Anna C. Flowers
(EAW intro plays.)
(“Girl Gang” by Leikeli47 begins to play throughout the arena as the camera pans over the capacity crowd in the DirecTV Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The crowd in attendance is absolutely on fire tonight as fireworks being to go off throughout the arena and on the stage.)
CJ Hana: GOOD EVENING EVERYBODY AND WELCOME TO ANOTHER EPISODE OF THURSDAY NIGHT EMPIRE! I’M CJ HANA —
Gavin Kirkland: And I’m Gavin Kirkland and I’m not nearly as excited as CJ to be stuck here calling the action for another night. When’s lunch?
CJ Hana: Well, I’m happy as hell to be here in Argentina, especially considering we have an AMAZING card lined up for you all tonight! The Empire Invitational begins with one of the participants of our main event for the evening…Voltage’s own…THE VISUAL PROPHET!
Gavin Kirkland: My notes also tell me we’re going to get a lil’ preview of the Iconic Cup match when we see Remi Skyfire take on Minerva 1-on-1. Sounds cool.
CJ Hana: Speaking of the Iconic Cup, we have yet another qualifying match up featuring Kassidy Heart, Chelsea Crowe, Constance Blevins, and Layla Lockhart — a fatal-four way match to determine our third Iconic Cup participant!
Gavin Kirkland: Thank god it looks like a short card tonight. That means I get to go back to the hotel a little early! I’ve had such a long week and I could really use a glass of wine and a facemask—
(“Mona Lisa” by Lil Wayne begins to play throughout the arena speakers, the crowd responding with a thunderous chorus of boos as one of the newest members of The 1% steps out onto the stage.)
Gavin Kirkland: Alright, not now, CJ, the love of my life is here! And she’s coming down to the ring! Eeeeeep!
CJ Hana: I didn’t even say anything yet — but yes, here comes the Hall-of-Famer Cleopatra! The crowd more displeased with her than ever before now after she and the rest of the Queen’s Court joined forces with The 1% on Dynasty! Doesn’t that worry you, Gavin? Cleo partnering up with the likes of some of the most despised members of the EAW locker room today? Wouldn’t that tells you that Cleo might not be the best choice of a romantic partner?
Gavin Kirkland: WHO THE HELL CARES?! I don’t give a damn who she aligns herself with! It doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s the most gorgeous specimen of a human I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on! She can do whatever she wants. I love me an independent woman.
CJ Hana: What business do you think Cleo has out here tonight, Gavin? Think it has anything to do with the challenge she issued just last week?
Gavin Kirkland: If I had to guess, she’s coming out here to say something VERY important! So I need you to shut your furry lip shut for just a few moments so I can pay as close attention to this queen as possible! Thank you!
(Cleopatra enters the ring and reaches for a microphone, the music dying down and being overtaken by the boos from the arena. She smiles and soaks in the negative reaction, pleased by the heat she’s seemed to build over the past few weeks. She lets the crowd die down for a moment before raises the microphone to her mouth.)
Cleopatra: Huh? What was that? Speak up. I can’t hear you.
(The crowd EXPLODES into another series of violent boos as Cleopatra simply laughs into the microphone at the center of the ring.)
Cleopatra: That’s more like it. Yes, it is I. The Queen of the Nile. And last week—with Madison’s blessing, of course—I issued a challenge to the current reigning E-A-W Unified Women’s World Champion. And I have yet to hear back from her myself. And I have to say, I…I’m actually a bit disappointed in Sienna. I expected the first and only REVOLT! Freeweight Champion to have a little more of a fighting spirit in her. But no. I challenged her and she went about her business, too busy soaking in the glory of winning the Unified Tag Team Championship, an accomplishment she seems to appreciate much more than she does winning the Women’s belt. Such a disgrace. It’s just like a classless act like Sienna Jade to treat the title this way. To funk it up with her stench, her mediocrity. I can’t believe I really have to come out here again and ask a SECOND time for a title match.
(Cleopatra frowns, much to the dismay of Gavin who the camera catches covering his mouth, shaking his head, and fighting back tears. He begins to shake as CJ Hana rubs his back.)
Cleopatra: Ooooooohhhhhhhh, Siiiieeeeeennnnnnnaaaa? Where aaaare you, Princess? Come out to play. I know you hear me. I know you see me. Come on. Tell the whole world what they want to hear. Give them what they want to see! Yes, that’s right. They want to see Cleopatra strip that filthy, dirty animal of the Women’s Championship and return that belt where it belongs…to The Queen’s Court. To The 1%. With the top tier talent in this company TODAY! No, Sienna. That isn’t you. So unless you’re afraid, unless you know that coming into contact with Cleopatra will only end up in your demise, then—
(“Unfuckwithable’”by Deez Nuts begins to blare through the speakers, cutting Cleopatra off who simply rolls her eyes and lowers the microphone. She places a hand on her hips and turns to face the stage as Sienna Jade walks out to a mixed reaction for the EAW Women’s World Champion. She wears the title over her shoulder, and holds a microphone in her hand.)
Sienna Jade: Shut the fuck up, Cleopatra.
(The crowd bursts into cheers.)
Sienna Jade: I’m absoLUTELY exhausted of you already. And you’ve barely been out here five minutes. You wanna know why I didn’t make it a priority to get back to you? Huh? Because it’s a muhfuckin’ full time JOB being the Unified Women’s World Champion. You wouldn’t know anything about that. Interviews, press releases, photoshoots, charity work. I know, I’m ssssuuuuuuch a genurush person! I have a good heart! I’ve earned the right to call myself the Women’s Champion of the WORLD! (Sienna pauses to raise her title in the air, prompting another mixed reaction from the crowd.) Truthfully, Cleo, you haven’t done a damn thing to prove to me that your dusty ass deserves a shot at this belt—the belt I damn near RESCUED from the likes of that little mess of a woman, Madison Kaline. Don’t think you can push your wrinkly weight around now that you’ve sided with the chairman, or that cum dumpster Amber Keys can do a damn thing to help you if you ever step foot in the ring with me again. Whaohaohaoa, did you think I’d be impressed by your union with The 1%? What a snoozefest. They haven’t meant a thing to this industry in what damn near feels like decades, just like you. Talking all this shit about how you supposedly saved the EAW Women’s Division. You’re not fooling anyone. It was ME who saved the Freeweight division and it was ME who had a hand in rebuilding the women’s division of Empire. You’re a BORE! Nobody wants to see you and that grandma flopping around like fish anymore! I’m Sienna Jade, I’m UNFUCKWITHABLE, and I don’t give a damn what you have to say about it, Cleo.
Cleopatra: Are you kidding me? You think I haven’t done anything to prove myself?! I deserve to be placed on everyone’s radar, I deserve this title opportunity, I’m a one of the VERY few in this business that matter. I’m one of three of the most dominant women joining forces with powerful men to take out the remaining pieces of trash. I will not allow for evil witches like you to stop me, The Court, or The 1% from achieving our goals, from saving EAW. You’ll have to be a fool not to acknowledge the work I’ve put in since returning. No matter how I’ve been received by the fans or those backstage. I’m the true definition of hard-work triumphs talent any day of the week, I’m one of the most influential, most legendary—
(Sienna Jade suddenly drops to the floor with a thump, the camera zooming in on her face as she pretends to sleep, tongue hanging out of her mouth, snoring. The crowd roars in approval for the antics of the Women’s World Champion.)
Gavin Kirkland: Oh my GOD! What happened to Sienna Jade?!
CJ Hana: Nothing, Gavin! She’s fallen asleep! Cleopatra has driven Sienna to absolute boredom—I can’t believe this! The Women’s Champ is taking a NAP! And Cleopatra looks pissed!
(After a few moments, Sienna stands back up on the stage, fixes her hair, and raises the microphone.)
Sienna Jade: God, Cleopatra, you bore the hell out of me. You old fucking hag, this isn’t storytime at the nursing home, how many times am I going to sit through this same argument, over and over and OVER again!? Just to be proven wrong! Stay in your goddamn place. How many fucking times am I going to have you teach you this lesson, old lady? You had your turn. You had your chance. It’s a new era now, Cleo. Catch up! You old hags are done, washed up, have no place here on our roster. I already beat the living shit out of your partner. Who’s to say you won’t get the same treatment? And you know what…I think it’s time I finally put you to rest. Send you back to the nurses at the old folks home who I know are going frantic looking for you. I know why you want this match so bad, even if you can’t admit it to yourself. You’re just hoping and praying that some of my pure talent will rub off on you. Don’t worry. I’ll send you back in one piece. And it’ll be without my Women’s World Championship. You want a piece of me so badly, Cleopatra, you’ll get it. And ‘m going to fucking humiliate you. I’m going to decimate you. I’m going to make you wish you were never fucking born, and that you never, EEEEE-E-E-VER asked to step foot in the fucking ring with me in the first place.
(The crowd cheers in response. Sienna drops the microphone and raises her title in the air as “Unfuckwithable” begins to play throughout the arena speakers again. The camera cuts to Cleopatra in the ring, leaning over the ropes.)
Gavin Kirkland: Wait…what? Is Sienna accepting Cleopatra’s challenge?
CJ Hana: I don’t even think Cleopatra had time to process that herself. That’s certainly what it sounds like, Gavin! Sienna Jade taking on the Hall-of-Famer Cleopatra for the Women’s World Championship at the Iconic Cup! What a MATCH!
Gavin Kirkland: :mjcry: I can’t believe it. My baby Cleopatra—she’ll finally have another shot at obtaining singles gold in EAW! I will tell our grandchildren about this day! This marks the beginning of Cleopatra’s Era!
CJ Hana: Stay tuned for more Empire—right after this commercial break!
(Commercial break for the EAW Network’s newest series, “AMA!” Get to know more about your favorite EAW Elitists, new and old! Submit your questions to ama@eawnetwork.com!)
(We open back up inside the ring as Maria Del Rey stands firmly with the microphone in her hand.)
Maria Del Rey: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a triple threat match!
(“The Enemy” by The Commonjets blared from the speakers as the first contestant came out and posed at the top of the entrance ramp.)
Maria Del Rey: On her way to the ring, weighing 127 pounds, from Birmingham, England…”The Suplex Queen” MALI EVANS!
CJ Hana: A few weeks ago, Mali blindsided Minerva and got what was coming to her when they faced each other last week. This week, she has two older and experienced competitors to deal with in Karina and newly signed Io!
Gavin Kirkland: Karina and her legs are my favorites for this match!
(As Mali gets in the ring, “Siren Assassin” hits as out comes Karina-Ann to a chorus of boos.)
Maria Del Rey: AND her opponent, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada…weighing in at 120 pounds…”THE SIREN ASSASSIN”…KARINA-AAANNNNN!!!
(Karina flaunts down the entrance ramp, sliding in to the ring, and chest bumping Mali Evans as the referee separates the two women.)
CJ Hana: These two look ready to go right now!
Gavin Kirkland: Karina-Ann ate a loss last week as Fatal Destiny were defeated by Sian Ryder and Remi Skyfire. Looks like she’s ready to bounce back. Although, I do wish she’d bounce on this—
CJ Hana: Shush! Karina-Ann said very candidly this week that she believe Mali isn’t as good as she claims and that her youth and inexperience would show when they meet up tonight.
(As the referee keeps both Karina and Mali separated. As they finally calm down, the arena lights dim as “Underground” by Gob played and fans got on their feet. Out walked a figure wearing a black and white mask with red fur on the sides. A creepy smile remained on the mask as the woman slowly made her way to the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: On her way to the ring…hailing from Osaka, Japan…weighing 119 pounds…IO “THE WINTER” ISHIMORI!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Yikes. This woman scares me!
CJ Hana: A newly signed competitor to Empire and EAW, Io Ishimori hails from Japan and has come to show everybody that she is superior to all.
(Io rolls under the ropes as Karina and Mali stand in their respective corners. Io stares at both women, tilting her head and slowly pointing at both women with her left and right index fingers. Ishimori then sprints to an empty corner and hops on to it as she surveys the crowd. Io removes her mask as she gives a creepy smile to the Empire fans. She drags her thumb across her throat before raising her mask in to the air and pointing at it.)
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t know if Mali or Karina have been intimidated by this young lady, but I, for sure, have some fear of what this crazy lady might do! Where the hell do they find these freaky women?!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: MALI JUST DRAGS IO ISHIMORI OFF THE TURNBUCKLE AND CLOCKS HER WITH A FOREARM.
(Karina-Ann sits comfortably and unbothered as Mali drops Ishimori on the ground and begins to pound her to the mat. Karina then comes over and gets a closer look as Mali lets up, turning to face Karina. Karina-Ann shakes her head as Mali mouths off to her. Karina takes a step back, still shaking her head as Mali looks confused. Mali tries to take a step closer as Karina points behind Evans.)
Gavin Kirkland: Mali is distracted! Don’t turn around Mali! You won’t like what you’ll find!
CJ Hana: Evans doesn’t realize Ishimori is already back to her feet and she looks pissed!
(As Mali finally turns around as Io does her signature cut-throat gesture before running and hitting her with a running high knee as it knocks Mali Evans down to the mat.)
CJ Hana: Mali made a rookie mistake by not focusing on everybody around her.
Gavin Kirkland: I warned the ditz. This is a triple threat match, CJ, you’d think she would have been prepared for everything these two women may have up their sleeves!
CJ Hana: Karina-Ann looks tired of watch as she proceeds to give Mali a few boots to the side of her ribs. Stomping away at Evans as Ishimori pushes Karina out the way. Karina then whips Io Ishimori around and BAM! Ishimori side kicks Karina in the midsection. Mali Evans tries to get back to her feet but—BAM! Another kick thrown by Ishimori, this time to Mali’s head as Evans rolls around the ring trying to recover. Io turns to grab Karina by the wrist and irish whips her across the ring. As Karina comes bouncing back, Io hops over her and sends her bouncing off the ropes again. As she returns, Io ducks and makes Karina bounce off the ropes again. As she anticipates Karina coming back she goes for a dropkick….but Karina-Ann blocks it!
Gavin Kirkland: Great defense! This is why I love blondes. Karina isn’t taking this challenge lightly!
CJ Hana: Karina picks up Io by the legs. She hooks her thighs and bounces her as she gains momemtum. Io is now in the air…WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER! Io is learning why they call Karina the Siren Assassin!
(Karina grabs Io’s legs, looking to go for a boston crab before Mali Evans pops back up, elbow smasing Karina off of Io. Io rolls out of the ring as Mali wails on Karina with strikes before Karina reverses a sidekick and delivers a kick to Evan’s gut.)
Gavin Kirkland: Look, shes grabbing her hair! Great strategy!
CJ Hana: She grabs Mali Evans’ hair…she cocks Mali’s head back…she rams her head in to her knee face first!
Gavin Kirkland: FACE CRUSHER!!!
CJ Hana: Her skull bounces off Karina’s knee as Mali falls backwards looking nearly knocked out!
Gavin Kirkland: She might have the match done and over with right here! Karina goes for the pin!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
CJ Hana: SHE BREAKS UP THE PIN! ISHIMORI COMES FLYING IN OFF THE TOP ROPE! SHE DIVES ON TOP OF KARINA AS SHE BREAKS UP THE COVER!
Gavin Kirkland: See, that’s ANOTHER reason why she scares me. I doubt she speaks good English, she wears creepy masks, and she’s diving off turnbuckles to break up pins! All three women look hurt now, I don’t know who benefitted from that move!
CJ Hana: Everybody benefits except Karina who may have had the match won after that knee to Mali Evans head! Karina now rolls out the way as Io gets to her feet clutching her shoulder blades with her left hand and grabbing Mali with her right. Mali gets to her feet and realizes what’s going on and breaks free, SLAP! A hard slap across Io’s face as Mali tries to shake off the pain she has endured so far. But wait…Io laughs the slap off! She points to her cheek, SHE WANTS HER TO SMACK HER AGAIN?
Gavin Kirkland: This girl is insane! As Evans cocks back to slap Ishimori again, Mali’s arm and hand is then caught by Karina Evans who had slid behind her while Mali’s back was turned. Karina twists Evans around and JUMPING ARMBREAKER! Mali is back to the mat as Karina rolls to her feet. Here comes Io, she lands the running dropkick she wanted to hit earlier as Karina is knocked down in to a ring corner. Mali tries to get back to her feet as Io hits a powerful dropkick to her sending her flying in to the turnbuckle opposite Karina. Io slides her thumb across her throat as she charges after Karina-Ann first.
CJ Hana: DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE TO KARINA-ANN! Io bounces off Karina’s chest, landing on her feet…She charges to the opposite corner and BAM! ANOTHER DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE! THIS TIME TO MALI! Io is on fire!
Gavin Kirkland: I thought she was the winter? How could she possibly be on fire?
CJ Hana: Oh, Gavin, stop arguing semantics and please just enjoy this great match! Now, Ishimori drags Mali to her feet, She grabs her by the neck and bends her backwards. She slid her thumb across her throat once again. INVIERNO!!! Mali is out cold!!! Io hooks the leg and goes for the cover!!!
ONEEEEEE
TWOOOOOO
Gavin Kirkland: NO! KICKOUT! Karina is back to her feet and she drags Io off Mali at the last second. Karina wraps her lickable legs around Io’s and YES! INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Karina tries to lock the submission in but nope! Ishimori fights out of it. Karina stomps away to Ishimori’s legs as Mali Evans could be seen trying to roll in to a ring corner to regain her composure.
CJ Hana: Not surprised at all that you found a reason to talk about Karina’s legs that way. This is a highly competitive bout we have here as Karina attempts to hit another submission on Io who keeps fighting out of it. Ishimori kicks Karina off of her as Io rolls to her feet. Karina comes charging after her and DUCK! Io ducks as Karina runs past her. Io goes for another knee strike to Karina’s face but Karina moves out the way! Karina then goes for it …SPINNING HEEL ROUND HOUSE KICK…
Gavin Kirkland: NOT SO FAST THERE, KARINA-ANN!! Karina’s kick is caught by Io who shakes her head while still holding Karina’s leg—
CJ Hana: DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!!! Karina goes flipping to the mat as Io gets back to her feet. Karina looks hurt as that whip really caught her by surprise! Io drags Karina back to her feet as she looks to be ready to end this match right here. She clutches Karina’s head…here it comes…she calls this move CHAOS!!!
Gavin Kirkland: NO!!!! Karina catches Io and lifts her up in the air! CANADIAN BACKBREAKER!!! KARINA IS A SUBMISSION SPECIALIST AND She pulls one out of nowhere!
CJ Hana: WAIT! IO FINDS A WAY DOWN! SHE FIGHTS OUT OF THE MOVE AS SHE CLUTCHES HER BACK IN PAIN! Karina is blindsided…V TRIGGER!!! WAIT!!!! NO!!!! IO IS BLOCKED!!! KARINA FINALLY HITS THE SPINNING HEEL ROUND HOUSE KICK!!! Io rolls out of the ring as we see Karina stand in the ring alone.
(Mali Evans is seen perched on top of a turnbuckle behind Karina who isn’t wise to what is happening.)
Gavin Kirkland: LOOK! EVANS IS ABOUT TO STRIKE!!!
CJ Hana: Karina slowly turns as the crowd sees what we see! Evans jumps high and METEORA!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!! WHAT STRENGTH!!!! KARINA CATCHES EVANS AND CLUTCHES HER KNEES WITH HER ARMS!!!! SHE POSITIONS EVANS ON HER SHOULDERS! SHE LOCKS HER IN! HERE IT COMES
Gavin Kirkland: FALL FROM GRACE!!! WHAT A MANUEVER, CJ!!!!
CJ Hana: Mali Evans is out cold as Karina goes for the pin—
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!!!!!
CJ Hana: Ishimori rolls ito the ring—
TWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: And Ishimori dives on to Karina-Ann!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(Ishimori is half a second too late breaking up the pin as Karina still feels the brunt of Io’s elbow smack her side. It was too late, however, as the referee had already hit the mat for a three count and ended the match.)
CJ Hana: What a match! Karina and Io both dominated at different points and it seemed like Ishimori had a big chance to stand tall and win. A lot of this match was Mali Evans being the whipping girl for them but she did take everything they both had before she just ran out of energy. Karina stands tall as Ishimori looks to become a real threat here on Empire!
(“Siren Assassin” plays as Karina-Ann’s hand is raised in victory. Mali is out cold as Io sits on one knee shaking her head at how close she was of keeping the fight continuing.)
Gavin Kirkland: Yeah, she didn’t get pinned or submit but Ishimori still came and lost here tonight. I’d be very afraid of this young woman and what she has planned for whoever she has to face in her next match!
(As “Siren Assassin” fades out, the scene transitions to the backstage area of Empire, where the camera pans across a luxurious and dimly lit dressing room where “When Eye Lay My Hands On U” by Prince plays softly in the background. As the camera pans, we see the wall of the room are shrouded in velvety purple tapestries, covered in shadows from the candle flames that light the room. The camera continues to scan the room until we land on the silhouette of the Visual Propet, who lounges across an oversized armchair, legs dangling across the arm of the purple seat. In his lap rests a large silver bowl of seedless purple grapes. He holds a bunch of grapes in his hands, dangling the fruit in the air above his mouth. As he bites into a grape, the overhead lights in the room are turned on. Visual Prophet groans as Veena Adams rolls into the shot, the crowd in the Buenos Aires arena booing as she can hardly shake her head at Visual Prophet.)
Visual Prophet: Veena, please. You know I love you, baby girl, but come on — I was enjoying myself.
Veena Adams: I’m not so sure we have time for all of…this right now. You’re in the main event of Empire tonight and this is what you’re doing to prepare? You need to make sure Tyler Wolfe has something to fucking worry about when it comes to the Iconic Cup. Especially after what she fucking did to me last Sunday.
Visual Prophet: I know no better way to prepare, honey. What you think I got to worry about anyway? Andrea Valentine can’t touch me! She ain’t a threat to The Sovereign! But once I get my hands on her — oooh! I’m gettin’ shivers just thinking about it. Nah, Tyler is going to pay for what she did to you. Don’t think I forgot about you, lovely. I’ma put Tyler Wolfe’s head on a silver platter, deliver it straight to you! But I neeeed to warm up first, don’t I? Andrea Valentine might regret agreeing to this one. I’m making an example out of that lil’ girl tonight! And I’m gonna show Tyler what she got coming for her!
Veena Adams: You might have a point there about Andrea not being much of a threat. FOX’s newly appointed golden girl has been quite unlucky as of late. And still…I need you to pay closer attention, and not lying around on your skinny fat ass eating mindlessly!
(Veena reaches forward and smacks the bowl of grapes out of Visual Prophet’s lap. He glares at her and resettles into a sitting position.)
Visual Prophet: Veena, why’d you go and do that?! Now I need more grapes…
Veena Adams: Viz, there’s more important matters at hand —
(Visual Prophet simply raises a hand in Veena’s face and proceeds to exit the room. A new camera meets him on the other side of the door as he swaggers down the hallway, looking for a catering table. He finds one not too far from his suite. As he peaks over his glasses for some seedless grapes, he grows frustrated at the lack of options suitable for Visual Prophet’s taste.)
Visual Prophet: EXCUSE ME! Can someone around here show me where y’all keep the good food? The real catering? That delicious, nutritious, scrumptious, delightful sustenance that’s supposed to get me through to this damn main event? Because child, this ain’t it.
???: I hear the catering over in the Voltage locker room is pretty damn good. But you’d already know that, wouldn’t you?
(Visual Prophet looks up, surprised, and turns his head to find Tyler Wolfe leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest, glaring at Visual Prophet. He lowers his sunglasses and sashays over Tyler Wolfe. She’s startled by his presence as he leans over her, using the wall to support himself.)
Visual Prophet: You come here often, doll? What say you join me and Veena back in our suite and we get reacquainted, hm?
Tyler Wolfe: Get the flying fuck away from me. That wasn’t an invitation to come over here. If anything, it was a suggestion to get the hell off of Empire television, and leave the hard work to the real athletes.
Visual Prophet: Calm down, sweets, I just wanted to say hello. Introduce myself, officially. I know I seen you here and there, but we definitely haven’t…exchanged pleasantries as much as I’d have liked to. (Visual Prophet pushes himself up off the wall, and eyes Tyler up and down.) My name is Visual Prophet and, baby, you sure as hell impressed me with that victory last week. I can’t wait to get a taste of that Walking Weaponry myself when we meet at the Iconic Cup — ooooh! (Visual Prophet begins to fan himself.)
Tyler Wolfe: I don’t have time for this shit. Now this is your last warning — get the FUCK away from me before I do you like I did that ignorant, sexist, Trump supporting bitch on Sunday. I’m not fucking around with you asshats anymore.
Visual Prophet: B-b-but baby, I loooove you. Say my name. Tell me. Don’t you love your Visual Prophet?
(Tyler scoffs.)
Tyler Wolfe: “My” Visual Prophet? Please. I don’t need you. I sure as hell don’t fucking love you either. There’s not a single fucking thing you can do for me, not a damn thing I need from you — apart from that New Breed Belt you managed to squeeze out of Raven Roberts. And that won’t last very long, trust me. Take your ass back to Voltage already, we don’t need any more pigs on our fucking show. We have enough to do deal with between Gavin Kirkland, Stephon Hunt — and now you. And Veena. The more I think about it, the more excited I’m getting to fuck you up. The Iconic Cup can’t come fast enough.
Visual Prophet: Baby, baby, please, I do this for you! I’m here to take Empire to another level! To show all you beautiful ladies how much I care about you! I’m here to save this brand, to shed some light onto this field of wrestling — from the looks of it, it really does seem like you all could use the help anyway. You ladies don’t even have the right genus of seedless grapes for my liking! I honestly don’t even think you skeezer gutter hoes and your moronic, idiot fans deserve to see a specimen such as myself in the Empire ring…but that’s the price I pay for being the most desirable person EAW. I’m in demand! Think about it. There’s now articles written about me during Black History Month, my face in pro wrestling, fashion, and sports publications by the boatload, meanwhile…what do you have going on for you, Tyler? (Visual Prophet lets out a very sassy sigh.) I almost feel sorry for you! It’s not gon’ end well for you, boo boo. I’ve beaten every last woman that I encountered in the ring thus far. What’s your record like against men? You were born to the wrong gender, sweets. Accept your losses as they come to you like a big girl. Equality comes with a price. And it’s not something you can afford right now.
Tyler Wolfe: I can’t believe I’m listening to this load of horse shit right now. I don’t even know where to start with you. Let me set one thing straight — Empire doesn’t need you. We stand on our own. History has only shown that letting men waltz up and down OUR locker room has only caused us trouble. We’ve set the standard for women’s wrestling, and disproved any doubts that anybody had about whether or not the women could be successful on our own. I’m so fucking proud to be a part of this journey. We built ourselves from the ground up without hateful asshats like you or Veena. You’re just a confused fuckhead, somehow convinced your dumb ass that anybody here needs you. I think you’ve inhaled a little too much smoke — or maybe the loss to Noah Reigner still has you a little shaken up.
Visual Prophet: Noah, Noah, what a cuuuutie. Although…I didn’t really take him to be the type of man to go after a big booty blonde bitch like yourself. He could be doing much, muuuuch better for himself, too. Especially by the way I see him looking at Evelyn Ridley. (Tyler audibly sighs.) Ooooh, no, did I hit a nerve, baby girl? Hurt some feelings, babe? That’s not all ima hurt, either, and I’m gonna send you back home to your cuck, right in a body bag—
(Tyler slaps the absolute shit out of the Visual Prophet. He simply grabs his cheek and stares down at her, stunned.)
Tyler Wolfe: If what I did to Veena was a testament to anything, Viz, it’s you who needs to be afraid. Not me. This is my fucking stage. My fucking ring. And I’m damn proud to be able to do all of this, as a woman, with others of my own gender. I’d be damned if I let a man try and take any of away from me.
(Tyler storms off away from Visual Prophet as he stomps his foot and holds his cheek. He watches Tyler walk away, a sly smile growing across his face.)
(Commercial break featuring an ad for Piledriver Athletics clothing. Tonight only, get 25% off on all Remi Skyfire PLDR merchandise using the code “REMPIRE.”)
(Empire returns from commercial break where “Big Bad Wolf” by In This Moment is blasting through the speakers as Minerva walks out from the back. She gets a mixed reception from the crowd as Minerva looks around with a smile before making her way down the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: This is an Iconic Cup Preview and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Maria Del Rey: Introducing first, from Coyote Flats, Texas, she is “The Gypsy Moth” MINNNNNEEEEERRRRRRRVVVAAAAAAAA!!
CJ Hana: This young woman has been on on a role since her Empire debut! She has become one of the most intriguing newcomers we’ve had on Empire in a while! But, she’s managed to get some victories underneath her belt! One of them was to qualify for the Iconic Cup!
Gavin Kirkland: Yeah, she managed to do that, but I’m not impressed with the Iconic Cup Match participant so far. Not one of them screams FOX worthy! Not one of them is someone who I can see making the Iconic Cup mean something!
(“Fuel” by Metallica blasts through the speakers as Remi Skyfire walks out from the back in the most confident way possible. She is looking at Minerva’s way with eyes of determination and destruction.)
Maria Del Rey: Introducing her opponent, from Somerset, Kentucky, she is “The Punisher”, REEEEEMMMMMIIIIIII SKKYYYYYYYFIIIIIRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!
Gavin Kirkland: The only reason I tolerate with Remi Skyfire is because I think she is a fantastic LGBT representative for the Empire brand! That draws in views of different demographics and I am all in for it, but as an Iconic Cup holder? Not buying it, but let’s just hope this match is done as soon as possible, so we can move on to the gorgeous blondes in the uppercard!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: This Iconic Cup preview is underway! Remi Skyfire takes on Minerva! The sight of these two not being blonde is what is going to make this match boring as hell for me! Remi goes right after Minerva with some punches! The punches were harsh enough to make her fall to one knee, but Remi does not stop there! Remi rebounds from the ropes and connects with a big boot, but Minerva manages to move out of the way and Remi gets her leg stuck on Minerva’s shoulder, but Minerva takes advantage of the situation before tackling Remi! Remi falls on her back as Minerva continues to stay on the offense by mounting some fists at the former Specialists Champion’s face! Each shot is as rapid as the last one as Minerva finds her way back to her feet as she gets Remi by her right arm! Minerva has a standing armbar on Remi, who spins herself around and counters with an arm drag on Minerva! Minerva finds herself in a seated position as Remi gets herself back up to her feet! Minerva rises back to her feet as well! Minerva goes right after Remi with a clothesline, but Remi manages to duck before connecting with an elbow to Minerva’s face! Minerva was struck harshly with that elbow as Remi follows that up with a deadlift German suplex! Minerva’s skinny and frail body got thrown across the ring by Remi Skyfire!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire has managed to get the offense at the moment, but she’s gonna stay on it! Minerva is holding her neck as she landed on that quite awkwardly! Remi grabs Minerva harshly and gets her back to a vertical base! She gets Minerva by the arm before whipping her to the ropes! Minerva tries her best to hold onto the ropes, but she fails to get a good grasp on it before Remi connects with a flying knee as Minerva’s neck snaps back! Minerva falls to one knee as she checks her nose for blood, but blood doesn’t seem to be coming out of it. Although, I don’t think Minerva would mind that at all! That was a wicked flying knee from Remi! That had to knock some of the wind off Minerva! Remi grabs Minerva by her head and connects with a DDT! Remi goes for the cover there!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA KICKS OUT AT TWO! OH GOD, I WANTED THIS MATCH TO BE OVER NOW! THERE IS NOTHING I LIKE ABOUT ANY OF THESE WOMEN! ONE OF THEM IS A DYKE! THE OTHER ONE LOOKS LIKE THE THRIFT STORE VERSION OF THE WALMART CONSTANCE BLEVINS! Remi Skyfire gets a fistful of Minerva’s hair as she gets the newcomer back to her feet at the same time! Remi slams Minerva against the mat! Minerva is holding her head as it seems like it took most of the damage! REMI IS THE ONLY WOMAN STANDING IN THIS MATCH! REMI GETS MINERVA’S HAND OUT BEFORE GETTING HER BOOT AND STOMPING ON HER HAND! INSTANTLY, MINERVA FLINCHES IN PAIN AS SHE TRIES TO COVER HER HAND, BUT REMI MANAGES TO UNCOVER MINERVA’S HAND BEFORE DELIVERING ANOTHER MEAN STOMP! MINERVA CLUTCHES HER HAND IN PAIN AS WELL! REMI DECIDES TO SHIFT HER ATTENTION FROM MINERVA’S HAND BEFORE BEGINNING TO STOMP ON HER HEAD! REMI IS RAPIDLY STOMPING ON THIS SICKLY LOOKING WOMAN’S HEAD! REMI IS NOW STOMPING ON MINERVA’S FACE! REMI IS NOT LEAVING ANY PART OF MINERVA’S BODY NOT STOMPED! REMI IS GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE MANAGES TO INFLICT AS MUCH PAIN AS POSSIBLE TO EVERY PART OF MINERVA’S BODY! REMI PRESSES HER BOOT AGAINST MINERVA’S CHEST BEFORE THE OFFICIAL BEGINS HER COUNT!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! LET GO, REMI!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire gives a glare to Marti Solo before shifting her attention back to Minerva! Remi goes to stomp Minerva again, but somehow, Minerva manages to stop that from happening by using her strength to hold Remi’s foot back! Minerva has a devious smirk on her face as Remi is shaking her head no, while hopping on her only leg at the same time! Dragon screw leg whip on Remi! Remi finds herself clutching to her left leg as Minerva slowly rises back to her feet! It seemed like Minerva was saving some of her energy for an opening as good as she got one! Minerva finds herself on one knee as she begins to strategize her next move! She rises back to her feet as she is getting a good look of Remi holding her left leg! Minerva gets Remi’s left leg before kicking the back of her leg! MINERVA GETS REMI’S LEG BEFORE TWISTING IT HERSELF AND DROPPING HER WEIGHT ON IT! SHE DOES THIS A FEW MORE TIMES BEFORE GETTING REMI’S LEG AND SLAMMING IT AGAINST THE MAT! REMI IS CRYING OUT IN PAIN AS MINERVA IS LOVING THE SOUND OF THAT! MINERVA GETS REMI’S LEG OUT BEFORE BEGINNING TO STOMP ON IT! THIS IS ALMOST LIKE SOME SORT OF REVENGE FROM REMI STOMPING ON HER EARLIER IN THE MATCH! IT SEEMS LIKE MINERVA IS GOING TO TURN THE TABLES NOW! MINERVA BEGINS TO STOMP ON REMI’S LEG AS SHE PRESSES HER BOOT AGAINST IT! SHE IS USING THE ROPES TO HOLD HERSELF DOWN AND ADD MORE PRESSURE INTO REMI’S LEG!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! THAT’S ENOUGH, MINERVA!
Gavin Kirkland: Minerva releases the hold as she glares at the official’s way! Minerva is someone I don’t think I want to upset! However, rules are rules, Minerva! She is take a few steps away from Remi Skyfire! Remi is seen clutching to her leg as she is rising back to her feet! Remi is going to need to find some way to step up and win this match! Minerva rebounds from the ropes and connects with a swinging neckbreaker! Remi manages to turn herself around! Remi with a forearm smash, but Minerva manages to duck out of the way as Remi goes right past her! Minerva connects with a back elbow on “The Punisher”, who stumbles forward, but Minerva manages to get Remi up and Minerva with the vertebreaker! Remi Skyfire falls on her neck as I think that Minerva has won herself the match as she goes for the cover!
Marti Solo: OOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire manages to slide herself out of the pin! But, you can tell that vertebreaker got her neck! Remi is rubbing her neck, but Minerva is the first one back to her feet! Minerva is gesturing for Remi to rise back to her feet! It seems like she could be going for another swinging neckbreaker on Remi! Remi is slowly rising back to her feet as she is busy clutching to her neck! IF IT’S NOT HER LEG, IT’S HER NECK! IT IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOMETHING! MINERVA REBOUNDS FROM THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A CLOTHESLINE THAT SENDS REMI TO HER BACK AGAIN! MINERVA GETS REMI UP! IT SEEMS LIKE MINERVA IS TRYING TO GO FOR THE THE PRINCESS KILLER! TPK! BUT, REMI REFUSES TO STAY IN POSITION FOR THE FINISHER! REMI IS REFUSING TO GIVE UP! REMI REFUSES TO STAY DOWN! THESE ARE SAME OF THE TRAITS THAT WON HER THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP AND IT COULD BE SOMETHING THAT HELPS HER WIN THIS MATCH! REMI MANAGES TO LAND ON HER FEET AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A BACK BODY DROP ON MINERVA! Minerva lands harshly onto the mat! It seems like this could be the opening that Remi needs to win this match! The most important thing for her ways to create some separation between her and Minerva! Remi is clutching to her neck and it seems to be giving her pain, but she needs to stop thinking about it and focus on ending this match! Minerva is in a seated position as she is clutching her lower back in pain! That drop looked like it was awful! Minerva is trying to must up some strength to rise back to her feet! Remi Skyfire with a flying knee as Minerva falls back onto the ropes!
Gavin Kirkland: Is that blood coming out of Minerva’s nose? DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS GOOD FOR THE FOX IMAGE? SOMEONE GIVE THIS WOMAN A TOWEL! WOMEN ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BLEED FROM THERE! REMI GRABS MINERVA BY HER ARM BEFORE WHIPPING HER TO THE OTHER ROPES! MINERVA TRIES TO REBOUND OFF OF THEM, BUT SHE IS MET WITH A SWITCH KICK BY REMI SKYFIRE! MINERVA FINDS HERSELF COLLAPSING TO ONE KNEE! REMI NEEDS TO KEEP THIS UP! REMI REBOUNDS FROM THE ROPES AND FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A DROPKICK THAT KNOCKS MINERVA TO HER BACK! REMI MANAGES TO GET MINERVA BY ONE OF HER LEGS BEFORE APPLYING A SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB! One of the very few submission that we have seen from Remi Skyfire! She is probably one of the best submission wrestlers on Empire and I’ll only give her that! At least, she appeals to the gay community! That’s always a positive! Minerva seems to be trying her hardest make sure that. Remi does not lock in the Boston crab, even though, I think Remi’s left leg has suffered a little of a beating throughout this match! I don’t seem Remi applying this move for too long! Minerva is trying to turn herself around! Remi begins to stomp on Minerva’s head until she stops fighting back before applying the submission hold! Minerva is doing her best to reach for the bottom rope, but it seems miles away from her! I think it would be best for Minerva to tap out here!
CJ Hana: Minerva is desperately trying to scratch for that bottom rope! She would love nothing more than for Remi Skyfire to release this hold! She knows that the longer Remi has the Boston crab locked in, the more it begins to impact her leg and how far she will go into this match! Minerva is almost near the bottom rope as she manages to grasp onto the bottom rope! Remi has no other choice, but to break the submission hold!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! LET GO, REMI!
Gavin Kirkland: Remi Skyfire releases the hold! Maybe, it did enough damage and we can end this match a lot sooner! REMI GETS MINERVA BACK TO HER FEET! MINERVA DELIVERS A HUGE SLAP TO REMI’S FACE! REMI STAGGERS BACK A BIT AS SHE DELIVERS A FOREARM TO MINERVA, BUT MINERVA DELIVERS ANOTHER SLAP TO REMI’S FACE! MINERVA FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS ON REMI! MINERVA BEGINS TO THROW A SERIES OF FOREARMS ON THE FORMER SPECIALISTS CHAMPION’S FACE! REMI IS TRYING TO COVER EACH SHOT, BUT MINERVA IS ALMOST LIKE A JUNGLE CAT! MINERVA GETS OFF OF REMI BEFORE RUNNING TOWARDS REMI’S DIRECTION, BUT REMI WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK AS THAT KNOCKS MINERVA DOWN! REMI IS GESTURING FOR THE END OF THIS MATCH AS IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL BE GAME OVER FOR MINERVA! REMI GETS MINERVA UP TO HER SHOULDERS! REMI SKYFIRE IS GOING TO GO FOR THE PSYCHO CRUSHER! THAT GTS!
CJ Hana: MINERVA SOMEHOW FINDS A WAY TO SLIDE OFF REMI SKYFIRE’S SHOULDERS! REMI TURNS AROUND! THE DARK! MINERVA JUST SPAT SOME UGLY BLACK MIST! I DON’T THINK THE OFFICIAL SEES IT AS MINERVA PICKS UP REMI BEFORE CONNECTING WITH TPK! THE TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER WITH A PRETTY LITTLE TWIST! MINERVA PINS REMI’S SHOULDERS TO THE MAT!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Big Bad Wolf” plays through the speakers once again as Minerva looks sinister at Remi Skyfire, who is down and out because of the TPK. Minerva slowly makes her way back to her feet before Marti Solo raises her hand in victory!)
Maria Del Rey: The winner of this match, MINNNNNNEEERRRRRRVVVAAAAA!!
CJ Hana: Minerva manages to get a victory over the former Specialists Champion! She is looking good approaching the Iconic Cup! This is probably a dark horse in the match that everyone needs to be on a look out for!
Gavin Kirkland: Thank god this match is over! No one is a blonde bombshell and that decreases my interests instantly! Good for Minerva and for Remi, she is going to need to find a way to bounce back or the chances of her winning are going to be lower than they already are to begin with!
CJ Hana: We’re not going to count out any competitor in this match! Remi will find a way to bounce back!
(Remi Skyfire is trying to make her wait to a seated position as she is get the black mist off her eyes. Minerva is exiting the ring as she walks backwards up the ramp as she gives a sinister smile towards Remi.)
(Commercial break featuring an a promotional video package for PETA, featuring the one true leader of the GOATS, Ahren Fournier.)
(We return from commercial and open up to Raven Roberts and Chelsea Crowe backstage, chatting briefly before Chelsea’s Iconic Cup qualifying match. The camera and microphones don’t pick up much of their conversation, but we see Chelsea lean into Raven for a hug before she walks off.)
(Raven begins to walk off in the opposite direction, the camera capturing her beautiful smile—before she is suddenly attacked from behind by a figure the camera is unable to capture at first. Raven falls to the ground, gripping the back of her head. She attempts to stand, but is held down by a big boot—the camera following up the leg of the boot to reveal the face of a fuming Sian Ryder.)
(Sian leans down, grabbing Raven by the neck, and lifts her up, slamming the Bird of Prey effortlessly against the wall and ramming a few hard knee strikes to her midsection. When Sian is satisfied, she drags Raven by the shoulders, tossing her straight into a pile of metal production crates, Raven landing with a large crash.)
(Raven looks up at Sian in pain while officials and medical personnel finally arrive at the scene, separating Sian from Raven, yet, Sian makes no attempt to go after Raven again. Sian simply winks at Raven with a smirk before running off elsewhere. Raven tries to stand on her own to chase after Sian, but medical personnel are restraining her, tending to the head injury she seems to be suffering from.)
(“Boom Clap” by Charli XCX plays through the speakers as the crowd reacts positively for Layla Lockhart, who wears a shiny smile on her face. She poses on top of the ramp before tagging the hands of the fans on her way to the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: The following match is a Fatal-4-Way Iconic Cup Qualifying Match and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Maria Del Rey: Introducing first from Salem, Oregon, she is “The White Lion”, LAAYYYYYYYLAAAAAA LOOOCCCKKKKKHAAARRRRRRRRTTT!!
CJ Hana: Layla Lockhart managed to pick up a win in a tag team match against Raven Roberts and Jael! It seems like Layla is more than willing to get a single’s victory for herself! She has a pretty good shot! She’s young, spunky and has a ton of heart!
Gavin Kirkland: Didn’t she already have a shot of qualifying for this match? Why are we giving Layla Lockhart another chance to drop the ball? She shouldn’t be anywhere near this match!
(“Roar’ by Katy Perry replaces “Boom Clap” as Constance Blevins walks out from the curtain in the most confident way possible. The crowd maintains the position reaction for Constance. She is nodding her head to the beat of her music as she walks her way down the ramp and to the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: Introducing her opponent, first, from Baltamore, Maryland, she is “The Lioness”, CONNNNSSSTTAANNNNNNCCCEEEEEE BLEEEVVVVIIINNNNNNNNSSSSS!!
Gavin Kirkland: These options for this match get worse and worse? Wasn’t it Constance Blevins that couldn’t even qualify to face The Visual Prophet for the New Breed Championship? What makes her think that she has any chance of winning this match?
CJ Hana: Much like Layla, Constance Blevins is young and full of confidence! She says that the faith of God has helped her throughout this EAW run and it could be the key to win this match tonight!
(“Born to Die” by Sidewalks and Skeletons replaces “Roar” as Chelsea Crowe walks out with the Empire Tag Team Championship on her shoulder. Chelsea is looking quite confident as the crowd seems to be giving her a negative reactions, but there seems to be a few “smarks” that are cheering her as well.)
Maria Del Rey: Representing The Crowe’s Nest, from Auckland, New Zealand, she is one-half of the Empire Tag Team Champions, “The Black Heart”, CHHHHEELLLLLSSSEEEAAAAA CROOOOWWWEEEEEEE!!
Gavin Kirkland: Here are the OG traitors for the FOX Network! Chelsea Crowe is someone who seems to be on a high since capturing the Empire Tag Team Championship with Jael at King of Elite! This is someone you need to be on a look out for this match! Even though, she is not much of a looker, people say she is one of the best on Empire!
CJ Hana: Chelsea Crowe is a former Specialists Championship, but before she reached that success, she went through a troubling loss against Aria Jaxon at last year’s Iconic Cup! It looks like Chelsea would want to redeem herself from that loss and by winning the Iconic Cup, she has all the power in the world to choose the moment on when to be Women’s World Champion!
(“Put Em Up” by Lupe Fiasco replaces “Born to Die” as the crowd gives a mixed reception to Kassidy Heart, who comes out with the Vixens Championship on one shoulder and the Unified Tag Team Championship on the other shoulder.)
Maria Del Rey: Representing Jaded Hearts, from Sydney, Australia, she is one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions and the Vixens World Champion, KAASSSSSSSIDDDDYYYYYYYYYY HEEEAAARRRRRRRRTTTTT!!
Gavin Kirkland: Tell all the other women in the ring to go home! Here is MY pick to win this match! The beautiful and blonde Kassidy Heart has been swimming in gold since King of Elite and she has a shot to qualify for this match and win the Iconic Cup! I think she can do it, CJ!
CJ Hana: Kassidy Heart is an amazing wrestler! She just has a hard time believe that she is deserving of all the success that she has gained for herself! She is one of the best on this brand and to me, it’s a toss up between Chelsea and Kassidy!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: The four of Empire’s brightest stars are at their respective corners just waiting for someone to deliver the first blow into the match! Layla Lockhart, Chelsea Crowe, Kassidy Heart and Constance Blevins are looking at one another. Each of them, have strategies of their own. Each of them would love to be the third woman to qualify for the Iconic Cup! I believe any of these women would be fantastic candidates to hold the Iconic Cup! CHELSEA CROWE DELIVERS THE FIRST PUNCH ONTO CONSTANCE BLEVINS! THIS WAS ALMOST LIKE THE SHOT HEARD FROM AROUND THE WORLD AS THAT SEEMED TO BE THE FIRING SIGNAL THAT MADE LAYLA LOCKHART GO AT KASSIDY HEART! CHELSEA HAS CONSTANCE AT ONE OF THE CORNERS AS SHE BEGINS TO STOMP ON CONSTANCE’S STOMACH! CHELSEA MANAGES TO STOMP ON CONSTANCE AS SHE FALLS INTO A SEATED POSITION! CHELSEA TAKES A COUPLE STEPS BACK BEFORE RUNNING AND CONNECTING WITH A THE HAKA! SHE DELIVERS THE DOUBLE KNEES TO CONSTANCE’S FACE BEFORE FOLLOWING THAT UP WITH A CANNONBALL! Chelsea quickly finds herself back to her feet before pulling Constance by her hair and gets her back to a vertical base before spinning herself around and connecting with a back kick! Constance bends forward holding her stomach as Chelsea rebounds from the ropes and delivers a powerful lariat! That takes down Constance instantly!
Gavin Kirkland: Meanwhile, Kassidy Heart manages to take control of Layla Lockhart! Kassidy with a drop toe hold on Layla! Layla manages to fall face first, but when does that never happen to her? Layla rolls onto her back as Kassidy begins throwing some punches onto Layla’s face! Kassidy gets Layla’s shoulders down, but Layla could see what was happening as she manages to get her shoulders up! Kassidy gets off of Layla as she manages to pull Layla up by her arm and whips her to the corner! KASSIDY TAKES A FEW STEPS BACK BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME KICK! THE HELLUVA KICK TO LAYLA AT THE CORNER! NO! LAYLA MANAGES TO DUCK FROM THAT MOVE! KASSIDY FINDS HER FOOT TRAPPED ON TOP OF THE CORNER, BUT LAYLA DECIDES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE CONNECTING WITH DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP ON KASSIDY’S LEFT LEG! Kassidy clutches onto her left leg as Layla slowly rises back to her feet! Layla gets Kassidy’s left leg before kicking the back of it! Layla is delivering some shoot kicks onto the back of Kassidy’s left leg! Layla stops doing that as she follows that up with a double foot stomp as she races for the cover!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
CJ Hana: Kassidy Heart manages to kick out at two! Chelsea Crowe manages to get herself involved in the match between Kassidy Heart and Layla Lockhart by connecting with a forearm strike that takes down Layla! Layla falls to one knee before Chelsea follows that up with a superkick as that takes down Layla! CHELSEA SEES THAT KASSIDY IS STILL DOWN AS SHE BEGINS TO STOMP ON KASSIDY’S HEAD! IT SEEMS LIKE KASSIDY MAY BE A HUGE TARGET TO WORRY ABOUT IN THIS MATCH! SHE’S THE VIXENS CHAMPION! SHE IS A UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPION! CHELSEA HAS STOPPED STOMPING ON KASSIDY’S HEAD AND BEGAN TO STOMP ON KASSIDY’S FACE! I AM LOOKING AT GAVIN RIGHT NOW AND IT SEEMS LIKE HE IS WORRIED FOR KASSIDY’S WELLBEING IN THE MATCH! BUT, I JUST THINK THAT HE IS WORRIED ABOUT KASSIDY’S FACE BEING REARRANGED BY CHELSEA CROWE! CHELSEA PRESSES HER BOOT AGAINST KASSIDY’S CHEEK AS SHE HOLDS IT THERE!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! THAT’S ENOUGH, CHELSEA!
Gavin Kirkland: Shoutout to the official for doing something right in this match! CHELSEA CROWE STEPS OFF OF KASSIDY HEART AS IT SEEMS LIKE KASSIDY’S FACE IS STILL INTACT! WE DON’T NEED TO WORRY ANYMORE! MIGHT BE A LITTLE BRUISING, BUT IT’S NOTHING THAT OUR MAKEUP DEPARTMENT CAN’T FIX! CHELSEA GETS A GOOD HANDFUL OF KASSIDY’S HAIR AS SHE PULLS HER UP BACK TO HER FEET! CHELSEA IS LOOKING TO INFLICT AS MUCH PAIN AS POSSIBLE! Chelsea whips Kassidy to the corner! Kassidy instantly falls to a seated position as Chelsea goes right after her with a giant knee to Kassidy’s face! Chelsea begins to connect with a series of knees to Kassidy before getting her up to her feet! This bird brain is connecting with a bunch of knees to Kassidy’s back before connecting with some shoot kicks! Kassidy is trying to cover herself, but Chelsea manages to get each shot in! Kassidy falls to her knees! Chelsea manages to kick Kassidy to the corner as her face meets with the corner! Chelsea manages to get Kassidy in position as she connects with a northern lights suplex! Chelsea has the bridge on Kassidy as she goes for the cover!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOO!!
CJ Hana: Layla Lockhart breaks that pin fall attempt by jumping on Chelsea Crowe and Kassidy Heart! Kassidy rolls underneath the rope as Layla puts her focus on Chelsea! Layla gets Chelsea up to her feet as she begins to throw some forearms Chelsea’s way! Chelsea backs away to the corner, but Layla whips CHELSEA IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION BEFORE CONNECTING WITH AN AXE HANDLE ON THE EMPIRE TAG TEAM CHAMPION! CHELSEA FINDS HERSELF DOWN BEFORE GETTING HERSELF BACK UP AS LAYLA CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER AXE HANDLE! CHELSEA FINDS HERSELF DOWN AS LAYLA CONNECTS WITH A THIRD AXE HANDLE! ONCE AGAIN, CHELSEA FINDS HERSELF GOING DOWN AS SHE QUICKLY FINDS HER WAY BACK TO HER FEET! LAYLA FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A CALF KICK AS CHELSEA FALLS DOWN TO HER KNEES! LAYLA CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING ENZIGURI ON CHELSEA CROWE! LAYLA TRIES TO GO FOR THE PIN ON CHELSEA, WHO ROLLS HERSELF OUTSIDE THE RING! That’s pretty smart to do in these matches! Chelsea is trying to think of how to approach this match, while taking some time to get some energy back! But, Layla seems like she does not want to wait for Chelsea to make her way back to the ring! Layla bounces from the ropes and through the middle rope with a suicide dive that takes down Chelsea! Both Chelsea and Layla are down!
Gavin Kirkland: Meanwhile inside the ring, Constance Blevins is dealing with Kassidy Heart in the ring! Kassidy has taken quite a beating in this match as Constance gets a fistful of Kassidy’s hair before making her way back up to her feet! CONSTANCE DELIVERS A HUGE HEADBUTT TO KASSIDY, WHO STUMBLES TO HER KNEE, BUT MANAGES TO FIND THE WILL TO GET BACK UP TO HER FEET, BUT CONSTANCE DELIVERS ANOTHER HEADBUTT THAT KNOCKS KASSIDY TO ONE KNEE! YOU CAN SEE THE FIRE AND DETERMINATION IN KASSIDY’S EYES! SHE DOES NOT WANT TO GIVE UP! SHE REFUSES TO BACK DOWN! ONE LAST HEADBUTT FROM CONSTANCE MANAGES TO GET KASSIDY ON HER KNEES AS CONSTANCE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! KASSIDY FALLS ONTO HER BACK AS CONSTANCE IS DOING HER BEST TO STAY IN CONTROL OF THE MATCH! COME ON, KASSIDY! CONSTANCE IS GESTURING FOR KASSIDY TO GET BACK UP TO HER FEET! KASSIDY IS SLOWLY RISING BACK TO HER FEET AS CONSTANCE RUNS AND TRIES TO GO FOR THE RUNNING SPINNING NECKBREAKER, BUT KASSIDY MANAGES TO TURN HERSELF AROUND AND GO FOR A CLOTHESLINE ON CONSTANCE, BUT CONSTANCE MANAGES TO DUCK AND CONNECT WITH A CALF KICK AS THAT BRINGS KASSIDY HEART TO HER BACK ONCE AGAIN! MY BEAUTIFUL AND BLONDE KASSIDY CANNOT SEEM TO CATCH A BREAK! WHAT DID SHE DO TO DESERVE THIS? I DEMAND JUSTICE! WITH KASSIDY TRYING TO RECOVER ON THE SIDE! SHE SEES THAT BOTH LAYLA LOCKHART AND CHELSEA CROWE ARE SLOWLY RISING BACK TO THEIR FEET! CONSTANCE LOOKS AT THE SET OF ROPES NEXT TO HER BEFORE NODDING HER HEAD! CONSTANCE REBOUNDS FROM THOSE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A SUICIDE DIVE THAT TAKES DOWN BOTH CHELSEA AND LAYLA ONCE AGAIN!
CJ Hana: Can you hear that, Gavin? The crowd is on their feet for this one! Constance Blevins is the only woman standing in this match! She has managed to take down Kassidy Heart, Chelsea Crowe and Layla Lockhart! Constance gives out a battlecry before she rolls Layla Lockhart inside the ring before sliding underneath the bottom rope and inside the ring herself! Layla Lockhart and Constance Blevins were stablemates! These two are some of the fan favorites of Empire! Layla manages to get to one knee as she is trying to muster up some strength and rise to their feet! These two have some respect for one another! These two are probably the only women with respect for one another in this match! Constance Blevins is waiting for Layla Lockhart to find her way to her feet! It seems like she wants a fair fight! Layla slowly rises back to her feet as Constance offers Layla a test of strength, which Layla accepts! WITH LAYLA A LITTLE WEAKER THAN CONSTANCE, CONSTANCE MANAGES TO PUSH LAYLA ONTO THE ROPES! LAYLA IS DRAPED ON THE SECOND ROPE AS CONSTANCE HOPS ON THE APRON AND CONNECTS WITH A SERIES OF KNEE STRIKES ON LAYLA! CONSTANCE GIVES OUT ANOTHER BATTLECRY BEFORE ENTERING THROUGH THE ROPES AND INSIDE THE RING AGAIN! CONSTANCE PICKS UP LAYLA! IT SEEMS LIKE SHE IS GOING TO GO FOR A LIONESSTOUCH! THE CRADLE DDT! LAYLA IS TRYING HER BEST TO FIGHT OUT OF THE MOVE, BUT CONSTANCE DELIVERS A FEW PUNCHES TO LAYLA’S BACK UNTIL SHE STOPS MOVING! CONSTANCE WITH THE LIONESSTOUCH! WILL THIS BE ENOUGH TO GO TO THE ICONIC CUP?
Marti Solo: OOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: KASSIDY HEART BREAKS UP THE COVER! MY THIRD FAVORITE BLONDE IS STILL IN THIS MATCH! SHE REBOUNDS FROM THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A PRECISE KICK THAT TAKES DOWN CONSTANCE BLEVINS! CONSTANCE FALLS TO HER BACK AS KASSIDY SHIFTS HER ATTENTION TO LAYLA LOCKHART! WHO IS TRYING TO USE KASSIDY TO RISE BACK TO HER FEET! KASSIDY CONNECTS WITH A HAIR-PULL SNAPMARE ON LAYLA AS SHE FALLS ON THE MAT AGAIN! KASSIDY GETS LAYLA BY HER RIGHT ARM BEFORE SMACKING IT AGAINST THE MAT! LAYLA CLUTCHES HER RIGHT ARM IN PAIN, BUT KASSIDY SEPARATES LAYLA’S HAND FROM HER RIGHT ARM WITH HER FOOT! LAYLA’S ARM IS BENT BACK AS LAYLA IS SHAKING HER HEAD NO! SHE KNOWS WHAT IS GOING TO COME NEXT! KASSIDY STOMPS ON LAYLA’S ARM! THE SOUND OF LAYLA HOWLING IN PAIN IS SWEET MUSIC TO MY EARS, CJ! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG! KASSIDY SWITCHES HER ATTENTION OFF THAT RIGHT ARM TO HER LEGS! It seems like Kassidy is going to go for a submission move here! Kassidy applies the figure-four on Layla Lockhart! Kassidy forms a bridge as she locks in the figure-out XoXo Kass! Look at this move of beauty! Almost as beautiful as the woman that is applying that move! Layla Lockhart is reaching for the ropes, but Kassidy has her stuck in the middle of the ring! In fact, It’s Kassidy is near the bottom rope as layla is doing her best with trying to reach for the bottom rope! She is even moving Kassidy away from the other side of the bottom ropes!
CJ Hana: CHELSEA CROWE MAKES IT BACK TO THE RING! CHELSEA MANAGES TO GET KASSIDY HEART’S SHOULDERS DOWN FOR THE COUNT! KASSIDY STILL HAS XOXO KASS STILL APPLIED ON LAYLA! CHELSEA COULD GET AN UPSET HERE!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Constance Blevins manages to pull Chelsea Crowe out of the ring again by her foot! Constance throws a forearm to the Empire Tag Team Champion, but Chelsea manages to throw a forearm back to Constance! CONSTANCE STUMBLES BACK AS CHELSEA CONNECTS WITH THE LITTLE DEATH! CONSTANCE FINDS HERSELF ON HER KNEES LIKE THE GODLY WOMAN SHE IS AS AS CHELSEA FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A SHINING WIZARD! CONSTANCE BLEVINS IS DOWN, BUT CHELSEA LOOKS LIKE SHE IS NOT THROUGH WITH THE FORMER PRIDE MEMBER! SHE IS LOOKING TO PUT DOWN CONSTANCE FOR GOOD AS SHE CAN SHIFT HER ATTENTION TO KASSIDY HEART AND LAYLA LOCKHART INSIDE THE RING! CHELSEA PULLS CONSTANCE UP BY HER HAIR AS SHE TAKES HER TO THE TOP OF THE APRON! IT LOOKS LIKE SHE IS GOING TO GO FOR THE BANKBREAKER! THE GORY LOCK FACEBUSTER! CONSTANCE IS TRYING TO FIGHT HER WAY OFF THIS MOVE! I HAVE NO IDEA HOW CONSTANCE IS EVEN ALIVE AT THIS POINT! CONSTANCE MANAGES TO ELEVATE HERSELF! SHE FLIPS CHELSEA CROWE OVER AND CONNECTS WITH A SUNSET FLIP FROM THE RING APRON! BOTH CHELSEA AND CONSTANCE ARE DOWN!
CJ Hana: Inside the ring, Layla Lockhart and Kassidy Heart are back to their feet! Layla runs over to Kassidy and connects with a Superhero kick! The kick was enough to make Kassidy stagger back as Layla gets a good hold of Kassidy’s arm and whips her to the ropes! KASSIDY MANAGES TO CONNECTING WITH STARGAZING! THE FALLING INVERTED DDT AS LAYLA LOCKHART IS PLANTED ON THE GROUND! KASSIDY IS GESTURING FOR LAYLA TO RISE BACK TO HER FEET! I THINK WE ARE GOING TO SEE IT, GAVIN! PAINFULLY EVER AFTER! THE CURB STOMP PLANTS LAYLA’S SKULL AGAINST THE MAT AS KASSIDY GOES FOR THE COVER!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: CHELSEA CROWE SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE RING ROPE, BUT CONSTANCE BLEVINS MANAGES TO GET CHELSEA BY HER LEG AGAIN!
Marti Solo: THREEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Put Em Up” plays as Kassidy Heart is on her knees with a huge grin on her face. The official gets Kassidy up as she raises her hand up in the air.)
Maria Del Rey: The winner and moving on to the Iconic Cup Match, one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champion, KASSSSSIDDDDDDYYYYYYYYYY HEEEAAARRRRRRRRRTTTTTT!!
Gavin Kirkland: My pick to win the match is moving on to face Remi Skyfire and Minerva at the Iconic Cup! I think Kassidy Heart has a pretty good chance of surviving that Hell in a Cell Match, CJ! The other competition has no chance!
CJ Hana: Kassidy Heart looked amazing and she managed to defeat three other women to qualify for the match? She may not believe that it was fair, but she managed to survive and earn her place in the match!
(Kassidy Heart is celebrating inside the ring. Chelsea Crowe is shaking her head in disapproval as she makes her way up the ramp. Constance Blevins feels satisfied that she managed to stop Chelsea from breaking up the count and Layla Lockhart is still out of it. Poor Layla.)
(Commercial break featuring an ad sponsored by Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. “We’re gonna win.”)
(The camera cuts back to the ring at the center of the Buenos Aires Arena, where the ring canvas is now draped in a blue carpet. In the center of the rings are two blue armchairs and comfy pillows along with bottles of Crip-A-Cola soda in ice buckets on either side of the chairs.)
CJ Hana: We welcome you all back from commercial break to the Buenos Aires Arena where — Gavin and I aren’t entirely too sure of what’s going on in the center of the ring tonight! What do you say, Gavin?
Gavin Kirkland: Hopefully some kind of Playboy cover reveal! Who do you think it could be?! Maybe the GOAT Hugh Hefner will join us tonight!
CJ Hana: Um…about that, Gavin…
(Two EAW crew members begin to roll out a blue carpet from the top of the stage and all the way down the ramp to the edge of the ring. As the crew members disperse, lights begin to flash around the arena and “Surfin’ by Kid Cudi starts to play throughout the arena speakers. The crowd cheers in approval as Serena Bennett bursts out into the stage with her Specialists Championship over her shoulder.)
CJ Hana: It’s Serena! Serena Bennett, the EAW Specialists Champion is here! And she’s got an impressive get up in the center of the ring…
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t know what the hell to make of this, CJ. Serena Bennett is the last woman I hoped to see in Buenos Aires tonight. Who the hell invited her?!
CJ Hana: I dunno why she’s here, Gavin, maybe it has to do with the fact that she works here? And that she’s one of Empire’s champions?!
Gavin Kirkland: Bah!
(Serena hops into the ring and poses with her title against the ropes before grabbing a microphone from the timekeeper’s arena. She stands at the center of the ring with a huge smile as she waits for her music to die down.)
Serena Bennett: WASHPOPPIN’, ARGENTINA! (The crowd cheers.) Lemme get right into it! I want to welcome everybody to the inaugural episode of…THE BLUE CARPET! (The crowd cheers again.) Damn, this sure feels good. I can’t believe it! My very own segment on Empire! My status as an influencer is unmatched! Went from the projects, to making projects of my own. Next up gonna be primetime TV shows. Movie deals. My own line at Target. An EAW Hall of Fame ring! (Serena pauses and smiles for the crowd who positively responds to the prospect of Serena Bennett becoming an EAW Hall of Famer.) But one step at a time…I’ll get there when I get there. Right now, there’s bigger issues at hand. Right now, it’s about being open and honest with the public—I figured with half of y’all being as dishonest with the EAW Universe as you are, and the other half straight up out yo damn minds—it would be a big deal for Kendra to have someone on her show to stand out here and address these fake ass phony motherfuckers for the world to see! Someone with class, style, a bitch who been around the block, someone who can relate to the people. Who better than lil’ ol’ me? Nobody, that’s who!
Now! What’s a good talk show without an equally as electrifying, controversial, universally hated guest?!
CJ Hana: I think she’s talking about you, Gavin.
Gavin Kirkland: :picard:
Serena Bennett: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, my guest for the evening and my very first guest on The Blue Carpet EVER…STEPHON HUNTE!
Gavin Kirkland: WHAT?!
(“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones hits as Stephon Hunte slowly makes his way out onto the stage and begins his procession down the blue carpet. He wears a grim expression on his face as the fans boo him and Serena stands in the ring, apparently pleased with herself.)
CJ Hana: Not who I’d have expected for Serena to bring out here tonight! I’d have never guessed she had any interest in associating with this man ever again.
Gavin Kirkland: As if Serena has done anything to deserve to stand in the presence of a man like Stephon! After all he’s done for Empire and for her, she’s been nothing but ungrateful! And here he is now, doing her another favor out of the goodness of his heart! A true gentleman! What a role model! Always taking the high road!
CJ Hana: I think you’re confused, Gavin. Stephon made Serena’s life a living hell very early on in her EAW career—as far as I’m concerned, she doesn’t owe that man a damn thing! He should be thankful she’s as good of a sport as she is!
(Stephon finally makes his way to the ring and steps onto the blue carpet in the ring. Serena hands him a microphone as his music dies down and stands at the center of the ring awkwardly while Serena plops down on one of her giant blue armchairs.)
Serena Bennett: Sit down, Steph-phony! Make yaself at home! Can I offer you a Crip-A-Cola?
(Stephon chuckles awkwardly and slowly sits down on the chair, seemingly uncomfortable as he reaches for a bottle of Crip-A-Cola.)
Stephon Hunte: Um…hello, Serena. Always a pleasure…I do have to say, I’m a bit perplexed at your decision to invite me of all people to join you here on—on—
Serena Bennett: The Blue Carpet!
Stephon Hunte: Right. Yes. (Stephon pops open the bottle of soda and sips. The look on his face tells you that he is pleasantly surprised that a beverage straight out of the hood could be this tasty.)
Serena Bennett: That’s right, bih, you on MY show now. How’s that make you feel? You know what, nevermind, kick back and enjoy your soda. But whether you feel like it or not, you gon’ help me answer some questions, straight from the fans! All of y’all watchin’ right now, get on Twitter, and ask me and Stephon any question you want using the hashtag “#AskSerena!”
Stephon Hunte: Do you honestly believe that anyone is going to participate in this little game of yours, Serena? You’re taking up precious FOX Network time that could be put towards—
Serena Bennett: (Serena glares at Stephon.) You’re participating, aren’t you?
Stephon Hunte: Er—well—
Serena Bennett: Essactly. Now watch this, you gon’ love it, I sure as hell do—
(Serena pulls a small remote out of her pocket and presses a button. Within seconds, a large monitor begins to descend from above the ring.)
Serena Bennett: Now! Our first question comes from—”Alpha Valentine,” gee, I wonder who they favorite Elitist is—
(Serena and Stephon turn to the big screen above the ring as Serena reads the fan’s Tweet aloud:)
Serena Bennett: Greeeaaat question!
Stephon Hunte: This is so unbelievable juvenile, why the hell—
Serena Bennett: Red Lobster. Too easy. What about you, Stephon?
Stephon Hunte: I never grace these establishments with my presence. Too many of your kind, rowdying up the place—I mean, I mean, celebrities! People with a lot of money! Trying to show off, and you know how that can get, can’t you?
Serena Bennett: :mjpls: Yeah, aiight. You lucky I’m in a good mood. Next question! From “Broseph Stalin!”
Serena Bennett: My goal as the Specialists Champion?! That’s easy. To be the greatest EAW Specialists Champion to ever step foot into an EAW ring! Ain’t nobody takin’ this belt offa me, anytime soon. We stayin’ undefeated, you hear me? Until I say otherwise mfer.
Stephon Hunte: Oh, we’ll see about that.
Serena Bennett: Aaaaand how about one more question?
Serena Bennett: (Serena chuckles.) Yeah, naaaah, none of y’all wanna play yourself steppin’ into the ring with me. Y’all saw what I did to Andrea Valentine, right? Saw how I made a fool out of that bitch. Easy pickin’s is what she was at King of Elite, and that’s all she’ll ever be again. I made it very clear that I’m just about the last person to be taken lightly on this roster. Ain’t nobody gonna have the nerve to doubt me ever again. So, pass, next question.
Stephon Hunte: Actually, Serena, this one I might be able to answer for you.
Serena Bennett: Whatchu talkin’ about? I’m not booked for the Cup. I didn’t even get a damn qualifying match. And like I just said, ain’t nobody bold enough to face me for this Specialists Title. They know better. Nobody’s lining up to get in the ring with me right now, they know exactly it won’t end well for them.
Stephon Hunte: That’s because FOX and I have our own plans in mind when it comes to that Specialists Championship. (A wide smile spreads across his face.)
(“Roll With Me” by Charlie XCX begins to play throughout the arena, the Buenos Aires crowd exploding with excitement for the former Specialists Champion.)
CJ Hana: OH MY! ANDREA VALENTINE!
Gavin Kirkland: That’s right! The Heart of Empire is here! And sooner than we expected! Last week, FOX offered Andrea Valentine an offer she simply couldn’t resist! And I see one of my co-workers with her, looking out for our star’s best interests, just like Stephon said FOX would! It looks like Andrea finally came to her senses and accepted what FOX had to offer her! Smart woman!
CJ Hana: Something tells me Andrea isn’t necessarily interested in all this attention FOX Network has been given her. And in the form of personal assistants? This is just..kind of strange to see.
(Andrea, accompanied by an older woman with a clipboard, begins to strut down the blue carpet and towards the ring. Off mic, we can hear Serena talking smack as Andrea steps into the ring. Serena hops up from her chair to meet Andrea face to face.)
Serena Bennett: Stephon, why the fuck is this bitch in my ring right now?
Stephon Hunte: Now, now, Serena, I would advice you not to do anything brash—
(Andrea snatches the microphone out of Stephon’s hand, and the crowd cheers.)
Andrea Valentine: You thought nobody was bold enough to face you for the Specialists Championship? Think again, Serena. I don’t go down that easy. And even though I lost to you at King of Elite, I’ve had nowhere else to go but up. Last week was a step in the right direction. I’m the one who’s been making waves lately, in a big way, too—and while I’m not as…(She pauses and glances over at Stephon and then turns to the unnamed older woman at the outside of the ring.)…enthusiastic about FOX’s sudden interest in me, if it means I get to face you again to reclaim my Specialists Championship, then to hell with it. That’s right, Serena. You’re facing ME at the Iconic Cup! (Andrea pauses as the crowd explodes into cheers and screams. Serena simply rolls her eyes.) You wanted the spotlight, wanted to be on the show so bad, and now you got it. You’re booked. there are so many factors driving me to succeed that I’ll make sure I’m the one getting my name said by our ring announcer as the winner of our match. I won’t get bested by you again, I’m making sure of it. What say you about that?
(Serena raises the microphone to her mouth as if to speak. She inhales…and then suddenly charges after Andrea Valentine, knocking her into one of the ice buckets, glass bottles of soda spilling everywhere and ruining the carpet as they roll around the ring.)
CJ Hana: SERENA BENNETT JUST—CHARGED RIGHT AFTER ANDREA VALENTINE! THERE’S A BRAWL IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! WE’RE GONNA NEED SOME ASSISTANCE AT RINGSIDE TO BREAK THIS UP!
Gavin Kirkland: YEAH, SERENA! TAKE HER TOP OFF! THAT’S RIGHT!
CJ Hana: And Serena now on top of Andrea—laying fist after fist into Andrea’s skull! And Andrea breaks free—she rolls from underneath the ring, right in front of us! Regrouping with that—that woman who—is that one of Andrea’s assistants that Stephon has hired?
Gavin Kirkland: And Andrea is just brushing her off! That woman had such good intentions as she just wanted to make sure Andrea was okay as she leans up against the announce table here, but Andrea wants nothing to do with her. She’s got no interest in being restrained—Andrea wants a goddamn fight! What a mess!
CJ Hana: Agreed, Gavin! The animosity between these two women isn’t something you see everyday. But I think it’s official—Serena Bennett versus Andrea Valentine for the Specialists Championship at the Iconic Cup!
Gavin Kirkland: Poor thing! That animal Serena really needs to be put in her place! All this right before Andrea’s main event match against the Visual Prophet—and that’s coming up next!
(Commercial break featuring a preview for Friday Night Dynasty, featuring Theron Nikolas defending his Answers World Championship against Jason McKormick, as well as two of the newest members of The 1% taking on Black Cabal!)
(When Empire returns from commercial, the ring has been cleared, and Andrea Valentine is already inside the ring. She looks focused and determined to make the most of this special main event match tonight. The cameras cut to Maria Del Rey, who’s standing by, waiting to announce the arrival of Andrea’s opponent.)
Maria Del Rey: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!
Maria Del Rey: AND IT’S YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!!!
(The crowd lets out a huge pop. Empire has been straight fire tonight, and to say the fans are hyped for the final match of the evening is an understatement.)
Maria Del Rey: ALREADY IN THE RING… FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA… SHE IS THE HEART OF EMPIRE… AAAANNNNNDDDDDDRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAA VVVVAAAALLLLEEEENNNNTTTTTIIIIIINNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
(Andrea’s ovation is deafening and despite the fact she has her game face on, she cracks a smile and waves to the crowd. Once the cheers for Andrea die down, the lights inside the arena fade and purple smoke starts to fill the stage. The Empire faithful all collectively groan as “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen begins to blast across the public address system. It’s hard to see inside the ring, but Maria has pulled out a little index card. She looks aggravated.)
Maria Del Rey: AND HER OPPONENT WHO I HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO ANNOUNCE EXACTLY AS WRITTEN ON THIS CARD OR VEENA ADAMS CLAIMS SHE WILL HAVE HER UNCLE FIRE ME…
(The Visual Prophet has stepped out on the stage now, a spotlight shining down on him and his New Breed Championship. His assistant, Nina, is also with him and she’s wheeling out the apparently paralyzed Veena Adams.)
Maria Del Rey: FROM THE PREMIERE SHOW IN ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING, THE HOME OF KINGS, VOLTAGE… BY WAY OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN … WEIGHING IN AT A FLAWLESS 230 POUNDS… HE IS BETTER THAN EVERY RING RAT ON EMPIRE PRETENDING TO BE A WRESTLER… HE IS THE REIGNING AND DEFENDING NEW BREED CHAMPION… HE IS THE SOVEREIGN… THE VISUAL PROPHET!!!!
(The crowd unleashed a torrent of heavy jeers and Viz remains on stage, eyes closed, soaking up the atmosphere. The cameras cut to the ring where Maria is apologizing to Andrea, but Andrea isn’t fucked. She has one mission in mind tonight and that’s to beat the Visual Prophet’s ass.)
CJ Hana: Unbelievable.
Gavin Kirkland: :whew: An intro fit for a Sovereign.
CJ Hana: I can’t wait for Andrea to kill this fu—
Gavin Kirkland: You need to settle your tea kettle.
(Viz leans down and speaks to Veena, and the two of them have a brief conversation. Whatever Veena says to Prophet seems to inspire him and he confidently walks down to the ring. Nina wheels Veena to the edge of the stage because that’s where the two of them plan on watching the match tonight.)
(Viz takes his time circling the ring, making sure everyone inside the DirecTV Arena gets a good look at him. He keeps his eyes on Andrea at all times but the former 2-time champion never falters. Her icy glare never wavers. Viz finally slips inside the ring and unstraps his championship, raising it high in the air. After several moments, his music dies down and fades out, and the lights inside the building come up. Viz passes off his championship and finally, the referee calls for the bell.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: :wow: Every time I see Andrea my cock reacts in a way that makes me feel like I’m cheating on Cleopatra.
CJ Hana: Ugh can we not? I don’t want to do this tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: I wonder if she has black man fantasies? Do you think this match turns Andrea on?
CJ Hana: Andrea is at a horrible size disadvantage in this match. She is giving up a foot in height and The Visual Prophet outweighs her by nearly 120 pounds.
Gavin Kirkland: Oh I’m sure Andrea has experience taking a beating from a bigger man before.
CJ Hana: Andrea has proven herself in matches like these before. Back at Pain for Pride, she defeated TLA, Hurricane Hawk, and Andrei Sokolova in a fatal fourway for the Openweight Championship. As Openweight Champion, Andrea successfully defended the title against Terry Chambers before falling to Lars Grier. She knows how to handle situations like this.
Gavin Kirkland: Welp, here we go.
CJ Hana: The Visual Prophet and Andrea Valentine get things started off by circling one another. Viz has a smirk on his face and he stops. I’m not sure what he’s saying to Andrea but he’s offering her a test of strength. Give me a break.
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t see why Andrea doesn’t want to hold his hand. Viz seems like a nice man.
CJ Hana: Andrea’s not in the mood to play Viz’s games. She slaps his hand away and offers to lock up. Viz laughs in her face. Andrea reaches back and she just slaps the living shit out of Viz!! That million dollar smile just vanished. Viz swings wildly… looking to take Andrea down with a clothesline! Andrea ducks! She gets her foot up, connecting with Viz’s gut! Viz doubles over! Andrea hooks the neck and plants him with a DDT!!! Andrea with a quick cover!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWO—
Gavin Kirkland: Viz powers out!!
CJ Hana: Andrea stays on the attack though. She wraps Viz in a sleeper and wisely wraps her legs around his back for extra leverage. The Visual Prophet reaches out for the ropes but they’re both in the center of the ring. He grabs at Andrea’s legs and looks to unhook them, but Andrea is deceptively strong. Viz goes for the arms now, grabbing Andrea’s forearm as he slowly works his way back to his feet. Viz is up now and he reaches up, grabbing Andrea by the hair. He flips her down to the mat into a sitting position and ruthlessly kicks her in the back, right between the shoulder blades.
Gavin Kirkland: Andrea falls to the side and Viz looks down at her and smiles. He scoops Andrea up and hoists her over his shoulder, walking towards the turnbuckles. Viz looks to dump Andrea, but she’s able to wiggle out of his clutches and land on her feet!
CJ Hana: Viz whirls around and Andrea leaps up! She catches him in the chest with a dropkick and that causes Viz to stumble back! Andrea hops back up! She catches Viz with another dropkick! Viz falls back into the corner!! Andrea backs up to the opposite side of the ring and gets a running start! Handspring back elbow smash!! She grabs The Visual Prophet! Double knee facebuster!!! She goes for the cover!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOO—
Gavin Kirkland: Viz with the kick out!!!
CJ Hana: Andrea grabs Viz by the hair and drags him over to the ropes! She carefully places him across the middle one, grabs the top rope, and plants her knees square in the middle of Viz’s back!! Andrea with the illegal choke to Viz! The referee is forced to step in! She begins the count and Andrea breaks right before the five count! Andrea kicks Viz in the ribcage which knocks him off the ropes and she drags him towards the middle of the ring. Andrea begins stomping a mudhole into the reigning and defending New Breed Champion!!
Gavin Kirkland: Viz wisely rolls out of the ring and drops down to the floor. He’s attempting to regroup right now. Our sexy blonde bombshell has taken it to him in the opening minutes of this match.
CJ Hana: But Andrea isn’t wasting any time! She’s climbing up the turnbuckles and gets herself set on the top! Viz is getting back to his feet! Andrea launches herself into the air! Flying crossbody!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT THE VISUAL PROPHET CATCHES HER!!! VIZ HAS ANDREA!!! VIZ RUNS TOWARDS THE RINGPOST!!! HE JUST SLAMMED ANDREA BACK FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!!! VIZ MAINTAINS THE HOLD!!! HE DRIVES ANDREA INTO THE POST AGAIN!!!
CJ Hana: ANDREA IS POUNDING AWAY ON VIZ’S BACK WITH HER FIST BUT IT’S NOT HAVING ANY EFFECT! VIZ SLAMS HER INTO THE POST ONE MORE TIME AND LETS HER DROP TO THE GROUND!!! He slips back inside the ring and breaks up the count before going back outside. Andrea is trying to pull herself up using the ring apron, but Viz kicks her hands away. Andrea drops back down and Viz ruthlessly slams his foot into Andrea’s face.
Gavin Kirkland: :whoa: We don’t need Empire’s most possession covered in blood. Calm down, Viz!
CJ Hana: Viz grabs a handful of hair and jerks Andrea up. He bounces her face off the hardest part of the ring and throws her back inside. Andrea tries to crawl to the ropes but Viz drops down and crawls towards her. He’s taunting Andrea now, grabbing her hair, and whispering gawd knows what in her ear. He slams her face into the mat and slaps his hand down on her backside. Viz stands up, kicks Andrea onto her back, and steps on her hair! He reaches down grabs her arms and pulls her up towards him! Ugh.
Gavin Kirkland: Man. Andrea’s screams are music to my ears.
CJ Hana: Viz let’s go of Andrea’s arms and places his foot on her face. He snaps his fingers and demands that the referee start to count.
OOONNNEEE!!!
TT—
Gavin Kirkland: Andrea lifts her shoulder. The Visual Prophet rolls his eyes and reaches down. He grabs Andrea by the nec—
CJ Hana: ANDREA GRABS HIM BY THE HAIR AND ROLLS HIM UP!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TT—
Gavin Kirkland: Viz powers out but look at the shock on his face!! He knows he almost got caught!!
CJ Hana: Viz snatches Andrea up by the hair and carelessly slings her across the ring! Andrea hits the ropes and comes flying back at Viz! Viz grabs her up…. TILT-A-WHIRL!!!! ANDREA WITH VIZ’S ARM! SHE JUST TRANSITIONED THAT INTO A BEAUTIFUL ARMBAR!!!! VIZ DOESN’T PANIC THOUGH! HE DROPS TO HIS KNEES AND BEGINS DRAGGING THEM BOTH TOWARDS THE ROPES!!! HE STICKS HIS FOOT OUT AND TOUCHES THE BOTTOM AND THE REFEREE MAKES ANDREA BREAK!
Gavin Kirkland: Andrea lets go of the armbar, and quickly gets back to her feet. She is favoring her lower back, but she’s able to catch Viz in the face with a knee! Viz falls back and Andrea starts stomping on his arm! Viz gets himself over to the ropes and once again, the referee has to step in to the tell Andrea to back off! She’s so hot tonight! I love a fiery Andrea Valentine!!!
CJ Hana: Andrea looks to go right back to work on The Visual Prophet but the New Breed Champion slips out of the ring once again! This time Andrea decides against the high risk move and gets out on the other side. She rushes around the ring and looks to take Viz out from behind! The New Breed Champ turns around right as Andrea jumps on the ring steps, looking to fly!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: VIZ CATCHES ANDREA AGAIN!!!!
CJ Hana: BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX RIGHT THERE ON THE FLOOR!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Viz takes a moment to look at Andrea, and I’m not really happy with the look in his eyes right now. He looks angry, and I definitely don’t want to see him take it out on our Heart of Empire.
CJ Hana: Viz gets back to his feet and snatches Andrea up by the arm. He throws her inside and gets back in himself. He drags Andrea over to the corner and pulls her up, hooking her arms over the ropes. Viz grabs Andrea by the chin and starts screaming at her.
The Visual Prophet: This is in honor of Veena!
Gavin Kirkland: Damn. He just backhanded the shit out of Andrea.
The Visual Prophet: This is for Tyler Wolfe!
CJ Hana: SPINNING BACK FIST!!!
Gavin Kirkland: :wow: That Ike Turner Special tho…
CJ Hana: Andrea crumbles to the ground! Viz begins stomping away on Andrea!!!! Viz pulls Andrea to the center of the ring and signals that he’s going up top! He’s looking to end this match right now!!
Gavin Kirkland: Viz is up top now!! He gets set!! Viz looks to fly!!!
CJ Hana: BUT WAIT! Andrea has rolled out of the way!! Viz jumps down and grabs Andrea by the leg! He thinks about the ankle lock but instead he pulls Andrea up. I think he’s going to try and take her out with The Prophet Driver!
Gavin Kirkland: But look at Andrea! She’s got her feet back under her and she just shoved Vizzy! Viz fires off a right hand, but Andrea blocks the shot! She throws all her wait behind her punch and hits Viz in the jaw!! Viz’s head jerks back but he’s smiling! Viz is smiling. He rubs his jaw and grins at Andrea asking her to hit him again! Andrea obliges! She’s firing off those rights and lefts now! Andrea is just unleashing everything she has right now, and she’s forcing Viz back into the corner! Andrea grabs the ropes and begins stomping at Viz’s midsection! She gets him down into a sitting position!! Andrea grabs onto Viz’s shoulders and begins slamming her knee into his face! Over and over!! Viz’s nose is busted open now but Andrea isn’t done! Oh man!
CJ Hana: VIZ IS TRYING TO GET TO HIS FEET! ANDREA WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST OF HER OWN RIGHT AS VIZ WAS ABOUT TO RETURN TO A VERTICAL BASE!!! VIZ FALLS BACK DOWN!!! ANDREA BACKS UP AND RUNS AT VIZ!!! MISSILE DROP KICK!!! VIZ’S HEAD SLAMS BACK AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLE PAD!! ANDREA GRABS HIM BY THE LEGS AND JERKS HIM AWAY FROM THE ROPES!!! ANDREA WITH THE COVER!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREE—
Gavin Kirkland: VIZ GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!!
CJ Hana: ANDREA MOUNTS VIZ AND BEGINS PUNCHING HIM IN THE FACE!!! SHE’S GIVING IT EVERYTHING SHE CAN RIGHT NOW!!! ANDREA IS THROWING PUNCHES, FOREARMS, PALM STRIKES, AND PURE SLAPS!!! SHE KNOWS THAT SHE HAS TO WIN THIS MATCH FOR ALL OF EMPIRE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT LOOK AT VIZ!!! HE JUST GRABBED ANDREA BY THE NECK!! THIS IS KINKY!!!
CJ Hana: VIZ MANAGES TO THROW ANDREA OFF OF HIM AND HE LUMBERS BACK TO HIS FEET!!! HE WIPES THE BLOOD FROM HIS NOSE AND WAITS FOR HER TO RETURN TO HER FEET!! ANDREA STANDS UP AND SHE FACES THE VISUAL PROPHET!!! THE TWO ARE STARING AT ONE ANOTHER RIGHT NOW!!! VIZ AND ANDREA MEET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AND OH BOI!!! HERE WE GO!!! VIZ SLAPS HIS BLOODY HAND RIGHT ACROSS ANDREA’S FACE!! ANDREA SLAMS HER FIST INTO VIZ’S JAW!! COLLAR AND ELBOW TIE UP!! BOTH OF THEM ARE WILLING TO GO FOR BROKE NOW!!! ANDREA DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT HER SIZE DISADVANTAGE!!! SHE’S DOING EVERYTHING CAN TO MUSCLE VIZ AROUND THE RING! BUT HE’S GOT HIS FEET PLANTED!!! VIZ ISN’T MOVING!!! HE WAITS A FEW SECONDS AND NOW VIZ GRABS ANDREA AROUND THE NECK!!! HE SECURES HIS LEFT ARM AROUND HER NECK AND DRIVES HIS RIGHT ELBOW INTO HER SKULL!! VIZ DOES THAT THREE MORE TIMES!!! ANDREA DOESN’T LOOK GOOD RIGHT NOW!!! VIZ SLAPS A KISS ON ANDREA’S FOREHEAD!!! VIZ THROWS HER INTO THE ROPES!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BULLHAMMER ELBOW STRIKE!!!
CJ Hana: NO!!! ANDREA DUCKS!!!
Gavin Kirkland: ANDREA COMES BACK AT VIZ AND LOOKS TO HIT HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!!!
CJ Hana: VIZ CATCHES HER FOOT!!!
Gavin Kirkland: KISS TO THE HEAD!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!
CJ Hana: VIZ DROPS DOWN AND GOES FOR THE COVER!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: I need to go check on Andrea…
CJ Hana: Sit your ass down.
Maria Del Rey: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… HERE’S YOUR WINNER…. THE VISUAL PROPHET!!!
(The referee hands Viz his championship and raises his hand in the air. Viz jerks it away, looks down at Andrea’s fallen body, and lets a smile cross his pretty face. On stage, Nina is jumping up and down, clapping her hands and screaming. Veena has a smug smirk on her face. “Another One Bites The Dust” is blasting through the building and the fans are just disgusted. Some of them are even leaving. Viz rolls out of the ring and makes his way back up to the ramp to celebrate with Veena and Nina, and the referee is helping Andrea into a sitting position.)
CJ Hana: The Heart of Empire put up a great fight tonight but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough.
Gavin Kirkland: We could have literally just saw a preview of how the Iconic Cup is going to go for Tyler Wolfe.
CJ Hana: I hate this. I really hate this for Andrea.
Gavin Kirkland: She’ll bounce back. All jokes aside, Andrea has proven to be one of the most resilient competitors on Empire. She can take a beating, handle a loss, and rebuild herself for the next time. Andrea will be fine.
(The cameras switch to Viz, who’s being bombarded by Nina. Viz ignores his assistant and bends down, shaking Veena’s hand and giving her a hug. Viz straightens up, holds his New Breed Championship in the air, and that’s when Empire fades to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
