Anna C. Flowers
(EAW Intro Plays)
(Camera opens to see a black Mercedes Benz with a rental tag pull into the rear parking area of the Xcel Energy Center. The car parks and turns off near the performers entrance. Empire Assistant General Manager Kendra Shamez steps out of the car wearing a grey pantsuit and red blouse.)
(Kendra gathers her things from the car and walks up towards the door before looking up and seeing Raven Roberts leaning next to the door in a fitted leather jacket and jeans with a grin on her face.)
Raven: Just who I was looking for.
Kendra: What do you want? Did you find some more bullshit files on me or something?
(Raven chuckles and shows her empty hands)
Raven: Nothing so sinister. That was Chelsea’s move. I’m my own woman nowadays. Anyway, I think you’re gonna agree with what I have to say.
Kendra: And why is that?
Raven: Because I’m ambitious. I’m hungry. I value crafting a historic legacy. I’m willing to cross lines and do what I have to do to win and get what I want. As much as you and I are different, we’re pretty similar too.
(Kendra turns her head, annoyed. After a moment she takes a breath and sighs)
Kendra: Alright. Fair enough. What do you want to talk about?
(Raven’s eyes dart to the camera and back to Kendra)
Raven: Not out here. We’ll talk in your office.
(Raven grabs the door and Kendra follows her inside)
(Thursday Night Empire intro plays for the broadcast. It pans over the sold out crowd in St. Paul as the crowd cheers wildly. Various signs can be seen including “Daisies are my favorite flower”, “Layla Locked my Hart”, “Shoot the damn Bird”, and “JWH4Lyfe” before we pan to the commentary desk and see SG1 and Gavin Kirkland)
SG1: Welco—
Gavin Kirkland: WELCOME EVERYONE TO THURSDAY NIGHT EMPIRE!!! The lasses have a spectacular and action packed show for you tonight!
SG1: “The Lasses”…?
Gavin Kirkland: There will be an exclusive interview with the Jaded Hearts after losing their Empire Tag Team Titles! We have the next qualifier for the Extreme Elimination Chamber for the Specialists Championship! And in our main event, two of the blondest bombshells in history will face off as Kassidy Heart takes on the woman who now holds her former championship, Cleopatra!
SG1: Have you ever spoken to a woman with a measurable IQ?
Gavin Kirkland: But first! It’s time to throw it to that sexy ring announcer, Cori Simmons for our opening contest!
SG1: Is this really my career now?
(Camera cuts to Cori Simmons in the ring)
Cori Simmons: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(“Fire” by BTS hits as Consuela Rose Ava makes her way out, followed by Clara Lovelace)
Cori Simmons: Introducing first, making her way to the ring accompanied by Clara Lovelace, from Frias, Spain, weighing in at 120 pounds… CONSUEEEEEEEEEEELLLLAAAAAAAAAA RRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSEEEE AAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVVVVAAAAAAAA!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: You know, SG, Consuela’s new attitude is something I’ve come to really enjoy! Its… enticing!
SG1: You wouldn’t stand a chance. Also, you’re disgusting. Consuela is the number one contender to the Openweight Championship and I highly doubt she’d slum it with you.
Gavin Kirkland: Well, Yeah. Word is she’s the top prospect at the Poon Palace.
SG1: Oh dear lord…
(“Raise Hell” by Dorothy hits as Daisy Thrash makes her way out accompanied by Constance Blevins)
Cori Simmons: And her opponent, making her way to the ring accompanied by Constance Blevins, from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 115 pounds… DAAAAIIIISSSSSSSSSSSYYYYYYYY TTTTTHHHHHRRRRAAAASSSSSSSSHHHHH!!!
SG1: The new leader of the Pride hasn’t been the smoothest fit. But she has the trust of the girls and you have think it’s just going to be an adjustment period.
Gavin Kirkland: Daisy took the role on and seems to not have realized everything that came with it. You have to wonder what state her mind is in as she enters this match.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: And we are underway! The sexy one moves towards the slightly less sexy one!
SG1: Who… you know what… never mind. I’d regret finishing that question.
Gavin Kirkland: The two have locked up! Daisy tried to shove Consuela back but Consuela twists out into a wristlock and tries to crank it in tighter but Daisy spins out and follows with a kick to the stomach! And she follows that with a rising knee to Consuela’s face! Consuela stumbles back, stunned, and Daisy runs in for a swinging neckbreaker! Consuela is down and clutching her neck! Daisy stays on the offensive and drops down to apply a fujiwara armbar! OH! But Consuela slips out before it’s locked all the way in! She rolls out to the apron and tried to pull herself up! But here comes Daisy again! She goes to grab Consuela—
SG1: BUT CONSUELA DRIVES A SHOULDER INTO DAISY’S STOMACH! CONSUELA LAUNCHES HERSELF IVER WITHBA SUNSET FLIP! REFEREE COUNTS THE PIN!
ONEEEEEEE! TWOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEEEE—
Daisy kicks out at the last second but Consuela nearly had the win off pure surprise factor! Daisy scrambles quickly back to her feet but Consuela is already there and comes with a roundhouse to the head! Daisy stumbles and drops to her knees! She leans against the second rope— BUT CONSUELA FORM BEHIND! SHE DRIVES HER KNEE INTO THE BACK OF DAISY’S NECK AND PULLS THE ROPE UP TO CHOKE HER!!!! DAISY IS GAGGING AND GASPING FOR AIR AND THE REFEREE IS FORCED TO COUNT!
ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Consuela lets off and raises her hands! The referee and Constance both go to check on Daisy… BUT CONSUELA COMES IN AGAIN AND JUMPS TO DRIVE BOTH KNEES INTO THE BACK OF DAISY’S SHOULDERS AND FORCING HER THROAT INTO THE ROPE AGAIN!
Gavin Kirkland: Daisy just bounces off and to the mat! She’s coughing and clutching at her neck, trying to get her breathing right! Constance is screaming at Consuela from the outside!
Constance Blevins (off-mic): YOU CANT DO THAT! WHATRE YOU DOING?!?
Consuela: I’m winning the damn match.
SG1: Consuela turns her attention back to Daisy who is just getting back up to her knees! Daisy up on one foot now! Consuela stalks from behind! Daisy stands and turns around… RODILLA DE LA MUERTE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT DAISY SIDESTEPS AND CONSUELA BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES! Consuela comes back… EAT THE RICH!!! BUT CONSUELA DUCKS THAT AS WELL! She rolls Daisy up from behind and grabs a hand full of tights as well! The referee doesn’t see!
ONEEEE! TWOOOOOO! THREEE—
Daisy still manages to power out! Consuela looks frustrated but she just about had Daisy once again! Daisy is rising up but Consuela grabs her for a DDT—
SG1: BUT DAISY LIFTS HER BACK FOR A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!! She bridges up and keeps the pin!
ONEEEEEE! TWOOOOOO! THR—
Consuela kicks out! She looks stunned! She was not expecting that maneuver! Now Consuela rolls to the apron and out of the ring! She has an angry look on her face! SHE JUST GRABBED A STEEL CHAIR FROM THE TIME KEEPERS AREA! CONSUELA SLIDES BACK IN THE RING AND GOES STRAIGHT FOR DAISY!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT CLARA LOVELACE SLID IN BEHIND HER AND GRABS THE CHAIR FROM CONSUELA!
Clara Lovelace (off-mic): No! Not like this!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT DAISY TURNS CONSUELA FROM BEHIND! EAT THE RICH! THE SPINNING WHEEL KICK CONNECTS ON CONSUELA’S JAW! Daisy looks at Clara and grabs her! Daisy throws Clara out of the ring and drops on top of Consuela for the pin!
ONEEEEEEEE! TWOOOOOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Cori Simmons: Here is your winner by pinfall, DAISY THRASH!
Gavin Kirkland: Clara Lovelace just cost Consuela a big win because she couldn’t get her own head into the game to do what’s needed! Consuela was ready and willing to take Daisy out!
(Constance slides in and celebrates with Daisy as Consuela sits on the ring apron clutching her jaw, giving a very angry glare to Clara)
SG1: Clara did what she felt was right and I can’t hold that against her. Daisy held through a lot in this match and picks up a big win!
(Commercial for FOX News! Only the truth! And other stuff!)
(Flannery is sitting in her office as Kassidy and Sienna storm through the door.)
Flannery McCoy: No, please, come in…
Sienna Jade: Looks like we kinda did.
(Flannery sighs.)
Flannery McCoy: What can I do for you ladies?
(Kassidy and Sienna look at one another and they could not have rolled their eyes any harder.)
Sienna Jade: Seriously? Are you that fucking dumb?
Kassidy Heart: Do you not even listen to the words the people on your roster speak? If you did, then you would have a pretty good clue as to why we decided to come in here. We are sick of this shit.
Flannery McCoy: Oh, you mean the supposed conspiracy I have against you? Look, Sienna, Kassidy, I appreciate you’re frustrated, but do you really think storming in here, and slinging around accusations that I’m somehow out to get you are the way to air them properly?
Sienna Jade: Well honestly, nothing else we do seems to get the job done, Flannery. I get that Kassi-Poo and I threaten everything you have worked oh so hard to build here, but neither of us are going to let you shove us to the background anymore.
Kassidy Heart: Since day one you have done everything in your power to make sure neither of us taste any kind of success here. Both of us had to watch while you favor your Empire OGs, bring back bitch after bitch, line them up for title shots, and protect people who don’t fucking deserve it. I can understand why you might have an issue with me. After all, you got that email from me that you were never supposed to get, but you have no reason to take your hate and bias out on Sienna. After FORCING Sienna to defend the Freeweight Championship at Pain for Pride in the most bullshit unification match EVER, she was never given a rematch for what got taken from her.
(Flannery goes to reply but Kassidy holds up her hand.)
Kassidy Heart: And spare me the lecture of people needing to earn their opportunities. I will give you a fucking list of names and matches that have taken place for championships across all of Empire that don’t involve anyone earning shit. Case in point… Bloodletter.
(Flannery raises her eyebrows.)
Flannery McCoy: You needed contenders for your titles, and we had two teams who were game for the challenge. I really do understand your frustrations, ladies, and despite our differences, I would like to think that we can work toward the same goal of what’s best for Empire. I gave you both matches against members of those other two teams this week!
(Kassidy and Sienna make very sarcastic hearts with their hands and flash them at Flannery.)
Sienna Jade: ERMAHGERD THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Kassidy Heart: hOw LuCkY aRe We?!
(Both members of the Jaded Hearts lose their smiles and glare at Flannery.)
Flannery McCoy: Fine, if that’s not enough, then what do you want?! What can I do for you to keep you from barging into my office and screaming at me on social media, and in your videos? What do you need?
Kassidy Heart: Okay first of all, our videos and social media accounts can have whatever the fuck we want in them. You do not get to dictate the content of what we post like ever.
Sienna Jade: Secondly we want our goddamn opportunities like everyone else.
Kassidy Heart: We deserve those opportunities.
Sienna Jade: Like honestly. I wish I could be like Consuela Rose Ava and get my ass kicked for the Specialists Championship, and then get an Openweight Championship match as a consolation prize.
(Sienna and Kassidy both shake their heads in disgust.)
Kassidy Heart: I want to know right now why I have never been granted a fucking singles championship shot. Why have you kept that from me, Flannery? What have I ever done in this place except have literally a flawless record and put my heart and soul into that ring? I get that you have a problem with me, and that’s whatever. You and I were never going to get along. But to purposely hold me back and stifle my progress here? That’s awful. That’s awful and you know it. And don’t stand there and tell me I haven’t earned anything or that I don’t deserve anything, because that has never mattered here. I have sat back and watched every single person on this roster get a championship shot of some kind whether they have a winning record or not. But when it comes to me, I get ignored. I get passed over. Why? What problem do you have with me personally that you are willing to do that to me? This brand needs me. This brand needs all three members of the Jaded Wolfe Hearts.
Flannery McCoy: Well, until the last couple weeks you’ve done little more than complain about your lack of opportunity. I reward people who do something other than talk. That’s why I’ve put you against Cleopatra and Astraea. Prove you can, on your own, be in the same ring with them, and then we’ll talk opportunities.
Now you can go.
(Sienna shoots Flannery an annoyed look and takes Kassidy hand.)
Sienna Jade: This is pointless, Kassidy. We are going to the Grand Prix Finals and once we win, we can get the fuck off this brand for good. We can compete on any brand we want, against any two people who want to form a team and try and stop us. We don’t need Empire. Remember, this company needed us. This company came crawling to REVOLT just begging for Banks to save them, and Empire was the brand who was hurting the most. She fucking knows that and once we go, she loses three people she can’t ever replace.
(Sienna tosses her perfect brunette locks over her shoulder and tugs Kassidy towards the door. Kassidy takes a deep breath, let’s go of her platonic lover’s hand and tells Sienna she will be out in just a moment. Once Sienna leaves, Kassidy turns to Flannery.)
Kassidy Heart: I have proven my worth time and time again in the ring as a tag team competitor AND as a singles competitor. You know that as well as I do. So don’t play games with me, Flannery. I’m not going to put up with it any more. I know you keep your eyes on every show. I know you see what’s going on and I know you watched Wicked Games. I’m the person who whispered in Ahren Fournier’s ear to go down to that ring, disrupt the Diamond Cage versus Scott Diamond Championship match, and make a stand. And guess what? The GOAT did just that and he ended Scott Diamond’s career himself. He took all the power Cage thought he had and now it’s Ahren who’s the favorite to walk out of Road to Redemption as the EAW Champion. Don’t think for a minute I won’t do something similar because I’m taking what is owed to me, whether you willingly give it to me or not.
Flannery McCoy: Well, first, Kassidy, regardless of what you and AHren have done, you haven’t done it on Empire. Yes, okay, you’ve done well, but the whole roster is doing well! Second, there isn’t some vast anti-Revolt, a company EAW bought, by the way, not the other way around, conspiracy. Astraea is from Revolt, Raven is from Revolt, and they haven’t been held back –
(Flannery goes to say more, but Kassidy holds up her hand. The general manager actually does stop mid-sentence and Kassidy smiles.)
Kassidy Heart: Well here’s the thing, Flannery. I’m about to start doing it on Empire because I’m sick of playing nice. And you know something else?
(Flannery lets out a sigh.)
Flannery McCoy: What?
(Kassidy rears back and slaps the absolute shit out of Flannery, sending the executive to the ground, clutching her face.)
Kassidy Heart: I’ve been waiting a long fucking time to do that.
(With that, Kassidy spins on her heels and exits Flannery’s office.
(Camera cuts to Cori Simmons in the ring.)
Cori Simmons: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following match is set for one fall and is a qualifier for the Specialists Extreme Chamber match. Introducing first, making her return to Empire from Salem Oregon, weighing in at one hundred and four pounds…The Warrior Princess…Layla Lockhart!
(‘Run Away With Me’ by Junior plays as Layla makes her way to the ring. She slaps high fives with the fans who are glad to see her back after such a violent injury.)
SG1: Layla making her anticipated return here tonight against doctor wishes, but not orders, which is why Flannery allowed the match to even take place. You can see from that friction tape on her neck and shoulder, though, that she’s still not one hundred percent.
Gavin Kirkland: Andrea is going to have an easy target of that neck, if she wants it, though to be fair, a toothpick like Layla should be able to be beaten by a stiff breeze!
Cori Simmons: Introducing her opponent, from Orlando, Florida…weighing in at one hundred and ten pounds, the Heart of Empire…Andrea Valentine!
(‘Roll With Me’ by Charli XCX plays as Andrea makes her way from behind the curtain. Obviously still in rough shape from the Mistress of Death match, Andrea still manages a bright smile for the fans as she makes her way to the ring.)
Gavin Kirkland: You know, I’ve been wondering…if Andrea is the “Heart” of Empire, who is the liver?
SG1: I dunno, but you’re the colon. Andrea is still suffering the effects of her match with Madison at Bloodletter, but she’s not letting that get her down! I spoke to her personally earlier today, and I know for a fact she isn’t under estimating Layla, despite Lockhart having been off for a few weeks.
(Cori Simmons exits the ring as the official calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
(Before the match starts, Andrea extends her hand to Layla who nods and returns the handshake.)
SG1: Look at the sportsmanship on display here tonight! Andrea and Layla are what Empire should be about, competition without all the unnecessary drama!
Gavin Kirkland: So, you mean Olympic style wrestling? Cause that’s what you’re describing right now…and we all know how riveting that is to watch, right?
SG1: I think I actually hate you. Here we go, Andrea Valentine and Layla Lockhart for a spot in the Specialists chamber! This is Layla’s first match back since Raven Roberts attempted to break her neck on an episode of Empire. Apparently while she has been cleared, doctors advised against her hasty return, but she paid them no mind!
Gavin Kirkland: Yeah, yeah, doctors are notorious liars, SG, everyone knows that! Besides the fact she was cleared by the very best medical personnel possible, we’re not about to just let someone who’s injured come out here and wrestle! Remember, Fox cares!
SG1: Empire doctors cleared her, not Fox ones…
Gavin Kirkland: True, if Fox doctors had seen her she’d have came out a bit more top heavy, if you know what I mean!
SG1: I hate my life now…Back to the ring, Layla and Andre have locked up! Whip to the corner by Andrea followed by a stiff forearm shot to the jaw of Lockhart. Andrea climbs the turnbuckle, looking to rain some punches down on Layla, but the Warrior Princess grabs Valentine’s legs and runs forward, slamming Andrea to the mat! She pulls Valentine to her feet and catches her in a headlock, looking to stall Andrea’s early momentum. Andrea starts to claw at Layla, looking to break the hold, and Layla drops Andrea to the mat with a trip! Layla looking like she hasn’t lost a step at all here tonight, whereas The Heart of Empire may still be feeling the effects of her match with Madison at Bloodletter, as she clutches her side in pain! Layla hits the rope…basement dropkick to the side of Andrea’s head! She goes for a quick cover…NO! Andrea powers out before the referee can even get into position! It’s going to take much more than that to keep Andrea Valentine down, but Layla has looked good tonight in the opening moments of this match!
Gavin Kirkland: Aye, I’ll give it to her, she’s moving in there like a person who didn’t just come within a hair’s width of spending the rest of her life in diapers eating her lunch through a straw! Andrea, on the other hand, seems to be getting off a bit slowly…She needs to step things up, otherwise Layla is going to the chamber!
SG1: Layla whips Andrea to the corner…RUNNING SHOULDER BLOCK Layla thrust her entire body weight into that move and Andrea, nowhere left to go, took the full force of it! Lockhart pulls Andrea to her feet and leaps…dropkick! NO! Andrea gets her wits about her at the last second and dodges the dropkick from Layla, sending Lockhart crashing to the mat! Andrea gets fired up for this capacity crowd! She want that spot in the chamber! Arm drag takedown from Andrea as Layla tries to regain her footing…another! Andrea is building momentum here! Layla manages to make it to her feet but is met now with a dropkick from Andrea, flooring her, now Valentine climbs to the middle turnbuckle…LEGDROP! Andrea’s leg fell right across the throat of Layla! Lockhart grabs her neck in pain and rolls around on the mat! Andrea told her she wouldn’t shy away from attacking the neck if that’s how things went! Andrea goes for the pin!
Referee: ONE! TWO! KICKOUT!
Gavin Kirkland: Layla kicked out there out of instinct it looked like! No matter what level of competition she was at before, ring rust is a real thing, and especially will be prevalent on a competitor coming back from a serious neck injury! One may argue that Andrea isn’t one hundred percent either, which is a fair point, but she’s been very active in the time that Layla has been laying in bed watching Disney movies and eating ice cream, or whatever it is women do when they’re hurt.
SG1: That was actually pretty good analysis…until the end, then it became the sexist nonsense I’ve come to expect from you. Andrea has Layla on her feet and initiates a collar and elbow tie up…snap suplex from Andrea! Valentine, wasting no time, rolls Layla onto her stomach and locks her in a rear chin lock, putting pressure on the neck of Layla! The referee is checking Lockhart to see if she wants to continue…
Layla(off mic): I’m not quitting!
The hold remains locked in! Andrea is pulling back hard on the neck of Layla, having just finished a month long war with Madison, Valentine developed a brutal streak that she’s putting on display here tonight! Layla is struggling to escape and just manages to get her foot on the rope! The referee calls for the break and Andrea releases the hold. She backs off as Layla struggles to her feet…SUPERKICK! Layla has been floored by the superkick from Andrea! Valentine moves for the pin!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
SG1: NO! Layla kicks out at the last moment!
Gavin Kirkland: Layla still has some life in that toothpick of a body she has! Andrea backs off to the corner, she’s looking to hit a big move here, it looks like…Layla is dragging herself to the opposite corner, and using the ropes to pull herself to her feet….Andrea is going for….uhhhhh, flippy attack! BOTTLEROCKET! Layla caught Andrea mid move with the spear!
SG1: It was a handspring, Andrea was trying to hit a handspring back elbow…But Layla did hit the Bottlerocket right to the back of Andrea, nearly cutting her in half! Lockhart may have some ring rust, but you can never count out her tenacity! She quickly moves in for the pin!
Referee: ONE!! TWO!!! THRE-
SG1: KICKOUT! Andrea managed to power out of the pin attempt by Layla! I think maybe if Lockhart had been 100% she might have had the match won right there! Layla takes Andrea by the head, though and pulls her to a vertical base…Layla leaps up for a frankensteiner! NO! Andrea catches her and drops Layla into a powerbomb! Andrea can’t hold it for the pin, though! Layla has been flattened on the mat, and Andrea, still feeling the affects of her brutal match at Bloodletter, cannot follow up! Both of these women, Layla coming back early against medical advice, and Andrea out here fighting through the injuries she took at Bloodletter, just show how much the Specialists title means to both of them! Andrea drapes an arm over Layla!
Referee: ONE! TWO!
Gavin Kirkland: KICKOUT ONCE AGAIN! Layla manages to kick out, but only just! Andrea is struggling to make it to her feet as Layla rolls to the apron and begins pulling herself up by the ropes. This match hasn’t been particularly grueling in and of itself, but it’s the road each woman has taken to this point that is wearing on them! Layla is bouncing on the heels of her feet now, and Andrea has managed to stand… springboard clothesline! Andrea is flattened! Now it’s Layla’s turn to be fired up, she smacks the mat in rhythm, getting the crowd behind her as she mounts the top turnbuckle…MISSILE DROPKICK! Andrea shoots across the ring from the impact of Layla’s dropkick! Layla smacks the mat on her way to her feet! This girl has some fire to her!
SG1: She certainly does, but Andrea is far from finished! Valentine gets to her feet and meets Layla in the center of the ring! She grabs the back of Layla’s head…BIG FOREARM SHOT! Andrea laid that forearm into the jaw of Layla, who doesn’t move much, but returns fire with a forearm of her own! ANDREA! LAYLA! ANDREA! LAYLA! This crowd is going insane right now!
Crowd: This is awesome! This is awesome!
SG1: Andrea is knocked back from Layla’s latest hit…ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM LAYLA! BUT ANDREA WON’T GO DOWN! ANDREA GRABS LAYLA’S ARM…XOXO! The inverted stomp facebreaker from Andrea drops Layla like a ton of bricks! Andrea gets herself into position as Layla struggles to make it to her feet…ATOMIC BLONDE! The standing reverse frankensteiner! Layla is done, it’s over!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Cori Simmons: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, and qualifier for the Extreme Chamber match…ANNNNNNNNDDDDDDDRRRREEEEEEAAAAAA VAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTTTTTIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!
(‘Roll With Me’ by Charli XCX plays as Andrea raises her arms in victory.)
SG1: What an impressive showing from both competitors here tonight! Layla put up a valiant effort against an Andrea Valentine who believes that the chamber is her shot at redemption. Andrea wants nothing more than to once again old a championship!
(Andrea helps Layla to her feet and raises her arm before giving her a hug.)
Gavin Kirkland: Oh, give me a break! Andrea, you won, no need to try to drag Layla up to your level!
SG1: It’s called sportsmanship, Gavin, something Andrea and Layla hold in high regard. Neither woman was 100% tonight, yet both done everything they could to entertain the fans here.
(Commercial for Esmeralda and Francesca’s Maid Service: When you need something really clean make sure you call the Specialists!)
(Stephon Hunte is walking backstage, followed by his assistant, Serena, looking at locker room doors.)
Stephon Hunte: Are you sure she’s this way? *He checks the nameplate on a door and notices it’s for Daisy Thrash* It’s not looking like her room is here…
(Serena double checks her clipboard and nods.)
Serena: It’s here…*She sees the nameplate they’re looking for: Consuela Rose Ava.* See? Here it is!
(Stephon nods and knocks on the door. After a moment Consuela opens it, having showered after her match, dressed in street clothes. She looks from Stephon to Serena, then back to Stephon.)
Consuela Ava: Hi…are you looking for Flannery’s office, cause it’s that way…
(She points down the hallway, but Stephon waves her off. )
Stephon Hunte: No, Ns. Ava…it is “Miss” isn’t it? *Consuela nods slowly.* Well, Ms. Ava, may we come in?
(Consuela shrugs and steps aside, letting Stephon and Serena in. He looks around her dressing room, then offers a broad, ultra white smile to Consuela.)
Stephon Hunte: Consuela, you want to know something I’ve noticed in my short time here?
(Consuela shrugs and starts to answer, but Stephon continues talking.)
Stephon Hunte: I’ve noticed that EAW is seemingly obsessed with the Ava’s. I mean, you get high profile matches, the wedding of Mr. Dedede and your mother is one of the biggest new stories ongoing, and Cameron is on the marquee for Road to Redemption…except, I think they’re focusing on the wrong Ava…
(Consuela seems confused.)
Consuela Ava: What do you mean?
(Stephon’s smile seems to broaden.)
Stephon Hunte: Cameron is tired, Consuela, everyone knows her story…you want proof? Look at the ratings for this season of True Vixens! The ongoing narrative has featured Cameron, and ratings are at an all time low! I have an idea, though, Ms. Ava…how would you like to star in *Stephon holds up his hands as if framing a marquee* “True Avas”? Just think of it! It’s be a reality show that featured you! Finally you would get to tell your story, your way!
(Consuela holds up her hand, and sits down in a chair next to the wall.)
Consuela Ava: Wait, please…first off, Fox doesn’t even air True Vixens…
(Stephon cuts her off.)
Stephon Hunte: We do now, like I said, ratings were falling and the network it was on were about to cancel it. We got it for next to nothing, relatively speaking, and a new cast will be announced next week. You would get a spin off, though, if you wanted it. Personally, I think you deserve it, but I’m going to be honest with you…Fox wants the True Ava spin off…if it’s not you, it’ll be yet another feather in the cap for your surgically enhanced lesser half…*He nods to Serena who opens the door and moves to leave.* I can see this is weighing heavily on you, Consuela, so I’ll tell you what: Take the week to think on it. Remember, though, things move at light speed with Fox, and they won’t wait forever. An Ava is going to star in the show, Consuela, the question is, will it be you?
(Stephon and Serena leave Consuela, who closes the door behind them, and leans against it with a thoughtful look on her face as the camera fades out.)
(Commercial for the “Be Elite” anti-bullying campaign featuring Daisy Thrash and the Pride. Remember kids, don’t be a dick, be Elite!)
(Backstage we see Flannery McCoy and Kendra Shamez in Flannery’s office. Kendra is leaning over the front of Flannery’s desk reading a production expense report while Flannery, an angry red welt on her cheek, is checking her emails. After a second Stephon barges in, his assistant Serena in tow, and stops behind Kendra.)
Stephon Hunte: Well hello, Ms. Shamez…*he waves dismissively in Flannery’s general direction* Hello to you too, Flannery…*Stephon snaps his attention away from Kendra and walks around to face Flannery as Serena rolls her eyes at him.* Ms. McCoy, I have great news!
(Flannery takes off the reading glasses she is wearing and rubs the bridge of her nose. She gives Stephon her best professional smile, but weariness can be seen in the corners of her eyes.)
Flannery McCoy: What kind of news? Sorry if I seems a bit distracted, this war between Madison’s group and, well the rest of Empire is starting to get out of hand. But it’s nothing I can’t handle…what’s up?
(Stephon sits on the corner of Flannery’s desk, obliviously knocking over a pen cup. Kendra looks up from the report she is reading and watches with interest.)
Stephon Hunte: Well, I know just how hard the both of you ladies work, and it’s coming up on Christmas…so I spoke with the board, and after making a sizable donation, they agreed to give you next week off, the both of you!
(Flannery looks from Stephon to Kendra in shock. Kendra offers a smile and clears her throat.)
Kendra Shamez: Stephon, while Flannery and I certainly…appreciate the sentiment, we can’t just take a week off the week before Road to Redemption! There is still a lot of work to do, and it’s just not possible to let Empire run on autopilot in such a critical week!
(Flannery nods in agreement.)
Flannery McCoy: Yeah, no. A week off would be great, but it’s just not possible. We have to finish the chamber qualifiers, and address the World title…
(Kenda interrupts.)
Kendra Shamez: I can handle that, by the way, I actually have a couple ideas for it. If you’ve got time later I’d lik-
(Stephon claps his hands loudly, interrupting Kendra.)
Stephon Hunte: Ladies, ladies, don’t you worry your pretty little heads about next week…I will run things…though, Kendra raises a good point, it is a big show, and I haven’t exactly ran things before…Flannery, how about you take the week off and I’ll run things here with Kendra? You need the time off, Flannery, you’re starting to look very tired.
(Stunned again, Flannery searches for what she wants to say for a moment before speaking.)
Flannery McCoy: Are you firing me?
(Sephon laughs and places his hand on Flannery’s shoulder.)
Stephon Hunte: Firing you?! I’m giving you a week off, Ms. McCoy! Enjoy it! You can come back to oversee Road to Redemption if you want, I just want to take a hand at the wheel is all. There isn’t anything to worry about, Kendra will be here, after all!
(Kendra offers a disarming smile to Flannery.)
Kendra Shamez: Flannery, look, take the week off. You’ve been going non-stop for months now! I’ll keep Stephon from messing things up too much, and we’ll put on a great show, you’ll see!
(Stephon holds up a hand and motions to Serena who hands him a clipboard.)
Stephon Hunte: As a matter of fact, I have next week’s main event already! The Vixen’s Champion, Cleopatra, will defend her title against none other than Cameron Ava!
(Kendra and Flannery look at each other, mouths agape.)
Stephon Hunte: Close your mouths ladies, *he eyes Kendra slyly* at least for now. *Kendra glares at Stephon as he continues.* I told you I wanted to make Empire great again, this is my attempt at doing just that! Now, I’ve got a meeting to get too, no rest for the wicked, right? Flannery, enjoy your week off! Kendra, I’ll need to speak with you at some point before next week to help make sure things run smoothly….Come on, Serena, we’ve got places to be!
(Stephon leaves the office without waiting for Serena who goes to follow before stopping at the door and turning to Flannery and Kendra.)
Serena: Look, I’m sorry about…*she searches for the words* this. Just, for everyone, don’t let this guy win, yeah?
Stephon Hunte (From the hallway): Serena! I don’t have all night!
(Serena smiles again and quickly leaves the room. Flannery watches as the door shuts with a click, then turns to Kendra.)
Flannery McCoy: Stephon is taking things too far, Kendra, he’s going to try to get rid of us!
(Kendra shakes her head.)
Kendra Shamez: Not us, just you. I’ll be his trophy. Look, Flannery, he just declared war on Empire. He’s an invading force, and now we have to decide what to do about it. *She eyes the camera* Not now, though, there is an off chance he actually watches the show. We need to get coffee after the show, yeah?
(Flannery lets out a sigh and nods.)
Flannery McCoy: Coffee would be nice. I’d be lying if I said the week off wouldn’t be too. I’ve got to work on getting Tyler cleared in time for the chamber, and now Sienna and Kassidy are barging into my office and making demands for things…everything is insane right now, Kendra, it feels like things are falling apart!
Kendra Shamez: Things aren’t falling apart, Flannery, they’re boiling over. Things are about to explode into a war. Let me handle the Hearts, I can speak to them on their level…as for the rest, well, we can decide our plan of action for that later, yeah?
(Flannery nods slowly and throws up her hands.)
Flannery McCoy: Yeah, okay…Now, what was your idea for the chamber?
(The camera fades out as Kendra starts going over her plan.)
(Commercial plays for new Juul CBD pods featuring Jack Haze.)
Cori Simmons: The following contest is a singles match scheduled fooor…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(The intro to “F.U.U.” by Dream Wife kicks up, prompting the crowd to respond with clamouring boos as they wait for Sienna Jade to emerge from behind the curtain. She walks out and stands tall, sly eyeing the crowd before turning around to display her “F.U.U.” jacket, encouraging more boos from the crowd.)
Cori Simmons: Introducing first, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada…SIIIIIIEEEEEENNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAA JJAAAAAAAAAAAADDEEEEE!
SG1: Sienna Jade competing for the first time here tonight since losing her Empire Tag Team Championship just a couple of weeks ago. And since then, she’s made it very clear that she is not at all interested in entertaining any plans that don’t involve Sienna Jade at the top of Empire! And in case you were wondering Gavin, Sienna is not single.
Gavin Kirkland: How dare you assume that I’d be at all interested in knowing that, SG?! Do you take me for some sorta—sort of manwhore? I’m absolutely appalled, and deeply offended. I think you owe me an apology.
SG1: :wtf:
(Sienna slides under the ring and climbs the nearest turnbuckle, raising her arms in the air and ignoring the booing crowd. As her music dies down, she removes her leather jacket and tosses it over the ropes.)
(“Party Goin’ Dumb” by Rico Nasty picks up and the crowd cheers to welcome Astraea Jordan to the arena. She grabs her braid in one hand and swings it as she skips down the ramp.)
Cori Simmons: And her opponent…from Chicago, Illinois, she is the 2018 Empress of Elite…ASSSSSSSSSTTTTTRRRRREEEEEEAAAAAA JOOOOORRRRRRDDDAAANNNNN!
Gavin Kirkland: Now, you don’t see many colored girls in the ring these days, do you? I have to say, I’m excited to see what Astraea Jordan brings her, especially in a sport that historically isn’t very tolerating of women like her.
SG1: Did you just say–you know what, it’s not worth it. Anyways, yes, Gavin, we are going to see Astraea Jordan going up against Sienna Jade for the fourth time this year–these two never disappoint when going up against each other, so you better buckle up your seat belt, Gavin, you’re in for a wild ride!
Gavin Kirkland: Buckle up my—? Oh, sorry, no problem. (The microphone picks up a “zzzzzzip” and the tinkering of a belt buckle.)
SG1: I’m absolutely disgusted by you.
Gavin Kirkland: You love me and you know it.
(Astraea drops her braid as she hops up onto the apron, entering the ring through the bottom rope. She keeps her eyes locked onto Sienna, the referee standing between them, as she poses for the crowd, peaking over her shoulder at Sienna.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
SG1: And here we go, Gavin! Astrea and Sienna sort of dancing around each other to start things up here—looks like Astraea is going for a right hand—but Sienna counters! She swats Astraea’s hand away like a fly, and pulls her in for a headlock! And Sienna has it locked in tight, Astraea isn’t getting anywhere! Sienna making it a point to assert her dominance quickly in this matchup! She struggles to fight loose as Sienna just continues to apply pressure to the neck, Astraea with no choice but to try to go for the ropes here—but can she overpower Sienna?!
Gavin Kirkland: Astraea using every ounce of her upper body strength to push through to the ropes to force Sienna to break the hold! Now, Astraea laying a few hard elbows to the midsection of Sienna! She breaks free! Sienna is winded and forced to break the hold. Astraea turns around, gets a running head start to bounce off of the ropes—AND LANDS A BEAUTIFUL RUNNING BULLDOG TO SIENNA JADE, PLANTING HER FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT!
SG1: Sienna looking to take a moment to recover here, checking her nose, but no signs of any blood—
Gavin Kirkland: Your makeup looks fine, Sienna! You don’t have time for this! Get back in there! Rip her top off!
SG1: And Astraea’s gonna make her get back in there! She sits right on top of her and—can she get all of it? YES! The full Nelson from Astraea Jordan is locked in, Sienna with nowhere to go here in the middle of the ring! She can’t even reach for the ropes, her arms flailing as she tries to break away from Astraea who—OH! SHE SLAMS SIENNA’S SKULL REPEATEDLY INTO THE RING, FOUNDATION AND EYESHADOW STAINING THE MAT AS ASTRAEA CONTINUES TO PLANT SIENNA’S FACE INTO THE GROUND!
Gavin Kirkland: I’ve seen that look Sienna has on other woman before, SG. It usually happens after a night in a hotel room with me, but Sienna is getting a taste of it at the hands of Astraea Jordan! Astraea hops off of Sienna’s back and hooks a leg for the cover!
Nikka Machida: OOOONNEEE!! TWWOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Kick out by Sienna Jade! Astraea now dragging Sienna up from the ground with her hair—meeee-oooww! Something told me that this girl knew how to fight dirty! Sienna grimacing now that Astraea has a good hold of those extensions—AND SHE BREAKS ASTRAEA’S HOLD OVER HER WITH A BIG CHOP TO THE CHEST! You can see that got the better of Astraea, too, she’s holding those puppies close as she bends over, giving Sienna the perfect opportunity here for a BEAUTIFUL northern lights suplex! Sienna now, with a quick cover, looking to put Astraea away here!
Nikka Machida: OOOONNEEE!!
SG1: That was nowhere near enough to put away The Empress of Elite! Astraea quick to her feet here, making it very clear that she’s not gonna go down without a fight! BUT SIENNA IS ONE STEP AHEAD OF ASTRAEA, SHE GRABS HER BY THE ARM, SPINS HER AROUND—AND THERE IT IS! THE WITCHES HAMMER! Astraea down on the mat, and Sienna looks over at the turnbuckle! She rushes over, and starts to climb, looking to finish her off with Starstruck—but Astraea, she rolls out of the ring, looking for a chance to recover here! Astraea walking around the edge of the barricade, wagging her finger, saying “no” after the hard rolling elbow from Sienna. Astraea knows Sienna so well, Gavin, it’s no surprise that she was able to think ahead and be ready to get out of dodge of what she was sure was coming next!
Gavin Kirkland: But Sienna’s not as stupid as she looks! I don’t think she liked that taunt from Astraea. She slides underneath the ropes and charges after Astraea who’s now leaning over the barricade! And Sienna with a forearm to the head of Astraea—but Astraea with an elbow of her own! More swift strikes from Astraea! And some punches from Sienna! It’s an all out fight! The referee needs to get control over this matchup right away! This isn’t good for TV! These women are beating the absolute hell out of each other! Ooh! Sienna looks caught off guard here! Astraea grabbing Sienna by the neck and shoulder—SHE SLAMS HER INTO THE STEEL STEPS! And the crowd—the crowd loves it? I don’t understand. Maybe if they were wearing a little less, then I could see it! Besides, they aren’t real athletes, anyway—
SG1: Now, it’s Sienna’s turn to get out of dodge here! She lays a hard kick to the midsection of Astraea Jordan who is forced to back away, and Sienna takes the opportunity to run back into the ring—but Astraea is right behind her! Sienna can’t even get up off the floor before Astraea starts pounding here with several fists to the forehead! Both women now rolling around all over the mat as the fast, hard strikes continue! There’s no end to this!
Gavin Kirkland: I think I see some puppies! Sienna’s top looks torn! But what’s the point if there isn’t any mud?
SG1: I don’t know if the referee is able to regain control of this matchup! It’s an all out brawl between Sienna and Astraea! Nikka warning both women that they’re in danger for a disqualification here, she tries to pull Sienna off—but Sienna pushes her off! Nikka doing the right thing by trying to push her way back in there—she has no choice but to ring the bell!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: What?! That’s it?!I don’t understand—who wins?!
SG1: Who wins?! Neither woman is going to make it out alive, Gavin, if we don’t pull them off of each other! We need some help out here!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(Several backstage officials, referees, and security guards rush to ringside, entering the ring to try and pull Sienna and Astraea apart. We see one of Sienna’s straps are ripped, and there is a tear in Astraea’s tights. Sienna and Astraea both try to break free from the grasps of the officials, but neither is successful. It takes the officials having to pin Sienna to a turnbuckle and dragging Astraea between the ropes to calm them down.)
Gavin Kirkland: Wow! Who knew women could fight like this?!
SG1: Everyone but, you apparently. Like I said before, these two women won’t stop at anything to be back at the top of the women’s division. I can tell that this won’t be the end of Sienna and Astraea’s bubbling rivalry!
(The camera cuts back to Astraea in the middle of the ramp, being escorted out by officials while Sienna is still being held back by referees.)
(Commercial for Amber Keys’ 24-Hour Locksmithing Service)
(Camera opens to Kendra Shamez standing in the ring with a microphone)
Kendra: Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s been an amazing night already here on Empire, hasn’t it? What a show!
(Crowd gives a big cheer)
Kendra: But, the night is far from over. In fact I have a few announcements to make right here right now. First, regarding the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the Specialists Championship. Tyler Wolfe is in as defending champion. And as you all know, Constance Blevins and Daisy Thrash both qualified last week, followed by Andrea Valentine earlier tonight. That leaves two spots open. Those will both be solved next week. First, Clara Lovelace will be facing Sazae Hangaku in a second chance qualifier! And as far as the sixth and final spot, well… I’ll just say that we have a nice little surprise for everyone next week. You’re in for a real treat though, trust me.
(The crowd chatters in speculation as Kendra looks around with a knowing glance)
Kendra: Now, regarding the other Empire exclusive match for Road to Redemption. Madison Kaline will be in action, defending the Unified Women’s World Championship.
(The crowd boos at Madison’s name)
Kendra: Now now, I know how everyone here feels about Madison. But I’m out here to announce her official challenger.
(The crowd turns to excited murmurs)
Kendra: She will be facing someone who I think we can agree Madison has gotten a bit familiar with of late. Someone who has a bright future in this company. Ladies and gentlemen, the woman who will face Madison Kaline is—
???: NO ONE!!!
(Camera pans to see Madison Kaline, Cleopatra, and Amber Keys making their way down the ramp. Madison has the Unified Women’s World Championship over her shoulder. Amber has her Empire Tag Team Championship around her waist. Cleopatra has the Empire Tag Team Championship and the Vixens World Championship clasped together and hanging from the back of her neck. Each of them have microphones)
Madison: No one will be facing me because not a single one of these do nothing bitches in the locker room are willing or capable of stepping up to our level. Look at all this gold on us. And you all still question who runs Empire? How stupid can you be?
Amber: You clearly missed how we ran over your entire roster at Bloodletter. It didn’t matter who stepped up to us. Andrea. Daisy. Astraea. The night still ended with us raising gold high in the sky. The Court makes the decisions around here. Not you or Flannery. We are judge, jury, and executioner around here. You, Kendra? You’re just a washed up has been still clinging to the industry that kicked your sorry ass to the curb long ago.
(The three have made it to the ring and climb in to surround Kendra)
Cleopatra: You think you’ve been here helping to craft the future of Women’s Wrestling around here. But I was the first ever GM of Empire. Don’t forget that. And I’ve come back like nothing happened and destroyed this roster. I’m already a champion again our era still dominates these low class hoes. They still don’t know what it takes to win. They just waited around for better talents to move on so they could move up and look like superstars when the real talent was gone.
Kendra: I’m not here to compare generations ladies. And regardless of who you all think you are, Madison WILL defend her championship at Road to Redemption.
Madison: And against who exactly? Who’s the brave soul that thinks she can beat me for the title?
???: The same one who pinned your ass last week.
(The Camera pans back and the crowd gasps in shock as they see Raven Roberts standing on the stage with her New Breed Championship over her shoulder and a microphone in her hand. Kendra chuckles as the Court look back in frustration)
Raven: You three have run around doing what you want and hurting people, and frankly I couldn’t care less aside from the fact that you’ve kinda stolen my gimmick and not done it nearly as well in my opinion.
Madison: NO! Don’t you dare compare us! You’re—
Raven: Just a pissant who doesn’t belong in the same conversation as you? I believe I’ve heard that somewhere… OH! You said it to me before me and Consuela whipped yours and Cleo’s asses last week! That’s where I’ve heard it!
Kendra: Raven is the first female New Breed Champion. She’s defended the title proudly and made us all proud.
Raven: I am beyond proud of what I’ve done with the New Breed title. But at the end of the day *she points to the title on Madison’s shoulder* THAT is the title I want to end up with.
(The three women look annoyed, then they all share a glance and look back to Raven with a smile)
Amber: Fine. You think this rookie has what it takes? We’ll see.
Cleopatra: I’m sure she believes in herself. Pretty headstrong.
Maddie: Just understand what you’re getting yourself into, Ray-Ray. You’ve never been in more danger in your entire life than this moment right here.
(Raven smiles back at the ring)
Raven: Trust me, honey, I’m more than capable of handling myself.
(Raven adjusts the championship on her shoulder and, with a grin, steps behind the curtain. The Court turn back to look at Kendra who is exiting the ring and making her way up the ramp.)
(Commercial for Ulta Beauty featuring Noah Reigner – “Seriously, you guys aren’t even trying to get the right people anymore”)
(“Higher” — The Score plays as the crowd boos as Kassidy Heart walks out and poses on top of the ramp. She looks at the crowd booing her with disgust as she makes her way down the ramp.)
Cori Simmons: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Cori Simmons: Introducing first, from Sydney, Australia, she is “The Queen of Hearts”, KASSSSSSSSIDDDDDYYYYYYYYY HEEEAAARRRRRRRRRTTTTT!!
Gavin Kirkland: One of the most beautiful women on Empire! Kassidy Heart is a woman on the mission to win the 2018 Grand Prix Tournament! I feel like Jaded Hearts has a real shot. A female tag team by the name of Di Consentes won last year and we would be seeing another female team win this year!
SG1: Not only that, but she has been on Showdown managing Ahren Fournier and she’s hoping to make him EAW Champion at Road to Redemption! However tonight, she needs to put those thoughts to the side as she goes up against the Empire Tag Team Champion, Cleopatra!
(“Mona Lisa” — Lil Wayne feat. Kendrick Lamar as the crowd’s booing becomes louder as soon as they hear that theme. Cleopatra walks out with the Vixens World Championship on her right shoulder and the Empire Tag Team Championship on the left shoulder. She looks at the crowd booing her as she makes her day down the ramp. She also trash talks to the fans on her way down.)
Cori Simmons: Introducing her opponent, representing the Queen’s Court, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, she is one-half of the Empire Tag Team Champions “The Queen of the Nile”, CLEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOPAAAATRRRRRAAAAAAAA!!
Gavin Kirkland: This woman is swimming in gold at the moment! She is not only the Vixens World Champion, but the Empire Tag Team Champion! She is part of a dominating stable, which has taken over the Empire brand!
SG1: The Vixens World Championship hasn’t been a thing in years, Gavin! I don’t think it’s a legit championship. As a former Vixens Champion myself, I feel like we’ve evolved from being called “Vixens” and became Elitists ourselves! But, who am I to judge?
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: This main event is underway! Former Empire Tag Team Champion, Kassidy Heart takes on the current Empire Tag Team Champion, Cleopatra! SG1, what do you think is running through Kassidy’s mind following the loss of her title?
SG1: I think Kassidy believes that the one thing that made her sort of relevant on Empire has been taken away from her. She could go to Flannery for a rematch, but her and Sienna don’t think it will make a difference. The two women have calmed that the authority figures on the Empire brand have been out to get them and have never wanted them in the roster. Most people think that these women are delusional and paranoid, but who knows? Kassidy and Cleopatra are having a stare down before Kassidy gets her hand and pushes Cleopatra’s face away from her! Cleopatra has not moved her face since that happened as slowly forms a smirk on her face! She tilts her head before looking back at Kassidy with eyes of danger—
Gavin Kirkland: CLEOPATRA NAILS KASSIDY WITH A RIGHT FOREARM! THE SO-CALLED “STARGURL” IS ROCKED BACK A BIT AS CLEOPATRA GETS KASSIDY BEHIND THE ROPES BEFORE NAILING HER WITH ANOTHER FOREARM! KASSIDY SPRINGS FORWARD A BIT, BUT CLEOPATRA KEEPS KASSIDY BACK AND WITH HER AVAILABLE HAND, LICKS HER HAND BEFORE DELIVERING GIANT SLAP TO KASSIDY’S CHEST! KASSIDY INSTANTLY YELPS IN PAIN AS YOU CAN TELL THAT LEFT A PINK MARK ON HER CHEST! KASSIDY IS HOLDING HER CHEST AS CLEOPATRA GETS KASSIDY BY HER LEFT ARM BEFORE WHIPPING HER TO THE ROPES! KASSIDY HOLDS ON TO THE ROPES BEFORE CLEOPATRA RUNS! KASSIDY HAS HER RIGHT FOOT UP IN THE AIR AND ATTEMPTS TO STOP CLEOPATRA IN HER TRACKS, BUT CLEOPATRA GRABS KASSIDY HEART BY HER RIGHT LEG AND PULLS HER AWAY FROM THE ROPES! KASSIDY LANDS ON HER BACK HARD! CLEOPATRA LITERALLY JUST YANKED KASSIDY BY HER OWN FOOT AND SLAMMED HER ON THE MAT! CLEOPATRA GETS HER BOOT AND PLACES IT ON THE THROAT OF KASSIDY! KASSIDY IS MOVING HER FEET AND SLAMMING THEM AS SHE IS STRUGGLING FOR AIR!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! THAT’S ENOUGH, CLEO!
SG1: Unhappily, Cleopatra releases her boot from Kassidy’s throat! Cleopatra takes a step back as she lets Kassidy compose herself! Kassidy is slowly rising up to her feet! She is using the assistance of the ropes to help get her back on her feet! Cleopatra races towards Kassidy with a forearm! Kassidy spins around and finds herself in one of the corners! Cleopatra begins to stomp on Kassidy’s stomach! This occurs for a moment before Cleopatra gets her foot and presses it against Kassidy’s throat! Cleopatra is straightening her leg as she does this! Kassidy’s feet are off the mat as Cleopatra has her there!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR—
Cleopatra: I GOT UNTIL THE COUNT OF FIVE!
Gavin Kirkland: “The Queen of the Nile” seems to have quite a temper, SG1! I’m not shocked since this is Empire and it seems like EVERY female on this brand has some sort of attitude! Cleopatra goes back to Kassidy and gets her up the second turnbuckle! What is Cleopatra planning to do now? CLEOPATRA DOES A HANDSPRING! CLEOPATRA GETS KASSIDY WITH HER LEGS! REVERSE HURRICANRANA AS KASSIDY HEART GOES FLYING OVER! KASSIDY FINDS HERSELF IN A SITTING POSITION AS SHE IS CLUTCHING HER BACK IN PAIN! CLEOPATRA RUNS AND CONNECTS WITH A DROPKICK TO A SEATED KASSIDY! KASSIDY GOES DOWN AS CLEOPATRA RACES FOR THE COVER!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO!
SG1: Kassidy kicks out at two! In some way, Gavin, I can sympathize with Kassidy. This girl has defeated some of the amazing talent on Empire, but she isn’t given the opportunities like the rest of the girls! She defeated Stephanie Matsuda while she was Women’s Champion, but she was never given a title shot. She defeated Andrea Valentine, when she was Openweight Champion, but was never rewarded due to that effort. She even defeated her partner, Sienna Jade when she was Empire Tag Team Champion, but no reward! If you’re Kassidy Heart, you begin to wonder what exactly is she going to need to do to succeed! CLEOPATRA HAS KASSIDY IN A CHIN LOCK AS SHE TRIES TO HOLD IT THERE! CLEOPATRA RETURNED TO EMPIRE AND THERE IS SO MUCH DETERMINATION FOR HER TO PROVE THAT SHE IS THE BEST STILL! IF BLOODLETTER WASN’T ENOUGH REASON TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT COUNT OUT CLEOPATRA OR AMBER KEYS, THEN I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WILL BE A GOOD ENOUGH REASON! CLEOPATRA BEGINS TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE ONTO THE CHIN LOCK! CLEOPATRA HAS HER KNEE ONTO KASSIDY’S SPIN! THAT MUST NOT BE A GOOD THING AT ALL, BUT I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE ENOUGH TO MAKE KASSIDY TAP OUT!
Gavin Kirkland: Kassidy Heart is slowly rising back to her feet! You can see that poor Cleopatra is doing her best to keep Kassidy in position for that chin lock that she had on her, but Kassidy is getting back to her feet! Cleopatra is shaking her head no, but she is getting back up alongside Kassidy. Cleopatra gets Kassidy by her hair, but Kassidy connects with a back kick! Kassidy, you have Cleopatra in your control, make sure that doesn’t change, please! Kassidy races to the ropes and bounces from them before connecting with a beautiful clothesline that gets the Empire Tag Team Champion onto the ground! Kassidy is gesturing for Cleopatra to get back up to her feet! Slowly, Cleopatra is rising back to her feet, but Kassidy doesn’t let Cleopatra get up completely as she connects with a spinning heel kick! Cleopatra goes down! Kassidy is the only woman standing! Kassidy moves her hair back as you are looking at an angry, but determined woman!
SG1: Despite what Kassidy feels about the Empire brand, there is no denying that she delivers in every match she is a part of! Kassidy picks up Cleopatra! It seems like she is saying something to Cleopatra, but the audio is not picking it up! Kassidy gets Cleopatra in position for the Death Valley Driver! Cleopatra is wiggling and trying to get down, but Kassidy successfully connects with the move! Kassidy with the cover!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO!
Gavin Kirkland: The Empire Tag Team Champion kicks out! That was not enough to put Cleopatra down! Kassidy rises back to her feet as Cleopatra rises back to her feet, but Kassidy stops Cleopatra as she falls to her knees! KASSIDY BEGINS TO CONNECT WITH SOME PRECISE KICKS TO CLEOPATRA’S CHEST! CLEOPATRA GOES BACK WITH EACH KICK! AS THE KICKS CONTINUE, THEY BECOME STRONGER! WHO WOULD EVER THINK THAT THIS PRETTY FACE WOULD HAVE SO MUCH FIGHT IN HER? KASSIDY TAKES A STEP BACK BEFORE CONNECTING WITH ONE LAST PRECISE KICK AS THAT KNOCKS CLEOPATRA TO HER BACK! KASSIDY GETS ONE OF CLEOPATRA’S LEGS! IT SEEMS LIKE KASSIDY IS GOING TO GO FOR A BRAZILIAN HEEL HOOK! I BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT SHE CALLS KASSI! KASSI! KASSI! OI! OI! OI!
SG1: Not exactly, Gavin, but you’ll catch on! Kassidy is going for the figure eight! THIS IS WHAT SHE LIKES TO CALL XOXO KASS! KASSIDY HAS THE FIGURE FOUR LOCKED IN! SHE IS SLOWLY GOING FOR THAT BRIDGE AS IT BECOMES A FIGURE EIGHT! CLEOPATRA IS CRYING OUT IN PAIN AS SHE IS TRYING TO REACH FOR THE BOTTOM ROPE! CLEOPATRA IS NOT MOVING THOUGH AS KASSIDY HAS THAT FIGURE EIGHT LOCKED IN QUITE WELL! YOU CAN SEE THE PAIN IN CLEOPATRA AS SHE REFUSES TO TAP OUT! THERE’S NO WAY THAT A LEGEND LIKE HERSELF IS CAPABLE OF TAPPING OUT AND TO A WOMAN THAT SHE DEFEATED BACK IN BLOODLETTER! CLEOPATRA HAS CONTINUED HER MISSION WITH TRYING TO REACH THE BOTTOM ROPE! KASSIDY DOES HER BEST TO USE HER HANDS TO MAINTAIN THE BRIDGE AND MAKE SURE THAT CLEOPATRA DOES NOT GET OUT OF THE MOVE!
Gavin Kirkland: Cleopatra is reaching for that bottom rope! You can see the struggle in her eyes, but she is not planning to give up! Cleopatra slowly manages to move forward to the ropes! She is trying to use her entire weight to reach for that bottom rope — Cleopatra makes it to the bottom rope! Kassidy is going to need to release that hold!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
SG1: Kassidy does not seem to happy with having to release the hold! She has no other choice, but to do that! She rises back to her feet as Cleopatra gets to one knee as she is using one of her hands to help herself up! Kassidy runs towards Cleopatra and Norvina Lights! The spiked hurricanrana on Cleopatra! Cleopatra goes head first against the mat! Kassidy with a cover!
Nikka Machida: ONE! TWO!
Gavin Kirkland: Cleopatra kicks out! Kassidy Heart seems to be getting a little frustrated! She can’t have that happen or she’s going to lose the match! KASSIDY GETS TO HER FEET AS SHE PULLS CLEOPATRA BY HER HAIR AND THROWS HER ONTO THE CORNER! KASSIDY TAKES A FEW STEPS BACK AS SHE RUNS AND CONNECTS WITH THE P.C.S, THE HELLUVA KICK TO CLEOPATRA! NO! CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY! KASSIDY GETS HER RIGHT FOOT STUCK ON THE TURNBUCKLE! CLEOPATRA ROLL OVER’S KASSIDY AS SHE GETS A ROLL UP!
Nikka Machida: OOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOO!!
SG1: Kassidy Heart rolls out of the roll up just on time! She rises back to her feet as Cleopatra does the same! Kassidy goes to connect with a clothesline on Cleopatra, but Cleopatra manages to duck and connect with a back kick to Kassidy’s stomach! Kassidy clutches her stomach in response as Cleopatra gets Kassidy in a headlock and goes for the springboard bulldog! What a beautiful springboard bulldog on Kassidy as Cleopatra goes for the cover!
Nikka Machida: OOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Kassidy Heart kicks out! Love her or hate her, this girl shows a ton of heart every time she competes! This girl gives it her all! Cleopatra is slamming her hands against the mat in frustration! Cleopatra does not look quite happy with that! You can tell that this woman wants to end this match as soon as possible and is not taking no for an answer! CLEOPATRA GETS KASSIDY UP TO HER FEET AND CONNECTS WITH A SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF KASSIDY HEART! THAT IS GOING TO LEAVE A MARK, SG1! HER BEAUTIFUL FACE IS GOING TO HAVE CLEOPATRA’S HAND PRINT ON IT! DUE TO THE SLAP, KASSIDY STUMBLES BACK AGAIN BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A SLAP TO CLEOPATRA’S CHEEK! KASSIDY IS NOT TAKING S*IT FROM ANYONE IN THIS MATCH! THIS IS A WOMAN WHO LOST HER EMPIRE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AT BLOODLETTER AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO DEFEAT THE WOMAN WHO TOOK THAT AWAY FROM HER!
SG1: Cleopatra connects with an even harsher slap on Kassidy Heart! Kassidy connects with an even harsher slap to Cleopatra! These women are slapping the holy hell out of one another! I would not be shocked to see their faces deformed after this match, Gavin!
Gavin Kirkland: That will not be good for ratings, SG1! Stephon Hunte will not be a happy man if his gorgeous blondes’ faces become unappealing! Cleopatra with a huge forearm to Kassidy Heart! Cleopatra quickly goes for the top rope and gets on the turnbuckle! Cleopatra from the top rope! A diving crossbody! Cleopatra quickly scurries for the cover! This can be over!
Nikka Machida: OOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THR—
SG1: NO! KASSIDY HEART GOES FOR A ROLL UP ON CLEOPATRA! KASSIDY HAS CLEOPATRA BY THE TIGHTS! THE OFFICIAL IS NOT SEEING IT!
Nikka Machida: OOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Higher” plays once again as Kassidy Heart escapes from the bottom rope before Cleopatra can retaliate and go after her. Kassidy goes up the ramp with her arm raised in the air.)
Cori Simmons: The winner of this match, KASSSSSSSSIDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYYYY HEEEAAARRRRRRRRTTTT!!
SG1: Kassidy Heart barely escaped from the wraith of the Empire Tag Team Champion! Kassidy steps up with a victory over the Empire Tag Team Champion, Cleopatra! Cleopatra is livid inside the ring as she is looking at Kassidy with a deadly look on her face!
Gavin Kirkland: Kassidy Heart bounced back from that loss at Bloodletter! The beautiful blonde not only has her sights on winning the Grand Prix, but she might be out to regain the Empire Tag Team Championships!
SG1: With her assault on General Manager Flannery McCoy earlier tonight, who knows what the future holds for Kassidy Heart? That question, though, will have to be addressed another time, as that’s it for us this evening! FOr Gavin Kirkland, I’m SG1, thank you, and good night!
(EAW logo buzzes)
