(EAW Intro plays…)
(RECAP–The recap begins with A Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle that took place at the War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku, Hawaii. In the opening contest, National Elite Champion Donovan Duke defeated Alex Myers after Veena Adams came out and distracted both competitors. The next match has Roberto De La Rosa defeated Harley Lewis after a distraction from Esmeralda. Next, there was an interbranded tag team match with Showdown’s Ryan Joseph Wilson and Xander Payne defeating Dynasty’s Off Brand Amphetamines. The final Showdown match at the event had Harper Lee facing off with Holly Arrow. They took each other to the limit and the match ended with a time limit draw. After the match, the two ladies looked to keep fighting, but they shocked everybody by shaking hands and leaving the ring together. )
(The recap continues with Road to Redemption that took place at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China. The competitors of the blue brand provided so much action and entertainment during the two day event. In the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal, Showdown’s Hans Grayson almost won the match and the $100,000 prize, but it was the numbers game that helped Dynasty’s Solomon Stane win the match. Veena Adams pulls through with a last second pinfall to win the Scramble Match to defeat Holly Arrow, Harper Lee, Harley Lewis, Abel Atami, and Hunnid Honcho to become Number One Contender to the National Elite Championship. Alex Myers manages to end their rivalry with Jack Ripley as Alex defeats Jack in an amazing Coffin Match. In a very dangerous Last Person Standing Match, Kassidy Heart defeats Jake Smith after powerbombing Jake off the top of the entrance stage to the concrete floor below. Finally, Impact defeats Jon Kelton, Donovan Duke, Ryan Joseph Wilson, Xander Payne, and Adam Lucas to retain the Answers World Championship thanks to some interference from GM Kennedy Street. When we thought it was over, Jake Smith came back down to the ring still injured and he cashed in his Cash in the Vault Briefcase. Kassidy Heart comes down to add numbers, but out of nowhere MS. EXTREME returns after a lengthy absence to fight Kassidy Heart and take her out of the equation. When all was said and done, Jake Smith fights through the pain and suffering as he defeats Impact to win his first World Championship as he celebrates with the belt as the recap ends…)
(“Brick Wall” by A Day to Remember is playing throughout the beautiful Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The crowd in attendance is going absolutely crazy in excitement for all the Showdown action to start. The crowd has on their EAW merchandise supporting their favorite EAW Elitists while others are holding up signs cheering for their favorites or jeering towards the ones that they despise. After a few moments of the camera panning through the entire crowd, the camera finally settles at the broadcast table where the trio of Deadprez, Gavin Kirkland, and Eve are sitting and ready to once again call all the Showdown Action.)
Deadprez: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Road to Redemption is behind us and we are on our way to King of Elite. This is SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN! We are live from the Pechanga Arena in beautiful San Diego, California. I’m the one and only Deadprez and alongside Gavin Kirkland and the lovely Eve, we will be calling all the great action the blue brand can provide.
Gavin Kirkland: I can’t believe it. We have so much going on tonight that I am already on the edge of my seat. Tonight is going to be amazing. Tonight includes hearing from our NEW Answers World Champion. The one. The only. JAKE SMITH! What a Road to Redemption he had and tonight we hear from the champ.
Eve: You got that right. Congratulations once again to Jake Smith, but Road to Redemption brought about the return of one of EAW’s most successful competitors. Ms. Extreme is BACK on Showdown. This is exciting and we will no doubt be hearing from her tonight. If Ms. Extreme is here tonight then you better believe that Kassidy Heart will not be far behind.
Deadprez: I’ve also got word that Veena Adams is here and she is going to be calling out the National Elite Champion Donovan Duke here tonight. There’s no doubt that Duke is not exactly happy about what Veena tried to pull in Hawaii. That will come up tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: We will also find out more tonight about what’s going on between Harper Lee and Holly Arrow. We thought they were mortal enemies, but what we saw in Hawaii was shocking to say the least. We will also be hearing from Major Scotty Connor and Hans Grayson tonight. They had great performances in the Extreme Enigma battle royale and there’s no doubt they are looking for their next opportunity.
Deadprez: We will also be hearing from our Showdown General Manager Kennedy Street about why she did what she did at Road to Redemption. Adam Lucas was a few seconds away from winning the Answers World Championship and it was the doing of Ms. Street that initially led to Impact retaining the title. She will no doubt explain herself tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: THE MATCHES PREZZY! The MATCHES!! We have so many matches on tap. Like tonight we have a SHOWDOWN DEBUT IN THE HOUSE!! We will have the Showdown Debut of Thomas Fresnedi. He had a match a few weeks ago on Fight Grid, but now he gets the chance to compete on Showdown against Former New Breed Champion Lucas Johnson. Lucas is a veteran who is looking to get himself into title contention whenever he can and tonight could build momentum for Lucas. Or will Fresnedi’s debut on Showdown be successful. We will find out tonight.
Eve: Not only that, but the First Round of the Empress of Elite Tournament continues tonight on Showdown as we have three first round matches on the horizon. First we have Showdown vs. Showdown as we have Mary S. Atlas taking on the debuting Ashlynn Quinn. Will Mary build momentum or will the debuting Quinn get on the map very quickly.
Deadprez: The second match involves Showdown’s Lexi taking on Dynasty’s Dangerous Little Miss in Caroline. Will Lexi fight off Caroline and find herself a trip to the quarterfinals or will the new attitude of Caroline pay off big time?
Eve: Our final first round match will be Holly Arrow of Showdown taking on Candice Blair of Voltage. Will Holly find success and a trip to the Quarterfinals or will the lovely Candice Blair stop her in her tracks and win the match for herself? That’s tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: The Empress of Elite is underway, but we also start the Showdown matches for the KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!!! We have two first round matches tonight. The first match will be the “Straight Shooter” Jack Ripley taking on Jon Kelton.
Deadprez: That’s going to be a great match no doubt. Finally, we have our main event. This is the other first round match with Adam Lucas taking on Roberto De La Rosa. Adam Lucas is not going to be in the best of moods due to being screwed over at Road to Redemption, but La Familia will be in Roberto’s corner. Will the numbers game be too much for Adam or will Adam Lucas make his way to the quarterfinals? We will find out tonight. But right now, let’s take it to the ring with the lovely Gina Romano.
(“WAR” by Grandson starts to play throughout the arena as the crowd explodes in cheers. Jake Smith slowly comes out and stands there, recovered from his injuries, still a little taped up and bruised, lifting the Answers World Championship over his head.)
Gina Romano: MAY I INTRODUCE AT THIS TIME…. THE NEEEEWWWWWW ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION…. JAKE SMITH!!!!
(The crowd continues to cheer as Jake Smith makes his way to the ring, high fiving the fans.)
Deadprez: Here is the New Answers World Champion! We saw the gutsy cash-in at Road to Redemption! It was a moment frozen in time as he defeated Impact after such a hard fought match where Impact successfully defended the championship in the Elimination Chamber!
Eve: He picked his spot, took advantage of the horrific fall between Impact and Adam Lucas, survived an onslaught by Kassidy Heart thanks to Ms. Extreme returning, he is either the luckiest man alive, or everything just fell right into place. He now holds the grand prize and finally a World Champion.
Gavin Kirkland: We will see how long he can hold it. Jake Smith though had the honor of getting beat up by Kassidy Heart!
(Jake Smith gets to the ring, where Gina Romano hands him the mic before she walks out and lets him have the platform as t5he music dies down.)
Jake Smith: Wow…. I have waited a very long time to have a moment like this where I stand in front of all of you as the World Champion. When I won the Cash in the Vault, I didn’t know when I would cash in or even how. I really took my time to pick my spot, it wasn’t easy and honestly after the match with Kassidy Heart, I could barely move, I didn’t know if the right time was now considering the condition I was in if I would even be able to succeed in a cash in. Then I saw Adam and Impact drop from the top of the Chamber, and I took my moment especially after what Kennedy Street did.
(The fans boo at the mention of her name.)
Jake Smith: I had one goal. To be a World Champion and there were a lot of people that were doubting me. Year after year, it became almost an albatross to me. Watching so many others grabbing the brass ring, getting their time as Champion, but I was constantly failing to the point I was starting to become the butt of jokes. It was to the point that I had to finally stop for a moment and realize what the hell was going on and what I needed to do about it. That is why, nothing was going to stop me from grabbing this title and before I continue, I need to give a thanks and shout out to Ms. Extreme for coming down there and fighting off Kassidy Heart.
(As the crowd cheers when he mentions her name, Jake nods as he appreciates what she did for him. Kassidy had him dead to rights and she had no intentions of allowing him to reach the ring and get the chance to cash in.)
Jake Smith: When it was clear, that was my chance, I needed to finally strike while the iron was hot. I could barely feel my body, it was numb after Kassidy, and I went through hell. Nothing though was standing in my way, nothing. That is why I am now standing in front of you all as World Champion and I have to give credit where it is due, Impact is a hell of a Champion and to defeat him the way I did was thanks to the hard work and dedication at Pain for Pride which offered me this moment. Whether it was tag team titles, PURE Championships, whatever it was, this time I needed to grab the ultimate prize and reach the pinnacle. I am the EAW World Champion and…..
(Suddenly “M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft. Kid Cudi starts to play as the fans stand up and start to boo. Impact slowly makes his way out with mic in hand.)
Deadprez: And here is the former World Champion! That didn’t take long at all!
Eve: We knew this was going to happen! Impact was not going to stand idly by!
Gavin Kirkland: Bitness is about to pick up!
(Impact soaks in the jeers before he finally speaks.)
Impact: Isn’t this nice? To end the 2022 year here you are with some grand acceptance speech talking about how hard fought it was to win the championship. Was it really, Jake? If I recall Adam Lucas and I fell 20 feet to the mats below and practically killed each other. If I’m not mistaken, I wrestled almost an entire Chamber match coming in at #3 against five of the best in the Blue Brand, yet what you did was supposed to be some impossible task picking at our bones, and honestly if it wasn’t for Ms. Extreme? You wouldn’t be standing there as World Champion now.
Jake Smith: And the only reason you even won the Chamber was because of Kennedy.
Impact: Was it? I almost had you even after the punishment I took, you at least had some time to recover from the ass-whooping Kassidy put you through. But like always I have a solution, because before Showdown went on the air, I did talk to our esteemed and beautiful General Manager, Kennedy Street, and I figure there is only one way we are going to sort this out.
(Jake looks on a bit intrigued, he had a feeling something was in the works.)
Jake Smith: Please do tell.
Impact: Gladly. See Jake, You’re going to get the chance to prove everyone wrong. The opportunity to show the world that you truly are the Answers World Champion. No Chamber, no Kassidy Heart, no Ms. Extreme, no Adam Lucas, Jon Kelton, Ryan Wilson, Xander Payne, and Donovan Duke. None of it. Instead, it’s going to be Jake Smith versus Impact one on one at King of Elite for the Answers World Championship.
(The crowd explodes in cheers.)
Impact: And then “Champ”? Let’s see your worth.
(Impact flips the mic as he turns to walk away. Jake Smith stands there with the World Championship, holding it high in the air and nods. “M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft. Kid Cudi starts to play while the crowd continue to cheer the announcement.)
Deadprez: What a huge announcement! Jake Smith will defend the Answers World Championship against Impact! That is going to be one incredible match!
Eve: It really is and now… now Jake gets to prove if he can beat Impact one on one and this time no cash in, no interference! Can it be done!
Gavin Kirkland: No! We are going to have an ELEVEN time World Champion in Impact!
(Impact continues to walk toward the back as Jake holds the Championship up when it fades to commercial.)
As it returns from commercial break, Gina Romano is in the ring to introduce the first match of the night.)
Gina Romano: The following contest has a twenty-minute time limit and it is scheduled FOR!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Deadprez: What a match we have coming up for you all tonight!
Eve: Always great to see a fresh face on the blue brand!
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST…. RESIDING IN SORRENTO, ITALYYYY HE IS THOMAS FRESNEDIIIIIII!
(‘Fearless’ by Amaranthe hits as Thomas Fresnedi comes out onto the stage to a mixed reaction from the crowd, Thomas would confidently make his way down the rampway and enter the ring by sliding in. Not looking nervous one bit.)
Gavin Kirkland: A very confident young man who’s ready to kick some behind!
Eve: Probably confident because of who he’s facing.
Deadprez: Let’s not knock Lucas down like that, he may be struggling but a win like this could be what he needs to elevate himself again.
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT, HE CURRENTLY RESIDES IN LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK…. LUCAS JOHNSON!
(“Ready To Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. blasts throughout the arena speakers as a very confident looking Lucas Johnson walks out. Lucas has a face glossed with laser focus, he looks ready as he struts down the rampway and makes his way up the steps. The crowd rain down boo’s upon him but he seems rather unbothered.)
(DING! DING! DING)
Eve: Both men start by walking towards each other, arms raised and a tie-up is initiated! Lucas Johnson seems to get the better of it however as he manages to secure the back of Thomas and lift him up for a clean GERMAN SUPLEX! Thomas rolls back up to his feet holding his back having a rough introduction to EAW! Thomas Fresnedi running at Johnson for a Clothesline— WAIT! LUCAS DUCKS UNDER AND A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX HAS BEEN HIT! THOMAS LOOKS DAZED AND CONFUSED AS HE ROLLS BACK UP TO HIS FEET!
Gavin Kirkland: You can tell Lucas is taking his opponent lightly, as Thomas steps up to him looking frustrated and strikes Johnson with a huge punch to the skull! Lucas’s head turns inside out as Thomas follows that up with a kick to the leg that takes Lucas off his feet and he falls forward onto both of his knees! ‘Mister Pretty’ with another KICK ACROSS THE ENTIRE BODY OF LUCAS JOHNSON! LUCAS FALLS BACK AND THOMAS FRESNEDI IS FEELING HIMSELF AS HE RUNS TOWARDS THE ROPES AND JUMPS OFF WITH A BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT—-!
Deadprez: Or that’s what we thought! Lucas Johnson got his knees up and Thomas Fresnedi landed straight onto Johnson’s knees! That’s not a pretty landing as Thomas rolls off of him in pain, ‘The Wrestling Machine’ makes way to his feet and lifts Fresnedi up to his feet— Lucas WITH A BELLY-TO-BELLY THAT FLATTENS FRESNEDI! LUCAS DOESN’T LOOK DONE EITHER DRAGGING THOMAS UP TO HIS FEET AGAIN AND IRISH WHIPPING HIM STRAIGHT INTO THE CORNER! JOHNSON RUNS TOWARDS FRESNEDI— BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!
Eve: OH MAN! THOMAS JUMPS UP ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND AS LUCAS TURNS HIS ATTENTION BACK TO HIM, HE GETS CAUGHT WITH A FLYING DDT! LUCAS JOHNSON HAS BEEN PLANTED HEAD FIRST ONTO THE MAT! THE ROOKIE SHOWING THE VETERAN WHAT HE’S ABOUT! THOMAS UP TO HIS FEET AND JOHNSON SHORTLY FOLLOWS—- LUCAS TRIES FOR A LARIAT FROM OUT OF NOWHERE— BUT IT’S DUCKED! JOHNSON TURNS AROUND AND IS CAUGHT WITH A NICELY TIMED PELE KICK!
Gavin Kirkland: Props to Thomas Fresnedi for giving the fight to the veteran here! Lucas doesn’t fall after the Pele Kick though! Somehow Lucas Johnson has managed to only drop down to a knee! Thomas looks like he’s going to take advantage of this opportunity and—- HE RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND MAKES DIRECT CONTACT TO THE SKULL OF LUCAS WITH A KNEE THAT LOOKS LIKE IT MAY HAVE KNOCKED HIM OUT COLD OH MY! THOMAS DROPS DOWN AND HOOKS THE LEG OF LUCAS JOHNSON! ARE WE ABOUT TO SEE AN UPSET?
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!——-
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Deadprez: YEAH NAH! LUCAS JOHNSON IS STILL KICKING IT AS HE THROWS HIS SHOULDER UP! THOMAS DOESN’T LOOK SHOCKED! WE ALL KNOW LUCAS GOT MORE THAN THAT IN HIS TANK! Man, let me take a breather. The action is heating up tonight! Thomas looks to lift Lucas up after the kickout, ‘Mister Pretty’ slams his knee straight into the abdomen of Lucas Johnson! Johnson falls back, Fresnedi throws a kick to the leg of Lucas— BUT IT’S CAUGHT! Lucas catches the leg at the last second, ‘The Wrestling Machine’ spins Fresnedi down using his leg, Lucas with a HUGE LARIAT! THAT KNOCKED THE LIGHTS OUT OF THE ROOKIE! Lucas isn’t stopping there either is he??
Eve: Of course not! Lucas knows he needs to capitalize on this flurry of offense! Lucas gets Thomas back up, not for long as JOHNSON SENDS THE FRESNEDI RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A NECKBREAKER!!!— Johnson really is showing his veteran talent tonight, you could only imagine how he’s feeling right about now. Johnson looks like he’s waiting for Fresnedi to stir back up to his feet— which he is doing but slowly, maybe taking a breath, smart, conserving his energy!
Gavin Kirkland: You’re giving him too much credit, smart is not the word I’d use. Thomas back up to his feet, Lucas wraps his arms around the back of ‘Mister Pretty’ and tries for ANOTHER GERMAN— BUT IT IS QUICKLY PUT TO A STOP BY THOMAS FRESNEDI AS HE SENDS AN ELBOW RIGHT TO THE FACE OF JOHNSON! Forcing him to let go of his grip and Johnson to fall back, Thomas turns around and sends a SUPERKICK TO THE GUT THAT MAKES LUCAS FALL TO HIS KNEES AGAIN! FRESNEDI TRIES TO FOLLOW IT UP WITH ANOTHER VICIOUS KICK BUT IT’S A MISS AS LUCAS MOVES RIGHT IN TIME!
Deadprez: Yeahhhh, Lucas back up to both feet as he sends an ELBOW TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD OF ‘MISTER PRETTY’ WHO HAD ALMOST ZERO TIME TO REACT! Lucas knows what he’s gotta do and that’s taking this kid away, but with his recent struggles it’s more of a… can he? ‘The Wrestling Machine’ sends a kick to the gut which makes Thomas Fresnedi fall forward, giving Lucas the opportunity to catch him in-between his legs… LUCAS USES ALL HIS MIGHT TO LIFT HIM UP AND SEND HIM DOWN WITH A GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB! THE CROWD IN AWE, LUCAS JOHNSON SEND FRESNEDI DOWN AND GOES FOR THE COVER!!!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Eve: The Rookie has more inside than just that! Lucas Johnson is growing visibly irritated as this match goes on, maybe thinking he was in for an easy fight. Johnson gets back up and he brings Thomas Fresnedi back up with him! Lucas NAILS Fresnedi with a vicious Forearm that could’ve knocked a tooth out! Fresnedi doesn’t look happy with that though as HE SENDS ONE HIMSELF RIGHT BACK!— Lucas Johnson is baffled as he has to take a few steps back, Fresnedi doesn’t want to give him that space though and it costs him as Lucas hits a CUTTER ‘THE BLUEPRINT’ AS LUCAS LIKES TO CALL IT! THOMAS FRESNEDI IS LAID OUT!!!
Gavin Kirkland: ‘Mister Pretty’ might need a bit more than looks to make it somewhere here with the way this match is going, it’s not looking pretty. heh get it? Anyways! Thomas Fresnedi looks out of it but Lucas Johnson doesn’t seem to give a care in the world, as he drags Thomas back up to his feet, Lucas looks annoyed and it’s clear he wants this match to be over with— BUT THOMAS DOESN’T AS HE MANAGES TO PUSH JOHNSON BACK AND AWAY— NOW RUNNING AT FRESNEDI GETS STOPPED WITH A DROPKICK! BOTH MEN DOWN!
Deadprez: Fresnedi is hurting and you can tell that Dropkick was from straight desperation! Lucas slowly stirring back up to his feet, Thomas is one step ahead as he’s using the ropes to get himself up and he’s up fiest! Lucas Johnson is right behind him though, both men meet in the middle of the ring and they’re trading strikes! These punches are straight from the heart as they’re trying to get the advantage of the other! Thomas Fresnedi seems to get the advantage and sends a kick to the gut! Lucas Johnson doesn’t seem to be very happy with being kicked and he trades back a huge FOREARM THAT ROCKS THOMAS! JOHNSON RETURNS THE FAVOR WITH A SUPERKICK THAT TURNS THOMAS FRESNEDI INSIDE OUT! BUT IT DOESN’T TAKE HIM OFF HIS FEET AS LUCAS CATCHES HIM—!
Eve: LUCAS JOHNSON HIM AND TURNS HIM AROUND, ‘KILLSWITCH’ FACE FIRST SENDS THOMAS FRESNEDI DOWN! LUCAS JOHNSON FLATTENS ‘MISTER PRETTY’ AND FRESNEDI IS IN TROUBLE! LUCAS JOHNSON GETS THE ROOKIE BACK UP TO HIS FEET, JOHNSON GRABS AHOLD OF THE FRESNEDI AND HE’S TRYING TO LOCO IN A REAR NAKED CHOKE AKA ‘FALL AND PRAY!’ FRESNEDI IS TRYING TO FIGHT IT OFF AD HE BACKS UP AND RAMS JOHNSON STRAIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! FRESNEDI FALLS FORWARD AS LUCAS LETS GO OF HIS GRIP!!!
Gavin Kirkland: THINGS ARE HEATING UP, JOHNSON TRIES TO CONTINUE THE ATTACK BUT FRESNEDI CATCHES HIM WITH THE ‘ITALIAN BLACKOUT’ SUPERKICK! JOHNSON DOESN’T FALL SOMEHOW! SOMEWAY! LUCAS JOHNSON STANDS BUT HE FALLS BACKWARDS ALRIGHT INTO THE ROPES AND LUCAS BOUNCES OFF AND CATCHES THOMAS FRESNEDI WITH ‘THE LIGHTSWITCH’ KICK!!!!—- NO! FRESNEDI MANAGES TO DUCK! JOHNSON TURNS AROUND ABRUPTLY AND IS CUT DOWN WITH A HUGE LARIAT THAT TURNS LUCAS INSIDE OUT!
Deadprez: IT’S HEATING UP IN HERE! FRESNEDI WAITS FOR A DAZED LUCAS JOHNSON TO RETURN TO HIS FEET, WHICH HE DOES AND FRESNEDI TRYING TO LIFT HIM UP FOR A SUPLEXX—! JOHNSON FIGHTS IT OFF WITH SOME PUNCHES TO THE STOMACH THOUGH! AS FRESNEDI IS FORCED TO BACK OFF LUCAS FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SUPLEX ATTEMPT OF HIS OWN WHICH FOLLOWS THROUGH! LUCAS HAS LIFTED UP ‘MISTER PRETTY!’ WAIT— NO! THOMAS SLAMS HIS KNEE DOWN ON THE HEAD OF LUCAS AND FRESNEDI MANAGES TO SAFELY GET DOWN!
Eve: NEITHER MAN WANTS TO GIVE ANY OFFENSE UP HERE! FRESNEDI WITH A HUGE FOREARM STRIKE AND NOW RUNNING AT THE ROPES LOOKING TO TAKE LUCAS DOWN— SHOTGUN DROPKICK!!!! LUCAS IS SENT FLYING INTO THE CORNER AND ‘MISTER PRETTY’ KIPS UP TO HIS FEET TO AN OVATION FROM THE CROWD!!! THONAS FRESNEDI IS PUTTING IN THAT WORK AS HE RUNS TOWARDS A DAZED AND CONFUSED LUCAS IN THE CORNER— BUT HIS MOMENTUM IS SHUT DOWN AS HE RUNS FACE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES, LUCAS NARROWLY AVOIDS THOMAS!
Gavin Kirkland: MAMA MIA FOLKS! THIS MATCH IS SHOWING US WHAT THESE TWO MEN CAN TRULY DO! BOTH MEN DAZED RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE RING IT LOOKS AS THOUGH LUCAS TAKES INITIATIVE AS HE NAILS A SECOND CUTTER ‘THE BLUEPRINT’ FOR THE SECOND TIME HAS BEEN HIT! LUCAS DOESN’T BOTHER WITH A CUTTER AS HE SLOWLY STARTS TO PICK HIMSELF OFF THE MAT AND DRAG FRESNEDI WITH HIM! LUCAS JOHNSON IRISH WHIPS ‘MISTER PRETTY’ STRAIGHT INTO THE ROPES AND LUCAS RUNS TOWARDS THE OPPOSITE SET— COLLISION IS MET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH THE ‘LIGHTSWITCH’ KICK— FRESNEDI IS OUT COLD!!!
Deadprez: That’s all she wrote! It’s all over! Lucas Johnson with a valiant fight has put away this kid I’m sure of it! It’s a slow crawl to the cover— the leg is hooked and the pinfall is happening! Good try Fresnedi!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. ‘THE WRESTLING MACHINE’ LUCASSSS JOHNSONNNN!
(‘Ready To Die’ by The Notorious B.I.G. plays as Lucas Johnson sits up looking around at the crowd booing him.)
Eve: Love the dude, hate the dude you have to admit. Tonight? Tonight was a night about winning for Lucas Johnson.
Deadprez: You said it better than I could’ve. Lucas was laser focused on getting the win, and even if it was with a rookie— he still showed off!
Gavin Kirkland: Meh he did alright.
(Lucas Johnson would get up and have his hand raised, before exiting the ring. Johnson would snap back at the crowd by showboating a little bit before heading up the rampway with a smirk. Johnson would leave with the victory as the camera faded elsewhere…)
(We cut to the back, where Kyra Phillips is standing by and stood with her is none other than Major Michael Scott Connor. The Major gets a positive reaction which brings a smile to his face, as Kyra starts to speak.)
Kyra Phillips: You join me currently as I stand with Major Michael Scott Connor.
(She now turns to face him, holding the mic between them both.)
Kyra Phillips: Major, first a huge military presence in San Diego here tonight. As we know, you have asked for this time. I was wondering, and I’m sure the rest of the EAW universe is thinking the same. You’ve only been on Showdown for a short while and have already amassed a following. How do you feel your time has gone thus far as we arrive at our final show of the year?
(The Major nods his head, appreciating the question.)
Major Michael Scott Connor: Well Kyra, first off San Diego…. SEMPER FI! I think the overriding feeling is that I am blessed to have been given an opportunity such as this. I thought I understood the sheer scale of EAW when I joined, and yet it has been so much more. Showdown is filled to the brim with some of the best talent this industry has to offer, and to be a part of that… well it could be overwhelming, but it isn’t. I’m so happy to be a part of it, and I look forward to advancing my career and perhaps being an even bigger part of possible.
Kyra Phillips: It’s a New Year, some might say that’s the opportunity for a new start?
Major Michael Scott Connor: Perhaps, but for me it is a continuation of everything that has gone before. This Year has been a great start, with many highs and I want to continue that going forwards into 2023. I want to show Management that rather than being a cog in the wheel, I can be a huge asset for this brand. On top of that I want to work hard to earn opportunities, and maybe with that, get a chance at some of the most sought-after championships in wrestling. And I want to do that not only for myself, but for every single one of those fans that had been stood by my side since day one.
Kyra Phillips: You really appreciate them, don’t you?
Major Michael Scott Connor: How can you not? These are tough times for some, and yet still they fill arenas in their thousands to watch us perform, how can you not be appreciative? I’m all about giving back, and with my performances I’m going to do that. I want them to see that if you do work hard, you can achieve anything. I want them to join me on this journey, not as a bit part, but as a major, pardon the pun, player in everything I do. I look at the top guys and gals in this company, and I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and I truly believe that with determination I can do that.
Kyra Phillips: And 2023 is going to be that year?
(The Major smiles again, shrugging his shoulders.)
Major Michael Scott Connor: I’m not in the business of making guarantees, I’ll leave that with others. Just a glance around this roster, at some of the household names with decades of experience, shows you that any journey to the top isn’t going to be without its pitfalls. But I assure you Kyra, and everyone listening, it will NOT be for the want of trying. I believe I can do it, but will I? We will all have to wait and see.
(Kyra is about to ask another question, when Hans Grayson walks into shot, getting a similar reaction to that of the Major.)
Hans Grayson: Major.
Major Michael Scott Connor: Hans.
(Kyra takes a step back, not sure where this is going to go.)
Hans Grayson: I don’t think I need to explain how much I respect you. I, just like you, have only been here a short time, but I have been here long enough to understand that you want the same things as I do, and are willing to work just as hard to achieve them.
Major Michael Scott Connor: It has made a nice change having an intelligent conversation with someone.
Hans Grayson: I appreciate your take on everything, and I understand what it is you want to accomplish, that’s for sure. But… the thing is, I have those exact same intentions. Just a couple of weeks ago I was one elimination away from winning the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal. One. That’s all good, I’m proud of that performance, because I know that I have given myself a platform to build off and continue that climb to the very top of this industry. For sure Major, I respect you for all that you are doing, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to stand by and let you be the obstacle that prevents me from achieving my goals. You’re a good guy, but if I have to beat you to get to where I want to be, then that’s exactly what I will do.
Major Michael Scott Connor: That’s fair… I understand the logic.
Hans Grayson: Good.
Major Michael Scott Connor: So how’s about we find out where we stand right now in this moment?
Hans Grayson: What do you mean?
Major Michael Scott Connor: We both want the same things, so how’s about we see who is better placed.
Hans Grayson: You mean a match?
Major Michael Scott Connor: That I do… and seeing as we both want to kick off 2023 in the best way, why don’t we make it happen, next week… live on Showdown.
(The crowd reacts with cheers, Kyra smiling and nodding at the possibility.
Hans Grayson: You know what… let’s do that.
(Hans holds out his hand and the Major takes it, the two shaking. The roar of the crowd is heard, as we cut away from the scene to ringside.)
(‘Without Me’ by Halsey and Juice WRLD play through the speakers as Ashlynn Quinn walks out of the titantron with a strut to her step. She is met with mixed reactions, as the crowd both loves and hates her. As she enters the ring, she begins posing and catching the attention of several people in the crowd.)
Gina Romano: THIS MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL WITH A THIRTY MINUTE TIME LIMIT! INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA— THE BOUJEE PRINCESS, ASHLYNN QUINN!
(‘The Lazy Song’ by Bruno Mars hits as Mary St. Atlas walks down the ramp, unfazed. She begins looking at the rest of the audience with a clear excitement to see them. However, when she enters the ring, she becomes more jovial, posing in the middle of it.)
Gina Romano: AND HER OPPONENT, FROM ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI— THE MOST WANTED, MARY ST. ATLAS!
Eve: And we are close to the New Year’s, ladies and gentlemen! It’s time to see whether or not Ashlynn Quinn can come into the New Years a winner! I think she will, as she’s shown great determination, but Mary St. Atlas has the experience edge here! Both Ashlynn and Mary are circling the ring, waiting to see what move the other will make, and they’re going for a collar-elbow tieup!
Deadprez: Ashlynn has the clear size advantage here, Eve. However, we cannot count Mary out, as she’s been in these situations before. Ashlynn is backing her against the ropes, and she does! Mary is backed against the ropes and Ashlynn is now pushing her fist into Mary’s jaw! The referee has to separate the both of them! Mary is holding her jaw, and Ashlynn is just getting warmed up here!
Gavin Kirkland: GO ASHLYNN! THAT’S MY BAE RIGHT THERE! SLAYYY, YASS QUEEN!!!
Eve: I hope we don’t go into the New Year with Gavin Kirkland trying to be hip for the first time in his life.
Deadprez: It’s Ashlynn stalking her prey, and she kicks Mary right in the thigh! Mary is getting struck down multiple times with these heavy strikes, and it seems like Ashlynn is showing much more hunger in this match! Ashlynn is just landing heavy shots right into her head, and it’s not looking good! Mary is taking these punches, and Ashlynn clinches her! She spins her around, and BOOM! STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI!
Gavin Kirkland: It looks like Ashlynn is taking control of this match at first, and it’s not looking very good for Mary! Ashlynn is doing cartwheels around the ring, and she sweeps Mary off her feet! Ashlynn springboards off the ropes and she strikes Mary right in the chest with a foot stomp! Ashlynn is going for the cover here! Can she put the Most Wanted away, for good?
Referee: OOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!
Referee: TTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE–
Eve: NO! Mary kicks out! Ashlynn picks her up, and she lands a European Uppercut! She does a backflip and she lands a devastating elbow right to Mary’s face! Mary is not getting any offense in, and it’s not looking good for the crowd favourite! Ashlynn is taunting her, but no! Mary comes in and lands a right hook right to Ashlynn’s jaw, and Ashlynn is stunned!
Ashlynn Quinn: (off-mic) Who do you think you are, bitch?
Deadprez: And it’s Mary landing shots right to the vain elitist’s face! Mary is landing heavy jabs and crosses, and Ashlynn has no counter for them! Ashlynn slips one, and she lands a body shot! Mary is down on a knee, and Ashlynn grabs her by the hair— WOAH! ASHLYNN JUST PULLED HER HAIR IN AND DROVE THAT KNEECAP INTO MARY’S FACE! This is not looking good for Mary, as Ashlynn is trying to take this time to recover! Mary rises up, but Ashlynn bonks her right on the head with a Running Pump Kick!
Gavin Kirkland: And it’s Ashlynn going wild here! Ashlynn picks her up and hits her with a devastating elbow! Mary is out of it, and Ashlynn is taking advantage of how unaware Mary is of her own surroundings! The Boujee Princess is going off, and she picks Mary up into a standing position! Ashlynn takes a few steps back, and then boom! Superkick strikes Mary right in the nose and Mary is out! This has been all Ashlynn from the jump, and Mary needs to make one final push in order to increase her chances of survival in this match! Mary is trying her best to get up, but Ashlynn swings for the fences, Mary ducks!
Eve: And Mary lands an elbow right to Ashlynn’s abdomen! Mary is using her experience and rebounds off the ropes for a baseball slide dropkick to the knee! Mary is using whatever she has left in her, and goes all out! Full elbows and knees right to Ashlynn’s face, and Mary picks her up! Mary lifts her high over her head for an Inverted Alabama Slam! It’s Mary’s turn to go for the cover now! Can she do it? Can she make a comeback?
OOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: NO! Ashlynn gets up and Mary is stunned, Mary mounts on top of her and she begins just pounding heavy shots, drilling them into Ashlynn’s forehead! Ashlynn slips one and Mary punches the mat! She might’ve dislocated or hurt her wrist really bad there! Ashlynn takes advantage of this, pulls the injured wrist on the mat and stomps on it repeatedly! Mary doesn’t look in good shape right now, but she has seven other limbs she can use right here! Ashlynn is going wild, and she’s manipulating that wrist again and again, and she pulls the wrist under the ropes, jumps over it and pulls it down! Mary’s wrist is in bad condition, and her shoulder possibly too!
Gavin Kirkland: And it’s Mary suffering right now! Ashlynn jumps on the rope and she leaps off, protecting her face as she goes for a crossbody! Mary takes the beating, and Ashlynn proceeds to get down to business! Ashlynn is just giving her payback and beating her face in, and Mary seems to not be taking this beating very well! Ashlynn isn’t giving her any place to slip! Ashlynn holds her head in, and she jumps up, stomping right on it! Ashlynn then does a model walk to the ropes, rebounding off it and doing a gymnastics style flip as her fist lands right on Mary’s solar plexus!
Eve: Mary is getting roughed up pretty badly here, and nothing is seeming to change that! Ashlynn picks her up, and she’s about to go for another shot again! Ashlynn lifts her high up over her head, and she mocks Mary with a normal Alabama Slam! Ashlynn rebounds and does a backflip into the FYP! THE INSULT TO INJURY CONNECTS! Mary has no answer for this, and Ashlynn is taking advantage of it to the best of her ability! Quite literally, Mary could possibly be screwed right here!
Deadprez: Ashlynn is posing around the ring, as Mary is struggling to get up! Ashlynn, however, looks caught up in everything as she’s shocked by Mary turning her around for a headbutt! Ashlynn is angry, and she wants to leave the ring, but Mary keeps her in and attempts a Rear Naked Choke! However, that wrist is not doing well, and Ashlynn pulls the injured wrist and slams it on her shoulder! Mary is getting roughed up to unbelievable amounts here! It’s Ashlynn throwing her overhead for a Judo throw, and she jumps up on the ropes for a swanton bomb! Ashlynn goes for the cover!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNE!!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO—
Gavin Kirkland: NO! NO! NO! MARY KICKS OUT! Ashlynn is surprised, but she knows what else she has to do! Ashlynn picks her up, but Mary strikes her in the ribs! Mary’s uninjured hand is still powerful, and Ashlynn is down to a knee! Mary goes ballistic, but Mary accidentally hits her with his injured wrist, and Ashlynn feels nothing from this! Ashlynn turns her injured arm and pushes the shoulder joint in! Mary’s arm has been put out of this match, and Ashlynn jumps up with an elbow to the back of the head! Mary is knocked out cold, and Ashlynn pulls her in! Good lord, she is showing no mercy! Ashlynn begins just teeing off on her, and she throws Mary to the outside! Mary is tossed to the outside with nowhere to go, and now, it’s Ashlynn following her! Ashlynn throws Mary into the barricade, wrist first!
Eve: And Ashlynn rolls back in! Mary is struggling to get up, as that wrist is in pain! The referee begins the count as fans check on her! Mary’s wrist looks like it’s not going to hold up long in this match! Ashlynn rolls out, and she begins taunting Mary!
Ashlynn Quinn: (off-mic) I thought you’d be stronger, Mary! I really thought you would! Why do you have to ruin the fun for me, you pathetic little cockroach?
Deadprez: And Mary throws the barricade into Ashlynn’s thigh! Ashlynn holds it in pain, as Mary rises up and uses her non-injured hand to hit Ashlynn right in the solar plexus! Mary throws Ashlynn into the post, but no! Ashlynn’s instincts cause her to dodge it and throw Mary towards it instead! Ashlynn grabs Mary by the wrist and throws it against the post! She throws her back inside the ring, and Ashlynn follows suit! Ashlynn is loving the punishment she’s putting on poor Mary, and Mary is looking like she’s feeling the exact opposite! Ashlynn is dancing in the middle of the ring, and Mary sweeps her off!
Gavin Kirkland: Mary swept Ashlynn off her feet, and Ashlynn landed backfirst! Mary and Ashlynn are going at it, with Ashlynn grabbing hold of her wrist and stretching it into an uncomfortable position! Ashlynn lifts Mary up and boom! Ashlynn slams her down with a German suplex and now, Ashlynn smells blood! She smells blood in the water and she might just go for it! Ashlynn is feeling the energy tonight, and the crowd does not like her! Ashlynn tackles Mary and she just goes wild! She pulls Mary and boom! Slingshot dropkick through the ropes just takes her out! The Trend Setter, she calls it!
Eve: This is not looking good for the Most Wanted, maybe Ashlynn could show a little bit more mercy? Ashlynn is just dancing around, and she leaps off the top rope after jumping on it for a halfway Coast-to-Coast dropkick on Mary’s jaw! Mary just got absolutely rocked, and Ashlynn is loving it! Ashlynn is balancing on the rope, but Mary tugs on it and causes her to lose balance and fall into the mat! Mary is grabbing onto that ankle for dear life and trying to fight her way out of it, but no! Ashlynn frees herself and kicks her right in the face! Ashlynn gets up and she’s smelling blood in the water!
Deadprez: And Ashlynn pulls herself up, and Mary is struggling here! Mary tries to grab hold, but Ashlynn kips up and slams her feet onto Mary’s knuckles! Ashlynn picks Mary up, and she’s ready to finish the match and put her opponent out for good! Ashlynn gets Mary into a standing position and BOOM! PINK STAR DIAMONDS! Those knees are driven right into Mary’s face, and can Ashlynn put her away for good? She got the cover!
OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
DING! DING! DING!
Gina Romano: AND YOUR WINNER, ASHLYNN QUINN!
Gavin Kirkland: What an impressive round from one of our newest talents! SLAYYY, ASHLYN!
Eve: And it’s exciting to see what this new talent has in store for the rest of the EAW division, as she makes her way closer to the Empress of Elite title!
(Ashlynn exits the ring with a strut to her step. However, Mary is being tended to, as her wrist does not look very good. ‘Without Me’ hits as Ashlynn exits, the crowd booing her as everyone sees what she has done to a crowd favorite.)
(We cut away from that scene, and to the back where we see Holly Arrow and Harper Lee talking, the two of them seemingly not at each other’s throats but being quite cordial. As the camera gets closer, we start to pick up on the conversation.)
Holly Arrow: Look I get it, there’s no reason for you to trust me right now, and let’s face it. After everything it would be no surprise if you cheap shot me and left me in the corridors. You didn’t like me, and I didn’t like you.
Harper Lee: You got that right
Holly Arrow: And yes, you and I have had our differences in the past, but it doesn’t mean to say that it must be our future. If there is anything that has been built between us over the past few months, it should at least be a little respect.
Harper Lee: Holly, I’m not going to be hosting tea parties with you if that’s where you are going with this? You don’t make me sick when I look at you anymore, and you might see that as progress. But that’s about it.
(Holly shakes her head, but is grinning, understanding the kind of person that Harper is.)
Holly Arrow: All I am saying is I had an opinion of you, and thus we had our differences, mainly because we were chasing the same things. But at the Christmas show, you showed me a different side to Harper Lee, a side that showed you for who you really are, instead of this person you tend to be. And I’ve responded to that. I can see that there are layers to you, other than you just going around insulting everyone that you encounter.
Harper Lee: I’m always the real Holly, you should know that more than anyone. I’m not about playing a character like some around here.
Holly Arrow: I agree, but you showed me that you aren’t just a vindictive, whiny, little trollop…
Harper Lee: Be careful Holly, I know it’s the festive season but I’m not beyond ramming a Christmas Tree where the sun doesn’t shine.
(Holly quickly intervenes.)
Holly Arrow: You showed me that you are not just a wrestler, but you are also a very sensible woman. Just like me. You showed me that you don’t have to pull everyone down that you face to get a reaction and can be considered in your opinions. You showed me that you can concentrate on what matters, instead of just trying to get into someone’s head.
(Harper shrugs her shoulders but nods her head in agreement.)
Harper Lee: You’ll be surprised to find that I don’t disagree. I’m quite surprised, to be fair.
Holly Arrow: Not really… like I said. Sensible.
Harper Lee: I dunno, maybe I just thought you were like every other airhead that had stepped up to me. I tired of hearing the same old things, time and time again. You were different. You have been acting like a champion and doing the things that champions do. You have a chance to become the Empress of Elite, I know that, but at the same time I feel that I could make a statement of my own at King of Elite. I’m not finished, far from it and I have far more that I want to achieve. I’m not going to stand still just because people expect me too.
Holly Arrow: And neither should you, you’re better than that.
(Harper pauses for a moment, not used to this kind of conversation with a person she would have gladly ripped their head off only months ago.)
Harper Lee: After what happened with Sheridan Muller at the Christmas show, I’d say its about time I reminded everyone in EAW that I was a former Universal Women’s Champion, and I’m not going to do that by resting on my laurels. 2022 was good, but 2023 is going to be better, I can feel it.
Holly Arrow: And with that attitude Harper, I doubt anyone would disagree. I know I certainly don’t. You’re a top, top Elitist and I know you’ll show that this year.
(The two of them stand in silence for a moment, the newfound respect between the two showing. Holly’s eyes widen, as if a lightbulb has just gone off. It couldn’t work, could it? The words tumble from her mouth before she can stop them.)
Holly Arrow: You know what else is out there Harper? Another way to make a statement, and something I doubt you have thought of. Something so out there, I doubt anyone would expect it.
Harper Lee: I’m listening.
Holly Arrow: What bigger statement than The Unified Tag Team Titles?
(The words hang in the air for a few moments, the two women pausing for thought. Could they really do something that would have been impossible a few months back. Co-existing in a way that would enable them to win the most prestigious tag team belt in the industry. Slowly, Holly holds out her hand, offering it to Harper who looks down at it.)
Holly Arrow: So, Harper, what do you say? You want to go out there and make history with me? Show them all what I saw in you at the Christmas special?
(Harper pauses some more, listening to the crowd that is going wild in the arena, some in disbelief that this could happen. Eventually, and to a huge roar, Harper takes Holly’s hand and the two shake.)
Harper Lee: Yeah OK, why not? I can think of the worst partners.
(The place erupts, the arena having witnessed the formation of a new Tag Team. And potentially the next Unified Tag team Champions. With Harper and Holly still shaking, the scene fades to a commercial break.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is an Empress of Elite Round One match with a twenty-minute time limit, and is scheduled FOR!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
( ‘Complete Collapse’ by Sleeping with Sirens plays over the sound system of the arena as The Black Widow is making her way towards the ring. )
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST! From Paducah, Kentucky! Weighing in at 109 pounds. She is The Queen of Shadows: CA-RO-LIIIIIIIIIINE!
Deadprez: Things seem to be shifting for sweet little Caroline especially after she attacked Ruler
Gavin Kirkland: Looking meaner than she ever was before I feel like the Sweet little Caroline we all knew is going to give us something we haven’t seen before in her.
( “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers plays over the speakers of the place while the rebellious one makes her way to the ring with a look of confidence. )
Gina Romano: ANNND HER OPPONENT! From Detroit, Michigan! Weighing in at 117 pounds. She is The Motor City Machine Gun: LEXIIIIIII!!!
Deadprez: Lexi is looking for a chance to advance to the second round of this tournament as she faces none other than Caroline!
Gavin Kirkland: The last time Lexi was in a match she ended up winning against Mary S. Atlas. A win tonight would not only move her into the second round but also give her good momentum!
Eve: She looks ready gentlemen, let’s see if she can deliver!
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
Deadprez: AND HERE WE GO! This match is officially underway! Both opponents are moving to meet each other center of the ring with Lexi grinning while Caroline doesn’t seem as thrilled AND SHE SHOVES LEXI AWAY!
Gavin Kirkland: Both lock up afterward with Lexi moving into an armlock but Caroline goes to the ropes quickly causing referee breakage. Lexi backs off and both go clinching again, once more Lexi goes with a wristlock going behind Caroline before flipping her into a snap mare!
Eve: LEXI TRIES TO GET CAROLINE IN AN EARLY CRUCIFIX PIN!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Kickout by Caroline WHO QUICKLY TRIES FOR THE SAME PIN ATTEMPT!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Deadprez: And Lexi kicks out as well! Both ladies go to their feet with Caroline throwing herself into a clothesline ducked by Lexi who herself swings for the fences with a spinning heel kick evaded by her opponent! Caroline is in a headlock on Lexi who shoves her off! Caroline spins and charges forth DODGING LEXI’S SUPERKICK!!
Gavin Kirkland: AND CAROLINE THROWS ONE OF HER OWN WHICH LEXI KEEPS AWAY FROM AND NOW BOTH GIRLS ARE STARING DAGGERS AT EACH OTHER UNDER THE CHEERS OF THE CROWD!! Both go for a clinch once again with Caroline going for a wristlock but Lexi rolls and bounces hop and spin freeing herself from that predicament quickly. Once again a clinch and Lexi ends up managing to slip behind Caroline and take her to the ground with a takedown but Caroline slips free and goes quickly to Lexi with a headlock trying to gain leverage but the Detroit-native moves away with a reversal before letting go of her opponent!
Eve: Lexi then somehow extends a hand to Caroline showing good sportsmanship BUT SHE GETS SMACKED IN THE FACE FOR BEING NICE!! Lexi looks like she is about to unload on Caroline AND SHE SMACKS HER RIGHT BACK! THEN CAROLINE THROWS A FIST RETURNED BY CAROLINE AND NOW BOTH COMPETITORS ARE TRADING HASTY BLOWS AT ONE ANOTHER!!
Deadprez: Lexi ends up topping Caroline down landing in a position where she can throw hammer fists to her rival but Caroline shoves her off before rolling to her knees and then her fe-ah, no she actually rolls to the apron getting up to the outside of the ring. Lexi senses an opportunity and goes to the ropes, gaining quickness and looking for a shoulder tackle but Caroline moved inside the ring just as Lexi got out now with positions reversed!
Gavin Kirkland: Now Caroline tries to knock Lexi off the apron with a shoulder of her own BUT LEXI GOES OVER THE TOP ROPE BACK INSIDE THE RING AND OVER CAROLINE GETTING HER WITH A SUNSET FLIP!
Eve: BUT CAROLINE QUICKLY MOVES TO HER FEET AND DROPKICK LEXI IN THE FACE!! She goes to prance a little to the crowd who boos her, who knew we would one day see a heel, Sweet Caroline?
Deadprez: Well we are apparently witnessing it now as she turns to go back to Lexi who is now on her feet. Caroline tries for a running high knee that Lexi dodges before going for a leg sweep which is hopped over by her opponent! Spin kick attempt by Caroline caught by Lexi who oblique kicks her to the ground!
Gavin Kirkland: Elbow drop attempt by Lexi but Caroline rolls to the side and kip-ups before going for a leg drop THAT LEXI TRIES TO TURN INTO AN ANKLE LOCK!! But Caroline quickly grabs onto the nearby ropes BEFORE GETTING PULLED UPWARD BY LEXI CAUSING CAROLINE TO SLING UP AND LAND ON HER BACK! Quick thinking by Lexi!
Eve: Lexi riles up the crowd who are on her side for this match as she goes to throw a few punches at Caroline before whipping her into a corner. Running clothesline before running to the opposite corner and rushing back for a monkey flip BUT Caroline lands on her feet and throws a knee to Lexi’s midsection just as she turns to meet her! Ax handle to the back gets Lexi to her knees and Caroline tries for a running knee smash BUT Lexi shoves it to her side AND TAKES DOWN CAROLINE WITH A SIDEWALK SLAM!!
Deadprez: Caroline is on her back looking in pain as Lexi forces her to a vertical base! Into the ropes goes Caroline who ducks a kick from Lexi A BIG BOOT TO THE FACE OF LEXI SENDS HER CRUMBLING DOWN!
Gavin Kirkland: Caroline looking to muster an offensive sequence before she whips Lexi into the ropes. Lexi hops over Caroline who hips the deck, she is back up to her feet throwing a knee that is evaded by Lexi who spins around and throws a backspin kick that lands on Caroline!
Eve: The crowd boos as she rolls outside of the ring annoyed at the counter from her opponent WHILE LEXI RUSHES TO THE ROPES AND LEAPS THROUGH THEM WITH A SUICIDE DIVE ATOP OF CAROLINE!! Lexi quickly gets to her feet and starts to throw her boot at the chest of her rival while she’s sitting against the barricade and the crowd loves to see her stomp a mudhole in Caroline and walk it dry!!
Deadprez: Lexi has the support of the crowd tonight as she grabs Caroline by the hair and sends her against the apron before taking her by the hips and SWING HER INTO A SNAP SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE FLOOR! This is gonna require some ice after the match! Caroline is wincing in pain as Lexi gets her vertical and sends her rolling inside the ring before doing so her-BUT CAROLING ELBOW DROPS LEXI AS SHE WAS ON HER BELLY GOING INSIDE THE RING!
Gavin Kirkland: This is an opportunity for Caroline as she whips Lexi into the ropes! Missed elbow smash IS TURNED INTO A HURRICANRANA BY LEXI!! DOWN GOES CAROLINE AND LEXI QUICKLY DROPS ON HER AND APPLIES A CROSSFACE!! LEXI IS TRYING TO GET CAROLINE TO SUBMIT AND END THIS RIGHT NOW!!
Eve: Caroline is asked by the official if she wants to give us and she’s screaming no while slowly clawing her way toward the ropes! She looks like she’s about to tap out BUT SHE SAVES HERSELF BY HOLDING ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST BARELY! Lexi sighs a little as the official requests she let go of her hold and does so momenta later. She got close folks!
Deadprez: Close however doesn’t win matches and this one is for a chance to advance to the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament! Caroline shows her determination and resiliency by not giving up as she goes back to her feet BEFORE BEING SET UP FOR A SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB BY LEXI!! THE MOVE LANDS AND LEXI KEEPS CAROLINE’S SHOULDER DOWN!! COVER!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Deadprez: KICK OUT By Caroline!
Gavin Kirkland: Another close call for Lexi who is gaining the upper hand at the moment! She calls for the Bloodshot now, wanting to inflict further damage on Caroline as she sets her up for the Death Valley Driver with the intent of spiking the not so Sweet girl on her head! Caroline wiggles and swings her legs Lexi ends up slipping and Caroline ends up with her back facing Lexi WHO NAILS THE BACKSTABBER ON HER UNSUSPECTING RIVAL!!!
Eve: Caroline goes to her knees, trying to fight through the pain that courses through her back as Lexi seems to be waiting for her, boot to the midsection FOLLOWED BY AN EVENFLOW DDT!!! Lexi doesn’t go for a pinfall, though she should, and gets Caroline to her feet, sending her to the ropes! She bounces off the opposite ones AND POUNCES ON CAROLINE WITH THE LOU THESZ PRES!! RIGHT HAND! RIGHT HAND AND SOME MORE RIGHT HANDS THROWN DOWN ON CAROLINE AS THE CROWD GOES WIIIIIILD!!
Deadprez: Caroline slowly moves to her feet trying to regain some composure and Lexi goes to the ropes, grabbing Caroline’s head from behind SHE SLAMS HER DOWN FACE FIRST WITH A RUNNING BULLDOG!! Lexi has momentum right now as she goes to a corner and stomps her lead foot to the ground. Are we going to see Lights out? Caroline goes back to her feet slowly, Lexi buying her time before charging forth! THE LIGHTS OUT!!! THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS!!! DOWN GOES CAROLINE! LEXI WITH THE COVER!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Deadprez: ANOTHER KICK OUT By Caroline!
Gavin Kirkland: Caroline is showing us she is able to take a beating but this isn’t how she will be having a crack at winning this match! Lexi meanwhile is going topside to the nearest corner, scouting her opponent who is slowly getting up SHE THROWS HERSELF INTO A CROSSBODY AT THE RIGHT TIME BUT CAROLINE MANOEUVERS SO THAT SHE ENDS UP PINNING LEXI!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Deadprez: LEXI WITH THE SHOULDER UP AND A LOOK OF SURPRISE TO HER FACE!
Gavin Kirkland: Lexi gets up quicker than Caroline moves to whip her opponent into the ropes AND CAROLINE SPRINGBOARDS HERSELF INTO A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT AGAIN SURPRISED LEXI WHO DIDN’T EXPECT IT!! Could this be the tide-turning moment for Caroline in this match? She goes to Lexi after letting out what sounds like a warcry and begins to throw punches and elbows at her opponent!
Eve: Into the ropes goes Lexi TAKEN DOWN BY A BACK ELBOW And a stiff looking one at that! Down goes Lexi as Caroline goes to the ropes and lands a perfectly targeted springboard moonsault connecting on Lexi! She picks up the Detroit native by the hair, whipping her harshly into a corner, and follows with an elbow smash keeping Lexi where she is. She then repeats the maneuver until she starts punching again and again yelling at the same time as Lexi ends up sitting down against the corner! DAMN Caroline is getting unhinged!
Deadprez: That is the effect of the encounter she had with Ruler and the match they had a while back for sure as Caroline begins to throw knife-edged chops at Lexi’s chest. The crowd WOOO! but Caroline doesn’t care and already we can see Lexi’s skin take a pinkish color with the force of the strikes!
Gavin Kirkland: Caroline goes to the outside apron and Lexi quickly tries to mount a comeback with some strikes from inside the ring. Caroline looks staggered as Lexi quickly runs to the opposite ropes looking to capitalize! She goes for a suicide dive BUT Caroline hops over her! Lexi lands on her feet BUT CAROLINE DROPS ON HER WITH AN ASAI MOONSAULT!!
Eve: Punches Lexi from Caroline who then grabs Lexi by the hair AND SLAMS HER AGAINST A CORNER POST!! AND THEN WHIPS HER OVER THE TIMEKEEPER’S TABLE!! Caroline looks angry I wouldn’t want to be in her way as the timekeeper gets the hell out of dodge JUST BEFORE CAROLINE SMACKS LEXI’S HEAD AGAINST THE BELL!! The official orders the fight to be brought back inside the ring and Caroline obliges by whipping Lexi back in and setting her up against a corner.
Deadprez: SHE THEN GOES FOR THE COLD HEARTED!! THE ROPE-HUNG BOSTON CRAB MANOEUVER SHE’S TRYING TO GET LEXI TO SUBMIT THROUGH THE TARENTULA!! LEXI IS TRAPPED THERE’S NOWHERE SHE CAN GO BUT THE OFFICIAL EVENTUALLY ORDERS CAROLINE TO LET GO BUT SHE WAITS AT THE VERY LAST SECOND BEFORE DOING SO TO INFLICT MORE DAMAGE ON HER OPPONENT!
Gavin Kirkland: Lexi rolls in the ring from the outside apron but Caroline grabs her legs AND GOES FOR THE GUILLOTINE USING THE BOTTOM ROPE!! Lexi’s holding her neck and Caroline quickly goes for a headlock turning it into a sleeper hold trying to numb Lexi enough to get her vertically with little effort AND SWINGS HER DOWN WITH A NECK BREAKER! Caroline like a shark smelled blood in the water and she was aiming at Lexi’s neck now as she presses her boot to Lexi’s throat who was sitting in a corner now.
Eve: Lexi dazed and in pain in the corner holding her neck after Caroline freed her from her boot heel and ran to the opposite corner, she charges in AND SMASHES INTO LEXI WITH A CANNONBALL!! Lexi tries to get a break moving to the outside but Caroline quickly gets up moves to the ropes AND GOES FOR A DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES CONVERTED INTO A DDT THAT SPIKES LEXI’S HEAD INTO THE FLOOR!!
Deadprez: This will have an effect on her neck for sure and Lexi looks out cold right now! Caroline has a vicious smirk on her lips as she hops her way to the ring and awaits her victory while the official is counting Lexi who still hasn’t moved!!
ONE!! TWO!!!! THREE!!!!!! FOUR!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: This doesn’t look good for Lexi at all!!
FIVE!!!!!!!!!! SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: LOOK! Lexi is starting to move toward the ring!
SEVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: SHE’S HOLDING ONTO THE APRON!! WILL SHE MAKE IT IN TIME??
NINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: SHE MADE IT JUST BARELY!!!!!!!!!!!! CAROLINE IS LIVID AND THE CROWD IS ROARING THEIR SUPPORT FOR LEXI!
Gavin Kirkland: We have to go on a commercial break folks! Who will emerge on top of this fight and make it to the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament? The answer to this is right after these messages!
( An advert plays promoting the upcoming King of Elite tournament which will crown the second-ever Empress of Elite! Who will it be? Tune in LIVE on the weekend of February 4th and 5th to see this and all of the incredible action as it happens from Rogers Center in Vancouver, British Columbia! Get your tickets now or watch it through Disney+ exclusively! )
Eve: And we are back on Showdown ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for allowing us to be your evening’s entertainment on this New Year’s Eve as we have right now Caroline battling Lexi for advancement to Round Two of the Empress of Elite tournament!
Deadprez: Lexi has managed to make a comeback in this match during the break this battle is even now to the point where I wonder who will leave this match with the win and who will wonder what they’ll do during King of Elite! Lexi throws a few elbows to Caroline which is returned by the not-so-sweet one in the ring, knee to the gut from Lexi before sending Caroline to the ropes. She goes to them herself AND KNOCKS DOWN CAROLINE WITH A RUNNING KNEE!!
Gavin Kirkland: Down goes Caroline who manages to get up fairly quickly, she goes back down with an elbow and a third time with a clothesline before being scoop-slammed by Lexi! She quickly goes topside to the nearest corner! Are we going to see the Heart Stopper?
Eve: Lexi sets herself up! She will do it! SHE FLIES! BUT CRASHES ON LANDING!!! CAROLINE MOVED AWAY FROM THE ELEVATED MOONSAULT!!! LEXI’S IN TROUBLE NOW!!!
Deadprez: Caroline has to capitalize on this and she has to do it now! She is up, moving to Lexi SETTING HER UP FOR THE WEB OF LIES!! THE GOREY SPECIAL LANDS!! SHE HAS A CHANCE!! WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME!!! THE PHOENIX DRAGONRANA CONNECTS!!! CAROLINE WITH THE COVER!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
( DING! DING!! DING!!! )
( ‘Complete Collapse’ by Sleeping with Sirens plays over the sound system of the arena as The Black Widow is getting her lead arm raised by the official. )
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen the winner of this match and moving on in the Empress of Elite tournament: CAROLIIIIIIIIIIIINEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: What a match ladies and gentlemen! We have discovered a meaner and more vicious side to sweet Caroline tonight and it has helped her achieve a much deserved victory tonight!
Deadprez: Lexi tried her best to emerge on top tonight, she had several pin opportunities but at the end of the day it wasn’t enough. She oughta be proud of her performance though she was no slouch, she’ll have a chance to shine soon enough.
( The final shot is of Caroline with a devilish smirk on her lips as she walks up the ramp while Lexi looks disappointed before the camera transitions to an ad for King of Elite 2023. )
( ‘The Outsiders’ by Eric Church blasts through the Pechanga Arena, signaling the arrival of the longtime National Elite champion. Donovan Duke steps onto the stage to the approval of the attending crowd, lifting his championship high and nodding head to the rhythm of his entrance theme music. As Donovan begins to descend down the entrance ramp and head towards the ring we cut to the commentators booth. As always, Deadprez is joined by Gavin Kirkland and Eve and Deadprez would be the first of them to speak, addressing Donovan Duke’s victory over Alex Myers at the Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle! )
Deadprez: Donovan Duke appears to be in a good mood tonight as we round out the year here on Saturday Night Showdown. Who can blame him? We saw him battle against Alex Myers in Hawaii just a fortnight ago and the two of them put on a classic. From bell-to-bell we witnessed a bout that was high-octane and unpredictable. It epitomized what Showdown is all about! But in the end, Donovan walked out the victor. Though it’d be poor journalism to say that without mentioning Veena Adams’ influence towards the end of the match!
Gavin Kirkland: Absolutely, Prezzy. Veena popped up at ringside and not ten seconds later, the match was over! Many questioned what business Veena would have with Donovan, given the fact that her shot at his National Elite Championship is already locked-in. If you ask me? It’s good old-fashioned mindgames! Veena wanted to let Donovan know that she’s coming for him and there’s nothing that he can do about it! Did her interruption ultimately lead to Donovan’s victory? Perhaps. But that didn’t seem to phase wrestling royalty herself! At King of Elite we’re going to have a great, great match on our hands.
Eve: On the subject of King of Elite, that’s where Donovan first captured the National Elite Championship and barring unforeseen circumstances, he’s going to walk into the show with the belt still around his waist! Every other championship in this company has changed hands, some multiple times, but Donovan is as reliable and as dangerous as ever! Veena Adams has got to be the underdog, hasn’t she? You talk about mind games, Donovan is usually a respectable man but it seems to me like Veena is poking the bear with her antics.
( Donovan Duke steps into the ring, soaking in the adulation from the crowd. From Australia to England, Cameroon to China, Donovan has performed in many foreign countries since the beginning of this season. But he, as well as Elite Answers Wrestling, are back on home soil and that fact clearly isn’t lost on him! He gestures for a microphone from ringside and after his request is granted he begins to address the crowd here in California! )
Donovan Duke: I know that this time of year is used to reflect. We look back on the last twelve months, the highs-and-lows of our personal and professional lives, speaking about the good-and-bad before speaking about what we’d like to set out and achieve in the new year. I’m not going to be the one to buck the trend. I’ve had an incredible run this year, I’ve beaten some of the biggest names the sport has to offer and for that I’m incredibly grateful. Myself, Adam Lucas too, have had some difficulties on Showdown as of late. But, I’m not going to let the negatives take away from all the good that has come my way. Next year I’m going to be bigger, I’m going to do even more than I’ve accomplished so far and I hope you’ll all still be behind me!
Donovan Duke: Looking back at King of Elite last year and where the people that I defeated are at now, I have high hopes that I can follow in their footsteps. Jake Smith and Minerva are two of the best in the business, I have aspirations of being in their spot someday soon. At Road to Redemption I put in a good showing, but I’m not ashamed about losing. Competing against the top talent on Showdown was an amazing experience. Sure, I’m not a double champion. But I still have done so much with the National Elite Championship. A plethora of defences, against names like Adam Lucas, Jon Kelton and even Mr. DEDEDE. I know that I’ve done a great job holding this championship and that isn’t going to stop anytime soon, in spite of what Veena Adams and by extension Kennedy Street may believe.
Donovan Duke: I’m about to break the record of being the longest-reigning National Elite champion and the honour isn’t lost on me. Many, many great names have held this belt. The fact that none of them will have held it longer than I have is an incredible achievement. But I couldn’t have done it without you guys turning up every week and cheering for me. Now people think I’m going to get complacent after breaking the record. They’re talking about me losing to Veena Adams. I’m not the type to drop-off after doing what I’ve set out to do. I reach a certain point, a level of performance and maintain it. At King of Elite, it’s a chance to add another defence to my reign and further stomp my dominance, my name, over the legacy of this championship—
( Donovan isn’t awarded the chance to finish his sentence. ‘7 Rings’ by Ariana Grande blares through the Pechanga Arena, Veena Adams is seemingly unhappy with what Donovan is saying pertaining to their scheduled bout at King of Elite! Veena arrives, however the greeting she receives from the California crowd isn’t a positive one. She doesn’t seem to mind, however. She’s accustomed to the common folk hating greatness. Veena makes her way down to the ring and as she does so, we once more transition over to Deadprez, Gavin Kirkland and Eve! )
Deadprez: Showdown’s resident princess has arrived on the scene! She’s barrelling straight for the ring to put Donovan Duke in his place. Verbally, of course. Look you guys, I’m a big fan of Donovan and all that he’s done for the National Elite Championship. But writing off Veena Adams so soon isn’t a wise move, given just how much improvement we’ve seen from her over the past couple of months! Donovan has overcome these big, big names throughout his time holding the championship. Even going as far as to beat Veena’s own uncle, the greatest of all time in Mr. DEDEDE! But at Road to Redemption, Veena’s task to become the number one contender wasn’t a simple one. She overcame, she outworked and she’s deserving of the spot!
Gavin Kirkland: You’re absolutely right to say that! We’re not talking about simpletons here. Veena Adams perhaps has been rewarded opportunities in the past based on her familial connections. But at Road to Redemption, she walked through fire in the scramble match, a match which housed dangerous names such as Harley Lewis and Harper Lee! In the end it came down to her and Hunnid Honcho. She beat him, as well as the buzzer, to secure this shot at the National Elite Championship and I for one, don’t think she’s going to let up so easily! Donovan Duke has achieved all these amazing things. But let’s not forget, all it takes is one shot and it isn’t like Donovan is indestructible, just look at Road to Redemption as an example!
Eve: All I know is that we’re going to have an amazing match-up on our hands. Donovan won’t want his time in the sun to end the defence after breaking the record, while Veena will be all-the-more motivated to end his reign because of that! Winning her first championship would be an accomplishment enough for Veena. To beat the man who is the longest-reigning, throughout the sixteen year history of this company? What a moment! Veena has definitely made her mark over the last few months, coincidentally from the time that Kennedy Street has been overseeing things on Showdown. But Donovan Duke is confident for a reason, he’s been defending what’s his for almost a year now. Will Veena be the one to break that pattern and beat him for the National Elite Championship? I honestly couldn’t tell you!
( Veena Adams snaps her fingers, gesturing for a microphone. A ringside attendant then obliges her request and following this she steps into the ring with Donovan Duke! The crowd are jeering a touch for the bombshell wrestler, but calm down as time persists. Veena looks Donovan down-and-up and doesn’t seem all-too impressed with what she sees. She raises the microphone to her lips once things have settled down completely. )
Veena Adams: I seriously cannot win in this company. I’m either totally underestimated and cast aside due to who my uncle is, or everything that I accomplish and do is put down solely on the fact that I’ve had the best training and a nice upbringing! It’s one rule for me and another rule for the rest of the people in this promotion, nobody gives me and what I can do in the ring the credit that I and my hard work deserve. I’ve been in-and-out of the business for a long, long time. It’s nothing but an absolute travesty that I have never won a championship before! So much for cutting in the queue and having opportunities handed to me, right?
Veena Adams: But I’ve been putting in more work than I ever have done before, what went down at Road to Redemption is telling of that. No matter the angle you look at it from, beating five other names and capturing this shot at the National Elite Championship is a big achievement. It isn’t one that I’m going to let go to waste. I’ve earned this opportunity through nothing but hard work and talent. Not off the back of my uncle, not through my friendships with Heidi Huxley and Kennedy Street. Nobody but Veena Adams herself has put me in this ring, standing across from you, Donovan. You can overlook me. Claim that I’m just another name in this seemingly never-ending reign of yours. But you know what? I’m actually happy for you. I’m overjoyed at what you’ve been able to do, even if you don’t give me my flowers and credit me for putting in the work to get this championship shot against you.
Veena Adams: You becoming the longest-reigning National Elite champion will just make my inevitable victory over you all-the-more sweeter. Think about it, I’ll forever be immortalized as the woman who took down the crusty, boring Donovan Duke! They’ll be celebrations, my name will be sung in streets all over the world! Naturally, I’ll have to give the championship a deep-cleaning before I even think of touching it. But my win will be meaningful and more impactful, it will do more for me, if it is against you. This isn’t over-confidence, Donovan. As I said, I’ve been around a while, but I’m just now beginning to find my potential and become what I should have been months, even years ago. And that isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength, nobody has faced this kind of Veena Adams before. I’ve had an entire year to see what you’re about when it comes to that belt being on the line. You may have gotten the better of me just a few months ago, but I’m a changed woman, a better woman and at King of Elite? I’m going to showcase that when I defeat you and win the National Elite Championship!
( Donovan Duke considers Veena’s words for a moment, before long, he extends a handshake with a big grin illustrating across his lips. )
Donovan Duke: I look forward to seeing you back up those words, Veena. I’m excited to face you and come King of Elite, may the best wrestler win!
( Veena Adams’ eyes shoot down to Donovan’s hand. The crowd are waiting in anticipation to see what Veena will do here, while the oh-so sincere smile on Donovan’s face doesn’t shift an inch. Opting to reject the notion, Veena instead rolls her eyes and turns her back to Donovan, rolling out of the ring and up the ramp to the disapproval of the crowd! Cameras cut back to Donovan, shrugging his shoulders as if he expected Veena to behave this way. From here we transition elsewhere in the broadcast, the feud over the National Elite Championship is heating up and Donovan and Veena will have all eyes on them come King of Elite! )
(The camera cuts back to the ringside area as Gina Romano is seen standing with a bright smile on her face and a microphone in her hand.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Black Ball’ by NBA Youngboy is heard playing up through the speakers to a loud mixed reception from the audience, as Jon Kelton is seen making his presence felt by making his way out to the stage. With a focused expression on his face, Kelton wastes no time as he quickly starts making his way down to the ring.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM TORONTO, CANADA… WEIGHING IN AT 204 POUNDS… ‘THE CHOSEN ONE…’ JOOOOOOOOOOONNNN KEEEEEEEEELTOOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!!
Deadprez: Here he is! Jon Kelton has arrived, and he looks more determined than ever here tonight!
Eve: Coming off what you consider both a good performance and a heartbreaking loss, Jon Kelton looks to bounce back from his loss here tonight and build his way back up to the Answers World Championship picture. At Road to Redemption he was able to eliminate the National Elite Champion, Donovan Duke, from the Elimination Chamber, and now he’s looking to reach his potential and embrace it.
Gavin Kirkland: And is there a better way to do so than simply winning the King of Elite tournament? Nope! But let’s keep in mind that his opponent tonight is a brick wall that will take SO much to break and get past as well, if it will at all… :lupe:
(As Jon Kelton is in the ring, ‘Blue World’ by Mac Miller is heard replacing ‘Black Ball’ as the crowd’s emotions immediately shift, starting to boo the living hell out of Jack Ripley, who makes his way out to the stage. Jack doesn’t seem to care much whatsoever, but instead shrugs it off and starts calmly walking down the ramp.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT… FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA… WEIGHING IN AT 205 POUNDS… ‘STRAIGHT SHOOTER…’ JAAAAAAACKKKKKKK RIIIIIPLEEEEEEEYYYYY!!!!
Deadprez: Here comes the former Answers World Champion! Jack Ripley has arrived, and he has to make an unforgettable impact as always!
Eve: Pretty much like Jon Kelton, Jack Ripley suffered a huge unexpected, heartbreaking loss to Alex Myers in their Coffin Match at Road to Redemption, and if anything, if there’s anything he considers a must at this point, it’s to win the King of Elite tournament and win back the Answers World Championship he unquestionably believes to deserve more than anyone else right now. And if you ask me? Jack Ripley is unsurprisingly an individual who got every single bit of what it takes to do so, so you gotta watch out.
Gavin Kirkland: But then again, going through Jon Kelton is the first step he needs to take in order to do so and even though it was stated that Jack Ripley won’t allow another loss to join his record, it’s no secret that Jon Kelton won’t make it a cakewalk either. Who wins this match? Interesting question that is yet to be answered, but we’re about to see!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: HERE WE GO LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY BETWEEN FORMER NEW BREED CHAMPION JON KELTON AND FORMER ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION JACK RIPLEY— WHO SEEMS TO BE MORE RUTHLESS THAN EVER HERE TONIGHT AS HE RUNS AT JON KELTON AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! JACK DOESN’T LOOK TO STOP THE ASSAULT RIGHT HERE AS HE GRABS KELTON PICKING HIM BACK UP TO HIS FEET, AND THEN TOSSING HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! AND HE NAILS HIM WITH A CORNER CLOTHESLINE BEFORE TAKING A FEW STEPS BACKWARDS… RUNNING CORNER SPEAR! WHAT A MOVE BY RIPLEY-
Eve: JON KELTON LEAPS UP WHICH RESULTS IN JACK RIPLEY HITTING THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE INSTEAD! JON KELTON ESCAPES THE ATTACK, WHAT A REVERSAL! AND THAT IS BEFORE HE ROLLS THROUGH, AND TAKES JACK RIPLEY DOWN WITH A SUNSET FLIP BOMB, TRANSITIONING IT INTO A PIN! THE ROLL-UP BY JON KELTON FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, AND JACK RIPLEY’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN! IS JON KELTON ABOUT TO PICK UP THE UPSET OF THE CENTURY EVEN THOUGH THIS MATCH JUST STARTED?
OOOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Gavin Kirkland: NO, NOT EVEN CLOSE, JACK RIPLEY IS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY FORCE THE SHOULDER UP AS BOTH INDIVIDUALS QUICKLY SHOOT BACK UP TO THEIR FEET, BUT THAT IS ALL FOR KELTON TO DROP RIPLEY DOWN WITH A BIG BOOT! BUT JACK RIPLEY DUCKS UNDERNEATH THOUGH, BEFORE IMMEDIATELY GOING BEHIND KELTON, WHICH IS JUST TO DROP HIM BACK DOWN THE RING MAT WITH AN INVERTED DDT! JACK RIPLEY THEN QUICKLY GETS BACK UP TO HIS FEET, ALL TO ONLY KEEP HIS ASSAULT GOING ON KELTON AS HE NAILS HIM WITH A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE RIGHT TO THE HEAD!
Deadprez: This man Jack Ripley is absolutely on fire here tonight, wow! Jack Ripley grabs Jon Kelton as he quickly picks him back up to his feet, before nailing him with a huge Forearm Smash right to the skull, which sends rebounding off the ropes, and Jack then goes under, making Kelton rebound yet again, before leaping up this time, and Kelton rebounds a third time at full speed this time around which, I assume, is what Jack was looking for from the beginning, AND HE THEN CATCHES HIM WITH A CALF KICK! WHAT A MANEUVER BY THE FORMER ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION! THE CALF KICK BY JACK RIPLEY SENDS JON KELTON BACK DOWN ON THE CANVAS, AND KELTON IS STILL, TO THIS POINT, TOTALLY HELPLESS! JACK RIPLEY HAS BEEN ABLE TO GET THE BETTER OF JON KELTON EVER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS MATCHUP!
Eve: Which Jack Ripley apparently looks to keep as the current state as long as he possibly can! Jack Ripley rolls out of the ring into the ring apron, before quickly starting to climb his way up to the top turnbuckle, which he reaches, and Jon Kelton is down! What could Jack Ripley be looking for, what could be going on through his mind right now?!?! Jon Kelton is down, AND JACK RIPLEY DIV-
Gavin Kirkland: JON KELTON IS QUICKLY ABLE TO GET RIGHT BACK UP TO HIS FEET, JUST BARELY STANDING ON THEM, AND HE IMMEDIATELY STOPS JACK RIPLEY AND PREVENTS THE ASSAULT FROM CONTINUING AS HE GRABS THE ROPES AND SHAKES THEM, THUS PLACING JACK RIPLEY UNDER A CIRCUMSTANCE OF UTTER IMBALANCE, WHICH LEADS TO JACK RIPLEY’S PRIVATE AREA LANDING STRAIGHT INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! I MEAN… OUCHHHH, THIS MUST HAVE ABSOLUTELY HURT! JACK RIPLEY GROANS IN AGONY, AND JON KELTON CAPITALIZES ON THE MOMENT AS HE NAILS JACK RIPLEY WITH A SUPERKICK RIGHT TO THE CHIN, AND JACK RIPLEY FALLS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE RING MAT! WHAT A COMEBACK BY JON KELTON!
Deadprez: And it’s now the former 24/7 Contract Holder who quickly makes his way out of the ring and climbs his own way up to the turnbuckle, and Jack Ripley is still down! Jack Ripley is not showing any signs of life right now, and it’s Jon Kelton who’s willing to take full advantage of this situation! Jon Kelton is balancing himself up there, AND HE TAKES HIS SHOT AS JACK RIPLEY IS STILL DOWN! FROG SPLASH BY JON KELTON! FROG SPLASH! WHAT A MANEUVER BY KELTON! FROG SPLASH! THE FROG SPLASH NAILS THE ALREADY GROUNDED JACK RIPLEY, AND KELTON HOOKS THE LEG! JON KELTON WITH THE COVER ON RIPLEY!
OOOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TTTTWWWWW-
Eve: SHOULDER UP BY JACK RIPLEY, NOT EVEN A TWO YET! JACK RIPLEY IS ABLE TO QUICKLY FORCE THE SHOULDER UP, AND IT’S APPARENTLY GOING TO TAKE MUCH MORE THAN THAT TO ENSURE THAT JACK RIPLEY WILL BE OUT OF THIS ONE FOR GOOD, IN CASE HE EVEN FINDS HIMSELF IN THAT POSITION AT ALL! JON KELTON LOOKS ANYTHING BUT SHOCKED RIGHT NOW, BUT NONETHELESS IT’S CERTAINTY THAT HE IS FAR FROM HAPPY EITHER! But he’s still trying, though! Jon Kelton grabs Jack Ripley as he picks him right back up to his feet, AND HE TURNS HIM AROUND WITH A POWERFUL RIGHT HOOK RIGHT TO THE SKULL… applying a waist lock right after! What could Jon Kelton be looking for right now? Jon Kelton has the waist lock applied on Jack Ripley, before finally lifting him up, AND HE DROPS HIM DOWN THE RING MAT WITH A HUGE RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! WOW! WHAT A MANEUVER BY KELTON! THE RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX CONNE-
Gavin Kirkland: JACK RIPLEY LANDS IT STANDING ON HIS FEET! WHAT A DISPLAY OF INTELLIGENCE AND ATHLETICISM RIGHT HERE BY RIPLEY! JON KELTON PROBABLY DOESN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED, BUT HE TURNS AROUND THINKING HE GOT RID OF RIPLEY, JUST FOR JACK RIPLEY TO MEET HIM WITH THE SUPERKICK! ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO!’ WHAT? IS JACK RIPLEY REALLY ABOUT TO END IT JUST LIKE THAT? THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS TO JON KELTON, AND HE’S PROBABLY KNOCKED OUT OF THIS MATCHUP FOR GOOD-
Deadprez: AT LITERALLY THE LAST MOMENT – AND I MEAN THE **LAST** POSSIBLE MOMENT – JON KELTON GRABS THE LEG OF JACK RIPLEY PREVENTING WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ENDGAME FROM BEING WITNESSED TRANSPIRE RIGHT HERE BY THE ENTIRETY OF THE EAW UNIVERSE! THE REVERSAL BY JON KELTON- BUT JACK RIPLEY IS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO CAPITALIZE AS HE NAILS KELTON WITH A HUGE ENZUIGIRI RIGHT TO THE EAR, AND KELTON LETS GO OFF OF RIPLEY, BUT HE THEN IMMEDIATELY FLIPS HIM BEFORE ROLLING THROUGH, GOING BEHIND, AND APPLYING THE WAIST LOCK ON RIPLEY! JON KELTON LOOKS TO DO WHAT HE INITIALLY HAD PLANNED, AND HE DOES! RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX BY JACK RIPLEY! WHAT A MANEUVER BY JON KELTON! THE RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX CONNECTS!
Eve: Jack Ripley is grounded, meanwhile Jon Kelton is his knees giving himself a few moments to catch his breath, and now he’s back up to his feet, and I wonder what could be his current plans to put away the former Answers World Champion! Jon Kelton leaps out into the ring apron, and he starts charging at Jack Ripley! That certainly doesn’t look good for Jack right here, but it looks like Jon Kelton is looking to put an end for this matchup! Jack Ripley is back up to his feet, just barely I might add, and it’s Jon Kelton who takes his shot— SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE! SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE BY JON KELTON, NOW THAT’S A MANEUVER RIGHT HERE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THE SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE BY JON KELTON CONNEC-
Gavin Kirkland: JUMPING KNEE STRIKE IN MID AIR BY JACK RIPLEY! WOWWWW! WHAT A FRICKING MANEUVER! JON KELTON TOOK HIS SHOOT AND WENT FOR THE SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE TO JACK RIPLEY, BUT IT WAS JACK RIPLEY WHO FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, IN A MATTER OF SECONDS, WAS ABLE TO TURN THINGS AROUND AND CATCH HIS OPPONENT OFF GUARD! THE JUMPING KNEE STRIKE IN MID AIR BY JACK RIPLEY CONNECTS ON JON KELTON, AND KELTON IS DOWN! JON KELTON IS DOWN! WHAT A COMEBACK BY JACK RIPLEY! WHAT A COMEBACK!
Deadprez: AND JACK RIPLEY DOESN’T EVEN SEEM TO BE DONE AT ALL YET AS HE ROLLS OUT INTO THE RING APRON AND STARTS CLIMBING HIS WAY UP TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, WHICH HE REACHES, SEEMINGLY GOING FOR THE ATTACK HE WAS INITIALLY WILLING TO LAUNCH ON JON KELTON EARLIER IN THIS MATCHUP! JACK RIPLEY BALANCES HIMSELF UP THERE, BEFORE TAKING HIS SHOT, AND HE NAILS THE GROUNDED JON KELTON WITH A DIVING MOONSAULT! THE DIVING MOONSAULT TO JON KELTON! DIVING MOONSAULT BY JACK RIPLEY CONNECTS AND ABSOLUTELY NAILS KELTON, AND RIPLEY HOOKS THE LEG! THE COVER BY JACK RIPLEY RIGHT HERE! COULD THIS BE IT?!
OOOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Eve: KICK OUT BY THE FORMER NEW BREED CHAMPION! JON KELTON IS ABLE TO FORCE THE SHOULDER UP, AND THIS MATCH STAYS ALIVE! JACK RIPLEY STARTS TO LOOK A LITTLE FRUSTRATED AT THIS POINT RIGHT HERE, BUT JON KELTON HAS MADE IT CLEARER THAN IT COULD EVER REALLY BE THAT IN A WAY OR ANOTHER, SENDING HIM OUT OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT WILL BE FAR FROM AN EASY TASK! JACK RIPLEY GRABS JON KELTON PICKING HIM BACK UP TO HIS FEET- BUT IT’S KELTON WHO’S IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO CAPITALIZE AS HE NAILS HIM WITH A FOREARM STRIKE RIGHT TO THE SKULL! BUT JACK RIPLEY RESPONDS WITH A CHOP RIGHT TO THE CHEST! BUT IT’S JON KELTON WHO THEN NAILS HIM WITH A SLAP ACROSS THE FACE! AND THEN IT’S THE RIGHT HOOK BY JACK RIPLEY!
Gavin Kirkland: BOTH COMPETITORS START TRADING STRIKES RIGHT HERE, AND THE CROWD IS GOING CRAZY RIGHT NOW! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! KELTON! RIPLEY! RIPLEY RIPLEY! LOOKS LIKE JACK RIPLEY WAS ABLE TO GAIN FULL CONTROL OVER THIS SITUATION AND POSSIBLY MAINTAIN THE CONTROL HE ALREADY HAD OVER THIS WHOLE MATCHUP AS WELL- BUT KELTON JUST DUCKED UNDERNEATH THE FINAL STRIKE BY JACK RIPLEY AS HE THEN GOES BEHIND, BEFORE TURNING JACK RIPLEY AROUND, AND HE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A SPINEBUSTER! WOW! WHAT A MANEUVER BY JON KELTON! THE SPINEBUSTER! THE SPINEBUSTER ON JACK RIPLEY CONNECTS! WHAT A MOVE!
Deadprez: Jon Kelton grabs Jack Ripley picking him back up to his feet before nailing him with a POWERFUL Headbutt, and then tossing him out of the ring- BUT JACK RIPLEY IS ABLE TO COUNTER, AS HE TOSSES KELTON OUT HIMSELF! JON KELTON FALLS OUT OF THE RING AS HE GOES CRASHING INTO THE FLOOR! KELTON HOWEVER MANAGES TO BARELY STAND BACK UP ON HIS FEET USING THE BARRICADE, BUT NOT FOR LONG AS JACK RIPLEY IS SEEN REBOUNDING INSIDE THE RING, BEFORE NAILING HIM WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! WHAT A MOVE AND DISPLAY OF INTELLIGENCE BY JACK RIPLEY RIGHT HERE! THE SUICIDE DIVE TO JON KELTON CONNECTS AND BOTH INDIVIDUALS ARE LAYING THERE ON THE FLOOR IN RINGSIDE!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Eve: Jack Ripley is obviously the one able to recover first as he grabs Jon Kelton, picking him back up to his feet, AND HE TOSSES HIM INTO THE BARRICADE! WHICH DOESN’T EVEN SEEM TO BE ALL AS JACK RIPLEY STILL HAS A HOLD OF JON KELTON WHO HE THEN RUTHLESSLY SLAMS HIS HEAD ON THE RING APRON, BEFORE ONCE AGAIN TOSSING HIM INTO THE BARRICADE! JACK RIPLEY IS EXTREMELY RUTHLESS HERE TONIGHT! AND JACK THEN LIFTS HIM UP IN THE POSITION FOR A POWERSLAM, BUT THAT IS NOT THE INTENTION WHATSOEVER! SNAKE EYES INTO THE BARRICADE! JON KELTON’S HEAD JUST HIT THE BARRICADE HARD BEFORE HE FELL STRAIGHT INTO THE FLOOR! WHAT A MANEUVER BY JACK RIPLEY!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
Gavin Kirkland: He seems far from done, though! Jack Ripley once again grabs Jon Kelton as he picks him back up to his feet, BEFORE SLAMMING HIS HEAD ON THE ANNOUNCER TABLE TO KEEP HIM IMBALANCED! Jon Kelton is helpless at the second, but Jack Ripley looks like he has absolutely no intention to stop! Jack Ripley grabs Jon Kelton as he nails him with a POWERFUL kick straight into the gut, before lifting him up on his shoulders, AND HE ABSOLUTELY DEMOLISHES HIM WITH A POWERBOMB INTO THE RING POST! YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME, YOU HAVE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME, THIS CANNOT BE REAL! JACK RIPLEY IS BASICALLY BEATING IT OUT OF JON KELTON THROUGH THE MOST RUTHLESS METHODS, AND ALTHOUGH JON KELTON HAS BEEN ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF ATTACK HERE TONIGHT, THAT CLEARLY STILL ISN’T ENOUGH TO VANISH THE DRIVE OF THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER WHATSOEVER!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
Deadprez: And it still all isn’t enough for him, this man is a psycho! Jack Ripley grabs Jon Kelto- KELTON HAS HAD ENOUGH, HE HAS ABSOLUTELY HAD ENOUGH AS HE NAILS JACK RIPLEY WITH POWERFUL KNEE STRAIGHT INTO HIS DANG STOMACH, BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP AND DROPPING HIM BACK DOWN WITH A SPINEBUSTER HERE ON THE FLOOR OF THE RINGSIDE AREA! KELTON THEN GRABS JACK RIPLEY AS HE TOSSES HIM STRAIGHT INTO THE BARRICADE THIS TIME, BEFORE ADJUSTING HIM INTO A POSITION HE SEEMINGLY WANTS HIM IN, BEFORE BACKING OFF… SPEAR THROUGH THE BARRICADE!!!!!! SPEAR THROUGH THE BARRICADE BY JON KELTON!!!!! JON KELTON JUST SPEARED JACK RIPLEY THROUGH THE FRICKING BARRICADE!!!! THIS IS INSANITY!!!! WHAT A MANEUVER BY JON KELTON, WHO, JUST BARELY MANAGES TO USE THE BARRICADE IN ORDER TO STAND BACK UP ON HIS FEET!
EIGHT!
NINE!
Eve: And he grabs the lifeless body of Jack Ripley, before rolling him back into the ring, and it doesn’t take much before he rolls back in himself! Kelton grabs Jack Ripley, picking him back up to his feet, and he’s trying to lift him up in the position of a suplex, but Jack Ripley is still standing his ground and doing his best to prevent him, going for it himself! In situations like this it is all up to the competitor able to display more power and determination- WHICH HAPPENS TO BE JON KELTON THIS TIME AROUND! JON KELTON LIFTS JACK RIPLEY ALL THE WAY UP ON HIS SHOULDERS, BEFORE DROPPING HIM BACK DOWN WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! SNAP SUPLEX CONNECTS ON JACK RIPLEY, WHAT A MANEUVER BY KELTON!
Gavin Kirkland: Jon Kelton has been doing his absolute best to ensure that Jack Ripley is put away as much as he can, but it is actually making me wonder if Jack Ripley doesn’t have anything in mind to turn the tables and get things to go his way again— BUT KELTON’S MAIN GOAL FOR THE MEANTIME IS APPARENTLY BLOWING ANYTHING HE HAS IN MIND TO SMOKE; ‘ETHER!!!’ ‘ETHER’ BY JON KELTON ALL OF A SUDDEN, FROM ABSOLUTELY OUT OF NOWHERE! THE ‘ETHER’ IS LOCKED IN ON JACK RIPLEY, IT’S LOCKED IN! THE ARM-TRAPPED CROSSFACE IS APPLIED ON JACK RIPLEY, AND THE FORMER ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION HAS NOWHERE TO GO! JACK RIPLEY IS SCREAMING IN AGONY, THE SUBMISSION SIGNATURE MOVE BY JON KELTON IS INDEED INFLICTING THE DAMAGE IT WAS INTENDED TO! IS JON KELTON ABOUT TO SHOCK THE WORLD AND SUBMIT JACK RIPLEY RIGHT HERE?!?!?!
Deadprez: THE ONLY THING I KNOW FOR CERTAIN IS THAT JACK RIPLEY IS THE LAST PERSON THAT WOULD LIKE THAT TO BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN, AND HE’S ALSO THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY STOP IT, WHICH IS WHAT HE’S TRYING HIS HARDEST TO DO! JACK RIPLEY IS DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN, HE’S SCRATCHING AND CLAWING TO REACH THE BOTTOM ROPE AND FORCE JON KELTON TO RELEASE THE SUBMISSION, BUT KELTON ISN’T ALLOWING THAT TO HAPPEN WHATSOEVER! KELTON ON THE OTHER HAND IS DOING HIS ABSOLUTE BEST AS WELL, BUT TO PULL JACK RIPLEY TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING, WHICH DOESN’T SEEM TO FAZE HIM MUCH HOWEVER… JACK RIPLEY GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE! JACK RIPLEY HAS A HOLD OF THE BOTTOM ROPE! FINALLY! JACK RIPLEY IS ABLE TO SURVIVE-
Eve: NOT FOR LONG! NOT FOR LONG! JON KELTON PULLS JACK RIPLEY BACK ROLLING THROUGH, BEFORE RE-APPLYING HIS ‘ETHER’ ARM-TRAPPED CROSSFACE, BUT THIS TIME NOT ONLY IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, BUT EVEN HARDER THAN BEFORE, HARDER THAT IT EVER WAS TO BE EXACT! JACK RIPLEY IS SCREAMING HELPLESS, AND JON KELTON HOWEVER DOESN’T GIVE A SINGLE CARE IN THE WORLD! JACK RIPLEY IS FADING, HE’S FADING! IS JON KELTON ABOUT TO DO IT?! IS KELTON ABOUT TO SHOCK THE WORLD AND ADVANCE TO THE QUARTERFINALS OF THE TOURNAMENT AT THE EXPENSE OF JACK? JACK RIPLEY IS STILL FADING…
Gavin Kirkland: JACK RIPLEY IS FINALLY ABLE TO UNTRAP HIS ARM AND SOMEWHAT FREE HIMSELF UP, BEFORE THEN GRABBING THE HEAD OF KELTON, AND SLAMMING IT ON THE MAT! AND HE DOES AGAIN! AND AGAIN! IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS TO FIGURE OUT HOW HURT KELTON IS RIGHT NOW, AND THAT EVENTUALLY FORCES HIM TO RELEASE THE SUBMISSION! JON KELTON FINALLY LETS GO OFF OF JACK RIPLEY!
(Jack Ripley holds his face and neck in a kneeled position for a while trying to recover and catch his breath, meanwhile Kelton, although extremely hurt, is able to get up first holding his head as he’s seen charging at Jack Ripley…)
Deadprez: JON KELTON IS BACK UP AND HE’S CHARGING AT JACK RIPLEY TO GET BACK UP TO HIS FEET! DON’T DO THAT, DON’T DO THAT, THIS CERTAINLY DOESN’T LOOK GOOD! JACK RIPLEY IS BACK UP TO HIS FEET AND NOW KELTON… WITH THE ‘OBLIVION!!!!’ ‘OBLIVION!!!!!’ THE SPINNING HEEL KICK BY JON KELTON NEARLY SEPARATES JACK RIPLEY’S HEAD AND NECK FROM THE REST OF HIS BODY, GODDAMN! THIS MAN JUST KICKED JACK RIPLEY’S HEAD OFF! THE SPINNING HEEL KICK CONNECTS, AND JACK RIPLEY IS DOWN! KELTON HOOKS THE LEG, THIS MIGHT BE IT!!!
OOOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TTTHHHHH-
Eve: JACK RIPLEY FORCES THE SHOULDER UP, AND KELTON IS SHOCKED, JUST LIKE ALL OF US AT THIS POINT! JACK RIPLEY STAYS ALIVE AND KEEPS THIS BOUT ALIVE AS WELL, WHICH ALTHOUGH KELTON IS UNABLE TO BELIEVE, HE TRIES TO PUT AN END TO! JACK RIPLEY JUST SURVIVED, BUT KELTON IS QUICKLY BACKING TOWARDS THE CORNER WHILE CHARGING AT JACK RIPLEY, AND WE KNOW WHAT HE MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR! JACK RIPLEY IS SLOWLY GETTING BACK UP TO HIS FEET, ALL FOR JON KELTON TO SEND HIM BACK DOWN AND PROBABLY OUT OF THIS ONE FOR GOOD WITH THE ‘FINAL ATONEMENT!!!!’ ‘FINAL ATONEMENT’ BY JON KELTON!!!! SPEAR!!! SPEAR!!!! WHAT A MANEUVER BY KELTON! THE SPEAR TO JACK RIP-
Gavin Kirkland: JACK RIPLEY LEAPS UP AND JON KELTON CRASHES INTO THE CORNER! KELTON TURNS AROUND ABSOLUTELY FAZED RIGHT AFTER HITTING THAT TURNBUCKLE IN FULL SPEED… ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO!!!!!!’ ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO’ BY JACK RIPLEY!!!! THAT’S IT!!! THAT’S IT!!! THE SUPERKICK TO JON KEL-
Deadprez: KELTON IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDERNEATH AND DODGE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN WHAT PUTS HIM AWAY FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT, AND THE SUPERKICK HITS THE REFEREE INSTEAD! THE REF IS DOWN, AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS ONE CAN GO FROM THIS POINT! JACK RIPLEY TURNS AROUND– ‘ANTI-LIFE EQUATION!!!!’ THE FUTURE SHOCK DDT BY JON KELTON-
Eve: JACK RIPLEY IS ABLE TO SLIP OUT BEFORE IMMEDIATELY PUSHING JON KELTON OFF — AND HE CONNECTS WITH THE SUPERKICK!!!! ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO’ TO JON KELTON ABSOLUTELY NAILS HIM OUT OF THIS MATCH FOR GOOD! BUT THERE’S NO ONE TO COUNT THE PIN!
Crowd: :lupe:
Gavin Kirkland: Um… Jack Ripley doesn’t even try to wake up the referee or figure out a method to pin Jon Kelton ro begin with… what? Jack Ripley rolls out of the ring, and he’s seen grabbing something from underneath the ring— 🤨 is that a fuc- a fricking steel chair in his hands? Come on, Jack, what are you doing? This is illegal, stop!
(A huge smirk starts slowly forming on the face of Jack Ripley, as in the ring it’s Jon Kelton who’s seen recovering, almost fully back up on his feet, but what Jack doesn’t realize is that the referee is recovering as well, but he still rolls back in the ring however…)
Deadprez: IT LOOKS LIKE JACK RIPLEY IS CHARGING AT KELTON TO HIT HIM WITH THAT STEEL CHAIR, BUT LOOK! KELTON SUDDENLY SNATCHES THE CHAIR AWAY FROM JACK RIPLEY, BEFORE LAYING DOWN ON THE CANVAS AND PUTTING IT RIGHT ON HIMSELF! THE REFEREE WAKES UP TO SEE NOTHING BUT THIS EXACT SITUATION, AND IT COULD AFFECT THE DECISION HE TAKES! CHEAP, BUT SMART STRATEGY BY KELTON!
Jon Kelton: (off-mic) :dead:
Jack Ripley: (off-mic) I didn’t even hit him. :comeagain:
Referee: (off-mic) WHAT ARE YOU DOING, JACK?
Jack Ripley: (off-mic) Come on, man, you know he’s acting. :noah:
Jon Kelton: (off-mic) :dead: :dead: :dead:
Referee: THAT’S IT, RING THE BELL!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… HERE IS YOUR WINNER BY DISQUALIFICATION… AND GOING ON TO THE QUARTERFINALS OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT… JOOOOOOOOOOONNNN KEEEEEEEEELTOOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!!
(‘Black Ball’ is heard blasting through the speakers once again as Jon Kelton sits up with a huge smirk on his face before hysterically starting to giggle, as he then immediately rolls out of the ring before Jack Ripley can grab a hold of him. The referee rolls out as well following Kelton as he helps him fully back up to his feet at the end of the rampway, before holding his arm up in victory, thus acknowledging him as the winner of this contest.)
Eve: As said, cheap, but smart strategy. Jon Kelton is still in the quarterfinals of the tournament though, and Jack Ripley looks anything but happy about it! But however, this was a wonderful match from the get-go, and if anything, there is nothing to criticize about it except the way it ended.
Gavin Kirkland: DUH. JACK RIPLEY WAS SCREWED! KELTON CHEATED! REMATCH RIGHT NOW!
Deadprez: Well, Jon Kelton already stated it multiple times hroughout the week that he will do whatever it takes to win, and he just did that. Something to never forget is, Jack Ripley *did* have the intention to cheat whatsoever, so I think that’s one for one. Nonetheless, the tough luck continues for the former Answers World Champion, and although I’m sure he will be able to break out of it, this match belongs to none other than ‘The Chosen One’. Congratulations to Jon Kelton.
(The final shot is seen as Jon Kelton is seen exiting through the rampway and making his way to the back whilst raising both of his arms up in victory, meanwhile it’s Jack Ripley who’s seen standing inside the ring in utter shock and disbelief. From there, Saturday Night Showdown fades to a commercial break.)
(Backstage…..
Kennedy Street, the General Manager of Showdown is standing there with Abel Atami and Antonne Prudence. Abel is all dressed sharp in a suit, looking dapper, Antonne though is very cordial with the new General Manager, grabbing her hand and kissing it.)
Antonne Prudence: It is a pleasure Ms. Street and finally I get the chance to have an audience with you as you can, 2023 is going to be a good year for Abel Atami.
(Kennedy looks at the new able, very impressed at his new look as he hasn’t been seen since Road to Redemption.)
Kennedy Street: Not going to lie, honey, the holidays have been good to Abel. He looks like a star, and I am sure that you are ready to make him one, right. No more of this playing around crap and tugging on strings like Hurricane Hawk did, we are getting right down to business. I like that.
Antonne Prudence: Thank you, and I would like to think that you see Abel as a huge star and a future champion, which is why we came here. Listening to all these bottom feeders crying about opportunities and no one deserves it more than Abel Atami and I think you know that. Sure, he came up short at the Scramble match, but I promise that you will not be disappointed in Abel one bit if you just give him a chance.
(Kennedy thinks for a second and then nods.)
Kennedy Street: I tell you what honey, scratch my back, I scratch yours kind of deal. So, let’s do this, I need Able and yourself to do me a little favor, prove to me that you do deserve more opportunities and Showdown is the land of the free here, I will happily give it to you.
(Antonne looks over at Able who nods.)
Antonne Prudence: Looks like you have a deal.
(The two shake on it before the door flies open and it is none other than Adam Lucas, Kennedy rolls her eyes. Heidi Huxley who stood there quietly the whole time intervenes.)
Heidi Huxley: We do NOT have time for you! Get out!
(It is Adam Lucas who storms in, Abel Atami turns and stands right in front of him.)
Abel Atami: The General Manager is busy right now.
Adam Lucas: My problem is with her, not you, step aside.
Abel Atami: Actually, if you have a problem with her? You have one with me.
(Hearing that, Kennedy smiles. She stands up from her desk and walks up to Adam Lucas who is surrounded by Abel and Antonne Prudence.)
Kennedy Street: As you can see honey, not everyone has a problem on how I do business. It’s pretty apparent to me that before you even say anything the only person who screwed themselves was you. Adam screwed Adam. I mean, think about it for a moment, I did what any General Manager would do at Road to Redemption, I preserved my talent from killing each other, I decided it was better for business if Impact had retained the title.
Adam Lucas: Better for Business!?
Kennedy Street: Yes, that’s all a moot point as Jake Smith cashed in and became the Answers World Champion, but thinking about all of this this you need to understand that what I did, it was all for business. I don’t expect you to see it my way or even fathom the problem you have been, the only reason I even tolerate you, Adam is because of your star power and let’s face it, you make Showdown money, that is the reason I still green lit your entry to the King of Elite tournament, honey. My suggestion is thank me from saving your life because I saw the light tube incident from a year ago and that was not pretty, you could have bled out and died, and I know that no matter what internal injuries that you suffered, you would have made it worse and you’re too valuable to me, so please, turn around and leave, go get ready for your match.
(Adam stands there quietly, Abel is there behind him, so is Antonne Prudence.)
Adam Lucas: Tell me the truth… Why Kennedy!? I could have been Answers World Champion!
Kennedy Street: For like what, 5 minutes? Jake Smith was cashing in no matter what. You know me better than ANYONE in the EAW, okay? Kennedy Street doesn’t play hardball, I am the hardball. Kennie is the only one that makes the decisions for what is best for this brand. You need to accept it and move on. Matter of fact, what you really need to do is remember how Orlando Cruze worked his career, the sacrifices he had to make. In other words, get in line honey. This whole rebel without a cause thing doesn’t suit you. Your wife, a woman I respect and cherish is trying to win a World Championship, you wouldn’t want to do anything to compromise that, right? What about you? Win the King of Elite? Get an Answers World Championship match whenever you want, like Bethany did. Think smarter, don’t work harder, I know what I am doing.
(Shaking his head, Adam takes a deep breath.)
Adam Lucas: No…. you don’t. If you ever screw me over like that again like you have already tried the weeks leading into Road to Redemption, I will tell you right now, there isn’t a single person on this roster that is going to stop me.
Heidi Huxley: You don’t threaten anyone.
Adam Lucas: Right…. I just did.
(He turns and bumps Abel as he walks out, Abel is about to chase after him, but Antonne holds him back. Kennedy looks on with a sneer in her face before letting out a sigh.)
Kennedy Street: Maybe this arrangement can be worked out sober, Mr. Prudence.
(Hearing that he turns to the beautiful Kennedy Street with a smile on his face and nods as the General Manager’s eyes narrow, transitioning to ringside with Gina Romano.)
( The scene fades back to the show with Gina Romano standing in the middle of the ring, ready to announce the next match. )
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS THE FIRST ROUND OF THE EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!
Crowd: YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Gina Romano: AND IT’S SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!
( ‘Despair: A Hero’s Cure’ by Soraru starts playing as the crowd erupts into cheers. Holly Arrow struts confidently toward the ring. She wears a fierce look on her face, a look that says she is ready to take this victory and move to the next round. )
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST, CURRENTLY RESIDING IN ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA… WEIGHING IN AT 149 POUNDS… ‘THE FINAL GIRL…’ HOLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!… ARROWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: https://66.media.tumblr.com/1a89a35ac4908c802eab13e0d7cd014a/tumblr_pn7bscC46Q1rmv1vdo2_540.gif
Eve: Alright take it easy, make sure you are on the right program.
Deadprez: Control him while I’m taking this job. Holly has had a tough time lately, coming up short at the Road to Redemption this year, but she’s not one to back down from a challenge, and she’s determined to get back on top as tonight, she’s looking to beat Candice Blair and making her way up to the next round.
( Holly enters the ring and quickly takes her entrance attire out. Her theme music replaces by ‘Rhapsody in Pink’ by Stela Cole (Clean Version) as Candice Blair makes her way to the ring, her long, flowing hair cascading down her back like a golden waterfall. She is a vision of beauty and grace, her every step radiating confidence and poise with Ronan Malosi following her from behind. )
Gina Romano: AND HER OPPONENT, ACCOMPANIED BY RONAN MALOSI! FROM ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA!!!!… WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS!!!… ‘THE FACE OF DISNEY’ !!!!… CANDICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…. BLAIRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: https://media.tenor.com/9CPjqF4hGt8AAAAC/bowing-respect.gif
Eve: Candice Blair looks to make a comeback after a tough loss at Road to Redemption she took with Sierra Everett. Candice recently fell short in her attempt to beat Ice Aces, and she’s eager to get back on track tonight against Holly Arrow.
Deadprez: Candice is taking part in the Empress of Elite tournament, and she’s determined to come out on top. She’s here to make Disney proud of her magnum opus but first, she needs to make sure that Holly will be beaten by her tonight.
(DING DING DING!)
Deadprez: Here we go, folks. Candice Blair and Holly Arrow stand across from each other in the ring, staring each other down with fierce determination in their eyes. Candice and Holly lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up, testing each other’s strength and technique. Holly uses her size and strength to try to overpower Candice, but Candice is quick on her feet and uses her speed to her advantage, slipping out of Holly’s grasp.
Eve: Candice goes behind and pushes Holly forward to the ropes. Holly bounces off the ropes, and Candice catches her with a shoot kick to her chest! Holly slides under and pops back to her feet, goes behind as she looks for a Dragon Suplex!
Gavin Kirkland: 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 Sorry, guys. Holly is going for a Dragon Suplex, but Candice manages to get her arms out before the Joint Manipulation snaps Holly’s arm! Holly backs away from her opponent as Candice runs at full speed to Holly and drops her to the ground with a Dropkick!
Deadprez: Holly stumbles back to the corner, holding her stomach in pain as Candicetakes advantage of the opening. She charges forward, looking for a corner uppercut, but Holly ducks under it as Candice crashes into the corner instead, causing her to double over. Candice walks out of the corner in pain as Holly with a Spinning gut kick, followed by a leg lariat!
Eve: Holly goes for a pin, but Candice rolls down to the outside of the ring instead, and here comes Ronan Malosi. Ronan walks in as he checks on Candice.
Gavin Kirkland: Wait what?! Ronan? Really? IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): You good, mam?
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): Yeah yeah, I’m fine.
Holly Arrow (Off-Mic): Hey, get back in the ring!… and what the hell are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to get fired?
Ronan Malosi: :dame:
Deadprez: Candice heads back inside the ring… AND HOLLY KNOCKS HER RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE MAT WITH A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE! HOLLY JUMPS BACK IN AND QUICKLY GOES FOR A COVER ON CANDICE!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
…..
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
….
Eve: Candice gets her shoulder off the mat before the count of three!
Eve: Holly takes a moment to pull Candice back to both feet. Holly seizes the opportunity, looking for a standing DDT, but Candice struggles as she pushes Holly away and a Yakuza kick goes straight right to Holly’s head, sending Holly falling to both knees.
Gavin Kirkland: Hit me instead, Cannie!- I mean, Candice continues to walk down to Holly, picking her back to both feet, going behind, and looking for a Straight Jacket Suplex!
Deadprez: It connects! A Straight Jacket Suplex drives the back of Holly’s neck down to the ground! Candice doesn’t seem like she’s going for a pin there….
Eve: METEORA! CANDICE SETS HOLLY BACK TO A SEATED POSITION AND TAKES HER DOWN RIGHT AWAY WITH A METEORA! CANDICE HOOKS HOLLY’S LEG AND GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
THRE-
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY KICKS OUT! HJEGJBEIOGHIOEBGIOENHBGIUO#WBNT LOOK AT THOSE THIGHS BOUNCI-
Eve: Hey, no.
Gavin Kirkland: Come on, man.
Deadprez: Thank you, Eve. Holly’s back regains against the mat, holding her stomach in pain as Candice takes advantage. She quickly follows up with a series of stomps, targeting Holly’s midsection as she tries to get back to her feet.
Eve: Candice backs away from Holly and goes for a heel kick… Holly ducks under and a shoot kick goes right straight to Candice’s chest! Holly proceeds to mount Candice, raining down punches as the crowd goes wild! Holly grabs Candice by her chest and sends her to the ropes. Candice bou- oh…
Gavin Kirkland: Candice grabs the middle rope and rolls to the outside of the ring…. CANDICE SENPAI! PLEASE JOIN US TOD-
Deadprez: Shut up, damn. Candice catches a break for a little while but little does she know… HOLLY JUMPS ACROSS THE ROPES TO OUTSIDE, TAKING CANDICE DOWN WITH A SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE! Holly quickly pushes herself off the floor before grabbing Candice and throwing her back inside the ring….
( Ronan walks in and tries to interrupt Holly. Holly notices as she turns her eyes to Ronan. )
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): :woah: Hey, I’m just here to watch a match.
Holly Arrow (Off-Mic): As you should.
Gavin Kirkland: Holly rolls back inside the ring… CANDICE JUMPS IN AND PLANTS HER TO THE CANVAS WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! THAT’S A QUICK ONE FROM CANDICE! CANDICE HOOKS HER LEG AND GOES FOR A COVER ONCE AGAIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
THREE!
….
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY KICKS OUT! Candice looks down at Holly, who just kicked out in disappointment like she just finished having a bad s-
Eve: Yeah, let’s cut it there. Anyway, Candice starts coming back to her feet while Holly takes her time to recover. Candice walks down to Holly and pounds her spine with her right hand. Candice starts picking Holly back to her feet before sending a knee right to her gut! Holly doubles over as the knee connects with her gut, a sharp pain shooting through her body.
Deadprez: Candice stands in front of Holly, a wicked smirk spreading across her face. She has always been the troublemaker, always looking for ways to play around with her… but Holly is tired. She is determined to put an end to them once and for all as A HARD RIGHT HAND GOES RIGHT ACROSS CANDICE’S FACE, SEEMS LIKE IT’S KNOCKING HER OUT COLD! HOLLY ISN’T DONE! HOLLY PICKS HER UP… AN EXPLODER SUPLEX SENDS CANDICE DOWN TO THE GROUND! It’s Holly’s chance to make her comeback here!
Gavin Kirkland: Oh my god, looking at my beautiful daughter going all out! :blessed: Hey, what do you guys think if Holly Arrow becomes… Holly Kirkland?!?!! Y’know?! If our Answers World Champion, Jake Smith is too busy taking care of his girlfriend, I can take a spot!
Eve: No.
Deadprez: What Eve said.
Gavin Kirkland: :mjcry:
Eve: Holly slowly comes to her feet, her head still spinning from the punch she just delivered to Candice. She looks down at her friend, who is still lying on the ground, groaning and holding her cheek. Candice pushes herself off the mat AND HOLLY CHARGES CANDICE IN WITH ‘KILL COMMAND’ !!!! A ROLLING THUNDER FLATLINER!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: SUPERKICK!!!!!!!! A SUPERKICK CATCHES HOLLY RIGHT IN THE MID-AIR! HOLLY FALLS TO HER KNEES BUT CANDICE HANGS IT ON… A HEADBUTT SENDS HOLLY RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND!
Gavin Kirkland: OH LOOK, HOLLY ISN’T DOWN! SHE WANTS MORE! SHE NEEDS MORE FROM THE FACE OF DISNEY!
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* Alright, you got it!
Eve: CANDICE GOES FOR ANOTHER ONE BUT A DEVASTATING KNEE STRIKE FROM HOLLY GOES RIGHT INTO HER FACE! CANDICE FALLS TO HER KNEES…. A ROUNDHOUSE KICK CUTTING CANDICE’S HEAD OFF! CANDICE IS COMPLETELY DOWN AND HOLLY DROPS INTO A PINFALL ATTEMPT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
….
THREEEEE-
….
…
Eve: CLOSE! CANDICE LIFTS HER SHOULDER OFF THE GROUND! THE MATCH CONTINUES!
Deadprez: Both women are panting and sweating from the intense fight. Holly’s arms hang heavy at her sides, her muscles trembling with exhaustion. She raises a hand to wipe the sweat from her brow, revealing a tired and strained expression on her face. Holly starts coming back to her feet and pulls Candice back by her wrist. Holly with an elbow strike right across Candice’s jaw before sending her to the ropes….
Gavin Kirkland: Candice bounces off the ropes and Holly looks to hit Candice with a palm strike!… CANDICE DUCKS UNDER AND GOES BEHIND, LOOKING FOR A SAITO SUPLEX! HOLLY STRUGGLES WITH A BACK ELBOW INTO CANDICE’S FACE! Candice steps back away… AND HOLLY CHARGES IN WITH A HUGE DISCUS FOREARM BUT CANDICE WITH A YAZUKA KICK, BLOCKS AN ATTACK!….. HOLLY SPINS BACK INTO A DISCUS FOREARM SMASH!
Eve: Holly lungs forward, her arm cocks back for a powerful discus forearm smash…. CANDICE SEES THE MOVE COMING AND DUCKS UNDER! Holly’s forearm goes through the air as she stops and turns back around… INTO A HARD FOREARM SMASH FROM CANDICE!…. FOLLOWS BY A YAKUZA KICK TO HER GUT!…. AND TAKES HOLLY DOWN FOR GOOD WITH ‘SPINNING WHEEL’ !!! A SPINNING WHEEL KICK BY CANDICE BLAIR!
Deadprez: HOLLY MOVES OUT OF HER WAY AS CANDICE LANDS HERSELF TO THE GROUND INSTEAD! Candice groans in pain and tries coming back to her feet… A SHOOT KICK SENDS CANDICE DOWN TO THE CANVAS! HOLLY SLIDES IN AND GOES FOR A CO-
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): Hey, that’s too far! Do you know how to wrestle, nerd?
Holly Arrow (Off-Mic): :comeagain:
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): Don’t look at me like that! LET ME TALK TO YA, BUCKAROO! I can tell you that getting kicked like that in the head can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. The head is a delicate and vulnerable part of the body, and it is protected by the skull, which is a hard bone structure that surrounds the brain. The skull is not indestructible, and a strong enough force, such as a kick to the head, can cause it to crack or break. When this happens, it can result in a condition known as a skull fracture! It’s not okay! Be more safety, ya know?!
Holly Arrow (Off-Mic): wut.
Eve: OH HEY LOOK! CANDICE FROM BEHIND WITH A ROLL-UP! SHE IS GOING TO STEAL IT, ALL THANKS TO RONAN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
…
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
….
….
…….
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S OVER, THE REALEST FACE OF DISNEY WINS!
Deadprez: Well no, Holly manages to kick out at 2.9 which is very very close. What an intense match we have been watching so far, ladies and gentlemen!
Eve: Candice Blair and Holly Arrow are facing each other in the center of the ring, both women panting and sweating from the intense fight. They have been going at it for what felt like an eternity, each trying to get the upper hand on the other. Both women get back to their feet, and Candice tries to attack Holly quickly. She lunges forward, her right hand flying in a blur of motion…. BUT HOLLY CATCHES HER OFF GUARD, TURNING HER… INTO A DRAGON SLEEPER!
Gavin Kirkland: Candice finds herself in trouble. Holly locks her in a Dragon Sleeper, a submission hold that puts pressure on Candice’s neck and head. Candice struggles against Holly’s grip, her eyes bulging with the effort….
Deadprez: BUT CANDICE BREAKS FREE! SHE GRITS HER TEETH AND SUMMONS ALL OF HER STRENGTH, DETERMINED TO BREAK FREE AS SHE DOES! CANDICE JUMPS OFF THE MAT AND FLIPS OVER HOLLY TO BEHIND HER…. SEIZING HER AND TAKING HOLLY DOWN WITH A SLEEPER SUPLEX!!!!!
Eve: Holly rolls into a kneeling position as Candice slowly rolls back to her feet… running down to Holly….
Gavin Kirkland: ‘BIBBIDI-BOBBIDI-BOO’ !!!!!
Eve: what?
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S HER SIGNATURE! CANDICE FLIPS FORWARD AND CONNECTS HOLLY WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK IN COMBINATION! HOLLY IS DOWN! CANDICE HOOKS HER LEG AND GOES FOR A COVER! THIS COULD BE IT!!!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
THREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY KICKS OUT! WOOF WOOF WOOF! I BARK FOR YOU MY QWEEN!!!!!!
Deadprez: I hate my job sometimes.
Eve: We are going to get through this day, Prez. Holly just kicked out! Candice finds herself in a little shock and frustration. She has been hitting Holly with a lot of moves, but no matter what she does, Holly just keeps kicking out. Candice’s frustration begins to boil over, and she starts to let her rage out on Holly.
Deadprez: CANDICE PUMMELS HOLLY WITH A SERIES OF HARD PUNCHES AND KICKS, HER FACE CONTORTS WITH ANGER. HOLLY TRIES TO DEFEND HERSELF, BUT CANDICE’S RAGE GIVES HER AN EXTRA BURST OF STRENGTH AND SHE IS ABLE TO OVERPOWER HOLLY! THE REFEREE TRIES TO STOP HER BUT CANDICE DOESN’T SEEM TO CARE!
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* WHY.
( POW! )
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* DON’T.
( POW! )
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* YOU.
( POW! )
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* JUST.
( POW! )
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): *yelling* DIE.
( POW! )
…..
( Holly does nothing but starts smirking and laughing at Candice. )
Holly Arrow (Off-Mic): Cause…. I simply can’t. :mjlol2:
Candice Blair (Off-Mic): YOU-
Gavin Kirkland: CANDICE LOOKS TO LAND HER FINAL BLOW BUT THE REFEREE STOPS HER!
Referee (Off-Mic): Hey, come on! That’s enough! You’re going to get disqualified if you keep doing that!
Deadprez: AND LOOK! RONAN SLIDES INTO THE RING, AND HE’S ABOUT TO CONTINUE THE BEATDOWN ON HOLL-
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): Haha! This is it!
( But Ronan stops immediately and his facial expression starts changing…)
( He seems like he’s backing away from Holly…)
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): Hey hey hey, what is this?
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY RISES BACK TO HER FEET, AND SHE STARTS LAUGHING LIKE A PSYCHOPATH AT RONAN MALOSI! YES, I LOVE THAT!
Ronan Malosi (Off-Mic): Ohhhh I see what this is, do ya think that’s going to scare me?! Never, kiddo!-
Eve: A SICKENING SLINGBLADE BY HOLLY!!!! RONAN IS DOWN BUT HOLLY ISN’T DONE! SHE PICKS HIM UP AND PUTS HIM ON HER SHOULDERS RIGHT AWAY AND SHE’S STILL LAUGHING!!!!….
Eve: ‘PLAYER HATER’S DEGREE’ !!!!!!!!! A BURNING HAMMER SENDS RONAN TO HEAVEN!
Ronan Malosi: :dead:
Deadprez: Now Candice joins back in and tries to take her crazy opponent down with a kick to her gut… SETTING UP FOR ‘DISNEYLAND DESTROYER’ !!!! A CANADIAN DESTROYER THAT MAY END IT ALL THERE!
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY DROPS TO THE GROUND AND ROLLS UNDER HER LEGS TO BEHIND…. POPPING BACK TO BOTH FEET AND CONNECTING HER WITH A POISONRANA, DRIVING HER HEAD TO THE MAT! HOLLY JUMPS IN FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
THREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
…
…..
…….
….
…..
Eve: CANDICE BLAIR WITH A KICK OUT JUST IN TIME!… AND HOLLY PICKS HER BACK TO BOTH FEET RIGHT AWAY… ‘THE EMPEROR’S TIME’ !!!!!!!!!!! A RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE BY HOLLY CONNECTS! CANDICE FALLS AND HOLLY ATTEMPTS FOR A PINFALL ONCE AGAIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
….
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
….
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
….
……
….
…..
…….
Deadprez: CANDICE KICKS OUT AGAIN! SHE KICKS OUT ONCE AGAIN! These two have been battling it out for what felt like hours, each trying to outmaneuver the other. What an EOE match, amazing.
Eve: Holly finds herself getting more focused on the match. She pushes her emotions aside and zeroed in on Candice, determined to end the match once and for all. Holly begins to come back to her feet, her eyes locked on Candice. She moves with a new sense of purpose, her body coiled and ready to strike.
Gavin Kirkland: Candice starts coming back to her feet as Holly patiently waits for her… A Palm Strike from Holly!… followed by a Discus forearm and connects her with a Spinning Gut Kick! Holly proceeds to hit her with a calf kick from both sides…. JUMPS IN AND DROPS CANDICE TO THE GROUND WITH A WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Deadprez: NO! CANDICE GRABS HER AND LIFTS HER UP INSTEAD… A GERMAN SUPLEX COUNTER BY CANDICE!!!!!!
Eve: HOLLY LANDS ON HER FEET! SHE RUNS IN AND TAKES CANDICE DOWN QUICKLY WITH A SLIDING STO FROM BEHIND!… ROLLING INTO A BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY LOCK! GREAT COMBINATION BY HOLLY!
Gavin Kirkland: Candice struggles against the hold, her muscles straining as she tries to break free. Holly leans in, trying to increase the pressure and force Candice to tap out! Candice looks like she’s going to give up there!
Deadprez: No hang on, she tries to get to the bottom rope! Candice fights her way out! She tries to reach the bottom rope!
….
…….
Eve: CANDICE MANAGES TO CATCH THE ROPE WITH HER FINGERTIPS, BARELY ESCAPING THE HOLD! Their bodies are battered and bruised from this grueling fight they have been engaging in until now! Both women start getting back to their feet… AND THEY GO AT EACH OTHER…
Gavin Kirkland: Both women are exhausted, their energy depleted from the constant back and forth of the match. They stumble towards each other, their movements slow and unsteady. Wow.
Deadprez: But look, they still try! As they close in, Holly and Candice swing wildly at each other, their punches and kicks lacking the power and precision! They both trade each other with a few blows, but it is clear that they are struggling to keep up the pace… both women collapse down to the mat!
( The referee rushes to their side, checking on both women and making sure they are okay. After a few tense moments, Candice and Holly slowly sit up, panting and sweating but otherwise unharmed.)
Eve: Holly and Candice start to come back to their feet at the same time. They look at each other, their eyes blazing with determination, and then they… go all out! A PUNCH FROM HOLLY! A PUNCH FROM CANDICE! A PUNCH FROM HOLLY! A PUNCH FROM CANDICE!… but Candice stops doing damage as Holly takes advantage of her by keeping punching! Holly grabs and throws Candice to the ropes… HOLLY GOES FOR A CARTWHEEL PELE KICK BUT CANDICE SIDE STEPS! HOLLY BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES IN A HANDSPRING STYLE INSTEAD…
Gavin Kirkland: INTO A MASSIVE SUPERKICK BY CANDICE, CATCHING HER OFF GUARD! HOLLY FALLS TO THE MAT BUT CANDICE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE DONE THERE! SHE PICKS HER UP AND PUTS HER INTO A DDT POSITION… ‘COLORS OF THE WIND’ !!!! A TORNADO DDT BY CANDICE!!!!
Deadprez: HOLLY SLAMS CANDICE TO THE GROUND INSTEAD! CANDICE’S FACE DROPS TO THE FLOOR AND HOLLY PICKS HER UP, TRYING TO LOCK HER UP WITH ‘TOTEM KILLER’ !!! THE ULTIMATE TRIANGLE CHOKE THAT’S GOING TO MAKE CANDICE REACH HER END BUT SHE IS STILL FIGHTING! SHE TRIES TO ESCAPE! SHE USES HER RIGHT ELBOW, POUNDING HOLLY’S HEAD TO LET HER OFF GO!
Eve: BUT HOLLY REFUSES! HOLLY RESISTS THOSE ELBOW SHOTS AND TRIES TO PULL CANDICE IN TO COMPLETE THE MOVE! CANDICE STILL DOESN’T WANT THAT AND KEEPS BEATING HER, TRYING TO MAKE HOLLY LET HER OFF GO!
Eve: CANDICE COULDN’T RESIST IT ANY LONGER, SHE TAPS OUT! IT’S OVER!
(DING DING DING!)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER WHO WILL BE ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND!!!!…. HOLLY ARROW!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: HAHSKSISOSHHAOAOAIWISJSUKSHSUSOSJSOSHSOSSISJSUSOSHDIDHDUWGWIQKSVDISNSOAJSOPSJSISKS YES YES OH MY GOD! AHHHHH!!! I CANNOT- *heavily breathes*
Eve: Holly has done it! She just defeated Candice Blair and advanced to the next round after such an intense match she had been through. Congrats Holly Arrow!
Deadprez: It’s a pleasure to see Holly make her comeback successfully against Candice Blair here tonight. Congrats Holly and good luck with your next round!
Gavin Kirkland: My pant-
Eve: Cut!
( ‘Despair: A Hero’s Cure’ by Soraru starts playing throughout the arena as Holly stands in the center of the ring, panting and sweating as she holds her arms up in triumph. She had just defeated Candice Blair in a closely contested match, and the crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Holly basked in the glow of her victory. On the other hand, Candice looks dissatisfied with Ronan Malosi checking on her. The final shot shows Holly celebrates her victory as the scene fades into the commercial break. )
( The commercial is shown for Netflix series ‘Sonic Prime’ featuring Holly Arrow and Jake Smith.)
(Backstage….
Ryan Joseph Wilson and Xander Payne are in the back, they had seen the tournament brackets, Xander Payne is watching the monitor as Ryan puts his arm around Xander’s shoulder’s. Xander though doesn’t seem very impressed, removing his arm.)
Xander Payne: What is wrong with you?
Ryan Wilson: Team Camaraderie. What is wrong with that? Anyway…. I was thinking since we are both going to be in the finals of the King of Elite on the Blue Brand side, I just wanted to wish you good luck and may the best man win.
Xander Payne: Which will be me.
Ryan Wilson: Yeah…. So anyway. Besides that, though, I think we need to talk about other plans as well.
(Xander looks a bit confused.)
Xander Payne: Other plans? What do you mean other plans?
Ryan Wilson: We need to think about the big picture here, my friend, tag team partner, first and foremost, we need to come up with a name.
Xander Payne: I thought we were letting the fans decide… better yet, no. It’s Xander Payne and Ryan Joseph Wilson.
Ryan Wilson: Sure…. Secondly, I think that with what happened at Road to Redemption, and Soul Food Sunday the new Unified Tag Team Champions after they defeated The Prescription…. I’m thinking…
(Xander has a huge grin on his face while nodding….)
Xander Payne: Okay…. Okay….. I am starting to like this plan, you and me, Unified Tag Team Champions?
Ryan Wilson: Exactly! Think about it, the tag team division needs legit pairings and who is more legit than us, right?
Xander Payne: I like the sound of it and…..
(But both men stop and turn around to see Ms. Extreme standing there. She has a smile on her face as they both turn to one another before back to Ms. Extreme.)
Xander Payne: Not you again.
Ms. Extreme: I am really liking this, you guys have “it” right?
(Xander rolls his eyes and shakes his head before walking off. Ryan Wilson stands there for a moment and then smiles at Ms. Extreme.)
Ryan Wilson: Excuse me.
(Ms. Extreme watches him leave as Kyra Phillips makes her way into the picture.)
Kyra Phillips: Ms. Extreme…. If I could have a quick word!
Ms. Extreme: Sure.
Kyra Phillips: This is your first Showdown since making your shocking return at Road to Redemption when you thwarted Kassidy Heart from preventing Jake Smith from cashing in briefcase and becoming the Answers World Champion.
Ms. Extreme: Kyra, let’s get one thing straight, I didn’t do it for Jake Smith. Granted, he is the lesser of two evils and I rather see him as Answers World Champion over Impact, I did it for myself and here is why. This whole Disney deal is a disgrace to the sport that I help build and put on the map, the company where my name became Ms. Extreme with my blood sweat and tears. Everyone remembers the matches I had with the likes of Cage, Minerva and Charlie Marr, those brutal contests that people will always remember. That was the foundation of this company and to see those same Elitists that have sold their souls for the mouse is pretty disgusting. Top that off with Kennedy Street as the new GM and the way Hurricane Hawk was ousted, I think it is pretty safe to say that the Blue Brand needed an injection here.
Kyra Phillips: So why Kassidy Heart then? Why Impact? Why even get involved in that match to begin with?
(A chuckle slips from Ms. Extreme’s lips.)
Ms. Extreme: Kyra… Kyra… I am the longest reigning Universal Women’s Champion of all time. I have a respect and a legacy that has followed my family and myself for quite some time. Honestly, I find this Disney crap insulting to say the least and to see my sport that I love become this…. Is ridiculous. Sure, there are members of my family that are eating this garbage up, but to each their own. Why did I get involved in that Main Event? Because two things, number one I am a Main Eventer here on Showdown, Kennedy and Heidi Huxley know that. Secondly, I’m sick and tired of watching this continue to happen while I was sitting at home recovering from some nagging injuries, so, I couldn’t wait, and I struck the two top dogs on Showdown and probably the EAW as a whole after everything they have done and Disney who is supposed to be “family friendly” are all just hypocrites. I’m going to fix it, Kyra even if I have to do it myself.
Kyra Phillips: Are you worried about retaliation? Disney is seen as an extreme positive for the EAW now and the doors have opened.
(Shaking her head, Ms. Extreme sighs deeply before speaking…)
Ms. Extreme: There are no doors that have opened, Kyra. This is a self-serving prophecy that this company has done with the EAW. Kassidy and Impact should be ashamed of themselves for……
(Kyra screams when suddenly Kassidy Heart comes from behind and blindsides Ms. Extreme as she falls to the floor. Kassidy starts kicking her while she is down.)
Kyra Phillips: SOMEONE GET ME SOME HELP!
(Kassidy drops to the floor and starts chocking Ms. Extreme but the Ava starts fighting back, they begin to brawl as suddenly a bunch of officials and referees run in and try to break them apart.)
Kassidy Heart: YOU WANT TO WALK INTO MY BRAND AND THINK YOU CAN JUST COME IN HERE AND DO WHAT YOU WANT!?!? NOT HERE AND NOT EVER!
(The officials have them both separated as Ms. Extreme yells back…)
Ms. Extreme: THEN PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS! KING OF ELITE….. YOU AND ME!
Kassidy Heart: I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO BITCH!
(More officials come in and start trying to drag Kassidy Heart away from Ms. Extreme where they also try to separate the two as the crowd cheers at the all out brawl. The camera slowly fades to a commercial break.)
(The camera returns to ringside, where Gina Romano is ready to make the introductions for the last match of the evening.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, this contest is our MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!
(The crowd cheers loudly at the announcement.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is a KING OF ELITE First Round Match. It has TV TIME REMAINING and it is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(“You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell starts playing as Adam Lucas enters the arena. The crowd is cheering loudly for this competitor as he has nothing but stoic determination on his face as he heads to the ring.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first! From New York State! Weighing in at 231 pounds. Here is “THE NEXT LEVEL” ADAM LUCAS!
Deadprez: Here comes a man who is heading right to the ring with a purpose. He is no doubt not happy about what happened at Road to Redemption. He feels like he had the Answers World Championship ripped from his grasp thanks to Showdown GM Kennedy Street.
Eve: That very well might be the case, but tonight, he has a golden opportunity to get himself back into getting himself a guaranteed shot at a World Championship should he make it past the First Round Match tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam Lucas certainly can do that. Remember that he made the finals of the King of Elite Tournament last year and he has the skills necessary to do it again. Adam is very skilled in the ring, but his opponent is here to make sure that Mr. Lucas is in for a long night.
(Adam enters the ring and takes his corner as his entrance music goes off. A few seconds later, “Soy” by Santa Fe Klan starts playing as Roberto De La Rosa enters the arena to loud boos from the crowd. De La Rosa isn’t coming alone as he is flanked by La Familia. He looks over to both sides before heading to the ring.)
Gina Romano: Introducing his opponent! He is accompanied to the ring by La Familia. He is from Hidalgo, Mexico. Weighing in at 225 pounds! Here is “EL PADRASTRO” ROBERTO DE LA ROSA!
Gavin Kirkland: Here comes Roberto De La Rosa and as we expected, he is not coming alone. He is being joined by his wife Esmeralda and his cousins Diego and Javier tonight to make sure that Roberto advances in this tournament.
Eve: Roberto is skilled in the ring, but his skills alone just couldn’t get the ball rolling in terms of momentum. So what does he do? He calls in backup in the form of his cousins to give him the numbers advantage.
Deadprez: Roberto had an early exit in the Extreme Enigma battle royal at Road to Redemption, but he rectified that with a victory over Harley Lewis in Hawaii. Roberto has the numbers advantage, but will it be enough? Roberto needs to stay on his toes because Adam Lucas won’t give him a minute to breathe. Who will be advancing to the quarterfinals? We are about to find out.
(Roberto enters the ring as his familia take their place at ringside as his music goes off. The referee checks both competitors before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: Here we go! Our main event is underway. Adam Lucas. Roberto De La Rosa. The winner of this match goes on to the Quarterfinals. The loser is out of the tournament. High stakes match up we have right here as the two men lock up in the center of the ring.
Gavin Kirkland: Lucas with the side headlock on De La Rosa. Adam with a small size advantage over Roberto as he takes Roberto down, but ROBERTO MANAGES TO STAY ON HIS FEET!!
Deadprez: Roberto hits the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Adam ducks out of the way. Roberto hits the ropes on the other side and goes for a headscissors, BUT ADAM PLANTS HIM AND COUNTERS WITH A SIDEWALK SLAM!
Eve: Adam knows exactly what needs to be done in order to gain victory. He’s got experience in the King of Elite tournament. He defeated Ronan Malosi in the quarterfinals and Charlie Marr in the semifinals last year to advance to the finals. Adam would love nothing more than to become King of Elite.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam has the advantage as he delivers the boots to Roberto as he rolls over to the ropes and out onto the apron. Adam grabs Roberto by the neck and he is looking to suplex Roberto back into the ring–
Eve: ESMERALDA HAS HOLD OF ROBERTO’S ANKLE AND I DON’T THINK THE REFEREE SEES IT! Esmeralda isn’t heavy, but it’s enough weight to prevent Roberto from being suplexed into the ring. Adam lets Roberto go and throws a few forearms in Roberto’s face.
Deadprez: Roberto has a handful of Adam’s hair and SENDS HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Roberto uses his bag of tricks to get the advantage in his favor. Roberto springs off the bottom rope and goes over the top and takes Adam down with a headscissor takeover.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam sent for a ride and Adam finds himself in the corner. Here comes Roberto and HE IS JUST POUNDING ON ADAM IN THE CORNER! LEFTS AND RIGHTS FROM EL PADRASTRO! Adam is down and the referee is pulling Roberto away from the corner.
Eve: WAIT A SECOND! LOOK OUTSIDE THE RING! ROBERTO HAS THE REFEREE DISTRACTED AND NOW DIEGO AND JAVIER EACH HAVE ONE OF ADAM’S LEGS! AND PULL HIM BACK AND ADAM WAS JUST WISHBONED ON THE RINGPOST!
Gavin Kirkland: Adam might be singing an octave higher right now. Roberto goes back to the corner. Roberto pulls Adam out of the corner and hooks the leg for the first cover of the match.
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRRRRR—–
Deadprez: Adam Lucas gets his shoulder up at two and he is no doubt hurting right now. Roberto mounts Adam and just starts throwing more lefts and rights. Adam is blocking the shots pretty well, but Roberto is still going.
Eve: The referee admonishes Roberto to open up those closed fists, but Roberto isn’t listening to the referee and the referee is left with no choice than to pull Roberto off Adam. Roberto didn’t like that one bit and he is letting the referee hear it.
Deadprez: Roberto goes back to Adam AND ADAM KICKS ROBERTO IN THE KNEE! THAT TAKES ROBERTO DOWN AND ROBERTO GOES FACE FIRST INTO ADAM’S KNEE! Roberto is holding his face as Adam gets himself back to his feet.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam grabs Roberto’s legs and drags him to the corner. Adam falls back WITH THE SLINGSHOT AND ROBERTO GOES FACE FIRST YET AGAIN! THIS TIME THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Roberto stumbles backwards right into Adam, who locks his arms around Roberto’s waist—
Eve: ADAM WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX ON ROBERTO AND THE BACK OF ROBERTO’S HEAD JUST CRACKS AGAINST THE MAT AS HE IS TURNED INSIDE OUT! Adam pulls Roberto back to his feet and whips him back into the corner.
Deadprez: Adam backs up before running full speed to the corner AND HE CATCHES ROBERTO WITH THE STINGER SPLASH! Roberto comes stumbling out of the corner as Adam climbs up to the second rope.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam jumps from the second rope AND DELIVERS A DROPKICK FROM THE SECOND ROPE TO THE BACK OF ROBERTO’S NECK! Roberto just drops where he stands as Adam rolls him over and hooks the leg for the cover.
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
….
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!
…
TTHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEE—
Deadprez: ROBERTO KICKS OUT BEFORE THREE! The count might have been a little on the slow side, but that might be just me. But it will take more than that to put De La Rosa down. Adam is back to his feet and he locks Roberto’s head and takes him down with a snap suplex.
Eve: Adam is trying to do whatever he can to end this match as quickly as he can and not leave anything to chance because if he does, it could be his downfall. That’s the last thing that Adam wants. Right now he’s on the right track to winning this match.
Gavin Kirkland: Adam has control of this match as he picks up Roberto AND SLAMS HIM BACK DOWN ON THE MAT! Adam quickly hits the ropes and he HITS A LEG DROP ACROSS ROBERTO’S CHEST!
Deadprez: Adam is just weakening Roberto with each and every move that he does. Adam Lucas is a former Pure and Hardcore Champion. Adam is looking to add a World Championship to his resume and defeating Roberto will get him on his way to getting back into World Title contention.
Eve: Roberto holding his chest as Adam rolls him onto his back AND HE DROPS HIS KNEE RIGHT IN THE SMALL OF ROBERTO’S BACK! Adam stands back up AND DROPS THE KNEE AGAIN! Adam is just weakening Roberto’s back right now with those direct knees in his back.
Gavin Kirkland: Now Adam rolls Roberto onto his back and grabs his legs. Adam steps through AND HE IS LOOKING FOR THE SHARPSHOOTER! ADAM CALLS THAT THE LUCAS LOCK! That’s why Adam was driving his knees into Roberto’s back. But Roberto is fighting it. Roberto is doing whatever he can to prevent the Sharpshooter.
Deadprez: Adam bends down and tries to throw a right hand, BUT ROBERTO GRABS ADAM’S NECK AND ROLLS HIM OVER! INSIDE CRADLE BY ROBERTO! WILL ROBERTO STEAL IT RIGHT HERE?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWW—
Eve: Adam Lucas manages to roll his shoulder up and get it off the canvas before two.
–WWWWWOOOOOOO!!
THHHHRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Deadprez: Now Adam gets both shoulders off the mat to stop the cover. I believe the referee was out of position and he didn’t see Adam’s shoulder come off the mat the first time. Dang. Adam was close to losing the match right there, but not only did he kick out, he kicked out with authority. Now Adam has Roberto backing up to the ropes to get a breather away from Adam, but Adam is quickly in hot pursuit.
Eve: Adam goes to pull Roberto back to his feet, BUT ROBERTO WITH A HANDFUL OF TIGHTS SENDING ADAM THROAT FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE! Adam is holding his throat after that landing, but Roberto is right behind Adam AND ROBERTO DRIVES HIM DOWN WITH A BACKBREAKER!
Gavin Kirkland: In a matter of seconds, Roberto takes control of this match and turns things back into his favor. Now what is Roberto doing? Roberto is going over to the closest corner as the ref checks on Adam AND ROBERTO IS TAKING OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE PAD!
Deadprez: After a few moments of fiddling around with it, the turnbuckle pad is off and Roberto goes right back on the attack of Adam Lucas. Roberto just runs over AND BOOTS ADAM RIGHT IN THE FACE! WHAT A SHOT BY ROBERTO!
Eve: In a few seconds, we might see teeth just fall to the mat because that was an ugly shot to Adam’s face. Roberto picks Adam up by the hair and brings him back to his feet. Roberto positions Adam right where he wants him AND HE TAKES ADAM DOWN WITH A JUDO STYLE THROW!
Gavin Kirkland: Adam lands on his back and Roberto quickly follows behind with a knee to Adam’s back as Adam sits up. Roberto brings Adam back to his feet, BUT ADAM WAS PLAYING POSSUM! ADAM TRIPS UP ROBERTO AND GRABS HIS LEGS!
Deadprez: ADAM STEPS THROUGH AND TURNS ROBERTO OVER AND HE HAS THE SHARPSHOOTER LOCKED IN! ADAM HAS THE LUCAS LOCK LOCKED IN FULLY! WILL THIS BE ENOUGH?
Eve: ROBERTO IS IN THE CENTER OF THE RING AND HE NEEDS TO FIND A WAY TO GET TO THE ROPES OR REVERSE THE MOVE OR HE MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE IT UP! LOOK AT ROBERTO’S FACE HE IS IN PAIN RIGHT NOW!
Gavin Kirkland: Roberto is scratching and clawing to get to the ropes right now but Adam has that Sharpshooter in deep. BUT ROBERTO IS A FEW INCHES AWAY FROM REACHING THE ROPES, BUT ADAM PULLS HIM RIGHT BACK TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! ROBERTO MIGHT BE A SECOND AWAY FROM TAPPING OUT! HE HAS HIS HAND UP! HE’S GONNA TAP! HE’S GONNA TAP–
Deadprez: ESMERALDA IS ON THE APRON NOW AND SHE IS TRYING TO GET INTO THE RING, BUT THE REFEREE STOPS HER AND ESMERALDA POINTS TO THE TURNBUCKLE PAD FROM EARLIER THAT ROBERTO TOOK OFF! THE REFEREE IS TRYING TO PUT THE TURNBUCKLE PAD BACK ON–
Eve: LOOK! ROBERTO IS TAPPING OUT! ROBERTO HAS TAPPED OUT AND THIS MATCH SHOULD BE OVER! ROBERTO HAS SUBMITTED TO THE LUCAS LOCK, BUT THE REFEREE DOESN’T SEE IT!
Gavin Kirkland: LOOK NOW, EVE! Diego and Javier have just entered the ring and Diego just CLOBBERS ADAM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND ADAM RELEASES THE SHARPSHOOTER! Diego picks up Adam and puts him in a bear hug as Javier hits the ropes.
Deadprez: Javier springs up to the second rope and jumps BEFORE GRABBING ADAM’S HEAD! DIEGO FALLS BACK AND ADAM GETS PLANTED WITH THAT DOUBLE TEAM DDT! Adam is down and not moving as Javier exits the ring. Diego pulls Roberto on top of Adam as Esmeralda tells the referee to turn around. The referee turns to see the pin and they quickly run over to make the count. Is this match over?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEE!!
Eve: NO! IT’S NOT OVER! ADAM KICKS OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE THREE AND ROBERTO CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! Even with a four against one disadvantage, Adam Lucas is showing such heart, such grit, and such determination.
Deadprez: Look at Roberto? Look at the faces of La Familia! They are all shocked that Adam is still in this match and Roberto is not happy right now. Roberto goes over to the referee and starts arguing about the count. But the referee is telling Roberto that it was only a two count.
Gavin Kirkland: Roberto right now doesn’t want to hear it as he goes back to Adam and brings him back to his feet AS ADAM THROWS A RIGHT HAND AND THAT STUNS ROBERTO! ADAM QUICKLY TURNS ROBERTO AROUND AND LIFTS HIM UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX! ROBERTO IS PLANTED AND ADAM BRIDGES UP FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
…
…
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
…
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THHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Deadprez: ROBERTO KICKS OUT RIGHT BEFORE THREE! Roberto is also showing his determination and fight in this match, but I can’t be the only person who thinks that count was extremely slow.
Eve: You’re not the only person, but that explains why the referee was nervous when Roberto was reading them the riot act. I can’t speak for anybody else, but I think I smell the aroma of a conspiracy is starting to become very apparent.
Gavin Kirkland: I think the fix is in. This has got to be an order sent down from the General Manager’s office to make sure that Adam Lucas does NOT win the match by any means necessary.
Deadprez: You’ve heard the saying of “don’t cross the boss” and I think we are truly witnessing what could happen if you try to throw a wrench in Kennedy Street’s plans. Adam Lucas better be careful.
Eve: Look at Adam’s face. I think he realizes it too. He now knows that it isn’t four against one. It’s five against one. Adam can’t be happy right now after he finally puts two and two together.
Gavin Kirkland: Listen to this crowd. They are cheering for Adam Lucas. They are chanting for Adam Lucas to keep giving him the will to keep fighting. Remember that it’s not over until it’s over.
Deadprez: That’s the type of competitor that Adam is. He will fight until the very end and that’s exactly what he is doing right now as he goes right back to Roberto and just starts pummeling the tar out of him.
Eve: Adam is driving those forearms right into the back of Roberto’s head and just doing whatever he can to weaken Roberto in the hopes of putting him away and winning this match. Now Adam is using those closed fists to try and catch Roberto in the face, but the referee is right there to tell him to open up.
Deadprez: The referee is starting the count, but they are counting faster than usual. Adam still hears the count and he opens up at four and risking disqualification on five. Adam pulls Roberto back to his feet and whips him to the ropes.
Gavin Kirkland: Roberto ducks the Adam clothesline and hits the ropes on the far side as Adam picks him up AND PLANTS HIM WITH A POWERFUL SPINEBUSTER! ROBERTO JUST DRILLED INTO THE MAT! Adam elects to not go for the cover as he gets back to his feet and he brings Roberto up as well.
Deadprez: Adam whips Roberto once again to the ropes. Roberto hits the ropes as Adam goes for the hip toss, BUT ROBERTO CHANGES POSITION AND COUNTERS INTO A MODIFIED MONKEY FLIP, BUT ADAM LANDS ON HIS FEET!
Eve: ROBERTO GETS BACK UP AS ADAM HITS THE ROPES! ROBERTO WENT FOR A BIG BOOT BUT ADAM DUCKED IT AND HE COMES BEHIND ROBERTO! Adam pushes Roberto to the ropes as they both fall back and ADAM HAS ROBERTO ROLLED UP! O’CONNOR ROLL FOR THE WIN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
…
…
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
Gavin Kirkland: ROBERTO REVERSES THE PIN AND NOW ADAM’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN! LOOK! ROBERTO HAS THE TIGHTS! ROBERTO IS GRABBING THE TIGHTS FOR LEVERAGE! ROBERTO IS GONNA STEAL IT RIGHT HERE!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Deadprez: ADAM GETS HIS SHOULDER UP AS THE REF WAS COMING DOWN FOR THE THREE COUNT! BUT HOLY CRAP THAT WAS A SUPER FAST COUNT THERE! Even with the blatant bias being shown in this match, Adam Lucas is still fighting on.
Eve: The longer Adam lasts, the more intense the fight that Roberto is going to bring and the more ballistic Kennedy Street is no doubt getting that the mission isn’t being accomplished. But Roberto is bringing Adam back to his feet.
Gavin Kirkland: Roberto whips Adam to the ropes, but Adam reverses and Roberto is sent for the ride. Roberto rebounds and Adam attempts the hip toss yet again to try for the Honor Bomb, BUT ROBERTO LANDS ON HIS FEET!
Deadprez: Roberto hits the ropes again and rebounds as he goes for that clothesline from hell, BUT ADAM DUCKS IT AT THE LAST SECOND! Roberto hits the ropes one more time and THIS TIME ADAM GETS THE HIP TOSS BEFORE HE TURNS IT RIGHT INTO THE CRADLE PILEDRIVER!
Eve: THERE’S THE HONOR BOMB FROM ADAM LUCAS AND HE FINALLY HITS IT! ROBERTO WAS JUST PLANTED ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD AS ADAM HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER! WILL IT FINALLY BE ENOUGH TO PUT ROBERTO AWAY?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
…
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TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
…
…
THHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEE!
…
…
Gavin Kirkland: DIEGO DE LA ROSA PUTS HIS COUSIN’S FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! THAT STOPS THE COUNT AND ESMERALDA LETS OUT A SIGH OF RELIEF! THIS MATCH WILL CONTINUE!
Deadprez: Adam just smacked the mat in frustration as he goes straight for Diego. He has a handful of Diego’s hair and is trying to punch Diego’s lights out. Adam pulls Diego onto the apron and ADAM JUST FOREARMS DIEGO RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Gavin Kirkland: Diego sent tumbling off the apron as Adam turns around to focus back on Roberto. Adam waits for Roberto to get back to his feet and Adam has his fist ready. It might be Roberto’s turn to get his lights punched out. Roberto is back to his feet AND ADAM GOES FOR THE DISCUS PUNCH–
Deadprez: ROBERTO DUCKED THE DISCUS PUNCH! Roberto tries to fire off a back elbow, BUT ADAM DUCKS THAT ELBOW! ROBERTO SPUN OUT AND ADAM GRABS ROBERTO BY THE NECK AND LOCKS IN A SLEEPER HOLD!
Eve: But Roberto quickly scrambles to the ropes and sends Adam out to the apron. Roberto has a handful of hair, BUT ADAM COMES BACK WITH A KICK RIGHT TO THE TEMPLE! ROBERTO IS ON HIS FEET STILL AND ADAM LOOKS READY TO FLY!
Gavin Kirkland: WAIT! HERE COMES JAVIER AS HE TRIES TO GRAB ADAM’S LEG, BUT ADAM KICKS JAVIER IN THE FACE! NOW DIEGO TRIES AND DIEGO GETS A BOOT FOR HIS TROUBLES! ROBERTO TURNS AROUND AND ADAM JUMPS TO THE TOP ROPE AND JUMPS BEFORE CATCHING ROBERTO IN THE FACE WITH THAT FOREARM!
Deadprez: ROBERTO MANAGES TO STAY ON HIS FEET! ROBERTO WAS JUST STAGGERED AFTER THAT FLYING FOREARM AND NOW ADAM HITS THE ROPES ONCE MORE–
Eve: JAVIER JUST TRIPPED ADAM UP MID RUN! ADAM GLARES AT JAVIER AND THE DISTRACTION CATCHES ADAM LONG ENOUGH FOR ROBERTO TO GET ON THE APRON! ROBERTO SPRINGS TO THE TOP ROPE BEFORE HE JUMPS AND CATCHES ADAM RIGHT IN THE JAW WITH THAT SPRINGBOARD KNEE! BORDER CRASHER FROM ROBERTO DE LA ROSA AS ROBERTO CRAWLS INTO THE COVER! WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Deadprez: ANOTHER FAST COUNT FROM THE REFEREE AND ADAM KICKED OUT AGAIN BEFORE THE THREE COUNT! THIS IS AN AMAZING MATCH! Roberto still can’t believe that Adam Lucas managed to last this long even with the interference of Diego, Javier, AND Esmeralda. Either way, Adam is still down after taking that knee right to the jaw.
Eve: Adam is still down as Roberto drags Adam closer to one of the corners and ROBERTO IS CLIMBING UP TO THE TOP ROPE! He doesn’t waste any time looking back to make sure Adam hasn’t moved. ROBERTO JUST JUMPS AS HE GOES FOR THE MOONSAULT–
Gavin Kirkland: ADAM ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY OF THE MOONSAULT, BUT ROBERTO LANDS ON HIS FEET! ADAM DIDN’T SEE THAT ROBERTO IS STILL UP! ADAM IS BACK UP AND HE JUST TURNED RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM ROBERTO DE LA ROSA! WHAT A SHOT!
Deadprez: ADAM IS DOWN AND ROBERTO IS CROUCHING IN THE CORNER IN THE HOPES OF FINISHING OFF THE NEXT LEVEL AND GETTING THE BIGGEST VICTORY OF HIS CAREER! ROBERTO IS CALLING FOR ADAM TO GET BACK TO HIS FEET!
Eve: ADAM IS ON SPAGHETTI LEGS BUT HE IS MAKING IT BACK TO HIS FEET! ADAM IS BACK UP AND ROBERTO RUNS FULL SPEED TOWARDS ADAM! SPEAR ON THE WAY! WILL ADAM BE FINISHED BY THE TALON DE AGUILA?
Gavin Kirkland: NO HE WON’T! ADAM AVOIDED THE TALON DE AGUILA SPEAR! ROBERTO QUICKLY TURNS AROUND AND ROBERTO IS MET WITH A SPEAR FROM ADAM LUCAS! TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY! ROBERTO DRIVEN DOWN HARD AND ADAM HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER! WILL ADAM GET THE WIN HERE?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Eve: JAVIER ENTERS THE RING AND TRIES TO BREAK UP THE PIN, BUT ADAM GETS OUT OF THE WAY AND JAVIER CRASHES RIGHT INTO HIS COUSIN! JAVIER CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
Deadprez: BUT HERE COMES ADAM! ADAM GRABS JAVIER FROM BEHIND AND NOW DIEGO IS ON THE APRON! ADAM TAKES JAVIER AND USES HIM AS A BATTERING RAM AND SENDS HIM FULL SPEED INTO DIEGO!
Eve: DIEGO WAS JUST SPEARED BY JAVIER AND HE GOES FLYING OFF THE APRON AND HE CRASHES AND BURNS TO THE FLOOR BELOW! JAVIER IS HOLDING HIS HEAD AS ADAM CLOTHESLINES JAVIER OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE FLOOR!
Deadprez: ADAM HAS HIS BACK TURNED AND THAT GAVE ROBERTO ENOUGH TIME TO RECOVER AND CLOBBER ADAM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THAT BACK ELBOW!
Eve: ADAM STAGGERED AS ROBERTO KICKS HIM IN THE GUT AND HAS HIS HEAD DOWN! ROBERTO LIFTS HIM UP AND ADAM IS IN A DANGEROUS POSITION! ROBERTO IS GOING FOR THE PILEDRIVER! ROBERTO CALLS HIS PILEDRIVER THE CALLING CARD AND IF HE HITS IT IT’S OVER! HERE COMES THE PILEDRIVER–
Gavin Kirkland: ADAM COUNTERED THE CALLING CARD! ADAM GETS BACK ON HIS FEET AND BACKDROPS ROBERTO TO THE MAT! ROBERTO QUICKLY GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND RUNS TO CLOTHESLINE ADAM, BUT ADAM DUCKS IT! ROBERTO HITS THE ROPES—
Deadprez: ADAM CAUGHT HIM AND LIFTS HIM UP! LEVEL UP! ADAM GOT THE POP UP POWERBOMB AND ROBERTO WAS DRILLED DOWN TO THE MAT! DIEGO IS DOWN! JAVIER IS DOWN! ADAM GOES FOR THE COVER AND HE HOOKS THE LEG! WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
…
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…
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
…
…
…
THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!
…
…
…
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“You Know My Name” starts playing again as Adam slowly rolls off Roberto and makes it back to his feet.
Gina Romano: Here is your winner and advancing to the quarterfinals of the King of Elite tournament… ADAM LUCAS!
Deadprez: What a match! What a match between these two competitors. Adam Lucas had the deck stacked against him in so many ways, but he showed why he is a highly regarded competitor by pulling off the victory and finding his way into the quarterfinals.
(Adam is back to his feet as the referee raises his arm in victory as the crowd goes absolutely crazy that he fought through and picked up the win.)
Eve: I don’t condone everything Roberto did during this match, but you have to applaud the intensity Roberto had to win this match. He had the match won on more than one occasion, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
(La Familia starts to enter the ring as Adam leaves the ring and heads up the entrance ramp.)
Gavin Kirkland: You had to believe that with the extra cushion with the referee that Roberto was a shoe in to the quarterfinals, but this match just shows that absolutely anything can happen in EAW. We can only wonder what GM Kennedy Street thinks about the result of this match.
(The camera cuts backstage to GM Kennedy Street’s office and she is watching the monitor with absolute disdain on her face that this plan backfired.)
Deadprez: Speaking of Kennedy Street…. This tells the tale right here. Our Showdown General Manager looks like she is about to go ballistic after watching this match. She thought she had everything in place to eliminate Adam Lucas from the tournament thanks to Roberto, La Familia, and a referee with no choice.
Eve: All that means is that Kennedy Street is going to try that much harder to eliminate Adam Lucas in the quarterfinals. If Adam wants to make it to the finals again this year, he is going to have to once again endure Kennedy Street making his life a living nightmare.
Gavin Kirkland: His quarterfinal match isn’t going to be easy as he has to take on the winner of the Xander Payne and Alex Myers match. But again we can’t ignore the effort that Roberto De La Rosa put into this match.
Deadprez: He fought hard, but at the end of the day, it was Adam Lucas with his arm raised in victory. We offer our congratulations once again to Adam Lucas. Things are heating up in the King of Elite Tournament, but we are unfortunately running out of time. For Gavin Kirkland and Eve, I am Deadprez. Good night from San Diego and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
(The final shot shows Roberto De La Rosa in the middle of the ring with La Familia wondering what happened before cutting back to Kennedy Street, who is doing everything she can to hold her temper before cutting to Adam Lucas standing at the top of the entrance ramp soaking in his victory before the shot fades to black.)
(EAW Logo Buzzes)