw Jade standing cheering on her team. He stalked over to her and grabbed her arm. Jade responded with a heavy punch to Anarchy, stunning him. Jade then stunned everyone watching at ringside when she took off her heels and ran at Anarchy, spearing him to the floor. When Anarchy managed to recover he stormed over to Jade who grabbed one of her heels and drove the stiletto into his eyebrow, busting him wide open. The referee looked over to see Anarchy holding his face but Jade only shrugged.

Back inside the ring, Cole Arcane and Bill Stanton were closing in on victory. Though Pit Viper was able to tag Rex Anarchy, Anarchy was still feeling the effects from Jade’s attack and fell victim to Cole Arcane’s running bulldog and pinned him for the victory.

Jade climbed into the ring and celebrated with Cole Arcane and Bill Stanton. All three of them looked down at the entrance aisle where Rex Anarchy and Pit Viper were retreating to the back.

The Valkyrie Championship

The newly created Valkyrie Championship is RFW’s top prize for the Women’s Division.

To determine who will compete in the title match, two qualifying matches are being held. The first match is Maria Estrella vs. Witchmere.

Maria Estrella was one of the most fan friendly wrestlers in the original RFW. Her bubbly personality and positive attitude made her approachable to fans and her strength and wrestling ability in the ring made her one of the top stars. RFW knew they had a potential star in her from the beginning and that is what got her a spot in a Valkyrie Championship qualifier match.

Witchmere is the leader of The Children of a Dark Dawn, a mysterious cult-like faction that is spreading the word about an ancient god who will bring eternal darkness to the world. Her faction also includes Giant Wraith and Grave, two men who follow her everywhere. Witchmere has dominated her opponents with her size and strength advantage. As one of the most fearsome wrestlers in RFW, Witchmere is looking to bring darkness to RFW by being the first Valkyrie Champion.

Maria Estrella came down to the ring a little more reserved than usual. She seemed either focused or intimidated (both?) as she waited for Witchmere to emerge. As expected, Witchmere came down to the ring with the other members of the Children in tow. They seemed to look up at her in awe as she climbed the ring steps and through the ropes.

Maria Estrella vs. Witchmere

As the match began, Maria Estrella sized up Witchmere, locking up in the middle of the ring. Witchmere tossed Estrella to the mat, laughing at her. Witchmere commanded the match in her own way, wearing down Estrella’s neck and back. While Estrella did start to build a little offense, Witchmere’s earlier attacks had weakened her and it wasn’t long before Witchmere was back in control. Estrella turned the tables by avoiding a body splash in the corner and capitalizing with attacks of her own.

Fueled by the rising cheers from the audience, Estrella started to come back strong. It looked like Estrella might have had an opportunity to win the match when she drove Witchmere to the mat with a running power slam but just as she was about to pin her opponent, Grave stepped up on the apron, causing the referee to be distracted. Giant Wraith slid into the ring and pulled Estrella off of Witchmere and tossed her effortlessly through the air and into a turnbuckle. Estrella fell to the mat, favoring her neck. Witchmere recovered and applied the Head Vice to Estrella, who was forced to submit.

Witchmere rolled Estrella out of the ring with her boot and posed in the ring with the Children standing behind her. With the help of the Children, Witchmere advanced to the Valkyrie Championship match to be held at the next event.

A Showcase Of New Talent

Two new faces have joined the Women’s Division and they showed everyone what they bring to RFW by battling each other in the ring.

Tracy Blood, the daughter of legendary wrestler Mike Blood and sister of fellow RFW wrestler Mark Blood, started her career as an MMA fighter. Though she had some success, she felt it was time to move on and transition into the family business of wrestling. Though she comes to the ring dressed in her MMA attire and relies on her strong striking skills and martial arts takedowns, she has the ability to handle herself in a wrestling match and is ready to make a name for herself in RFW.

Annika is another accomplished martial artist. Bullied as a child, she found strength in judo and trained throughout her teenage years into adulthood. Although she never competed professionally in martial arts, her judo skills helped her transition into the world of pro wrestling. Clad in ripped jean shorts, t-shirts, and black boots, Annika’s grunge look makes her stand out from the rest of the women in RFW.

Tracy Blood vs. Annika

From the moment the bell rang, both women tested each others’ martial arts skills, trading tosses and takedowns. Tracy Blood started to get an upper hand with a flurry of vicious kicks but Annika held her own as a grappler as the match rolled on. Blood seemed to feed off of the crowd, surging with their support as they cheered her on. Annika only got more vicious, and started working on Blood’s right leg, wearing down her knee in an attempt to take away her kicks as a threat.

Annika appeared to be closing in on victory after setting Tracy Blood up for an arm bar submission following a Judo throw to the mat but Blood squirmed out, got to her feet, and nailed Annika with a kick to the head as she was standing up. Annika crumpled back down to the mat and Blood covered her for the pinfall victory.

A Monarchy Threatened

RFW Titan Champion, King Donovan, came down to the ring to address the audience. Donovan, a towering, strong, and supremely skilled wrestler hailing from London, England, has stood as RFW’s only champion since day one. Donovan came to the ring dressed in an expensive suit and jewelry with the RFW Titan Championship title belt draped over his shoulder.

King Donovan reaffirmed that he is the king of RFW and will be its champion for a very long time. Donovan said he is disappointed in the lack of any real competition for him but, for the good of RFW, he will happily continue to hold the RFW Titan Championship.

To everyone’s surprise, former Ring Warriors World Champion and New Revolution Wrestling League star Jax Rivers came down to the ring. Rivers made a name for himself in Ring Warriors by always winning against seemingly insurmountable odds. After Ring Warriors, he easily transitioned to the big stage of NRWL and was one of the more high profile figures on the roster.

Rivers said he appreciates King Donovan’s confidence but he has it all wrong. Rivers said he has joined RFW and came to become its champion.

King Donovan laughed Rivers off, remarking that he is just like all the rest in RFW, ants under his royal boot. Rivers acknowledged Donovan’s skill in the ring but said he has made a career at overcoming odds and will prove himself yet again by taking the title. Donovan said he needs to earn the opportunity.

C.W. Sunderland came out to ringside. He said that while he respects King Donovan’s concerns about Jax Rivers, he knows Rivers’ character and abilities and said he would make for a perfect challenger for the Titan Championship. Sunderland said the match will happen soon and encouraged both men to prepare themselves. Donovan, infuriated, got in Rivers’ face as the two stared each other down. Despite Donovan towering over Rivers, the challenger didn’t back down as the crowd got very loud hoping for the fight to come early. Instead of coming to blows, the champion backed up, held

the Titan Championship belt over his head and smirked before leaving the ring. Rivers stood in the ring, staring down the champion before turning his attention to the crowd, who welcomed him warmly to RFW.

A Rivalry Continues With High Stakes

It’s been a long road for Jessie Vega. After putting aside her dream of becoming a pop singer to become a pro wrestler, Vega’s hard work helped her find a way to RFW. Although her future looked bright at the outset, a feud with Cate Stiles ended with Vega getting her ankle broken. Vega sat on the sidelines, doing color commentary for RFW, all the while wishing she could be in the ring. Vega is back and her goal of becoming RFW Valkyrie Champion has one major roadblock. Cate Stiles.

Cate Stiles was one of the most dominant wrestlers in RFW’s initial run. Becoming a world champion wrestler was her dream since she attended a Masters of Wrestling show as a young girl with her family. Stiles trained and became a pro wrestler at the age of 19. Although she was a natural in the ring, big opportunities eluded her. Over time, Stiles became bitter and more aggressive in the ring. She came to RFW with a chip on her shoulder and a burning desire to be the best wrestler in the company. She believes the Valkyrie Championship was made for her and will take out anyone who stands in her way.

Jessie Vega came down to the ring excited to be back in action. The look of joy on her face turned to determination when Cate Stiles music began to play and her opponent marched down to ringside. Stiles looked angry and ready to fight.

Jessie Vega vs. Cate Stiles

The tension was high throughout the arena as both women stood face to face in the middle of the ring. They locked up in the middle of the ring and pushed each other around until Vega took down Stiles with a headlock into a takedown. Stiles was able to fight out from under Vega and started an offense of suplexes.

The match went back and forth for several minutes.

Stiles clipped Vega at the knee and began attacking her right leg, the one previously injured. Vega attempted to fight back but Stiles was vicious and left no breathing room for her to turn things around. Vega found herself crouched down in a ring corner clutching at her boot. She looked to be in great pain as Stiles hovered over her and dragged her by her bad leg into the middle of the ring. Stiles locked in her signature ankle lock submission.

As Cate Stiles yanked on Jessie Vega’s leg, Vega’s boot slipped off. Stiles stared dumbfounded at the boot in her hands. Vega had unlaced the boot while in the corner! Before Stiles could refocus, Vega quickly reached up, grabbed Stiles right arm, and pulled her to the mat while applying a double wrist lock. Vega pulled and yanked on Stiles’ arm. Stiles screamed in pain as she tried to escape the hold. Stiles managed to use her good arm to club Vega in the head enough times to break the hold. Stiles lay on the mat clutching her arm to her body and yelling out in pain. Vega recovered from the attack to her head and pushed away the referee who was checking on Stiles. Vega began stomping on Stiles’ arm before the referee pushed her away. The referee again checked on Stiles, who appeared to be in a lot of pain. Stiles can be heard saying no to the referee who was going to call off the match. Stiles got to her feet and motioned for Vega to come at her.

Vega continued her attack on Stiles, who could not manage much offense. Things appeared to be grim for Stiles. Vega pushed Stiles in the corner and started attacking. Stiles, in a last ditch effort, stomped on Vega’s unbooted foot and used her good arm to lay in a hard forearm smash. Vega turned and stumbled. Stiles used her good arm and every ounce of strength she had left to drop Vega with a back suplex. Stiles covered for a pin and won the match.

After the bell rang, the referee and medical staff tended to Cate Stiles who was laying on the mat in severe pain. Vega was defeated but looked at what she had done to Stiles with some satisfaction.

Stiles got to her feet with the aid of medical staff and was cheered by the fans for the heart and determination she showed in the match.

Masters of Wrestling

When C.W. Sunderland began Masters of Wrestling in 1993. The first matches were three way matches between Mike Blood, Jim “The Rebel” Rogers, and Black Shadow (later known as The Druid). RFW is celebrating the legacy of MoW with the Masters of Wrestling match. The match is a celebration of MoW’s history and will be held occasionally as RFW events, highlighting an aspect of the spirit of MoW. The first match is recreating the beginning of MoW as best as possible with Blood’s son, Mark Blood, The Druid’s son, Warlock, and The Rebel’s handpicked choice, Shawn Roberts.

Mark Blood is a veteran wrestler who has felt the pressure of being the son of a legend. Thrust into the spotlight at a young age, Blood has always tried to step out from his father’s shadow. His goal of becoming the best wrestler in the world has been challenging but undaunted, he continues his quest.

Warlock stepped onto the scene in Ring Warriors before spending some time in New Revolution Wrestling League. Although he grew up around wrestling, Warlock’s true passion is heavy metal music. During his time away from the ring, he fronts a popular shock rock band. Warlock joins RFW to carry on his father’s legacy while putting his own unique stamp on the wrestling world.

Shawn Roberts is a student of Mike Blood and Jim Rogers. After spending time in New Revolution Wrestling League, Roberts left for Japan and spent a decade as one of the top gaijins in Honor Pro Wrestling. Neck and back issues forced him to take a break from the ring and he landed a job doing play-by-play commentary for RFW. Now, Roberts is back to compete in the ring and plans for a world title run in the back half of his career.

The crowd was very enthusiastic as each of the competitors came down to the ring.

C.W. Sunderland came down as well, taking a microphone and telling everyone that this match means a lot to him and he hopes it will remind and teach fans of what made MoW special.

Mark Blood vs. Warlock vs. Shawn Roberts

All three men shook hands in the middle of the ring when the bell rang. True to the days of MoW, the match quickly progressed into a fight that broke out all over ringside with action inside and out of the ring. Mark Blood displayed his technical skills, Warlock showed off his powerful offense, and Shawn Roberts utilized his fast paced, aerial offense.

While Blood and Warlock were fighting on the outside, Roberts dove over the top rope with a senton splash on top of both men. Roberts was slow to get up, favoring his neck before continuing offense on Warlock. Blood, observing from a few feet away, studied Roberts behavior.

The action continued in the ring where Blood got the upper hand, working on Roberts back and neck. Warlock joined in as he and Blood double teamed Roberts. Shawn Roberts fought back, first by neutralizing Mark Blood by sending him through the ropes and then keeping Warlock off balance with a flurry of high speed attacks. Roberts tried to pin Warlock following a pumphandle slam but Blood slipped into the ring and broke up the count. Blood threw Roberts outside of the ring this time and tried to finish off Warlock but Warlock anticipated the attack and speared Blood. Before he could follow up, Shawn Roberts came out of nowhere with a missile drop kick from the top turnbuckle, taking out Warlock. Roberts quickly leapt off the ropes for a springboard moonsault on Mark Blood. Roberts covered for the pin and was awarded victory. Following the match, Shawn Roberts celebrated in the ring. He reached a hand out to help Mark Blood to his feet. Once Blood stood up, he shocked everyone by kicking Roberts in the gut. Knowing of Roberts’ neck problems, he dropped him to the mat with a tombstone piledriver. Warlock tried to make the save but was met with a devastating tombstone piledriver as well. Mark Blood, not content to walk away from the carnage just yet, picked up Roberts and drove him to the mat a second time with a tombstone piledriver. Blood exited the ring and ignored all of the jeers from the audience as he went backstage.

Back in the ring, Warlock recovered and stayed with Shawn Roberts until medical staff carted him off on a stretcher.

“Rebel Yell” With Jim Rogers

Hi there! This is Jim “The Rebel” Rogers, founder of Rapid Fire Wrestling. I may not be running the show anymore but I still love everything RFW stands for. I’ve been given a little place to sound off about all things RFW. Here are some “rapid fire” thoughts on the state of RFW.

First off, it’s great to see RFW back. I’m happy to have played my part in getting things off the ground but with C.W. Sunderland running things it’s positioned strong for the future. I am excited to see what comes next!

Will Rex Anarchy and Cole Arcane EVER resolve their differences? I don’t know. I can tell you that they really hate each other.

Bill Stanton, the bad man from the badlands, has come to RFW! This was a surprise to me! I think he will bring a lot to RFW. He has always been exciting to watch and his unorthodox brawling style is sure to shake things up. I don’t know what his plans are but I know I will be paying attention.

Always nice to see new talent get an opportunity and the addition of Tracy Blood and Annika to RFW is a good thing. I’ve known Tracy since she was a little girl. I’ve watched her grow as an MMA fighter and I know that her transition into the wrestling ring will be a huge success. I don’t know Annika too well but I know she is a determined athlete with good instincts. Keep an eye on both of them.

Curious to see how the Valkyrie Championship match will play out at the next episode. Witchmere has been on a warpath and her victory over the ever-talented Maria Estrella shows that she isn’t slowing down. Cate Stiles, from what I’ve heard, is hurt pretty bad. I’m not sure if she can compete but if she can, how can she hold her own against Witchmere? I think the odds would be even if she was at 100% but I am quite certain she won’t be. I’m calling it. It’s going to be a Dark Dawn for the Women’s division.

On the subject of Cate Stiles apparent injury, the mean streak exhibited by Jessie Vega was shocking to me. Jessie has always been a sweetheart. I think being put on the shelf by Cate Stiles affected her deeply. I’m not sure of her mindset right now. Was this a oneoff act of vengeance, or something more?

Now, Mark Blood’s mean streak? Well, I’ll say this. There has long been an aggressive side to Mark’s personality. It was apparent during his time in NRWL and while it didn’t come out in the first run of RFW, it’s there now. I always felt like Mark was just a step away from really reaching great success. I don’t like what I’m seeing from him but it may work in his favor.

From what I gather, Shawn Roberts is on the injured list while his neck is evaluated, though it doesn’t sound too serious. Roberts developed some neck problems over the last few years and it was obvious in the match that the neck was still giving him some trouble. Shawn Roberts is one of my favorite people and I am hoping to see him back in the ring soon enough.

The Masters of Wrestling match was a mess at the end there, but you know what? That’s pretty much how MoW was in those triple threat matches. We were always going at it, even after the bell. I can’t condone what Mark Blood did. We were fighting for our very survival back then. Mark is an established star. There is a better way to create opportunities for yourself, but, again, it’s true to MoW’s violent history, which is often forgotten.

Finally, I have to talk about King Donovan and Jax Rivers. King Donovan is one of the most talented fighters I have ever known. I really do think he’s deserving of being the RFW Titan Champion and I’d put my money on him against any opponent… except maybe Jax Rivers. I don’t know how, but Jax Rivers always manages to find a way to overcome the odds. I remember when Mike Blood hired him for Ring Warriors. I took one look at him and knew he was something special. I expect he will do great things in RFW. The upcoming Titan Championship match has me very excited. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Well, that’s going to do it for me. I hope you enjoyed the first edition of Rebel Yell. See you next time!