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Empire 4/11/2019

(Camera is panning over the crowd as “Rise” by League of Legends plays to massive cheers as Raven Roberts walks out in jeans and a cropped t-shirt that reads “Ravenous”, two small bandages sit on her forehead where she was busted open the week prior. She pauses on the stage with a look of pleasant shock as she looks briefly out over the cheering crowd before walking down the ramp and climbing into the ring.)

CJ Hana: Welcome everybody to another episode of Thursday Night Empire! I’m CJ Hana–

Gavin Kirkland: And I’m Gavin Kirkland!

CJ Hana: Last week, we saw Raven fall out with the Crowe’s Nest before exploding against them and firing back. And in the aftermath, she seemed to embrace the fans as they loved seeing her split off on her own. Raven hasn’t spoken publicly or been on social all week so I guess there’s a big question right now as to where her head is and what her mindset is only one week out from challenging Sienna Jade for the Unified Women’s World Championship.

Gavin Kirkland: Does any of it really matter? Do you believe that she even stands a chance against the now Fox-Ready Sienna Jade? Our champion has everything necessary tool to lead this brand into greatness.

CJ Hana: You mean a brand new blonde hair color?

Gavin Kirkland: Is there anything more important?

(Raven is handed a microphone and goes to speak but the crowd roar up with cheers again and her words seem to catch in her throat. She smiles and laughs for a moment before wiping the corner of her eye with a single finger.)

Raven Roberts: That’s… that’s still astounding to me even a week later to hear you all cheering like this. It was almost a year ago that I turned my back on everyone and sided with the Crowe’s Nest… I gave them my everything because I’d become convinced it was the right move for my career. I was convinced that you all didn’t actually care for me so I turned my back on you before you could turn your back on me. I gave up what remained of my family, my friends… I gave up everything. And there’s a question that I’ve been asked all week long… one that I want to address. Everyone has been asking… will I apologize for my actions?

(She looks around at the crowd as they buzz with curiosity.)

Raven Roberts: No. No… I won’t apologize. And here’s why. Mistake or not, that decision and this entire last year has all been something I learned from and I don’t know if I would’ve accomplished everything I have without it. What I will do though, is thank each and every one of you for reminding me that I don’t have to be a stereotypical hateful bitch to come out here and do what I love, which is put on the best damn match each and every week. I’m not here to say that the old Raven from when I first started here is back, she’s long gone. When I first started here, I was backstage just looking to make friends and laugh and smile and joke and I was basically just a bubbly sorority girl. They say you catch more flies with honey. But I’m not here to catch flies, I’m here to win titles. And the way to win titles, is to kick every ass that stands in front of me!

(The crowd seem to enjoy that response.)

Raven Roberts: And now there’s one in particular that stands in front of me. One who always seems to be in my way when I’m finally on a path to the top. One who I know our General Manager has wanted to see stand above me and everyone else ever since the day we both walked into EAW and before… Sienna Jade.

(The crowd boos the name of the champion.)

Raven Roberts: Sienna, I don’t care who you have backing you. I don’t care who you have supporting you. Ever since December when I was screwed over, that title you wear has belonged around my waist. I’ve worked day in and day out without stopping to climb up to where I’ve gotten. I didn’t come in here with fame from REVOLT!, because I was still viewed as nothing even there. I didn’t come into EAW with hype or glory or star power. I EARNED my spot each and every match by never giving anything less that my all inside this ring. I never took it easy, even with the Crowe’s at my back. I didn’t sit on the sidelines and wait seven months for a rematch that a manager suddenly decided I deserved once she was able to create the preferable scenario for me. I’ll own the fact that I did some things and made some mistakes along the way… but I am the rightful Women’s World Champion. And at Grand Rampage… that title is coming home where it belongs.

???: WAAAAH! WAAAAH! WAAAAH!

(Camera turns to see Sienna Jade standing on the stage with the Unified Women’s World Championship over her shoulder. The crowd boos as she continues to talk.)

Sienna Jade: Poor widdle Wayven thinks that she’s da weal champion? Shut up you dumb bitch. It’s just like you to make some excuse and blame shift because you weren’t good enough to get the job done at Road to Redemption. This is your second title shot since December and you’re going to call me someone Kendra favors?

Raven Roberts: Are you actually going to call what happened at Road to Redemption a real title shot?

Sienna Jade: Yes. And you lost. Deal with it. Get a therapist if you can’t handle it. God knows you’ve probably needed one for years anyway.

Raven Roberts: Don’t worry about me, sweetie. I know the best therapy of all. Beating your bitch ass and taking that championship!

(They both lock eyes for a moment as the noise from the crowd builds. Sienna then begins to grin.)

Sienna Jade: Awwww. Poor, stupid, ugly, widdle Wayven. I think you forgot something very important here. You may have gotten rid of your back up… but I didn’t get rid of mine.

CJ Hana: KASSIDY HEART JUST BLASTED RAVEN FROM BEHIND WITH THE ICONIC CUP! SHE’S STOMPING DOWN ONTO RAVEN NOW AS ROBERTS TRIES TO COVER UP BUT NOW HERE COMES SIENNA JADE WHO SLIDES INTO THE RING AND JOINS HER PARTNER! SIENNA AND KASSIDY LAYING INTO THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER! RAVEN IS DEFENSELESS ON THE MAT NOW THEY AREN’T LETTING UP THE ASSAULT! THE CROWD IS BOOING THESE TWO BUT THEY CLEARLY DO NOT CARE!

Gavin Kirkland: AND WHY SHOULD THEY? TWO BLONDES BEATING DOWN A BRUNETTE! IT’S THE NATURAL PECKING ORDER!

CJ Hana: Now both members of the Jaded Hearts standing over their handiwork as they lift the Iconic Cup and the Women’s World Championship over their heads and smirk as they stand over Raven. They climb out of the ring and look to make their exit. Don’t forget that these two will also be defending the Unified Tag Team Championships at Grand Rampage as well so they are looking to send a strong message tonight that they are looking to remain dominant next week in Melbourne. Oh wait look!

(Sienna and Kassidy hear the crowd cheering as they turn back around to see Raven Roberts pulling herself back up to her feet with the ropes. Her face is busted back open where her stitches were.)

Gavin Kirkland: Just stay down dummy! You don’t have what it takes to handle these blonde bombshells! But Raven is now back to her feet and staring lasers at both women. Sienna and Kassidy just raise their respective prizes over their heads and Raven motions to her waist, saying that’s where the title will be once Grand Rampage is done! She drags herself over to the turnbuckle, slowly after the beatdown and stands on the turnbuckle. She raises a single fist in the air and now this idiot crowd is actually cheering for it?

CJ Hana: You bet they are! Raven is willing to go to hell and back to bring that title home! She just took a beating from two of the best here and still finds the will power to stand and lock eyes with them. She has the heart of a warrior and won’t be easily held down!

Gavin Kirkland: But like you said, she will have to get through one of the very best here in Sienna Jade to do it. And with Sienna, Kassidy Heart is always nearby. So Raven will have to keep her head about her to even stand a chance, I have to say that the bird was cooked the moment she stupidly demanded this match, let alone losing the only support she had around here!

CJ Hana: She has the support of the EAW Universe. Will that be enough? I guess we’ll have to find out at Grand Rampage!

(Shot fades with Sienna and Kassidy on the stage, Sienna with the championship held high. Raven stands on the turnbuckle with blood running down her face and onto her chest, motioning again to where the belt would sit around her waist.)

(Commercial break for the Grand Rampage LIVE on Sunday, April 20th from Melbourne, Australia!)

(We open with Maria Del Rey in the ring holding a microphone and waiting to get everyone’s attention.)

Maria Del Rey: Our next match is a Five Way Elimination match! First on they’re way to the ring…

(“Motionless” by Voices in White plays as out sprints Harlow to a mixed reaction. Harlow makes her way down the ramp as her music continues going.)

Maria Del Rey: From Christchurch, New Zealand…weighing in at 155 pounds…MISS NO FUCKS GIVEN…HARLOOOOOOW REICHERT!!!

CJ Hana: Harlow managed to defeat Celes Dumont just last week as she makes her way down for this special Grand Rampage preview bout. She is in for a bigger task as she has four women she has to survive via pin or submission in order to see who stands tall in the end!

(Harlow rolls in the ring as she poses with her arms wide and smiles as her music fades. “Flashbacks” by Emika plays as the lights go down and red and white strobe lights flash to the beat of the song and fans grow quiet.)

Maria Del Rey: On her way to the ring, from Tempe, Arizona…weighing in 135 pounds! SHE IS THE ORIGINAL SIN…JAAAAAAAEEEEEELLLLL!!!

(Jael stands on the stage, no emotion on her face, as she stares down the fans. Jael makes her way down the ramp to an overwhelmingly lukewarm reaction. Jael’s theme fades out and the lights change to a very light blue color. “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX plays as out storms Layla Lockhart to a surprisingly much louder reaction.)

Maria Del Rey: Our third contestant…FROM SALEM, OREGON…WEIGHING IN AT 113 POUNDS…THE WARRIOR PRINCESS…LAYLA LOOOOOOCKHART!!!

(Layla runs down the ramp, hi fiving fans, as they cheer her on and she rolls in to the ring.)

Gavin Kirkland: Layla suffered a one sided beating of a loss at the Iconic Cup when her former partner, Constance Blevins, essentially had her way with her. Let’s see if she can finally bounce back after that brutal loss at the FPV with a huge win here tonight on Empire!

(Layla’s music began to fade as “The Bullet” by Hyro the Hero blares out of the speakers and out comes the mask wearing Io Ishimori to the stage.)

Maria Del Rey: Our next contestant…from Osaka, Japan…weighing in at 119 pounds…”THE WINTER” IO ISHIMORI!!!

(Ishimori stood on stage and removed her mask as slid her thumb across her throat and pointed at the three women currently in the ring.)

CJ Hana: Ishimori lost to Felix Hartley at the Iconic Cup but made some big strides when her and Miho Li won two weeks ago as a tag team on Empire. Maybe that comes in handy here and they figure out a smart strategy?

(Ishimori stands ring side as her three opponents wait for her in the ring. She stands and waits as her music fades. Suddenly, Skillet’s “Feel Invincible” plays as the lights go out. A lone single circling laser spotlight hovers directly over a single spot on the stage. A trap door opens as Miho Li raises from the bottom up onto the stage to a loud, supportive pop from the crowd.

Maria Del Rey: AND OUR FINAL COMPETITOR…from Riverside, California…weighing in at 120 pounds…she is THE INVINCIBLE…MIHO LI!!!!

(She is wearing her wrestling ring gear and a long vinyl black sleeveless hoodie and sunglasses over her head. She moves in sync with the music greeting many outstretched hands from fans from across the guard rail as she jogs down the aisle to the ring.)

Gavin Kirkland: Oh god…these two look like they are linking up at ringside! Miho and Ishimori are side by side nodding as Miho removes her entrances attire and Ishimori tosses her mask to the side. They both slide in the ring and stand side by side as the ref checks in with all five women before calling for a bell.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

CJ Hana: We can see all five women motioning around the ring as Ishimori and Miho stand side by side. Layla positions herself in to a corner, Harlow is in a corner, Jael is in another corner, and Io and Miho seem to be making an alliance in their own corner. Harlow shakes her head as she steps to the center of the ring, arms raised to her side.

Gavin Kirkland: Harlow is little miss no fucks given and she’s letting it be known right here as she poses for everybody!

CJ Hana: Looks like her opponents aren’t enjoying the look as all four women charge and attack Harlow Reichert! She’s being pummeled with elbows, jabs, and forearms as she drops to her knees trying to block the bombardment. Miho and Ishimori force the other two women to back away as they assist Harlow to her feet, Irish whip her to the ropes, and both hit shoulder blocks on the fiery red head from New Zealand!

Gavin Kirkland: Oh look…the oriental women are teaming up!

CJ Hana: They look good together as they pick up Harlow again and toss her over the top rope and on to the floor as fans cheer.

Gavin Kirkland: If they do that to her in the Grand Rampage battle royal they can eliminate her but this here is a five way elimination match and because of that Felix is still in this match. Speaking of still in this match…

CJ Hana: Jael and Layla attack Ishimori and Miho as their backs are turned.

Gavin Kirkland: All four women begin to brawl towards the middle of the ring. Layla Lockhart is kicking Ishimori in the stomach while Jael is punching Miho in the torso. Jael Irish whips Miho to one turnbuckle as she crashes back first in to it. Layla Irish whips Io in to the opposite turnbuckle as she crashes in to it as well.

CJ Hana: Layla and Jael turn and begin to brawl with each other as they trade strikes before Io and Miho come charging out of their turnbuckles as they dropkick both Layla and Jael in to each other!

(Both Jael and Layla lay in the middle of the ring as Io and Miho stare each other down. They give a head nod as they stomp away at both women.)

CJ Hana: These two have clearly made an alliance as they are laying it in to Jael and Lockhart.

Gavin Kirkland: Look! Harlow is on the apron!

CJ Hana: She’s screaming at both Miho and Io as they have their attention snatched by her. Harlow seems to be angry at these two teamwork in this five-way elimination match as she stands on the apron pointing and raving.

Gavin Kirkland: I get it, two people can’t win this match and two people can’t win the Grand Rampage match!

CJ Hana: DOUBLE SUPERKICK! They send Harlow flying off the apron back to the ringside again!

Gavin Kirkland: This is not fair!

CJ Hana: Behind them, Layla is rolling in to a corner as she stays on the ground. On to her feet we see Jael, she charges and clobbers both Ishimori and Li as their backs are turned. Jael grabs both women in headlocks and drags them to the middle of the ring as she attempts the unthinkable. DOUBLE SUPLEX…NO! Io and Miho block the attempt! They break out of the headlock hold and

Gavin Kirkland: DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

CJ Hana: These two are in sync as they send Jael flat on her back to the mat! Miho and Io pick up Jael who is reeling and they both lift her up in the air together high!

Gavin Kirkland: DOUBLE MILITARY PRESS SLAM! JAEL GOES FLYING!

CJ Hana: Layla gets to her feet, she charges at Miho! RIGHT BACK AT YA!

Gavin Kirkland: NO! Miho moves! The jumping cutter fails as she flies past Miho and directly towards Ishimori.

CJ Hana: LAST DAY! The reverse STO from Ishimori sends Layla’s head bouncing off the mat! Layla rolls back towards the apron as Miho and Ishimori have cleaned house again and…

Gavin Kirkland: WAIT! JAEL IS CHARGING ISHIMORI!

CJ Hana: BICYCLE KICK–NO! IO DUCKS! Jael turns but here comes Miho! DEADLY LITTLE MIHO! THE RUNNING KICK DROPS JAEL FLAT ON HER BACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AS ISHIMORI GOES FOR THE COVER!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Maria Del Rey: JAEL HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Gavin Kirkland: THE ORIGINAL SIN IS NOW UNABLE TO WIN, AS SHE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! HELL OF A SEQUENCE FROM IO AND LI!

CJ Hana: The crowd is on their feet as Ishimori and Miho look around and see Layla behind them. She’s on the top rope as Jael is escorted out of the ring by the referee.

Gavin Kirkland: Both women turn as Layla springs off the turnbuckle.

CJ Hana: SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT! The corkscrew shooting star press hits on both women as Layla knocks them down! The high risk move may have swung momentum away from these two as Layla gets to her feet and drags Miho up to her own two feet. Layla scoops Miho up and SLAMS her on to the stomach of Ishimori who looks like that move knocked the wind out of her!

Gavin Kirkland: I’d pay good money to have Cleo get slammed in to me like that while dripping with baby oil!

CJ Hana: Ugh…you got to stop man.

Gavin Kirkland: Don’t try to change me!

CJ Hana: Any who! Layla is now firmly in control!

Gavin Kirkland: Yes she is, the White lion is white hot right now!

CJ Hana: Layla drags Ishimori to her feet as she clutches her head before positioning her in a certain way. She has her…SNAP SUPLEX ON TO MIHO! She is working on both women at the same time! Layla gets to her feet and The Warrior Princess is fired up as fans go crazy. Io and Li are on the mat in pain as Layla-

Gavin Kirkland: BEHIND HER!

CJ Hana: Harlow snuck back in and goes for a roll up!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-NO!!!

Gavin Kirkland: THE SNEAK COVER FAILS AS LAYLA KICKS OUT!

CJ Hana: Harlow rolls out of the way as Layla gets to her feet. She sees Harlow back peddling in to a ring corner as she slowly approaches her. Harlow has her hands up, trying to calm Layla down who is shaking her head. Fans are begging for Lockhart to strike as she methodically approaches Harlow who…drops down and rolls out of the ring. The fans begin to boo; Layla isn’t satisfied with this at all.

Gavin Kirkland: Like I said, this isn’t the Grand Rampage, Harlow is taking advantage of the rules as she walks away from Layla who is fuming!

CJ Hana: Harlow is laughing ring side as she shakes her head and then points to her brain. She is insinuating she is smarter than everyone else in the match as she laughs at ringside. WAIT! WHAM!

Gavin Kirkland: BASEBALL SLIDE BY LAYLA! SHE KICKS HARLOW IN THE SPOT SHE WAS POINTING AT AS REICHERT FLIES IN TO THE ANNOUNCERS TABLE!

CJ Hana: Layla is not playing around as she gets back to her feet in the ring.

Gavin Kirkland: OH NO! ISHIMORI IS BACK TO HER FEET! STANDING BEHIND LAYLA WHO ISNT AWARE…CHAOS! THE DESTINO SLAM CONNECTS AS LAYLA IS DOWN! MIHO, MIHO IS ON THE TOP ROPE!

CJ Hana: RIVERSIDE SPLASH! MY GOD! THE 720 SPLASH HITS AS MIHO GOES FOR THE COVER!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Maria Del Rey: LAYLA LOCKHART HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

CJ Hana: That’s two women down! Layla fought hard but the teamwork of Miho and Ishimori is looking amazing right now!

Gavin Kirkland: Maybe they should go after the tag titles instead of rigging matches like this by teaming up!

CJ Hana: They wouldn’t be the first team to work together in the Grand Rampage, Gavin, don’t be naïve!

Gavin Kirkland: Io and Miho look as Layla is escorted out of the ring and assisted up the ramp after that devastating 720 splash that no one has kicked out of yet! They turn as the two begin to stare each other down. FINALLY FIGHT IT OUT YOU TWO! PLEASE!

CJ Hana: It looks like you may be getting your wish. Miho extends her hand as Ishimori reciprocates and they shake in the middle of the ring. Their plan worked as they eliminated Layla Lockhart and Jael with relative ease as a tandem. After such good teamwork, both women begin to square up as they lock arms and begin to grapple. Ishimori gets a headlock on Miho and spins around a bit. Miho reverses the headlock in to a wristlock as she twists Ishimori’s arm a bit. Ishimori reverses that wristlock by smacking away Li’s hand and hooking her for an arm drag. Miho rolls through the arm drag on to her feet and charges Io and catches her with an arm drag of her own. Io gets to her feet and rushes back at Io and hits a solid dropkick as Ishimori hits the mat but manages to roll back to her feet.

Gavin Kirkland: Fast pace action as Ishimori responds to the dropkick with a spinning heel kick that cracks Miho who hits the mat hard. Miho tries to get to her feet but Ishimori lifts her up first. Miho hits her with a forearm to the chin as Ishimori backs away. Miho kicks Ishimori in the gut…

CJ Hana: NO! Io catches her foot! DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP! Miho goes flipping across the mat! Ishimori gets to her feet…

Gavin Kirkland: PAIN! HARLOW SNEAKS IN ONE MORE TIME BUT THIS TIME SHE SCOOPS ISHIMORI IN TO HER SPINNING TORTURE RACK SLAM AND TOSSES HER TO THE MAT!

CJ Hana: I hope Ishimori didn’t forget her third opponent! Ishimori rolls on the mat in pain after that vicious PAIN slam! Harlow runs over and gets Miho to her feet. She hooks her and LMFAO! THE BRAINBUSTER BY HARLOW DRIVES MIHO LI HEADFIRST IN TO REICHERT’S KNEE! HARLOW IS ON FIRE! SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

NO!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Ishimori breaks up the pin! Ishimori breaks up the cover as Io drops a solid elbow on to Harlow! Miho rolls away and on to the ring apron as Ishimori stomps away at Harlow, who tries to block the feet of The Winter!

CJ Hana: Harlow isn’t successful as Ishimori lands a few stomps before escorting Reichert to her feet. Io is looking to eliminate Harlow! CHAOS! SHE GOES FOR THE DESTINO! NO! Harlow flips Ishimori over and avoids the CHAOS finisher!

Gavin Kirkland: Ishimori lands awkwardly on her feet…

CJ Hana: Kick to the gut by Harlow…she grabs a hold of Io…FATE’S END! FATE’S END! THE KIWI CRUSHER LANDS AS ISHIMORI IS DOWN AND OUT IN THE RING! COVER!

Ref: ONE!

CJ Hana: MIHO CRAWLS IN THE RING!

Ref: TWO!!

CJ Hana: MIHO GOES TO BREAK UP THE PIN!

Ref: THREE!!!

Maria Del Rey: Io Ishimori HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!!

Gavin Kirkland: DOWN LOW, TOO SLOW! Miho can’t save her partner like she did her before!

CJ Hana: Harlow backs away from Ishimori as Miho crawls over her body and comforts the new friend she has made in this match. Ishimori is escorted out of the ring by the referee as Harlow tries to stalk Miho. Miho watches Ishimori leave as Harlow tries to charge!

Gavin Kirkland: NO! Harlow went to attack Miho, who moves out of the way! Harlow turns around. SPEAR! MIHO NEARLY TAKES HARLOW OUT OF HER SHOES WITH THAT SPEAR! COVER!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

NO!!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: KICK OUT AT THE LAST SECOND!

CJ Hana: Miho is in control now! She gets Harlow to her feet as she strikes with Muay Thai kicks to her opponent’s legs! Harlow is eating these kicks as they wear her down more and more. Miho screams and then goes running off the ring ropes and charges back at Harlow full speed and BAM! RUNNING LEG LARIAT DROPS HARLOW FLAT ON HER BACK! Miho is back to her feet as the crowd is going crazy! Miho moves over to a near by turnbuckle and climbs the ropes.

Gavin Kirkland: SHE JUST COCKED HER RIGHT FIST! She is waiting…Harlow gets up and is clearly dazed but is now backing to her feet! Harlow tries to gather herself; Reichert turns as Miho leaps off the turnbuckle.

CJ Hana: SUPER HERO LANDING! THE FLYING SUPERMAN PUNCH CONNECTS AS HARLOW DROPS LIKE A SACK OF POTATOES! MIHO LI GOES FOR THE COVER!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE

NO!!!!!!

CJ Hana: SHE KICKS OUT! That flying superman punch was almost enough but not quite because this match continues!

Gavin Kirkland: Miho looks like she could use Ishimori’s help eliminating this gal like they did with their first two opponents!

CJ Hana: Miho shakes her head as she gets to her knees while holding a hand full of her own hair. Harlow is dazed but not all the way out as she tries to gather herself once more. Miho gets to her feet and makes her way in to a ring corner as fans go crazy. Miho begins to tune it up…her finisher follows this, Gavin! Harlow is getting to her feet while dazed once again; she doesn’t see Miho behind her.

Gavin Kirkland: Miho charges…

CJ Hana: DEADLY LITTLE MIHO-OH-NO! Harlow avoids the running kick as Miho crashes and burns on the attempt! Miho tries to get back to her feet but is spun around by Harlow who throws her on her shoulders! PAIN! ANOTHER SPINNING TORTURE RACK AS HARLOW TOSSES MIHO AROUND LIKE A RAG DOLL! MIHO CRASHES TO THE MAT BUT HARLOW ISN’T DONE! HARLOW DRAGS MIHO UP TO HER FEET AND…

Gavin Kirkland: FATE’S END! FATE’S END! THE SECOND KIWI CRUSHER OF THE MATCH HITS AS MIHO CRUMBLES TO THE MAT AND HARLOW MAKES GOES FOR THE PIN!

Ref: ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Maria Del Rey: Miho Li has been ELIMINATED!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

CJ Hana: THAT’S IT! HARLOW REICHERT HAS SURVIVED THIS FIVE WAY ELIMINATION MATCH! ALL FIVE WOMEN WENT AFTER IT BUT ONLY ONE STANDS TALL!

Maria Del Rey: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…HARLOW REICHERT!!!

(The referee raises Harlow’s hand after that hellacious elimination match.)

Gavin Kirkland: Miho looked pretty good, can’t lie. Her and Ishimori together back to back that’s…that’s a scary sight! Almost as scary as how quickly Harlow went for that Fate’s End after that spinning torture rack slam! Harlow looks like she may be one of the favorites to win at Grand Rampage after a performance like that.

CJ Hana: That’s the thing with a match like The Grand Rampage battle royal, Gavin. We will see men and women look like favorites but you have to survive everybody in order to leave victorious. Harlow survived Jael, Layla Lockhart, Io Ishimori, and Miho…but can she survive the rest of Empire?

(Harlow poses proudly as Miho is escorted out the ring and “Voices” by Motionless in White plays over the speakers. The show suddenly fades to black and went to a commercial.)

(Commercial break for vegan fried chicken, sponsored by PETA.)

(We return from commercial break to find Tyler Wolfe seated on a steel chair in the center of what appears to be Kendra Shamez’s office. The fans in the arena cheer at the sight of her. Her arms are folded over her chest as she taps her foot, impatiently waiting for the Empire General Manager and an update on the Women’s Grand Rampage situation.)

(Suddenly, the door opens and in waltzes Kendra, pants suit and all. She sits in her leather chair at her desk, smiling gleefully at Tyler Wolfe, who looks rather unimpressed by Kendra’s fashionable lateness.)

Kendra Shamez: Well, I have to hand it to you, Tyler. Dr. Pierce absolutely raved on and on about you. I was shocked! Said you made some excellent progress during your anger management sessions, and that she was thoroughly impressed by your work ethic and willingness to cooperate! Forgive me, but I almost thought you couldn’t handle it. Never thought I’d see the day when Tyler Wolfe enlisted in an anger management course–and actually finished it!

Tyler Wolfe: Yep. That’s me. Happy-go-lucky, cooperative Tyler Wolfe. I was named Miss Congeniality, after all. But, uh, is that it? Can I go now? Am I in the match?

Kendra Shamez: I guess that’s all there is to it, isn’t there? It’s official, Tyler. You’re in the Women’s Grand Rampage. (Kendra pauses with a smile, and the crowd in the arena goes berserk.) You did as you were told, I’m happy, Dr. Pierce is alright, the court sure is happy, and–I guess there’s nothing else I can do to stop you from competing. Congratula–

(Before Kendra can finish her sentence, Tyler reaches across the table and forcefully grabs Kendra by the collar, much to the surprise of Kendra. As if she were a ragdoll, Tyler drags Kendra cross the table and sets her up for the (You’re) Broken Bitch right onto the steel chair Tyler was sitting on a moment ago. After the plex, Tyler gets down to the ground, kneeling in front of an unconscious Kendra Shamez, who lays on her stomach. Tyler grabs a fistfull of blonde hair, lifting Kendra’s head up so that Tyler can speak directly to her face.)

Tyler Wolfe: After everything I’ve been through, I am sick and tired of putting in the work week after week and getting ignored. I deserve a chance in the Grand Rampage. I am going to compete in front of my home crowd and I am going to throw bitches over the top rope and be the last woman standing. Because I’ve earned this chance–with or without your little anger management class, I’ve more than earned my fucking keep here, Kendra. I didn’t fight my heart out for an entire year to end up without a spot in this match. I refuse to be one of the women who are left out of this match. If there’s one thing you learned from this, Kendra, it’s that you can never holster the walking weapon–no matter how fucking hard you try.

(Tyler releases the grip she held on Kendra’s hair, dropping her head on the ground. Tyler stands tall and steps over Kendra’s unconscious body, exiting the office and slamming the door behind her. The camera cuts back to the ring.)

(We cut to ringside where “Canon Rock” by Jerry C plays as La Halcon walks onto the stage wearing a feathered floored length cape that matches her entrance attire. The fans emerge with loud cheers while she makes her way down the ramp giving out high-fives)

Maria Del Rey: This match is scheduled for one fall! Entering first, residing from Somerset Kentucky and weighing in at 162 POUNDS…. LAAAAA HAAALLLLCCOOONNNN!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Here comes one of the EAW’s newest acquisitions since last November, La Halcon. I have to say that she’s turning out to become fully well-rounded so far.

CJ Hana: Honestly, there’s one thing you have to point out about La Halcon and it’s her submission ability but she certainly has some work cut out for her tonight with having to face a former Specialist Champion.

(“Roll With Me” by Charli XCX interrupts through the speakers as the crowd explodes with a huge ovation as Andrea Valentine makes her way onto the stage with a large smile upon her face)

Maria Del Rey: And her opponent…hailing from Orlando, Florida and weighing at 110 POUNDSSS…. ANNNNDDDDDDDRRRREEEEEAAAAAA VVVAAAAALLLLEEEEENNNNNTTTTTINNNNEEEE!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Oh my… I just love me some Andrea! She’s looking smokin’ hot as always. I just might start clapping my hands along with these fans.

CJ Hana: Come on, Gavin… Who’s it going to be? Cleo or Andrea? You can’t have both!

Gavin Kirkland: Who says I can’t? :mjpls:

CJ Hana: Anywho.. It’s always great seeing the heart of Empire making her presence known as she will likely be prepared to win the new Women’s Grand Rampage.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Gavin Kirkland: I just noticed… EAW needs more blonde women on Empire! I just can’t help staring at Andrea–oh my god, she’s waving at me.

CJ Hana: Gavin, please, pay attention to the match!

Gavin Kirkland: I am paying attention! Who’s wouldn’t be paying attention right now when you have an angel standing right before us?

CJ Hana: :hhh: Well, this match has been started and these two ladies are prepared to lock up as Andrea uses her side hip that hits La Halcon in the stomach! And now Andrea with a irish whip to the turnbuckle as she charges for a clothesline that connects! Next, she swings La Halcon to the opposite turnbuckle but La Halcon reverses and Andrea goes flying into the turnbuckle herself!

Gavin Kirkland: Andrea bounces off the turnbuckle right into La Halcon’s arms for a Belly to Belly suplex as Andrea goes crashing down hard onto the mat! And now a quick cover by La Halcon!!

Referee: ONE!! TWO!!!

CJ Hana: Kickout at two by Andrea! It would definitely raise some eyebrows if La Halcon is able to defeat Andrea here tonight just ahead of Grand Rampage as she gets back on top of Andrea! Left kick! right kick! La Halcon is stomping Andrea while she’s down on the mat but grabs her by the hair and now grabs her for a German suplex! It connects as Andrea is back on the canvas!
Gavin Kirkland: La Halcon is doing a well job but she’s got to do more if she’s going to take down one of the strongest hearts in Empire history! Halcon is now sizing Andrea up, waiting for her to stand up! I think she’s about to shoot for the superkick but Andrea is able to catch her leg and she turns it into a wheel kick that knocks Halcon onto the ground. Not for long though as Halcon quickly rises back onto her feet but Andrea turns for a roundhouse kick that knocks Halcon back onto the ground!

CJ Hana: Halcon is laid out by Andrea but she isn’t finished as Andrea starts climbing up the top turnbuckle! Andrea is an all-around athlete which always amazes me that she can do it all…right now she’s about to attempt a suicidal maneuver as she awaits for Halcon to pop back up and soon as she does it, Andrea flies off for the hurricanrana!!! THE HURRICANRANA CONNECTS AS HALCON PLANTS HER BACK ONTO THE CANVAS AND HERE’S A COVER BY ANDREA!! THIS COULD BE IT!!!

Referee: ONE!! TWO!!

Gavin Kirkland: Kickout at two! Halcon is still in this match but Andrea has the upper hand right now as she grabs her back up and HERE–HALCON WITH A QUICK UPPERCUT THAT KNOCKS ANDREA BACKWARDS!! WOW!! THAT WAS A LOUD MOVE!!

CJ Hana: Surely, it was as Andrea goes back into the ring ropes and La Halcon CHARGES right after her and hits a clothesline causing both women to fall outside of the ring! Both land hard onto the floor but La Halcon is up first and she comes running at Andrea again! BUT ANDREA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AND RUNS DIRECTLY INTO THE RING POST!

Gavin Kirkland: OUCH! THAT HAD TO HURT! AND NOW ANDREA WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE JAW OF HALCON KNOCKING HER ONTO THE RING STEPS!

CJ Hana: Andrea is looking pretty good here tonight as she folds La Halcon back into the ring and goes for another quick cover!

Referee: ONE!! TWO!! THRE–

Gavin Kirkland: Kickout by La Halcon! I thought it was all over right there but La Halcon is managing to stay in it as Andrea grabs and lifts but up again bu–WAIT A SECOND, LA HALCON AT THE LAST SECOND WITH A HIP TOSS AND TURNS INTO INTO AN ARMBAR SUBMISSION HOLD!! SHE’S ABOUT TO SNAP MY LOVE’S ARMS!! JESUS NO!!

CJ Hana: LA HALCON HAS THAT HOLD IN TIGHTLY ON ANDREA AND I THINK SHE’S ABOUT TO TAP! WHAT A HUGE UPSET HERE TONIGHT!!

Gavin Kirkland: Never count my love life out! Andrea is fighting back!! She quickly crawls to the nearest ropes and breaks up the submission but La Halcon is holding onto her arm. She better be careful before the referee disqualifies her! I think she’s not letting go!

CJ Hana: Finally she lets go after some convincing as Andrea gets back onto feet holding onto her arm and now La Halcon rushes her again and arm-drag takedown!! SHE HAS ANDREA BACK AGAIN INTO THE ARM–NO!! ANDREA IS ABLE TO COUNTER IT AS SHE PUSHES LA HALCON AWAY FROM HER!! BUT LA HALCON REMAINS PERSISTENT!! SHE COMES BACK AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IS ME WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST!

Gavin Kirkland: A SPINNING BACK FIST!! THAT WAS A QUICK MOVE! BUT LA HALCON DOESN’T FEEL TOO MUCH FAZED AS SHE GRABS ANDREA AND HITS ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX!!! ANDREA LANDS ON HER BACK ONCE AGAIN FROM THAT MOVE!!

CJ Hana: And now I think La Halcon is setting up for the finish as she drags Andrea closer to the turnbuckle and she climbs up the ropes!! LA HALCON IS LOOKING FOR THE FINISH HERE!! SHE’S ABOUT TO GO FOR THE DOUBLE ROTATION MOONSAULT!! ALSO KNOWN AS LIMITLESS!! ANDREA IS IN DEEP TROUBLE RIGHT NOW AS SHE HOLDS ONTO HER ARM ON THE GROUND!

Gavin Kirkland: HERE IT COMES!!! BUT NOBODY’S HOME!!! ANDREA IS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND WHILE LA HALCON IS HURTING IN DEEP AGONY AFTER THAT MISS!!

CJ Hana: La Halcon definitely missed that opportunity and Andrea is back onto her feet now as she eyes La Halcon and she goes right after her but wait a second! Quick roll up by La Halcon! She may have it!

Referee: ONE!! TWO!! THREE!!

CJ Hana: NO!! ANDREA KICKS OUT JUST BEFORE THREE!! THIS MATCH IS STILL ALIVE!! La Halcon almost pulled it off as she rolls back onto her feet while holding onto her stomach… SHE’S SIZING ANDREA UP AGAIN AND GRABS THAT DAMAGED ARM FOR ANOTHER ARMDRA–ANDREA WITH THE COUNTER!! XOXO!!

Gavin Kirkland: MY QUEEN IS ABLE TO COUNTER THE ARM-DRAG INTO THE XOXO!!! AND LA HALCON GOES STUMBLING! ANDREA PUSHES LA HALCON TO THE TURNBUCKLE BUT LA HALCON IS ABLE TO JUMP ON THEM AS SHE FLIES OFF BACKWARDS FOR THE CANNONBALL SENTON!!! FALLING RIGHT ON TOP OF ANDREA!!

CJ Hana: WHAT A MOVE THAT WAS GIVEN TO HER BY THE FALLEN REMI SKYFIRE! BUT WHO IS ALSO A FORMER SPECIALIST CHAMPION! AND LA HALCON GOES FOR ANOTHER COVER!! THIS COULD BE IT!!

Referee: ONE!! TWO!!

Gavin Kirkland: NO!! Andrea is able to kick out again and Halcon can’t believe it! She thought that could be the final straw but Andrea has the biggest heart for a reason. It’s going to take a lot more than that to put her out as Halcon grabs Andrea by the arm and yanks it backwards! I think she’s going to attempt the armbar again!

CJ Hana: BUT A HIP TOSS BY ANDREA!! HALCON POPS BACK UP BUT SHE’S MET WITH A KICK TO GROIN AREA AS LOVE HAZE!!! LOVE HAZE!!! LOVE HAZE CONNECTS AS ANDREA CONNECTS WITH THE RUNNING CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER AND LA HALCON IS DOWN AND OUT!! HERE’S THE COVER!!
Referee: ONE!! TWO!! THREE!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

(“Roll With Me” by Charli XCX plays again as Andrea lifts herself back up with her hands held high in the air)

Maria Del Rey: Here’s your winner of the match… ANDDDDREEEAAAA VAAAALLLLEEENNNNTTTINNNEEEE!!!

Gavin Kirkland: YAY!! MY LOVE DID IT!! NOW I HAVE TWO FAVORITES TO WIN THE GRAND RAMPAGE! CLEO AND ANDREA!

CJ Hana: Please stop. This was a really good performance by La Halcon but it shows her that it’s going to take a lot more to beat Andrea Valentine as she heads into Grand Rampage with some momentum behind her.

(We cut backstage to find Serena Bennett pacing back and forth in the Empire locker room, obviously frustrated and impatient as the crowd cheers to see the former Specialists Champion on screen. She walks back and forth in her locker room for a few seconds, mumbling curse words under her breath until there’s a knock and the sound of a door opening and slamming shut.)

(Serena stops pacing in her tracks as SOSA Henderson steps into the camera frame, accompanied by boos from the crowd.)

SOSA Henderson: Wassup? You called me?

Serena Bennett: Babe, I need your help. I thought I’d be good, but after watchin’ that bitch parade around here, not a scratch on her–I’m fuckin’ livid. I need you to calm me down.

SOSA Henderson: But–there’s cameras in here, baby. You sure you want me to do it? Here? Right now?!

Serena Bennett: That’s not what I’m talkin’ about right now! Fuck!

SOSA Henderson: Oh. Um. Right. Of course not, alright–but then what the hell you call me over for, if not for that?!

Serena Bennett: I need you to talk some sense into me before I lose my goddamn mind and murder that cheeto face bitch. Stickin’ her nose into any and everybody’s business ‘cause she has no other way to bring attention to herself. Walkin’ around this place like she’s doing a single fucking thing for her career, and then fuckin’ with me of all people like I’m not gonna end her fucking life. I’m not tryna lose my job, she ain’t worth the trouble–but I’m just so fuckin’ pissed off, Rob–

SOSA Henderson: Serena, that was a whole ass week ago–

Serena Bennett: I don’t give a shit! That was still my championship, my title, the one I carried for two whole months. I put all that hard work in, just to have my reign ended over some dumb shit. You tellin’ me you wouldn’t be mad as hell if you had something like this stolen from you? And the fact that I have to wait until AFTER the fucking Grand Rampage to get my goddamn rematch?! I can’t even think straight right now. How the fuck am I supposed to keep my cool when that oompa loompa walking around, unscathed, untouched. I swear to god, if she so much as looks my way again, it’s over for the entire locker room–

(SOSA places his hands on each of Serena’s shoulders, holding her still to stop her from continuing to ramble.)

SOSA Henderson: Breathe, Serena. You’ll be iight. I know you, and you’re gonna come back from this, don’t worry about it. You’ll getcha rematch when the time comes, but right now, you got other, bigger, more important things to focus on. You gotta keep your head straight.

Serena Bennett: Fuck I got to focus on? All I can think about is the moment I get to ring that bitch’s neck–

SOSA Henderson: Try and look at this from a different perspective. You not the Specialists Champion anymore–

Serena Bennett: Don’t fucking remind me!

SOSA Henderson: Chill–I’m just saying, now, you can set your sights on the Women’s Grand Rampage. (The fans in the arena cheer as SOSA mentions the Grand Rampage. He smiles.) See that? In a weird way, Felix interfering in that match was a blessing in disguise.

Serena Bennett: The fuck did you just say?

SOSA Henderson: Redirect that energy. That’s what you taught me, isn’t it? There is no doubt in my mind that you’re headed straight to the top. If you thought that Specialists title glow was something, just wait until you see what happens when you beat the twenty other woman in that rampage. Straight to the main event at Pain for Pride. I know you can do it, love.

Serena Bennett: Shit, you know what? You absolutely right. Fuck Felix Hartley, Fuck Consuela Rose Ava, them itty bitty bitches don’t mean nothing to me. I’m puttin’ that Specialists Championship on the back burner, you know why? ‘Cause my name is Bennett, and I’m in that Women’s Grand Rampage, and I’m in it to win the whole damn thing.

(The fans in the arena cheer at Serena’s confirmation of her participation in the Women’s Grand Rampage.)

Serena Bennett: And as long as I know that you believe in me, boo, there’s nothing that can stop me. Hell, I made the Specialists Title, after all, didn’t I?!

SOSA Henderson: Hell yeah. Sure did.

Serena Bennett: And I’ma do the exact same for the Women’s World Championship. I’ma continue to chase my dream, catch all my goals–and the Grand Rampage is next on the fuckin’ list. I’m on some other shit that they ain’t never seen before, no matter how bad they wanna see me fall, I’ma go straight to the top, ya digg?

(SOSA gives Serena a high five, then pulls her in for a hug in the same motion. The camera fades elsewhere as the couple embraces.)

(“Rainmaker” by Dillon Speakers plays through the speakers as Karina-Ann and Celes Dumont step from the curtain and stand on top of the ramp. Fatal Destiny is trash talking to the crowd before making their way down the ramp.)

Maria Del Rey: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL —

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Maria Del Rey: — Introducing first, they are the team of Celes Dumont and Karina-Ann…FATAL DESTINNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!

Gavin Kirkland: We are in the presence of the lovely Karina-Ann! Looking as blonde and beautiful as ever. Right behind her is that thing that I wish not to notice for the time being! These two would love to find themselves in title contention for the tag titles in the future! I would love to see Karina-Ann win Grand Rampage? Honestly, I would love for a blonde to win, but I’m trying not to be greedy, CJ!

CJ Hana: Let’s not count out Celes Dumont, Gavin! She put on a great showing against Harlow Reichert last week in a No Disqualification Match! Despite losing, Celes just showed how far she was going to go for a victory. This could translate well in the Women’s Grand Rampage Match!

(“Chun-Li” by Nicki Minaj replaces “Rainmaker” as the crowd delivers a mixed reaction as Felix Hartley walks out from the curtain. She pays attention to the fans, who seem to be booing her more than cheering her, but Felix is not phased by that whatsoever.)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing their opponents, first from Las Vegas, Nevada, she is “Ass Class & Sass”…FEEEEELLLLLIIIIXXXXXXX HAAARRRRTTTLLLEEEEEYYYYYYYYY!!

Gavin Kirkland: THIS MATCH JUST GOT A LOT HOTTER, CJ! FELIX HARTLEY IS ON OUR PRESENCE! LET ME GET MY JERGINS!

CJ Hana: YOU ARE NOT DOING THAT S*IT THIS WEEK, GAVIN! PUT IT AWAY!

Gavin Kirkland: I hate life. :mjcry:

CJ Hana: Felix Hartley would love nothing more than to continue her winning streak alive. She made her presence knowing during the Specialists Championship Match against then-Specialists Champion, Serena Bennett and a returning Consuela Rose Ava! Felix could be seen as a reason why Serena is no longer champion!

Gavin Kirkland: She just wanted to see the match up close. Nothing wrong with that, CJ!

(“We Appreciate Power” by Grimes replaces “Chun-Li” as the crowd gives a standing ovation as the new Specialists Champion, Consuela Rose Ava walks out with the Specialists Championship on her shoulder as she is seen tagging the hands of the fans before meeting with Felix Hartley on the bottom of the ramp.)

Maria Del Rey: Introducing her partner, from Frias, Spain, she is the ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING SPECIALISTS CHAMPION… “The Perfectionist”…COOOONNNNSUUUUEEEELLLLLLLAAAAA ROOOOOOOSSSSSSEEEEE AVVVVVVAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

CJ Hana: What a wonderful way to return to Empire by winning the Specialists Champion! No one expected for Consuela Rose Ava to return and win a championship on her first match back, but it just made the landscape of Empire a lot interesting!

Gavin Kirkland: May not be a blonde, but she’s an Ava, so she has that going for her. I’m just happy that she took that Specialists Championship off Serena Bennett! Was getting sick and tired of Serena as champion!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

CJ Hana: Consuela Rose Ava and Karina-Ann start this match off for their respective teams! The two women go for the collar-and-elbow tie up! Consuela seems to have a strength advantage as she manages to push Karina-Ann back into the corner! She holds her there for a moment before getting her hands up and backing away from Karina-Ann! Karina-Ann tries to process the situation ahead of her before launching at Consuela and locking it up again! Consuela manages to go for a waist lock before slamming Karina-Ann stomach first against the mat! Consuela does a bit of mat wrestling before getting Karina-Ann back up a bit before going for a headlock, but Karina-Ann manages to push Consuela to the ropes, Consuela rebounds from those ropes to connect with a flying clothesline onto Karina-Ann as she goes down! Karina-Ann gets back up as she connects with another flying clothesline as that sends Karina-Ann down again! Karina starts getting back up again as Consuela connects with a calf kick, which sends “The Siren Assassin” down to her knees! Consuela takes a few steps back before running and connecting with a low dropkick on Karina-Ann as she goes for a cover!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOONE!!

Gavin Kirkland: The beautiful and blonde Karina-Ann manages to kick out at one! It is difficult to keep a blonde down, CJ! Karina-Ann will be no different from the others! I got no issues with Consuela, but if she were a blonde, I would stan for her! I’m just waiting for the arrival of the ravishing and red-haired Felix Hartley! Consuela gets on top of Karina-Ann before throwing some punches towards her face! Consuela gets Karina-Ann by her hair as she takes her over to Felix Hartley! Consuela has her hands for Felix to tag, but Consuela was a maid, so who knows what she has touched while cleaning, so Felix just tags Consuela’s shoulder, which makes her the legal woman in this match! NOW, THIS IS GONNA BE ONE SEXY MATCH, CJ! I GOT MY JERGINS READY AND I DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU SAY! FELIX GETS KARINA-ANN BY HER CHIN BEFORE DELIVERING A VICIOUS SLAP ACROSS HER CHECK! KARINA-ANN IS HOLDING HER CHEEK! THAT MUST HAVE STUNG! THE SLAP WAS ENOUGH TO MAKE KARINA-ANN STUMBLE TO HER SIDE, BUT FELIX MANAGES TO STAY ON THE OFFENSE BY CONNECTING WITH A MULE KICK THAT SENDS KARINA-ANN TO HER BACK! NOW, LOOK AT THIS! FELIX HAS HER ARMS OUT OF THE OPEN IN CONFIDENCE! THE CROWD MAY NOT LIKE KARINA-ANN, BUT THEY HATE FELIX HARTLEY! THIS WOMAN DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT HER! SHE KNOWS WHAT PISSES YOU OFF AND SHE IS GONNA CONTINUE AT IT!

CJ Hana: Felix Hartley gets Karina-Ann by her hair before throwing her against the turnbuckle! She gets her foot and extends it, so that she is pressing against the throat of Karina-Ann! Felix holds it there for a second as it seems like the official of the match, Marti Solo, begins her count!

Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! THAT’S ENOUGH, FELIX!

CJ Hana: Felix Hartley rolls her eyes in response, but she gets her foot off of Karina-Ann’s throat! Karina-Ann is holding onto her throat, but Felix gets Karina-Ann by the hand that she isn’t using to hold onto her throat before delivering an Irish whip onto another corner! Felix decides to run as she connects with a hesitation dropkick that sends Karina-Ann stumbling forward! Felix follows that up by a Busaiku knee to Karina-Ann! Karina-Ann drops down like a sack of potatoes! Things are not looking so good for the Fatal Destiny side! Meanwhile, Celes Dumont is trying to rally on her partner! Felix gets Karina-Ann by her hair again as she gets her in a seated position as Felix begins to connect with some knees to the side of Karina-Ann’s head! The more knees that Felix delivers to Karina-Ann, the more it seems to rally Celes up! Celes is trying to extend her hand out! She would love nothing more than to take part of this match! Felix gets Karina-Ann back to her feet! It seems like Felix is delivering a bit of trash talk to Karina-Ann; however, the audio is not picking it up! But, Karina-Ann manages to use her strength to deliver a huge slap across Felix Hartley’s cheek! Felix stumbles back before Karina-Ann quickly goes to her corner and tags in Celes Dumont into this match!

Gavin Kirkland: GET THAT THING AWAY FROM FELIX! CELES DUMONT GOES RIGHT AFTER FELIX HARTLEY WITH SPEAR! CELES BEGINS TO THROW A SERIES OF PUNCHES TOWARD FELIX’S FACE! NOT HER FACE! FELIX KNOWS THAT HER FACE IS MONEY! FELIX KNOWS THAT WITHOUT HER FACE! SHE WILL NEVER STAR IN BLOCKBUSTER MOVES! CELES GETS FELIX HARTLEY BY HER HAIR AND THROWS HER AGAINST THE CORNER! CELES BEGINS TO STOMP ON FELIX’S STOMACH! FELIX EVENTUALLY FINDS HERSELF IN A SEATED POSITION AT THE CORNER BEFORE TAKING A STEP BACK BEFORE CONNECTING WITH SOME DOUBLE KNEES TO FELIX! Felix’s head goes back! Celes gets Felix in position before connecting with a snap suplex! Felix is clutching to her lower back in pain, but if Celes wants SOME sort of chance of surviving Felix, she needs to keep this up! Celes gets Felix into a standing position before beginning to connect with a series of knee strikes to Felix’s back! Now, Celes has applied the rolling guillotine choke on Felix! That was an interesting transition, but it seemed to be effective on her part! Felix is trying to extend her arms out, but seems seems to be pretty far from the ropes! Celes continues to have a grasp on Felix! Celes has proven to be a great submission specialists! She knows how to counter to a submission hold at any given moment! This is what makes this thing so scary at the same time!

CJ Hana: Felix Hartley seems to be in trouble at this moment! Consuela Rose Ava is at the corner! She spent a few moments in the ring around the beginning of the match, but she is more than dying to get back into the ring! Felix is trying to muster up some strength as she is slowly rising back to her feet! It seems like she is holding Celes Dumont as she tries her best to maintain the submission hold, but Felix is not going to give up too soon! She has been undefeated on Empire so far, the last thing that she needs to do is lose right before Grand Rampage! FELIX GETS BACK TO HER FEET — EXPLODER SUPLEX ON CELES! FELIX WITH AN AMAZING COUNTER AS SHE STILL FINDS HERSELF IN THIS MATCH! CELES RISES BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE RUNS TOWARDS FELIX, BUT FELIX CONNECTS BUSAIKU KNEE! SHE MANAGED TO CONNECT THIS MOVE ON KARINA-ANN EARLIER IN THIS MATCH! CELES DUMONT DROPS TO THE GROUND AS FELIX TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAG IN THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION BACK INTO THIS MATCH! This is Consuela Rose Ava’s second appearance in this match as she continues finish off that Felix left off at! Celes manages to make it back to here feet, but Consuela goes after her with a roundhouse kick as she drops Celes to the ground! Celes manages to roll herself out of the ring as she manages to hold her neck in pain!

Gavin Kirkland: CONSUELA ROSE AVA LOOKS AT THE ROPES BEHIND HER BEFORE RUNNING TOWARDS HER, REBOUNDING OFF OF THEM BEFORE CONNECTING WITH TOPÉ CONSUELA HILO, HER VERSION OF THE TOPÉ CON HILO AS SHE MANAGES TO LAND ON CELES DUMONT ON THE OUTSIDE! KARINA-ANN GETS OFF THE FATAL DESTINY’S CORNER BEFORE PUSHING CONSUELA DOWN TO THE GROUND! KARINA-ANN BEGINS TO STOMP ON CONSUELA’S STOMACH AS SHE IS ON HER BACK! KARINA-ANN GETS CONSUELA BY HER HAIR BEFORE WHIPPING HER AGAINST THE BARRICADE! KARINA-ANN TURNS TO HER SIDE AS SHE IS MET WITH A HUGE BIG BOOT BY FELIX HARTLEY! I LOVE IT WHEN SHE HELPS THE NEEDY, CJ! CELES DUMONT RISES BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE ATTACK ON CONSUELA BY HER TAG TEAM PARTNER! Celes rolls Consuela underneath the bottom rope and inside the ring! Celes slides herself underneath the bottom rope as well! Celes begins to throw some punches on Consuela’s back as she makes it to an all fours position! Celes is trying to weaken Consuela down before getting the Specialists Champion in a headlock! Celes has Consuela in position before connecting with a fisherman’s suplex! Consuela is on her back as it seems like Celes is looking forward to ending this match as soon as possible!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

CJ Hana: Consuela Rose Ava kicks out! Celes Dumont seems a little frustrated, but she gets Consuela by her right leg! It seems like Celes is going for another submission move in this match as she manages to apply the Tequila Sunrise on her! CONSUELA IS YELLING OUT IN PAIN! HER BODY IS SHIFTED TOWARDS FELIX HARTLEY AT THEIR CORNER! FELIX IS YELLING FOR CONSUELA NOT TO TAP OUT AND COST HER TEAM THE VICTORY! FELIX HAS A PERFECT RECORD SOMETIMES AND CONSUELA HASN’T BEEN KNOWN FOR HER PERFECT RECORD UNTIL LAST WEEK, SO CONSUELA HAS A LOT TO PROVE IN HERSELF AS WELL! CONSUELA IS TRYING TO REACH FOR THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT CELES IS DOING A GREAT JOB OF DISTANCING CONSUELA FROM THE BOTTOM ROPE! THAT IS THE LAST THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR CELES, BUT CONSUELA WON THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP AND KEPT GOING BECAUSE OF HER DETERMINATION AND DRIVE TO BE THE BEST ON THIS BRAND! CONSUELA IS DRAGGING HERSELF TO THE BOTTOM ROPE! SHE IS DOING HER BEST TO IGNORE THE PAIN AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! CONSUELA IS ALMOST THERE AS SHE CLUTCHES ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! CELES NEEDS TO RELEASE THE HOLD!

Marti Solo: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! LET GO, CELES!

Gavin Kirkland: THAT THING RELEASES THE HOLD! CONSUELA ROSE AVA IS CLUTCHING ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE FOR A MOMENT! THE OFFICIAL IS DEALING WITH CELES DUMONT…FELIX HARTLEY GETS CONSUELA BACK UP TO HER FEET AND BACK TO THEIR CORNER! THE OFFICIAL DID NOT SEE THAT COMING, BUT KARINA-ANN IS YELLING AT THE OFFICIAL TO TURN HERSELF AROUND AND SEE WHAT FELIX DID? I THINK THAT IS PERFECTLY LEGAL, IT’S NOT LIKE SHE WAS ATTACKING CELES BEHIND THE OFFICIAL’S BACK. BESIDES, FELIX GETS A PASS BECAUSE SHE HOT AND FOX READY! The official turns herself around and in perfect timing, Felix tags Consuela on the shoulder to allow herself into the match! Karina-Ann seems to be fired up at the moment! She wants to face Felix Hartley! I am all in for this hot action, so I have no issue with that! Celes tags in Karina-Ann into this match! Karina-Ann’s second appearance in this match as she is more than looking forward to bring the fight to Felix! THE TWO BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THIS MATCH ARE IN THE RING AS THEY ARE TRADING SHOTS AT ONE ANOTHER! FELIX GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT KARINA-ANN DUCKS AND CONNECTS WITH A CALF KICK THAT MAKES FELIX HOLD ONTO HER STOMACH! KARINA-ANN REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES BEFORE JUMPING TOWARDS CONSUELA AND CONNECTING WITH A GUILLOTINE DDT! KARINA-ANN GOES FOR THE COVER!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

CJ Hana: Felix Hartley kicks out at two! Consuela Rose Ava is looking at her partner, hoping that she finds a way to pull this off! Karina-Ann gets Felix back to her feet before whipping her towards the corner! Karina-Ann connects with a corner high spin kick as that takes Felix back to the corner when she tried step away from it! Karina-Ann begins to stomp on Felix’s stomach at the corner! Felix sits on the middle row of the turnbuckle! Karina-Ann connects with a snapmare on Felix before following that up with a shoot kick! Karina-Ann connects with another shoot kick! And another one! And another one! And another one! Karina-Ann gets in front of Felix before connecting with a spinning heel kick that takes Felix to her back! Karina-Ann is gesturing for the end of this match! She is more than looking forward to ending this match! GIVING FELIX HARTLEY HER FIRST LOSS WILL BE IMPRESSIVE! KARINA-ANN GETS FELIX UP TO HER FEET AND IN POSITION — KARINA-CRUSH, THE MODIFIED REVERSE LEG DROP AS SHE GOES FOR THE COVER! THIS COULD BE OVER, GAVIN!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THR—

Gavin Kirkland: Consuela Rose Ava breaks up the pin! Celes Dumont gets back inside the ring as she connects with the Devil Trigger, the high impact roundhouse kick on Consuela! Consuela goes down as she rolls herself out of the ring! Celes goes right after Consuela with a forearm, but Consuela is able to duck the forearm before connecting with a series of side hand chops to Celes’ chest! Consuela backs Celes a bit before getting Celes by the arm and whips her to the ring post! Celes counters the whip, but Consuela manages to stop herself as Celes goes right after Consuela with a clothesline, but Consuela manages to duck the clothesline before getting Celes by her head and throwing her head first against the ring post! Celes is down as Consuela gets back to her corner! She is trying to get Felix to tag her into the match! Karina-Ann is down as Felix jumps and tags in Consuela back into the match! The Specialists Champion is back in this match! She hops over the apron as she goes right after Karina-Ann with a flying clothesline! Consuela follows that up with a calf kick before rebounding off the ropes before connecting with crossbody! Karina-Ann manages to catch Consuela before throwing her over her head! Consuela finds herself on her knees before Karina-Ann follows that up with a superkick! Karina-Ann goes for the cover!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

CJ Hana: KARINA-ANN IS STILL IN THIS! MEANWHILE OUTSIDE OF THE RING, FELIX HARTLEY NOTICES THAT CELES DUMONT IS GETTING BACK TO HER FEET, BUT FELIX RUNS AFTER CELES BY CONNECTING WITH ASS, CLASS & SASS, THE TILT-A-WHIRL HEADSCISSORS AS CELES LANDS ON THE STEEL STEPS! MEANWHILE, CONSUELA AND KARINA-ANN ARE THE ONLY LEGAL WOMEN IN THE RING! KARINA-ANN WAS LOOKING AT THE MESS THAT WAS HAPPENING OUTSIDE OF THE RING! CONSUELA IS GETTING BACK TO HER FEET AS KARINA-ANN TURNS HERSELF AROUND — RODILLA DE LA MUERTE! THE RUNNING KNEE STRIKE ON KARINA-ANN! CONSUELA GOES FOR THE COVER!

Marti Solo: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

(“We Appreciate Power” as Consuela Rose Ava gets on her knees as Karina-Ann rolls herself out of the ring to recover ringside. Felix Hartley gets back into the ring to get her arm raised in victory. Consuela stands on the other side of the ring as the official raises their hands in victory.)

Maria Del Rey: THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH…THE TEAM OF FELIX HARTLEY AND THE ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING SPECIALISTS CHAMPION, CONSUELA ROSE AVA!

Gavin Kirkland: YASSSSSSSSS!! The ravishing and red-haired Felix Hartley keeps her winning streak alive going into the match! For the second week in a row, you can say that Felix helped Consuela out, so that Consuela can capitalize and win the match! But, you cannot count out Consuela, who has been good in taking advantage of this opportunities!

CJ Hana: Fatal Destiny really held themselves together going up against a rising talent in Felix Hartley and a Specialists Champion in Consuela Rose Ava! However, it seemed like these crafty individuals pulled out all the stops to win this match!

Felix Hartley (off-mic): You’re welcome…again.

(After saying that, Felix Hartley flips her beautiful red hair before exiting the ring with almost a sway in her step. Felix was referring to helping out Consuela Rose Ava with Serena Bennett last week and helping keep Celes Dumont down this week, but Consuela chuckled as resumes her celebration in the ring. Consuela raises the Specialists Championship high in the air.)

(Commercial break for a gambling addiction hotline featuring Kassidy Heart and Jack Ripley.)

(Empire returns from commercial and picks up in the trainer’s area, where Miho Li is seen receiving medical some attention from the physical trainers. The fans in the arena cheer as they see Miho in the frame.)

(A moment later, Io Ishimori steps into the frame, the fans cheering again for the Ice Goddess. She has her hands on her hips and a wide smile on her face.)

Io Ishimori: Amazing work out there earlier, Miho. I swore you almost had it.

Miho Li: Thank you. It was good to know that someone had my back out there, even if it didn’t work out so well in the end.

Io Ishimori: It was comforting, wasn’t it? Having someone to fight by your side, someone you can count on…and you know, the Women’s Grand Rampage is coming up next weekend. And I may have a proposal for you.

Miho Li: I’d love to hear it!

Io Ishimori: The Grand Rampage is sure to be one hell of a match, and I know that you and I both could probably use the help. What do you say about an alliance? You can’t deny the chemistry we had out there, and I think we should stick together. I don’t think I experienced anything like that. Even Gavin said tag titles could be in our future–I know that might be some time away, but what do you think?!

(Miho pauses as if to think for a quick moment, but then looks up to Io with a smile of her own. She extends her hand and Io shakes it.)

Miho Li: You’re absolutely right, my friend. That sounds good to me–thank you, Io. Really. I look forward to seeing what this match can bring for the both of us.

(Io skips off leaving Miho to tend to her injuries once again as the camera fades back to the ring.)

(We cut to Maria, who is standing in the middle of the ring. She is ready to announce the participants for the final match of the night!)

Maria Del Rey: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(“Big Bad Wolf” by In This Moment begins to play across the public address system. The building has gone dark, and a single spotlight shows up on stage. Minerva is down on her knees, licking her lips, and scanning the crowd. After crawling forward, she returns to her feet and continues to take in her surroundings.)

Maria Del Rey: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM COYOTE FLATS, TEXAS… WEIGHING IN AT 125 POUNDS…SHE IS ‘THE GYPSY MOTH’ MINERVA!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Fuck Constance Blevins and her horrific actions last week against the Queen’s Court. Do you know how awful it was to see the future Mrs. Gavin Kirkland covered in tar??

CJ Hana: Well, MINERVA wanted to prove a point and show the entire EAW Universe how ugly Amber Keys and Cleopatra are on the inside. That was her mission last week and she seemed to come through in that respect.

(Minerva is greeted with a mixed reaction, and she laughs before making her way to the ring. The pale beauty engages in her usual theatrics before slipping inside the ring.)

Gavin Kirkland: Well first of all, the name Cleopatra and the word ‘ugly’ do not go in the same sentence together whatsoever and it’s bullshit you’d even paraphrase that fucking peasant in my presence when she’s fighting against the love of my life and our sister wife…

CJ Hana: :skip:

Gavin Kirkland: Don’t give me that look either. I’m sick of everyone who doubts the greatness and the legacies of Cleopatra and Amber Keys. They are bonafide one percenters!

CJ Hana: No one is disputing that but you also can’t argue the fact that Minerva defeated Cleo right there in that ring a couple of weeks ago. She proved her worth!

Gavin Kirkland: Suck my dick.

(Minerva’s music fades out and is replaced by “All It Takes For Your Dreams to Come True” by Skylit Drive.)

Maria Del Rey: AND HER OPPONENT… BEING ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY CLEOPATRA… FROM THE BRONX, NEW YORK… WEIGHING IN AT 135 POUNDS… SHE’S THE DIRTI DIVA… AMBER KEYS!!!!

(Amber Keys and Cleopatra step onto the stage. As always, Amber is full of lovefurypassionenergy and she screams at all the fans who are booing Cleo and herself.)

CJ Hana: Amber Keys looks fired up tonight!!

Gavin Kirkland: BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!! COME GIVE DADDY A KISS CLE-O-PIE!!!

CJ Hana: :skip: Cle-o-pie?

Gavin Kirkland: Like kew-t-pie. Get it?

CJ Hana: That is so fucking stupid.

(The Queen’s Court stop in front of the ring and they both stare at Minerva. The Gypsy Moth traces her tongue across her purple lips and motions for both women to get inside the ring. Amber can’t help but roll her eyes and she slides inside the ring, immediately stepping up and getting right into Minerva’s face. The referee cautiously steps between the two women and motions for them to get back. Amber and Minerva both exchange sick smiles with one another before taking opposite corners. The referee looks at both and finally deciding they’re ready, she calls for the bell.)

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

CJ Hana: Our referee calls for the bell, and this match is officially underway. Amber Keys and Minerva are both in their respective corners, neither woman content to make the first move. Minerva is licking her lips, beckoning for Amber to come close. Amber mimics the gesture, much to Minerva’s amusement.

Gavin Kirkland: The referee motions for both women to get going, and finally it’s Minerva who takes the first step forward. Amber follows suit and now they’re in the middle of the ring. These two seem to almost enjoy the fact they’re in there together. Very slowly, they circle one another. Minerva fakes a move towards Amber’s leg, which prompts Amber to bring her knee up. Minerva quickly steps back and that allows Amber to push herself forward and grab Minerva. Minerva fights her off, and they engage in a lock up.

CJ Hana: However it’s Minerva who takes control, grabbing hold of Amber’s arm and twisting it around. Amber cringes as Minerva torques the wrist, but the Dirti Diva drops down to a knee, uses her free hand to knock Minerva’s feet out from under her, and brings her down to the mat. Amber quickly mounts Minerva and starts unleashing a series of punches that connect with Minerva’s face and head!

Gavin Kirkland: Getting some payback for last week!

CJ Hana: Minerva forces Amber off, and rolls to the ropes, getting herself partially underneath of them so Amber is forced to back off. Amber can’t help but roll her eyes at this.

Gavin Kirkland: Minerva pulls herself to her feet and there goes Amber! Amber grabs Minerva in a side-headlock and starts working on that neck! Minerva is able to quickly slip out of that, and grab Amber by the waist. Minerva attempts to wrestle Amber to the mat, but Amber easily overpowers her and forces her back into the corner. Amber slams her shoulder into Minerva’s gut several times before grabbing Minerva by the hair and slinging her across the ring! Amber laughs and saunters over to Minerva, crouching down and grabbing a handful of hair.

Amber Keys (Off Mic): How does it feel to be face to face with a Queen??

CJ Hana: Amber slams Minerva’s face into the mat and stomps on the back of her head! Amber grabs Minerva up and hits her with an uppercut, before lifting The Gypsy Moth up and bringing her down with a nice snap suplex. Amber goes for the cover, but Minerva forces her off before the referee can even get into position to count.

Gavin Kirkland: Amber throws a few forearms, connecting with Minerva’s jaw, before getting back up to her feet. Amber jerks Minerva up as well and whips her across the ring! Amber looks for the clothesline take down, but Minerva ducks and hits the ropes. Minerva springs back towards Amber, but Amber leapfrogs over Minerva! Minerva manages to stop her momentum as Amber turns around… dropkick from Amber! Minerva hits the mat! Amber rushes the ropes! SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!!! AMBER CONNECTS ON MINERVA! AMBER WITH THE COVER!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

CJ Hana: MINERVA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Gavin Kirkland: Amber shakes her head and jerks Minerva up. Minerva fights off Amber and grabs her in a full nelson position. Amber is able to maneuver her way out of the hold, and she reaches around Minerva, grabbing her by the waist. Minerva grabs Amber by the neck… snapmare takedown! Minerva drops to her knees, wraps Amber in a chinlock…

CJ Hana: And she just licked the side of Amber’s face, Gavin.

Gavin Kirkland: I’d much rather see Amber licking my wifey, instead of Minerva doing anything to either of them, but different strokes for different folks.

CJ Hana: Minerva maintains control of the former Empire Tag Team Champion by forcing her face first into the mat. Amber uses her forearms to push herself up, and now she gets herself back into a sitting position. On the outside of the ring, Cleo is banging her hands on the apron, trying to rally her partner, and Amber is able to force them both up to their feet. Amber connects with a few elbows to Minerva’s gut, and once The Gypsy Moth releases the hold, Amber wraps Minerva in a side headlock!

Gavin Kirkland: Amber brings them both down to the mat, but allows Minerva to stretch her leg out and bring it across Amber’s throat! Amber has to release the headlock, and Minerva tightens that headscissors! Amber moves her legs around, trying to fight out of the hold, but Minerva continues to keep the pressure on the Dirti Diva. Amber finally gets her legs into a bridging position, but Minerva takes her fist and slams it into Amber’s gut! That temporarily brings Amber to a halt, but there she goes again! Amber Keys back into a bridging position, kicking her legs up in the air! She flips out of the headscissors in the most impressive fashion and gets back to her feet!

CJ Hana: Amber smirks at Minerva and unleashes a stiff shoot style kick to the Texan’s chest! Minerva eats that kick and makes her way back to her feet, shaking her head at Amber! These two rush towards each other! Traditional collar and elbow tie up, immediately followed up with a headlock from Minerva to Amber! Minerva forces them both back against the ropes and she sends Amber across the ring! Amber’s momentum carries her right back towards Minerva, and Minerva brings Amber down to the mat with a boot to the face! Minerva rushes the ropes, but Amber rolls out of the way! Minerva hits the opposite side and comes flying back at Amber, who is now back on her feet! Amber grabs Minerva… hip toss! Minerva is quickly back up! Amber looks for an arm drag! But Minerva gets her foot up, and she connects with Amber’s mid-section! She pulls Amber into her body, grabs her around the waist, and slams her down to the mat! Minerva pulls Amber towards the corner, runs to the ropes… HELL’S BELLS! THAT SPLIT-LEGGED MOONSAULT CONNECTS! MINERVA HOOKS THE LEG!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TT-

Gavin Kirkland: Amber kicks out!

CJ Hana: Minerva immediately goes to work on Amber’s shoulder! Minerva gets Amber in I guess this is kind of a modified shoulder clawhold! Minerva has a nerve lock on Amber’s shoulder! She is digging her fingers in to try and compress the top of the shoulder! That’s clever! Amber is trying to work her way back to her feet, but Minerva continues to apply the pressure to that shoulder! Amber is going to have to find a way out of this!

Cleopatra (Off Mic): COME ON AMBER! YOU GOT THIS!

Gavin Kirkland: Her voice is what I imagine an angel sounds like.

CJ Hana: Amber is stomping her foot to the rhythm of Cleopatra’s voice and the Dirti Diva is forcing herself back up! Minerva has no choice but to follow suit and once again Amber Keys is elbowing her way out of this predicament! Minerva holds her stomach and Amber clubs her in the back! Minerva drops to her knees and Amber begins unleashing everything she has inside of her right! She is just beating Minerva into the mat right now, and there’s nothing Minerva can do to stop Amber! Amber finally lets up, clutching at her shoulder, and she looks over at the top rope! We know Amber Keys loves to fly and there she goes! Amber is scaling the top rope! Amber gets herself set!

Gavin Kirkland: FLYING HEADBUTT! AMBER CONNECTS WITH MINERVA!

CJ Hana: It takes Amber a few seconds to get herself together but she’s going for the cover now!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTT-

Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

CJ Hana: Amber clenches her fist in annoyance, but nevertheless, she gets back up and jerks Minerva up too! Amber throws Minerva into the corner and charges forward! Amber looks to connect with a big boot but Minerva catches her foot! Minerva lets her go… and she takes Amber down with a clothesline! Amber rolls towards the ropes and pulls herself up, but Minerva is also up as well! Minerva runs to Amber and nearly takes her head off with that brutal running uppercut! Amber’s head snaps back! Minerva runs back to the corner, and she runs forward again… RUNNING KNEE TO THE FACE!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Minerva drags Amber out of the corner and she goes for the cover!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

CJ Hana: KICK OUT BY AMBER!

Gavin Kirkland: Minerva immediately places Amber in a chinlock, but Amber is very quick to roll to her knees and take some of the pressure off that. Amber reaches for the hair and snatches Minerva’s head back, drawing the ire of the referee. Minerva lets go, but she rakes Amber across the face! Minerva grabs Amber and rolls her up into a small package!

OOONNNEEE!!!

CJ Hana: Amber gets out of it! Both women return to a vertical base now, and it’s Minerva who charges towards Amber, looking for a drop toe hold! Amber sidesteps and she grabs Minerva from behind! Amber with the roll-up!

OOONNNEEE!!!

Gavin Kirkland: Minerva kicks out! Both women are back up once again! Minerva swings wildly, looking to connect with a right hand, but Amber ducks! Amber fires back with a slap to Minerva’s kisser… and oh man. Look at the smile that just crossed Minerva’s face! I think she liked that, CJ. Why else would she be smiling right now?!

CJ Hana: Minerva lunges for Amber and she grabs her by the hair! Minerva drags Amber over to the corner and she slams Amber’s face off the turnbuckles! She turns Amber around and absolutely unloads a slap of her own to Amber’s face! Minerva is now putting the boots to Amber! She is stomping away at her! Minerva throws her foot up, catching Amber under the chin and she’s choking her now! The referee is forced to step in and start the count!

Gavin Kirkland: Minerva snarls at the referee but she does let go of Amber, and she grabs the Dirti Diva, pulling her up to her feet! Minerva hits Amber with a stiff right hand and boots her in the shoulder she started working over earlier. Minerva takes Amber and whips her into the opposite set of turnbuckles! Amber gets her foot up to stop herself from crashing into the corner! She turns right around right as Minerva comes barrelling towards her, Amber drops down! Minerva collides with the turnbuckles and that allows Amber to stack up Minerva for a pin!

CJ Hana: WITH HER FEET ON THE ROPES!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: This stupid referee sees what Amber’s trying to do and he’s yelling at her, and that brings Cleopatra onto the apron! The referee turns around to deal with my baby, and that allows Amber to wrap her hands around Minerva’s neck for a choke! YES!

CJ Hana: AMBER IS CHOKING THE LIFE OUT OF MINERVA WHILE CLEO ARGUES WITH THE REF!! MINERVA IS KICKING AND THRASHING… JUST CLAWING AT AMBER’S HANDS!!! AMBER LETS GO AND CLEO JUMPS DOWN TO THE GROUND! THE REFEREE TURNS BACK TO AMBER WHO HAS GRABBED A HOLD OF MINERVA’S ANKLE AND IS TWISTING IT!! MINERVA IS GASPING FOR AIR RIGHT NOW BUT SHE’S DOING HER BEST TO CRAWL TOWARDS THE ROPES!! AMBER IS HOLDING ON TO THAT ANKLE LOCK FOR DEAR LIFE BUT THE DAMAGE DONE TO HER SHOULDER EARLIER MIGHT BE HINDERING HER RIGHT NOW!

Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA IS STRETCHING HER ARM OUT NOW AND HER FINGERTIPS BRUSH THE ROPES!! THE REFEREE SCREAMS AT AMBER TO BREAK THE HOLD!!!

CJ Hana: Amber reluctantly releases it and Minerva grips the rope fully now, pulling herself forward! Amber grabs the referee and turns her away from the action! CLEO RUSHES OVER AND GRABS MINERVA BY THE HAIR!! CLEO IS CHOKING MINERVA WITH THE ROPES NOW! COME ON NOW! THIS ISN’T FAIR!

Gavin Kirkland: WHEN HAS MINERVA EVER PLAYED FAIR??

CJ Hana: Cleo lets go of Minerva and slams her forearm into Minerva’s face! Amber brushes past the referee and grabs Minerva up! SHE SPIKES HER INTO THE MAT WITH A DDT AND GOES FOR THE COVER!!!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEE-

Gavin Kirkland: MINERVA KICKS OUT!

CJ Hana: Amber has a wild look in her eyes and she mounts Minerva! She’s swinging freely now! Those closed-fist punches are landing everywhere on Minerva right now! Somehow Minerva is fighting back though! She gets her hands up to block some of the blows and she brings her legs up! Minerva is a contortionist and she’s got her legs on Amber’s shoulders! She forces Amber back on the mat! MINERVA HOLDING AMBER DOWN FOR THE PIN!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEE-

Gavin Kirkland: AMBER KICKS OUT! Minerva rolls to the side and gets to her feet! Amber is getting up as well! But it’s Minerva who LANDS A KICK RIGHT TO MINERVA’S TEMPLE! AMBER FALLS BACK!! MINERVA QUICKLY GRABS AMBER UP AND GETS HER IN POSITION FOR HER VARIATION OF THE FISHERMAN’S BUSTER!!

CJ Hana: IF SHE CONNECTS WITH SEEDS OF EVIL THIS MATCH WILL BE OVER!!

Gavin Kirkland: SEEDS OF EVIL!! AMBER’S HEAD IS DRIVEN INTO THE MAT!! MINERVA HOOKS THE LEG AND GOES FOR THE COVER!!!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE—

CJ Hana: CLEOPATRA JUST YANKED THE REFEREE OUT OF THE RING!!!

Gavin Kirkland: :blessed:

CJ Hana: CLEOPATRA HAS THE REFEREE BY THE SHIRT AND IS SCREAMING AT HER! MINERVA SLAMS HER HAND DOWN ON THE MAT IN FRUSTRATION! SHE REALLY COULD USE SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW TO KEEP CLEO AT BAY!! MINERVA HAD THIS MATCH WON!!!

Gavin Kirkland: TOO FUCKING BAD!!!

CJ Hana: Minerva is up now and she goes over to the ropes!! Minerva screams at Cleo! Cleo screams back! Minerva and Cleo are arguing now and Minerva is getting out of the ring! Minerva drops down to the mat and the referee tries to step between Cleo and Minerva! Inside the ring Amber Keys is sitting up and she sees what’s going on on the outside! She’s unlacing her boot and what the fuck?! AMBER HAS BRASS KNUCKLES!!! SHE SLIPS THEM ACROSS HER FINGERS!!!

Gavin Kirkland: THAT FUCKING GOTH JUST SHOVED CLEO!! CLEO LUNGES FOR MINERVA!!!

(All of a sudden, Gavin Kirkland lets out an ear piercing shriek that literally deafens the television audience at home.)

CJ Hana: MINERVA JUST SPIT BLACK MIST IN CLEO’S FACE! CLEO IS BLIND! THE REFEREE IS ATTENDING TO CLEO WHO’S FREAKING OUT BECAUSE SHE CAN’T SEE AND MINERVA SLIDES BACK INSIDE THE RING! SHE DIDN’T SEE AMBER GET THE BRASS KNUCKLES! ALL SHE SEES IS AMBER KEYS PLAYING POSSUM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! MINERVA CALLS FOR THE PRINCESS KILLER AND SHE GRABS AMBER BY THE HAIR! AMBER SLAMS HER FIST INTO MINERVA’S FACE AND MINERVA CRUMBLES TO THE MAT IN A HEAP!

(Meanwhile, Gavin has dropped his headset and has somehow produced a towel. He is trying to help the referee use the towel to clean Cleo’s delicate face. Cleo still has her wits about her enough to shove Gavin AND the referee away.)

CJ Hana: AMBER TO THE TOP ROPE! DIRTI DIVE! SHE COVERS MINERVA!

(The referee glances inside the ring and sees Amber is pinning Minerva.)

CJ Hana: THE REFEREE JUST GOT BACK INSIDE THE RING TO COUNT!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Maria Del Rey: AND HERE’S YOUR WINNER… AMBER KEYS!!!!

(Amber’s theme music hits the PA system but she doesn’t stop to celebrate! Amber immediately rolls out of the ring and goes to check on Cleo.)

CJ Hana: Amber Keys stole a victory here tonight. I can’t help but imagine what this match would have been like if Cleopatra had not been involved. The two-on-one advantage really came into play tonight.

(The sound of a headset being put on his heard.)

Gavin Kirkland: Ladies and gentlemen, I think Cleopatra is going to be okay. Thank Gawd for that.

(The camera cuts to a shot of Minerva, who is being helped into a sitting position by the referee. Her pale face is already showing signs of bruising thanks to the illegal brass knuckles shot from Amber Keys. Someone really ought to ban those things from EAW. Empire fades to commercial break.)

(Final commercial break for Jergens lotion, sponsored by Gavin Kirkland.)

(The scene fades into Empire General Manager Kendra Shamez standing behind a podium. She has a proud and confident smile on her face as a bunch of cameras are flashing near her… giving it a press conference feel. Surrounding her is the Empire roster all surrounding the ring by standing on the apron. “Needles and Pins” by Deftones dies down as the crowd is cheering and waiting for Kendra to speak.)

Kendra Shamez: Ladies and gentlemen, we are about a week away from making history. Not only for the Empire brand, but Elite Answers Wrestling in general. At Grand Rampage, Empire will host its first-ever Grand Rampage Match. In order to avoid any confusion, the last two Rampage matches for Empire were for the Specialists Championship. However, the Grand Rampage match has always been one of the main attractions for EAW. The idea of watching men throw each other over the top rope and vying for an opportunity to fight for a World Championship for their choosing at Pain for Pride was compelling to me. As the first female to ever participate in the men’s Grand Rampage Match, I knew how important the standards were. I knew that there was a possibility for women to compete in a match with significance. But, women’s wrestling has evolved in EAW these past eleven years and we were able to have our first set of females hold the Unified Tag Team Championships, first female to hold the Interwire Championship, first female to hold the New Breed Championship. First female — unless, we confirm that to be wrong — to hold a male World Championship. Last year, we had the privilege of having the Empire brand headline Day 2 of Pain for Pride. We have broken down doors of opportunities, but what was gonna stop us from breaking down more doors?

Nothing.

At Grand Rampage, Empire will have its first Empire Grand Rampage and just like the Grand Rampage that we are all familiar with, the last woman standing in this match will have the opportunity to face the Women’s World Championship at Pain for Pride!

(The crowd begins to cheer loudly for that announcement. The women of Empire are applauding. Kendra Shamez stays there to take in the cheers and adoration with a huge smile on her face.)

Kendra Shamez: Doesn’t matter if it’s Sienna Jade or Raven Roberts that will walk out with the Women’s World Championship at Grand Rampage, but we know that we are going to be looking forward to a Match of the Year worthy match. Ladies, you have no idea how proud I am of all of you. Even throughout all the mess we suffered a year ago, we proved that Empire never needed one woman to be the face of the product. We never needed one woman to make Empire feel important. We just needed each other. I am proud that we were able to move past some of these horrible eras of champions only looking out for themselves and not for Empire. I know, we lost a few people along the way, but I am glad for those that decided to stay and prove to be a valuable asset on this brand. Every single one of you is deserving of a chance to face the Women’s Champion at Pain for Pride. I can’t name one person to take this match because I see a lot of you with full capability of being the last woman standing and going to Pain for Pride —

???: Is everyone legit believing her?

(The crowd gives a mixed reaction as Tyler Wolfe has a microphone in her hand. Kendra Shamez remains calm. She wants to hear Tyler out. Tyler steps inside the ring.)

Tyler Wolfe: Is anyone actually believing the bullshit that comes out her mouth? Kendra, let’s be real. You can see anyone, but Tyler Wolfe winning Grand Rampage. Are we just going to forget the idea that you made me go through a fucking anger management program in order to get inserted into the Grand Rampage Match? You must have been reaching for ways to keep me out of winning the Grand Rampage Match and facing the Women’s World Champion at Pain for Pride. You were looking for anything to go against me. I mean, you had to use my arrest on Voltage before the Iconic Cup in order to create the scenario of me not being able to do well and make it to the match. Here’s the thing, Kendra: I’m here and I’m ready to throw nineteen of the women you could see facing the Women’s Champion over me over the top rope and taking my place as Women’s Champion. I don’t care if it’s Sienna. I don’t care if it’s Raven. I’m more than willing to take anyone on.

???: Tyler, quit bitching.

(The crowd begins to cheer as Andrea Valentine interjects herself in the conversation. She has a microphone in her hand as she steps inside the ring.)

Andrea Valentine: Pardon my french, but me, along with a majority of people sitting here are getting a little bit fed up with your constant complaining. Like what do you expect to happen when you complain? You expect for women like Kendra to be like “Well, Tyler. It seems like you’re right. I am holding you back?” I don’t consider a woman, who was given a Specialists Championship match TWO MONTHS into her career being held back. I don’t consider a woman, who had an opportunity to represent this brand in War Games back at Territorial Invasion last year to be held back. But, you’ll continue to make it seem that way. Me? I don’t mind earning my opportunities. I don’t mind having to look forward to matches were I wasn’t the ideal favorite or the person that perverts like Stephon Hunte — may he rest in hell — wanted as their champion. The reason why I get opportunity after opportunity? It’s because regardless of the result, I manage to prove that I belong in this ring. Just like I deserve my chance of going to Pain for Pride and doing the one thing that I should have done back at Bloodletter and that was becoming Women’s Champion.

???: That’s real cute, Andrea.

(Serena Bennett steps inside the ring with a microphone in her hand as she locks eyes with her former rival.)

Serena Bennett: Just remember who was the woman who made that Specialists Championship reign end. Mhm. It was me. And I hope to God that remember who was the woman who made you ineligible to challenge for that same championship as long as she reigned. Me as well. Sure, I may no longer hold the belt, but I got my eyes set on a bigger prize for the time being. People prayed for my downfall, but I’ma make sure that those prayers won’t be answered once I toss your ass along with Tyler’s over the top rope and face whichever woman has that Women’s Championship. I don’t care who I have to conquer at Pain for Pride, but I am going to go down in the history book as one of the fastest rising women to ever grace this company.

???: That’s going to be me.

(Felix Hartley steps inside the ring. She takes her time doing so as the crowd is giving her a mixed reaction.)

Felix Hartley: You like to remind Andrea about who made her Specialists Championship reign end; however, how about we remind these same people who made that undefeated streak end? Sure, you can say that Consuela took advantage and ended that, but if it wasn’t for me, you probably would still be Specialists Champion, Serena. This rookie with a 5-0 record in single’s action was able to distract you long enough for your title reign to end. Can you imagine the same thing happening at Grand Rampage? I mean, it would be such a bummer that the woman who crushed your undefeated streak crush any hopes of dreams of you challenging for the Women’s Championship.

Serena Bennett: If you know what’s good for you, you’d stay outta my way.

(The crowd goes “oooh” in response as Felix Hartley chuckles at Serena Bennett’s response. It is taking so much out of her not to slap Serena silly.)

???: Since we’re all taking time to talk, I will speak.

(Harlow Reichert gets inside the ring with a microphone in her hand.)

Harlow Reichert: There is not much people would expect from me. I don’t have the best winning record. Every single victory, it doesn’t matter how small it may be is important to me. My match against Celes Dumont two weeks ago, I needed that win. That win meant the world to me and it makes me hope that it will shape to greater things. What’s more greater than winning the Women’s Grand Rampage Match? Becoming Women’s Champion at Pain for Pride. That is where I am setting my goals at. I vow to get on that Pain for Pride stage and perform my heart out. It’s what I have wanted. It’s what I deserve and I’m going to go into the match with full intentions of decimating my competition and throwing them over the top rope. One by one. I don’t give a f*ck. I’ll throw over Tyler. I’ll throw over someone like Celes. I’ll throw anyone over who gets in the way of me and my goals.

???: SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU!

(Celes Dumont steps into the ring with a microphone in her hand. We just handing microphones to anyone tonight, I guess.)

Celes Dumont: Stop the talking and let’s get to fighting —

Gavin Kirkland: THAT THING JUST SUCKER PUNCHED HARLOW REICHERT!

(Just like it was the shot heard around the world, the women of Empire began to brawl. Andrea Valentine goes after Tyler Wolfe. Serena Bennett goes after Felix Hartley. Celes Dumont goes after Harlow Reichert. The rest of the women standing on the apron get inside the ring and began to brawl one another. Kendra Shamez is seen already out of the ring wanting no part of this mess. It’s pure chaos inside the ring and it becomes more difficult to keep track of everyone in the ring all at once.)

CJ Hana: It’s pandemonium on Empire, Gavin! I can’t keep tracking of what is going on inside that ring! Serena Bennett gets Felix Hartley by the hair before throwing her through the middle rope and out of the ring! Felix doesn’t stay down too long as gets Serena by her legs and drags her outside the ring!

Gavin Kirkland: WE ARE SEEING BLONDE-ON-BLONDE VIOLENCE WITH TYLER WOLFE AND ANDREA VALENTINE! TYLER MANAGES TO TAKE ANDREA DOWN BEFORE QUICKLY GETTING ON THE TOP ROPE AND CONNECTING WITH PAINT IT RED — THE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP OFF THE TOP ROPE! TYLER GETS ANDREA BY THE HAIR AND THROWS HER THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! ALL OF YOU NEED TO REMEMBER IS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO WIN IS BY ELIMINATED THE OTHER WOMEN OVER THE TOP ROPE!

CJ Hana: HARLOW REICHERT SEEMS TO BE GETTING THE UPPER HAND ON CELES DUMONT, BUT KARINA-ANN ATTACKS HARLOW FROM BEHIND! THE TWO MEMBERS OF FATAL DESTINY ARE STOMPING ON HARLOW AS THEY AWAIT FOR HARLOW TO RISE BACK TO HER FEET! THE GOLDEN ARMAGEDDON ON HARLOW — THE CLAYMORE KICK FROM KARINA-ANN AND CELES FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH ZIG-ZAG! THE TWO OF THE GET HARLOW AND MANAGE TO THROW HER OVER THE TOP ROPE! THIS IS MADNESS, GAVIN! THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING IN THE RING! I CAN’T TELL YOU WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH EVERYONE!

Gavin Kirkland: It doesn’t matter because that’s all the time we have for this edition of Empire? Who will walk out with the Women’s World Championship. Sienna Jade or Raven Roberts? Who will walk out with the opportunity to face the Women’s World Championship at Pain for Pride? That will all be answered at Grand Rampage next weekend! Signing off for CJ Hana, I am “El Guapo” Gavin Kirkland! Goodnight!

(The last shot is of the Empire roster brawling and trying to throw each other over the top rope. It’s still chaotic as the scene fades to black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)

Written by Anna C. Flowers

Most Valuable Elitist #177

Dynasty 4/12/2019