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Battleground 11/5/2018

(“The Man” by the Killers plays as Ian Ross walks down the ramp to the ring.)

Clark Ruggiero: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, we’re once again ready for an amazing night of Battleground, and we’re kicked off, once again, by our illustrious general manager, Ian Ross!

(Ian stands in the center of the ring holding a microphone. As his music fades he begins to speak.)

Ian Ross: Ladies and gentlemen from day one I have spoken about how Battleground is the land of opportunity, and look at how that has panned out! Amber Keys is a, pardon the expression, key part of Empire, we have an amazingly promising crop of new talent including Caden Walker, Endeavor, Kaiva Santos, and many others! But Battleground isn’t just for wrestlers who have just signed, oh no, not by any means. Battleground is for all of EAW, and so with that sentiment, I am pleased to announce that the 2018 Tag Team Grand Prix will be held on Battleground! The tag tournament, culminating with the winner gaining a shot at the EAW Unified Tag Team Titles will begin tonight in this very ring as the Jaded Hearts take on the Black Cabal!

(The crowd erupts in cheers at the announcement of the popular Grand Prix. Ian takes in the adoration for a moment before exiting the ring to “The Man” by the Killers.)

Ben Knight: What an announcement! The Grand Prix is the best of the best and it’s gonna be right here, on Battleground!

Clark Ruggiero: It’s very exciting indeed! With that amazing announcement, let’s have out first match of the evening!

(The camera cuts to Maria Del Rey in the ring.)

Maria Del Rey: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

(“Your Betrayal” by Bullet for My Valentine hits!!!)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing first from Long Island, New York weighing in at 213 pounds… ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIC CRANE!!!

(“Just Close Your Eyes V1” by Waterproof Blonde hits!!!)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing his opponent from Kyoto, Japan weighing in at 229 pounds… KENJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII MASATOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Knight: This match has begun as Kenji Masato does an elaborate martial arts looking dance routine in the ring bringing the dread fear into his opponent!

Ruggiero: Eric Crane rolls his eyes as he easily dodges a karate chop from Masato and grabs his arm pulling him down into a Crossface! This devastating hold locked in! Can Masato escape?

Knight: Kenji Masato taps out immediately!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Maria Del Rey: Here is the winner of the match… ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRIC CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRANE!!!

(“Your Betrayal” by Bullet for My Valentine hits as Eric Crane has his arm raised up in victory.)

Knight: Eric Crane with a dominant win here tonight!

Ruggiero: Things looking up for Eric Crane here tonight as he absolutely destroyed his opponent! Congratulations to Eric Crane and may god have mercy on the souls of anyone who steps into the ring with this beast!

(The camera cuts to a commercial for an EAW house show in the Chocolate Hills! Eat them all today!)

(The camera cuts to Maria Del Rey in the ring.)

Maria Del Rey: The following contest is a Triple Threat Match!!!

(“Sleep Apnea” by Chevelle hits!!!)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing first from São Paulo, Brazil weighing in at 128 pounds… KAIIIIIIIIIIIIIVA SAAAAAAAAAAAANTOSSSS!!

(“Get Hype” by Discrepancies hits!!!)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing next from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico weighing in at 290 pounds… KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTIS RAYYY!!!

(“If You Think I’m Sexy” by Rod Stewart hits!!!)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing last from Fat Free, New Jersey weighing in at 253 pounds… MAXXXXXXXXXXXX POOOOOOOOOWER!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Ruggiero: We are underway!

Knight: All three competitors charge at each other throwing punches in the ring! And Santos immediately charging in after Power who ducks into the middle ropes trying to escape! But Kurtis grabs the hair of Power and pulls him back out into the ring. Power shakes his ass in the ring forcing his opponents to back away in awe of his sexiness.

Ruggiero: But Santos charges in lighting up the face of Powers with a series of hard rights as Kurtis Ray hangs back just watching the action. Powers rolls out of the ring holding his face in pain as Santos demands that her opponent come back in the ring to fight her like a true competitor!

Knight: And Kurtis Ray with a rollup from behind on Kaivia Santos!!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ruggiero: NO! Kaivia Santos somehow kicks out and immediately gets back up! Kurtis Ray immediately kicks him hard in the gut before taking him down with a big boot! But Max Power is back in the ring as he grabs Kurtis’ head and drops him throat first across the top rope! Kaivia Santos is back up however as she immediately takes down Max Power with a Running Headscizzor sending her opponent flying across the ring!

Knight: Kurtis back up but Power sweeps his leg and drags him out of the ring… but Kaivia Santos has had enough of all this fight dodging! Kaivia Santos off the ropes… she flies over the top rope with a Springboard Suicide Moonsault!!! All three competitors down! Can we keep up this kind of high paced momentum all night long?

(A replay of Kaivia Santos’ daring move is shown.)

Ruggiero: Santos back up as she tries to throw her opponents back into the ring. Santos tosses Power back in… but Kurtis grabs her from behind and slams her head into the ring post! Kurtis tosses Santos back into the ring as he climbs up to the top rope… Flying Crossbody by Curtis connects onto Max Power! The cover!!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Knight: But Kaivia Santos breaks the cover! Santos immediately locks Kurtis Ray into a headlock as Power recovers in the corner. But Ray fires back with a hard elbow strike to the back of the head of Santos! She is rocked back causing her to release the headlock as Ray follows up with another hard uppercut to the gut of Santos! Santos being rocked back now… but Powers charges in taking down Kurtis Ray with a thunderous clothesline!

Ruggiero: NO! Kurtis dodges the clothesline as he grabs the arm of Max Power and takes him down with a lightning quick arm drag! And another! And another! Kurtis on fire here tonight with these armdrags! Kaivia Santos back up… but the armdrag collides with her sending her back falling down into the corner and hitting her head on the turnbuckle!!

Knight: The referee now checking on Kaivia Santos in the corner to see if she is hurt! What chivalry!!!

Ruggiero: Wow this referee simping hard af. Kaivia definitely not gonna give that ugly son of a bitch any no matter how hard he tries! Wait watch out!!!

Knight: Max Power connects with a low blow to Kurtis Ray! Max Power behind the referee’s back as Kurtis Ray falls over in pain to the mat! Max Power with the cover as the referee turns around!!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ruggiero: The kickout! Kurtis Ray somehow kicking out and Max Power can’t believe it! Power now yelling at the crowd to shut the hell up because “beautiful people are in the ring”. Power picking Kurtis back up… looking to end it all right here!!!

Knight: But Kaivia Santos with a Dropkick to Kurtis right into Max Power sending him falling out of the ring! Kaivia grabs Kurtis Ray… SWEET DREAMS CONNECTS! THE COVER!!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Maria Del Rey: Here is your winner… KAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVIAAAAAAAA SAAAAAAAAAANTOSSS!!!

(“Sleep Apnea” by Chevelle hits as Kaivia Santos has her arm raised in the ring. Max Power is shown outside the ring looking on in rage before storming back into the ring to complain.)

Knight: Uh oh here comes a sore loser!

Ruggiero: Wait it doesn’t look like he is being a sore loser after all! Max Power demanding the referee leave the ring before whispering into Kaivia’s ear.

Max Power: Call me later gurrl.

(Max Power slips his number to Kaivia Santos who looks confused as he leaves the ring.)

Knight: Uh well I’m not sure if she is going to actually take him up on that one but Max Power seems to have other things on his mind here tonight aside from wrestling!

Ruggiero: Congratulations to Kaivia Santos on the big win!

(The camera cuts to a commercial for EAW 3K19: Enter the Future!!!)

“Mein Hertz Brennt” by Rammstein plays as Xavier Arnold makes his way to the ring for his open challenge. Already in his ring gear for his match later tonight, the Kaiser has a serious look on his face.)

Xavier Arnold: I’m sick and tired of these new people coming into my Battleground and thinking they run everything! The whole point of my open challenge is so someone in the locker room can come out and face their inadequacies at my hands, it’s not for someone like Endeavor to call me out ahead of time, and make a mockery of me by eating hamburgers and making jokes! So, no, there will not be an open challenge this week, this week I will be destroying Endeavor and proving why I am the Artist of Suffering, and Kaiser of EAW!

(Xavier goes to leave the ring but is cut off by “All-Star” by Smash Mouth as Harlow Reichert appears on the tron. The crowd erupts in cheers at the sight of the popular Ms. No Fucks Given, but quieten as she begins to speak.)

Harlow Reichert: Hey, mate, you’re pretty pissed, yeah? Big bad Kaiser man doesn’t like new people playing in his yard? Well I’ll tell ya what, I’m not new, and I, like most the people here tonight, I’m sure, am tired of hearing you talk. So, Mr. Kaiser, I am accepting your open challenge for next week. Picture it: Harlow Reichert against Xavier Arnold! Man, that’s a banger of a match, yeah? I’ll see ya then, buddy, have fun with Endeavor!

(Xavier looks furious as “All-Star” plays again and he storms up the ramp.

(Cut to a commercial for Corvus Yoga Mats featuring Raven Roberts.)

Maria Del Rey: The following contest is set for one fall and is the Xavier Arnold Open Challenge! Introducing first, weighing in at two hundred and nineteen pounds, and hailing from Munich, Germany…The Kaiser, Xavier Arnold!

(“Mein Hertz Brennt” by Rammstein plays as Xavier makes his way to the ring.)

Clark Ruggiero: The Artist of Suffering has taken offense at what he considers the lack of respect from the newer signees to Battleground. Ben, it seems that Xavier sees his time here in Battleground more as a punishment than as an opportunity!

Ben Knight: Well, in my opinion he’s wrong. Battleground is a place for everyone to learn and grow as a wrestler. Look at Amber Keys! She was in Battleground and now she’s one of the top performers on Empire! Xavier has a skewed perspective, but tonight he better have his head on a swivel, Endeavor is not a joke at all!

Maria Del Rey: Introducing his opponent, weighing in at two hundred and ninety five pounds, The Mountain that Flies, Endeavor!

(The opening riff of ‘Epic’ by Faith No More hits the air to cheers from the fans. Smoke gathers at the top of the stage as the lights around the arena darken in sequence, until one bright spotlight illuminates the top of the ramp. As the first verse begins, Endeavor steps out of the smoke, arms outstretched. He proceeds down the ramp, slapping hands and jawing with the fans in the front row. When he reaches the ring, he hops up onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle, showboating and playing air guitar along with the music.)

DING! DING! DING!

Ruggiero: Now let’s get to it! Xavier runs at Endeavor, hitting a basement dropkick to the knee of the larger man, dropping him to a kneeling position, then hits a step up enzuigiri! Xavier quickly grabs NDVR’s leg and delivers a dragon screw, slamming Endeavor’s leg into the mat! Xavier is trying to take the Mountain that Flies legs from him, which is a smart move, Ben, do you think this strategy will work?

Knight: It will certainly be effective if Arnold can land some submissions and weaken that base of Endeavor. Xavier locks in a knee bar! Endeavor makes it to the ropes, though, causing the referee to call for the break! Xavier won’t break though! THe referee begins his count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Arnold releases the hold just as the referee was about to count five! He had better watch out, or else he’s going to be disqualified!

Ruggiero: Arnold is indeed a ruthless competitor, and as mentioned before, he feels slighted by Endeavor and others! Now he tries to pull the Big Kahuna to his feet, Endeavor reverses, though, whipping Arnold to the rope…SIDEWALK SLAM! Arnold was driven into the mat with that move! Endevor is favoring that left knee now, though, and is smacking it to get some feeling back going! As he’s doing that, Xavier Arnold is back on his feet and meets Endeavor with a quick knee to his gut, then whips him to the ropes…SUPERKICK FROM ARNOLD! Endeavor is laid out and Arnold is going for the cover! The official is in position!

ONE!

TWO!

Kickout! Endeavor powers out of the pin, causing Arnold to slap the mat in frustration before immediately grabbing the leg of NDVR…WISHBONE! The official is warning Xavier that he’s getting dangerously close to being disqualified here! Arnold waves the official off in annoyance, though, and lifts Endeavor to his feet, Xavier Arnold here looking to prove he has what it takes to make it to the main roster…looks like…He’s going to try to powerbomb Endeavor..? The Mountain that Flies has a significant weight and height advantage here so this seems like a bad idea to me…Arnold tries to life him…COUNTERED BY ENDEAVOR! He flips Xavier over his head! Arnold is ruthless, but even he is going to struggle to try to manhandle Endeavor! The Big Kahuna lifts Arnold to his feet and pushes him back into the corner!

Knight: Endeavor holds his finger to his lips, causing a hush to fall over the crowd, what does he have planned here? BIG CHOP! THe sound of Endeavor’s massive paw caving in Xavier’s chest is almost sickening! A red welt is instantly raised on Arnold’s chest…whip to the far corner by Endeavor…BIG SPLASH! This match has shifted 180! Xavier collapses to the mat as Endeavor backs away…RUNNING DOUBLE SPLASH! THE KAISER IS FLATTED! Endeavor goes for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-KICKOUT!

Xavier still has some fight left in him, despite the onslaught from Endeavor. The big man keeps on the offensive, though, and pulls Xavier to his feet by his head…he lifts him high in a military press!

Ruggiero: Endeavor drops him into a huge spinebuster! The Mountain that Flies is firmly in control now of the match! Xavier desperately tries to roll out of the ring, but is cut off by Endeavor who drags Arnold back to the center of the ring and delivers a quick stomp to keep him grounded! The Mountain that Flies looks to do just that as he ascends to the middle rope…BIG SENTON! NO! THE KAISER MOVED AT THE LAST MOMENT! With a quick burst of energy, Arnold runs to the corner and seems to be begging Endeavor to stand…SUPERKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Endeavor is looking a little loopy after that! Arnold senses an opportunity here! RHINE REBEL! NO! Endeavor rolls to his feet, dodging the penalty kick, and hitting the ropes in the process, as Xavier turns around…JACKIE CHAN! THE BROGUE KICK LEVELS THE KAISER! Endeavor pulls Arnold to his feet…RECKLESS ENDEAVOR! Arnold is out! Endeavor goes for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

Maria Del Rey: Here is your winner by pinfall, ENNNNNNNDDDDEEEAAAAAVVVOOOORR!

(“Epic” by Faith No More plays as Endeavor rolls out of the ring and begins celebrating with the crowd at ringside after checking his knee.)

(A commercial for Wicked Games plays)

Maria Del Rey: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL….

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

“Welcome Home” Coheed and Cambria plays as Johnny Walker makes his way out and plays to the crowd by putting a hand to his ear for the fans that were getting up and getting loud for him before he starts making his way to the ring.

Maria Del Rey: Introducing first….from Berea, Kentucky….weighing in at 220lbs….JOHNNY WALKER!!!

Knight: This man is having some fun out there, but he knows when to make it all about business in that ring too. He’s jumping around, loosening up in the ring already!

Ruggiero: He’s an exciting young man to watch, Ben! He’s got future stud written all over him if he can keep up his momentum by beating Caden Walker whose looked impressive so far in his first few matches! It should be interesting to say the least! I can’t wait!

“It Had To Be This Way” by Jamie Christopherson Caden Walker comes out to a negative reaction, but Caden stoically descends down the ramp toward the ring.

Maria Del Rey: Introducing his opponent…from Auckland, New Zealand…weighing in at 230lbs….CADEN WALKER!!!

Knight: As you said, Ruggs. Caden has impressed many already, and all signs point to this man slowly and surely making his way on up to the main roster. His style is intense, and not to mention methodical! He’ll no doubt look to make another good impression on those looking on from the main roster in this match tonight!

Ruggiero: He’s got all the tools just like Johnny Walker to be something special. It’s simply a matter of wait and see. It’s talented roster that’s slowly developed on this Battleground Roster. Guys like Johnny and Caden will have to work for everything they get, so let’s see who will have it and who won’t..right now!

Both men move out of their neutral corners.

(DING! DING! DING!)

Knight: And both men circle the ring with the intent of putting on a good show from start to finish! Touch and go so far by both not wanting to be the one to make the first mistake of the match! Both men go in for a tie up…and a kick to the midsection by Caden that takes Johnny Walker by surprise! Caden follows it up with a clubbing forearm to the back! And Another! Caden with a whip of Johnny Walker to the ropes! DROPKICK TO THE FACE ABSORBED BY JOHNNY WALKER! ROLLING SENTON ONTO JOHNNY NOW! Caden the aggressor right from the very start! Caden brings Johnny to the corner where he sends a nasty knife edged chop to the chest of Johnny Walker! MAHAHAN!!! DID JOHNNY WALKER EVER FEEL THAT ONE! CADEN DELIVERS ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER!! Now Caden whips Johnny with great velocity that sends him to the opposite turnbuckle and the momentum takes him caroming over the top rope where he falls to the outside and hitting the floor!

Ruggiero: Caden steps through the ropes and hops onto the floor! Caden very methodical with his attack so far in the early going! Johnny here by our announce table trying to recover! Caden grabs Johnny by his hair and immediately slams his head into our announce table! Caden now rolls Johnny into the ring and slides in right after and continues his assault with vicious stomps to the midsection of the defenseless Johnny Walker! Has Walker even gotten a chance to land so much as a punch, Ben!!?? Man!

Knight: Certainly this has been a thorough dissection so far of Johnny like we’ve not seen since his debut! But it’s clear that Caden is looking to make another statement at the expense of Johnny Walker! Johnny tries to take a swing towards Caden though that misses it’s target! Caden from behind grabs Johnny around his waist! Back elbow though by Johnny connects! It was a hard shot too! Caden holds his jaw as he staggers back! SUPERKICK BY JOHNNY THAT SENDS CADEN OFF HIS FEET AND LANDING INTO A SITTING POSITION IN THE CORNER! HERE COMES JOHNNY ON THE ATTACK! PRAISE KNEE-SUS!! RUNNING DOUBLE KNEES TO THE CHEST OF CADEN WALKER! WALKER GRABS CADEN UP FROM OUT OF THE CORNER! RAKE TO THE EYES BY CADEN! FADE TO BLACK! THE SPINNING HEEL KICK BY CADEN TO JOHNNY WALKER! NO! DUCKED BY WALKER! JOHNNY THROWS A KICK NOW THAT CADEN CATCHES BEFORE IT COULD CONNECT WITH HIS SKULL! ENZIGIRI TO THE SKULL ANYWAYS! CADEN STAGGERS ABOUT DAZED! BLACK LABEL! THE FIRE THUNDER DRIVER PLOWS CADEN WALKER INTO THE CANVAS! JOHNNY HOOKS THE LEG OF CADEN!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

‘”Welcome Home” Coheed and Cambria’ starts up as the Johnny Walker rises to his feet and the referee raises his arm in victory as the he receives a positive ovation from the crowd.

Maria Del Rey: The Winner of this match by pinfall……JOHNNY WALKER!!!

Knight: What a nice comeback win by Johnny Walker! Caden came with the heavy hits and strikes early, Johnny was able to withstand the early onslaught and find victory here!

Ruggiero: Indeed, Ben! A good win for Johnny Walker that will serve him well going forward as he nears closer to the opportunity of advancing to the main roster on one of the main brands out there, and with his resilience he’d prove to be a valuable asset to any one of them that obtains his services.

Johnny is shown holding both hands up on the ramp as Caden Walker is shown holding his head as he slowly begins to sit up still trying to shake the cobwebs.

(A Collar&Elbow commercial plays featuring Johnny Walker showing off the fall line of athletic gear.)

(Maria Del Rey is standing in the center of the ring to announce the next match)

Maria Del Rey: The following contest is set for one fall and is a special Battleground Challenge! Introducing first, from Romania, weighing in at two hundred and ten pounds, Denis Cercel!

(“Kneel to your God” by Atlas Plug and Celldweller plays as Denis Cercel walks out onto the stage to the cheers of the crowd.)

Clark Ruggiero: Denis may have bitten off more than he can chew here tonight, Ben, he’s only been in Battleground a couple weeks and has decided to challenge one of, if not the most dominant champions in the company in Raven Roberts!

Ben Knight: Yeah, Clark, you’re right. I think Denis may be hoping for a story like the movie Rocky, but what he must have missed is Apollo Creed wins their first fight!

(With Denis in the ring, Maria announces the opponent.)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing his opponent, now residing in Las Vegas Nevada, she is the EAW New Breed Champion…The Bird of Prey, RAAAAAAVVVVVVVVEEEEEEENNNNNN ROOOOOOOOBBBBBBEEEEEEEERRRRRRRTTTTTTTTSSSSS!

( The lights cut out as “Make A Move” by Icon For Hire begins to play. The stage fills with purple smoke as Raven Roberts walks out wearing a large pair of black wings and sleeved gloves with the New Breed Championship belt around her waist. She soaks in the boos from the crowd before confidently strutting down the ramp. She walks up the stairs and along the apron before pausing with her back to the outside of the ring. She looks over her shoulder and with a wink to the camera, she pops the latch on her chest and her wings fall to the ground. She climbs into the ring and poses for the hard camera.)

Ruggiero: Ladies and gentlemen, love her or hate her, and there are a lot who hate her, Raven Roberts carries herself exactly as a champion should! Ben, what does Denis need to do to win here tonight?

Knight: To be completely honest, he doesn’t have many paths here tonight…his best bet is that Raven makes a mistake and he can capitalize. Barring that, he needs to have a good game plan and stick to it.

DING! DING! DING!

Ruggiero: Here we go, Denis wastes no time, he moves in for a tie up but Raven ducks under and slips behind him…Poisoned-Rana! Raven hits a reverse Hurricanrana! Denis was spiked with that! Raven follows that up, locking in a deep chinlock on Denis, who is struggling to escape already! Things are going downhill for Cercel very quickly! Raven transitions from the chin lock to a Boston crab! The referee checks on Denis as he struggles to pull himself to the ropes! ROPE BREAK! Ben, Raven is clearly more technically polished, but Denis has a sixty pound weight advantage and was able to use that to drag himself to the ropes!

Knight: Well, Denis has been training under Xander Payne who has also felt the wrath of Raven, so if he’s learned anything it’s that Raven can handle a weight advantage. Now we see Raven is all business as Denis pulls himself to his feet and tries to get the crowd involved here, clapping his hands…Raven isn’t giving him a break, though! Irish WHip from Roberts, but Cercel is able to reverse it…he leap frogs her on the rebound…PELE KICK! He caught Raven with the Pele Kick! Now he’s pulling Raven to her feet…Denis grabs her in a headlock and wrenches it in, but Raven throws him to the ropes only to follow right behind him! Off the Rebound Raven catches a bulldog on Denis, planting him in the center of the ring! Raven is in control of this match!

Ruggiero: Denis is trying to make his way to his feet as Raven climbs to the top rope…MISSILE DROPKICK! Denis is sent flying across the ring! As Raven returns to her feet Denis slaps the mat in frustration and stands…he looks to Raven and tells her to bring it on as he takes a boxers stance, does he want to stand with Raven? Certainly she is a better wrestler than striker, but as we’ve seen in her past matches with Remi Skyfire and others, she’s no slouch in the stand up either! Raven shrugs and moves forward in a Muay Thai stance…Denis catches her with a wild right, but Raven plants a kick to the side of his knee, stopping much of the stikes momentum, she peppers him with quick rights and lefts as Denis fires back with uppercuts and a couple wide crosses! Denis is quickly realizing how outmatched he is here! He tackles Raven who seems to let him have the takedown! Denis uses his weight to keep Raven on her back and starts firing off forearms, o0ne catching her just below the eye, it looks like that may have opened Roberts up! Uh-Oh! Looks like that is what it took to push Raven into overdrive! She pins Denis’s arm…GUILLOTINE CHOKE! Raven wraps her legs around Cercel, locking in the body scissor…Denis is in trouble here!

Knight: He’s not beaten yet, though, Cercel leverages himself for a pin! The Referee gets into position…

ONE!

TWO!

Kick out by Raven, she releases the choke and scrambles away from Denis, a streak of blood now trailing down her surgically repaired face! Denis looks to the referee, he thought he had her, but he needs to turn around! THE FACELIFT! That spinning heel kick floored Cercel! Raven is signalling she’s ready to end it! HELLSTRANGLE! She locks the submission in tight! Denis is trying to fight but can’t! He taps out!

DING! DING! DING!

Maria Del Rey: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by submission, The Bird of Prey…RAAAAVVVVVVVVEEEEEENNNNNNNN ROOOOOOBBBBBEEEEERRRRTTTTSSSSS!

(“Make a Move” by Icon for Hire plays as Raven makes her way up the ramp, holding the New Breed title above her head.)

(Final commercial break of the evening featuring EAW The Album, available in collectors vinyl editions at music stores near you today!)

(“Indestructible” — Disturbed plays as the crowd gives a positive reaction to Erebus Jennings, who walks out with a serious, but determined look on his face. He takes a deep breath before making his way down the ramp.)

Maria Del Rey: The following match is a FIRST ROUND MATCH and the TAG TEAM GRAND PRIX TOURNAMENT and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL —

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

Maria Del Rey: Introducing first, from Parts Unknown, weighing in 240 pounds, he is “The Fourthcoming of Darkness”, ERRRRRREBUSSSSSSSSS JENNNNINNNNGSSSSSSSSS!!

Clark Ruggiero: Erebus Jennings is seen without his partner in this tournament, Darkane. That is because Darkane found himself to be a victim of the beating by the One Percent and their equalizer, which has taken out men such as Jamie O’Hara, Johnny Ventura and now, Darkane. Erebus will be taking on Jaded Hearts all by himself, but this does not look fair whatsoever, Ben!

Ben Knight: Erebus could have been smart and not take on this match, but perhaps, he wants to go out there and set on what he is supposed to do despite victory or loss! But, Jaded Hearts are his opponents and they will not make things easy for him!

(“True Love” — CFO$ plays as the crowd instantly boos as the Empire Tag Team Champions Jaded Hearts — Sienna Jade and Kassidy Heart step on top of the ramp and pose for the crowd. They look at the crowd disgusted afterwards before making their way down the ramp.)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing their opponents, they are the team of the Empire Tag Team Champions, Sienna Jade and Kassidy Heart, JAAAAAAADEEEEEEEEED HEEEAAAARRRRRRTTTTTSSSSSS!!

Ben Knight: If these two women are not your favorites in this tournament, then I don’t know what is wrong with you! These two have dominated the tag scene of Empire and wanted more! They want the Unified Tag Team Championships!

Clark Ruggiero: They have held those Empire Tag Team Championships since Pain for Pride, but adding the Unified Tag Team Championships to their collection will probably make them the best tag team to ever step foot in EAW!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Clark Ruggiero: Erebus Jennings faces Jaded Hearts all by himself! Ben, this can only stand for trouble! Erebus was supposed to be teaming with Darkane, but Darkane was taken out of the equation thanks to the One Percent on Dynasty this past Friday! Sienna Jade and Kassidy Heart are making fun of the situation! Sienna is sarcastically counting the people at Erebus’ side and only sees one person before counting her side, which consist of her and Kassidy! It’s obvious that Erebus is in a number’s advantage! It seems like Sienna Jade is starting off the match for the Jaded Hearts! SIENNA HAS A SMIRK ON HER FACE AS SHE AND EREBUS GO TO LOCK UP, BUT EREBUS MANAGES TO TAKE WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND HER WAIST AS HE FLIPS HER OVER FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX, BUT SIENNA MANAGES TO CATCH HERSELF ON HER FEET! EREBUS TURNS AROUND AS SIENNA TRIES TO CONNECT WITH CLOTHESLINE, BUT EREBUS DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE KICKING SIENNA IN THE STOMACH! SIENNA JADE FALLS TO ONE KNEE AS EREBUS GETS SIENNA AND CONNECTS WITH A HEADBUTT! THE EMPIRE TAG TEAM CHAMPION FALLS TO ONE KNEE AGAIN BEFORE EREBUS GETS SIENNA BACK UP TO HER FEET! EREBUS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO SIENNA’S CHEST! SIENNA PAUSES AS SHE YELLS OUT IN PAIN! EREBUS CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! AND ANOTHER ONE! AND ANOTHER ONE! SIENNA FINDS HERSELF IN A CORNER AWAY FROM HER PARTNER! EREBUS JENNINGS DISTANCES HIMSELF BEFORE RUNNING TO SIENNA JADE AT THE CORNER AND CONNECTING WITH A FLYING FOREARM SMASH ON THE FORMER FREEWEIGHT CHAMPION!

Ben Knight: Sienna Jade falls forward, but Erebus Jennings does not waste any time and connects with float over ddt on Sienna! Erebus goes for the cover!

Referee: ONE!

Ben Knight: Sienna kicks out quickly! Erebus gets Sienna back up to her feet and whips her to the corner! Erebus instantly connects with a giant clothesline to Sienna, who slides her back against the corner in response! Kassidy Heart is at their corner with concern in her face! Kassidy would love nothing more than to win this match and advance to the second round! EREBUS HAS SIENNA IN A HEADLOCK BEFORE TRANSITIONING THAT TO A TAKE DOWN! EREBUS GOING FOR A SERIES OF PUNCHES ONTO THE SKULL OF SIENNA! SIENNA IS TRYING TO BLOCK EVERY SHOT, BUT EREBUS IS GETTING EACH ONE IN! EREBUS GETS SIENNA UP BY THE ARM AND WHIPS HER TO THE ROPES! IT SEEMS LIKE EREBUS IS GOING FOR ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE, BUT SIENNA MANAGES TO GET ON TOP OF THE TURNBUCKLE! SIENNA KICKS EREBUS WAY FOR THE TIME BEING BEFORE JUMPING FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND CONNECTING WITH A CROSSBODY!

Clark Ruggiero: NO! EREBUS JENNINGS MANAGES TO WATCH SIENNA JADE MID-AIR! EREBUS CONNECTS WITH SIDEWALK SLAM! SIENNA GOES CRASHING ONTO HER BACK AS EREBUS GETS UP! KASSIDY HEART IS TRASH TALKING TO EREBUS, BUT EREBUS IS TRYING HIS BEST NOT TO FALL FOR KASSIDY’S GAMES! SIENNA IS IN ALL FOURS AS EREBUS BOUNCES FROM THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A LEG DROP! SIENNA FALLS FACE FIRST AGAINST THE MAT! EREBUS GOES FOR THE COVER, BUT SIENNA MANAGES TO KICK OUT BEFORE THE COUNT IS MADE! EREBUS QUICKLY GETS UP TO HIS TWO FEET! HE GETS SIENNA RIGHT BACK UP AFTER AND WHIPS HER TO THE ROPES! Kassidy Heart tags Sienna on her back! The official caught that, but I do not think Erebus did! Erebus connects with a sitout spinebuster! Erebus is trying to go for the cover, but the official is not counting! Sienna Jade is not the legal woman in this match! Erebus is arguing with the official as he rises back to his feet! Erebus is oblivious to Kassidy Heart, who is standing behind him! Erebus turns around —

Ben Knight: Kassidy with a superkick on Erebus chin! Erebus did not go down as he is stumbling to the ropes! Kassidy grabs Erebus by the arm before whipping him to the opposite side and its ropes! Erebus counters and Kassidy goes bounces from those ropes! Erebus bends down and Kassidy connects with a headlock ddt on Erebus! Erebus is planted on the ground! Kassidy goes for the cover!

Referee: ONE! TWO!

Ben Knight: Erebus Jennings kicks out! Kassidy Heart gets Erebus back up and whips Erebus to the corner! Kassidy takes a few steps back, poses to the crowd before running and connecting with a dropkick on Erebus! Erebus goes down a bit, but Kassidy decides to change that! Kassidy begins to stomp on Erebus’ stomach as he falls down to a seated position! Kassidy continues to stomp on Erebus before stopping herself and having the official pull her away! Kassidy has her foot on Erebus’ throat as the official counts!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR —

Kassidy Heart: I GOT UNTIL THE COUNT OF FIVE!

Clark Ruggiero: KASSIDY RELEASES HER FOOT FROM EREBUS’ THROAT FRUSTRATED! KASSIDY GETS EREBUS TO A STANDING POSITION BEFORE DISTANCING HERSELF A LITTLE BIT! KASSIDY RUNS AND CONNECTS WITH A P.C.S. — POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME, THE HELLUVA KICK CONNECTS ON EREBUS JENNINGS! EREBUS GOES FORWARD AND DOWN AS KASSIDY HEART GETS ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! IT SEEMS LIKE WE’RE GOING TO SEE THE HEART ATTACK RIGHT NOW! KASSIDY JUMPS! THE HEART ATTACK —

Ben Knight: EREBUS JENNINGS CONNECTS WITH THE SITOUT SPINEBUSTER ON KASSIDY HEART! EREBUS CAUGHT HER MID-ARM AND THE IMPACT OF THAT SPINEBUSTER CAN HE HEARD FROM THE HERE! EREBUS GOES FOR THE COVER!

Referee: ONE! TWO —

Clark Ruggiero: SIENNA JADE BREAKS THE COUNT FOR HER TEAM! SIENNA STANDS UP AND BEGINS TO STOMP EREBUS JENNINGS! KASSIDY HEART IS JOINING ON THE FUN! THE CHANCES OF EREBUS ADVANCING INTO THE SECOND ROUND HAVE DECREASED AT THIS POINT, BEN! SIENNA IS NOT THE LEGAL WOMAN IN THIS MATCH! JADED HEARTS GETS EREBUS JENNINGS BACK UP TO HIS FEET! SIENNA JADE GETS EREBUS AND CONNECTS WITH A LEG SWEEP! KASSIDY FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK! EREBUS GOES DOWN! SIENNA AND KASSIDY LOOK AT ONE ANOTHER AND NOD! IT’S TIME FOR THEM TO END THIS MATCH! KASSIDY GETS EREBUS BACK UP —

Ben Knight: Erebus Jennings refuses to quit this match as he throws a punch at Kassidy Heart’s way! He throws a punch Sienna Jade’s way! And another one towards Kassidy! And another one towards Sienna! Kassidy with a spinning wheel kick to Erebus as that gets him to his knees! Jaded Hearts gets in position for Golden State of Mind! The catapulted meteora! Kassidy catapults Erebus and Sienna follows that up with a meteora! Erebus goes down as Kassidy tags in Sienna, who goes for the cover!

Referee: OOOOOOOONE!!! TWOOOOOOOOOO!!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

(“True Love” plays back up again as Sienna Jade gets up as Kassidy Heart returns inside the ring. The two women embrace one another before getting their hands raised up by the official.)

Maria Del Rey: The winner of this match and advancing to the next round of the Tag Team Grand Prix Tournament, the Empire Tag Team Champions, Sienna Jade and Kassidy Heart, JAAAAAADEEEEEEEED HEEEAAARRRRRRRRTTTTSSSSSSSS!!

Clark Ruggiero: Jaded Hearts managed to put away Erebus Jennings, but Erebus gave them a fight! Jaded Hearts soon realized that this was not going to be an easy match for them! The two of them needed to dig deep, but eventually, they managed to put away Erebus and advance into the second round!

Ben Knight: Erebus Jennings was just not ready for the unity and perfection that is Jaded Hearts! He did his best and tried to manage both Sienna Jade and Kassidy Heart, but these two women are the tag team champions of the Empire brand and they proved to all the other teams that they are going to be the team to beat!

Clark Ruggiero: Well, ladies and gentlemen, that’s all the time we have for this evening, as always we thank you very much for joining us. For Ben Knight, I’m Clark Ruggiero, good night!

(EAW logo buzzes)

Written by Anna C. Flowers

Voltage 11/4/2018

FULL MATCH – Miles Thatcher vs. Jake Smith