Anna C. Flowers
(EAW intro plays.)
(“Girl Gang” by Leikeli47 blares across the sound system in the capacity Rabobank Arena. As the song plays, the camera pans the crowd, capturing the smiling and excited faces of the EAW Universe in attendance for the final episode of Empire before the Iconic Cup.)
CJ Hana: Welcome everybody to THURSDAY NIGHT EMPIRE! I’m CJ Hana, joined by Gavin Kirkland, and we’re happy to join you all here tonight in the jam packed Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California! We have a very special show for you all here tonight, including —
(“Glory and Gore” by Lorde plays as the three members of the Crowe’s Nest walk out onto the stage with purpose Jael and Chelsea have the Empire tag Titles around their waist and Raven has a microphone in hand. Not pausing on the stage at all as they make their way to the ring.)
CJ Hana: Well, nevermind, folks. Forget I even opened my mouth. Looks like the Crowe’s Nest has invited themselves out to the ring.
Gavin Kirkland: And I didn’t even get the chance to welcome you all to Empire! How rude! What the hell do these three carpet munchers want?
CJ Hana: I can’t believe you sometimes! Also, Raven is in a committed relationship with Rex McAllister, so your count is off anyway!
Gavin Kirkland: Rex? Ha! If there was ever a person to help keep a lady in the closet, it’s Rex…I bet he says “I’m arriving” when he finishes!
CJ Hana: Speaking of Raven, she had a very…unique survey conducted on her Twitter account earlier today — have you seen her social media recently, Gavin?
Gavin Kirkland: I sure have! And I absolutely made it a point to participate. I love picking out what my girls get to put on for me.
(A screengrab from Raven Robert’s Twitter feed flashes across the screen: )
Gavin Kirkland: Dammit. Does this mean I can’t wear purple anymore?
CJ Hana: As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, the “Fuck Empire” crusade continues. I can only imagine what these ladies have to say now — as if we haven’t heard enough from them just last week!
(We cut back to the ring. As the music fades out, Raven raises her microphone to speak.)
Raven Roberts: Unlike some people who run away when they feel like things aren’t going their way, my sisters and I stand tall against the bullshit, because if we don’t, then who will? Kendra Shamez may not appreciate us, but that doesn’t mean anything to us because we appreciate each other, and we know who the real queens who run the Empire are! #FUCKEMPIRE isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, though, and neither is the Crowe’s Nest, so get used to us, get used to gold around our waists, and get used to the broken and mangled bodies we leave in our wake, starting at the Iconic Cup when Chelsea and Jael destroy the Fatal Destiny!
CJ Hana: Quite the statement from Raven Roberts! The Crowe’s Nest have decided they have had enough of what they perceive as slights against them from the Empire management!
Gavin Kirkland: You ask me, all that so called “pent up aggression” from Raven is more like frustration at the fact she’s not bold enough to escape the closet! This who “Empire hates me” act is just them seeing that it worked for the Jaded Hearts and now they’re following suit! These aren’t Crowe’s, they’re Mockingbirds!
(Jael takes the microphone from Raven and steps forward.)
Jael: Celes and Karina-Ann, the two of you have no idea what you’re up against the Crowe’s Nest! You couldn’t even beat the Court and look what we done to them! We beat them down and took their titles away! This is the same Court that you were destroyed by on Empire, you two don’t stand a chance against us, and at the end of the night when you’re laying on the mat and we’ve still got these belts around our waist I want you to remember this, because we warned you!
(Jael hands the mic to Chelsea who takes a moment to study the crowd, and thoughtfully taps her chin. Finally she steps forward to speak.)
Chelsea Crowe: Speaking of these tag titles, while I certainly appreciate all the bidders in the little auction I held for them, I’ve yet to receive what I feel is a fair amount to sell these titles for. Even though EAW has threatened to fine me more than I feel they’re worth if I follow through, I’m sticking to my guns. If I receive the right offer then these belts can still be yours…and speaking of “cunts,” Kendra Shamez, you’re the most spineless, yellow skinned coward cunt I’ve ever seen in my life, how dare you treat us like you have? How dare you toss away good talent for empty headed sluts who will drive ratings from neckbeard virgins? Why isn’t Raven in the Iconic Cup? Hmm? Why was I placed in a match that was so obviously rigged in the favor of Kassidy Heart that I bet you had the poster made as soon as the match was announced? Why is Sian Ryder, the muscled over cunt, allowed to run around choking out my sister, Raven, who done absolutely nothing to warrant it? Don’t bother offering an answer, Kendra, I know it’s just going to be bullshit. I know the answer anyway, and it simply boils down to this: you’re a cunt. A mangled, flapping, rotted beef looking cunt, and you want to take it out on your entire roster.
(Chelsea pauses to let her words sink into the crowd. Looking around to make sure she has them all in her enthrall, she continues, gleam in her eye.)
Chelsea Crowe: We’re not just going to drop to our knees and blow you because of the scraps you throw us, though…we’re the fucking Crowe’s Nest. We’ve beaten the Pride, The Jaded Hearts, the Court, we were the first ever Empire tag champions, and the first to ever hold the titles twice, and fuck you for thinking you can just toss us in the bin like a used condom. We’re not here to fuck Empire, Kendra, you sopping cunt, we’re here to Hate Fuck it.
(Chelsea drops the microphone and “Glory and Gore” begins playing again as the Crowe’s Nest exit the ring and make their way up the ramp.)
CJ Hana: Ladies and gentlemen…wow, all I can say after that is Empire certainly does not endorse such language, and we apologize for any small children who may have been listening…but, as Chelsea said, those Empire Tag Team Titles are STILL for sale, so get your bids in while you still can…I think…I guess…I don’t know…
Gavin Kirkland: Y’know…after listening to Chelsea I am really craving some Arby’s…
CJ Hana: Stay tuned for more Empire, after this commercial break!
(Commercial break, featuring an ad for Arby’s – we have the meats, and Empire doesn’t! Get it? Because they all have — nevermind.)
(“Underground” by Gob plays through the speakers as Io Ishimori comes out from the back and poses on top of the ramp. The crowd is giving her a negative reaction, but she is not paying attention to them as she makes her way down the ramp.)
Maria Del Rey: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Maria Del Rey: Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, she is “The Winter”, IOOOOOOOOO ISSSSSHHHHHIIIIMOOOOOORRRRRRIIIIII!!
CJ Hana: She prides herself in being one of the most clever women on the Empire roster, Io Ishimori has had trouble getting a victory these past few weeks, but she plans to use Harlow Reichert to help get a winning streak going!
Gavin Kirkland: I thought all the Game of Thrones losers left the company last year. I would not like to relive this phase in this company. Io Ishimori has a mean streak in her. There is no denying that she is one of the skilled Japanese wrestlers in recent memory; however, that means nothing if she cannot get the results that she desires!
(“Voices” by Motionless in White plays through the speakers as Harlow Reichert comes out from the curtain and poses on top of the ramp. The crowd is giving her a mixed reaction; however, it seems like she has won some fans over the past few months.)
Maria Del Rey: Introducing her opponent, from Auckland New Zealand, she is “Miss No Fucks Given”, HARRRRRLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW REEEEIIIIICCCCHHHEEERRRRRTTTTT!!
Gavin Kirkland: Harlow Reichert failed at an opportunity to win a number one contender’s match for the New Breed Championship, but after a minor injury, she finds herself back in the ring! Harlow is someone who has had a rough time collecting the wins she needs, but she doesn’t seem to let that phase her. She’s quite confident in her skills.
CJ Hana: Harlow is an amazing woman and I would see her in title contention at some point this year. I could see her holding some gold, but the journey to get there is going to feel amazing. If she can get a victory over Io Ishimori, she will have a step in the right direction!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: Io Ishimori and Harlow Reichert get to the middle of the ring as the two women lock up, but Io manages to wrap her arms around Harlow’s waist, but Harlow manages to get Io in a headlock! Harlow wrenches in that headlock, but Io manages to push Harlow and break herself free from the headlock! Harlow rebounds off the ropes to connect with a clothesline at Io, but Io manages to get Harlow by her right arm and connect with a hip toss! HARLOW FINDS HERSELF IN A SEATED POSITION, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IO IS NOT DONE WITH THOSE HIP TOSSES AS SHE MANAGES TO GET HARLOW BACK TO HER FEET AGAIN BEFORE CONNECTING WITH ANOTHER HIP TOSS! BUT, IO IS NOT DONE! I AM NOT QUITE SURE HOW SHE HAS ENOUGH STRENGTH TO FLIP HARLOW OVER, BUT IT’S UNBELIEVABLE TO ME! IO GETS HARLOW BY HER ARM AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A THIRD HIP TOSS! HARLOW FINDS HERSELF IN A SEATED POSITION AS IO REBOUNDS FROM THE ROPES TO CONNECT WITH A PENALTY KICK! HARLOW DOES NOT FALL TO HER BACK, SO IO CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER PENALTY KICK AS THAT SEEMS TO BE ENOUGH TO KNOCK HARLOW TO HER BACK! IO FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP BEFORE GOING FOR A COVER ON HARLOW!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOONE!!
CJ Hana: Harlow Reichert kicks out before the two count could be made! Io Ishimori gets back to her feet as she gets Harlow by her head before getting her back up to her feet! Io begins to kick the back of Harlow’s legs! Io does this until she backs Harlow to the ropes as she connects with a bunch of shoot kicks to Harlow’s stomach! Harlow is trying to stand herself up straight and trying to take all these shoot kicks, but eventually finds herself overwhelmed by them! Io gets Harlow by her right arm as she whips her towards the other set of ropes, but Harlow manages to counter that whip as Io goes flying to the ropes! Harlow rebounds off of them and connects with a shoulder block on Io Ishimori! IO INSTANTLY FALLS TO HER BACK, BUT HARLOW FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP ON HER OWN TO IO’S STOMACH! IO CLUTCHES TO HER STOMACH IN PAIN AS HARLOW GETS TO HER SIDE TO PICK UP IO AND GET HER TO A VERTICAL BASE! HARLOW WHIPS IO TOWARDS THE CORNER! AS SOON AS IO COLLIDES WITH THE CORNER, IO MANAGES TO CLUTCH ONTO IT, BUT HARLOW GOES RIGHT AFTER IO AND CONNECTS WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK! IO FINDS HERSELF IN A SEATED POSITION AT THE CORNER AS HARLOW TAKES A FEW STEPS BACK BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A RUNNING CANNONBALL SENTON! HARLOW GOES CRASHING INTO IO AS HARLOW ROLLS HERSELF BACK UP TO HER FEET! SHE PULLS IO’S FEET AWAY FROM THE CORNER AS SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO—
Gavin Kirkland: Io Ishimori kicks out at two! It has been a competitive match between the two of them so far! At this particular moment, I would say that Harlow Reichert has the match in her favor! Harlow finds herself back to a vertical base as she manages to get Io to do the same thing! IO MANAGES TO GET HER HAND AND DELIVER A HUGE CHOP TO HARLOW’S CHEST! HARLOW DELIVERS A CHOP OF HER OWN ONTO IO’S CHEST! IO CHOPS HARLOW AGAIN AND HARLOW CHOPS IO! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW DELIVERS A HUGE KNEE ONTO IO’S STOMACH! IO IS BENT FORWARDS AS HARLOW BELIEVES THAT IO IS IN PERFECT POSITION AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! HARLOW MAINTAINS CONTROL OF THE WAIST AS SHE GETS IO ONCE AGAIN AND CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! ONCE AGAIN, HARLOW MAINTAINS CONTROL OF THE WAIST AS SHE GETS IO! IT LOOKS LIKE SHE IS GOING FOR A THIRD DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX, but Io begins to elbow Harlow at the face! Io was well aware with what Harlow wanted to do and decided to put a stop to that! Io is not really my type, but that was smart of her! Io manages to elbow Harlow a couple more times before Harlow legs to go Io’s waist! Io turns herself around before connecting with a dropkick that knocks Harlow to her knees! Io gets Harlow’s left hand! Harlow is shaking her head no! I think she knows what is going to happen no!
(A HUGE popping sound is heard as Io Ishimori manages to break Harlow Reichert’s fingers. Harlow is crying out in pain as she is clutching to her right hand in pain.)
CJ Hana: I would love not to be on the receiving end of that! Io Ishimori decides not to waste any time as she manages to connect with a kick onto those same fingers that she broke! Harlow’s cries get louder before Io follows that up with a superkick as Harlow goes laying on her back! Io approaches the top turnbuckle and positions herself on top of them! SHE IS GESTURING FOR HARLOW REICHERT TO GET BACK TO HER FEET! HARLOW IS NOT GOING TO QUIT ANY TIME SOON IN THIS MATCH AS SHE SLOWLY RISES BACK TO HER FEET! HARLOW TURNS HERSELF AROUND TO FACE IO ISHIMORI AS IO FLIES FROM THE TOP ROPE! METEORA ON “MISS NO FUCKS GIVEN”! NO! HARLOW MANAGES TO CATCH IO MID-AIR! HARLOW HAS IO IN POSITION FOR PAIN, THE SPINNING TORTURE RACK SLAM CONNECTS! IO IS DIZZY AS HARLOW MANAGES TO GO FOR THE COVER!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Io Ishimori kicks out at two! Harlow Reichert is a little surprised that Io kicked out of that one, but I’m guessing, this will just motivate her even more! Harlow manages to get Io back to her feet as she whips her towards the ropes! Io manages to hold herself to the ropes as Harlow gets closer to Io! Io manages to get her foot up to kick Harlow in the stomach! But, Harlow manages to stop Io from doing that by grasping onto her right foot! Harlow manages to yank Io from the ropes, but Io manages to land on her feet! HARLOW GOES RIGHT AFTER IO, BUT IO MANAGES TO CONNECT WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST ONTO HARLOW’S FACE! HARLOW IS CLUTCHING HER MOUTH AS IT SEEMED LIKE THAT’S WHERE THE FIST LANDED, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IO IS CONNECTING WITH A SLAP AND KICK COMBINATION! SHE IS SLAPPING HARLOW’S FACE, BUT WILL TRADE THAT BY CONNECTING WITH SOME KICKS TO HARLOW’S LEGS TO THROW HER OFF HER GAME! IO STOPS THAT AS SHE CONNECTS WITH ONE MEAN SLAP TOWARDS HARLOW’S FACE THAT MAKES HER TAKE A FEW STEPS BACK! Io races towards the ropes, rebounds off of them before connecting with a dropkick that makes Harlow fall back onto the ropes! Harlow is clutching onto the ropes, but Io manages to rebound from the ropes again to connect with another dropkick! This time, it manages to push Harlow outside the ring! Harlow is no ringside as she is wobbly on her feet, but Io Ishimori from the top turnbuckle!
CJ Hana: Io Ishimori with a high fly flow to the Harlow Reichert outside! The two women are down as the crowd applauds Io for that high risk maneuver! Io slowly makes it back to her feet as she climbs on top of the apron! SHE GESTURES FOR HARLOW TO GET BACK TO HER FEET! HARLOW SLOWLY RISES BACK TO HER FEET, BUT AS SOON AS SHE MAKES EYE CONTACT WITH IO, IO JUMPS OFF THE APRON AND CONNECTS WITH A METEORA! HARLOW IS MET WITH SOME DOUBLE KNEES TO HER FACE! IO GETS BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE CROWD’S REACTION OF HER! I THINK SHE IS WAY MORE THAN FOCUSED TO GET THIS VICTORY! IO MANAGES TO GET HARLOW’S BODY AND ROLL IT BACK INTO THE RING! SOON AFTER, IO SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE RING ROPE AND BACK INTO THE RING! IO GET HARLOW BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE GETS HARLOW IN POSITION FOR LAST DAY! THE REVERSE STO ON HARLOW REICHERT AS IO GOES FOR THE COVER!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Harlow Reichert kicks out! This time, it seems like Io Ishimori is the one a little shocked about Harlow kicking out of the Last Day! These two are not willing to back down from one another! These two have something to prove! These two would love nothing more than to get themselves in championship contention going into Pain for Pride season! Kendra Shamez may look at this match and consider either of these two women as potential future champions for the Empire brand! IO GETS HARLOW BACK TO HER FEET AS HARLOW CONNECTS WITH A FOREARM THAT SHAKES IO, BUT IO DELIVERS A FOREARM OF HER OWN! HARLOW CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER FOREARM OF HER OWN, BUT IO DOES THE SAME THING AGAIN! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW! IO! HARLOW! THESE TWO WOMEN’S FOREARMS ARE GETTING MORE AGGRESSIVE! THESE TWO ARE NOT HOLDING BACK ANYTHING! IO CONNECTS WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST! HARLOW STUMBLES BACK AS IO COMES AT HARLOW WITH A DROPKICK THAT SENDS HARLOW BACKING AGAINST THE ROPES, BUT HARLOW FINDS HERSELF ABLE TO REBOUNDS FROM THEM TO CONNECT WITH A DAMN! THE BACKFLIP DDT CONNECTS ON IO ISHIMORI! HARLOW REICHERT GOES FOR THE COVER! THIS COULD BE OVER, CJ!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
CJ Hana: Io Ishimori kicks out just in time! Harlow Reichert finds herself pretty surprised once again! These two women have taken each other to the limit! These two women have brought themselves to lengths in order to get the one victory they need! Harlow manages to get Io back to her feet! Harlow gets Io in position for the that Kiwi crusher! Fate’s End! If Harlow can hit this move, I don’t see how Io would be able to kick out of it! Harlow has Io up, but Harlow is having quite a difficult time trying to get Io to stay up so she can hit Fate’s End! Io is not allowing for Harlow to connect with that move! There is still a fighting spirit left in Io! Io manages to bring herself down as Harlow releases whatever hold she had left in Io! IO RUNS AS SHE CONNECTS WITH CHAOS, THE STANDING SHIRANUI ON “MISS NO FUCKS GIVEN”, BUT HARLOW MANAGES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AS SHE PICKS UP IO AND CONNECTS WITH THE LMFAO, THE BRAINBUSTER TO THE KNEE! IO GOES DOWN! HOWEVER, HARLOW DOES NOT SEEM TO BE DONE WITH IO! SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT IO STAYS DOWN FOR GOOD IN THIS MATCH! HARLOW REICHERT PICKS UP IO ISHIMORI AND CONNECTS WITH FATE’S END! HARLOW RACES FOR THE COVER!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Voices” plays again as Harlow Reichert gets on her knees. She has a smile on her face as Marti Solo helps Harlow up to her feet as she raises her hand in victory. Io Ishimori rolls out of the ring leaving “Miss No Fucks Given” a chance to celebrate in the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH, HARRRRRLOOOOOWWWWW REEEEIIIIICCHHHHHEEERRRRRRTTTTT!!
Gavin Kirkland: That was a solid match between Io Ishimori and Harlow Reichert! Either of these women could have walked away with the victory, but Harlow managed to never give up and connecting with that Fate’s End helped secure the match for her!
CJ Hana: Io Ishimori puts her all in this match and it’s acknowledged, but it seems like she is going to need to pull something extra out if she wants to be securing those wins! There is no doubt that she has a bright future on Empire, but the only thing that she can do is learn and grown!
(Harlow Reichert is celebrating on the ring as she gets on the top turnbuckle. Meanwhile ringside, Io Ishimori is resting her back against the barricade as she is holding her head, disappointed that she is faced with another defeat.)
(Commercial break for Subway featuring EAW Elitist Xander Payne. “The 5-Dollar Foot Long changed my life. You want an award winning body like mine? Eat fresh, at Subway.”)
(The camera cuts back to Stephon Hunt holding onto a signature Italian B.M.T. footlong from Subway, accompanied by a side of Harvest Cheddar Sunchips and Subway’s special raspberry cheesecake cookies. The green and yellow wrapper around the sandwich standing out against his dark navy suit jacket as he lifts the sandwich to his mouth, preparing to take a bite. Before his lips meet the edge of the toasted Italian Herbs and Cheese loaf, there’s a knock at the door. Annoyed and still hungry, he sets the sandwich down in it’s wrapping and stands up to answer the door.)
Stephon Hunt: Alright, I haven’t got all day, and you’re cutting into my lunch break, so —
(Andrea Valentine steps into the scene, the crowd cheering uncontrollably for the former Specialists Champion, who wears a frustrated frown on her face due to her being in the presence of a big like Gavin Kirkland.)
Andrea Valentine: Kendra said you wanted to disturb my peace some more?
Stephon Hunt: Yes, actually, I um — well, first of all, I received some news that you actually chased off one of the assistants I hand picked for you! Sent her home crying because she told you to eat a salad instead of a bagel? Is that what happened? Now, c’mon, I told you, Andrea, that we were going to take care of you. These assistants are here to help you, they’re only looking out for your best interests! Why, I thought you’d appreciate all that we said we’d do for you!
Andrea Valentine: Cut the shit, Stephon. I never asked for any of this. How many times do I have to tell you? I tried to be nice, but I guess a slap in the face wasn’t enough for you. Maybe a kick in the nuts might be a little more effective — what do you think?
(The crowd cheers at Andrea’s threat. Stephon is seen adjusting his tie and coughing nervously as Andrea glares at him.)
Stephon Hunt: Look, Andrea, if you’re not going to appreciate the hard work and tremendous amounts of money and energy we’re putting into you, into the Valentine brand, then FOX might have no other choice than to go with another face for our campaign!
Andrea Valentine: (Andrea laughs.) You’ve gotta be kidding me, right? I’ve been begging you every damn week to find another face for your half-assed marketing ploy. I want nothing to do with these assistants, all this attention — I’d LOVE for you to find a new face for Empire! Do it! Please! So I can finally get you out of my goddamn hair and go back to actually doing something meaningful here!
Stephon Hunt: Andrea, you don’t understand, do you? I wish that this wasn’t so difficult, you know. Things could be so much easier. Maybe you just don’t have a good grasp of what this match at the Iconic Cup means for me — I mean, for you.
Andrea Valentine: (Andrea scoffs.) Humor me.
Stephon Hunt: I’ve set in place the perfect stipulation for your match against Serena Bennett. That sniveling snake will sure have her work cut out for her. (Stephon giggles evilly.) The stipulation for your championship match at the Iconic Cup has been decided on. You’re gonna love this, Andrea, I promise! You’re going one-on-one with Serena Bennett — in a Last Chance match! (He claps his hands excitedly.) And if that doesn’t make sense to you, I’ll explain, no worries — this means that I can finally put an end to this little Serena Bennett gig on Empire. I can finally force her out of the singles championship scene on Empire for good — well, unless she gets a Women’s World Championship shot, but be real, we know that is never going to happen. As long as you are champion, Andrea, Serena will never be able to challenge you for the Specialists Championship. Ever! And the same will go for you, of course, but there’s no shot at her successfully retaining, is there? Don’t tell me! I already know that there isn’t. What wonderful news, amiright?!
(Andrea slowly shakes her head at Stephon, placing her hands on her hips.)
Andrea Valentine: God, Serena might be my least favorite person on Empire television, and you’ve somehow managed to make even me wanna start rooting for her. When the hell are you going to stop trying to torture this girl? And why the hell do you think I’m just going to go along with it?! That’s not me. This isn’t my style. I’m not sure what makes you think that me, of all people, was the right person for this kind of campaign or scheme or whatever the hell you want to call it. I don’t believe in taking opportunities away from anyone — no matter how much I dislike them. Should I win that belt, Serena deserves her rematch, she deserves an opportunity to try and win it back. It’s only just — why the hell would you want to take that away from her?
Stephon Hunt: Because that no-good bitch never deserved it in the first place. I’m doing EVERYTHING I can to restore Empire to its former glory. To remind myself, to remind FOX of what Empire’s true values are. We value only a select few in this company, we know very well how important it is to stick to those things that make us special, that make us stand out — and Serena Bennett ruins all of it! She stands against everything I’ve built so far, she makes FOX, Empire, the Specialists Championship look funky and tasteless — that’s where you come in, Andrea. You’re going to go into that match at the Iconic Cup and take that title from that bitch and make sure she never gets her greasy little paws on that belt ever again — so long as you are still the champion, anyway. And as far as I’m concerned, there’s no chance in hell she’s walking out with that belt.
Andrea Valentine: And what if I say no? What are you gonna do then?
Stephon Hunt: Kendra already agreed to it. There’s not a damn thing you can say about it. Unless, of course, you want to quit your job. Go ahead. Quit. I dare you. (Stephon chuckles heartily while Andrea stares him down, not saying a word.) You hold no power here. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to work under me — as my puppet. Representing Empire whenever and however I tell you to.
(Andrea lets out a light chuckle and turns away from Stephon momentarily before speaking again.)
Andrea Valentine: Bullshit stipulations and pettiness aside, that Specialists Title means more to me than it could ever mean to you or to FOX. And to win it back at the Iconic Cup — it’ll be a dream to me. I’m winning that title back from Serena, mark my words. And it won’t be for you, for FOX, for Kendra, hell, not even me. It’ll be for that same girl who’s heart and soul you know nothing about, and threw on all those Iconic Cup posters just to build some hype around this show and bring FOX a few more dollars. It’s a fighting heart, a champion’s soul, iconic blood — and that’s the same fucking blood that runs through these veins right now, and it’s because of HER that I’m going to to do everything I can to bring honor to her show, to that title, and to Empire. Because it’s who I am. It’s who I’m meant to be. And you can fuck right off for trying to interfere with me and my plans. You won’t get the best of me, Gavin.
(As Andrea finishes, the crowd cheers wildly as Stephon stares back at her, stunned and somewhat embarrassed. He crosses his arms over his chest and looks down at her as she backs out of the room, slamming the door behind her. As the door shuts, Stephon is seen shaking his head defeatedly, chomping on his fingernails, and mumbling to himself nervously.)
(The camera cuts back to the ring where “Rainmaker” by Dillion Spears music hits as The Fatal Destiny comes from behind the curtains to a loud reaction)
Ring Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen… This bout is a tag team match and its schedule for one fall! Entering first, the team of Karina-Ann and Celes Dumont… THEY ARE FAAAAAATAAAAAAALLLLLLLL DESSSSSTIIIIINNNNYYYYYYYYY!
Gavin Kirkland: Yuck!
CJ Hana: What’s the matter, Gavin? You thought Cleo was going to come out?
Gavin Kirkland: Please! Don’t compare these nutbags to my precious and marvelous, Cleo! They have miles to go to reach her level.
CJ Hana: Regardless, you have to be impressed with the Fatal Destiny as of late. Last week, Karina successfully qualified for the Iconic Cup and Celes was also successful in her match! These two are very promising for the future!
Gavin Kirkland: You forgot to mention how they signed a death wish by challenging the Crowe’s Nest, who have been on a “Fuck Empire” trend as of late. These two are about to be walking dead right about now.
CJ Hana: C’mon Gavin! You have to give them a little hope!
Gavin Kirkland: Maybe! Maybe! Who knows? Let’s just bring out the Showdown trash and get this over with already.
(The lights go off as “Remember Tomorrow” by Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats music plays as the crowd boo’s the entrance of One and El Darkstar)
Ring Announcer: And their opponents… representing Showdown and at combined weight of 429 POUNDS!!! OOONNNE AND ELLLLLLL DARKSTARRRRRR!!!
CJ Hana: The One and Darkstar will surely have some work cut out for them because The Fatal Destiny look focused and determined to send a message to the Crowe’s Nest.
Gavin Kirkland: You know what… I might root for Fatal Destiny in this match after seeing how aggressive they are to win this match. I hope they send the Showdown trash back to where they belong!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gavin Kirkland: This match is underway, and it looks like Celes is wasting no time as she jumps on One’s back while he’s turned around! AND NOW CELES IS HOLDING ONTO HIS NECK! TRYING TO CHOKE HIM! BUT HERE COMES EL DARKSTAR WHO ATTEMPTS TO PULL CELES OFF!
CJ Hana: KARINA! SHE RUSHES IN NOW AND KICKS EL DARKSTAR RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A DROPKICK! EL DARKSTAR GOES DOWN ON THE MAT!
Gavin Kirkland: But he pops right back up! Darkstar CHARGES at Karina but she hits him with a clean clothesline! The Fatal Destiny are looking good thus far in this match already! Meanwhile One is still trying to fight Celes off his neck! She’s not letting go! The referee is trying to break the hold! Celes better let go before she costs her team the match!
CJ Hana: I think she heard you, Gavin! Now Celes lets go of One and pushes him towards the ring ropes! ONE BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND CELES COMES BACK WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE FACE OF ONE! HE DROPS ON THE MAT QUICKLY!
Gavin Kirkland: Celes now grabs One up to his feet and irish whips him into the ropes and goes for spear! IT CONNECTS! SHE COVERS HIM!
Referee: ONE! TWO! —
CJ Hana: THE ONE KICKS OUT AT TWO! Celes is looking very impressive so far as she now climbs up the top turnbuckles, looking for a high-risk maneuver! COME ON CELES! KICK HIS ASS!
Gavin Kirkland: Celes is climbing up top while Karina is whooping Darkstar’s by the barricade! CELES IS UP TOP BU—
(“Glory and Gore” by Lorde hits as Chelsea Crowe and Jael come out from behind the curtain sporting their Empire Tag Team Championships and boxes full of their own merchandise in their hands as the crowd is surprised by their appearance. Celes, still on the top turnbuckle, turns her attention over to the Crowe’s Nest as Chelsea Crowe has a microphone in her hand)
Chelsea Crowe (Shaking her head): What a disappointing match. (She turns to face the crowd.) I can’t believe you all can sit here and watch this garbage. You have two talentless morons against a bunch of losers from Showdown competing against one another. I just don’t get it… This is so embarrassing and I’m sick and tired of this shit! So, you know what? Since Empire fails to live up to our standards. And since we absolutely have NO competition around these parts. We’re going to give these fans what they really want!
Jael: To be fair, Chelsea, we have destroyed and beaten almost every single person on this roster. But seriously? The Fatal Destiny? Out of all people we should face at the Iconic Cup, these girls are the only one’s bold enough to step to the challenge? If these two eyes are set on these belts, then I guess the Empire Tag Team Championships don’t mean a damn thing anymore! So, to hell with it, how about we continue our auction right here LIVE?! Who wants these tag team championships?! Going once! GOING TWICE!?
(The Crowe’s Nest make their way into the crowd with their Empire Tag Team Championships and other merchandise as Celes continues to watch on from the top turnbuckle while Karina is still handling business as she continues to pummel Darkstar.)
Chelsea Crowe (while in the crowd): WHO WANTS A “FUCK EMPIRE” T-SHIT AS WELL?! OH, I SEE YOU! HERE’S A LUCKY FAN! (Chelsea throws a couple shirts to some cheering fans.)
Jael (while in the crowd): I’m still trying to see who wants to become Empire Tag Team Champions tonight! It’s only right for the Fatal Destiny to take on a team of their caliber! That could be any one of you — even you, fatso! I have a Double XL, right here, just for you! Belt might be a little tight around the midsection, but that’s alright!
Chelsea Crowe: I THINK WE GOT A BUYER, JAEL! COME QUICK, IT’S A TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL!
Gavin Kirkland: Wow, this is ridiculous… It looks like the Crowe’s Nest will be staying a little a while as they continue to auction off their belts and merchandise. I just don’t get it, but I guess they have no intentions to take Fatal Destiny as serious competitors!
CJ Hana: You heard them clearly, Gavin. They feel like it’s a waste of time competing in a match with the Fatal Destiny. I say they should give them a chance. Sometimes, you never know what this team is capable of! Celes looks on confused as ever in the ring as she’s still staring confusingly at the Crowe’s Nest while they make their way through the rocky crowd!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT CELES NEEDS TO WATCH OUT! ONE IS BACK UP AND HE GRABS HER BY THE NECK! BUT WAIT A SECOND! IT’S KARINA! SHE’S BACK IN THE RING! SHE TURNS ONE AROUND AND HITS A DDT TO THE MAT! YOU CAN HEAR ONE’S FACE CRASH ONTO THE MATTRESS!
CJ Hana: Celes looks pissed off and as signals for the end! This doesn’t look well for One at all as The Fatal Destiny size the One up for the OMEGA WEAPON!!! ONE BOUNCES IN THE AIR AS CELES DROPS HIM INTO THE MICHINOKU DRIVERRRR!!!! AND THE COVER BY CELES!
Referee: ONE! TWOOOOO!!! THREEEEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Ring Announcer: HERE’S YOUR WINNERS…. FAAAAAATAAAALLLLL DESSSSSTIIIIIINNNNYYYYYY!!!
(The Crowe’s Nest are back up the ramp, without either of their Empire Tag Championships in their hand and some empty boxes of their merch as they smile and clap their hands watching Celes and Karina look on, locking their eyes at them in anger and embarrassment.)
Chelsea Crowe: Well, well, well…impressive. You two managed to beat those Showdown jerkoffs easily. I’m honestly shocked, but here’s the thing….I don’t even think those two would have lasted 30 seconds in the ring with us. Therefore, our judgement was on the right path. You both can enjoy your time searching for the Empire Tag Team Championships because we don’t give a damn about you nor those damn belts! You are not worthy of facing us inside that ring! So good luck on finding them! You’re going to need it!
Jael: And we’ll say this over again! And again! AND AGAIN!!!…. FUCK EMPIRE!!!
(“Glory and Gore” by Lorde plays while the Crowe’s Nest reveal a sadistic smile on their faces and waving goodbye to Fatal Destiny as they look on in with blank stares on their faces, not knowing what to do.)
Gavin Kirkland: I don’t know what’s going on…The Crowe’s Nest really just sold their belts to some fans, so I guess there’s no Empire Tag Team Championship match at the Iconic Cup?
CJ Hana: Your guess is good as mine, Gavin. I’m pretty sure we’ll find out some answers soon! I don’t think Fatal Destiny deserves this type of treatment from those witches! But we’ll see!
(Commercial break featuring an ad for the Iconic Cup, where you’ll see The Crowe’s Nest face Fatal Destiny for the Empire Tag Team Championships — maybe.)
(Empire returns from commercial break and cuts to ring announcer Maria Del Rey inside the ring. Maria has an aggravated look on her face and that probably has a lot to do with the fact that The Visual Prophet’s assistant, Nina, is standing in the ring with her. Maria’s mic is turned off for the moment so the words the two women are speaking aren’t audible. Nina has a piece of paper in her hands and is trying to give it to Maria. The paper is purple of course.)
CJ Hana: Welcome back to Empire! As you can all see The Visual Prophet’s assistant, Nina, is in the ring.
Gavin Kirkland: :blessed: We’re about to see the Face of Empire live and in person!
CJ Hana: #NotMyFace
(Inside the ring, Maria finally snatches the piece of paper from Nina, and the Russian claps her hands with delight.)
Maria Del Rey (reading from the paper): Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. Please rise to your feet, put your hands together, thank whatever higher deity you believe in, and bask in the perfection that is the Face of Empire…. the Face of Voltage… THE NEW BREED SOVEREIGN… HE IS THE VISUAL PROPHET!!!
Nina (Off Mic): BAE! BAE! BAE!
(‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen begins blasting across the PA system and the crowd begins to boo. They most certainly do not join Nina in chanting ‘bae.’ Veena Adams, who’s upgraded to a purple bedazzled electric wheelchair, comes zooming out first and brings herself to a stop on the the stage. Purple smoke fills the entrance area and the regular arena lights fade. White strobe lights begin dancing all around the crowd. A spotlight hits and shines down on the center of the stage and The Visual Prophet appears. He’s immaculate and he’s holding his championship high in the air. A purple carpet has appeared and together, Viz and Veena start making their way to the ring.)
Gavin Kirkland: These Empire bitches could never have an entrance quite like this. Wow. I’m shook.
CJ Hana: Imagine being an 80-year old man and saying the word ‘shook.’
(Inside the ring, Nina is sitting on the ropes for Viz. Veena has parked her chair outside the ring. Once inside the ring, The Visual Prophet poses with this title. During all of this pomp and circumstance, the crowd’s negative reaction to Viz has only gotten louder. Nina takes the microphone from Maria, who happily gets out of the ring, and hands it to her mans. Viz’s music plays itself out and once it’s finished, the lights come back up. The champion takes a moment to enjoy this reaction. After all, it’s what he wants. The Visual Prophet wants everyone to acknowledge him. Finally he lets out an absolutely, over exaggerated sassy sigh, and raises his three-lens sunglasses to the top of his head.)
The Visual Prophet: Despite the fact none of you people want to give me the respect that’s deserved, I forgive you. I know that it takes time to accept change and I know that not everyone inside this building is capable of opening their minds and going outside the box. However, I stand before you tonight with the belief that soon enough each of you will accept the majestic, beautiful, glorious, and superbly talented Visual Prophet as your UNDISPUTED Face of Empire.
Crowd: NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
The Visual Prophet (content to talk over the crowd): Since destroying and humiliating your sweet valentine, Andrea, I have opened up doors for the men of this company like never before. I shattered the nasty stereotype that Empire was for women only. Because of my success on this brand, the doors have been opened for men of other brands to come to Empire and compete and that is such a beautiful thing. That is true equality and that is something my opponent for the Iconic Cup knows nothing about. You see Tyler Wolfe cries and whines about not being allowed to compete on Dynasty, Showdown, or Voltage, while shunning Empire and forgetting that without this brand she would have never gotten a chance in EAW in the first place. Her simple mind refuses to acknowledge the fact that since day one on Empire she has been catered too and given opportunities that quite frankly she doesn’t deserve. I could never imagine being so angry over everything in my life after I was pulled from the dirty, disgusting slums of independent wrestling and given a platform to spread my message to the world. I could NEVER be so wrapped up in my own ridiculous and undeserved god complex that I didn’t appreciate I was given a Specialists Championship opportunity when other women have waited months and even years to get something so lovely.
(A little smile crosses The Visual Prophet’s face.)
The Visual Prophet: And honey, I know you’re in the back watching. Let’s not come out here and say you earned that either. Sienna Jade barely showed that week and that’s the only reason you were able to tap her out to get that championship shot at Manifest Destiny.
Nina (Off Mic): A shot she fail to win, bae!
The Visual Prophet: Yes, pet. The point is, Tyler Wolfe is no champion. She’s not even championship worthy if you want my humble opinion. The only thing she proved on Voltage a couple of weeks ago is that her boyfriend’s little championship reign is pathetic. It’s quite obvious Tyler Wolfe does not know her place and parades around in thrift store pants while Noah has to deal with the fact his title reign will forever be questioned because he needed his girlfriend to defend that belt for him. I could never. That’s why come the Iconic Cup, the New Breed Sovereign defending his title is going to be a given. There’s nothing this so-called ‘Walking Weapon’ can do to possibly usurp the Sovereign. Earlier this week, myself and Nina took a little trip down to San Diego to do some research. Tyler CLAIMS to be a student of the game, and that’s cute, but so is The Visual Prophet. We took a little trip to where it all began for sweet Tyler, and I must say… THE PLANT is a dump. It’s honestly horrific.
(The Visual Prophet is referencing the training facility Tyler’s brother, Andrew Wolfe, owns and operates. The Plant is well known in the EAW Universe thanks to Tyler, Kassidy Heart, and Noah Reigner all coming from there.)
The Visual Prophet: I have never in my life been so completely disgusted by a place and I come from Detroit so imagine the kind of things I have seen. Nina’s poor Russian eyes couldn’t even bear the thought of stepping foot inside a place like The Plant and I find it hard to believe that anything other than some pornographic films and drug deals go down in there. If that’s where Tyler Wolfe got her start then that explains a lot about this former Specialists Champion. That explains why she’s so incredibly inferior to every single person on this roster. There’s no one way anyone can come from the absolute gutter that is So-Cal’s training facility and call themselves a legitimate professional wrestler.
(Viz shakes his head sadly. Nina mimics Viz and also looks sad.)
The Visual Prophet: When myself, Nina, and the Vanilla Goddess Veena arrived to the arena tonight, we found a tryout match going on. Low and behold one of the participants in that adorable tryout match is someone straight from The Plant, and a name I’m pretty sure Tyler will be familiar with since her fat, overbearing brother-trainer had his hand in shaping and molding this impressionable new talent who wants get a contract with Elite Answers Wrestling. I watched that tryout match out of the goodness of my heart and honestly I wasn’t impressed. However, I appreciate the efforts of everyone who tries their hand at this business. As the undisputed Face of Empire I feel like it’s my due diligence to welcome anyone and everyone who wants to compete on MY show. That’s why I want to extend a friendly little to challenge to the young lady who gave it such a valiant effort this afternoon.
(The Visual Prophet looks directly into the camera and flashes his million dollar smile.)
The Visual Prophet: Miss Capri Alatorre, I’m going to give you a chance of a lifetime. I know you’ve never been able to compete against a real athlete nor have you been able to truly hone your skills in that absolute dungeon of a training facility all of you So-Cal people come from. So why don’t you come to the ring and face off against The Visual Prophet and lets show the world why Tyler Wolfe has no chance against me come the Iconic Cup. It will be a great experience for you, and who knows? It’s wrestling. Anything can happen.
(Viz passes the microphone to Nina and takes off his expensive silk shirt and sunglasses. He motions for a referee to come down to the ring and a generic pop song begins to play across the public address system.)
CJ Hana: Uhhhh…. it seems we may end up with an impromptu match here…
Gavin Kirkland: Oh man. I didn’t think we would be so blessed to see the New Breed Champion in action tonight!!! This is great!!!
(A shy looking brunette steps onto the stage, followed by one of Empire’s referees. The girl is obviously Capri Alatorre, who is known for her time in So-Cal Ultraviolent and being the daughter of its financial backer, Colton Carter. She’s an up and coming wrestler in her own right, but it’s plain as day she has no clue what she’s about to get into too.)
(Inside the ring, The Visual Prophet himself sits down on the ropes and invites Capri to get inside the ring. She doesn’t seem so sure at first but The Plant’s motto is very clear in her head; ‘Fight until you die.’ Capri gets into the ring and Viz offers her his hand. Capri hesitates but eventually she shakes it and tries to get herself pumped up for this match. The referee looks at Viz, and then at Capri, and Nina slips from the ring with the New Breed Championship in her hands.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: … I can’t even believe this is about to happen.
Gavin Kirkland: This is fantastic!!! I hope Tyler Wolfe is watching!!!
CJ Hana: You know she is. Capri Alatorre is one of the most promising young prospects on the California independent scene and I bet you anything she did not expect to make her actual Empire debut tonight. I don’t like this at all…
Gavin Kirkland: Well the bitch had a tryout earlier didn’t she? Whether she’s worth a damn or not remains to be seen but we’re about to find out real quick.
(The Visual Prophet eyes young Capri Alatorre and licks his lips. The 19-year looks very unsure of what to do and she takes a step back towards the corner. On the outside of the ring, Nina happily bangs away at the apron.)
Nina: YES BAE! LETS GO BAE!!
CJ Hana: Capri looks petrified…
Gavin Kirkland: Oh trust me. I see it in those big brown eyes of hers. Imagine staring into those why she quakes and quivers…
CJ Hana: Viz lunges for Capri and grabs her by the neck! He throws her into the corner and starts putting the boots to her! He’s stomping a mudhole into Capri and now she’s down in a sitting position! Viz takes a step back and begins driving his knee into the face and head of Capri Alatorre!!! Viz snatches Capri up by the hair and positions her against the turnbuckles!!
Gavin Kirkland: IKE TURNER SPECIAL!!!
CJ Hana: THAT SPINNING BACK FIST JUST KNOCKED CAPRI TO THE MAT!!!
Nina: YAAAAASSSSS BAE!!! YAAAASSSSS!!! BAE! BAE! BAE!
(The crowd refuses to join in on Nina’s chant. In fact, they’re completely horrified with the massacre unfolding inside the ring.)
Gavin Kirkland: VIZ PICKS CAPRI’S CARCASS UP AND KISSES HER ON THE HEAD!!! KISS TO THE HEAD!!! THAT BULLHAMMER ELBOW STRIKE CONNECTS!!! CAPRI IS CRUMBLED IN A HEAP ON THE MAT!!! NOW VIZ IS GOING TO THE TOP ROPE!!!!
CJ Hana: OH COME ON!!!
Gavin Kirkland: BOW TO THE HEART!!!! BUT VIZ ISN’T DONE!!! HE’S GOING FOR THE VIZ-LOCK NOW!!!!
CJ Hana: CAPRI IS OUT COLD!! THE REFEREE NEEDS TO CALL FOR THE BELL BEFORE VIZ ENDS THIS WOMAN’S CAREER!!!!
(Mercifully the referee does call for the bell but that doesn’t stop The Visual Prophet!!! No doubt Capri’s ankle is broken by now.)
GAVIN KIRKLAND: TYLER WOLFE!! HERE COMES TYLER AND SHE’S GOT A STEEL CHAIR IN HER HANDS!!! TYLER HITS THE RING AND STARTS SWINGING!!! VIZ LETS GO OF CAPRI AND HITS THE MAT!!! HE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!!! TYLER DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES!!
CJ Hana: TYLER LANDS ON VIZ!!! VIZ CRASHES TO THE MAT!!! TYLER ON TOP OF VIZ AND SHE’S WAILING AWAY ON HIM!! TYLER WITH THOSE DEVASTATING FOREARM STRIKES!!
(While the brawl was going on, Veena Adams had hit the button on her wheelchair and zoomed up the entrance ramp as fast as it could possibly go. She was screaming at Viz to beat the shit out of Tyler from the stage!)
Gavin Kirkland: HERE COMES SECURITY AND MEDICAL STAFF!!! IT’S TAKING EVERY SINGLE OFFICIAL WE HAVE TO PULL TYLER AND VIZ APART!!! VIZ IS BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH AND TYLER’S LEFT EYE IS ALREADY SWELLING!!! NINA HAS MADE HER WAY UP THE STAGE AND SHE LOOKS SHOOK!!! SHE’S SCREAMING AT VIZZY TO GET AWAY FROM THE RING!!!
CJ Hana: EVERY OFFICIAL WE HAVE BACKSTAGE IS OUT HERE NOW AND THEY’RE ALL TRYING TO CALM TYLER WOLFE DOWN!!!
(Viz has broken away from the officials, but he’s made his way up the ramp. He stands with Nina, who’s hugging him, and Veena who’s glaring at Tyler. Tyler rips free from the officials but instead of rushing towards Viz, she heads over to Maria and snatches the microphone.)
Tyler Wolfe (as she catches her breath): MOTHER FUCKER YOU WANT TO MAKE THIS SHIT EVEN MORE PERSONAL AND BRING PEOPLE I CONSIDER MY FAMILY INTO IT?!
(Tyler slips into the ring and pushes her way towards Capri. She drops down, checking on the girl she’s actually helped train. A dark look crosses her face.)
Tyler Wolfe: JUST WAIT UNTIL VOLTAGE YOU FUCKING BITCH!
(Tyler slams the microphone into the mat and turns her attention to Capri. The cameras cut to Viz, Veena, and Nina. The looks on their faces say a lot and with the image seemingly frozen, Empire fades to commercial break.)
(Commercial break featuring an ad for the latest Marvel movie, Captain Marvel! In theatres Friday, March 8th!)
(The scene opens inside the Empire ring as Maria Del Rey can be seen smiling as she raises her microphone up. Maria’s lips part and she speaks.)
Maria Del Rey: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(The lights dim everywhere in the arena except for the stage. When “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande begins to play, the lights turn a mix of baby pink and red.)
Maria Del Rey: On her way to the ring…
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s and bottles of bubbles,
Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble
Lashes and diamonds and ATM machines,
Buy myself all of my favorite things”
(Felix Hartley slowly and temptingly walks out from behind the curtain, dawned in a full length red fur coat as she’s met with a mix of cheers and boo’s. She stands still, her hands fidgeting with the opening of her jacket as she seductively mouths the lyrics to 7 Rings. She walks down the ramp slowly, one foot in front of the other playing to the camera and ignoring the fans on either side of her.)
Maria Del Rey: From Las Vegas, Nevada…weighing in at 114 pounds…FEEEEEELLLLIIIIIIXXXXX HAAAAARRRRTTTLLLLLEEEYYYYYY!
“My wrist, stop watchin’, my neck is flossin’
Make big deposits, my gloss is poppin’
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it”
(Felix flips her long red locks and twirls around as she approaches the apron. She climbs up the stairs and stands in the middle of the apron, slowly removing her fur. Tossing it aside, she bends down, slowly running her hands up her legs and flips her hair, a grin. plastered across her perfectly bronzed face. She climbs into the ring and taunts the fans before hanging over the top rope, giving the fans a clear view down her top before sending a wink and a kiss into the camera.)
Gavin Kirkland: I’ve got my money on this incredible specimen!
CJ Hana: This is her second match in EAW, Gavin.
Gavin Kirkland: “Ass, Class, and Sass” may be new but she sure knows how to act like she’s been here before. The confidence is radiant and that ass is ravishing!
CJ Hana: Maybe take a step back and get ready to call this match, Kirkland.
Maria Del Rey: And her opponent…
(“Boom Clap” by Charli XCX blares as Layla Lockhart appears. Layla comes out from the curtain, beaming out at the fans and waving to the cheering crowd as she makes her way down the ramp, hugging and high fiving several of her fans along the way until she makes it to the ringside area.)
Maria Del Rey: She is from Salem, Oregon. Weighing in at 113 pounds, She is “The White Lion”…LAAAAAYYYLLAAAAAA “THE LIONHART” LOCKHAAAAARRRRTTTTT!
(With a wide, excited smile Layla jogs around the ring and jumps onto the commentator’s table, holding up her fist, the cheering crowd following along with her. Layla smiles out at the crowd, obviously touched by their love and blows a kiss before taking off her baseball cap and throwing it like a frisbee into the crowd before jumping off the table and sliding into the ring.)
CJ Hana: Former member of The Pride, here we see Layla on her own since the team disbanded. It’s clear she wasn’t a fan with The Pride ending but she has to put that emotion to the side and focus on the task at hand.
Gavin Kirkland: The task is “Ass, Class, and Sass”! God, I love that nickname. So accurate!
(Both women stand in the middle of the ring as the referee force them back each in to separate corners.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: Our match begins as Felix and Layla circle each other. Neck cranking, and arm stretching is how they both start before they finally lock up towards the middle of the ring. Layla puts Felix in a headlock as she tries to tear her head off. Felix pushes her away as Layla flies towards the ropes. She goes bouncing off the ring ropes as she comes back and meets Felix who hits her with a shoulder block. Layla rolls back to her feet as Felix then runs towards the ropes and bounces back.
Gavin Kirkland: Full speed, Felix goes for a hesitation dropkick but Layla blocks it and sends Felix crashing on to her back. Felix, rolls back to her feet as Lockhart sprints at her quickly and puts her head under her arms in an attempt for a float over DDT but is blocked and sent flying across the mat. Felix charges Layla and tries again for the hesitation dropkick and finally hits it as it sends Layla in to the corner. Layla lays on to the turnbuckle as Felix gets to her feet and charges once again for a corner clothesline but Layla moves at the last second. Felix hits the corner chest first as she bounces backwards from the impact. Layla, now behind Hartley, proceeds to roll her up with a schoolboy —
ONE!!!!
TWO!!!!
CJ Hana: Kick out at two! Fast paced action to start this match. Felix has a height advantage and is seemingly keeping up with the smaller Layla Lockhart but Layla seems to be slightly quicker with her countering so far.
Gavin Kirkland: I’m just happy to see all this ass jiggle in front of me!
CJ Hana: The pace is furious as Layla gets back to her feet. This is a woman who went from teaming with Constance Blevins a few weeks ago and now is thrust in to solo mode and is facing a hungry new comer who clearly thinks she belongs at this level. Lockhart seems focused on the task at hand but can she finish Felix and move on to bigger things?
Gavin Kirkland: Anything is possible, I know i’m probably the person most focused on Felix than anyone in this arena.
CJ Hana: Layla drags Felix up by the hair as both of these colorful style athletes are face to face now. Layla smacks Felix with forearm shots as she slows the match down for a second. Not for long though, she Irish whips Felix in to the ropes and waits for her to come back…MATRIX EVASION…she folds herself backwards as Felix continues to run and bounces off the ropes again. She returns once more and FLYING HEEL KICK! Hartley is down as Layla cracks her right in the face. Layla gets to her feet, then she stomps away at Felix as Hartley tries to avoid each stomp from the ground. Felix fights to try and get to her feet but only makes it to one knee. Layla grabs Felix and SNAP SUPLEX! Felix is back to the ground!
Gavin Kirkland: All that furious motion and now that she has been grounded, Felix might be in trouble. The height advantage doesn’t mean much if you cant get off the ground long enough to apply it. Layla drags Felix back to her feet. Layla kicks Felix right in the gut as she then proceeds to hook her arms…DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX!
CJ Hana: She got every bit of that maneuver! Layla climbs on top of Felix and goes for the cover!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!!
CJ Hana: Felix Hartley raises her arm and forces the ref to stop counting as Layla looks frustrated. Layla is dominating but her frustration seems high. Felix fought out of that but the momentum is still with Lockhart.
Gavin Kirkland: Layla walks backwards in to a corner, as Felix is trying to get back to her feet. Lockhart stomps her foot, as the fans knew what was next. As Hartley got to her feet, Layla begged her to turn around — SUPERHERO KICK!
CJ Hana: NO!!! Felix ducks. Layla turns around and is hit with a…THROAT PUNCH! That’s pretty dirty as Layla is stopped in her tracks. Felix isn’t done…STEP UP ENZIGURI! Layla is stunned but she isn’t down…wait…
Gavin Kirkland: LIONESSPRIDE!!!!!!
CJ Hana: FELIX STOLE CONSTANCE BLEVINS FINISHING MOVE!!!
Gavin Kirkland: THE AUDACITY!! ARROGANCE!!! Felix goes for the cover!
ONE!!!!!
TWO!!!!!
CJ Hana: Layla fights out of it and slides out the ring immediately. Felix gets to her feet and poses proudly as the fans boo her. Layla Lockhart stands ringside, thrown off at Hartley using her former partner’s move on her.
ONE!!!!!
TWO!!!!!
THREE!!!
FOUR!!
Gavin Kirkland: As the referee begins counting, Felix sits in the ring waiting for Layla as Lockhart stares at a fan at the barricade. It’s a teenage girl with her mother, wearing a signature “The Pride” t-shirt with Constance and Layla on the front. She looks visibly angry as she shakes her head repeatedly.
FIVE!!!
SIX!!!!
SEVEN!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Layla has to get back in to the ring! I know Felix using her former partner’s move was distracting but you don’t want to lose via count out!
EIGHT!!!!
NINE!!!!
CJ Hana: LAYLA SPRINTS BACK IN TO THE RING FINALLY!!! Felix throws a clothesline but is ducked by Layla who sprints across the ring and off the ropes. BOTTLE ROCKET!!!! SHE SPEARS FELIX NEARLY OUT OF HER SHOES!!!! Layla rolls back to her feet as Felix clutches her ribs. Felix is woozy…Lockhart signals for it…RIGHT BACK AT NOOOOOOO!!! The handspring cutter is blocked! Felix grabs Layla…
Gavin Kirkland: ROLL UP!!!!
CJ Hana: SHE HAS A HAND FULL OF TIGHTS!!!!
ONE!!!!
TWO!!!!
THREEEEE!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(Felix Hartley rolls out of the ring as Layla turns to the referee and is shocked as is the fans in attendance. Felix Hartley’s music thumps as fans begin to boo.)
Maria Del Rey: Here is your winner…FEEEEEELLLLIIIIIIIIXXXXXXX HAAAAAARRRRRRTLEYYYYYY!!!
(Layla pounds the mat as Felix Hartley retreats up the ramp, blowing kisses to the fans booing her and her cheating win.)
Gavin Kirkland: I hate to see her go but I love watching her leave! What a win for Felix Hartley! She got in Layla’s head by using LionessPride and survived what could have been a match ender when Lockhart went for the “Right Back At Ya’”! This young lady has a bright future and a beautiful past if you know what I’m saying!
CJ Hana: It’s obvious what you are saying but what isn’t obvious how the ref couldn’t see Felix use Layla’s tights to gain leverage and steal that win right there. Layla had her nearly beaten but there’s nothing we can say now after the fact…wait…
(Layla demands a microphone from a member of the timekeeper’s area.)
CJ Hana: Layla looks very upset right now.
(Layla, breathing very heavily, faces the camera as she moves the hair from her face.)
Layla Lockhart: CONSTANCE! I KNOW YOU ARE SITTING BACK THERE WATCHING ALL OF THIS…AND I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING! You’re thinking exactly what you all thought of me since the start of it all! Since the start of The Pride! And this is exactly why you decided the Pride wasn’t needed anymore, right?! Wrong! I was there from the beginning, don’t you think I should have had a say in it’s ending? Why does everyone think they can make decisions for me?! I’m not a child, I can stand up for myself! Connie, I’m sick of it! YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE THE PRIDE? YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE ME? LEAVE ME OUT HERE IN THE COLD? BY MY LONESOME AND THAT WE SHOULD JUST MOVE ON?
CJ Hana: Is this what it looks like?
Gavin Kirkland: It might be! Layla Lockhart is having a nervous breakdown in the center of the ring! And she’s calling out Constance Blevins!
Layla Lockhart: No, no, no, no more standing back and refusing to talk — I want you to come down here and face me right now! Come on! The Pride is done when I say it is done and you better bring that butt to this ring before…
(“Roar” By Katy Perry plays as the fans cheer loudly. Constance Blevins appears wearing her signature ring gear as she shakes her head at the angered Layla Lockhart. Constance slowly makes her way to the ring, high fiving fans, and staring deeply at the pissed off Lockhart. Blevins slides in to the ring via the bottom rope as She stands face to face with her former partner. Constance then goes to the ringside and is handed a microphone as Layla stares her down.)
Constance Blevins: Layla, I know it was a hard outcome for you, but the team just wasn’t holding together…we had just lost out second leader, and had spent most our existence being beaten down. We just didn’t click, and without a leader we would be at the mercy of the Crowe’s or the Hearts or anyone else! You’ve got to see that, right?
Layla Lockhart: No leader? You don’t think I could have been the leader?! I’ll tell you what Connie, we’ve talked about this enough. Meet me in the ring and I’ll show you just what kind of leader I could have been, how about that?
(Constance nods slowly as the crowd cheers.)
Constance Blevins: Layla…I mean, sure. If it’ll make you feel better let’s do it. I’ll meet you anyplace you want. We gotta get this aggression out, so whenever you want it, I’m game.
Layla Lockhart: I’ll see you at the Iconic Cup then, be ready Connie, you’re going to see what the White Lion can do!
Constance Blevins: Like I said Layla, I will always respect you and if you think a match with me at the Iconic Cup is what’s going to end this once and for all, you got it.
(Constance and Layla both drop their microphones as the crowd cheers.)
Gavin Kirkland: Looks like we have another blockbuster bout for the Iconic Cup! Constance Blevins against Layla Lockhart! The Pride ends once and for all!
CJ Hana: I, for one, am looking forward to the match these two former friends put on!
(“Boom Clap” begins to play as Constance exits the ring, Layla mouthing very harsh words that the camera is unable to pick up as Constance backtracks up the ramp. Layla’s anger and emotions remain evident as the scene transitions.)
(The camera fades in to Kathy Kush standing with a microphone at the ready, smiling wide into the camera lens in her usual overly-cheerful manner.)
Kathy Kush: Ladies and gentlemen — Sian Ryder.
(Sian Ryder steps into the frame, hands on her hips and a smirk on her face. The crowd in the arena responds with a polite mixed reaction for Sian.)
Kathy Kush: Hi, Sian. I wanted to talk to you a little bit about the beef between you and Raven Roberts that’s been in recent development — could you tell me a little more about your motivations for attacking Raven? What do you hope to gain by shaking things up on the Empire roster?
(Kathy raises the microphone to Sian’s mouth.)
Sian Ryder: (Sian scoffs.) I thought I already explained why I attacked her from behind. What, my confronting her last week wasn’t enough? Ridiculous. It’s that same mentality that’s gotten Raven Roberts into the mess that she’s brought onto herself. Always wanting more. Greedy. Selfish. Can’t ever just accept the cards that’s been played out in front of you, demanding more attention, more answers. Just know, Kathy, that the Deus Ex Machina doesn’t play to anybody else’s games or destiny or plans, it makes its own. The landscape of Empire is changing — and only for the better for me. I couldn’t give a damn about the rest of you. I told you all weeks ago, that my reign of terror is no where near coming to a halt. I came here with my sights set on something bigger — and Raven Roberts is my one-way ticket straight to the top of the food chain, to capture the hearts and minds of the EAW Universe — and to prove a point. To prove that the glory and honor that has been placed on a silver platter and fed straight to the mouths of more than half of these competitors in the locker room has all been built on a lie. Raven is just the beginning. You all don’t know the half of it. But just know that I don’t disappoint. I do everything I set out to do. I know the secret to success. I know how to build a legacy here. I know what I need to do to win. And nothing is going to stop me from going down as one of the best that this business has ever seen.
(Kathy brings the microphone back to her mouth, a slightly confused look on her face.)
Kathy Kush: I understand all of that, Sian, but is this really in your best interest? Raven Roberts is a former champion, future Hall of Famer, and her membership in the Crowe’s Nest has —
(Sian pulls Kathy’s hand back up to her mouth, bringing the microphone to her.)
Sian Ryder: Oh, what, am I supposed to be afraid of her friends in high places?! Think that the Crowe’s and their little “Fuck Empire” schtick is going to do anything for besides satisfy their seemingly endless desire for attention and a little bit of buzz? Pathetic. I’ll tell you what, it’s not in YOUR best interests to to question MY best interests. What the hell kind of question is that, anyway? You better watch your back, Kathy. Learn something from my run-ins with Raven — walking around all hoity-toity and entitled doesn’t get you anything but —
(Sian Ryder falls onto the ground, taking a hard impact from what we learn is a hard forearm from Raven Roberts to the back of Sian’s skull. Kathy Kush drops the microphone with a staticky pop and removes herself from the scene, the camera focusing in now on Raven and Sian, rolling around on the ground, tearing down Kathy Kush’s backdrop in the process. Raven gets a few stiff shots to Sian’s skull, but Sian manages to wiggle her way out of Raven’s grasp and hits her with a kick to the midsection. Raven backs away slightly, giving Sian an opportunity now to charge straight after Raven, the impact knocking down some of the lighting fixtures and miscellaneous equipment in the area. The brawl continues throughout the backstage area, the camera finding it hard to follow the banging and bustling between the two. Eventually, numerous EAW officials arrive to the scene, trying to hold back Raven and Sian from mauling each other.)
???: ENOUGH! ENOUGH! PULL THEM APART, RIGHT DAMN NOW! I’M TIRED OF THIS SHIT!
(Kendra Shamez rushes into the frame, standing between Raven and Sian who have been successfully separated by backstage Empire staff. The crowd cheers wildly for the Empire general manager and her beautiful form fitting pant suit, accessorized with a few statement pieces of jewelry. She turns her head back and forth, blonde hair whipping as she angrily looks back and forth between the fuming Sian and Raven, who are both still trying to break apart from the EAW officials.)
Kendra Shamez: Now, I’ve put enough resources into cleaning up after the two of you the past few weeks. And I’m done with it! God, now look what you made me do! I have no choice but to put you to in a match. (The crowd responds positively.) But not tonight. (The crowd’s cheers immediately turn into disappointed boos.) If you two want to kill each other so damn badly, you won’t do it here. No. I’m putting an end to this, and I’m doing it my way. You’ll do it in a way that I can benefit from, where I can showcase my Empire talent on a bigger stage than we’ve got here on Thursday nights — I’m putting you two ladies in a one-on-one match at the Iconic Cup —
(Kendra pauses as the crowd bursts into cheers.)
Kendra Shamez: In a Last. Woman. Standing match.
(Kendra takes one last look each at Sian and Raven, who have since stopped trying to pull away from their restraints and are now looking straight at Kendra in disbelief. Kendra turns on her heels and walks off, the officials and backstage staff at Empire pulling Sian and Raven further away in opposite directions as the camera fades to the inside of the Rabobank Arena.)
(“Fuel” by Metallica begins to play through the arena speakers, Remi Skyfire taking her place on stage and welcoming the jeers and boos from the crowd. She begins her way down the ramp as Gavin and CJ begin their commentary.)
Gavin Kirkland: CJ! Can you believe what we just heard?!
CJ Hana: Yep! It comes as no surprise to me that Kendra wouldn’t dare miss an opportunity for a match up as big as that one — Sian Ryder versus Raven Roberts at the Iconic Cup!
Gavin Kirkland: In a LAST WOMAN STANDING MATCH! Unbelievable! I can’t wait to see what those two bring, but right now, we’re getting ready for another incredible matchup with no thanks to Remi Skyfire — bring out Cleopatra already!
CJ Hana: Cleopatra versus Remi Skyfire — coming up next, after this commercial break!
(Commercial break for EAW’s Under Siege: A Showdown exclusive! Live from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on March 9th!)
(“Fuel” by Metallica continues to play throughout the arena as Remi Skyfire stands proudly in the center of the ring.)
Maria Del Rey: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Maria Del Rey: Introducing first, from Somerset, Kentucky, she is “The Punisher”, REEEEEEMMMMMMIIIIIII SKKKKKYYYYYYYYYYFIIIIIIRRRRRREEEEE!!
CJ Hana: On Dynasty last week, Remi Skyfire had an excellent showing going against PURE Champion Ms. Extreme, but she failed to take the PURE Championship to Empire. The week before Remi had suffered a defeat against Minerva. If you were to reflect on whether Remi has a chance of leaving that Hell in a Cell Match with the Iconic Cup, I could say that there isn’t much of a chance.
Gavin Kirkland: She is zero chances of winning that match just like she has zero chance of defeating my precious Cleopatra! Does she really think that she has a chance? I would hate to be as delusional as Remi!
(“Mona Lisa” by Lil Wayne featuring Kendrick Lamar replaces “Fuel” as the crowd gives a negative reaction to Cleopatra, which is probably because the One Percent is trash and she should feel bad, but Cleopatra is paying no attention to those fans. She poses on top of the ramp before making her way down the ramp.)
Maria Del Rey: Introducing her opponent, representing the One Percent, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, she is the “Queen of the Nile”, CLEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOPAAAAAATTTRRRRRRAAAA!!
Gavin Kirkland: YES! THE MOTHER OF MY CHILDREN! THE SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY! THE WOMAN THAT SHOULD BE THE ENVY OF ALL THESE WOMEN ON EMPIRE! MY CLEOPATRA IS LOOKING TO RECLAIM HER THRONE AT THE ICONIC CUP!
CJ Hana: Gavin, calm down! Cleopatra is one of the GOATS of women’s wrestling, but Remi Skyfire is looking to get a win. Cleopatra is going into this match with every intent of sending a message to Cleopatra! This should be an interesting match!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
CJ Hana: One of the participants for the Iconic Cup Match faces the number one contender for the Women’s World Championship! Remi Skyfire versus Cleopatra is underway! Remi and Cleopatra have their fists up as Remi launches her fist right at Cleopatra’s face, but Cleopatra manages to back away, but Remi manages to keep her composure as she manages to get herself back in position! Remi goes to sweep Cleopatra’s foot, but Cleopatra manages to jump and avoid that from happening! REMI TAKES A STEP BACK BEFORE LAUNCHING AT CLEOPATRA AND CONNECTING WITH A SPEAR TAKEDOWN! REMI IS DELIVERING SOME STIFF FOREARMS TO CLEOPATRA’S FACE! THE “QUEEN OF THE NILE” IS TRYING TO COVER HER FACE, BUT REMI IS GETTING EACH SHOT IN! I LOOK AT GAVIN KIRKLAND AND HE’S NOT EVEN LOOKING AT THE MATCH!
Gavin Kirkland: I can justify this, CJ! I refuse to see my lovely and beautiful Cleopatra get her face pummeled! Someone get that dyke away from her! Do your bloody job, Marti! Oh thank god, Remi manages to get off of Cleopatra, but Remi has a fistful of Cleopatra’s beautiful blonde hair! My lord, she is going to yank her bald, but it’s nothing that a wig can’t fix! Remi throws Cleopatra directly head first towards the corner! CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO TURN HERSELF AROUND AS REMI BEGINS TO STOMP ON CLEOPATRA’S STOMACH! OVER AND OVER AGAIN, REMI SKYFIRE IS STOMPING ON CLEOPATRA! REMI STOPS THE STOMPING AND BEGINS TO THROW SOME BOXING COMBINATION PUNCHES! REMI IS CONNECTING WITH THAT COMBINATION AS CLEOPATRA FINDS HERSELF TRYING TO BLOCK THAT BEAUTIFUL FACE OF HER FROM GETTING BRUISED UP! REMI BACKS HERSELF AWAY FROM CLEOPATRA BEFORE RUNNING AND CONNECTING WITH A FLYING KNEE TO CLEOPATRA AT THE CORNER! Remi manages to catch and stand herself on to second turnbuckle! Remi gets Cleopatra in a headlock before following that flying knee into a bulldog! With Cleopatra on the ground, Remi begins to bash her knee onto Cleopatra’s skull! She is going to give her a concussion!
CJ Hana: The official of the match, Marti Solo, has managed to push Remi Skyfire back and away from Cleopatra for the time being! Remi and the official are bickering for the time being, but Remi decides that it’s not worth it and resumes to the match! Cleopatra gets on her knees as Remi begins to connect with a series of knee shots to the former Empire Tag Team Champion! Cleopatra’s head continues to bounce back with each shot, but Remi connects with a roundhouse kick to Cleopatra as she falls onto her back! Remi races for the cover as she hooks Cleopatra’s leg!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOONE!!
Gavin Kirkland: THE MOTHER OF MY CHILDREN KICKS OUT! I mean, Cleopatra finds herself still in this match! Remi Skyfire begins to apply a chinlock as she has her knee against Cleopatra’s back! Cleopatra is in pain and that makes me shatter to a million pieces! She is probably thinking “when is my Gavin going to save the day?” But, I have enough faith that Cleopatra will make it out of this alive! She is a strong, independent woman who needs no man…in the ring at least! Cleopatra is trying her best to bridge her way out of the chinlock, but Remi is trying to reel her back in and continue to have the chinlock applied to her! Oh my god! Remi is transitioning that chinlock! She has that modified dragon sleeper applied to Cleopatra! REMI CALLS THAT “GOODNIGHT, SWEETHEART”! THAT THING IS A MOVE OF BEAUTY; HOWEVER, I DESPISE TO SEE CLEOPATRA CRYING OUT IN PAIN! COME ON, CLEOPATRA! SHE CANNOT TAP OUT OF THIS MOVE! SHE NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT SOME WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS HOLD!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire pulls Cleopatra and catapults her as Cleopatra’s face smacks against the mat! Remi does not want to risk Cleopatra trying to counter this move! She wants progress and work closer towards trying to get Cleopatra down for the three count! Cleopatra rolls onto her back as Remi gets Cleopatra’s arm out in the open before stomping on Cleopatra’s arm! Cleopatra is crying out in pain as Remi gets Cleopatra’s arm out in the open before pressing her boot against it! Instantly, you can hear Cleopatra’s cries of pain!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! STEP OFF OF HER, REMI!
Gavin Kirkland: Remi Skyfire gets off of Cleopatra’s arm as she is getting a mini-lecture from the official! Meanwhile, Cleopatra sits herself back up as she is clutching to her right arm in pain! Cleopatra has a high pain tolerance, so I’m not worried at all! It seems like Remi is done with the official as she is gesturing for the longest reigning Vixens Champion in EAW history to get back to her feet! Cleopatra does that with no hesitation at all! REMI GOES RIGHT AFTER CLEOPATRA WITH A CLOTHESLINE, BUT CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO DUCK HERSELF! REMI TURNS HERSELF AROUND AS SHE IS MET WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! CLEOPATRA DECIDES TO KEEP THAT GOING AND USES HER LEFT HAND TO CONNECT WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! CLEOPATRA DOES THIS ENOUGH UNTIL REMI BACKS AWAY AGAINST THE ROPES! CLEOPATRA GETS REMI’S RIGHT ARM BEFORE WHIPPING HER ACROSS THE OTHER ROPES, BUT REMI COUNTERS THAT WHIP AS CLEOPATRA LOOKS LIKE SHE IS GOING TO REBOUND FROM THE ROPES! REMI CONNECTS WITH A DROPKICK, BUT CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO PREVENT HERSELF FROM REBOUNDING OFF THE ROPES AS REMI GOES DOWN FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE DROPKICK! CLEOPATRA STAYS ON THE OFFICE BY REBOUNDING FROM THE ROPES AND CONNECTING WITH A LEG DROP ON REMI SKYFIRE’S CHEST!
CJ Hana: CLEOPATRA GETS ON TOP OF REMI SKYFIRE AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A SERIES OF HER OWN PUNCHES! THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION IS THROWING SOME STIFF RIGHT HAND PUNCHES AS SHE MANAGES TO GET REMI UP TO A VERTICAL BASE! CLEOPATRA GETS REMI BY HER RIGHT ARM BEFORE BALANCING ON THE TOP ROPE AND TIGHT WALKING THEM BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A SPRINGBOARD ARM DRAG! REMI CLUTCHES TO HER RIGHT ARM IN PAIN AS CLEOPATRA IS DOING THE SAME THING! IT SEEMS LIKE THESE TWO WOMEN ARE EVENLY MATCHED AT THE MOMENT! Cleopatra decides to change that scenario by connecting with a forearm smash as that takes Remi to her knee! Cleopatra connects with a series of fists as she manages to wear down Remi as she collapses to both her knees! Cleopatra rebounds off the ropes before connecting with a big boot as that knocks Remi to her back! Cleopatra gets Remi Skyfire back to her feet as she connects with a bridging fisherman’s suplex as she holds it there for the cover!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Remi Skyfire manages to kick out at two and a half! If Cleopatra can dominate the rest of this match, this would make it the match of the night! Not that it already was, but Cleopatra makes everything better! Cleopatra gets Remi by her greasy hair and slams her against the mat! Remi is holding the back of her head in pain! SHE IS TRYING TO MUSTER UP SOME STRENGTH TO GET HERSELF UP TO A SEATED POSITION! REMI SLOWLY RISES BACK TO HER FEET BUT CLEOPATRA RUNS AND CONNECTS WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS ON REMI! CLEOPATRA IS CONNECTING WITH A SERIES OF PUNCHES ONCE AGAIN, BUT SOMEHOW, REMI IS GETTING SOME STRENGTH TO GET CLEOPATRA IN A POWERBOMB POSITION! HOW IN THE WORLD IS THAT FREAK ABLE TO GET HERSELF BACK UP TO HER FEET! HOW IS SHE MANAGING TO CARRY UP MY CLEOPATRA? IT SEEMS LIKE REMI IS GOING TO POWERBOMB CLEOPATRA TO THE TURNBUCKLES! COME ON, CLEOPATRA! MAKE IT BACK TO YOUR FEET! CLEOPATRA IS DELIVERING SOME FOREARMS TO THE TOP OF REMI SKYFIRE’S HEAD! SHE IS HOPING THAT THIS WOULD BE ENOUGH FOR REMI TO DROP HER, BUT SHE IS HAVING NO LUCK! WHAT IS CLEOPATRA GOING TO DO NOW? OH MY GOD! CLEOPATRA JUST CONNECTED WITH A HURRICANRANA ON REMI! CLEOPATRA HAS REMI IN POSITION FOR A PIN! CLEOPATRA WITH AN UPSET VICTORY OVER HERE!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire with a shoulder up! Remi is still in this match as Cleopatra rolls her eyes! I think she was expecting to get a victory with that surprising hurricanrana pin! Cleopatra focuses on Remi’s right leg! It looks like Cleopatra is going to attempt a submission hold, Gavin! Cleopatra applies the sharpshooter on the Iconic Cup participant! Cleopatra flips Remi to her stomach first! You can see the look of pain written on Remi’s face! She feels conflicted on what she needs to do, but I don’t think that Remi wants to tap out and quit this match! She hasn’t had her past two matches play in her favor, but a victory over Cleopatra would be very impressive for Remi! AT THIS MOMENT, IT DOESN’T SEEM LIKE THIS MATCH IS FALLING INTO HER FAVOR! REMI IS TRYING TO SCRATCH AND CLAW FOR THAT BOTTOM ROPE! REMI IS LITERALLY DRAGGING HER BODY TO THAT BOTTOM ROPE! REMI REFUSES TO QUIT! REMI REFUSES TO LOSE! REMI NEEDS TO CLAW AS SHE CLUTCHES ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! CLEOPATRA NEEDS TO BREAK THE HOLD!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! BREAK IT UP, CLEO!
Gavin Kirkland: My obedient Cleopatra releases the sharpshooter! I’m hoping that she got what she needed from that sharpshooter! Remi Skyfire is clutching onto the bottom rope as she slides herself underneath it to get herself sometime to recover! That may be smart for Remi to do, but I don’t think that Cleopatra is going to wait for Remi to buy herself some recovery time! Remi seems to be quite wobbly at the moment, but Cleopatra races for the top turnbuckle! She has her body turned to the outside! WHAT IS CLEOPATRA GOING TO DO? CLEOPATRA, YOU COULD SERIOUSLY HURT YOURSELF FROM UP THERE? PLEASE GET DOWN HERE! REMI TURNS HERSELF TO CLEOPATRA AS CLEOPATRA GOES FLYING FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! THE DIVING CROSSBODY! THESE TWO WOMEN ARE DOWN FOR THE MOMENT!
Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
CJ Hana: Cleopatra begins to rise back to her feet! Remi Skyfire is still down, but it seems like Cleopatra is helping Remi get back to her feet before rolling her back into the ring. Cleopatra slides under the ring shortly after! Cleopatra is gesturing for Remi to get back to her feet! It seems like Cleopatra is looking to go for Brutality, the Canadian Destroyer! Remi is not allowing that to happen! Remi is trying to find some sort of way to counter it! If Remi wants any chance of winning this match and having some good momentum approaching the Iconic Cup, she needs to get this victory! REMI LIFTS CLEOPATRA OFF HER FEET! IT SEEMS LIKE REMI HAS CLEOPATRA IN POSITION FOR THE PSYCHO CRUSHER! THE FIREMAN’S CARRY INTO A KNEE, BUT CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO SLIDE OFF REMI’S BACK! REMI TURNS HERSELF AROUND AS SHE IS MET WITH A FOREARM SMASH THANKS TO CLEOPATRA! REMI SKYFIRE IS DOWN AS CLEOPATRA MANAGES TO GET REMI — LOOK WHO’S GOING DOWN THE RAMP, GAVIN!
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S SIENNA JADE! SIENNA JADE HAS THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON HER SHOULDER AS SHE IS WALKING DOWN THE RAMP! CLEOPATRA THROWS REMI SKYFIRE TO THE SIDE AS SHE IS GESTURING FOR SIENNA TO GET INTO THE RING!
(Sienna Jade stops walking as soon as she gets to the bottom of the ramp. She raises the Women’s World Championship above her head as Cleopatra begins to order for Sienna to step into the ring against her, but Sienna is chuckling and keeping as calm as possible.)
Sienna Jade (off-mic): When we face, it’s going to be on my terms.
CJ Hana: REMI SKYFIRE TURNS AROUND CLEOPATRA! REMI CONNECTS WITH A THRUST KICK MAKING THE FORMER EMPIRE TAG TEAM CHAMPION STUMBLE BACK, BUT REMI REELS CLEOPATRA IN WITH A ROLL-UP!
Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Fuel” plays again as Remi Skyfire gets out of the ring before Cleopatra can attack her. Remi raises her arm in victory as Cleopatra looks in shock before turning her attention at Sienna at the bottom of the ramp. The Women’s World Champion is chuckling before tapping on her title and pointing at herself as in the title is her’s. Sienna turns her back at Cleopatra before walking up the ramp.)
Maria Del Rey: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH, REMMMMMMMMIIIIIIIIII SKKKKKKYYYYYYYYFIIIIIIRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Gavin Kirkland: THAT DYKE CHEATED! CLEOPATRA WAS DISTRACTED! THIS IS INJUSTICE!
CJ Hana: Remi Skyfire gets a well-needed victory going into the Iconic Cup! This was something that Remi really needed after losing her last two matches! If Remi can do what she did tonight, she will win the Iconic Cup for herself! It seems like Sienna Jade gets back at Cleopatra from what Cleopatra did in her match against Serena Bennett last week! It seems like these two are even, Gavin!
Gavin Kirkland: Wait until Cleopatra gets her hands on Sienna Jade! Sienna is going to rue the day that she pissed off the “Queen of the Nile”!
(Sienna Jade is on top of the ramp as she raises the Women’s World Championship above her head again. Cleopatra is leaning against the ropes with anger and intensity in her eyes, almost like she is ready for Sienna. The camera fades to the final commercial break for the evening.)
(Commercial break featuring an ad for Apex Legends.)
(As Empire returns from the final commercial break of the evening, “Surfin’” by Kid Cudi plays throughout the arena speakers, as Serena Bennett stands at the center of the ring with her Specialists Championship over her shoulder. She dances around her fabulous Blue Carpet set up for a moment before her music dies down, reaching for a microphone and preparing to address her hometown crowd.)
Serena Bennett: WHAT’S GOOD, CALIFORNIA!?
(The crowd in attendance gives Serena an unbelievably obnoxious response of cheers, excited to see the Compton, California native in the center of the ring tonight. Serena is all smiles as she soaks in the crowd reaction.)
Serena Bennett: Lemme welcome you all to the second episode of Empire’s BEST talk show segment — THE BLUE CARPET!
(Serena pauses as the crowd cheers again, impatiently and excitedly waiting for Serena’s guests to arrive.)
Serena Bennett: Now, the Empire General Manager called upon me herself to bring out four — yes, FOUR incredible guests out here tonight for y’all! And these four ladies, none one of them should be no stranger to any of y’all. And they’re going to be competing in one of the most hellacious, gruesome, trying matches that Empire has to offer — the first EVER, IMPERIAL WARFARE MATCH!
(The crowd cheers.)
Serena Bennett: So, without further ado, and so that I can finally start askin’ some questions to figure out what the hell an Imperial Warfare match is, please welcome — your Iconic Cup Finalists! Introducing first —
(Serena gestures towards the stage. The official Iconic Cup theme, “Iconic” by Poppy, has begun to play throughout the arena, the fans jeering as Remi Skyfire steps out onto the stage, and proceeds down the blue carpet.)
Serena Bennett: REMI SKYFIRE!
(Out comes Minerva to walk down the blue carpet towards the ring.)
Serena Bennett: MINERVA!
(As Minerva walks up the steel steps and onto the apron, the Vixen’s Champion and one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions steps out to the stage.)
Serena Bennett: KASSIDY HEART!
(Kassidy smiles and shakes hands with a few fans as she walks down the ramp. She barely makes it halfway down before the crowd responds with a surprisingly enthusiastic response for the final Iconic Cup qualifier on stage.)
Serena Bennett: And last, but certainly not least, KARINA-ANN!
Gavin Kirkland: Wow! What a response for the Siren Assassin! Karina-Ann just might be one of the favorites going into the Iconic Cup Finals, CJ! What do you think about that?
CJ Hana: I think Karina is finally getting a very well-deserved opportunity, despite having a rough start since joining us on Empire. Almost nobody expected Karina to come out victorious last week in her qualifying matchup, but here she is, and she’s definitely impressed the EAW Universe after taking down the former Women’s World Champion last week!
(Karina hops into the ring, joining her three Iconic Cup competitors and Serena. Luckily, Serena has upgraded her in-ring setup and has arranged for enough giant, comfy, blue, velvet chairs to ensure that her guests are comfortable. They each sit in a chair, with Serena off on one side, facing all four competitors. “Iconic” begins to die down as each woman grabs a microphone.)
Serena Bennett: I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with this — welcome, ladies! Help yourselves to a Crip-A-Cola or two! Plenty to go around — and while you get that set up, I’d like to congratulate y’all for making it to this point! Y’all should be proud of yaselves! Right?!
(Serena eggs the crowd on, and they begin to applaud and cheer for the 2019 Iconic Cup finalists. Remi Skyfire is seen struggling to open a bottle of the Crip-A-Cola she grabbed while the rest of the competitors smile.)
Serena Bennett: And I appreciate the fact that none of y’all came out here and damn near instantly started a fuckin’ fight on my show, like I got any time for that shit. But even with all that bein’ said, I gotta admit — what the hell do you think y’all are gon’ be walkin’ into when that cage comes down, that bell rings, and y’all got no choice but to slug it out for that Iconic Cup?
Karina-Ann: Well —
Kassidy Heart: I’ll start. First, let me say — thanks for having me, Serena. I appreciate your time! But what I don’t appreciate having been overlooked for all this time. And now finally, I’m starting to get the proper recognition that a double champion GOAT like me deserves! I’ve been fighting my ass off since the day I stepped foot into Elite Answers Wrestling — and yet, it took this long for me to get an opportunity like this one at the Iconic Cup. I never thought I would be so blatantly ignored and just disregarded. As if winning the Tag Team Grand Prix and dethroning the “gReAtEsT ViXeN wHo EvEr LiVed” — love you, Cleo — wasn’t enough, I have to jump through yet another one of Kendra’s brass rings. I have done everything I can to try and get myself to the top of the brand. But for whatever reason, people continue to ignore me. And you know what, that’s fine. Honestly, I was starting to accept the fact that I might never fulfill my own dream of becoming World Champion. But screw it, here we are — here I am. And I’m ready to capitalize on this opportunity.
Karina-Ann: Well, I —
Remi Skyfire: You’re just a bucket full of horseshit, aren’t you, Kassidy?
Serena Bennett: Hey, hey, watch that mouth, this a safe space —
Remi Skyfire: No! Seriously! How dare she come out here and try to say that she’s received no recognition? The Jaded Hearts are basically Kendra’s golden girls. Don’t make me laugh, Kass.
Kassidy Heart: Sorry, who are you again? Oh, wait, just another hick cunt who can’t capitalize on a damn thing. Take for example the, what, hundreds of shots you had to put down Raven Roberts? What about just last week, on Dynasty? Where you failed to win the PURE Championship after not even doing so much as lifting a finger in months — and you just get HANDED a title shot?! Unreal.
Remi Skyfire: (Remi snickers.) You know what, I’ll admit it. This Iconic Cup match is about more than just another title shot or chance to showcase myself. It’s about finding my path, the one I lost so long ago when I was just honestly trying too hard to be something I’m not. I lost myself some time ago. Now, I know this may fall on deaf ears on your ends. But don’t forget how I’ve pushed my opponents to the absolute brink, many of which weren’t able to walk away from the match afterwards, regardless of who won at the end. And just because it wasn’t me having my hand raised in victory every night, doesn’t mean that I didn’t go out there week after week and put all of myself into that ring. Can you say the same for yourself, Kassidy? You think you have as much drive as I do?
Kassidy Heart: Don’t make me laugh, Remi. As if I didn’t have to defeat three. Other. Competitors. Just to qualify for this matchup. I’m already light years ahead of the rest of you.
Serena Bennett: Thank you, ladies, now —
Minerva: You know…when did the wrestling business become full of actors, comedians and prima donnas? Was there something I missed? The culture here is…disappointing, if I do say so.
(Kassidy Heart looks at Minerva, slightly unsettled. She wiggles in her seat for a moment, attempting to move her chair further away from Minerva.)
Minerva: So brave and strong in front of the camera, so Jekyll and Hyde until the bell rings and the cage is lowered and Iconic Warfare begins — and you all come to the grim realization that you’re outmatched, realizing that the pride sweating out of your pores only led you down the valley of a shadow of death in which you can no longer come back from.
Kassidy Heart: Excuse you. I’m flawless, thank you very much, and that means I don’t sweat.
Minerva: Being “flawless” will only get you so far, Kassidy. It may have worked for you now up until this point, but know that I am not undefeated since coming to Elite Answers Wrestling by mistake. I know all there is to know about this industry and what goes on inside of this ring I have watched armies crumble, witnessed champions fall and felt foundations with a stronghold disappear without a whimper. I have seen it all, yet so arrogantly you all think you have a shot at winning. I have such wonderful horrors to show you, a peace that can only be felt through pain and agony. What I have done is create an understanding, opened the lines of communication in order to educate these people that until now have not been listening.
Karina-Ann: Minerva, you —
Remi Skyfire: Please stop talking, Minerva, or you’re going to make Kassidy’s head hurt. Poor thing has suffered through a lot of concussions, she hasn’t got the best brain —
Kassidy Heart: Oh, wow, yet another concussion joke — how original, Remi. Never heard that one before!
Serena Bennett: Y’all, I only asked one question and I barely got a straight answer from any of you. Chill out! Relax! Save that energy for the Iconic Warfare match which I STILL don’t know a damn thing about! Which one of y’all can tell me more? How about you, Karina? You awfully quiet. What do you think you can expect from a match up that’s ‘sposed to be as brutal as this one?
(The other Iconic Cup finalists turn to a visibly annoyed Karina-Ann who slowly raises the microphone to her mouth.)
Karina-Ann: The only reason I’ve yet to say anything is because —
Minerva: While most will want to prove they can out wrestle me, I rather see how much blood I can drain from you before they tell me to stop. This Iconic Warfare match will be the perfect opportunity to do so.
Remi Skyfire: (Remi scoffs.) What the hell do you know about blood and violence?
Kassidy Heart: Probably more than you. Last time you had a match that was even remotely hardcore, you had your ass handed to you by Raven Roberts.
Remi Skyfire: Don’t you dare start with me again, miss “I Had My Sweat Glands Surgically Removed So That I Never Break A Sweat” —
Serena Bennett: YO! WHAT DID I JUST TELL Y’ALL?! THIS A SAFE SPACE!
(Kassidy, Remi, Serena, and Minerva begin to yell over each other as Karina-Ann sits with her arms folded, frustrated that she’s yet to be given the chance to speak on the Blue Carpet.)
CJ Hana: I feel for Karina here, Gavin. Tonight was her chance to sell herself, build some more momentum, prove to her opponents and to the world that she belongs in this match just as much as anyone — but these girls are catty, man!
Gavin Kirkland: This is Empire, after all. I’m just mad it’s taken so long for one of them to strip down —
CJ Hana: Gavin, I really wish you’d — WOAH! MY GOD! KARINA-ANN WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! THE HOST OF THE BLUE CARPET HAS BEEN DOWNED! AND MINERVA, REMI, AND KASSIDY — FINALLY NOTICING KARINA-ANN IN THE RING WITH THEM! AND NOW THEY’RE PAYING KARINA EVERY OUNCE OF ATTENTION SHE’S BEEN LOOKING FOR! IT TOOK AN ACT OF AGGRESSION TO GET IT, BUT SHE’S GOT IT! GO KARINA! TAKE WHAT’S YOURS! AND THE CROWD IS GOING NUTTY AS ALL FOUR WOMEN BEGIN TO BRAWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!
Gavin Kirkland: BROKEN BOTTLES EVERYWHERE! SODA ALL OVER THE RING — AGAIN! GOD DAMMIT, CJ! I’M STARTING TO THINK THIS ENTIRE BLUE CARPET THING WAS A BAD IDEA!
CJ Hana: Somebody better get out here and stop this — or I don’t think that these women are going to make it to the damn Iconic Cup! If this is a preview of what that Iconic Warfare match will be like — hell, Gavin, I’m all for it! And just listen to this crowd! They can’t get enough of it! I think Kassidy might be bleeding! That, or she’s licking Remi’s blood off her chin, I can’t tell!
Gavin Kirkland: I’m scared, CJ! Now, I don’t know what to expect next week! I’m more nervous now than I was for my last STD screening. But what else can you expect from segments like these — you already knew it was going to end up in a brawl when you set it up, Serena!
(It takes quite a bit of time and more fighting than we need to see, but EAW officials and security finally make their way down to the ring where they are forced to separate and detain the four competitors. The camera focuses in on each finalist being detained in a corner of the ring by a set of EAW officials, each woman clawing away, hoping for a chance to get a piece each other. “Iconic” begins to play throughout the arena once more to close off the show.)
CJ Hana: What a way to end Empire! But unfortunately, that is all the time we have this week! The Iconic Cup is next Saturday on the EAW Network! Who will walk away with the Iconic Cup? Who will leave Albuquerque, New Mexico with the Women’s World Championship? That will all be determined! Signing off for Gavin Kirkland, I am CJ Hana! Goodnight!
(EAW logo buzzes.)
