Fight Grid
(RECAP – Kendra Shamez is introduced as the assistant general manager for Thursday Night Empire. Highlights from week one Empress of Elite tournament is shown, highlighting the victories of Jael Arcana-Rosario, Sienna Jade, Tyler Wolfe, and Raven Roberts. Kassidy Heart confronts Andrea Valentine alluding to their eventual encounter.)
(“Girl Gang” by Leikeli 47 plays as the intro to Thursday Night Empire is shown. The interior of the arena is shown, revealing another sold-out electric crowd. An old British telephone box and car sits on stage, to signify Empire’s presence in Manchester.)
(SCREEN BAR – Live! From Manchester, England!)
SG1: Welcome to week two of EOE! I’m “Your Friendly Neighborhood Vixen” SG1 and I’m here with the wonderful Alicia Amby and the EAW Unified Women’s Champion herself, Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda!
Alicia Amby: Hello EAW Universe!
Stephanie Matsuda: Yo! I have to say, observing this tournament as a spectator is an experience in itself! Last week’s matches were nothing short of phenomenal!
Alicia: Every week I’m reminded of why I’m so glad I accepted this job!
SG1: EOE season has to be my favorite next to PFP season and one follow after the other! So last week we saw four women advance in the tournament.
(https://challonge.com/ki6iv8km is shown)
SG1: So far Tyler Wolfe has overcome Daisy Thrash! Jael Arcana-Rosario has defeated Sonya Correa, Sienna Jade has beaten Mali Evans, and Raven Roberts found a way to get past Remi Skyfire! What a controversial ending!
Alicia: Raven attacked Remi’s eyes! I’m sure in her mind a victory is a victory, but she’s not on Remi’s hitlist!
Stephanie: She’s always been on her list, to be honest.
SG1: Well, tonight we have the last four first round matches and will find ourselves from a “Sweet Sixteen” to an “Elite Eight!” Let’s get right to it!
(“Unbreakable” — Fireflight plays as the crowd cheers for Layla Lockhart, who comes out with a smile on her face as she poses. She then makes her way down the ramp tagging the hands of the fans.)
Cori Simmons: The following match is a FIRST ROUND MATCH of the EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Cori Simmons: Introducing first, representing The Pride, from Orlando, Florida, she is “The Warrior Princess”, LAAAAAAAAYYYLLLAAAAAAA LOOOOOCKKKKKHAAAAAAARRRRRTT!!
SG1: Layla Lockhart is someone who hasn’t had the best luck as of late. She failed to win the 24/7 Battle Royal which was won by Jack Ripley. She lost her match against Raven Roberts at the Draft Show and found herself in a 3-on-1 assault thanks to the Crowe’s Nest. There are not much people who think that she is going to beat her opponent tonight.
Stephanie Matsuda: I hate to count anyone out, but Layla has a tough opponent for the first round. But, Layla could surprise us all!
(“This Can Be Anywhere In The World” — Alexisonfire plays as the crowd gives a mixed reaction to Madison Kaline who is coming out with a serious look on her face.)
Cori Simmons: Introducing her opponent, from Tampa Bay, Florida, she is “The Mistress of Death”, MAAAAADDDDDDISSSSSSSONNNNNNNNN KAAAAAAALIIIIIIIIIIINNNEEEEEEEE!!
Alicia Amby: Our current reigning Empress of Elite! Madison would love nothing more than to keep her crown! Madison is someone who has had her own share of losses. Most recently, she failed at winning the Grudge Match at Pain for Pride against Astraea Jordan! Madison does not look too happy about that.
Stephanie Matsuda: As someone that has faced Madison, when angry, she is at her most dangerous. Layla is going to need to be extra careful going up against her!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
SG1: This first round match in the Empress of Elite Tournament is underway as Madison Kaline takes on Layla Lockhart — OH MY GOD! MADISON KALINE CONNECTS WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS ON LAYLA LOCKHART! POOR LAYLA DID NOT SEE THE MOVIE COMING AS MADISON KALINE IS UNLOADING ON SOME DANGEROUS PUNCHES TO HER FACE! OUR OFFICIAL OF THE MATCH, JESSE CARLTON IS GRABBING MADISON BY HER WAIST, TRYING TO PULL HER AWAY FROM LAYLA, BUT MADISON IS PISSED OFF! SHE IS STILL ANGRY ABOUT WHAT TRANSPIRED AT PAIN FOR PRIDE AND SHE IS UNLOADING IT ON LAYLA! SOMEHOW, THE OFFICIAL MANAGES TO PULL MADISON AWAY AS SHE IS SCREAMING IN OUR OFFICIALS FACE FOR DOING THAT! MEANWHILE, LAYLA IS LOOPY ON THE MAT AS SHE TRIES TO PROCESS WHAT JUST HAPPENED! THE OFFICIAL BACKS AWAY MADISON LONG ENOUGH FOR LAYLA TO GET HER HAND ON THE ROPES AND PICK HERSELF UP!
Alicia Amby: MADISON IS BACK ON THE OFFENSE AS SHE KNEES LAYLA IN THE STOMACH AND BEGINS TO SLAM FISTS INTO HER BACK, TRYING TO GET HER DOWN TO HER KNEES! LAYLA SLOWLY GETS TO AN ALL FOURS POSITION AS MADISON USES HER FOOT TO SLAM LAYLA ONTO HER STOMACH! MADISON FINDS HERSELF CIRCLING AROUND AS SHE LOOKS TO FIND A BODY PART TO PICK ON! SHE SEES LAYLA’S HAND OUT IN THE OPEN AND GIVES A GIANT STOMP TO IT! LAYLA ROLLS ONTO HER BACK IN RESPONSE AS SHE HOLDS HER RIGHT HAND, TRYING TO REGAIN SOME FEELING BACK TO IT! MADISON RIPS LAYLA’S RIGHT HAND FROM HER GRASP AND PUTS IT OUT IN THE OPEN AGAIN AND GIVES IT ANOTHER STOMP AS LAYLA WIGGLES AND HOLDS HER HAND AGAIN! MADISON QUICKLY SHUTS THAT DOWN AS SHE WRAPS THE HAND AROUND LAYLA’S THROAT AS MADISON PUTS HER BOOT AGAINST IT! LAYLA IS WIGGLING ALL AROUND AS SHE STRUGGLES TO GASP FOR ANY AIR!
Jesse Carlton: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Madison Kaline: I GOT UNTIL THE COUNT OF FIVE!
Stephanie Matsuda: Madison Kaline once again showing everyone that she is not in the best mood. However, Madison releases the hold as she picks up Layla for the first time in the match and uses Layla’s arm and whips her to the ropes! Layla lands harshly onto the ropes! Layla tries to take a few steps forward, but Madison quickly connects with a running dropkick, making Layla fall back onto the ropes and into a seated position! Madison takes a few steps back before connecting with a harsh knee onto the jaw of Layla Lockhart! In response, Layla falls onto her side as Madison grabs Layla by her hair and throws her across the ring like a ragdoll! It is quite unbelievable how Layla was thrown so freely like that! Almost like she was a pound of feathers! Madison takes her time to Layla before getting her up and whipping her to the corner! Layla tries to hold on to the corner as Madison rushes and connects with a dangerous high knee to Layla’s jaw. Madison follows that up with a running bulldog that gets Layla down on the mat! Madison goes for the first cover in the match!
Jesse Carlton: OOONE!!
Alicia Amby: Shockingly enough, Layla Lockhart kicks out in one! Not wanting to stay down any longer! Madison picks up Layla by her hair and gets her in a suplex position before connecting with a snap suplex on Layla! Madison gets on top of Layla and begins to throw some punches to Layla’s face! Layla is not using her hands to control Madison. Perhaps, Layla is still cautious for the last time she had her hand out in the open! Madison was working on injuring the right hand of Layla’s, so the last thing Layla needs to do is put it right in the open! Eventually, Madison stops with the punching as she grabs Layla back up to a standing position! Madison Kaline connects with a back kick before bouncing from the ropes and connecting with a giant big boot that floors Layla on her back! Madison sees that Layla is on her back before bouncing from the ropes and connecting with lionsault and falling onto Layla! No! Layla manages to get herself out of the way! Somehow, Layla manages to roll out of the way as Madison lands on her stomach! Madison is screaming in pain as Layla finds that as her golden opportunity to get herself up, bounce from the rope and connect with a low dropkick on Madison Kaline!
SG1: Madison finds herself on her back as Layla gets to the ropes, springboards from them and connecting with Infinity and Beyond, the springboard 450 splash connects on Madison Kaline! What a beautiful move as Layla executed that with such perfection! Layla gets back onto her feet as she picks up Madison by her red hair! Layla backs away a tiny bit before connecting with a single leg dropkick that has Madison on the ground again! Madison somehow manages to get herself back up only to be met with another single leg dropkick by Layla Lockhart! Madison slowly gets herself back up, but Layla delivers a kick kick to Madison’s stomach, bounces from the ropes and connects with a running hurricanrana! Madison goes spinning around as Layla does not waste any time and connects with a running dropkick that sends Madison to the corner! Madison is holding onto the corner to the best of her abilities, but Layla connects with a clothesline that has Madison releasing her hold with the ropes and Layla connecting with a headlock takedown!
Stephanie Matsuda: Layla manages to find her way back to her feet as she still maintains the headlock on Madison! A moment later, Layla lets go of the headlock and bounces from the ropes! Layla quickly connects with another dropkick that rolls Madison out of the way! Layla goes right after Madison and picks her up by her hair! Layla connects with an armdrag as Madison lands in a seated position! Layla connects with a back dropkick on Madison Kaline as Madison falls to her side! Layla manages to get Madison back into a seated position as she quickly bounces from the ropes and connects with a shining wizard on Madison! Madison is down on the mat as Layla stands to the side of Madison! Layla looks at Madison who is down on her back before connecting with a standing moonsault! Layla goes for the cover!
Jesse Carlton: OOONE!! TWOOO!!
SG1: Madison kicks out at two as Layla gets Madison up and whips her to the ropes! Madison steps a little closer as Layla connects with a European uppercut, sending Madison to the ropes! Layla whips Madison to the opposite side of the ropes before connecting with a Lou Thesz press of her own! Layla begins to fire away with her own series of fists on Madison Kaline! This is payback from being attacked by Madison out of nowhere! There is no way Layla was going to lie down and let Madison get ahead in this match up! Layla is pretty damn tired of getting her ass beat by these women! Layla manages to get her and Madison up! Layla whips Madison do the corner in the harshest way possible! Madison’s back slides against the corner as Layla does not hesitate with connecting with some double knees to Madison’s face! Layla presses her foot against Madison’s throat as the official begins counting!
Jesse Carlton: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Alicia Amby: Layla breaks the hold in the last second as Jesse Carlton needed to inform Layla that before she got carried away! Layla gets Madison back up to her feet and gets her in a German suplex position! Layla Lockhart connects with a German suplex on Madison Kaline! Madison lands harshly onto the corner as Layla turns around to find Madison holding her neck in pain! You know for a fact that move hurt Madison’s neck! It may be one of the turning points Layla needs to win the match! Surprisingly enough, Layla does not go for the cover there! Instead, she grabs Madison again and connects with a German suplex as Madison lands on another corner! Madison continues to clutch her neck in pain as Layla looks like she is targeting the neck of Madison Kaline! If Layla continues this up, she might snap Madison’s neck! Layla gets Madison up and connects with a swinging neckbreaker on Madison! Madison continues to hold onto her neck in pain! Layla goes for the cover!
Jesse Carlton: OOONE!! TWOOOO!!
Stephanie Matsuda: MADISON KICKS OUT! LAYLA IS LOOKING A LITTLE ANNOYED AT THE MOMENT. ALL SHE WANTS TO DO IS WIN THIS MATCH AND ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT! IF THAT MEANS ENDING THIS MATCH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SHE WILL DO THAT EXACTLY! LAYLA GRABS MADISON BY HER HAIR AND MADISON CONNECTS WITH A PUNCH TO LAYLA’S FACE! LAYLA STUMBLES BACK AGAIN, BUT THROWS A PUNCH BACK TO MADISON’S FACE! MADISON THROWS A PUNCH TO LAYLA! LAYLA THROWS A PUNCH TO MADISON! MADISON! LAYLA! MADISON! LAYLA! MADISON! LAYLA! SUPERHERO KICK! THE SUPERHERO KICK IS CONNECTED OUT OF NOWHERE AS THAT FLOORS MADISON KALINE! I THINK THAT THIS MAY BE LAYLA’S BIG CHANCE OF WINNING THIS MATCH! LAYLA PULLS MADISON NEAR A CORNER! LAYLA PLACES HERSELF IN FRONT OF A GROUNDED MADISON AND LOOKS BACK AT HER BEFORE SHE CONNECTS WITH A LOOP DE LOOP, THE SPLIT LEGGED MOONSAULT ON MADISON KALINE!
Alicia Amby: NO! MADISON KALINE IS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! LAYLA GOES CRASHING ONTO HER STOMACH! BOTH WOMEN ARE ON THE GROUND! WHICH ONE WILL GET UP FIRST? MADISON FORMS A SMIRK ON HER FACE AS SHE FINDS HER WAY TO HER KNEES! IT SEEMED LIKE MADISON WAS PLAYING WITH LAYLA LONG ENOUGH TO REGAIN SOME ENERGY! MADISON DELIVERS A EVIL CRACKLE AS SHE GETS HERSELF BACK UP! IT SEEMS LIKE MADISON HAS LAYLA WHERE SHE WANTS HER! JUST LIKE IN THE BEGINNING OF THE MATCH UP, MADISON IS CIRCLING AROUND LAYLA BEFORE SHE STOMPS ON MADISON’S RIGHT HAND! LAYLA CRIES OUT IN PAIN AS MADISON LAUGHS! MADISON STOMPS ON LAYLA’S HAND AGAIN AS LAYLA WIGGLES AROUND AS SHE TRIES TO HOLD ONTO HER HAND! THIS IS A TOTAL REPLAY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE MATCH! MADISON BENDS DOWN TO LAYLA AND BEGINS TO PLAYFULLY SLAP THE CHEEK OF LAYLA LOCKHART!
Madison Kaline: Come on, Layla! Don’t you want to win? Don’t you want to become Empress?
SG1: It almost seems like Madison is now toying with Layla! Madison can end this match anytime she wishes, but it seems like she is just toying with Layla at this point! Madison continues to playfully slap Layla’s cheek! Madison picks up Layla and M.O.D! Madison Kaline connects with the fameasser! Layla Lockhart is on her back! Layla is not moving an inch as Madison smirks and gestures for the end of this match! Madison distances herself a bit! She gestures for Layla to get herself back up! It seems like Madison is going for Afterlife! Madison is going for that brutal clothesline from hell that has put away so many women in the past! Layla has no idea what is going to hit her next! Layla is slowly getting herself back up to her feet! Madison is in position for the Afterlife! Layla turns around and…
Alicia Amby: AFFFFFFFFFFTEEEEEEEEEEEERLLLLLLLIFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEE!!!
Stephanie Matsuda: LAYLA LOCKHART DUCKS! MADISON GOES PAST HER! LAYLA HOLDS ONTO MADISON KALINE’S WAIST AND CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS! STANDING SIT-OUT SHIRANUI! IT CONNECTS! LAYLA GOES FOR THE COVER!
Jesse Carlton: OOOOOOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Unbreakable” plays as the crowd cheers. Layla Lockhart rolls out of the ring as Madison Kaline tries to go for an attack, but is unable too.)
Cori Simmons: The winner of this match, LAAAAAAYYYYLLLLLLLAAAAAA LOOOOCCKKKKKHAAAAAARRRRRTTT!!
Alicia Amby: Layla Lockhart may have just pulled one of the biggest upsets of this tournament! She got a victory over our current Empress of Elite!
(Jesse Carlton makes it out of the ring, who to raise Layla’s arm in victory from the bottom of the ramp. Layla still in shock as Madison sits herself up and clutches her hair in anger. She begins to scream and throw a tantrum in the middle of the ring.)
Stephanie Matsuda: I am genuinely shocked! I’m happy for Layla! This may end up being a surprising Empress of Elite tournament after all!
(Empire general managers Flannery McCoy and Kendra Shamez are seen backstage, walking a corridor.)
Flannery McCoy: Kendra, we have to discuss this “Second Chance Initiative” of yours.
Kendra Shamez: Okay, what about it?
Flannery: I…like it. I guess a part of me was a little jealous that I didn’t come up with it myself.
Kendra: It’s okay dear. This show isn’t carried on the back of one person. I think Matsuda is beginning to realize that as well.
Flannery: Speaking of which, are you two still cool with each other? Better yet: are YOU really okay with her being champion? I’ll be honest: after those attacks last season and your arrival, I still have my doubts-
Kendra: Which is understable, but I assure you that I had nothing to do with those attacks, though I made Matsuda think I did, to get under her skin. I was just upset how her generation handled their time in EAW. It’s as if their fame spoiled them.
Flannery: (eyebrow raised) Uh-huh. Listen, I know you was personally chosen by Ryan Adams to back me up. Despite his recent actions, he always had Empire in his best interests, so I’m willing to play ball with you. Just know that it’s going to take a while for me to trust you.
Kendra: If I was in your shoes, I would probably feel the same way. All I can hope is that my future actions and concern for Empire’s well being will win you over in time. So I would like to discuss with you about Stephanie’s potential next opponent.
Flannery: Is it a deal?
Kendra: Petty much. I’m going to reveal who it is next week. By then, the temporary contract should be signed.
Flannery: Good. This match is going to-
(Flannery and Kendra stop in their tracks as Remi Skyfire, Mali Evans, Layla Lockhart, and Revy walk up to them)
Remi Skyfire: Boss! We gotta have a talk.
Kendra: (sighs) I saw this coming. We can’t control what happened in the ring. That’s up to ref-
Remi: BULL! With a snap of your fingers, either of you could call for a rematch-
Flannery: Remi, I need you to settle down for a moment. Come by my office later and we can have a discussion then?
Revy: Here we go with the “can-we-talk-later” run around! Captains used to pull the same crap back in the military!
Layla Lockhart: Ms. McCoy, we implore you to take this matter into consideration!
Kendra: Listen-
(Kendra pauses for a moment and looks at her phone)
Kendra: I have to take this. You got this?
Flannery: Yeah, go ahead.
(Kendra answers her phone and walks away. Flannery turns her attention back to The Pride)
Flannery: Listen, I get it. Raven Roberts screwed you over. Due to certain protocols in place to prevent favoritism, I can’t reverse the ref’s decision. If you want a shot at her, maybe you two can fight against after Manifest Destiny. But right now, I have a tournament to monitor and executives to impress, The invitation to my office later still stands.
(All four members of The Pride look at each other for a moment)
Mali Evans: That’s not what we want boss – we want justice!
Remi: If you can’t give us what we want, then we’ll just have to find a way on our own.
(Remi glares at Flannery as she and the rest of The Pride walk away. The camera lingers on Flannery a bit. She checks her cellphone and notices it vibrating. She answers and starts walking away)
Flannery: You have impeccable timing. Nah, everything is fine for no w. Things were a little intense a few moments ago, but you know how it is. How’s Manchester? It’s nice. Wish you was here though…
(The camera turns as a giggling Flannery makes her way down the hall)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK: Red Fraction Draft! A new beer from Empire’s own Revy!)
(“Red Fraction” — Mell plays as Revy comes out with a serious look on her face. The crowd is cheering as Revy poses and makes her way down to the ring.)
Cori Simmons: The following match is a FIRST ROUND MATCH in the EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL —
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Cori Simmons: Introducing first, representing The Pride, from Houston, Texas, she “The Brilliant Brawler”, REEEEEEEEEEEVYVVVYYYYYYYYY!!
Alicia Amby: Revy made her return a week before Pain for Pride and she returned exactly where she left off and that is having her target on the Crowe’s Nest! Revy is someone who may not have the best win record, but there is still an unpredictability with her whenever she steps foot into the ring!
Stephanie Matsuda: That Recoil though. One of the highlights of her career was delivering the Recoil to Braxton DeVil at Terminus. That cuck didn’t see it coming.
(“Party Goin’ Dumb” — Rico Nasty plays the crowd gives a mixed reaction to Astraea Jordan who comes out with the Unified Tag Team Championship on her waist.)
Cori Simmons: Introducing her opponent, from Chicago, Illinois, she is one-half of the NEW EAW Unified Tag Team Champions, ASSSSSSSTRRRRRAAAAAEEEEEAAAAAAA JOOOOOORRRRRDDDAAAAANNNN!!
SG1: Here is our NEW Unified Tag Team Champion! Astraea Jordan along with her boyfriend Malcolm Jones managed to defeat Mr. DEDEDE and Cameron Ella Ava on Showdown last week to capture the titles! This marks Astraea Jordan’s first championship in EAW!
Stephanie Matsuda: Congratulations to her! Astraea is someone who is well-driven and she took me to the limit three weeks ago. Gave me a great fight! We may cross paths again if she wins Empress of Elite!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Alicia Amby: One-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, Astraea Jordan takes on The Pride’s Revy! Revy tries to look for an opening in this match, but Astraea manages to pull Revy in with a headlock before transitioning that to a takedown! Astraea showing a little of a technical side early in this match! Revy tries to find a way out of the move, but Astraea seems to have a good hold on the headlock takedown which is a bad thing so early into this match! Astraea finds herself going down to one knee as she continues to apply pressure onto the headlock! Revy manages to push Astraea to the ropes, but Astraea manages to stay on her ground as she connects with a back elbow on Revy, who planned to run towards her from behind! Revy holds her face as Astraea quickly follows that up with a powerful clothesline, knocking Revy on her back! Astraea quickly picks up Revy and goes for a bear hug on Revy! At the moment, Revy is looking pretty trapped in Astraea’s bear hug! Astraea is moving Revy around as Revy is trying to look for any sort of way to get out of the move! Astraea decides to make Revy’s job easier by transitioning from the bear hug and throwing her to the corner!
SG1: Revy was thrown into the corner quite harshly! Revy is using the ropes to help keep her still, but Astraea goes through her like a freight train with a clothesline! Revy lets go of whatever grasp she had on the ropes as she falls forward a bit. Astraea begins delivering mean chops to Revy’s chest, pushing her into the corner in the process! Over and over again, Astraea delivers some harsh chops to Revy’s chest! Revy is trying to block her chest from getting any more red than it is at the moment! Astraea takes Revy’s hands away as she shushes the crowd as they go completely silent! ASTRAEA WITH ONE LAST HARSH CHOP AS REVY YELLS OUT IN PAIN! Astraea backs away a bit before she grabs Revy’s arm and whips her to the opposite side of the corner! Revy does not have time to compose herself as Astraea connects with a running dropkick to Revy! Revy’s back slides against the corner as she finds herself in a seated position! Astraea takes a few steps back before connecting with a big boot that sends Revy back a bit! Revy’s head goes bouncing against the corner as Astraea pulls Revy by her foot and goes for the cover!
Jesse Carlton: OOOONE!! TWOOO!!
Stephanie Matsuda: Revy manages to kick out at two! Things are not looking good for her at the moment! Astraea pulls Revy by her hair and delivers one mean headbutt to Revy, who manages to fall down to one knee! Astraea delivers another headbutt as Revy finds herself on both knees! Astraea Jordan continues to connect with a series of headbutts on Revy! Revy is trying her best to keep still, but the strength of Astraea Jordan was enough to knock her down on her back! Astraea picks up what seems to be a lifeless Revy and gets her onto one shoulder before connecting with a lawn dart! Revy’s face lands on the corner as she holds her hand! Astraea does not give Revy any room to breathe as she grabs Revy and connects with a snap scoop powerslam on Revy! Revy is on her back as she cringes in pain! Astraea is obviously the first one up back to her feet as she gets Revy again! Astraea gets Revy in position for a powerbomb! This is not going to look good for Revy at all! She needs to find a way to get into this match up! Astraea has Revy up as she connects with a release powerbomb on Revy! Revy goes flat on her back!
Alicia Amby: Shockingly enough, Astraea does not go for a cover there! I would have thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to go for the cover! Instead, Astraea gets Revy back up right away by the hair! What is Astraea planning to do next? Astraea takes Revy to the middle rope! Astraea Jordan gets Revy in a middle rope guillotine chokehold! Astraea is choking Revy for dear life! I don’t think Astraea gives a fuck about Revy at all! She just wants to win the match! Astraea believes that this may be one of the moments to take Revy out of her misery! Revy is trying to get out of the hold! She is wiggling around as she looks for some sort of way to get out of the situation! Astraea continues to apply pressure as she continues to choke the life out of Revy! Jesse Carlton begins her count!
Jesse Carlton: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
SG1: Astraea lets go before the five count! The official of the match distances Astraea from Revy. Revy tries to get the air back from her lungs! Revy is on her knees as she has a hand on her throat! OH MY GOD, ASTRAEA JORDAN WITH A BIG BOOT OUT OF NOWHERE TO REVY! NO! REVY IS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! ASTRAEA’S FOOT GETS ENTANGLED WITH THE MIDDLE ROPE! REVY USES THAT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ROLL UP ASTRAEA! REVY GONNA GET A HUGE UPSET RIGHT HERE!
Jesse Carlton: OOOOONE!! TWOOOOO!!
Stephanie Matsuda: Kick out from Astraea Jordan! Revy almost scared me for a second there, to be honest! Astraea manages to kick out as she rolls herself out of the way from Revy! Astraea runs to Revy! RECOIL! ASTRAEA DUCKS! SHE WANTS NO PIECE OF THE RECOIL! THAT IS ONE STUNNER THAT CAN KEEP ANY MAN, WOMAN OR CUCK DOWN FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME! ASTRAEA HAD THE MOVE SCOUTED! I THINK THAT SHE MAY BE AWARE OF HOW DANGEROUS IT CAN BE FOR REVY TO HIT THE RECOIL IN THE MATCH! REVY FINDS HERSELF ON ONE KNEE BEFORE SHE GETS HERSELF UP COMPLETELY! QUICKLY, REVY GRABS ASTRAEA BY HER BRAID! REVY BEGINS TO WRAP THE BRAID OF ASTRAEA AROUND HER NECK? IS REVY PLANNING TO CHOKE ASTRAEA? REVY WRAPS HER LEGS ON ASTRAEA’S WAIST! SHE PULLS THE BRAID BACK AS ASTRAEA IS CHOKING FOR DEAR LIFE! REVY IS USING ASTRAEA’S OWN WEAPON AGAINST HER AT THE MOMENT! ASTRAEA TRIES TO PIN REVY’S SHOULDERS DOWN, BUT REVY MANAGES TO GET HERSELF BACK UP, KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT ASTRAEA WAS DOING!
Alicia Amby: Astraea is gasping for air as she tries to look for a way out of this situation! She is trying to use her foot to drag herself to the bottom rope! Revy is shaking her head no! This is the last thing that can happen at this moment! Astraea is finding some progress as she continues to drag her foot into the bottom rope! Revy is doing her best to keep her still! At least, Astraea gets her foot on the bottom rope!
Jesse Carlton: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Revy: STOP BEING SUCH A REVY, JESSE!
SG1: Revy still obeys the ref’s instructions and lets go of the hold that she has in Astraea! Revy stands up as Astraea unwraps the braid from her neck! Astraea is holding her neck as she tries to get some air back in her lungs! Revy does not waste any time and she gets Astraea back to her feet! Revy connects with an Axe Kick, the scissor kick that sends Astraea to the mat! Revy gets Astraea back up again and whips her to the corner! Astraea does her best to hold onto the corner, but Revy comes racing towards her with a hesitation dropkick that makes Astraea’s head bounce back! Astraea goes falling into a seated position! Revy gets up and takes a few steps back before connecting with a Three Count! Revy with a harsh knee strike to the face of Astraea Jordan! Astraea goes falling onto her back as she holds her nose in pain! Revy smirks as she gets Astraea back into a seated position! Revy grabs Astraea with the upper part of her braid and begins to deliver some vicious knee strikes to Astraea’s nose! Over and over again, Revy bashes her knee onto Astraea’s face! Revy is not giving Astraea any time to breathe or make a come back in this match!
Stephanie Matsuda: I am not lying. Those are some vicious knees! Revy delivers one last harsh knee before having Astraea on her back! In a way, I feel bad for Astraea. On the other hand, this is the same woman who took ten C-Triggers two weeks ago in our title match! To Astraea, this may be nothing at all! Perhaps, this is all part of her plan. Wear Revy down enough for her to make a comeback in the match! Revy gets Astraea up to a standing position as she connects with a switchblade kick! Astraea bends forward and Revy bounces from the ropes and connects with a superkick, knocking Astraea down on her back! Revy grabs Astraea by her braid and wraps some of it in her hands! She gets Astraea up and throws her against the corner! Astraea landed harshly on the corner! Revy unwraps some of Astraea braid away from her hand as she takes a few steps back! Revy is gesturing for Astraea to come at her! Revy is showing a big fight against one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions! Astraea begins to find her way back up to her feet! Revy bounces from the ropes and connects with a Shooting Peach! The charging jumping hip attack connects on Astraea Jordan! Revy goes for the cover!
Jesse Carlton: OOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!
Alicia Amby: Astraea kicks out as Revy rolls her eyes! She doesn’t realize that Astraea Jordan is champion for a reason! Astraea can fight with some of the best in EAW! Revy picks up Astraea and gets her in position for the Falcon Arrow! The sitout suplex slam connects as Revy forms a smirk on her face! Revy is looking to end this match at the moment! Can you imagine if Revy is able to pin one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions? Can you imagine what that would do for Revy’s confidence? This can be one of the biggest upsets of the entire tournament! Revy pulls Astraea by her leg and takes her near the corner! As soon as Astraea is situated there, she gets on the top rope! The crowd is standing up on their feet! For anyone that hasn’t seen this move, they really need to see it! Revy sets herself before she stands up and… HOOOOOOOOOOOUSSSSSSSSSSTIIIIIIIIIIINN HAAAAAAAANGGGGGGGGOVVVVVVEERRRRRRRR!!
SG1: Astraea Jordan moves out of the way! Revy was planning to go for the diving somersault leg drop, but Astraea moves out of the way! This could be the one huge opportunity that Astraea really needs to make a come back in this match! Revy is down on the ground as Astraea tries to get herself back up! Astraea slowly rises up to her feet as she connects with a spear! The spear was deadly enough to take down Revy, who was struggling to get herself up anyway! Astraea sees that Revy is down and decides to get her back! It seems like Astraea has Revy in position for Kill You on Camera! Astraea Jordan with the muscle buster! Kill You on Camera connects as Revy goes down in the harshest way possible! Astraea has her arms out in confidence as she is looking like she wants to end this match more than anything at the moment! All she wants to do is move on to the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament!
Stephanie Matsuda: Astraea gets Revy up to her feet! Astraea takes a few steps back before she runs and connects with Free Smoke! The reverse roundhouse kick connects! No! Revy is able to duck and move out of the way! Revy with Recoil! No! Astraea moves out of the way! She gets right behind of Revy and connects with Life and Death, the cobra clutch backstabber connects! Revy is down as Astraea gets herself back up! She gets Revy up and gets her in a powerbomb position! She gets Revy up and transitions that to a cutter! LAAAAAAAAAAAATEEEEEEEEEEE REEEEEEEGIIIIIIIIISTTTTTTTTTTRAAAAAAAATIIIIIIIIIIONNNNNNNNNN!! THE MOVE CONNECTS! ASTRAEA GOES FOR THE COVER!
Jesse Carlton: OOOOOOONE!! TWOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Party Goin’ Dumb” plays as Astraea Jordan happily gets her arm raised by the offical of the match.)
Cori Simmons: The winner of this match, the EAW Unified Tag Team Champion, ASSSSSSTRRRRRAAAAEEEEEAAAAAA JOOOORRRRDDAAAAAANNNNN!!
SG1:The Unified Tag Team Champion manages to get the victory over Revy! It was a well-earned victory on her part! Astraea continues to be on a role since winning the Unified Tag Team Championship!
Alicia Amby: Astraea Jordan moves on to face Jael Arcana-Rosario in the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament! Revy put on an amazing performance and surprised a lot of us on how well, she did, but Astraea proving on why she is better.
(Astraea Jordan leans on the ropes as she looks at Stephanie Matsuda from the ring.)
Astraea Jordan: Keep that title warm for me, sis. You managed to defeat me once, but it will not happen again.
Stephanie Matsuda: We’ll see about that, champ.
SG1: Astraea Jordan has unfinished business with Stephanie Matsuda. She continues to advance in this tournament and she will get that match she desires.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK – “Counting with the Cuck” by Braxton DeVil now available on Audible! Get it free by signing up for your free trial today!)
(Braxton DeVil is seen tearing down an EAW merch stand inside the Manchester Arena. He pushes aside all the Empire Elitists t-shirts, toy championships, and autographed pictures as he sets two boxes on top of the table. With a smug grin, he produces a Crowe’s Nest logo t-shirt and begins hanging it up for display. Two security guards approach Braxton.)
Security Guard 1: Stop what you’re doing immediately!
Security Guard 2: Do you know how much trouble you’ll be in for causing all this commotion?
(Just as the second guard is about to detain him, Chelsea Crowe appears. Jael Arcana-Rosario and Raven Roberts follow suit right behind her.)
Chelsea Crowe: I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do to stop him, gentlemen. He’s simply doing what he was told to do: and that’s making sure no one else profits from merch sales tonight aside from the Crowe’s Nest.
(The two guards exchange a puzzled look.)
Raven Roberts: If either of you could take a hint, we run this show. And as our first act as ambassadors, we’ve decided to freshen up the merch booths by introducing new merchandise for our valued Empire fans to consume.
Jael Arcana-Rosario: We’ve got t-shirts, action figures, autographed portraits, a custom Crowe’s Nest variant of the Women’s World Championship, and my personal favorite, a sideways cross necklace crafted to look exactly like the one I wear. Hell, we’ve even got a POP! Vinyl Figure three-pack, available exclusively at Empire live shows.
Braxton DeVil: Wait, where’d my POP! Figures go?
Chelsea: They must have gotten lost in transit. Now put the trash in the bags and set up our stuff.
(Braxton goes back to shoving the rest of the Empire merch into black bags, meanwhile Jael and Raven help set up the Crowe’s Nest merch as the security guards look on.)
Raven: I mean, look at this stuff, it’s unmarketable! People pay good money just to get into the venue, so why should they be forced to spend their money on defective merch?
(Raven pulls down a Revy t-shirt hung up on display.)
Raven: Take Revy for example. She’s drunk, she’s unhinged, and worst of all, she’s openly racist. Mix those up, and we have a recipe for disaster. We live in an age where if you even look at someone funny, you can get called out on and ‘canceled’ by those most loyal to the Empire product. As ambassadors, we’re well aware of our diverse demographic. Rather than continuing to sell and promote someone as problematic as Revy, we can put up our merch that features our logo. Which, by the way, is a symbol of inclusivity and unity in itself.
(Holding the shirt out by a corner, Raven quickly tosses it into one of the black bags. She steps aside as Jael holds up a Daisy Thrash action figure.)
Jael: We also believe in upholding the truth and being credible. What happens if a company falsely advertises a product that isn’t what it’s meant to be? Empire would be held liable for a lawsuit, that’s what’ll happen. Now this girl right here, Daisy Thrash, she claims to be a redhead. When if you look at her or this action figure, her hair is orange. We can’t risk lying to the people who support our product, which is why items like this should be discarded immediately. That’s also why I’m proud to announce the newest Jael Arcana-Rosario action figure, which actually has red hair. Just like yours truly.
(Jael throws the action figure into one of the black bags. She goes back to setting up the stand as Chelsea gestures to one of the many Braxton DeVil shirts that have been hung up on the stand.)
Chelsea: And let’s not forget the complete lack of diversity that the Empire merch stands previously showed. Empire is already facing complaints due to the inequality the product shows, then what do they do? Completely ignore their only male talent when it comes to promotion. We can’t alienate half of EAW’s demographic. It’s bad enough that Empire has two GMs that don’t represent diversity, now we have merch stands that reinforce inequality as well! But as the ambassadors for Fox, we are here to promote equality as outlined in our mission statement. Otherwise both Empire and Fox will have legions of fans starting ‘change the channel’ hashtags and writing online petitions.
Security Guard 1: With all due respect ladies, I really don’t think this is allowed.
Raven: Per our orders, yes, this is allowed. Crowe’s Nest merchandise is the only network approved merchandise. Therefore it’s the only thing to be sold at shows. If you have such an issue with the ambassadors of Empire doing their job, then go and complain to the people who gave us the position. I’m sure the Fox executives would love to hear some nobodies telling them how to do their jobs.
Jael: And if you’re not going to complain, you can take these.
(Jael hands the two security guards the trash bags full of Empire Elitist merch.)
Chelsea: After you’ve taken that out, you can watch me do the rest of my job as ambassador and win.
(“Fire” by BTS plays as Consuela Rose Ava comes skipping out to a cheering audience)
Cori Simmons: The following match is a first round Empress of Elite match scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: One fall!
Cori: First, making her way to the ring! From Frias, Spain! Weighing in at 120 lbs…”The Maid” Consuela Rose Ava!
SG1: After facing disappointment after disappointment, Consuela Rose is determined to shake off this slump she’s been in ever since she lost the Specialist Championship!
Alicia Amby: She would always come close to getting the spotlight back on her, but would fall short each time.
Stephanie Matsuda: I wonder losing the chance to win the women’s championship played a role in this? I didn’t feel good doing what I had to do, but it had to be done.
SG1: I’m sure she’s more concerned with winning this match, then about the past Cloud.
Stephanie: That may be, but we’ll have to see.
(Consuela climbs into the ring, and gets ready for her match. “Born to Die” by Sidewalks and Skeletons play as Chelsea Crowe walks out with Braxton DeVil)
Alicia: Here comes trouble.
Cori: Her opponent! Being accompanied by Braxton DeVil! From Auckland, New Zealand! Weighing in at 120 lbs…Chelsea! Crowe!
SG1: Chelsea Crowe had a chance to taste gold when she was Specialist Champion, and now she has her eyes set on a bigger prize!
Stephanie: Let her come. Let them all come. I’ll be there, waiting.
Alicia: Hopefully, Empire’s resident “cuck” doesn’t get too involved with this match.
Stephanie: He always finds a way to get involved.
(Chelsea whispers something in Braxton’s ear and climbs into the ring. Referee Nikka Machida calls for the bell)
(DING! DING! DING!)
SG1: The ref calls for the bell, and it’s time to get one of the most hotly anticipated matches in EOE started! Consuela Rose Ava and Chelsea Crowe circle one another, looking for an opening. Both women lock-up, with Chelsea having better leverage from the slight height advantage. She’s attempting to take control of this match by transitioning to a wrist lock. It looks like she’s trying to bend Consuela’s hand backwards, but Ava rolls out of it, and and whips Crowe to the ropes, catching her on the rebound with a running DDT.
Stephanie: Chelsea has impeccable technique, but Consuela has speed on her side. If she can utilize that in conjunction with her cleverness, then she might have a shot.
Alicia: Consuela has the seated shoulder lock in tight. Chelsea makes the switch and counters with a headlock! Consuela switches and picks up Chelsea into a waist lock! Chelsea slides under between Ava’s legs and flips her onto her back, stomping and kicking on the head! Consuela’s forced to roll away with her hands up in protest. She finds herself leaning out between the ropes, forcing the ref to keep Crowe away from her!
Consuela: Descanso! Descanso!
SG1: Looks like Consuela’s going back to old habits! Chelsea’s takes a few steps back to give Ava some breathing room. Consuela tries to rush her! Kick to the gut! Northern Lights suplex/double stomp combination! Chelsea seems to have an answer for Consuela’s tricks! She places her opponent between the ropes! Neckbreaker!
Alicia: Chelsea Crowe has managed to take back the match in her favor. She delivers several vicious basement knee strikes to the back followed by a grapevine sleeper! Chelsea’s pulling back, putting stress on the back of Ava’s neck! She’s like a viper with those long legs wrapped around her opponent’s midsection. Consuela starts panicking, trying to find a way out! Chelsea rolls away from the ropes!
Stephanie: You can tell that Consuela doesn’t have an easy way out! She tries to find some wiggle room to reposition herself. Crowe is forced to break the hold after several elbows to the side of the face! Consuela gets to her feet and whips Chelsea to the corner. Here we go! Handspring to the corner- the back elbow finds its target!
SG1: Chelsea stumbles to the floor as Consuela jumps to the top rope! She’s ready to fly- aw come on! Chelsea is pulled out of the ring by Braxton DeVil! Referee Nikka Machida is warning Braxton about his actions! DeVil starts to take couple of steps back with his arms up- Consuela takes off to the outside! MOONSAULT ONTO BOTH CHELSEA AND BRAXTON! Consuela slides back into the ring and hits the ropes! Chelsea and Braxton are getting to their- SUICIDE DIVE INTO BOTH MANAGER AND CLIENT! THE CROWD IS GOING NUTS! Consuela looks fired up as she roars to the crowd!
(An instant replay shows Consuela pulling off the moonsault in slow motion. Another scene shows her pulling off a suicide dive through the ropes, crashing into Chelsea and Braxton)
Ref: One!
Alicia: Consuela Rose Ava refuses to give in to the schemes of Chelsea Crowe and her nest! She rolls Chelsea back into the ring and makes the cover!
Ref: OOOOOOOONNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!
SG1: Chelsea kicks out! Consuela looks a bit disappointed but she’s still focused. These women have faced each other before! They’re very much familiar with each other’s abilities. Somewhere in the mind of Consuela Rose Ava, she had to know that it wouldn’t be this easy! She picks up Chelsea and whips her to the corner- Crowe counters with a whip of her own and pursues her opponent! Consuela grabs the corner ropes! Backflip knee arm drag! Chelsea’s rolling around the mat, shocked at what just happened!
Stephanie: I’m telling you! It’s that agility I’ve been telling ya’ll about!
SG1: Chelsea gets to her feet- but Consuela hits the Thesz Press! She’s going wild, beating the makeup off of Crowe’s face! Chelsea pushes her off- VICIOUS SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST AND CHELSEA REMAINS ON HER KNEES!
Crowd: Si!
Alicia: Consuela hits a second kick!
Crowd: Si!
Stephanie: A third!
Crowd: Si!
SG1: A fourth! You can hear the impact of those kicks throughout the entire arena! Consuela leans back…
Crowd: Whoaaaaaaaaaa-
Alicia: KA MATE!! AN ACT OF DESPERATION FROM CHELSEA CROWE WITH THE LEG DROP DDT AND BOTH WOMEN ARE ON THE MAT, EXHAUSTED! CHELSEA SLOWLY CRAWLS OVER HER OPPONENT!
Ref: OOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
SG1: Consuela kicks out! Chelsea’s shocked! She almost had the surprise win and was going to be one step closer to becoming Empress of Elite! The Kiwi gets to her feet and starts stomping on Consuela’s arm! Rolling arm snap! Consuela’s holding her left arm in severe pain! That’s the arm she uses to drive her opponent to the mat with the Lemon Pledge electric chair driver! Chelsea is dismantling her opponent in hopes of preventing her from using her most deadliest weapon!
Alicia: Chelsea is going back to basics with her slow-paced style! Jumping knee drop to the arm! Consuela’s curled up in a ball, seething in pain! Consuela’s paying her no mind as she picks her up by the hair and throws her into the corner!
Braxton: GET THE MAID!
Alicia: Chelsea takes her manager’s advice, puts one foot on the bottom rope and puts the other to Consuela’s throat, choking the life out of her!
Chelsea: You like that!? Huh!?
Ref: Chelsea! Stop! One! Two! Three! Four!
SG1: Chelsea walks away with a big grin on her face! You can see the desire to break Consuela Rose Ava is only growing in her eyes. She goes back to Consuela to pick her up in a Cobra Clutch! Consuela’s kicking wildly about, trying to break out of it! BACKBREAKER! Consuela bounces off the knee like a rag doll!
Alicia: Chelsea looks nowhere near done as she picks up Consuela to inflict more punishment! Crowe has wrist control- kneeling facebuster! Arm twist side kick-
Stephanie: Consuela ducks! Northern Lights counter! She has the bridge!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOOONNNEEEE
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO
TH-
SG1: Chelsea kicks out, not knowing what just happened! She’s turning to Braxton, who simply shrugs in aggravated confusion! There’s still life on Consuela! She’s fighting back with everything she’s got!
Stephanie: Chelsea looks pissed…
Alicia: STIFF forearm shit to Consuela from out out of nowhere! She drags her opponent to the corner and springboards off for a Tornado DD- she transitions to a small package!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOONNNEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THRRR-
Alicia: Consuela kicks out! Chelsea’s wasting no time to stand over her opponent! She has the arm! CROWE’S NEST! SHE HAS THE HEADSCISSORS KIMURA LOCK APPLIED ON THE DAMAGED ARM! CONSUELA’S SCREAMING OUT IN PAIN! SHE DOESN’T KNOW IF SHE’S ABLE TO ESCAPE! CHELSEA’S TRYING TO TIGHTEN THE HOLD! CONSUELA IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF IT! CROWE IS DETERMINED TO RIP THE ARM FROM HER SOCKET!
SG1: Consuela needs to tap and live to fight another day!
Stephanie: I know Consuela. She rather take death over submitting to someone like Chelsea Crowe!
Alicia: Consuela looks like she’s trying to slip from the holds! She’s on her knees! Wait…wait…she’s lifting Chelsea!? HOW!? SHE’S NOT SUCCESSFUL, BUT SHE’S TRYING AGAIN! CHELSEA’S TRYING TO STAY GROUNDED BUT ISN’T SUCCEEDING! CONSUELA LIFTS HER ONTO HER SHOULDERS! LEMON PLEDGE!!!! LEMON PLEDGE!!!! HOW!? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!? CONSUELA’S HOLDING HER ARM IN PAIN AS SHE MAKES THE COVER!
Ref/Crowd: OOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Fire” by BTS plays as Consuela Rose Ava rolls out of the ring as Braxton slides in)
Cori Simmons: Your winner by pinfall and advancing to the quarterfinals of the Empress of Elite! Consuela! Rose! Aaaaaaavaaaaa!
SG1: She did it! Tonight must be the night of upsets because somehow Consuela overcame the odds!
Alicia: Maybe not for long – here comes Chelsea’s cronies Jael and Raven!
Stephanie: Consuela! Leave through here!
(Stephanie gives Consuela a high five as she climbs over the barricade and celebrates with the crowd!)
SG1: What a match! Consuela is moving on to the quarterfinals and Chelsea Crowe’s going to have to live with the disappointment!
Alicia: Well there’s always the Second Chance Initiative, which I think is going to be explained next, when we come back!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK: Tune in to Saturday Night Showdown! 8pm on the USA Network!)
(Kendra Shamez is standing in the ring)
Kendra Shamez: The Second Chance Initiative – a concept I’ve conceived on my first day as assistant general manager. As I’ve previously mentioned, the purpose of this idea is to provide opportunities for those who fail to advance in the EOE to have a shot at Remi Skyfire’s EAW Specialist Championship, and the Jaded Hearts’ EAW Empire Tag Team Championship! With the influx of new talent here on Thursday Night Empire, there will be another Young Lioness Showcase – a multi-woman match refereed by non other than the legend herself – MISS MANAMI!
(Loud cheers erupt from the crowd)
Kendra: Some competitors will be revealed in time, depending on the progress of the tournament, but the first four will be Thursday Night Empire’s newest recruits – Toni Gunn, Mali Evans, Sonya Correa, and Harlow Reichert! The winner will receive the Young Lioness Cup. This trophy, like the Iconic Cup will be used to cash in on a future opportunity – for the EAW Specialist Championship!
(Crowd cheers)
Kendra: Next order of business are the Specialist Championship and the Empire Tag Team Championship. During the next three weeks we will hold mini tournaments to set up who will fight Remi Skyfire and the Jaded Hearts. Should be an interesting affair, to say the least. Now as for Stephanie Matsuda’s next challenger, that will be revealed next week!
(Kendra stares at Matsuda over at the commentary table)
Kendra: I hope you’re ready.
Stephanie Matsuda: You bet your ass I am.
(Kendra smiles and hands the mic to Cori Simmons at “Needles and Pins” by Deftones play. She climbs out of the ring and walks up the ramp, waving her crowd who is giving her a more positive reaction than before)
SG1: What an announcement from Kendra Shamez! Looks like the ladies of Empire will have their hands full!
Alicia Amby: I cannot wait to see who will redeem themselves and get a shot at the Specialist or tag titles!
(FINAL COMMERCIAL BREAK: Manifest Destiny! Live at the Barclays Center on August 18th!)
(‘Roll With Me’ by Charli XCX plays as Andrea Valentine walks out with her EAW Openweight Championship)
Cori Simmons: The following main event is a first round Empress of Elite match scheduled for-
Crowd: ONE FALL! OI! OI! OI!
Cori: (smiles) First! From Orlando, FL! Weighing in at 100 lbs! She is your EAW Openweight Champion! “The Heart of Empire” Andrea Valentine!
SG1: What a year it’s been for Andrea Valentine! Just several months after her one year anniversary she finds herself to be Empire’s first representative in the Openweight scene!
Alicia Amby: On last week’s Showdown she found out her opponent at Midsummer Massacre is going to be Terry Chambers! This match will be practice in a way!
Stephanie Matsuda: The calm before the storm, huh? It’ll be interesting to if she retains against Terry and somehow wins the crown. It’ll be like the crown is insurance for the belt.
SG1: Perhaps, but getting through Kassidy Heart won’t be easy.
(Andrea climbs into the ring, holding the Openweight Championship high for everyone to see. ‘It’s All About Me’ by Melanie Mercer plays as Kassidy Heart walks out alone with one half of the EAW Empire Tag Team Championship around her waist)
Cori: Her opponent! From Sydney, Australia! Weighing in at 120lbs! She is one half of the Jaded Hearts and the EAW Empire Tag Team Champions…”The Queen of Hearts” Kassidy Heart!
Alicia: Kassidy Heart was not shy about showing her disdain for Andrea Valentine.
Stephanie: It’s weird. They’re almost like two sides of the same coin.
SG1: Is it because they’re blonde? -_-
Stephanie: Heh, I don’t know. It’s a little more than that, but I’ll get back to you on that one.
SG1: -_-
Alicia: Kassidy has stated she would rather have Andrea’s Openweight Championship. I guess knocking her out of the tournament would be the next best thing.
(Kassidy Heart climbs in the ring to confront Andrea Valentine. Both women give their belts to referee Jesse carlton)
SG1: Referee Jesse Carlton calls for the bell and this main event is underway! We have the Openweight Champion going head-to-head with one-half of the Empire Tag Team Champions. Andrea Valentine close in, but Kassidy Heart keeps her at a distance with several low kicks.
Stephanie: This is smart of Kassidy, to keep her opponent at bay. She’s forcing Andrea to stay out of grappling range.
Alicia: Valentine checks low kick and ducks a roundhouse! Andrea has Kassidy in her clutches! She entraps Kassidy in an octopus stretch! She’s bending that hand to force the submission! Kassidy’s in pain! Those long legs of Andrea’s has her at an advantage as they keep Kassidy locked in place! Senior Referee Jesse Carlton is checking on Kassidy to see if she’s going to tap!
Jesse Carlton: Do you tap?
Kassidy: F–k no!
SG1: She’s refusing to give in! She’s fighting to break free! Andrea’s hands are slipping! Kassidy elbows her way to freedom! Spinning heel kick connects, and Andrea goes down! Kassidy loses her balance from exhaustion, but manages to land a fist drop on Andrea’s face on the way down!
Alicia: One of the things I’ve noticed about Kassidy is how quick on the draw she is. We saw an example of that when she placed her personal safety on the line protecting her partner, Sienna Jade.
Stephanie: Hmm.
Alicia: Nothing else to add?
Stephanie: Nope.
SG1: Andrea is flipped onto her stomach as Kassidy latches on a camel clutch! She’s pulling at the nose as she’s stretching the neck back at the same time!
Ref: Kassidy! Cut it out!
SG1: OH! Kassidy just slammed Andrea face first into the mat! She’s glaring at the ref in response.
Kassidy: Is that good enough for you!?
Stephanie: Ouch! She’s kicking the hell out of Andrea’s ribs! There you go girl grab the leg-
SG1: Another fist drop to the face! Andrea’s rolling away, while holding her nose! I wonder if it’s bleeding?
Stephanie: It doesn’t look like it, But Kass doesn’t care. She’s thrown Andrea into the corner and is lighting her up with those shoot kicks! One! Two! Three! Four! She throws Andrea to the canvas and climbs top the top! MOONSAULT!
Alicia: Andrea moved out the way, but Kass was smart enough to land on herf feet! Andrea scrambles to her feet! HEADS UP! OH! WHEELBARROW STUNNER! Valentine goes for the early cover!
Ref: OOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
SG1: Kassidy gets the shoulder up!
Stephanie: One of Andrea’s favorite strategies is wearing down her opponents through a multitude of pins. She gets to her feet while picking up Andrea- snap swinging neckbreaker!
Alicia: Kassidy is holding onto that neck very noticeably. Andrea’s swinging neckbreakers have a strong whiplash like effect to them.
SG1: Andrea attempts a grounded octopus stretch, but Kassidy wiggles herself free! She hits the ropes! Shining Wizard! Kassidy sneaks a prawn-style pin!
Ref: OOOOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
TH-
SG1: Andrea kicks out in time!
Stephanie: It looks like Kassidy is giving her a taste of her own medicine. She’s not done though as she tries for her figure-eight signature-
Alicia: Andrea sits up and grabs the arm! She flips her over! CROSS AMBREAK-
SG1: Kassidy rolls Andrea into a wasit lock! DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! SHE’S NOT FINISHED! A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX! KASSIDY STILL HAS WAIST CONTROL! THIRD GERMAN SUPLEX! KASSPLODERPLEX! SHE HAS THE BRIDGE!
Ref/Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEE
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO
THRR-
Alicia: ANDREA KICKS OUT!
(The crowd starts stomping their feet and clapping)
SG1: This match has gone from zero to sixty in intensity! It’s amazing how Andrea has kicked out of three consecutive German suplexes, but this is a woman who has defeated the current and previous women’s champions back to back!
Stephanie: …
Alicia: If these two keep forcing pins upon one another, one of them is bound to slip up! Kassidy decides to climb the nearest turnbuckle! Is she going for the Airheart flying headbutt? No, she’s waiting for Andrea to stand! This could mean only one thing! Andrea’s getting to her feeting…
Stephanie: Stay down…stay down…
Alicia: THE HEART ATTACK!
SG1: XOXO EAT DEFEAT FOR THE COUNTER!!!
Stephanie: Nani!?
Alicia: O.O!!! HOW!? WHAT!? HOW DID SHE PULL THAT OFF!?
Crowd: HOLY S–T! HOLY S–T!
(An instant replay shows Kassidy flying off the top for a diving corkscrew stunner, that was countered by Andrea who shifted and pulled her into her foot with an inverted stomp facebreaker!)
SG1: I…I never saw something like that in my whole life!
Stephanie: Neither have I…
Alicia: T-that was amazing!
SG1: Andrea is slowly crawling over her opponent for the pin!
Crowd/Ref: OOOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THRE-
SG1/Alicia/Stephanie: KASSIDY KICKS OUT!?
(Andrea’s in complete disbelief as the crowd goes nuts. Kassidy looks stunned as she lies half conscious on the mat)
SG1: She doesn’t know what to do! She has to think of something quick!
Alicia: Indeed. Look who decided to show up!
(Showdown Elitist Terry Chambers makes his presence known by walking on to the stage. He walks halfway down the ramp and crosses his arms)
Alicia: What the hell does he want!?
Stephanie: He’s scouting his opponent and making sure she knows…
(Andrea rolls off Kassidy turns to Terry)
Stephanie: Eyes on the prize Andrea! Don’t worry about him!
Alicia: Kassidy is coming to…
(Andrea crawls towards the ropes, glaring at Terry-)
SG1: CURB STOMP!
Stephanie: ANDREA’S MOVES OUT THE WAY!
Alicia: KASSIDY BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES!
SG1: TAKE ‘EM TO CHURCH! Kassidy falls on top of her opponent and points over here at Matsuda!
Ref/Crowd: OOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Stephanie: …
Ref/Crowd: TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Stephanie: …
Ref/Crowd: THRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘It’s All About Me’ by Melanie Mercer plays as Kassidy rolls off Andrea with her arms raised up. Terry Chambers shakes his head in disgust and walks to the back)
Cori: Your winner by pinfall and advancing to the quarterfinals of the Empress of Elite tournament..Kassidy Heart!
Alicia: She had it! Andrea Valentine almost had Kassidy Heart’s number!
SG1: She let the presence of her next Openweight challenge get to her head! I’m surprised, because Andrea’s usually so focused!
Stephanie: She’s never been this far in the game before. She’s a champion, which means she’s looking over her shoulder often. She’s gonna have to learn to be comfortable with that belt over her shoulders- this cost her a shot at this.
(Stephanie pulls out the EAW Unified Women’s Championship. Kassidy Heart leans over the ropes and points at the title. Stephanie stands up, holding it up high. The camera focuses on the two of them as the camera fades.)
(EAW logo buzzes)
