Voltage 1/2/22

(EAW intro plays.)

(The camera opens up to a recap of Road to Redemption 15. It starts off with the confirmation of a triple threat between Justin Windgate, Alex Myers and Amir Yusuf at An Aussie Summer Christmas Spectacular, before cutting to Candice Blair’s inferno match against Alex, which Candice would win with Danny’s assistance. Next, the camera shows Donovan Duke defeating Ronan Malosi to retain his 24/7 Contract. After this is a backstage segment where the Haircare Kings mock Harlow Reichert with an actor, before the real Harlow would show up, slapping Jake. after this, Ms. Extreme would retain her Universal Women’s Championship against Ximena Velasquez, Holly Arrow, Rebecca Blackwell, Serenity Valdez and Ayu Megumi after Sierra attacked Ximena. Following this, Harper Lee would defeat Voltage’s Miku Sakai to become Specialists Champion. Next, Myles’ match against Cameron Ella Ava would end in Cameron disqualifying herself with a brutal attack on Myles after personal comments from Myles. Backstage, Myles and Drake would have a disagreement about the Extreme Elimination Chamber, but it’d seemingly end with the two on the same page. After this, Jon Kelton would retain his New Breed Championship against Voltage’s Jay Jerry Johnson. In the main event of the show, Minerva and Drake King would end their Extreme Elimination Chamber as the final two, and just as Minerva is about to hand Drake the win, Drake attacks her before eliminating her. This leads to Myles attacking Drake, cashing in his Cash in the Vault briefcase and ending the show as the new EAW Champion, not even caring about the title as he helps Minerva to the back.)

(The camera then cuts to a recap of An Aussie Summer Christmas Spectacular. The recap would start with Kirk Redwood defeating Shane Gates, before cutting to Lucas Johnson defeating Mary S. Atlas. After this, Amir Yusuf would win against Dynasty’s Alex Myers, and Voltage’s Justin Windgate. A performance by Candice Blair would lead to Ximena Velasquez attacking her ahead of the Empress of Elite tournament, and following this, Minerva would retain her National Elite Championship against Ryan Wilson. In the final Voltage-related match of the night, Jake Smith and Chris Elite would dethrone Harlow Reichert and Xavier Williams to become the new Unified Tag Team Champions.)

(‘33rd Blakk Glass’ by Sosmula and ZillaKami hits, and the crowd in the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania bursts into cheers for the first Voltage of 2022. Pyro shoots out to the sky as usual, and the camera pans around the crowd, until finally the camera cuts to the commentary table, where James Peters, Rich Russillo, and Persephone Tsitsipas are seated.)

James Peters: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO THE FIRST VOLTAGE OF THE NEW YEAR!

Rich Russillo: I can’t wait for tonight! There’s so many great things planned, especially in regards to the King of Elite and Empress of Elite tournaments! 

Persephone: It’s all boring since Rexy’s not involved. New year, same old-

James Peters: You need to be more positive this year. We have a great show lined up, and I’m excited to get into this!

Persephone: :wtf: I’m always positive.

(‘Enemy Strike’ by Yuki Hayashi hits, and for the first time in a very long time, Myles is met with extremely loud cheers as he makes his way out to the stage. Myles is holding a microphone along with his newly won EAW World Championship, and despite becoming the new EAW Champion and even having the crowd on his side, Myles doesn’t look happy. He’s still visibly upset after everything that went down weeks ago, and Myles doesn’t waste any time walking down the ramp as the crowd continues to cheer.)

James Peters: Before Road to Redemption I didn’t think I’d ever see something like this. I never thought I’d see an entire arena cheering for Myles after everything New Eden has done together, but a lot happened at Road to Redemption.

Rich Russillo: That’s right. Drake King killed New Eden with his betrayal on Minerva, and Myles made sure Drake didn’t get away with it as he cashed in his Cash in the Vault briefcase. Honestly I’m still not too sure if Myles even cares about that title. He did what he did to protect Minerva, and I think that’s just part of the reason we’re not hearing all the boos that we’re used to.

Persephone: At least New Eden’s done. It’s kinda annoying that Myles is a World Champ now, though. I haven’t forgotten about him robbing Rexy of the National Elite title.

(Myles enters the ring, and the crowd continues to cheer, but Myles stops for a moment and thinks to himself. Myles is clearly still frustrated, and he eventually just shakes his head before finally beginning to speak.)

Myles: After all this time, I still don’t get it. We heard it every week. “New Eden is going to change EAW”, “New Eden is going to save Voltage”, “New Eden is an actual unit”, all of these promises over and over, and for what? So the same man that asked for the three of us to join forces could stab us in the fucking back after everything we’ve been through together? We sacrificed so much for New Eden because we actually believed that we could change this place. We believed that we could make Voltage better, and we were actually succeeding. We were actually doing a great job. We were moving forward and Drake King just fucks it all up. New Eden crumbled before my very eyes, all because Drake King is the same selfish piece of shit he’s always been. We heard the warnings, and the threats and ideas. We heard the doubts. We heard what everyone had to say about New Eden and we were shutting them all up on a weekly basis. We were actually making the change we promised. We were actually helping this place and now it’s done. The group that was supposedly destined to fix this company is gone all because someone as selfish as Drake King was part of it. 

Myles: It doesn’t make any sense. We sacrificed EVERYTHING for New Eden, and not only does Drake just throw it all away and spit in our faces, he blames US for what happened at Road to Redemption. He blames US for his own actions like a fucking psychopath. A year. We spent nearly a year working together, and this is what we get out of it. Grand Rampage, Pain for Pride, Territorial Invasion, Wicked Games, all of this and for what? I’m still struggling to understand what actually could’ve caused this. After everything we’ve said, everything we’ve done… All because of ONE stupid match? Why? Tell me why. WHY DID YOU DO THIS? WE DID EVERYTHING FOR YOU! WE WASTED A YEAR OF OUR CAREERS DOING EVERYTHING YOU WANTED-

(‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer interrupts Myles, and immediately all of the fans in the PPG Paints Arena begin to boo as loud as they can. All of the fans in the arena are doing what they can to show their hatred as Drake King slowly begins to walk out. Myles is obviously pissed, but Drake seemingly doesn’t care. He actually looks unimpressed, and just begins walking down the ramp with a microphone in his hand.)

James Peters: :francis: I guess it was only a matter of time.

Rich Russillo: Drake King is out here, and for the first time this season, Drake is walking out on Voltage without a Championship to drag around. 

Persephone: Good. It was about time he lost the title, now he just needs to stop showing up altogether.

(Drake ignores all of the boos as he slowly walks up the steel steps, beginning to speak in the process.)

Drake King: Really Myles? “Why”? You *do* know I was nearly killed in that Extreme Elimination Chamber, right? The same match I said shouldn’t have happened in the first place and the match that I canceled before Minerva went behind my back to reinstate it, you remember that, right?

(Drake enters the ring.)

Drake King: We were a great team. We were doing everything right, but MINERVA went and messed that up by bringing back the Extreme Elimination Chamber. Minerva messed it up by going behind my back. Minerva messed it up by doing the one thing I said not to do. That Extreme Elimination Chamber was everything New Eden was fighting against, and do you need a reminder of all of the injuries that happened all because Minerva just couldn’t resist bringing back such a useless match? I don’t know what happened to the two of you, but getting rid of matches like that Chamber is exactly what New Eden formed to do. We were supposed to change this place and make sure we didn’t have a bunch of gross matches like that and because of Minerva we took steps backwards, and you know what? I shouldn’t even be surprised, because Minerva’s the one that was always greedy. Minerva’s the one that cared about these belts more than either of us. Minerva has always cared about herself and her own success, and she probably only brought the Chamber back because she wanted the title for herself.

(The crowd boos loudly, but the reception quickly changes as Myles immediately gets in Drake’s face.)

Myles: Minerva was ready to give up her spot in that Chamber for you, you fucking idiot. Minerva cared about New Eden succeeding just as much as the two of us and that’s exactly why she brought that Chamber back. Did you forget about Shock Value? Grand Rampage? Pain for Pride? Drake, New Eden formed at King of Elite after WE SAVED YOU. We spent an entire year doing whatever the fuck you wanted without questions. We gave up an entire year doing whatever we could to make sure New Eden succeeded. We took out Jamie O’Hara, we stopped SOSA Henderson from competing in the Grand Rampage, we did everything we possibly could to make sure New Eden moved forward. We did everything that you said, everything that you wanted, and guess what? You won the Extreme Elimination Chamber. The same match you’ve been bitching about since Minerva reinstated it to save you AGAIN, you won it anyway. So why, Drake? Why would you just throw all of this away when you had everything you wanted?

Drake King: Myles, when we came up with the idea to join forces, Minerva’s the only one that wasn’t on board. Why do you think that is? We were both on the same page from the start and Minerva would do everything she could to avoid listening to us. Minerva was never like the two of us, and you know that. Who’s to say that Minerva wouldn’t have been the one to attack me if I didn’t do anything? That’s what everyone thought was going to happen in the first place, isn’t it? Minerva loves those Championships and you know that, Myles. Minerva loves everything that New Eden was supposed to be against, and all she proved with this Extreme Elimination Chamber garbage is that Minerva never really changed. She was never any different and I was stupid for ever believing in her in the first place, just like you’re being stupid right now trying to defend Minerva when she’s clearly wrong. 

(The crowd continues booing loudly, just as they’ve done to Drake since his entrance music began to play, meanwhile Myles can’t help but look disgusted knowing that this is the same man he trusted for nearly an entire year.)

Myles: I’m defending Minerva because you fucking attacked her. She trusted you for nearly an entire year. She only reinstated the Chamber because she knew that New Eden was going to find a way out of it still holding that title. Minerva was NEVER plotting against you or whatever conspiracy bullshit’s running through your head and yet you still stabbed her in the back. She was ready to walk out that door and hand you the win. She was ready to just move on and help New Eden keep moving forward, and because of YOU, New Eden is dead. Everything that New Eden built over the past year died, all because you couldn’t help but prove that you’re the same man you’ve always been. You haven’t changed, you haven’t been “enlightened”, you haven’t learned from the past or any of that. You’re still the same Drake King that screwed over everyone that made the mistake of associating with him. The same Drake King that couldn’t help but stab every single partner he’s ever had in the back. 

Drake King: Minerva brought it on herself. I didn’t betray her. I didn’t betray either of you. I’m not the one that went behind her back and did the one thing she didn’t want. I’m not the one that brought back a match designed to go against everything New Eden’s said. Minerva messed up, and I don’t know why that’s so hard for you to understand but you’re making a mistake defending her like this. You’re making a mistake taking her side and standing up for her when deep down you know just like I do that we shouldn’t have been competing in that match in the first place. We had the opportunity to make a change. We had the opportunity to get rid of that Extreme Elimination Chamber and we blew it. If you really care about changing this company, then you really need to ask yourself if siding with Minerva is worth it. You’re a World Champion now. It’s only a matter of time until she shows her true colors and stabs you in the back, too.

(Right as Drake finishes speaking Myles drops his EAW Championship. It’s clear that he’s heard enough, but before a fight could break out between the two, ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney hits, causing the crowd to begin cheering loudly. Both Myles and Drake King look to the stage, and Captain Charisma quickly begins to walk out with a microphone in his hand. He stops at the top of the ramp before beginning to speak.)

Captain Charisma: The two of you can save it. I can’t say I didn’t see this coming 🤷‍♂️, but there’s no need for you two to start beating the shit out of each other just yet. Very soon you’ll have the opportunity to do whatever you want to each other, and finally do what I’m sure you’ve been waiting to do since Road to Redemption. At King of Elite, I’m giving you two the chance to go one on one and finally settle your differences!

(The crowd immediately begins cheering loudly at the announcement, meanwhile both Myles and Drake look at one another before looking back at Captain Charisma.)

Myles: That’s fine with me, because this isn’t even about the title anymore. It’s about so much more than that.

Drake King: 🥱 So be it. Myles’ emotions over an insufferable and defiant woman like Minerva are going to be his downfall. 

Captain Charisma: Great. The two of you will be seeing each other again very soon, then.

(Captain Charisma has a smirk on his face as the crowd cheers, and ‘Self Help Tape’ begins to play once again as Captain Charisma begins to make his way back up the ramp.)

James Peters: Well it looks like we have a huge match for King of Elite already confirmed! Myles versus Drake King!

Rich Russillo: At King of Elite last year these two and Minerva joined forces to become New Eden. Now this year these two are going to face each other in what’ll undoubtedly be one of the most personal matches these two have had yet! 

Persephone: This is better than seeing them as a stable, I guess.

(As ‘Self Help Tape’ continues, Myles and Drake look back at each other, and there’s still a lot of tension after all that happened tonight and back at Road to Redemption. The crowd continues to cheer for the match announcement, and as Drake and Myles have a staredown in the center of the ring, the camera begins to fade away from ringside.)

(Voltage cuts to a promotional ad, advertising the upcoming match between EAW World Champion Myles and Drake King at King of Elite.)

( Voltage fades back in from break and cuts to the backstage area. More specifically, the guerilla area. In just a few seconds, the first match for the Voltage bracket of the King of Elite tournament will be taking place, and it will feature fan favorite and perennial underdog, Danny Tanner, taking on Lucas Johnson, a man who is no stranger to big matches in EAW. In the guerilla area, Danny and his best friend, Candice Blair, are filming a TikTok. Candice is doing hot girl shit and dancing, while Danny… well, he tries. Candice finishes up and the two strike a pose at the end, but Danny just looks nervous about it and kind of tired. )

Candice Blair: That was so kewt! We are seriously so kewt. Wrestling TikTok is going to love this. Everyone is already freaking out over the possibility of you becoming the King of Elite! How amazing would it be to walk around as King Danny??

( Candice’s enthusiasm and sincerity is a little overwhelming to Danny right now. In fact, he is hunched over and trying to catch his breath. Number one, he shouldn’t have done a TikTok dance video right before one of the biggest matches of his short career, and two, he’s on the verge of an anxiety attack because what if he doesn’t win? Danny doesn’t want to be left off another big show. Sitting out at Road to Redemption was torture for him. )

Danny Tanner: I just… I just… I just want to do well.

( Danny forces a smile across his face even though it physically hurts him to do so at this present moment. )

Candice Blair: You always do well and you’re totally going to kill Lucas Johnson. Look, I know both of us wanted to reign as Empress and King, and unfortunately my shot at becoming the Empress of Elite is done for this year. But you have your match in just a few minutes and this is a big opportunity for you.

( What little color was left in Danny’s face completely drains. He didn’t need to be reminded of the huge implications of this match. Not to mention, he felt awful that Candice had lost against Ximena Velasquez on Dynasty. He knew that one of Candice’s biggest goals for the new year was forcing everyone to drop the narrative that she was just the fourth Ava. She wanted to be seen as her own person, capable of doing big things on her own. Danny loved that about Candice, among other things of course. )

Danny Tanner: It still upsets me that you lost. I thought you had her with the ‘Candy Destroyer’.

( Candice shrugs her shoulders and runs her perfectly manicured fingers through her platinum blonde locks. She’s not the type to dwell on a missed opportunity. She’s the type to put her best forward and go looking for the next one. )

Candice Blair: Ximena won. So what? She’s not going to win the tournament because if history has taught us anything about XV, she always cracks under the pressure. I have absolutely no doubt that she will be knocked out of the tournament soon enough, showing that her words and threats mean nothing. Meanwhile, I have a chance to chase something else now. What that is, I’m not sure yet, but I know my bestie Captain Charisma will have the perfect match planned. That’s the difference between real winners and losers, Danny. Real winners don’t hang their heads when things don’t go their way. They look ahead because there’s always going to be something great just around the corner. I know that it is cliche AF, but when one door closes, another one opens, and I’ll be ready to walk through it.

( Candice beams and takes Danny by the hands. He is caught off guard by this, and obviously the excitement over this just adds to the anxiety and panic he is feeling. He tries to think of the Japanese wet dream match he watched on Dynasty between Ayu Megumi and Nariko, but not even picturing them in Jell-O is helping. Danny breaks out into a sweat and Candice’s smile turns into a look of concern. )

Candice Blair: Danny? Are you okay? You just started sweating profusely and your hands are really clammy.

( She politely pulls away and wipes the sweat off her palms on the back of her designer jeans. Danny is mortified right now. )

Danny Tanner: I’m sorry. I’m just really nervous.

( He was also horny, and seeing the stagehand give them the signal that it was almost time, Danny knew he had absolutely no time to take care of himself. He wanted to die. He didn’t dare look down. He hoped and prayed to whatever Gawd there was in the world that Candice didn’t look down. Then again, why would a woman like Candice ever check out someone like Danny anyway? The self-doubt was creeping in. The self-loathing. Negativity swarmed Danny and threatened to overwhelm him. )

Candice Blair: Hey…

( Candice reached out and cupped Danny’s face. Her hand was warm and soft against his flushed cheek, and Danny’s eyes widened. )

Candice Blair: Relax, my friend. You’re facing Lucas Johnson, not Chris Elite or some other big name. Lucas has had his fair share of struggles, and spent most of the last few weeks chasing Mary S. Atlas around and trying to get in her pants. He may talk about being focused and making this tournament his, but we have heard the same stuff from him over and over. Albert Hitchman couldn’t even make Lucas Johnson look good. Do you remember when Hitch gave Lucas those Beats headphones and Lucas wore them around like they were some big deal?

( Candice giggled and Danny lets out a forced and rather fake sounding laugh. He knows that she is just trying to lighten the mood, but it’s not helping. )

Candice Blair: Lucas is not a threat to you. It doesn’t matter what’s happened against him in the past. This is a new year and it is filled with so much promise. You have all the potential in the world, Danny, and I believe in you. You will absolutely be the King that EAW deserves and I know that you’ll use the power for good. That crown leads to a world title shot and I know that you will be the absolute best champion.

( Danny searches Candice’s face for some sign that she is lying to him, but she’s not. She believes in Danny more than he believes in himself, and he just can’t believe that. He can’t believe that a woman like Candice Blair truly believes in him and actually enjoys being around him. Danny opens his mouth to reply, but the sound of someone gagging interrupts the moment. The camera shot widens to show Jay Jerry Johnson shaking his head in disgust. Candice doesn’t look pleased by the interruption. )

Candice Blair: Can I help you?

Jay Jerry Johnson: I don’t know, can you? It seems to me like you can’t even help yourself at the moment, let alone this absolute fucktard of a human being. I wasn’t aware that grown ass men needed pep talks before their matches. This shit is pathetic.

( Candice takes a deep breath and obviously tenses up just a bit. It’s no secret that she is super protective of Danny. )

Candice Blair: Wishing my friend well before he advances to the second round of the King of Elite tournament isn’t pathetic. It’s called being supportive, but I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that seeing as how you have no one around you to hype you up.

Jay Jerry Johnson: I have a manager, but here’s the thing, sweetheart. I don’t need someone gassing me up and trying to instill some confidence into me. I have all the confidence in the world when it comes to my abilities. I’m the future of this sport and when I beat Chris Elite tonight, the entire EAW Universe is going to open their eyes and see that the future King of Elite is none other than yours truly.

( Even Danny has to laugh at that, and it helps unleash some of the nerves and anxiety from his body. )

Jay Jerry Johnson: The fuck are you laughing at? You’re about to go out there and get bodied by Lucas Johnson.

Danny Tanner: Won’t be as bad as the beating Chris Elite gave you on the mic this week.

( Triple J turns serious and steps up to Danny. To his credit, Danny doesn’t back down. The two men stare down one another before Candice steps between them. She shoves Triple J away from Danny and takes her best friend by the arm. )

Candice Blair: It’s not even worth it, Danny. Focus on Lucas and when Chris Elite beats this guy later tonight, we’ll be the ones getting the last laugh.

( Danny fights hard to control his emotions. There is so much he wants to say right now. He’s tired of guys like Jay Jerry Johnson getting involved in his business and thinking he’s a pushover. But of course, Candice is right this time. Danny knows he needs to head to the ring for his match, so that’s what he does. He turns and he walks away from a smirking Jay Jerry Johnson and doesn’t bother to look behind him. Candice waits until Danny is out of sight before she turns around and gives Triple J a glare. )

Jay Jerry Johnson: Something on your mind? I’m a pretty good looking guy, right?

Candice Blair: You’re gross. Go fuck yourself.

( She tosses her hair and walks off, and Triple J watches her go. He can’t help it. After all, she’s hot. But there is something in his eyes that says he isn’t exactly giving Candice a look of appreciation. )

( The scene fades with one final shot of Triple J glaring at the youngest Ava sister as she disappears around the corner to watch Danny’s match in peace. )

(Voltage fades back to ringside, and Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a King of Elite Round One Match AND IS SCHEDULED FOR!!!

Live crowd: ONE FALL!!!

( ‘Loser’ by Charles Hamilton plays over the sound system of the arena as Danny is making his way to the ring. The crowd cheers for Danny, and Danny doesn’t waste much time making his way down the ramp and towards the ring. )

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! From Sarasota, Florida! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is KING KHV; DANNY TANNER!!!!!

James Peters: Danny was key to helping Candice Blair win over Alex Myers during Road to Redemption!

Rich Russillo: Candice did pull an incredible performance no matter how you look at it! Alex was a strong match for her and Danny made the difference! Let’s see if that pep talk she gave him earlier is going to push him to victory to start 2022!

Persephone: Candice isn’t at ringside to help Danny win tonight though. 

( “Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. starts to play as Lucas Johnson makes his way to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He makes a crown motion above his head while before pointing to himself on his way to the squared circle. )

Bella Braxton: AAAAAAAAND HIS OPPONENT! He is from Long Island, New York! Weighing in at 210 pounds; “THE EMPEROR OF VIOLENCE” LUCAS JOHNSON!

James Peters: Lucas Johnson, ever the hopeful, is looking to make it past round one in the King of Elite tournament and start 2022 with a bang! 

Rich Russillo: He ended 2021 on a good cheerful note having defeated the woman he wanted to date in Mary S. Atlas in Australia during the Christmas Spectacular! 

( Ding! Ding! Ding! )

James Peters: And Here We GO! This match is officially underway! Both opponents are moving to meet each other at the center of the ring. Danny offers a handshake to Lucas who frowns at it and smacks the hand away! Danny gasps surprised as Lucas throws in a boot to the gut of his opponent before grabbing at him and manoeuvering him into a corner! Danny shakes the pain off and reverses the hold! Keeping the Wrestling Genius in the corner but the official orders him to break the hold. He slowly backs away, hands to his sides AND LUCAS THROWS A THUMB TO THE EYE!! Danny goes blind for a short moment before receiving an European Uppercut right on the button! 

Rich Russillo: Johnson with the upper hand for now as he throws himself into the ropes and goes high with a Shining Wizard that connects on Danny Tanner! He goes for a quick cover! 

Persephone: Too soon!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: And you are right as Tanner kicks out barely after a count of one! Surely Lucas is looking to send a message to his opponent tonight! 

Persephone: He oughta focus on winning and not jerk Danny around. 

Rich Russillo: Perhaps so but at the moment, Lucas is in control but will it last? He picks up Danny now both men are on their feet! BIG CLOTHESLINE BY LUCAS JOHNSON! Danny is getting up just as Lucas went to the ropes! He charges towards Lucas and goes through him with a running clothesline! Down goes Tanner once more but the kid is getting up! Only to be brought down with a quick neckbreaker by Lucas! Cover! 

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

Persephone: Dipshit doesn’t learn does he…

James Peters: Not even close as Danny lifts the shoulder up and breaks the official’s count! Lucas sigh as he goes to his knees and throws a few punches to Danny’s head before standing up and do a STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! What agility from the veteran! Lucas puts Danny to his feet, he goes for a lariat but Danny ducks low! He turns to face Lucas as he turned! He flips Lucas over his shoulders into a backbreaker AND THEN DROPS JOHNSON INTO A DDT! WHAT A MOVE BY DANNY TANNER WOAH!! LUCAS IS IN TROUBLE! 

Rich Russillo: Danny is on his knees quickly looking at what to do next and goes to flip over Lucas! He is on his back and grabs at Johnson’s jaw with both hands! LAST CHANCERY!! A SUBMISSION MANOEUVER BY DANNY!! JUST LIKE THAT AS LUCAS WAS CONTROLLING THE MATCH DANNY TURNS THE TABLE AND MAY VERY WELL END THE MATCH!! DANNY IS BASICALLY ON LUCAS’ BACK AS THE OFFICIAL CHECKS JOHNSON TO SEE IF HE’LL TAP! HE IS CLOSE! BUT THEN LUCAS GOES TO HIS HANDS AND KNEES CRAWLING TO THE ROPES! THAT JUST SAVED HIM! 

James Peters: Danny breaks the hold allowing Lucas to go to his knees and try and recover. he slowly gets to his feet, Danny is behind him waiting. Lucas turns! He gets grabs by Danny INTO AN EXPLODER SUPLEX THAT SENDS LUCAS INTO THE NEAREST TURNBUCKLE!! Tanner doesn’t let up as he moves to stomp a mudhole in Lucas and walk it dry under the roars of the crowd who he riles up after a series of good strong kicks to Lucas keeping him down against the corner! 

Rich Russillo: Danny with the upper hand now as he grabs Johnson and whips him into the ropes! Dropkick by Danny taking down the former New Breed Champion! Lucas is trying to get up to his feet as Danny goes to the ropes! He bounces toward Lucas who ducks to the side AND GRABS HOLD OF DANNY FROM BEHIND! COQUINA CLUTCH IS APPLIED!! LUCAS USES HIS WEIGHT TO BRING THE YOUNG MAN DOWN!! But alas a foot quickly goes to one of the ropes forcing the official to order Lucas to break the hold! Has he been closer to the center of the ring maybe he would’ve won that match with it! 

Persephone: Fucking idiot.

James Peters: Lucas let’s go of the clutch but then moves for an arm triangle! He keeps the move on for a few seconds before quickly switching, moving atop of Danny HE APPLIES THE CROSSFACE!! THE CROSSFACE IS LOCKED IN AND DANNY IS STUCK IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! THE ROPES SEEMS SO FAR AWAY AS HE TRIES TO REACH FOR THEM!! He looks like he is about to tap! His leading arm raising over his head shaking madly! But wait he lowers it over Lucas’ hands those that locked the crossface in! He is trying to pry Lucas off of him! He’s… My Gawd He’s Succeeding!! Both he and Lucas are straining one trying to keep his hold applied while the other is trying to break said hold! This is fantastic ladies and gentlemen! 

Rich Russillo: Danny is on his back looking up trying to catch a breather as Lucas is quickly looking around for offensive options. He looks at a corner quickly moving hoping on the top turnbuckle! What is Lucas doing he is waiting for Danny to get up, what is he going to do next? He leaps for a crossbody BOTH DANNY CATCHES HIM! FLIPS AND SLAMS LUCAS DOWN WITH A RESOUNDING SPINEBUSTEEEEEEEEERR JOHNSON GOES DOWN HARD! DANNY HOOKS THE LEG!! 

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

Persephone: Not enough! Damnit! 

James Peters: This is as close as either of those two competitors has been to a win so far tonight! Lucas is brought to his two feet by Tanner but Lucas reverses and Danny gets whipped into the ropes by Lucas who charges towards his opponent BUT DANNY DUCKS LOW AND BRINGS THE TOP ROPE WITH HIM! Johnson stumbles over the top rope and down onto the outside! He looks stunned a little bit. Danny looks for opportunities, he rushes to the ropes! Baseball slide with turns into a dropkick on Lucas! Johnson smacks his back on the railing surrounding the ring as the crowd cheers for the acrobatics of the rookie sensation!

Persephone: It’s a fucking baseball slide, geez! 

Rich Russillo: The fans enjoy it obviously as Danny goes to Lucas and pummels him with a series of over the head chops. He grabs him by the beard! AND WHIPS HIM INTO THE BARRICADE NEAR THE TIMEKEEPER’S TABLE! Danny has momentum going for him now as he quickly goes inside the ring he looks like he’s having an idea! The official is starting to count Lucas! 

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

…

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

…

Persephone: WHAT THE SHIT??

James Peters: DANNY TANNER JUST LEAPED OVER THE TURNBUCKLE AND SPLASHED INTO LUCAS WHO WAS OUTSIDE OF THE RING! HOLY COW WE DIDN’T EXPECT THAT FROM DANNY TANNER!! 

Crowd: Holy Shit! Holy Shit! Holy Shit! Holy Shit! Holy Shit! Holy Shit! 

James Peters: Danny is getting to his feet and the crowd is cheering massively for him! Folks we’ve got to take a commercial break! Don’t go anywhere as we continue coverage of this match in Picture-In-Picture! 

( The camera cuts to a smaller picture showing the action in the ring … while on the bigger frame we see a commercial for EAW’s next big event its first of 2022 the King Of Elite tri-branded show! Coming to you live from the NRG Stadium Park in Houston, Texas on the weekend of February 5th and 6th! Get your tickets now to attend this incredible event or watch if live on the EAW Network! ) 

Rich Russillo: And we are back to live-action folks this is a Qualifier match for the King of Elite tournament for those of you who just joined us as Lucas Johnson is battling Danny Tanner! Danny has had the upper hand during the commercial break as he whips Lucas harshly into a corner the force sends Johnson sitting on the floor leaning against the corner. Danny goes to the opposite side and charges forth THROWING HIMSELF IN A SHOTGUN KNEE THAT CONNECTS AGAINST LUCAS’s FACE!! That one will hurt something fierce in the morning! Lucas looks to be in another timezone as Danny picks him up.

James Peters: Lucas will need to get some offense going soon or he will be into more trouble than he is at the moment! Danny whips him into the ropes looking for a shoulder tackle BUT LUCAS GOES BODY TO BODY FOLLOWED BY A BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!! DOWN GOES DANNY but he is trying to get back up. Lucas is stalking his opponent under the boos of the crowd which he ignores! He grabs hold of Tanner from behind AND LIFTS HIM OVER HIS HEAD FOR A PICTURE PERFECT GERMAN SUPLEX! He doesn’t let go of Danny as he positions himself for another German! 

Crowd: TWO!!! 

Rich Russillo: Johnson doesn’t let go still and throws Danny in for a THIRD CONSECUTIVE GERMAN SUPLEX!! 

Crowd: THREE!! 

Rich Russillo: This time Lucas let’s go of his opponent and moves quickly to his feet raising his arms in the air.

Lucas Johnson: (off-mic) I’M YOUR NEXT KING!! 

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Lucas Johnson: I WILL BE GOING FOR MY CROWD AND YOU HAVE NO SAY IN THE MATTER YOU PEONS!!! 

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Persephone: Pissing the crowd off won’t help him win the match and actually have a shot at that dream of his to become King of Elite! As if he stands a chance anyway! 

Rich Russillo: Lucas continues to play with the crowd who are throwing him a chorus of boos and Danny is slowly getting back to a vertical base! Lucas now- WAIT A SECOND!

James Peters: DANNY GETS LUCAS ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER AND SPINS HIM AROUND LIKE A HELICOPTER!! HE IS GOING ROUND AND ROUND AND ROUND AND ROUND IT LOOKS LIKE HE COULD DO IT ALL NIGHT BEFORE SLAMMING DOWN JOHNSON WITH A BACKBREAKEEEEEEEERRR!! LUCAS CRASHES HARD AND LOOKS TO BE SEEING STARS AS DANNY HOOKS THE LEGS!! 

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

…

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

…

Persephone: This is getting stupid! 

Rich Russillo: Lucas Managed To Kick Himself Out Of That Painful Predicament, and this match continues for a while longer! Remember folks this is a match for the first round of the King of Elite tournament this is not an average match for anyone participating in this year’s edition of the grand event who this year will take place in Texas! 

James Peters: Danny in control for now whipping Lucas into the ropes. Danny hits the deck and Lucas hops over him before bouncing into the ropes! Danny tries for a lariat but Lucas ducks low, he turns around quickly AND DANNY GOES HARD ON THE FLOOR FOLLOWING A STIFF LOOKING ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Lucas quickly goes up a corner looking down on his opponent! He sizes him up! He leaps! 450 SPLAAAASH! BLAM IT LANDS ON DANNY AS LUCAS HOOKS THE LEG!! 

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

…

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

…

Rich Russillo: And A Kick Out By Tanner!!! 

James Peters: Lucas is growing annoyed by this seeing that Danny is not being put away sooner and so he calls for the end of it! He is stalking behind Danny, is he going for the Blueprint? Are we going to see the Cutter? Danny has no idea what’s going on as he gets to his feet and slowly turns to face Lucas WHO LEAPS TO GRAB ONTO TANNER’S HEAD BUT WAIT! DANNY USED JOHNSON’S MOMENTUM TO HOIST HIM IT A FIREMAN’S CARRY AND INTO A CUTTER OF HIS OWN!!! JOHNSON IS DOWN!! THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DANNY TO FINISH AND AND MAKE IT TO ROUND TWO!! COVER!!!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

…

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

…

TTTTTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE-

…

…

…

Persephone: FUCK!!! 

Rich Russillo: LUCAS LIFTS THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THE REF STRUCK THE MAT A THIRD TIME!!! WE’RE TALKING A HAIR AWAY!! DANNY IS WIDE EYED HIS HANDS OVER HIS HEAD NOT BELIEVING THAT LUCAS KICKED OUT OF HIS CLEAVERLY EXECUTED FIREMAN CARRY TO A CUTTER!! Danny is thinking, what will he do next to try and put Lucas away?? He gets up, gathering his thoughts, he moves Lucas to his feet as well, he grabs the waistband. Is he going for Ushigoroshi?? He lifts Lucas up! DOWN HE GOES DRIVING THE MAN STRAIGHT ON HIS KNEE!!! THIS COULd BE IT FOR DANNY!! HE HOOKS THE LEG!!!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

…

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

…

TTTTTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE-

…

…

…

Persephone: This is starting to piss me off JUST FINISH THIS MATCH ALREADY YOU ASS HATS!!!

James Peters: What a fascinating contest we’ve had tonight between the young up and comer and the seasoned veteran! Who is going to come up on top and make it to round two of King of Elite?? Lucas is on his knees looking at his opponent who is slowly getting to his feet. He goes to a corner, he’s calling for The Lightswitch! Is it going to be lights out for Danny and his Tournament dreams? Lucas charges forth! He leaps! HE LANDS ONTO A BACKBREAKER AS DANNY DUCKED LOW AND RAISED HIS KNEES UP! THAT MOVE JUST SAVED HIM! Lucas is on his back then his knees holding his lower spine area and Danny springs back to his feet! He grabs hold of Johnson! Forcing him up! He hooks the arms! He turns! THE KILLSWITCH! BITCH!! THE ODE TO HIS FAVORITE ELITIST OF ALL TIME AND OUR COMMISSIONER!! COVER!!!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!

TTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!

THHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!

(DING! DING!! DING!!)

( ‘Loser’ by Charles Hamilton plays over the sound system of the arena as Danny gets his arm raised by the official. He is wide-eyed he can barely believe it before yelling and getting up to run around the ring. )

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner and moving to the second round of the King of Elite Tournament: DANNY TANNER!!!!

James Peters: This is a big win for Danny Tanner who is one round closer to becoming King of Elite thanks to an impressive victory tonight against Lucas Johnson! 

Persephone: Look at that idiot celebrating like he won the whole thing! It’s only the first round! Idiot! 

Rich Russillo: A well-deserved victory for Danny and it seems like things are back to square one for Lucas as now his chances to become King of Elite are gone and over! He gave us one good match tonight though, knowing him he will bounce back! He always does. 

(Danny Tanner celebrates his victory, and Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)

(The camera transitions to Captain Charisma’s office where we see Captain Charisma sitting at his desk fiddling with his phone. Suddenly he hears a knock on the door) 

Captain Charisma: Yes, come in. 

(Kirk Redwood enters into the office and stands before Captain Charisma. You can tell by the look on his face, he’s not in a good mood. Captain Charisma can sense this, as he stands up, and goes to shake Kirk’s hand. Kirk apprehensively obliges.) 

Captain Charisma: Kirk Redwood, to what do I owe the pleasure? 

Kirk Redwood: Well to be quite honest with you, this isn’t a visit with positivity. Cap why am I not getting a chance to participate in the King of Elite tournament? I’ve had some nice victories in 2021, and I capped the year off by beating Shane Gates. It’s time that I finally get the opportunities that I deserve around here. 

Captain Charisma: Well Kirk- 

Kirk Redwood: Just listen.. For a second, please. I had the opportunity at the National Elite Championship, and I came so close to winning that match. Since then I have stepped up and proven that I am ready for an opportunity. Any sort of opportunity to show what I can do when it matters most. I don’t think that this is some grandiose request I’m asking for. I would just like to be able to see the progress I’ve made be seen as more than just moral victories for my own personal well-being. 

Captain Charisma: Is that all? May I speak now? 

(Kirk nods) 

Captain Charisma: Well Kirk-

(A loud boom of the door can be heard as Shane Gates enters) 

Shane Gates: Oh blah blah blah! What is this?!! 

Captain Charisma: Have you been eavesdropping by chance? 

Shane Gates: N-no… NO! I wasn’t eavesdropping, how dare you insinuate such a thing!  I was merely minding my own business when I heard this loser’s voice. I knew he was up to something, but this? What even is this? I can’t believe my eyes! I’m sure he’s coercing you with lies to do something inconceivable! He’s a bad person. Captain Charisma don’t believe a thing he says. Kirk Redwood slipped the referee a $5 bill when we faced off, I saw it. That match should be null and void… And if that’s not what he was talking about… What was he saying? 

Captain Charisma: Kirk here was just telling me that he would like some sort of opportunity. He thinks he’s been making strides and would like to see those strides turn into something other than moral victories. Something like that right Kirk? 

Kirk Redwood: Correct. I’ve been busting my ass, and have become the best version of myself in quite some time, ya know other than my drinking :mjgrin:. I believe that given the chance, I would be able to capitalize on whatever opportunity given to me.

Captain Charisma: Any opportunity you say? 

Kirk Redwood: Anything at all. 

Captain Charisma: Interesting.

Shane Gates: HE COULD NOT! But I could! Captain Charisma, please don’t tell me you’re actually considering this ridiculous request. Cry me a river Kirky. You don’t deserve anything except my foot up your ass! That loss at the Christmas Show means nothing. Do you hear me Kirk? It meant NOTHING. I’m tired of putting up with the likes of guys like Kirk Redwood. It’s time that I got my own opportunity. I’ve been around here long enough, I’ve been through enough shit, it’s MY turn to see some benefits for my hard work. 

Kirk Redwood: Might I remind you that I’m the one that actually won the match? 

Shane Gates: And that means what to me? I survived a possessed doll! Have you ever had to deal with the supernatural? No, you haven’t. So excuse me if in 2021 I was a little frazzled, but now it’s 2022 and I have a clear mind, and a clear path. So don’t get so happy about that victory you have over me. One move goes another way, and we’re talking about a different story. You barely got the job done, and any other night it would’ve gone my way. 

Kirk Redwood: Oh is that so? Seemed pretty convincing to me, especially the way your career has always gone. It always seems like you’re the one that loses, and always finds an excuse as to why. Is that what you always do? If you’re not playing with dolls, you’re making excuses as to why you never win? Because this seems to be the theme of your career. Why won’t you finally take accountability for what happens with you? 

Shane Gates: It’s just the truth! I won’t let what happened at the Christmas show happen again. You barely got past me the first time, I can promise you that it won’t happen again. As a matter of fact, I could prove that right now if you want! You see this Captain Charisma? You see how he talks to me? You really want to give this asshole an opportunity at anything? Give me the opportunity, I’m the only one here with any sense. 

Kirk Redwood: What did you say? 

Shane Gates: I’m the only one with any sense… 

Kirk Redwood: Before that… You can prove what right now exactly? 

Shane Gates: That I would beat your ass.

(Shane Gates steps to Kirk Redwood, and Kirk steps up to Shane, not backing down. But Captain Charisma has seen enough.) 

Captain Charisma: Alright, alright let’s relax here fellas. I just got this rug cleaned, and I don’t want to get any blood on it. Do you understand how much money it is? You’d think EAW would pay for these things but no… 

(Captain Charisma gets in between the two, and pushes them apart.) 

Captain Charisma: Even though this isn’t how business is supposed to be done. As you’re both acting pretty unprofessional in front of your boss.

Kirk Redwood: I would like to point out that I was very professional until he inserted himself into our conversation, thank you. 

Shane Gates: Oh shut up. 

Captain Charisma: Yes, despite all that, your outbursts have given me an idea. You both want an opportunity badly, so why don’t we use that as fuel for the fire. You know each other pretty well at this point, so if you want an opportunity so badly, you can both get one. 

(Shane throws his arms up in the air) 

Shane Gates: FINALLY! It’s about time. 

Captain Charisma: Together. 

Shane Gates & Kirk Redwood: HUH?!

Captain Charisma: I’m giving you both what you want, an opportunity; but with the condition that you two team. 

Kirk Redwood: Oh hell no! 

Shane Gates: Are you a daft fool? Team with him? There’s no way! You’re an insane old man. 

(Captain Charisma waves his hand in the air to make them stop talking) 

Captain Charisma: Ah yes insulting your boss. I’m so confused as to why I never give you opportunities Shane. 

Shane Gates: Alright fine, I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated is all, and also I hate your stupid idea. 

Kirk Redwood: Yeah, I’m not too keen on it either Captain. 

Captain Charisma: Kirk, did you not tell me that you would be able to capitalize on ANY opportunity that I gave you? 

Kirk Redwood: Well yeah, but…

Captain Charisma: So wouldn’t this constitute as ANY opportunity, and you should have no problem with it, yes? 

Kirk Redwood: I mean technically but…

Captain Charisma: Look, the current Unified Tag Team Champions didn’t see eye to eye before, and now look at them. Great things can happen if you put your differences aside, and have a common goal. Who knows the two of you better, than the two of you? A lot of the time the best tag teams come out of the best rivalries. 

Shane Gates: NO! 

(A stern look comes across Captain Charismas face, as he stares right at Shane) 

Captain Charisma: It’s either this or nothing. 

(Shane quickly looks at Kirk) 

Shane Gates: I think it’s a great idea, we should do it. 

(Kirk lets out a sigh) 

Kirk Redwood: He does have a point. Chris and Jake hated each other before they became the Tag Team Champions. But… 

(Kirk looks over at Shane, and then back to Captain Charisma) 

Kirk Redwood: Shane Gates? That’s gotta be some form of torture. This doesn’t feel like some big opportunity to me Cap. 

Shane Gates: YES SHANE GATES! It is not torture, you should be honored to be teaming with me! We are going to have such a good time Kirk! Just imagine, the two of us taking out the Haircare Kings together, and winning those Unified Tag Team Championships! We are going to look so good in gold together! 

(Kirk looks at Shane with a creeped out look, and back to Captain Charisma) 

Kirk Redwood: Please reconsider, there has to be something else you can do for me.

(Captain Charisma shakes his head) 

Captain Charisma: It’s either this or nothing. 

(Kirk looks over at Shane. Shane has a smug look on his face slowly nodding up and down)

Shane Gates: Ooooh yeah! 

Kirk Redwood: … God damn it. 

(The camera fades as the three just awkwardly stand there) 

(Voltage fades back to ringside, and Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Bella Braxton: AND IT IS AN EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH!!

(‘Gang Gang’ by KSI, JAY1 & DENO blasts through the speakers to a mixed reception from the audience, as Rebecca Blackwell is seen making her way out to the stage with an arrogant smirk on her face. She looks around, before nodding and starting to make her way down to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM LONDON, ENGLAND… WEIGHING IN AT 123 POUNDS… ‘VIXEN OF ULTRAVIOLENCE…’ REEEEBEEEEEEECAAAAAAAAA… BLAAAAAAAAAAAACKWEEEEEEEEELL!!!!

James Peters: And here comes Rebecca Blackwell!

Rich Russillo: After a wonderful performance in the UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP Extreme Elimination Chamber, Rebecca Blackwell is here and she, apparently, is strongly willing to beat her opponent tonight and advance to the second round in the Empress of Elite tournament!

Persephone: And after that “wonderful performance,” what actually happened? Did she win the Universal Championship? Nope. It’s not like anybody believed that she’s walking out of Road To Redemption as a the Universal Women’s Championship, just like how I don’t believe that she’s walking out of this match advancing to the second match either. 

Rich Russillo: :wow:

(As Rebecca Blackwell is in the ring, ‘Hey Superstar’ by Madina Lake replaces ‘Gang Gang’ as the crowd reacts to Sierra with a loud mixed reaction. Sierra makes her way out to the stage in clear anger. Sierra starts walking her way down to the ring straight, wasting zero time.)

Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT… FROM SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA… WEIGHING IN AT 121 POUNDS… ‘THE KIILLJOY…’ SIEEEEEEEEEERAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

James Peters: And here comes Dynasty’s Sierra! At Road To Redemption, Sierra went up against Limmy Monaghan for the EAW Hardcore Championship, and while she may have not won the Title, she totally showed out so much of a heart and almost won the championship on multiple occasions throughout the match. She hadn’t had the best luck this season generally, but it shouldn’t be a shocker if she could beat our Voltage Elitist and advance to the second round tonight. 

Rich Russillo: :roman: Well, I actually don’t think we would want that, but I get the point. Sierra is actually someone who’s always been giving her best day in and day out, and no matter who comes off as the winner tonight, this should be a great match. 

Persephone: Well, it’s not like Voltage’s Elitists are good anyway, so don’t expect me to be surprised if she wins. 🤷‍♀️

(DING! DING! DING!) 

James Peters: And here we go, this one is now officially underway! We got Dynasty’s Sierra going up against Rebecca Blackwell in the first round of the Empress of Elite tournament!

Rich Russillo: AND REBECCA RUSHES TOWARDS SIERRA AS SHE TAKES HER DOWN WITH A RUNNING STO AND NOW SHE’S LITERALLY ON TOP OF HER! REBECCA WITH A HARD RIGHT HAND RIGHT ON THE FOREHEAD OF SIERRA, WHICH MAKES AN IMPACT THAT SHOWS THE CLEAR PAIN ON SIERRA! AND SHE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! REBECCA BLACKWELL IS GOING ON A RAMPAGE RIGHT NOW, AND SHE ISN’T WILLING TO STOP IN THE SLIGHTEST!! THE REF HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO START HIS FIVE COUNT!!!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-

Persephone: Annnnnnd… she gets off her. Pretty disappointing how she didn’t keep going in order to get this shit ended in DQ because it just started and it’s boring already. 😴😴😴 

James Peters: As Rebecca Blackwell just got off Sierra’s body, she got right back up to her feet, showing off while looking at the crowd, and you can hear the mixed energy she’s getting in return! She backs up onto her corner, as Sierra is, in a bit of pain, getting back up to her feet, ONLY TO ALLOW REBECCA TO RUN AT HER AND TAKE HER DOWN WITH A LARIAT! THE LARIAT TO SIERRA THAT TAKES HER DOWN! THE RUNNING LARIAT CONNE-

Rich Russillo: NO!! IT DOESN’T CONNECT!! IN THE LAST SECOND, SIERRA MANAGES TO DUCK UNDERNEATH, TRAPPING REBECCA’S ARM!!! SIERRA DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND ARM-TRAPS REBECCA FOLLOWED UP BY A NECKBREAKER!! THE NECKBREAKER CONNECTS AND NAILS REBECCA BLACKWELL, TAKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND WITH AUTHORITY, AS SIERRA TAKES THE ADVANTAGE AND HOOKS THE LEG!! THE COVER BY SIERRA!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

James Peters: AND REBECCA POPS THE SHOULDER UP! Rebecca with a POWERFUL kick out, which just angers Sierra even more! Sierra gets on top of Rebecca’s body… oh damn, what is she looking for at the moment? WHAT THE HELL, SIERRA WITH A **POWERFUL** FOREARM RIGHT ON THE NOSE OF REBECCA BLACKWELL!!! AND AGAIN!! SHE DOES IT AGAIN!! AND AGAIN!! SHE KEEPS REPEATING IT!!!! PAYBACK!!! 

Rich Russillo: SIERRA IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT REBECCA DID TO HER JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO, BUT PROBABLY A LOT MORE BRUTAL!!!! YOU CAN SEE A LITTLE BIT OF BLOOD FLOWING OUT OF BLACKWELL’S NOSE – BUT SIERRA DOESN’T SEEM TO GIVE A SHIT AND SHE GOES ON AND RIGHT BEFORE THE REFEREE CAN START HIS COUNT, SIERRA TRANSITIONS ALL OF THIS INTO A CROSS ARMBAR!! OH FUCK, THIS DOESN’T LOOK GOOD FOR REBECCA!! THE CROSS ARMBAR IS LOCKED IN!!! 

James Peters: IT’S LOCKED IN!! SIERRA HAS REBECCA BLACKWELL IN THAT CROSS ARMBAR, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S PROBABLY GOING TO TAP!!! REBECCA IS TRYING TO FIGHT HER WAY OUT OF THAT CROSS ARMBAR, BUT SIERRA KEEPS IT LOCKED IN WITHOUT ANY WILL OF STOPPING!!

Rich Russillo: AND AS SIERRA ISN’T WILLING TO STOP, REBECCA ISN’T WILLING TO STOP AS WELL!! REBECCA BLACKWELL IS CLEARLY IN HORRIBLE PAIN, AS SHE’S SEEN THERE SCREAMING IN AGONY, BUT SHE ISN’T GIVING UP IN THE SLIGHTEST!!! SHE, NO MATTER HOW BADLY HURT SHE IS, STARTS CRAWLING HER WAY INTO THE BOTTOM ROPE, AND DESPITE HOW HARD SIERRA IS APPLYING THAT CROSS ARMBAR, REBECCA REACHES!!! REBECCA BLACKWELL GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!!! SHE SURVIVED!!! SHE SURVIVED!! SIERRA HAS TO LET GO, BUT SHE ISN’T!!! REBECCA MAY HAVE REACHED THE ROPES, BUT SIERRA DOESN’T SEEM TO GIVE A SINGLE FUCK AT THIS POINT!! THE REFEREE STARTS COUNTING, WE MIGHT SEE THIS ONE ENDING IN DISQUALIFICATION RIGHT NOW!!!

Persephone: YESSIR!!!! :blessed: :blessed: :blessed:

Rich Russillo: :roman:

Referee: ONE!!! TWO!!! THREE!!! FOUR!!! FIVE!!! LET GO, SIERR-

James Peters: :damn: SHE JUST WON’T STOP!!! SIERRA DOESN’T LET GO AS SHE ROLLS REBECCA ONTO THE CENTER OF THE RING, KEEPING THAT CROSS ARMBAR LOCKED IN, AND PROBABLY EVEN HARDER!!!! SIERRA IS JUST WILLING TO SUBMIT BLACKWELL AT ANY FUCKING COST AT THIS POINT, WHICH I GET, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THINGS APPARENTLY WON’T GO THE WAY REBECCA BLACKWELL WANTED THEM TO GO, AS SIERRA – JUST LIKE THAT – IS GOING TO TAKE THE VICTORY AWAY FROM HER AND ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND!!!

Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD, REBECCA STILL ISN’T GIVING UP, AS SHE FLIPS OVER SIERRA, ROLLING HER UP, THEN ROLLING BACK INTO HER ORIGINAL POSITION IN ORDER TO GAIN THE ABILITY OF LIFTING SIERRA UP!!! REBECCA, *ONLY* WITH HER CLEARLY, EXTREMELY HURT ARM, LIFTS SIERRA UP, BEFORE POWERFULLY DROPPING HER ON THE MAT WITH A ONE-HANDED POWERBOMB!!! THE ONE-HANDED POWERBOMB TO SIERRA CONNECTS, AND **FINALLY** FORCES HER TO RELEASE THIS SUBMISSION MOVE!!! BOTH ELITISTS ARE DOWN, AND IT’S CLEAR HOW BOTH OF THEM ARE GOING TO PUT EVERYTHING ON THE LINE IN ORDER TO ADVANCE!! REBECCA BLACKWELL CRAWLS ONTO THE COVER!! THE COVER!! THE COVER ON SIERRA!! THIS MIGHT BE IT!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

James Peters: AND SIERRA FORCES THE SHOULDER UP FROM THE MAT!!! SHE WON’T STAY DOWN!!!

Persephone: And I fucking hate it. 😤 

Rich Russillo: Rebecca hits the mat in anger, clearly not happy with what just happened! Rebecca clearly isn’t happy, but she still tries to capture that victory at any cost, as she picks Sierra right back up to her feet, BEFORE TOSSING HER OUT OF THE RING- NO!! SIERRA COUNTERS!! SIERRA WITH THE COUNTER!! SIERRA REVERSES, TOSSING REBECCA OUT OF THE RING OF THE RING HERSELF!! REBECCA FALLS OUT OF THE RING AS SHE HITS THE BARRICADE BEFORE LAYING THERE AT THE RINGSIDE!!

James Peters: A huge smirk is now clear on Sierra’s face, as she stares down Rebecca who’s laying out of the ring at the ringside already. We don’t know what she is thinking of at the moment, but all we know is, it’s apparently not at all good for Rebecca Blackwell whatever was it. Sierra takes a moment before catching her breath, as she starts rebounding meanwhile Rebecca is there using the barricade to stand back up on her feet… OH SHIT, WE KNOW WHAT’S COMING… 

Rich Russillo: TOOOOPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE CONNNNN HIIIIIIIIILOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: WHAT A MOVE BY SIERRA!!! SIERRA TAKES DOWN REBECCA BLACKWELL WITH A TOPE CON HILO, AS BOTH ELITISTS ARE LAYING THERE AT THE RINGSIDE!!! SIERRA JUST TOOK HER OPPONENT OUT, AND THE REFEREE STARTS HIS TEN COUNT!!!!!

(A replay of Sierra’s Tope Con Hilo to Rebecca Blackwell is shown on the screen, before it cuts back to the ring as the referee is counting.)

Referee: ONE!! TWO!! THREE!! FOUR!!

Rich Russillo: Sierra, despite taking some damage in the process after connecting with that Tope Con Hilo, using the barricade, starts getting right back up to her feet, while on the other hand, Rebecca, who took most of the damage, is still downed, and however, Sierra yet has to actually balance herself!

Referee: FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT!

James Peters: But, as she finally DOES balance herself, she grabs the grounded Rebecca Blackwell, picking her right back up to her feet, and tosses her back inside the ring!

Referee: NINE!

Persephone: Is she literally leaning on that fucking barricade to catch her breath? Does that mean that I was forced to watch all of that JUST for a DQ ending? Well, it means that this match will end, so I’m fine with it anyway. :drakelike:

Referee: TE-

Rich Russillo: SIERRA MAKES IT BACK TO THE RING IN THE LAST SECON-

James Peters: BUT, IT’S REBECCA BLACKWELL WHO TAKES THE ADVANTAGE AND CAPITALISES ON THE MOMENT!!! REBECCA WITH THE ROLL-UP!! THE ROLL-UP ON SIERRA!! SHE IS GOING TO STEAL IT HERE!!! REBECCA IS ADVANCING TO THE SECOND ROUND!!! 

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Rich Russillo: BUT, SIERRA SAVES HERSELF QUITE QUICKLY; ALMOST IMMEDIATELY!!! SIERRA WITH A QUICK KICK OUT!! THE KICK OUT BY SIERRA, AS BOTH ELITISTS ARE NOW BACK UP TO THEIR FEET, BUT IT’S REBECCA WHO ONCE AGAIN, CAPITALISES ON THE MOMENT AS SHE NAILS SIERRA WITH A RUNNING SHINING WIZARD!!! THE SHINING WIZARD NAILS SIERRA AND TAKES HER DOWN!!! REBECCA BLACKWELL WITH THE PIN!! SHE HOOKS THE LEG!! ANOTHER COVER!! ANOTHER COVER!!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TTTTTWWWW-

James Peters: AND SIERRA POWERS OUT ONCE AGAIN!! BOTH INDIVIDUALS AREN’T LOOKING TO LOSE THIS MATCH IN THE SLIGHTEST, AND IT’S AWESOME!! REBECCA BLACKWELL SCREAMS IN ANGER, AS THIS MATCH CONTINUES!! THE MATCH IS STILL GOING!! 

Rich Russillo: Rebecca Blackwell gets right back up to her feet, as the anger is clear on her face at this point. She picks Sierra right back up to her feet-

James Peters: BUT SIERRA SUDDENLY, AND LITERALLY FROM OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SUPERKICK THAT SENDS REBECCA BLACKWELL BACKWARDS, BARELY STANDING ON HER FEET, BUT SIERRA WASTES NO TIME TAKING THE ADVANTAGE, AS SHE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A TORNADO DDT!!! THE TORNADO DDT CONNECTS AND ABSOLUTELY NAILS REBECCA BLACKWELL!!! WHAT A MOVE BY SIERRA!!! SIERRA INTO THE COVER!! THE COVER BY SIERRA!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTTHHHHH-

Rich Russillo: BUT IT’S REBECCA BLACKWELL WITH THE KICK OUT!! THE KICK OUT BY REBECCA BLACKWELL!!! SIERRA JUST NAILED HER WITH THE TORNADO DDT (pause) BUT REBECCA WAS STILL ABLE TO STAY ALIVE!!! BOTH ELITISTS AREN’T WILLING TO LET THAT ONE GO, AND IT SHOWS!! 

James Peters: Sierra, looking completely frustrated and furious, picks Rebecca Blackwell back up, still trying to pick up that victory, no matter what- OH, WE KNOW WHAT’S COMING!! WE KNOW WHAT’S COMING!! SIERRA WITH A CHECKMA-

Rich Russillo: NO!! NO!! REBECCA COUNTERS!! REBECCA WITH THE COUNTER; SHE REVERSES!! SHE REVERSES IT AS SHE GETS SIERRA OFF HERSELF… ‘FROM LONDON, WITH LOVE!!!!!’ ‘FROM LONDON, WITH LOVE!!!!!!!’ THE SPINNING BACK FIST CONNECTS!!! THE SPINNING BACK FIST CONNECTS AND KNOCKS SIERRA THE FUCK ONTO THE GROUND!!! THIS MIGHT BE IT; REBECCA HOOKS THE LEG!! THE COVER ON SIERRA!!!!!!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE-

Persephone: 😔 😔 😔 

James Peters: SIERRA WITH THE SHOULDER UP!!!!! HOW THE HELL!!!? REBECCA BLACKWELL IS IN SHOCK RIGHT NOW, AND HONESTLY, SO AM I!!! THAT WAS THE SHOCKER HERE, BUT SHE WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO DO THAT!!! SIERRA WAS ABLE TO STAY ALIVE AND KEEP THIS MATCH GOING, AND REBECCA BLACKWELL IS IN A CLEAR SHOCK AT THE MOMENT!!!!!

Rebecca Blackwell: (off-mic) WHY DON’T JUST FUCKING DIE, YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT!? WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE!

Rich Russillo: REBECCA BLACKWELL JUST JUMPED ONTO THE TOP OF SIERRA AND STARTED NAILING THE FUCK OUT OF HER WITH THE FOREARMS STRAIGHT ONTO THE NOSE, AND IT’S CLEAR THAT SHE’S TAKING HER ANGER ON HER AT THE MOMENT, BUT HOWEVER, SIERRA THIS TIME FIGHTS BACK, AS SHE PUSHES REBECCA OFF HERSELF, AND NAILING HER WITH A **POWERFUL** FOREARM OF HER OWN!! BUT, REBECCA DOESN’T HOLD BACK, AS SHE RESPONDS WITH ONE OF HER OWN!! AND THE TWO WOMEN START TRADING STRIKES!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! SIERRA!! REBECCA!! REBECCA!! REBECCA!! RE-

James Peters: BUT, SIERRA DUCKS THIS TIME, AS SHE GOES RIGHT BEHIND REBECCA! REBECCA TURNS AROUND, ONLY FOR SIERRA TO TAKE HER DOWN WITH THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE!! THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO REBECCA BLACKWELL CONNECTS AND FORCES HER TO THE GROUND WITH AUTHORITY!!! 

Rich Russillo: SIERRA REBOUNDS, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES, AND WE KNOW WHAT’S COMING, WE KNOW WHAT WILL ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS…. ‘STUPID BITCH!!!!!!!!!’ ‘STUPID BITCH!!!!!!!!!!’ ‘STUPID BITCH!!!!!!!’ THE HANDSPRING MOONSAULT CONNECTS!!! THE HANDSPRING MOONSAULT!!! THIS MIGHT BE THE END!!! IT MIGHT ALL JUST END RIGHT HERE!! SIERRA HOOKS THE LEG, AND THE COVER!!!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTTTHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

…

Persephone: OH FUCK, STOP WITH THAT!!! STOP WITH THOSE DAMN KICK OUTS!!!! STOP FUCKING TARGETING ME!!! NOW HOW THE FUCK WAS SHE ABLE TO FUCKING KICK OUT!!!??

James Peters: AND THE MATCH IS STILL GOING!! REBECCA WAS JUST ABLE TO POP HER SHOULDER UP, AND SIERRA CANNOT BELIEVE IT AT ALL!! REBECCA JUST KICKED OUT, AND SHE’S SHOWING QUITE THE HEART AT THIS POINT!! SIERRA CANNON BELIEVE IT ANYMORE, BUT SHE HAS TO DO SOMETHING IN ORDER TO END ALL OF THIS!! SIERRA GETS RIGHT BACK UP TO HER FEET, AS SHE STARTS CLIMBING HER WAY UP TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, WHICH SHE REACHES, AS SHE WAITS FOR REBECCA TO GET RIGHT BACK UP TO HER FEET, AS SHE FINALLY DOES; SIERRA BALANCES HERSELF, AS SHE NAILS REBECCA WITH A DIVING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE-

Rich Russillo: ‘LIGHTS OUT!!!!’ ‘LIGHTS OUT!!!!!’ ‘LIGHTS OUT!!!!’ FROM ABSOLUTELY FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!!!! THE BULLHAMMER ELBOW STRIKE!! THE BULLHAMMER ELBOW STRIKE CONNECTS, AND PROBABLY KNOCKS SIERRA THE FUCK OUT FOR GOOD!!! REBECCA BLACKWELL HAS WON THIS!!! THIS IS IT!! SHE HOOKS BOTH LEGS!!! THE COVER!!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTTTTHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

… 

… 

…

James Peters: :krabs: WHAT THE FUCK!!!!? NOW HOW THE HELL WAS SIERRA ABLE TO FORCE HER SHOULDER UP IN LITERALLY THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT!!!? SIERRA STAYS ALIVE!!! SHE LITERALLY FUCKING KICKED OUT, AND SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY, THIS MATCH IS ACRUALLY STILL GOING!!!

Persephone: :mjcry: I fucking hate it here. 

Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY!

Rich Russillo: REBECCA BLACKWELL HAS HAD ENOUGH!!! SHE GETS RIGHT BACK UP TO HER FEET, AS THE FRUSTRATION IS CLEAR ON HER FACE, BEFORE STARTING TO CLIMB HER WAY UP TO THE TURNBUCKLE, AND SHE REACHES!! REBECCA BLACKWELL IS ON THE TOP ROPE!! SIERRA IS GROUND IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!!! THE ‘MACHO MADNESS’ DIVING ELBOW DROP… 

James Peters: CONNE- WAIT! SIERRA JUST GOT THE KNEES UP, AND THE RIBS OF REBECCA BLACKWELL JUST **CRUSHED** INTO THOSE KNEES!! SIERRA ROLLS ON REBECCA, LOCKING IN THE KOJI CLUTCH!!! ‘MARIPOSA DEATH’ IS LOCKED IN, AND REBECCA BLACKWELL CANNOT HANDLE IT ANYMORE!!! REBECCA GAVE IT HER ALL, BUT IT ALL ENDS HERE!! REBECCA TAPS!! REBECCA TAPS!! SHE TAPS OUT!! IT’S ALL OVER!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(‘Hey Superstar’ blasts through the speakers once again as the crowd gives Sierra a huge mixed reception. She gets helped up by the referee, who raises her hand in victory, acknowledging her as the winner.)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND ADVANCING TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT… SIEEEEEEEEERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Persephone: FINALLY!!! FINALLY THIS MATCH HAS ENDED!!! I CAN THANKFULLY TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO THINK ABOUT MY SEXY REXY NOW!!

James Peters: WHAT A MATCH THIS WAS, AND I ABSOLUTELY MEAN WHAT A DAMN MATCH!! SIERRA HAS DONE IT, AND SHE’S NOW IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT!!

Rich Russillo: While perhaps things weren’t going the best way for her ever since Season 15 started, this might mean that now we can say that the bad luck is over! Sierra, despite her shortcomings this season, comes out on top! She has won this, and she’s now in the second round of the tournament! Congratulations to Sierra!

(Rebecca Blackwell is seen laying on the ground, unconscious. Sierra looks down at Rebecca, and she just rolls out of the ring, before making her way to the back. From there, Voltage fades to black.)

(Voltage cuts to a commercial promoting Spider-Man No Way Home, starring Jake Smith’s favorite actor, Jake Gyllenhaal.)

(The camera transitions to the backstage area where we see Rebecca Blackwell after her match. We hear a familiar voice approaching) 

Mary S Atlas: Hey Rebecca, nice job out there. I’m really proud of you. 

(Rebecca, who is obviously disappointed about the outcome of her match earlier, looks up to Mary and flashes a smile to her) 

Rebecca Blackwell: Thanks Mary, I appreciate it. I gave it my all but it’s still frustrating that I couldn’t get the job done.

(Mary nods her head, knowing the feeling of frustration all too well. However she is looking forward to her match later on.)

Mary S Atlas: I myself am excited for my upcoming Empress of Elite match. I finally got another chance to shut that big mouth of Miku up. She might have been able to retain the Specialists Championship against me a few months ago, but this is a new year, and I’m ready to make a name for myself going forward. What better way than to knock out that overbearing loudmouth jerk right out of the Empress of Elite tournament. 

(Rebecca nods) 

Rebecca Blackwell: 2022 is the year that both of us take the next step in our singles careers. EAW won’t know what hit them. They thought that we were fierce competitors together? Well, they’re going to see what we’re capable of doing when we cover more ground on our own paths. 

(Mary tilts her head a bit, and gives Rebecca a look) 

Mary S Atlas: Wait… With the way you’re talking, I have to ask… Are we even still a team? 

(Rebecca lets out a laugh, and puts her hand on Mary’s shoulder)

Rebecca Blackwell: Mary as far as I’m concerned, we never broke up. Road to Redemption took us on separate paths, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have a future in the tag team division. I would love to square off against the Haircare Kings when we are ready, and the opportunity presents itself to us. I hope you see it the same way that I do; not trying to pressure you or anything. 

(Mary lets out a laugh of her own) 

Mary S Atlas: No, of course I agree. Winning the Unified Tag Team Championships with my best friend would be a dream come true! But before then we have to focus on Empress of Elite. More specifically for me, I have to focus on that midget Miku. 

Rebecca Blackwell: Yes good luck against the Gremlin. Just make sure you don’t splash any water on her. 

(Mary shakes her head and lets out a confused laugh) 

Mary S Atlas: Why is that? 

Rebecca Blackwell: Mary!! You’ve never watched Gremlins?? We HAVE to watch it. A little boy gets this cute little furry animal for Christmas, but when it gets wet, or gets fed after midnight it turns into a monster! 

Mary S Atlas: Rebecca! How dare you say such untrue things!  WE BOTH KNOW MIKU IS NEVER CUTE! SHE’S ALWAYS A LITTLE MONSTER!! 

Rebecca Blackwell: HAHAHA you’re not wrong! 

Mary S Atlas: It’s going to feel so good to have her new year start off in such a horrible fashion. I hope I break her spirit, and she just leaves. I think EAW would be much better off if she was just gone… 

Rebecca Blackwell: Well I think I speak for everyone around here when I say, we’re all rooting for you. 

Mary S Atlas: She’s lost all the momentum that she had when she was Specialists Champion; now is the time to strike. She might have beaten me before, but that was at a much different time. I’m sure she’s having doubts about her abilities now, as she should. No way she should ever have been Specialists Champion in the first place! Dr Bethany Blue was clearly the better competitor, and it’s sad that she had to lose it to someone so undeserving. 

Rebecca Blackwell: I know right? Now we have to hear about this all the time now. Miku Sakai never lets an accomplishment go unheard. She just keeps everything that she’s ever done over everyone’s head, whether she deserved what she got or not. And honestly, I don’t think she’s earned a damn thing she’s ever won here. Or anything in life for that matter… Why is she even famous? For being mean to people? I mean she’s not even that cute.. 

???: lies… 

(A voice can be heard in the distance, but it’s so faint the two barely take notice of it) 

Rebecca Blackwell: Uh.. Weird, I thought I heard something. Anyway, I can’t wait for you to knock that horrendous person down a few pegs. Once you knock her out of the tournament in the first round, I think she’s going to die of embarrassment.. So that’s good! 

Mary S Atlas: One could only hope. She just spends her time trying to think of ways to make everyone’s life a living hell. It’s just what she deserves at this point. 

(Suddenly the camera pans past the conversation and we see someone lurking in the shadows. It is the person of the voice heard before, but being well hidden the girls were unable to see him. But as soon as he comes into full view of the camera, it is certain, he is a simp) 

???:  I see… I can’t believe these jealous bitches, the AUDACITY! I gotta go tell the Queen! 

(In a flash the portly fellow that was listening into the conversation takes off, and while choking on his neck fat, zits popping under the pressure of his own folds, and his large breasts flopping in the air, he makes it to his home base.. Aka Miku’s locker room) 

Miku Sakai: Hello Gilbert, I assume you’re staining my floor with your disgusting sweat and odor for a reason? 

Gilbert: I *gasp* just *gasp* heard *gasp* 

Miku Sakai: FOR GOD’S SAKE TAKE A HUFF OF YOUR INHALER AND THEN TALK! 

(Gilbert nods, and fumbles for his inhaler, before taking a large breath of it. It gets him back to normal, and he can finally talk) 

Gilbert: I heard those disgusting shrews Mary and Rebecca talking. They said that you’re nothing but a disgusting gremlin, that they’re going to splash water on you, and get you out of EAW! And everyone will rejoice! I couldn’t believe what I heard! 

(Miku puts her hand to her chin and nods) 

Miku Sakai: Oh really? Anything else?

Gilbert: Those horrible HAGS! Said that you haven’t earned anything in your life, and they have no idea why you’re famous. I couldn’t believe my ears. You’ve worked harder than anyone in this place! In this entire WORLD! The lies! I couldn’t handle it! I wanted to commit horrible acts of violence against them, but I was able to keep myself in check. 

Miku Sakai: Very well, I appreciate your efforts. 

Gilbert: Are you proud of me Miku? Did I do a good job? 

Miku Sakai: Huh? Oh yeah sure.. Here, uh, have a penny for all your hard work. 

(Miku reaches into her pocket and gets a disgusting penny covered in lint, and sticky stuff, and tosses Gilbert the penny, and his eyes light up. He is revitalized and skips out of Miku’s locker room. As soon as he leaves Miku takes out her phone and begins to FaceTime someone, she puts AirPods in so the voice can’t be heard, and with the camera behind her. The screen can’t be seen) 

Miku Sakai: Get this! These motherfuckers Mary, and Rebecca were talking shit ABOUT ME!! Yeah. 

(Miku nods as the other person speaks)

Miku Sakai: I don’t know they said something about splashing me with water because they want to see my bare tits I guess. I don’t know, but those losers are clearly plotting something. 

(Another pause as the other person speaks) 

Miku Sakai: I know right?!! Sigh, it’s so hard to be so famous all the time. Everyone always wants something from me. It’s like, I have an OnlyFans, you don’t need to splash water on me to see my tits, just pay me money online. They’re so dumb!! It must be hard to be them though. How can be so dumb, AND bad at your job? Like what is the point of them even living anymore? The jealousy is off the charts.

(Another pause fills the air) 

Miku Sakai:  Why is my name always in their mouths? Because I’m the only thing interesting in their lives! They vicariously live through me! Whenever I hear about these bitches, they’re always talking about me! But I will NOT! Let them make a name off of me! They’ve tried multiple times, and every time they fail.. This time will be no different. 

(Miku laughs out loud at the response) 

Miku Sakai: HAHAHA! As if! I am not worried about anything these two motherfuckers have planned. It’s MaryBecca! Of course they want me out of the company, that way they could finally accomplish something here! If you get rid of all the talented people who are actually better than them, how could they not? But this isn’t a fairy tale, and I’m not going anywhere! These two are done for… 

(The conversation between Miku and the unknown accomplice continues as the camera fades to black) 

(The camera pans to Bella Braxton inside the ring, prepared to announce the next match.)

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A SINGLES MATCH AND IT IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL! 

(The crowd repeats; “ONE FALL!”)

Bella Braxton: AND IT IS A FIRST ROUND KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT MATCH! WHOEVER WINS THIS WILL ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT AND THE LOSER WILL BE OUT OF KING OF ELITE!

(‘The Only Thing They Fear Is YOU’ by Mick Gordon begins to sound throughout the arena as Ryan Wilson makes his way onto the stage.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST, WEIGHING IN AT 220 POUNNDSSS!! WRESTLING OUT OF MONTREAL QUEBEC, CANADAAAAAA!!! HE IS THE EAW NEW BREED CHAMPION, RYANNNNNNN ‘THE KING OF QUEBEC STRONG STYLEEEE’ WILSONNNNNNNNN!!!!

(The crowd primarily boos Ryan Wilson as he disregards their reaction and makes his way down the ramp.)

James Peters: Ryan Wilson of all people, knows the stakes that come with an opportunity like this. He had a few title opportunities in December, failing to take advantage of them and really having his eyes opened to the hardships that come with world title pursuits, but this is a different path. This is a tournament, where he can use all of his knowledge and slowly chip away at his goal of becoming a world champion. 

Rich Russillo: Absolutely and he’s got the tools to do it, he always feels like he’s on the verge of realizing his dreams and then falls short in the end. King of Elite could be what he needs to put the finishing touches on his skills as he enters the world title scene and becomes a Ryan Wilson we’ve never seen before. But first, he’ll need to worry about this match in front of him right here, and this familiar opponent, who Ryan knows is absolutely a real threat to him staying in this tournament. 

(‘High All The Time’ replaces the sound. Justin Windgate makes his way onto the stage with a look of sheer focus and tunnel vision on his face. He’s focused on the task at hand and is prepared to go to war with Ryan Wilson tonight to advance in this tournament.)

Bella Braxton: AND HIS OPPONENT! WRESTLING OUT OF DETROIT, MICHIGANNNNN!!! WEIGHIN IN AT 225 POOOUNNNDSSSS!!!! JUSTTTINNNNNN ‘THE EXTREME CLASSIC’ WINDGATTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! 

(The crowd cheers as Windgate fist-bumps his fans in the front row and makes his way down the ramp.)

Persephone: Good to know he cares about sanitation. Nasty little White rat.

James Peters: Anyways, we were talking about Ryan having the skills to win this tournament, but Windgate has that same ability and it seems as if we’re always on the precipice of a Justin Windgate world title win. He came close at Bloodsport, last year, to beating Drake King, in what was later voted the male match of the year for EAW. That goes to show you the kind of conviction Justin Windgate possesses and the lengths he’ll go to in order to get where he wants to be. 

Rich Russillo: And like we said, these two are very familiar foes. They’ve been opponents before and even faced off in the extreme elimination chamber just back in December at Road To Redemption. Both having lost that match, they know the stakes here are high and they won’t get another chance to become a champion before Pain For Pride, until the Grand Rampage match, which there’s no guarantee they’ll be in. They need to take a shot at the target now and they best not miss.

DING! DING! DING!

James Peters: Here we go! Justin Windgate and Ryan Wilson are live on Voltage in the first round of the 2022 King of Elite tournament! Justin Windgate out of the corner, Ryan Wilson circles as Windgate follows him, already trying to engage Wilson in an aggressive and frenetic start to this match! Justin backs Ryan up into the corner, now throwing a sharp jab, but Ryan evades it and now invites Justin Windgate into the center. Windgate locks horns with Ryan Wilson and the two muscle one another back with a collar and elbow tie-up. 

Rich Russillo: Ryan slips out of it, taking Windgate’s back and dragging him down to the mat. Ryan flips Windgate onto his back and now drops a furious elbow down onto the face of Windgate! Justin immediately covers up, Wilson throws another two elbows and these are vicious, my lord! The ground and pound from Ryan Wilson is hurting Justin Windgate badly right now, he needs to find a way back to his feet!

Persephone: He needs to find his way to unemployment, he’s already getting his face wiped into the canvas by one of EAW’s resident losers. 

Rich Russillo: Windgate manages to scramble into the turnbuckles, but his opponent is relentless! Ryan Wilson follows him there and digs a hook into the body of Windgate! Ryan is just trying to put any beating he can on Justin Windgate! Ryan now SLAMS a European uppercut off the chin of Justin and my God, that one snapped his head back! Wait! Justin Windgate trying to fire back now, popping Wilson in the nose with a jab! Ryan is mad and he storms back in after Windgate, Justin now eats another European uppercut! AND HE COMES BACK WITH AN ELBOW FROM HELL TO THE SKULL OF WILSON! A HELL-BOW FROM JUSTIN!

James Peters: That sharp elbow just sliced across the side of Ryan’s head and he stumbled backwards, clutching at his scalp! These two dogs are already getting after it!

(The crowd cheers as Justin Windgate invites Wilson towards and says “let’s go.”)

Persephone: These two *OLD* dogs, old dogs, James. This crowd is hot to see Justin Windgate beat a guy they’ve seen beaten like 500 plus times? Pathetic. 

James Peters: Justin marches towards Ryan, a new fire under him after Ryan brought out the aggression early tonight! Windgate towards Wilson, OHHHH, RYAN DROPS HIM WITH AN INVERTED ATOMIC DROP! Now taking a step back and smacking his boots off the Jaw of Justin with a dropkick! That one nearly felled Windgate, but he bounces off the rupes, still stumbling, AND CUTS RYAN IN HALF WITH A SPEAR! A DEVASTATING SPEAR FROM WINDGATE AS THE FANS STAND UP FOR THAT ONE! WINDGATE BROUGHT RYAN WILSON DOWN AND JUSTIN POPS BACK TO HIS FEET IN A FIT OF SHEER ADRENALINE!

Rich Russillo: Wilson tried to make this match a car crash, but Windgate prepares for head on collisions! He played the wrong game and he’s paying for it right now! Ryan Wilson is barely back up to his feet and he stumbles and falls his way into the turnbuckles, trying to find any little sanctum against the onslaught of Justin Windgate! Justin props Ryan up in the corner, making sure he’s on a stable base and slams a spinning backfist into the jaw of Ryan Wilson! I heard that one through my headset, NOW JUSTIN TURNS AROUND AND DELIVERS A CLOTHESLINE IN THE CORNER! POURING OFFENSE ONTO RYAN WILSON! 

James Peters: He’s rolling right now and this crowd is fully behind him! Justin positions Ryan on the top turnbuckle, oh boy, he’s looking to go from the top! Wilson fights out of this though, delivering some raw boots to the side of Justin’s face and head, pushing him back and managing to temporarily fight him off! Justin Windgate surges into the corner one more time, Wilson slips out onto the apron and Justin crashes into the- no! He caught himself, before going headfirst into the turnbuckles! Wilson on the outside, he delivers an enziguri over the top rope to Justin Windgate!

Rich Russillo: Windgate stumbles back, Wilson tries to get back in the ring- BUT JUSTIN BLASTS HIM WITH A KNEE AND WILSON IS FORCED BACK ONTO THE APRON! Ryan’s skull was shaken with that running knee from Windgate, Wilson now managing to stand back up, but he’s not safe! WINDGATE GRABS THE TOP ROPE, HE SLINGSHOTS HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE AND DRAGS WILSON OFF THE APRON, ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH A DDT TO THE OUTSIDE! THE ‘DTX’ LANDS IN FULL EFFECT AS WILSON’S HEAD BOUNCES OFF THE FLOOR AND THEY CRASH TO THE OUTSIDE!!

(The crowd erupts in cheers as both men are barely able to gather themselves.)

James Peters: Wilson is down and out, but Windgate still has fight left in him to give! He knows he has this familiar foe on the ropes, right now is the time to take advantage and advance in this King of Elite tournament! He drags Ryan’s body back to the apron and uses so much energy just trying to get him into the ring, but he does it and Justin laboredly rolls back in himself. Wilson is up to a knee and Windgate pulls him up, then back down with a snapmare that whips Ryan down to a seated position! NOW WINDGATE CHARGES FORWARD WITH A RUNNING KNEE TO THE FACE- 

Rich Russillo: Ryan,just barely ducks as Justin tumbles into the ropes on the other side of the ring, Ryan Wilson now clawing his way to the corner. WINDGATE COMES IN AFTER HIM, A SPEAR ON THE WAY- NO! WILSON SIDESTEPS AGAIN AND JUSTIN RUNS HIMSELF SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST! NOW WILSON GETS SOME STRENGTH BACK AND PUTS JUSTIN’S BACK AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLES! WILSON RUNS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING AND NOW DRIVES A HELLUVA KICK STRAIGHT INTO THE FACE OF WINDGATE! IT LANDED FLUSH!

James Peters: MY GOD, WHAT A TURNAROUND FROM WILSON AS HE COMPLETELY CHANGES THE MOMENTUM OF THIS MATCH TO BEING ON HIS SIDE! WINDGATE IS DAZED BACK AND WILSON NOW LIFTS HIM UP, DUMPING HIM WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! HE THROWS JUSTIN ON HIS HEAD AND WINDGATE IS IN DEEP TROUBLE! WILSON NOW SCOOPS HIS BODY OFF THE CANVAS ONE MORE TIME AND THROWS HIM INTO THE AIR, SPINNING JUSTIN AROUND AND SLAMMING HIM DOWN WITH A THUNDEROUS ‘LA BOMBE BLEU’!!! THAT BLUE THUNDER BOMB PUTS JUSTIN WINDGATE DOWN AND RYAN WILSON DESPERATELY COVERS HIM, HOOKING BOTH LEGS! 

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! WINDGATE POWERS OUT WITH NO SECONDS LEFT, RIGHT IN THE DYING SECOND HE STAYED ALIVE! CRITICAL KICKOUT FOR WINDGATE AS WILSON BASHES HIS HANDS AGAINST THE CANVAS AND RUNS HIS HANDS THROUGH HIS HAIR!

(The crowd explodes for this match as they begin to chant; “FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER!”)

Persephone: PLEASE…DON’T! I CAN TELL YOU ALL RIGHT NOW, NEITHER OF THESE TWO IS WINNING KING OF ELITE! WHY WOULD YOU WANT THEM TO WIN RIGHT NOW?!

James Peters: I THINK THEY HAVE AS MUCH CHANCE AS ANYBODY ELSE BECAUSE CLEARLY, THEY BOTH HAVE MORE WARRIOR SPIRIT THAN MOST! 

Rich Russillo: Ryan Wilson was pleading with the referee that it was a 3 count, but Windgate kicked out in the very last slot he could’ve and the match continues!

James Peters: BUT FOR HOW LONG?! WILSON GETTING BACK TO HIS FEET AND CALLING FOR THE ‘IMPACT’! THAT SMALL PACKAGE DRIVER WILL SURELY FINISH THIS MATCH FOR JUSTIN WINDGATE AND VAULT WILSON TO THE NEXT ROUND! HE LIFTS WINDGATE UP AND HOOKS HIS ARMS- 

Rich Russillo: WINDGATE TWISTS OUT OF THIS AND FIRES BACK WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT OF HIS OWN! STUNNING RYAN AND NOW HURTING HIM AGAIN, BUT WITH A BACK ELBOW THAT MIGHT’VE TAKEN SOME OF RYAN’S TEETH! HE’S WOBBLING AND WINDGATE GRABS HIM BY THE NECK, RUNS TOWARDS THE TURNBUCKLES- HE SOARS INTO THE AIR AND FLIPS OVER RYAN WILSON WITH ‘RUN IT UP’ AS HE DRIVES WILSON’S HEAD INTO THE GROUND AND PUTS HIM DOWN FOR PERHAPS THE FINAL CALL!

James Peters: WINDGATE KNOWS HE NEEDS TO DO MORE! IF HE’S GONNA FINISH THIS MATCH, HE NEEDS AN EMPHATIC FINISH AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE’S GOING FOR! HEADING TO THE TOP ROPE, QUICKLY CLIMBING THE TURNBUCKLES, GRABBING HIS BODY AND WINCING IN PAIN, BUT HE STILL MAKES HIS WAY TO THE TOP AND NOW LOOKS OUT OVER THE THE CROWD! WINDGATE ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD! JUSTIN WINDGATE FLIES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH AN ‘X-FACTOR’!!!-

Rich Russillo: IT LANDS LANDS CLEAN AS RYAN WILSON DOUBLES OVER IN PAIN! JUSTIN WINDGATE GRABS HIS OWN RIBS, BUT MANAGES TO QUICKLY COVER RYAN WILSON AS THE CROWD HOLDS ITS BREATH IN ANTICIPATION! THIS IS IT! 

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

James Peters: KICKOUT! WILSON KICKS OUT!

(The crowd goes absolutely bananas and a gasp of shock runs throughout the arena as the match continues.)

Rich Russillo: HOW?!?!?

Persephone: WHY?!? ALL THIS JUST TO PROBABLY LOSE  THIS MATCH IN THE NEXT 2 MINUTES AWAY, JUST GIVE IT UP!

James Peters: NEITHER MAN KNOWS HOW TO! RYAN WILSON IS IN A WORLD OF PAIN, BUT JUSTIN WINDGATE IS LOST! HE THOUGHT HE HAD THIS MATCH WON, HE THOUGHT HE FINALLY TRAPPED RYAN WILSON IN HIS BOX, BUT SOMEHOW, HE PERSEVERES ONWARD! WHAT A CONTEST BETWEEN THESE TWO KING OF ELITE COMPETITORS, WHO KNOW JUST HOW MUCH THIS OPPORTUNITY COULD MEAN FOR THEM!

Rich Russillo: LOOK AT WINDGATE! GETTING UP TO HIS FEET AND BRINGING RYAN UP TOO, HE’S GOT THE FINISH LINE IN SIGHT STILL! BOOM! A HEADBUTT OUT OF NOWHERE FROM WILSON, FORCING WINDGATE TO REASSESS AND DROP WILSON BACK DOWN TO A KNEE! NOW STEPPING TOWARDS RYAN AGAIN- BANG! A SUPERKICK FROM RYAN WILSON! NOW HE LIFTS A KNEE TO THE JAW OF WINDGATE, THEN FOLLOWING WITH A DISCUS LARIAT THAT FLOORS WINDGATE! THE ‘FOUR HIT COMBO’ NEEDS ONE MORE MOVE TO COMPLETE IT! HE LIFTS JUSTIN UP, HOISTING HIM INTO THE AIR FOR A SUPLEX-

James Peters: JUSTIN WITH A KNEE TO THE SKULL OF RYAN! RYAN WILSON FORCED TO DROP JUSTIN WINDGATE AND WINDGATE IS AROUND BACK NOW! HE TRIPS WILSON DOWN WITH A SIDE RUSSIAN LEG-SWEEP! HE TAKES WILSON DOWN AND NOW HE LOCKS IN THE ‘NO X-SCAPE’!!!! WILSON QUICKLY SCRAMBLES TOWARDS THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT WINDGATE STILL HAS IT LOCKED IN! WILSON TRYING TO EXTEND HIS ARM OUT AND GRAB THE ROPE-

Rich Russillo: WILSON DID A GOOD JOB OF GETTING TO THAT ROPE EARLY, BUT WINDGATE RELEASES THE HOLD AND DRAGS HIM RIGHT BACK INTO THE MIDDLE! NOW WINDGATE DROPS DOWN AND LOCKS IN THE ‘NO X-SCAPE’ ONE MORE TIME! THIS TIME THERE TRULY IS NO ESCAPE! WILSON IS IN A HORRIBLE POSITION! HE’S FIGHTING, BUT WINDGATE ISN’T LETTING GO! NOT LETTING WILSON CRAWL TO THE ROPES THIS TIME! WILSON FLAILING HIS ARMS AND KICKING THE CANVAS, BUT WINDGATE IS WRENCHING AWAY AT HIS NECK AND SHOULDER!

James Peters: HE’S GOING TO TAP! WILSON IS DOWN AND HE’S NOWHERE NEAR THE ROPES! HIS HAND IS IN THE AIR- WHAT THE HELL?!? HE DIGS HIS FINGERS INTO THE EYES OF WINDGATE AND JUSTIN WHIPS AWAY FROM WiLSON! HE RELEASES THE HOLD AND CRAWLS ACROSS THE RING AS HIS EYES ARE IN HORRIFIC PAIN! WILSON BLATANTLY CHEATING!

Rich Russillo: HE DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO! THE REFEREE GIVING A WARNING TO WILSON THAT IF HE DOES IT AGAIN, HE’LL BE DISQUALIFIED! THERE’S A REASON RYAN WILSON IS ONE OF THE MOST CUNNING AND CLEVER WRESTLERS WE HAVE HERE IN EAW! 

Persephone: IF HE’S SO SMART, THEN FINISH THE MATCH! HE’S GOT JUSTIN WINDGATE STUNNED AND HE CAN’T SEE! RYAN SHOULD EMPTY THE GAS TANK NOW!

James Peters: I THINK HE’S GOING TO! RYAN LIKE A THUNDERBOLT TOWARDS WINDGATE! BANG! HE GETS NAILED BY A SUPERKICK FROM WINDGATE! A STILL WOOZY AND HALF-BLINDED WINDGATE WITH A BEAUTY OF A SUPERKICK! RYAN WILSON IS NOW THE ONE ON UNCERTAIN LEGS AS JUSTIN WINDGATE TRIES TO PULL HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS AGAIN!

Rich Russillo: NO! WILSON FIGHTS HIS WAY OFF WINDGATE AND DRIVES A NASTY FOREARM INTO THE JAW OF JUSTIN! JUSTIN WINDGATE HITS THE ROPES, STUMBLING FORWARD BLINDLY INTO A FEROCIOUS RYAN WILSON SUPERMAN PUNCH! THAT ONE PUT JUSTIN WINDGATE DOWN AND OUT, HIS BODY HIT THE CANVAS IN A HEAP AND HE’S GOTTA BE DONE! WILSON DROPS DOWN FOR THE COVER AND KEEPS THE SHOULDERS OF WINDGATE PINNED TO THE MAT! WILSON FOR THE WIN AND TO STAY IN THIS KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

…

Rich Russillo: WAIT- WINDGATE’S FOOT IS ON THE MIDDLE ROPE! HE GOT THE FOOT ON THE ROPE! BUT THE REFEREE IS STILL COUNTING- WAIT!

…

THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

(‘The Only Thing They Fear Is YOU’ by Mick Gordon begins to play as the crowd boos heavily and Wilson rolls off the body of Windgate.)

James Peters: NOT LIKE THIS JUSTIN WINDGATE IS BOUNCED OUT OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT BY RYAN WILSON, BUT HIS FOOT WAS ON THE ROPES! THIS MATCH SHOULD HAVE CONTINUED, BUT THE REFEREE DIDN’T CATCH IT! COME ON, REF!

(The crowd boos as the referee holds Ryan Wilson’s hand up and Wilson runs his hands through his scruffy beard.)

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, HERE IS YOUR WINNER, ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT! RYANNNNNNNNN ‘LE ROI DU STRONG STYLE QUEBECOIS’ WILSOOOONNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

(The crowd boos even more as Wilson rolls out of the ring and Windgate begins to come to and realize what’s happened.)

James Peters: Justin Windgate is pleading with the referee to reverse the decision! He realizes his foot was on the rope and the match was called, the match should’ve kept going! Justin Windgate is now out of King of Elite and he can’t accept it! He shouldn’t! That’s faulty refereeing!

Persephone: Thank god the referee is a moron, spared us any more time of having to watch these two old farts rehash the past for a millionth time. 

Rich Russillo: I’m not saying it’s right, but the decision does stand and it will be Ryan Wilson who advances to Voltage’s King of Elite semi-finals. Perhaps this is Ryan’s path to the treasure that’s eluded him thus far in EAW! This could be his path to true greatness in his career!

(Justin Windgate exclaims his case to the referee, but the decision will stand and Ryan Wilson makes his way up the stage. Windgate stands at the ropes and shouts at Ryan Wilson, but Wilson smiles, turns, and makes his way through the curtain as the shot fades elsewhere.)

(The camera cuts to a commercial promoting Whole Lotta Red following the one year anniversary of the greatest Christmas album ever.)

(Sunday Night Voltage comes back from commercial break to show the backstage area of the PPG Paints Arena, more specifically, the locker room area where two familiar Elitists are seen getting ready. The crowd pops in a mix of cheers and boos as the camera shows Chris Elite and Jake Smith, better known as the Unified Tag Team Champions, The Haircare Kings, are seen. Chris is, of course, getting ready for his match against Jay Jerry Johnson while Jake is doing the same for his match against Donovan Duke, both round one matches in the King of Elite tournament. After a moment, Jake fixes his gaze on the camera before speaking.)

Jake Smith: Well, it’s happened hasn’t it? Finally, The Haircare King’s journey culminates with the two of us finally walking out as the Unified Tag Team Championships. I’ll admit, I think this was a long time coming for the two of us. While I spent half my rookie year trying to win these exact Championships, just a year ago I took the opportunity for Chris to win these Championships alongside Malcolm Jones. I know, that’s not really a shining moment in my career knowing how both our paths panned out. But despite that, we managed to push through and bring ourselves to a point that we’ve been working our asses off to get to. It’s absolutely surreal if you ask me and sometimes I just can’t believe it myself, because the fact of the matter is, it really has been that long and our journey makes it all the more evident as to why that’s the case. 

Chris Elite: Before we get into this, I just wanna say one cough and I promise we’ll have no crowds again… Seriously though this feels good. It’s been a while since I’ve had a belt around my waist. Many errors, many setbacks but here we are standing in front of you guys as the new tag team champions. It wasn’t an easy road though like I said before we even got these titles. I’ve been through a lot, I’ve been blown up, jumped and just a week before we won Drake tried to make it his personal mission that me or Jake didn’t even get to Australia. Doctors told me I wasn’t going to compete in Australia, that it would be impossible due to my leg and I told them I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. I told Harlow and Xavier that it wouldn’t stop me and the only way I wasn’t going to leave Australia without the tag team championships unless they killed me and guess what Pittsburg? They didn’t do it and here we are The Haircare Kings, standing in front of you as the new champions. Probably the most unlikely duo anyone has expected in a long time even for me. I mean if I’m being honest, everyone knows Jake and I didn’t get along before this. We’ve had our differences, I mean he was the reason I missed out on the opportunity to become tag team champions with Malcolm. After him and the rest of his oompa loompa friends took me out for almost a month. 

Jake Smith: It’s been one rocky path to get here, not just for me, but I’m sure that Chris can say the same for himself as well. Both of us have had years between our last Championship reign and this one and to say that we weren’t starving in between that would be lying. I was just as desperate to win a Championship as anyone else and I was at the point where I was willing to do anything to get it. Especially looking back now to see how my PURE Championship panned out, yeah, I don’t have many fond memories with that one to say the very least. I was looking to redeem myself and it seems like every single chance I got to do so I always ended up further than where I came from. Each and every month was another loss added to the tally and I couldn’t find myself getting anywhere near the goal that I set for myself, it made me sick. It was eating me alive until the only thing that was keeping me afloat in this company were my delusions of grandeur. 

Chris Elite: Exactly set back after set back me nor Jake could afford another one nor did we want another one. So instead of sulking and looking for sympathy we pushed forward through injuries and all and we got the job done. We overcame the odds stacked against us not only due to our injuries but our past in these type of matches and we proved everyone wrong. Like I said it’s been a long time since I’ve held any type of title so I promise I won’t take this for granted, we will make this division something to be proud of again. We want smoke from whoever and whenever we’re not backing down from any challenge. The Haircare Kings wasn’t the team EAW wanted but the team it needed two hungry Elitists who had the same goal on our minds since before we came together in bad circumstances. The differences were painted over with the same goal we both had to prove YOU guys wrong to prove those guys backstage wrong you heard what Xavier said. He said we’d leave Australia feeling worthless now look he’s nowhere in sight. Nonetheless though we did what we wanted and said we would.

Jake Smith: None of you have been through what we’ve been through, and those few people that claim to have will understand how horrible it is. Walking into every opportunity with a fresh mindset only to end up in every single fucking scenario, defeated. Do you know how bad that is? Trying to make yourself believe that you’re going to win a Championship but the truth being further from the case each and every time. It’s sickening, it’s tiring, and I’m glad that neither of us will have to go through that type of pain anymore. I’m glad the beliefs about us that we weren’t up to snuff or won’t be able to do it are now completely non-existent, because believe me, there were a lot of doubters running around thinking that we just weren’t capable of reaching the aspirations that we were aiming for. I mean, c’mon now, how many times have you heard people question why Chris is in the Hall of Fame? 

Chris Elite: And even if they have been through what we have they don’t have the HEART to keep going! The same guys who run that insult into the ground like they do every other one when it comes to me don’t have the fight to keep pushing like we have. They would’ve gave up on their dreams long ago after the second set back actually but were the prime example of patience is virtue. Keep fighting and you’ll get where you need to be and despite peoples thoughts on me I’ve been an example of that for years and that’s part of another reason I’m in the Hall of Fame. I should be a motivation to many of you, scratch that WE should be a motivation for everyone instead people try to shit on us and piss on our name and now look. Tag team champions and one of us is taking that crown home at King of Elite.

Jake Smith: We’ve gone too far, way too far, to give up now. I’ll tell you right now that winning these Unified Tag Team Championships is something that doesn’t come everyday, especially for the two of us. So that means it’s going to take a lot to take it away from us, which we will personally make sure does not happen whatsoever. To anyone else these might just be regular Championships, but to us? These are the world and you better be ready to get the best of the best in this fucking tag division to step up because we will show why we deserve these and that we are the best thing that ever could’ve happened to these Championships. And you know what? I don’t think there would be a better statement than one of us winning the King of Elite tournament. 

Chris Elite: Jake is one hundred percent right. These tag titles make us feel like world champions and we’re gonna carry ourselves as such. What I said earlier wasn’t a lie, we are open to any challenge as champions so if super couples wanna come together they’re more than welcome. If old tag teams wanna rise from the dead? They’re more than welcome if NEW teams wanna form and try their hand then guess what? They are more than welcome! If what happened at Australia wasn’t enough for you to take us or earn some respect then so be it but by the summer and probably even past that I promise this will be a Hall of Fame tag team. Laugh at this now, but you’ll be revisiting the past when it’s used for our speech. Now if you excuse me I have a first round match to breeze by. 

(Chris scoops his Championship off the ground before beginning to make his way out of the locker room, with his match coming up soon in the first round of the King of Elite tournament. Jake simply looks at his Championship around his shoulder with a smirk before continuing to get ready for his match later in the night in the main event against Donovan Duke. It’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage then begins to fade out to elsewhere.)

(Sunday Night Voltage fades to ringside to show Bella Braxton standing at the center of the ring. She has an EAW-branded microphone in her hand which she brings up with a smile on her face, ready to announce the next match on hand!)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a FIRST ROUND MATCH IN THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!!! And it is a contest scheduled for…

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

(‘POA’ by Future begins to play up afterward with the crowd launching into deafening boos upon seeing Jay Jerry Johnson arrogantly strut out to the stage. He has a nonchalant look on his face while he ignores the crowd that clearly despises the Voltage native. He shrugs his shoulders before spreading his arms out for everyone to see, before looking towards the ring with a scowl and beginning his descent down the ramp from there.)

Stephie Love: Introducing first… from Chicago, Illinois… weighing in at 198 pounds… ‘THE CHARISMATIC ARTIST’… JAY JERRY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Well we know what happened when it came to Jay Jerry Johnson. At Road To Redemption he was fighting for the New Breed Championship against Jon Kelton, where he ultimately came up short in a moment that should’ve made him very unhappy.

James Peters: But nonetheless, he swore to walk into 2022 anew and here he is, facing another Champion and more than ready to set his sights on the King of Elite tournament. Will his aspirations come to fruition tonight?

Persephone: I don’t think I really need to say much, absolutely not.

(‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke begins to blast through the speakers of the arena to a mixed reaction resonating from the crowd upon the camera showing Chris Elite making his way out to the stage. He has a grin on his face while he looks to his side to see his half of the Unified Tag Team Championships on his shoulder. He then looks towards the ring, his face turning cold while he begins to make his way down the ramp and to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent… from Brooklyn, New York… weighing in at 210 pounds… he is ONE-HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!! ‘GAWD GIVEN GREATNESS’… CHRIS ELITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: And we all know the story of Chris Elite from the past few weeks, and it’s like a prophecy fulfilled for him. Just a few weeks ago coming off of a disappointing loss in the Extreme Elimination Chamber, Chris turned it around alongside his partner Jake Smith to win the Unified Tag Team Championships at An Aussie Summer Christmas Spectacular!

James Peters: It was a great moment indeed, and now Chris moves onto 2022 with a fresh mind and a will to push forward, especially when it comes to the King of Elite tournament. If I’m one thing I’m sure he’d absolutely love, it’s walking into 2022 as one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions and a King of Elite winner. 

Persephone: Yeah, I’m sure we’re so happy that Chris Elite finally won a Championship after four whole years that wasn’t even a singles Championship. Not only that, NOW we’re supposed to believe that he has a chance to win the entire King of Elite tournament? Give me a fucking break, two weeks ago was only a instance of giving a dog a bone.

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: Here we go, we are officially underway with a first round matchup in the King of Elite tournament! Both competitors have something to prove tonight, with Chris beginning to make his way out of his corner more energized than ever especially after-

James Peters: BUT HE’S NOT GOING TO GET A CHANCE TO START THIS MATCH, WITH JAY SPRINTING FORWARD AND KNOCKING HIM BACK INTO HIS CORNER WITH A FOREARM SMASH! Chris obviously didn’t see that coming with Jay already unloading on him with a barrage of stomps towards his abdomen trying to weaken him before this match can even fully begin! It’s clear that this is a huge opportunity for Jay and a great way to rebound from Road To Redemption, and he’s going to take what he can get and not let go of the gas pedal!

Persephone: Oh please, as much as I hate the dude along with everyone else in this company, it’s Chris Elite. Even though he’s garbage and has abysmal wrestling skill, it’s enough to achieve that bare minimum standard that Jay can’t, so let’s get real here 😐.

Rich Russillo: Chris is absorbing as many of the hits as he can, before Jay grabs him by his head and throws him downward towards the center of the ring! Chris manages to slide down to a knee, focusing his attention back on Jay, BEFORE HE’S MET WITH A KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE! NO! Chris manages to push his knee out of the way just in time making Jay lose his balance! Right now ‘Gawd Given Greatness’ knows that he doesn’t have much time to capitalize, seeing as though Jay is stumbling up to his feet, BUT THAT DOESN’T STOP CHRIS FROM WRAPPING HIS ARMS AROUND JAY FROM BEHIND AND LIFTING HIM UP OFF THE GROUND BEFORE DROPPING HIM DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD WITH A SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! 

James Peters: Chris is not having it right now and he knows damn well that this is not the impression that he wants to have on the EAW Universe heading into 2022 especially being one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions. Chris looks to get his hands on Jay, but in an instant Jay rolls out of the ring knowing exactly the situation that he’s in right now! Chris looks annoyed, BEFORE RUNNING FORWARD AND LEAPING OVER THE TOP ROPE DROPPING JAY DOWN TO THE GROUND WITH A TOPE CON HILO!

Persephone: Certified Idiot Boy didn’t pay attention and that cost him and you can tell that’s not going to fare well especially with how pissed off Chris tries to make himself look. Chris is stomping down trying to loosen him up, BEFORE GRABBING PICKING HIM UP LIKE A LIMP NOODLE AND RAMMING HIM AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE APRON! Damn, Chris picked him up like he was nothing Jay must weigh as much as a small little girl. 

Rich Russillo: Jay is in immense pain right now, but you can see his efforts to fight back while he attempts to rain down fist after fist downward onto Chris, but it looks like he’s unwavering in his assault! Chris keeping a hold of Jay while he backs up, BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP INTO THE AIR AND LOOKING TO DROP HIM INTO A SKATE EYES ONTO THE BARRICADE! But before that can happen it’s Jay that manages to show signs of life slamming elbow after elbow into the abdomen of Chris! Chris is forced to let go while Jay takes a moment to breathe, BEFORE CUTTING CHRIS IN HALF WITH A SPEAR!

James Peters: Jay grabbing Chris and rolling him back into the ring, before he jumps up onto the apron and begins to make his way up to the top rope! I don’t think Chris really knows where he is right now while Jay attempts to keep his balance and set him up, LEAPING INTO THE AIR AND GOING FOR A DIVING CLOTHESLINE! But it’s Chris that manages to side-step that just in time as Jay faceplants onto the canvas. Jay scrambling up to his feet while Chris runs to the ropes and back…

Rich Russillo: BEFORE SENDING JAY FLYING WITH THE ‘ALMIGHTY PUSH!’ THE POUNCE SENDS HIM DOWN WHILE CHRIS DROPS DOWN AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR AN EARLY THREE COUNT!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!!

Persephone: But unfortunately, Jay kicks out and makes this match harder than it needs to be for us and himself :francis:. 

Rich Russillo: Chris is getting right back up to his feet, knowing that he doesn’t have much time running to the ropes and back, BEFORE LEAPING INTO THE AIR AND DROPPING DOWN ONTO JAY WITH A STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Chris’ hard hitting agility is really paying off for him right now, while he looks to keep the momentum grabbing him by his head and sending him into an Irish whip, CHRIS LEAPING INTO THE AIR AND GOING FOR A DROPKICK TO THE CHEST OF JAY!

James Peters: But thankfully for him Jay manages to push the legs away forcing Chris to fall flat on his stomach! Jay is wasting zero time now, LEAPING INTO THE AIR AND DRIVING HIS KNEE DOWN ONTO HIS SPINE TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPION IS GROUNDED! Jay isn’t done though as while Chris is slowly trying to crawl upward and find a way to recover, JAY RUNS TO THE ROPES AND BACK BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A LOW DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD DROPPING HIM BACK DOWN FOR GOOD MEASURE!

Rich Russillo: Jay is definitely bringing the fight to Chris right now and giving it his all but the question I have to ask is how much is it going to take?

Persephone: More than he can muster out of his malnourished body, imagine losing to fucking Jon Kelton of all people bro. Jay looks like he’s enjoying himself more than he should, which is odd but we all have our kinks. He’s bringing Chris up to his feet, before nailing him with possibly the weakest strikes I’ve ever seen considering he could’ve just did a move. 

Rich Russillo: But it’s certainly having its effects on Chris right now with him trying to block as many as he can, before he gets sick of it and pushes through the assault and drives a knee towards the abdomen of Jay! You can see the fatigue on his face as it’s apparent that Jay has done a toll on him, BEFORE RUNNING TO THE ROPES AND BACK BEFORE USING THE MOMENTUM TO ATTEMPT A BIG BOOT TOWARDS HIS FACE! But Jay manages to duck under that and grab ahold of Chris, BEFORE GOING FOR AN INVERTED DDT AS A COUNTER TO TAKE CHRIS DOWN!

James Peters: But Chris manages to bring his leg upward and send a knee towards his head to force Jay to let go! Jay stumbles back against the ropes, RUNNING TOWARDS CHRIS LOOKING TO GO FOR A CLOTHESLINE TO REBOUND! But Chris manages to duck under it and throw Jay towards the ropes, BEFORE HE STEPS FORWARD AND CONNECTS WITH A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO HIS HEAD! Jay then doubles over barely managing to keep himself upward, BEFORE CHRIS BRINGS HIS LEG UP AND SMASHES IT DOWN ONTO THE BACK OF JAY’S HEAD WITH ‘DREAMING!’ THE AXE KICK DROPS HIM DOWN! 

Persephone: Chris holding hands with Jay which is real kewt and all but this is a wrestling match. Chris runs Jay up the turnbuckle while Jay looks at him the entire time and does absolutely nothing to counter, TAKING ‘THE REPULSIVE ARTIST’ DOWN WITH AN ‘ELITE CUTTER!’

Rich Russillo: WAIT BEFORE THAT CAN HAPPEN JAY SWEEPS FROM UNDER CHRIS AND FORCES HIM TO TUMBLE DOWN TO THE CANVAS OFF THE TOP ROPE! That was a hard fall by Chris and Jay looks to make sure that it wasn’t for nothing, Jay keeping ahold of his arm before pulling him up to his feet, PULLING HIM INTO ‘PRETTY VISITOR!’ THE CUTTER PLANTS ONE-HALF OF THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS DOWN TO THE GROUND WHILE JAY QUICKLY ROLLS HIM OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG, GOING FOR A PIN ATTEMPT! CAN JAY JERRY JOHNSON ADVANCE TO ROUND TWO RIGHT HERE?!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!!

TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR-

James Peters: BUT CHRIS MANAGES TO GET THE SHOULDER UP JUST IN TIME! THIS MATCH CONTINUES AND THE LOOK ON JAY’S FACE TELLS ALL! 

Persephone: I don’t know why he’s so shocked :francis:.

Rich Russillo: Well regardless, Jay is back up and accepting the fact that he needs to do more to take down the Hall of Famer for good. Jay grabs Chris by his head and begins to bring him back up to his feet, but before he can do anything it’s Chris that begins to send repeated shots towards his abdomen to create some distance between the two so Chris can recover! BUT CHRIS IS STRUCK WITH AN AXE HANDLE BY JAY WHICH TAKES HIM BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND! Jay scooping him up once more, BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP OFF THE GROUND AND TAKING CHRIS BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Jay simply refuses to give an inch right now! 

James Peters: But how long before Chris gets back into the swing of things and turns the tables on him, I don’t think that’s a reality that Jay really wants to envision right now Jay grabbing him and beginning to drag him up to his feet, before sending him into an Irish whip towards the corner! But wait, before that can happen Chris barely manages to drop his weight and hold his ground before he can be sent running! Jay is trying his best to pull him but it’s not looking good for him, before Chris grabs him by his head and sends a knee to his abdomen! Chris uses an Irish whip of his own to send him towards the corner, BEFORE RUNNING TOWARDS JAY AND SENDING A SHOULDER THRUST INTO HIS ABDOMEN! 

Persephone: Jay looks like he’s about to hurl, WHILE CHRIS GOES FOR ANOTHER MOVE WITH AN ENZUIGIRI TO THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD! :yikes: Things are not looking good for him, if I was him, I’d embrace his cowardice and give up because let’s be honest, he is absolutely NOT winning.

Rich Russillo: Well let’s not count him out just yet it’s clear that he has some fight left in him. Jay sliding down to a seated position, clutching onto his head trying to shake it off, BUT CHRIS IS GOING FOR ‘HAWK EM’!’ THE RUNNING DOUBLE KNEES TO THE HEAD OF JAY! But before that can happen Jay manages to move out of the way leaving Chris to collide with the turnbuckle padding! Chris stumbles back, BUT IT’S JAY THAT GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP AND DROPPING HIM DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD WITH A BIG BACK SUPLEX! 

James Peters: Chris bouncing off the canvas but he’s trying his best to get himself back up, BUT BEFORE HE CAN DO ANYTHING JAY STEPS FORWARD AND CONNECTS WITH A BRUTAL FOREARM SMASH TO KEEP HIM DOWN ON THE MAT! Chris stumbling up obviously not completely down just yet, BUT IT’S JAY THAT STEPS FORWARD AND CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER FOREARM SMASH TO DROP HIM! Chris is getting back up once again, WHILE JAY GOES FOR THE TRIFECTA FOREARM SMASH!

Persephone: But thankfully Chris rubs his last two brain cells together and manages to duck under it, BEFORE SENDING A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO HIS FACE TO KNOCK HIM DOWN TO THE GROUND! Jay is dropped down to the canvas before Chris runs to the ropes and back, LEAPING UP A GOOD TWO INCHES, because he’s short hee hee, AND DROPS DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD WITH A KNEE DROP!

Rich Russillo: But Jay manages to roll out of the way just in time, leaving Chris to crash and burn upon impact! Chris tries to help himself up to a knee, BUT IT’S JAY THAT STEPS FORWARD AND GOES FOR A SUPERKICK TOWARDS HIS HEAD! NO! Chris manages to duck under that before grabbing a hold of Jay from behind in a ripcord position, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH ‘OPEN YA MATA!’ THE JUMPING KNEE STRIKE COMPLETELY LEVELS JAY AND DROPS HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! CHRIS DROPPING DOWN AND PINNING JAY’S SHOULDERS DOWN TO THE MAT, WASTING ZERO TIME WHILE THE REFEREE SLIDES DOWN FOR THE COUNT! 

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEE-

James Peters: BUT JAY MANAGES TO KICK OUT! BOTH OF THESE COMPETITORS ARE REFUSING TO GIVE IN AND ARE MAKING IT EVIDENT THAT THEY ARE ADAMANT ON ADVANCING IN THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT! 

Persephone: Ugh, alright I tried my best to be active and commentate this match. But to be honest, this is actually very boring and I’ve been trying to convince myself otherwise. Voltage, the brand that always tries to let me down every single chance that it gets. 

Rich Russillo: Jay is clutching at his nose now, and look at that bloody mess that is beginning to pour out, this wouldn’t be Voltage if we didn’t have a little bit of blood as well. Both of them are beginning to rise, meeting each other on their feet and oh boy are they looking for one hell of a brawl right now. Chris kicks it off with a stiff elbow to his nose trying to get him back and hurt him even more, but Jay steps up and connects with an elbow of his own, and here we go! Chris! Jay! Chris! Jay! Chris! Jay! Chris! Jay! Chris! 

James Peters: But Jay has had enough sending a knee strike to his abdomen! Chris is hurt while Jay repeatedly sends forearm shots towards his face, forcing him down onto a knee unknowing of what’s to come. BUT IT’S JAY THAT RUNS TO THE ROPES AND BACK BEFORE GOING FOR A PENALTY KICK TOWARDS HIS FACE! BUT IT’S CHRIS THAT RUNS FORWARD AND LAUNCHES INTO THE AIR BEFORE TAKING HIM DOWN WITH A SLING BLADE BEFORE JAY CAN DO ANYTHING! Chris isn’t done though, running to the ropes and back, AND CONNECTING WITH A FRONT FLIP SENTON FOR GOOD MEASURE TAKING ALL OF THE AIR OUT OF JAY’S BODY! 

Persephone: Chris can do as many flips as he wants, but it’s not going to stop him from being as bland and uninteresting as possible. That’s the thing in common with both Jay and Chris, they are like stale pieces of bread, someone please take me out of my misery when will Rex McAllister return and save this brand. 

Rich Russillo: Chris realizes what he needs to do, stomping down on Jay for the sake of kicking him while he’s down before beginning to climb up to the top rope. You can tell that this match has taken a lot out of Chris right now and it’s evident that he doesn’t have much left in the tank, but he’s trying to do everything humanly possible to keep going which means taking the opportunity that he has right now! Chris is on the top rope, this might just spell the end of Jay Jerry Johnson’s chances in the King of Elite tournament before it can even begin! CHRIS LEAPING OFF OF THE TOP ROPE AND GOING FOR ‘AIMIN’ FOR THE MOON!’ GOING FOR A SPIRAL TAP TO CRUSH JAY UNDERNEATH HIM!

James Peters: BUT JAY MANAGES TO GET THE KNEES UP LEAVING A HARD LANDING FOR CHRIS WHILE HE TUMBLES DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS! Jay is in a world of hurt but is still doing everything he can to get himself up to his feet, but it looks like Chris is following him while the both of them make eye contact with one another.

(Jay scrunches his face in pain while he constantly tries to wipe the blood away from his face, it’s still flowing from his nose like a river and is staining his body. Meanwhile Chris is trying to catch his breath and gaining his bearings before this match ultimately pushes forward. It’s clear both of them do not want to give up, but at some point we’re just going to have to reach a winner. Jay begins to yell at him, adrenaline shooting from his veins while he does.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: (Off-Mic) GET UP YOU SACK OF SHIT!

Chris Elite: (Off-Mic) Shut… the fuck up…

Persephone: That goes for the both of you in case you didn’t realize. 

Rich Russillo: JAY RUNNING FORWARD, BUT CHRIS LAUNCHES INTO THE AIR AND GOES FOR A PELE KICK TOWARDS THE HEAD OF JAY! ‘HEAD SHOT!’ But Jay manages to move out of the way of that, BEFORE GRABBING AHOLD OF CHRIS AND GOING FOR A SUPLEX TO TAKE HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! But it’s Chris that manages to land behind him, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A DROPKICK TO HIS BACK WHICH STUMBLES JAY FORWARD AND LEAVES HIM FALLING AGAINST THE ROPES! Jay turns around quickly, while Chris grabs him by his arm and sends him to the ropes, BEFORE GOING FOR ANOTHER ‘ALMIGHTY PUSH’ TO SEND JAY ACROSS THE RING! THE POUNCE! 

James Peters: But Jay manages to slide under Chris, BEFORE GRABBING CHRIS BY HIS LEGS AND PULLING HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! JAY TRYING TO LOCK IN A BOSTON CRAB, but it’s Chris that sends a boot to his face which sends Jay backward! This gives Chris enough time to get back up to his feet, BEFORE HE STEPS FORWARD AND GOES FOR A BICYCLE KICK! But Jay manages to grab the leg of Chris, BEFORE DROPPING HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A DRAGON SCREW! Chris grabbing his leg while Jay climbs up to the top rope, Jay positioning himself and I think we know what he’s going for right now! ‘MAILMAN IS DEAD!’ A CORKSCREW MOONSAULT ONTO CHRIS TO SHIFT THE ODDS!

Rich Russillo: ‘BOX OFFICE SMASH!’ 

James Peters: CHRIS CATCHING JAY WITH A UNBELIEVABLE SUPERKICK IN MIDAIR COMPLETELY TAKING HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! JAY IS DOWN AND OUT WHILE CHRIS COLLAPSES DOWN ON TOP OF HIM IN EXHAUSTION! SHOULDERS DOWN! THE REFEREE SLIDING DOWN AND GOING FOR A PIN ATTEMPT RIGHT NOW COULD THIS POSSIBLY BE THE END OF THE MATCH?!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(‘Invincible’ once again plays up while Chris Elite rolls off of the body of Jay Jerry Johnson and gets up to his feet using the ropes. The referee makes his way into the ring, handing him the Unified Tag Team Championship which he raises highly before jumping up to the top rope and celebrating his first victory of 2022.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, advancing to the NEXT ROUND OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT… ONE-HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!! CHRIS ELITE!!!!!!!!!

Persephone: I told you, I should’ve just told you the result of the match and we could’ve just skipped this entire thing without having to go through all this unnecessary pain. Hell let’s just make this entire show me speaking for two hours, wouldn’t that be an improvement? 

Rich Russillo: What a match that we’ve just seen tonight in the first round of the King of Elite tournament! Both competitors were willing to give it their all and fight through the odds but in the end only one of them could come out on top, and that’s Chris Elite. And now Chris gets the chance to get one step closer to the finals, can he do it? Well, that’s something that we’ll just have to find out. Until then? Congratulations to Chris!

( As Chris Elite celebrates his victory over Jay Jerry Johnson, the camera fades to the backstage area. Dynasty Elitist, Sierra, is seen dragging her rolling suitcase behind her as she heads for the exit of the building. She was victorious earlier tonight against Rebecca Blackwell, thus stamping her ticket into the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament. At the present moment, Sierra’s next opponent hasn’t been decided and apparently she doesn’t feel the need to stick around and see who wins between Mary S. Atlas and Miku Sakai. Sierra is about to reach the back exit, when Fight Grid host and backstage correspondent, Molly Waters, approaches her. )

Molly Waters: Sierra! May I have a word with you?

( Sierra stops in her tracks and doesn’t hide her utter disdain for Molly. Very slowly, she turns around and faces the pretty EAW personality. )

Sierra: What could you possibly need a word with me about? Oh right, let me guess. You wanna talk about my BiG win over Rebecca Blackwood!!! I know, such an accomplishment for me, right? Little Sierra finally gets herself a win and advances to the second round of the prestigious Empress of Elite tournament!

Molly Waters: So have your feelings on the tournament changed thanks to your victory?

Sierra: No. Why would it? I don’t give a damn about some stupid crown and yeah, while a title shot would be great, does it fucking look like I’m ready for something like that right now? This is a new year, but I’m still wearing the fucking scars of the battles I have lost. My career has been nothing but setback after setback since Harper Lee turned her back on me, and unlike the other bitches around here, I can admit that it’s taken a toll on me. Do you know what’s like to wake up and second guess every fucking decision you have made for the last two years? Do you know how many nights I have laid awake, staring at the ceiling, wishing to whatever fucking Gawd existed that I could go back in time and start over? The fact of the matter is, I can’t. I can’t go back. I have to drag myself out of bed, put my fucking make up on, and go to work. I have to listen to all these people drag my good name through the mud because I’m not some undefeated cunt or some so-called company favorite and golden girl. That can wear a person down, Molly. I mean, it can really wear a person down, and since this is the life I chose for myself, I have to continue on. But because of all this adversity and all this fuckery my priorities have shifted. My views have changed. I just don’t give a damn anymore and I feel sorry for anyone who ends up inside the ring with me.

( Molly’s beautiful smile drops just a little bit because clearly Sierra’s change in demeanor is alarming. Sierra picks up on this and a cruel look crosses her face. )

Sierra: Awww, what’s wrong Molly? Is that not the generic, cheesy bullshit answer you expected from me? I guess you wanted me to jump up and down, clap my hands, and talk about how exciting it would be to win Empress of Elite?? Fuck Empress of Elite. The tournament is corrupt and not a single past Empress has ever stuck around. If you ask me, the crown is cursed and drags down whoever ends up winning it.

Molly Waters: The history of the Empress of Elite tournament is well documented, and you are right. We don’t have a past Empress that is currently employed by EAW. But the 2018 runner-up, Kassidy Heart, seems to be doing pretty well for herself.

Sierra: Yes, someone who turned heartbreak into triumph. Blah. Blah. Blah. I don’t care about some entitled bitch’s story. I only care about myself and what 2022 has in store for me. I don’t know how else I can make that clear, and before you go asking me if I have a preference between Miku and Mary… I DON’T CARE.

Molly Waters: Alrighty then. Thank you for your time and good luck with the rest of the tournament.

( Sierra snarls at Molly, snatches the handle of her bag, and stomps towards the exit. Right as she reaches for the door handle, a hand grabs her arm, and Sierra’s entire body tenses up. She takes a deep breath, because she knows that touch. She knows exactly who has stopped her and she is not happy about it. )

Sierra: Go to Hell, Drake.

( The former EAW World Champion, Drake King, flashes Sierra a brilliant smile. )

Drake King: Hello to you as well. How are you? You haven’t returned any of my calls or text messages for weeks and have gone out of your way to avoid me. I don’t understand.

( Sierra jerks her arm away from Drake and tilts her head to the side. Surely he can’t be this clueless, right? )

Sierra: What could I possibly have to say to you, Drake? Thanks for making an absolute mockery out of me? Thanks for cheating on me? Thanks for throwing our relationship away for Camille Jane Ava? Thanks for the fucking purity ring and side hugs and forehead kisses when you are basically acting like a love sick piece of shit around Camille? It doesn’t work that way.

Drake King: Whoa! Don’t you think you are overreacting right now?

Sierra: Overreacting? You’re fucking kidding me, right? You literally cheated on me on national television and somehow me ignoring you for weeks and you forcing me to speak to you and hit you with some hard truths, is me overreacting? You really are the most delusional person to ever walk the face of the Earth and that’s saying a hell of a lot when Ronan Malosi exists.

( A frown crosses Drake’s face and he gives Sierra a disapproving look. )

Drake King: Alright, that’s enough. Clearly, you’re angry at me.

Sierra: Angry? Nah. I’m past the point of being angry. I’m just sad. Sad I wasted so much time on you and disappointed in myself for not listening to everyone else around me when they told me that getting involved with you was a mistake. You are nothing more than a cheater and a liar, and you deserve the absolute worst.

Drake King: Look, if you would have just answered my calls or at the very least, replied to a single text message, and I don’t know… not avoided me at shows, I could have explained.

Sierra: What’s there to explain? You made me look like an idiot for getting involved with you and falling in love with you.

Drake King: CAMILLE KISSED ME!

Sierra: YOU KISSED HER BACK AND THEN BASICALLY ACTED OUT TWILIGHT FANFICTION WITH HER! I DIDN’T NEED TO SEE EDWARD AND BELLA RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES! I COULD WATCH THE MOVES!

( Drake takes a deep breath. )

Drake King: I understand that looked bad, but even the most upstanding and pure men get carried away. I have repented every single day for my shameful behavior with Camille, and after having a talk with myself, and asking for forgiveness, I have given it to me. To err is human and I’m only human, Sierra. Camille is an incredible woman and she has been a good partner to me when we have had the privilege of competing alongside one another. I will not deny that there is chemistry there, and despite her lifestyle, I respect her and care for her.

Sierra: Bro, what?

( Sierra can’t help but stare at Drake right now. )

Sierra: Are you seriously trying to justify your actions to me?

Drake King: I’m just telling you that I forgive myself for my transgressions and I think you should as well. There is no sense in bringing that kind of negativity into a brand new year that is honestly full of so much hope and promise.

( Sierra simply blinks. )

Sierra: You believe I should forgive you?

Drake King: Absolutely!

Sierra: Motherfucker, you haven’t even apologized! I’m not forgiving you. I don’t even want anything to do with you. Just looking at you makes me absolutely sick and honestly, I hope Myles beats the shit out of you again at King of Elite. Maybe Camille can nurse you back to health, but as far as I’m concerned, you don’t even exist to me.

( Sierra takes off the purity ring that Drake gave her early into their relationship and she throws it at him. It hits Drake’s chest and falls to the floor, and he looks down at it. )

Drake King: Sierra…

Sierra: You don’t deserve to speak my name like ever again. Stay away from me, alright? Goodbye forever.

( This time, Drake doesn’t stop Sierra as she exits the building. He’s actually kind of shocked that she reacted so angrily. That’s how warped the mind of Drake King is. He knows he did Sierra wrong, but he also believes he should be forgiven. She wasn’t having it, though, and Drake just can’t wrap his head around that. He bends down and picks up the purity ring, looking at it kind of sadly. He pulls the one he wears off his finger and places it beside Sierra’s. Drake heads to the nearest trash can and tosses both rings inside before making his way out of the frame. )

( Voltage fades to commercial break. )

( Commercial break for bottled water but it does not feature Ronan Malosi. For whatever reason, Ronan doesn’t believe in drinking water which means he will likely die. Drink water, please. )

(We cut back to Voltage as the camera pans over the jam packed audience inside the PPG Paints Arena as “Zombie” by Bad Wolves blasts through the speakers and the Universal Women’s Champion slowly makes her way through the curtain with her cherished championship hanging from her right shoulder. She confidently stands on the stage, raising the Universal Women’s Championships high into the air before opening her leather jacket revealing a limited edition “History Maker, Record Breaker” – A Ms. Extreme Story T-Shirt. She slowly makes her way down to the ring as the thousands in attendance continue to give her a mixed reception.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome at this time… SHE IS THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION!!!! MS. EXXXXTREEEEMMEEEE!!!!!

James Peters: We’ve had the chance to watch every step of the journey that this woman has been on throughout her time here on Voltage. We’ve been able to watch her ups and her downs; her triumphs and her heartbreaks. We watched in anticipation as we watched her beat Darcy May Morgan for that Universal Women’s Championship in one of the Pain for Pride main events. She’s battled all comers; those who have openly professed that they were going to be the person that would rip everything that she had worked for out of those hands and she has consistently stood triumphant.

Rich Russillo: You’re right… in a sense, James. With her victory at Road to Redemption inside that Extreme Elimination Chamber – she has officially broken the record as the longest reigning Universal Women’s Champion in EAW history. But, was it tainted at Road to Redemption? It’s something that nobody can take away from her right now, but would she still find herself as the champion if it wasn’t for Sierra? Ximena had her on the ropes. There hasn’t been a moment more telling than what we could see before Sierra intervened. The Universal Women’s Championship was slipping out of those hands. We very well could have had a new champion.

James Peters: I have no doubts that Camille is going to address that. But, you said it best. There isn’t anybody that can take that record away from her right now. You could argue that she had one of, if not the best 2021 out of anybody on the Voltage roster. The shirt says it all. History maker, record breaker.

(Camille enters the ring, making her way to the middle of the ring and raises the Universal Women’s Championship back high into the air, slowly turning completely around, showing off her championship. Bella hands her a microphone as Camille lowers the Universal Women’s Championship down onto her shoulder as “Zombie” fades out.)

Ms. Extreme: I stood in front of the world and told every single person that was willing to listen exactly what I knew that I was going to become. I stood in this ring at the draft show and told anyone that believed that they held the power to step up to the level that I stood on to test their hand at fate so I could knock them back down, and that’s exactly what I’ve spent the last 6 months doing. These women that call themselves challengers walk through that curtain with the hope that they’re about to accomplish something that they were never going to be good enough to achieve, before being forced to walk back up that ramp with their tail tucked between their legs because they were force fed the reality that I am the greatest Universal Women’s Champion of all time. But, I’m not going to pretend that it all began at Pain for Pride. It’s been a long journey to get to the point where I am now. I spent an entire year trying to get my hands on this championship. This company threw everything that they could to try to finally slow me down; competing in the King of Elite tournament, the Grand Rampage, the battles against Rex McAllister – the No Way Out match that finally gave me the shot that I had deserved for so long against Darcy May Morgan at Pain for Pride. Everything that I’ve accomplished during my time at the Universal Women’s Championship is a testament of everything that I’ve been proving long before I became the champion. I had proven that I was going to become the greatest Universal Women’s Champion of all time before I had beaten Darcy. I had proven that there was no greater women’s wrestler on the planet, long before I had been given the chance to stand on the ground that I deserved more than anyone else, despite what this company tries so hard to create elsewhere. There wasn’t anybody sitting on their hands when I successfully retained this championship inside the first Universal Women’s Championship match inside an Extreme Elimination Chamber. The awards in Australia were nothing more than a formality and the record was simply destiny. The shirt says it all! HISTORY maker, RECORD breaker.

(The crowd erupts for the Universal Women’s Champion as the hint of a smile crosses her face.)

Ms. Extreme: But, there’s always going to be another name that’s going to test their hand at fate and do everything in their power to accomplish the impossible. I thought that someone that’s held in such a regard as Andrea is that she would be smart enough to truly understand what she’s forcing herself to walk into. It’s a dream. The hope of somehow managing to recapture the same glory that she held in the past as she stood in front of the world as the EAW World Champion, but while I’ve spent the last year proving that there’s no greater woman that I in this company – she’s proven that she’s not close to being the person that this company once believed that she was. Andrea experienced it all inside that No Way Out match at Battle of Egypt. She did everything in her power to clutch back onto the slightest form of relevance that she lost after being put on the shelf by Xavier Williams of all people :mjlol:. She looked towards that dream of main eventing another Pain for Pride and had to swallow that bitter taste of reality that she was standing against a woman that was at a different level than every other woman in this division. But, she wants to convince herself that she can take this championship away from me. She was right about what she said on Dynasty. The two of us do have a whole lot of history. I’ll go on the record and admit that I have a lot of respect for her and what she’s managed to accomplish. There have been so few women that have been able to reach the level that she had once reached, but she’s still doing nothing more than setting herself up for the same failure she’s going to tell herself that she’s going to avoid. She’s going to tell herself that she’s going to be different. She’s going to be different from Hikari Kanno. She’s going to be different from Ximena Velasquez. She’s going to be different to every single woman that walked into that Extreme Elimination Chamber with the same hope that she had before being left looking up at the lights above trying to figure out everything that went wrong.

(Camille takes the Universal Women’s Championship off her shoulder, letting it hang from her left hand.)

Ms. Extreme: There is a constant with this Universal Women’s Championship. There is always going to be a constant with this Universal Women’s Championship. It hangs from my shoulder. It sits around my waist. My name remains on it’s nameplate. The world will throw everything that it can muster in my direction and I’m going to destroy every single piece of it as I CONTINUE to make history and create something that will never be overshadowed. 2021 was nothing more than the tip of the iceberg. I spent the entire year knocking down name after name, but all of it is going to pale in comparison as I continue to stand in this ring in 2023 STILL your Universal Women’s Champion. There’s nothing that’s going to stop that. Not Andrea Valentine. Not Ximena Velasquez. Not Bethany Blue. Nobody. I’m always going to continue to make history. I’m always going to continue to knock the rest of the world down. I’m going to reign as your forever champion. As great as you’ve proven that you can be, Andrea. You’re still not going to be great enough.

(Camille drops the microphone and raises the Universal Women’s Championship high into the air as “Zombie” by Bad Wolves picks back up. The crowd roars with a THUNDEROUS mixed reaction with dueling chants for both Ms. Extreme and Andrea Valentine.)

James Peters: Camille is as confident as ever! She’s staring down the barrel of the women that has her eyes set directly on that Universal Women’s Championship that she takes so much pride in holding and she’s not flinching in the slightest! It’s another challenge that she’s going to overcome in this record breaking reign that she’s had.

Rich Russillo: She has every right to be confident, but it’s going to be one hell of a match. A former EAW World Champion against the top woman in EAW. It may not get bigger for the Universal Women’s Championship and the truth is that I cannot wait for it to happen!

(The camera fades to black as Camille leaves the ring, throwing the Universal Women’s Championship over her shoulder and makes her exit.)

(Commercial promoting Marvel comics, in light of EAW’s sudden interest in reading them.)

(The Camera cuts back to the center of the ring where Bella Braxton is standing, ready to announce the next match.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for…ONE FALL!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

Bella Braxton: And it is a First Round match in the Empress of Elite tournament!! Introducing first… 

(After Bella finishes, “Nothing Helps” by ONE OK ROCK starts to play as Mary S. Atlas makes her way to the ring to cheers from the crowd.)

Bella Braxton: Making her way to the ring from St. Louis, Missouri. She weighs in at 125 pounds. She is the “MOST WANTED” MARY…S…ATLAS!

James Peters: Mary S. Atlas is making her way to the ring for her first round matchup in the Empress of Elite Tournament. This young lady has been doing anything and everything she can to make an impact and make her name known in EAW. If she can win this match, she is certainly on her way to doing that.

Persephone: New year, same stupid blonde idiot. When is she going to learn to get her head out of her butt and stop being such a clusterfuck in the ring? That’s how you get noticed. 

(Mary enters the ring and does a little motioning towards the crowd.)

Rich Russillo: But you saw the tournament brackets back in Australia. Her opponent is absolutely no pushover in the ring. After what went down at Road to Redemption, I highly doubt she will want to play any games tonight.

(Mary’s theme fades off as she takes her corner. After a couple of seconds of silence, “Age-Age Money”by LADYBABY starts playing as Miku Sakai enters the arena to loud, resounding boos from the crowd.)

Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Making her way to the ring. She is from Fukui, Japan! Weighing in at 110 pounds. She is MIKU…SAKAI!

Persephone: Look at what we got here. One pissed off bitch coming down to the ring. Hahahaha! I love it!

Rich Russillo: I don’t blame her. The end of 2021 wasn’t exactly a high note for Miku Sakai. She lost her Specialists Title to Harper Lee and now the Specialists Title has a new home on Showdown. Tonight she looks to relieve a little bit of her stress by beating around Mary S. Atlas and advance in the tournament. These two do have a little bit of history together.

Persephone: Shut up! I hate a lot of people, but I hate it even more when the show that I am on loses something. Still haven’t gotten over losing Rex McAllister.

(Miku enters the ring just staring a hole through Mary S. Atlas.)

James Peters: We know! But you are right, Rich. Mary and Miku do have some history. They feuded the better part of the Halloween season which led to that very intense Trick or Treat match at Wicked Games. Miku left with the Specialists Title, but Mary wants to even the score and knock Miku Sakai out of this tournament. Miku is one of the toughest women on the roster, but Mary certainly has the capabilities to pull off the upset. Who will walk out advancing to the second round? We are about to find out.

(Miku’s theme fades off as she takes the opposite corner. Referee checks both women before walking back to the center of the ring and calling for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

James Peters: Here we go! This first round match is underway. I can almost guarantee that there will be no feeling out process between these two because Mary and Miku have been in the ring together on multiple occasions. The two ladies lockup in the center of the ring. Mary takes quick advantage with a side headlock over the former Specialists Champion.

Rich Russillo: Mary has a little bit of a size advantage against Miku and she is going to try to utilize that as much as possible in this match to keep Miku at bay. Miku was not caught for long with the elbows to the side of Mary. Miku was thinking about hitting the ropes, but Mary stopped that idea very quickly by pulling her down to the mat with a yank of the hair.

Persephone: Stupid bitch is already cheating. I knew that she was never as good as she let on. Now she brings the little one back to her feet and throws her around the ring by her hair like a cheap frisbee. This bitch is sending everything back ten years. What the fuck? This is why Veena is the only woman fitting to win this tournament.

Rich Russillo: Umm Percy. Veena was eliminated from the tournament Friday on Dynasty.

Persephone: SHUT YOUR WHORE MOUTH! NOBODY ASKED YOU! 

James Peters: Regardless, Mary has the advantage early on in this match. Mary is staying on the attack and whips her to the ropes. Miku with the rebound and she looks like she was going for a headscissors, BUT MARY COUNTERS WITH A SIDEWALK SLAM! Mary gets back to her feet and she drops a knee in the midsection of Miku before going for a quick cover.

ONNNNEEEEE–

Rich Russillo: Sakai quickly kicks out after one. Points for the effort, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to beat a woman who is a former Tag Team and Specialists Champion. She has put her body on the line numerous times to show what she can do. Mary is going to need to show that intensity once again if she looks to get the one-up on Miku Sakai.

Persephone: Don’t encourage her. She needs to use whatever turbo power she has and rocket her ass out of the building. I’m sick of looking at her and the other one. They need to leave. I am sick of looking at them both. 

James Peters: Miku brought back to her feet and whipped into the ropes once more. This time, Sakai counters with the headscissors, sending Mary for a ride. Mary is right back up quickly as Sakai takes her right back down with that jumping snapmare takeover. Mary sitting on the mat and SAKAI WITH A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE NECK OF MARY! 

Rich Russillo: Just like that, Miku Sakai has gained the advantage in this match. Now Miku Sakai is dragging Mary into the corner by the hair and pulling her to her feet and shoving her into the turnbuckle. The referee is admonishing Sakai about using the hair, but Sakai looks like she doesn’t care.

Persephone: I say let the bitches yank each other’s hair out. They’re ugly to begin with and most of their hair is made up of extensions and cheap dye anyway. I hate fake bitches like that. They should be just like me and be all natural.

James Peters: I am not touching that statement with a ten foot pole, so let’s get back to the match. Miku is kicking the midsection of Mary before Miku backs up and runs at full speed. MONKEY FLIP ON THE WAY BUT MARY COUNTERS! Mary is showing some strength and holds onto the ankles of Miku. Miku turned and now sat on the top turnbuckle…

Rich Russillo: MIKU GRABS THE HAIR OF MARY! MIKU HAS HANDFULS OF HAIR AND NOW MIKU FALLS OVER THE TOP ROPE STILL HANGING ONTO THE HAIR OF MARY! MARY SCREAMING IN PAIN AS THE REFEREE BEGINS THE COUNT!

ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIV–

Persephone: The little girl finally lets go of the other bitch before she was able to get her dumbass disqualified. She hung onto the ropes and is standing outside on the apron…damn it. Now she is shaking some blonde hair out of her fingers and onto the floor below. Bahahahaha! That’s hilarious. She yanks some of the real stuff out of her head. Yes!! Now let’s see some bloodshed. Actually, I will be right back. I am going to grab a few strands and see if the roots are colored. I can spot a dye job a mile away. 

James Peters: I bet you could from your experience in that area, but again, let’s get back to the match. Sakai is waiting for Mary to get back to feet before she jumps to the top rope AND CLOBBERS MARY IN THE FACE WITH A SPRINGBOARD FOREARM!!

Rich Russillo: BUT MARY STILL ON HER FEET! Miku saw that and she hits the ropes. Sakai with the rebound and she turns to get her legs around the waist of Mary, grabbing her neck and bringing her down with the bulldog. Nice combination from the former Specialists Champion.

Persephone: You know if you keep calling her the former champion and she hears you, she is going to beat you worse than all those damn simps that try to hang around her. Hmm. Actually keep going. It’ll be great to see you get your ass beat. 

James Peters: Mary now up to her knees and Miku once again hits the ropes. Miku with the rebound AND SAKAI WITH THE DROPKICK TO THE JAW OF MARY. Mary got caught with all of that kick and rolls to the apron on the far side to try and get some distance and safety, but that isn’t stopping Miku. Miku runs full speed and delivers a baseball slide dropkick sending Mary to the ringside floor. 

Rich Russillo: Sakai standing on the apron as she waits for Mary to get back to her feet. Mary is back up and Miku jumps off the apron. Miku grabs the neck of Mary AND DROPS HER ON THE TOP OF HER HEAD WITH THAT TORNADO DDT ON THE OUTSIDE!! SAKAI WANTS TO WIN AND SHE WILL HAVE NO ISSUE HURTING HURTING AN OPPONENT TO GET THE JOB DONE!

Persephone: Why do these bitches always seem to go for moves that target the head? Neither of them have anything up there to hurt. It’s like bouncing a damn rubber ball off the floor. Go for the arms. Go for the legs. Pop the cheap implants. Well…nevermind. One only bitch in this match has cheap implants. Just hurry up and finish this match. It’s starting to bore me to sleep.

James Peters: Oh good gawd. Mary has just started moving from the DDT and Miku drags her up by the hair and SAKAI BOUNCES MARY’S FACE OFF THE RING STEPS! SAKAI IS DOING IT OVER AND OVER! POOR MARY HAS GOT TO BE DAZED AND CONFUSED AT THE MOMENT AFTER HITTING THE STEPS REPEATEDLY! The referee has allowed Miku a lot of leeway, but I think they have had enough of Miku using Mary’s face as a basketball. Now they are going to call her out on it.

Referee: (off-mic) THAT’S ENOUGH MIKU! STOP USING THE RING STEP! STOP IT NOW! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI–

Rich Russillo: Sakai does break it up because the last thing she wants to do is lose this match. Much less lose to Mary S. Atlas and or by disqualification which would have happened if the referee reached five on their count. Miku now rolls Mary back into the ring and quickly jumps onto the apron. Mary stops moving and Miku flips in! BEAUTIFUL SENTON CONNECTS FROM MIKU SAKAI INTO THE BREADBASKET OF MARY S. ATLAS. NOW SAKAI GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWOOOOO!!

Persephone: Shit. Dumb blonde bitch kicked out. The little girl must have rocked what few brain cells she has left when she was introduced to the ring steps that many times. Why couldn’t she stay down then we could have all moved on with our lives, but of course not. Every damn person on this roster has “determination” and “tenacity” and all that other bullshit that makes me sick that these matches always go so damn long. 

James Peters: That’s what makes the Elitists of EAW so awesome to watch. They all have the never say die attitude which excites the fans and keeps them so entertained. Now Miku Sakai is just stomping the crap out of Mary to prove a point. Miku Sakai is now once again dragging Mary back to the corner by the hair. The referee once again tells Miku to let go of the hair, but I think it’s going one ear and out the other. Thanks to Miku, Mary’s head is resting on the bottom turnbuckle. Miku looks like she has set up Mary for her version of the stinkface, aptly and creepily named Eat My Ass.

Persephone: Oh that is absolutely disgusting. What is she trying to be? Is she trying to be a wrestler or some low class prostitute with a wrestling move called Eat My Ass? What a sleazy little slut. Bitches like her make me want to puke. Can we trade this skank for Veena? She is the essence of class and dignity and what the ladies of EAW should be.

Rich Russillo: Yeah. Sure. Whatever. Miku Sakai is ready to make Mary eat her ass. STINKFACE ON THE WAY. MARY SLIDES DOWN AND YANKS MIKU BY THE BACK OF HER TIGHTS SO SHE CRASHES AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLES! MARY FLIPS HER LEGS BACK AND WRAPS THEM AROUND THE WAIST OF MIKU! MIKU SENT FORWARD AND CAUGHT IN A VICTORY ROLL! SAKAI ROLLED UP AND HER SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOO!!

THHHHRRRRRREEEEEE–

Persephone: The little slut rolls backwards and counters the rollup. Damn! Stop countering each other.

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWOOOOOO!!

Persephone: Now the slut has the ropes. I want this match to end, but I don’t want that bitch to cheat! COME ON REF! DO YOUR JOB FOR ONCE AND CATCH THIS BITCH CHEATING!! COME ON!

THHHHHRRRRRREEEE!!

…

…

James Peters: SHE KICKED OUT! MARY MANAGES TO GET HER SHOULDER UP AT THE VERY LAST SECOND, BUT DAMN THAT WAS VERY CLOSE! Miku isn’t very happy that Mary managed to kick out of that little underhanded tactic she tried to pull. Hate to tell her, but it backfired this time around. Sakai with rights and lefts into the midsection of Mary. Miku wants to make sure that Mary gets punished for even thinking about kicking out, much less actually doing it. Sakai is now climbing to the second rope. She rarely gets into this position, but sometimes you have to pull extra tricks out of your hat to keep your opponent guessing. Mary gets back up to her feet and MIKU FLIES! SAKAI LOOKING FOR A CROSSBODY…

Rich Russillo: MARY COUNTERS THE MOVE WHILE SAKAI WAS IN MIDAIR! SAKAI CAUGHT A BICYCLE KICK RIGHT IN THE FACE! THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN MIKU’S NOSE AND I DON’T THINK THAT MARY REALLY CARES! Mary wants to make sure that she is the one that has her arm raised in victory and she is the one advancing in the tournament. She wants to be the Empress of Elite and you can see she wants it bad.

Persephone: She can want and want all she wants, but it doesn’t mean she is going to get it. Maybe she needs to drop her standards. Then again, how much lower can her standards get? I mean she should just be lucky that she still has a job.

James Peters: Can you stop? Mary is improving every time she gets in the ring and it is showing tonight against Miku. Now Mary is building up some steam and some confidence. Sakai slowly to her knees and MARY LETS HER HAVE IT WITH A BUZZSAW KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!! MIKU HOLDING HER NOSE! MARY COULD HAVE BROKEN HER NOSE WITH THAT KICK TO THE FACE!

Rich Russillo: The referee is checking on Miku to make sure she is alright. No blood and no broken nose, so this match will continue. Not that Miku Sakai will give it up because she broke her nose. Mary thinks she has done enough damage to get the job done. Mary goes for the cover and hooks the leg.

ONNNNNNEEEEE!!

TWWWWWOOOOO!!

THHHRRRRREEEEE!!!

Persephone: WHY DID SHE KICK OUT?!?! This could have been over and we could have moved on with our lives after this crappy match. No blood. No broken bones. No winner. This is turning into utter bullshit. I hate this place sometimes.

James Peters: Because she is determined to stay in this match. She is nowhere near the most popular person on the EAW, but Miku doesn’t care. She is here to fight. Sakai got knocked loopy with that kick earlier, but she is staggering back to her feet. Sakai better be careful because Mary is waiting for Sakai to get back up. Mary might be looking to end this match right here and now. She is stalking Sakai like a predator to her prey.

Rich Russillo: Miku is back up to her feet and Mary is ready to strike. MARY INSTANTLY JUMPS UP! MARY LOOKING FOR CUTTER CULTURE! HER VERSION OF THE RKO DIAMOND CUTTER, BUT SAKAI FREES HERSELF AND SPINS MARY AROUND! SAKAI BENDS AND LIFTS UP MARY! WHAT STRENGTH BEING SHOWN BY MIKU SAKAI!

Persephone: Why the hell are they doing all these flashy moves? Just grab a damn chair and clobber the fuck out of each other and then you both lose and I win. Stop being little bitches and get down to business and make me happy.

James Peters: I don’t think that’s going to happen. Now Sakai has Mary in position to possibly finish her off. Miku drops to sit and BAM! MIKU SAKAI WITH A DANGEROUS VERTEBREAKER DROPPING MARY ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD AND NECK! MIKU CALLS THAT STARFALL! WILL THE STARFALL BE ENOUGH TO KEEP MARY DOWN LONG ENOUGH TO BE SEEING STARS? SAKAI GOES FOR THE COVER. THIS HAS GOT TO BE IT!!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWOOOOOO!!

THHHHRRRRRREEEE!!

…

…

Rich Russillo: HOW THE HELL DID MARY KICK OUT OF THAT? THE REFEREE WAS SO DAMN CLOSE TO HITTING THE CANVAS FOR THE THIRD TIME WHEN MARY FORCED HER SHOULDER OFF THE MAT. I’M SURPRISED THAT MARY IS STILL CONSCIOUS AFTER THAT VERTEBREAKER!

Persephone: Once again, another move damaging the head. When will these bitches learn and stop going for the head? Sounds like I am just talking to myself. Why in the hell does nobody listen to me? Everything I say is vital information for everyday life.  

James Peters: Miku Sakai is in a little bit of shock that Mary has survived this long against her. She shouldn’t be surprised. Mary brought an amazing fight at Wicked Games and she’s only gotten better since then. Miku needs to stay on the attack or Mary could take advantage once again.

Rich Russillo: You don’t have to tell her twice because this time she is climbing once again, but this time it’s to the top rope. She is ready to finish this match once and for all. She is looking for a cutter of her own that she calls the Walk of Shame. Mary is slowly making it to her feet, but she is on spaghetti legs. Miku doesn’t care AS SHE CORKSCREWS THROUGH THE AIR! MARY IS ABOUT TO FACE HER OWN WALK OF SHAME! THE DIVING CUTTER CONNECTS!

Persephone: NO IT DIDN’T! BAHAHAHAHA! Mary the blonde bitch managed to save one lone brain cell tonight because she held on tight to the top rope and Miku the little skank crashed and burned on the mat. That was great!! 

James Peters: That one defensive ploy might have been enough to save Mary from losing this match. Miku felt that landing as she holds her lower back in pain. SECTUMSEMPRA! THAT ELBOW CAUGHT HER RIGHT IN THE TEMPLE! 

Rich Russillo: MIKU BOUNCED OFF THE ROPES AND MARY CATCHES THE BACK OF HER NECK! WELCOME TO MARYLAND! SHE GOT ALL OF THAT FACEBREAKER AND SAKAI GOT A ONE WAY WELCOME TO MARYLAND! SAKAI FALLS LIMP AND SHE MIGHT BE OUT OF IT! MARY HOOKS THE LEG! SHE COULD BE ON HER WAY TO A BIG UPSET!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEE!!

TTWWWWWWWWOOOO!!

THHHHHHRRRRRRREEE!!

…

Persephone: Miku grabbed the ropes and the finally observant referee saw it. Sadly for all of us that means the count stops. Damn! Why do you pick now to do your job? I hate you!

Rich Russillo: Mary sees the foot and she lets out a scream of disbelief. She can’t believe it! She thought she had the match and didn’t think that Miku would have had enough to even get close to finding a way out. It doesn’t matter right now because this match continues as Mary gets back to her feet and is glaring at Miku.

James Peters: MARY IS LOOKING TO END THIS MATCH ONCE AND FOR ALL. SHE IS CALLING FOR MIKU SAKAI TO MAKE IT BACK TO HER FEET FOR THE FINAL TIME! MARY IS GETTING HER LEG READY FOR THE HEADSHOT SUPERKICK! WILL IT BE ENOUGH TO END THE MATCH? MIKU USING THE ROPES TO MAKE IT BACK TO FEET! MARY FIRES! MARY GOES FOR THE HEADSHOT AND THE POSSIBLE KILLSHOT!

Rich Russillo: MIKU DUCKS THE SUPERKICK! MARY QUICKLY TURNS AROUND AND IS CLAWED RIGHT IN THE EYES! FEEL THY WRATH! MARY JUST FELT MIKU’S WRATH AND IS FEELING THE STING! 

Persephone: Wow. That’s really mature. Clawing another bitch’s eyes out. Is this supposed to be a wrestling match or a cat fight? Stop doing that shit, you little skank!

Rich Russillo: DIRTY TRICK BY MIKU SAKAI, BUT IT WAS EFFECTIVE! SAKAI PULLS IN MARY ONCE AGAIN BY THE HAIR! Reverse headlock applied. IS SHE GOING FOR MARY’S CUTTER CULTURE? NOPE! SHE FLIPS BACK! CAN SHE HIT WHAT COULD BE THE FINAL MOVE OF THE MATCH? 

James Peters: SHE DOES IT! DEATH NOTE!! HER VERSION OF THE ASAI DDT CONNECTS AND MARY’S HEAD BOUNCES HORRIBLY OFF THE CANVAS AND SHE LOOKS TO BE OUT! DID SAKAI JUST WRITE OFF THE LIFE OF MARY S. ATLAS IN THE TOURNAMENT? SAKAI GOES FOR THE COVER!!

ONNNNNNNEEEE!!

…

TWWWWWOOOOO!!!

…

THHRRRRREEEEEE!!!

…

…

(DING! DING! DING!)

(Age-Age Money starts playing again as Miku slowly rolls off of Mary to loud boos from the crowd.)

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner and advancing to the second round of the Empress of Elite Tournament…MIKU SAKAI!

Rich Russillo: Holy crap! That was an amazing match between these two women. They both wanted to advance to the second round, but it was the cunning tactics of Miku Sakai that helped her get the victory tonight.

James Peters: Miku Sakai showing once again that skills and intensity that led her to multiple championship reigns already. Now it has led her to the second round of the Empress of Elite Tournament.

(The referee tries to raise Miku’s hand in victory, but she quickly snatches it away and calls the referee a sick simp before rolling out of the ring.)

Persephone: Who cares? The match is over and that’s all that matters to me. Now we can go on with this hideous show.

James Peters: You have to hand it to Mary S. Atlas, though. Her determination and desire were amazing to witness in this match, but I hate to think that the one mistake that might have cost her the match was not moving Sakai away from the ropes in the closing moments of that match. She shouldn’t hold her head in shame. She brought a hell of a fight tonight, but it just happened to be bad luck that ended it for her. 

Rich Russillo: Either way, congratulations to Miku Sakai as she heads to the next round.

(Mary finally moves and sits up against the ring ropes with a look of frustration on her face as Miku stands at the top of the ramp laughing at the defeated look of her opponent as the scene fades elsewhere.)

(SCREENBAR: SOMEWHERE IN PITTSBURGH)

(As the camera fades in, it is under a bridge, many transients trying to stay warm, their hands strewn across dumpster fires across the area, the mist escaping their lips, but their attention quickly changes and focus on a dark figure lurking out of the shadows, dressed in all black leather, a beanie, holding three black roses in her hand and the National Elite Championship around her waist, it is none other than Minerva. Slowly walking up to one of the fires, the few starts to back away, her icy blue eyes catching the reflection of the flame as she looks into the camera…)

Minerva: For ELEVEN months I gave up everything for New Eden. For ELEVEN months, I sacrificed everything for New Eden. For ELEVEN months, I turned my back on everything that I believed in within the sport of professional wrestling for New Eden. For ELEVEN months, I relinquished my power to make the right decisions for MY career all for New Eden. It doesn’t matter how many times this plays out in my head, if this or that could have happened, the truth is, it did, and I wouldn’t change it. New Eden was a three headed Hydra, one soul, one voice, one mind but during this process one person decided to go into business for themselves and it wasn’t me or Myles. The world of wrestling is a lonely place of dying, art always imitates life, and the vicious cycle of predator and prey has never faltered. Road to Redemption was supposed to be the final say in the Tale of Dominance for New Eden 2021. We were supposed to enter two of us against four inside the Extreme Elimination Chamber, my very first-time walking to the ominous and cruel killing fields of the structure where I dreamed to compete one day for the EAW World Championship, but instead I walked in there with another purpose, to protect and preserve what we have worked so hard for in the last year. Drake King though was incensed on ONE thing, that I overturned his decision to ban the Chamber match, yet I did it because Captain Charisma would have taken the power away from us and had Drake against 5 others not including me.

(Pausing for a moment, Minerva looks down into the fire, slowly her eyes yet focus again on the camera…)

Minerva: My plan worked, we survived, ready to walk away muttering the words “No One But New Eden”, yet somewhere along the way Drake King forgot that. His ego, jealousy and GREED consumed Drake and ate him up from the inside, never looking at the big picture, instead buying into what the opposition for ELEVEN months had said about New Eden…. Myles and Minerva were the lackeys, Drake was the leader. That was never true, but Drake decided to make it gospel. I, like a fool, was relieved, happy that we ended the nights of four others who had been thorns on our side until…..

(Closing her eyes, again pausing for a moment, but this time her facial expressions change to anger, slowly opening them back…)

Minerva: …. Until Drake King went into business for himself. The moment I looked at my weakest, trusting, my guard down, happy to have survived knowing that my plan worked and in seconds he takes me out. Making me scream like a frightened little girl that not even my own father could do. Barely able to get up, whimpering like a wounded animal while Myles watched in a panic trying to get into the Chamber, branding…… branding ME!

(Minerva takes off her jacket in the freezing cold, slamming it on the concrete and then showing off the brand on her shoulder from Drake’s iron, sneering into the camera….)

Minerva: His mark of the beast. In doing so, he exposed me as weak, beaten, barely able to stand, and then he kicked me in the head and knocked me unconscious, the next thing I remember is EMT’s looking at me, staring down and when I watched the footage back, it was one if not the lowest point of my career. I gave you everything Drake, listening to your barbs lately, seems as though you have completely lost it, but not me, I’m perfectly lucid right now. There are those that say to move past this, look forward to the New Year, allow Drake King to go on with his narrative that I should have been punished for some sort of insubordination when all I did was protect him, but punishment isn’t something that I am against when warranted, but when it comes to Drake King, he will know the consequences to his actions. See Drake if Aesop’s Fables taught us anything it was that liars are never rewarded. When the boy cried wolf repeatedly trying to trick the surrounding populous over and over again by stating a wolf was attacking his herd, the villagers would come running with pitchforks in hand ready to kill that said wolf but when they arrived there was nothing. This happened repeatedly until one day there was an actual wolf that ravaged the herd but as the boy continued to cry for help the villagers ignored him and the deceitful young shepherd was not rewarded instead that boy became a victim of his own lies. How much longer are you going to lie to the fans of this sport? How much longer are you going to fill the ears of the viewers with their defamation, falsification, and fraudulent cries of hyperbole at the expense of people like me? Do I live in a delusional world like you, thinking I’m some savior to the masses? It’s what I like to call “Smoke and Mirrors”. Don’t you see, you can never go through life’s challenges nescient and obtuse it will only lead to failure just ask anyone that has taken this path. How does it feel to know that you lost a woman that took the time to scout, study and learn your every strength and weakness? You’re not as smart as you think, but since this is between you and Myles at King of Elite…. I must wait.

(Just saying that upsets Minerva, because she doesn’t want to wait, she wants her revenge now but knows it will take some time and she must be patient, her lover gets the next crack. She then turns to the title and unclips it from her waist, placing it on her shoulder….)

Minerva: I have always been a patient woman, strike when I can, do what I must, whatever it takes and that is the easy part. The hard part is controlling myself and these carnal desires I possess screaming in my ears, wanting to be free. See though, I will carry this until the day I get my hands on Drake King and then? I will not be responsible for what happens next. I will carry your initials on my skin for as long as it takes, reminding me of the night you lowered Minerva into a whimpering little bitch for that is exactly what I am going to do to you, and make you beg me to stop. There will come a time where the two of us will meet and when we do, I plan to put you, Drake, through absolute hell. Vowing to make you feel every ounce of pain I felt….

(Showing her brand scar again…)

Minerva: I have now been marked by the Devil, but the Devil always gets his due, and what he’s due this time around is nothing but pain and suffering. As 2022 starts though, I first must put all my concentration and commitment to a title I ignored and disrespected by buying in on New Eden and allowing Drake to coerce me into taking this Championship for Granted. So now, this has ALL my attention, and knowing I must defend it at the King of Elite will not change anything, While I can’t undo the past, this Gypsy can look towards the future and whoever faces me at King of Elite is going to have one hell of a match. It’s time to return to my roots, and it starts by going back to rebuilding my legacy. By the time Season 15 is done, Minerva will have shown the world exactly why she is one of the best in the world. When I rise from the Ashes of Eden and make MY Heaven into YOUR Hell.

(Her icy blue eyes catch the flames, standing there holding the title, biting down on her jaw, ready to take on the world and position herself on top of the EAW as the scene fades.)

(Voltage fades back to ringside, and Bella Braxton can be seen with a microphone in her hand.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT ROUND ONE MATCH, AND IT IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!

(‘The Outsiders’ by Eric Church hits, and the crowd begins cheering loudly as Donovan Duke begins to walk out. Donovan has a focused look on his face, and while Donovan has never been the type to showboat, Donovan knows how big of a match this is as it’s part of the King of Elite tournament, and Donovan clearly has no plans of losing tonight as he wastes no time beginning to make his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From Stillwater, Oklahoma… Weighing in at 212 pounds…. DDOONNOOOVVAANNN DDUUUUUUUKKE!!!!!!

James Peters: The 24/7 Contract holder is here, and this won’t be the first time we see Donovan and Jake in the ring together!

Rich Russillo: That’s right, but has Donovan come far enough to stop Jake in his tracks, or is this going to be another win for Jake, who just won his third Championship in EAW?

Persephone: We might as well get that Hasbulla kid and make this a triple threat at this point, he’d probably tower over both of these guys. 

(‘Stop Breathing’ by the greatest artist of all time Playboi Carti follows, and surprisingly this is also met with cheers as Jake Smith begins to make his way out to the stage. Jake is wearing his Unified Tag Team Championship, and he looks right at Donovan Duke, knowing how personal this match is on top of the big opportunity he has in front of him. Much like Donovan, Jake begins to walk down the ramp pretty quickly, not taking any time to taunt or brag or anything despite having a Championship in his possession.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent… Billed from Newark, New Jersey… Weighing in at 210 pounds…. HE IS ONE HALF OF THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, JAAAAAAAAAAKKE SSSMMIIIIIIIIIIIIITTHHH!!!!!

James Peters: It’s not often that you hear cheers for Jake, but here he is, newly crowned Unified Tag Team Champion! If things go Jake’s way, he’ll be one step closer to possibly becoming a double Champion!

Rich Russillo: That’s right, but this won’t be an easy match! Donovan Duke is an amazing competitor, and these two have so much history!

Persephone: Whatever, let’s just get this over with. 

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

James Peters: AND HERE WE GO! BOTH MEN RUSH OUT OF THE CORNER, AND IT LOOKS LIKE JAKE WAS LOOKING FOR A LARIAT BUT DONOVAN DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE GRABBING JAKE BY THE WAIST FROM BEHIND! That doesn’t last long though as Jake grabs Donovan by the head, pulling him into a grounded headlock! Donovan is quickly out of it though as he gets his legs around Jake’s neck, and now both men are quickly back up to their feet, allowing Donovan to grab Jake and send him to the ropes for an irish whip!

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN WAS LOOKING FOR A DROPKICK, BUT JAKE HELD ONTO THE ROPES, CAUSING DONOVAN TO DROP DOWN ONTO THE MAT WITHOUT HITTING ANYBODY! Jake is quickly able to capitalize as he looks for a camel clutch- but Donovan quickly slips behind Jake out of the hold before he could fully lock it in, and in the process he pulls Jake’s legs out from under him! Donovan Duke now looking for an ankle lock, but Jake quickly pulls himself up onto his free leg, AND HE JUMPS UP BEFORE TURNING AND HITTING DONOVAN WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! What a move by Jake!

Persephone: Yeah, a horrible move. Now can we wrap this up? This whole tournament is a waste if Rexy can’t compete in it.

James Peters: Donovan Duke stumbles a bit, and this allows Jake to grab him before delivering a snap suplex! Jake doesn’t let go of Donovan though, and instead gets back to his feet while holding onto him! Jake now lifting Donovan Duke up into a fireman’s carry, BUT DONOVAN QUICKLY BEGINS ELBOWING AWAY AT JAKE! DONOVAN WITH ELBOW AFTER ELBOW, AND NOW DONOVAN SLIPS BEHIND JAKE BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! THIS TIME IT’S DONOVAN THAT DOESN’T LET GO, AS HE GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND CONNECTS WITH A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!

Rich Russillo: HE ISN’T FINISHED YET THOUGH! DONOVAN DUKE IS BACK UP TO HIS FEET, AND NOW HE GOES FOR A THIRD- NO! Jake managed to land a back elbow to free himself from Donovan, AND NOW JAKE GOES FOR A LARIAT, BUT DONOVAN DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE HOOKING JAKES ARMS, AND THIS TIME HE DROPS JAKE WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! DONOVAN NOW HOLDING JAKE IN THE BRIDGE FOR THE PIN!

ONE!

TWO!!

Rich Russillo: JAKE KICKS OUT AT TWO!! This has been a fantastic start, but what else should we have expected? These two know each other extremely well and they’re already very talented, this was always going to be extremely good!

Persephone: Eh, it could be better. Like… If the match was already over! Or…. If this was a death match! Or better yet, if Rexy was involved! Otherwise this match has been kinda mid, so these two should really think about stepping up their game.

James Peters: Jake Smith is using the ropes to get back up to his feet, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE CHARGES IN LOOKING FOR A CLOTHESLINE OUT OF THE RING, BUT JAKE LIFTS DONOVAN UP OVER THE TOP ROPE, SENDING DONOVAN OUT ONTO THE APRON! Donovan managed to land safely, AND NOW JAKE LOOKS TO STRIKE, BUT DONOVAN BLOCKS IT BEFORE LANDING A FOREARM! Jake stumbles from that forearm shot, BUT HE ANSWERS BACK WITH A PELE KICK! That pele kick clearly caught Donovan off guard, and now Jake quickly looks to capitalize as he pulls Donovan through the ropes!

Rich Russillo: ROPE HUNG DDT BY JAKE SMITH! Great move by one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, and now it’s Jake that follows it up with a cover!

ONE!

TWO!!-

Rich Russillo: AND DONOVAN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Persephone: Of course he does. 🙄

James Peters: Jake takes a second to catch his breath before pulling Donovan up, and I don’t blame him after the crazy start this match had! Jake Smith now kneeing Donovan in the midsection, AND NOW IT LOOKS LIKE JAKE IS SETTING UP FOR BROKEN WINGS- BUT DONOVAN QUICKLY BEGINS TO PUNCH JAKE IN THE MIDSECTION, STOPPING JAKE FROM CONNECTING WITH THE MOVE! DONOVAN REPEATEDLY CONNECTS WITH LEFTS AND RIGHTS, AND NOW DONOVAN USES ALL HIS STRENGTH TO COUNTER JAKE’S HOLD BY LIFTING HIM UP, AND DROPPING HIM WITH A FALCON ARROW!

Rich Russillo: Now it’s Donovan looking for a major move as he begins to climb up to the top rope, and Jake Smith is down right now! This has been an extremely back and forth match so far as these two have been pulling out whatever moves they could think of, but right now I think Donovan Duke is looking to put this one away! Donovan has some great momentum going for him after putting away Ronan Malosi to retain his 24/7 Contract, and right now I think Donovan’s about to keep that momentum going! STACK THE DECK!!!!

James Peters: DOESN’T CONNECT!!! JAKE MANAGED TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, BUT DONOVAN WAS ABLE TO NOTICE IT FAST ENOUGH TO ROLL BACK TO HIS FEET AND AVOID A NASTY LANDING! Both Elitists quickly get back up, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE CHARGES BACK TOWARDS JAKE SMITH- BUT JAKE MANAGES TO SCOOP DONOVAN UP, DROPPING HIM ONTO HIS KNEE WITH A PENDULUM BACKBREAKER! INCREDIBLE COUNTER BY JAKE SMITH, AND THAT ALONE JUST BROUGHT JAKE RIGHT BACK INTO THIS MATCH WHEN IT LOOKED LIKE DONOVAN DUKE WAS ABOUT TO PUT THINGS AWAY!

Rich Russillo: Jake doesn’t go for the cover, but that’s because he’s pulling himself towards the far corner! Jake is getting back to his feet, and it looks like he’s waiting for Donovan to get back up to his feet! Donovan Duke is still hurting from that backbreaker, and if he gets back up soon he might be in for even more pain! Jake has something big in mind here and at the rate these two are going, this might just lead to our main event tonight being far shorter than any of us could’ve anticipated!

Persephone: I don’t know, it’s Jake Smith and Donovan Duke. I think it’s already pretty short.

James Peters: Donovan Duke is slowly getting back up, AND NOW JAKE SMITH RUSHES OUT OF THE CORNER AND CHARGES IN FOR “SO LONG AND GOODNIGHT”- BUT DONOVAN MANAGES TO AVOID IT! DONOVAN JUST BARELY MANAGES TO AVOID THE KNEE STRIKE AS JAKE ENDS UP RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, AND NOW DONOVAN QUICKLY RUSHES IN BEFORE DELIVERING A FOREARM TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! DONOVAN NOW PULLING JAKE AWAY FROM THE CORNER, AND HE WRAPS JAKE UP IN A REAR NAKED CHOKE!!

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN JUMPS UP ONTO JAKE’S BACK, CAUSING JAKE TO BE PULLED DOWN ONTO THE MAT AS DONOVAN MANAGED TO WRAP THE LEGS AROUND HIM! JAKE SMITH IS IN TROUBLE RIGHT NOW AS HE’S STUCK IN THIS READ NAKED CHOKE! DONOVAN DUKE MIGHT JUST MAKE JAKE TAP OUT RIGHT NOW, AND AFTER EVERYTHING THESE TWO HAVE GONE THROUGH I DON’T THINK ANYTHING WOULD BE MORE SATISFYING FOR DONOVAN! JAKE IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF THIS, BUT WE MIGHT BE SEEING THE END OF THIS ONE VERY SHORTLY! 

Persephone: YES, PLEASE HURRY UP AND JUST TAP OUT! DON’T BOTHER FIGHTING, JUST GIVE UP ALREADY!

James Peters: JAKE IS PULLING DONOVAN’S LEGS OFF OF HIM, AND I THINK JAKE KNOWS THAT IF HE CAN DO THAT HE’LL HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF LOOSENING THE HOLD! JAKE IS TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE ROPES TO RELY ON THOSE, AND I THINK JAKE UNDERSTANDS THAT HE HAS A FAR BETTER CHANCE OF JUST FREEING HIMSELF FROM THE SUBMISSION THAN RELYING ON A ROPE BREAK! Jake manages to successfully pull Donovan’s legs off of him, AND NOW JAKE ROLLS UP OVER DONOVAN DUKE, HOLDING DONOVAN’S SHOULDERS DOWN FOR A PIN!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN DUKE KICKS OUT, AND IN THE PROCESS JAKE MANAGES TO PULL HIMSELF OUT OF THE REAR NAKED CHOKE! That was a great move by Jake, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE QUICKLY GETS BACK UP TO HIS FEET, BUT JAKE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A SPINNING BACK ELBOW! Both of these men are at the top of their game tonight, and at this point I don’t know who’s going to win! They’re both coming off of big victories, but only one of these men can move forward towards King of Elite round two! Is it going to be Jake Smith, or will it be Donovan Duke!?

James Peters: Jake pulls himself up onto the middle rope, and now it looks like he’s once again waiting for Donovan to pull himself back up to his feet! This time he doesn’t have to wait as long as before as Donovan is already finding his way back up, AND NOW JAKE JUMPS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE, LOOKING FOR HELL ABOV- WAIT! WAIT A SECOND! DONOVAN JUST GRABBED JAKE’S LEGS AND PULLED THEM OUT FROM UNDER HIM, AND NOW DONOVAN IS PULLING JAKE INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING BY HIS LEGS, WHAT’S DONOVAN DOING!?

Rich Russillo: GAMBLER’S ROULETTE!!!! DONOVAN IS GOING FOR THE GAMBLER’S ROULETTE!!! DONOVAN IS SWINGING JAKE AROUND, AND NOW THE CROWD IS BEGINNING TO COUNT ALONG!

Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!

Rich Russillo: AND DONOVAN FINALLY LETS GO! DONOVAN LOOKS A BIT DIZZY AFTER THAT SWING, SO HE WASTES NO TIME AND DROPS DOWN FOR THE COVER ON JAKE! THIS MIGHT JUST GET THE JOB DONE!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-

Rich Russillo: NO, HOW!? ONCE AGAIN JAKE SMITH MANAGES TO SAVE HIMSELF! JAKE SMITH IS STILL IN THIS MATCH AS HE JUST MANAGED TO POP THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THREE! 

Persephone: I just don’t get it, why do matches like THIS always have to last forever? Now we have to deal with an entire tournament full of mediocre matches, so this is just the beginning! It’s only gonna get worse, and I hate it.

James Peters: Donovan Duke is slowly pulling himself up, and he looks a bit surprised that Jake kicked out, but at the same time Donovan clearly needed some time to recover from the swing himself! Donovan’s getting back up now, and now he needs to find another way to get the job done since that swing just wasn’t enough to do it! 

Rich Russillo: Donovan Duke slowly begins pulling Jake back up, and now he lifts Jake onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry- EXCEPT NOW IT’S JAKE THAT’S ELBOWING AWAY AT THE SIDE OF DONOVAN’S HEAD! DONOVAN HAS JAKE UP IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY, AND JAKE IS CONSTANTLY ELBOWING AT DONOVAN, SURELY KNOWING THAT THIS IS USUALLY HOW DONOVAN SETS UP HIS “DUKE OF HAZARD” MOVE! JAKE MANAGES TO FREE HIMSELF FROM DONOVAN’S GRASP, AND NOW HE CONNECTS WITH A HUGE SUPERKICK RIGHT TO DONOVAN’S JAW!

James Peters: DONOVAN FALLS FORWARD, AND THAT ALLOWS JAKE TO GRAB HIM AND SET UP FOR A MAJOR MOVE OF HIS OWN! BROKEN WINGS!!! BROKEN WINGS CONNECTS ON DONOVAN DUKE, AND NOW JAKE SMITH HOOKS THE LEGS! JAKE SMITH MIGHT HAVE JUST WON THIS MATCH AND MOVED ON TO THE SECOND ROUND!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE-

James Peters: NO, THIS TIME IT’S DONOVAN JUST BARELY MANAGING TO KICK OUT RIGHT BEFORE THREE! THESE TWO JUST WON’T QUIT NO MATTER WHAT’S THROWN AT THEM! These two have been delivering some major moves left and right, and somehow this match still has yet to come to an end!

Persephone: Yeah and that’s like the worst part about this. If they’re gonna keep going for these big moves could they at least have the courtesy to make them effective? 

Rich Russillo: Jake looks a bit frustrated knowing that Donovan Duke is somehow still in this match, but it’s very important that he doesn’t lose focus here! He’s been doing a very good job so far tonight, and if he can keep that up there’s a very good chance he can still walk out of this match with the victory, especially while he’s still in control! Jake is getting back up to his feet, and I guess we’re about to see what else he has in mind!

James Peters: Jake slowly pulls Donovan up before bringing him towards the corner, and Jake begins slamming Donovan’s face into the top turnbuckle! These two have had matches in the past, but things are clearly not finished between the two and we’re seeing that right now! Jake continues slamming Donovan’s face into the top turnbuckle, and now Jake lifts Donovan up onto the top rope! Jake’s done so many different moves in an attempt to win this match, but whatever he has in mind right now, this might just be it!

Rich Russillo: Jake is slowly beginning to make his way up the turnbuckles to meet Donovan up at the top rope, BUT DONOVAN DUKE HAS WOKEN UP, AND HE HITS JAKE WITH A FOREARM SHOT! JAKE IS HURT, BUT HE MANAGES TO HIT DONOVAN WITH A FOREARM OF HIS OWN! NOW IT’S DONOVAN HITTING JAKE WITH A SECOND FOREARM! NOW JAKE! NOW DONOVAN! JAKE! DONOVAN! JAKE! DONOVAN! THESE TWO MEN ARE HITTING EACH OTHER WITH THESE FOREARMS OVER AND OVER, SEEING WHO’LL BE TAKEN OUT FIRST!

Persephone: Now would be a perfect time for the turnbuckles to break or something. Anything that could result in these two hurting themselves and getting the match called off.

James Peters: DONOVAN GOES FOR ONE MORE FOREARM, BUT JAKE IS ABLE TO BLOCK IT BEFORE HITTING AN ELBOW STRIKE! I THINK THAT MIGHT HAVE KNOCKED DONOVAN OUT, AND NOW JAKE IS LOOKING TO SET UP FOR A SUPERPLEX! THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN A CRAZY MATCH FROM THE TIME THE BELL RANG TO NOW, BUT JAKE IS LOOKING TO TAKE THIS TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY SUPERPLEXING DONOVAN OFF OF THE TOP ROPE! 

Rich Russillo: WAIT! DONOVAN DUKE MANAGES TO PULL HIMSELF OVER JAKE, AND NOW HE TAKES JAKE OFF OF THE TURNBUCKLES WITH A SUNSET FLIP BOMB OFF OF THE TOP ROPE!!!! WHAT A MOVE BY DONOVAN DUKE!!! THAT WAS AMAZING! DONOVAN DUKE JUST TOOK JAKE DOWN WITH AN INCREDIBLE SUNSET FLIP BOMB OFF OF THE TOP ROPE, SACRIFICING HIS OWN WELL BEING IN THE PROCESS JUST TO MAKE SURE JAKE STAYS DOWN! Well Donovan sure got what he wanted, because right now both men are down and it doesn’t look like they’ll have a very easy time getting back up to their feet!

Persephone: Well yeah, but that’s what he gets. I never understood why people go for these over the top high risk moves if they’re just gonna take themselves out along with their opponent. The hell’s the point of the move if you can’t win off of it? This is exactly why we need Rexy back. Rex wouldn’t do stupid things like that.

James Peters: I’m pretty sure Rex has gone for high risk moves throughout his career, especially stuff like superplexes.

Persephone: Shut up. It’s Rex so it doesn’t really count anyway, he does it better than anyone.

James Peters: Whatever you say. Anyways, both men are slowly finding their ways back up! DONOVAN DUKE QUICKLY CHARGES AS JAKE SMITH, AND HE JUMPS UP AS HE LOOKS FOR THE “BANKRUPT” SUBMISSION- BUT JAKE COUNTERS WITH A SPINEBUSTER! JAKE JUST DELIVERED A SPINEBUSTER OUT OF NOWHERE, AND THAT ABSOLUTELY JUST SAVED JAKE FROM WHAT COULD’VE ENDED THE MATCH! JAKE DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH LEFT IN HIM TO GO FOR THE COVER, BUT HE JUST ALLOWED THIS MATCH TO CONTINUE! That was really close, Donovan nearly had that submission applied, right after that sunset flip bomb! Incredible counter by Jake!

Rich Russillo: Jake isn’t finished there either. Jake pulls himself up to his feet using the ropes as Donovan very slowly finds his way up to a knee, and this is not where Donovan wants to be! JAKE SMITH CHARGES IN, AND NOW HE CONNECTS WITH “SO LONG AND GOODNIGHT”!!!! THE RUNNING KNEE CONNECTS, AND THAT’S IT! LIGHTS OUT FOR DONOVAN DUKE!!! JAKE JUST CONNECTED WITH THAT BRUTAL KNEE, AND NOW THERE’S THE COVER FINALLY! JAKE SMITH IS ABOUT TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN DUKE POPS THE SHOULDER UP!!! DONOVAN NEARLY HAD HIS HEAD KNOCKED OFF OF HIS BODY, BUT SOMEHOW THIS MATCH IS STILL ON! 

Persephone: Yeah, and I don’t understand why. 

James Peters: It’s simple. These two know each other extremely well, and neither of them want to lose. They’re going to do everything in their power to stay in this match, and we’re seeing that right now! Jake Smith is just sitting down next to Donovan as he tries to catch his breath, and you can just see how much this match has taken out of both men! This has been a great match and a great main event, but this has to come to an end one way or another!

Rich Russillo: Donovan Duke slowly begins to sit up, AND NOW JAKE HITS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! Donovan drops back down, but before long Donovan begins to get back up, hitting Jake with a right hand of his own! Jake falls back before slowly trying to find his way back to his feet, meanwhile Donovan slowly starts to do the same! RIGHT HAND BY JAKE SMITH! That one nearly dropped Donovan, BUT DONOVAN IS ABLE TO FIRE BACK WITH A FOREARM, AND JAKE IS ALMOST TAKEN OFF OF HIS FEET COMPLETELY! 

James Peters: Jake stumbles back, BUT JAKE TURNS AND GOES FOR A DISCUS LARIAT, AND IT’S DUCKED BY DONOVAN DUKE! DONOVAN AVOIDED THE DISCUS LARIAT, BUT JAKE TURNS AROUND- JUST TO RECEIVE A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! Donovan Duke now pulling Jake in, AND HE LIFTS JAKE UP INTO A SUPLEX POSITION- BUT JAKE LANDS A KNEE TO THE TOP OF DONOVAN’S HEAD! NOW JAKE PULLS DONOVAN IN, POSSIBLY LOOKING FOR A DDT- BUT DONOVAN BEGINS PUNCHING AWAY AT JAKE’S MIDSECTION! BOTH MEN SEEM TO HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ONE ANOTHER AS THEY STUMBLE BACK AWAY FROM ONE ANOTHER-

Rich Russillo: AND NOW THEY CHARGE RIGHT BACK TOWARDS EACH OTHER, TAKING EACH OTHER DOWN WITH DUAL CLOTHESLINES! Both men had the same idea and it resulted in them taking each other out! After all, once upon a time these two were working together as Insurgency, so I guess I can’t be too surprised that they ended up having the same idea! Jake Smith is slowly using the ropes to get up as Donovan Duke begins to get up on his own, AND NOW DONOVAN QUICKLY CHARGES IN BEFORE TAKING JAKE OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING WITH A CLOTHESLINE! 

Persephone: Jake is down, but seeing as he’s stirring Donovan clearly didn’t do things right. Should’ve dropped him on his neck.

James Peters: Jake Smith is getting back up, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE QUICKLY RUNS THE ROPES, LOOKING FOR SOMETHING HE DOESN’T DO VERY OFTEN! SUICIDE DIVE!!! DONOVAN DUKE CONNECTS WITH THE SUICIDE DIVE, SENDING JAKE SMITH CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE! THAT WAS AN INCREDIBLE SUICIDE DIVE, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE SENDS JAKE RIGHT BACK INTO THE RING AS THE CROWD CHEERS! DONOVAN IS ON FIRE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S NOT DONE JUST YET!

Rich Russillo: Jake Smith is slowly finding his way back up, but Donovan Duke quickly jumps up onto the apron before climbing up to the top rope! Donovan now, DIVING OFF OF THE TOP ROPE AND DELIVERING A DIVING CROSSBODY!!! ANOTHER BIG MOVE BY DONOVAN DUKE, BUT THIS TIME DONOVAN FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A COVER! 

ONE!

TWO!!

Rich Russillo: AND JAKE SMITH IS OUT! JAKE KICKS OUT OF THE CROSSBODY, BUT DONOVAN IS QUICKLY ABLE TO TRANSITION INTO A FUJIWARA ARMBAR! DONOVAN DUKE HAS THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR LOCKED IN, AND NOW JAKE IS IN TROUBLE! JAKE IS IN A LOT OF TROUBLE!

Persephone: TAP OUT THIS TIME! HURRY UP AND JUST GIVE UP ALREADY, WE DON’T WANT TO WATCH THIS!

James Peters: JAKE SMITH IS TRYING TO REACH OUT TOWARDS THE ROPES, BUT DONOVAN DUKE ALWAYS SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT HE’S DOING WITH THESE SUBMISSIONS! ONCE AGAIN HE’S MANAGED TO MAKE SURE JAKE IS TOO FAR FROM THE ROPES TO GET A ROPE BREAK, AND THIS MEANS THAT JAKE ONCE AGAIN HAS TO EITHER FIGHT OUT OF THIS HOLD, OR JUST GIVE UP AND LOSE HIS SPOT IN THE TOURNAMENT! THOSE ARE TWO DIFFICULT CHOICES, BUT I THINK WE KNOW WHICH ONE JAKE’S GOING WITH!

Rich Russillo: JAKE MANAGES TO TURN HIMSELF OVER TO HIS SIDE, AND NOW HE PULLS DONOVAN OVER HIM AND DOWN ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! JAKE JUST PULLED DONOVAN DUKE INTO A COVER!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN DUKE KICKS OUT! Both Elitists rush back up to their feet, AND JAKE SMITH DROPS DONOVAN DUKE WITH A BICYCLE KICK! DONOVAN WAS ROCKED, BUT JAKE WASTES NO TIME HEADING UP TO THE MIDDLE ROPE! I really don’t think Donovan knows where he is right now, and that’s a very dangerous situation for him to be in!

James Peters: Donovan Duke slowly finds his way back up to his feet, BUT HE WAS RIGHT WHERE JAKE WANTED HIM ALL ALONG! JAKE JUMPS OFF OF THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND THERE IT IS! THIS TIME IT CONNECTS!!! HELL ABOVE CONNECTS!!! JAKE SMITH JUST TOOK DONOVAN DUKE OUT WITH THE HELL ABOVE, BUT JAKE IS HURT! JAKE IS EXHAUSTED AFTER EVERYTHING THIS MATCH HAS PUT HIM THROUGH, AND NOW HE’S PULLING HIMSELF TOWARDS DONOVAN! These two have pushed each other to their limits tonight, but right now we could be seeing the end of this! JAKE MANAGES TO PUT AN ARM OVER DONOVAN!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Rich Russillo: ONCE AGAIN!!! ONCE AGAIN DONOVAN DUKE HAS GOTTEN THE SHOULDER UP!!! This match has already taken so much out of these two, yet Donovan Duke is still in this! Donovan Duke, the 24/7 Contract holder, somehow he managed to get the shoulder up and save his chances of moving on to round two of the King of Elite tournament! Donovan Duke is such a talented competitor, and it’s just great seeing how far he’s come! Donovan has done amazing tonight, but if there’s anyone not happy to see that, it’s his opponent!

Persephone: And me. I’m not happy to see it either, because I don’t remember asking for a Shorty J and Shorty D match in the first place so I don’t know why I’m being forced to watch it. These two have literally hit each other with like every single big move they have in their arsenals, and somehow none of it has been enough to get the job done. You know who wouldn’t have that problem?

James Peters: Let me guess. Rex?

Persephone: EXACTLY! Now you’re starting to get it! Rexy would never have this much trouble with people not even half his height.

James Peters: Well Rex isn’t in this match. It’s up to Jake Smith or Donovan Duke to get the job done tonight, and right now Jake is beyond tired. Both he and Donovan have done so much in this match, and you just have to imagine that it’s extremely frustrating not being able to get the job done after all of this. Jake is slowly getting back up, and I think he has an idea of what he should do next!

Rich Russillo: Jake Smith is slowly pulling Donovan Duke up, AND IT LOOKS LIKE JAKE IS ABOUT TO USE ONE OF THE FEW MOVES HE HASN’T EVEN ATTEMPTED IN THIS MATCH! JAKE PULLS DONOVAN DOWN FROM BEHIND, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S SETTING UP FOR THE STARMAKER! JAKE HAS DONOVAN IN POSITION, AND NOW HE GOES FOR IT-

James Peters: BUT DONOVAN DUKE ESCAPES IT! DONOVAN JUST ESCAPED THE ROLLING CUTTER JUST AS JAKE WAS ABOUT TO CONNECT WITH IT! JUST AS JAKE SPUN AROUND TO DELIVER THE ROLLING CUTTER, DONOVAN PULLED HIMSELF OUT OF JAKE’S GRASP, AND NOW HE DROPS DOWN BEFORE PULLING JAKE DOWN INTO A SCHOOL BOY ROLL UP!!! NO WAY!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO ROUND TWO OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT… DOOONNOOOVANNNN DUUUUUUUUUUKKKEE!!!!!!!!

(‘The Outsiders’ hits, and Donovan Duke quickly rolls out of the ring immediately after the bell rings while the crowd explodes into cheers, mainly out of shock. Jake Smith immediately gets back to his feet, and he’s in complete disbelief.)

Jake Smith: (off-mic) WHAT????? NO!  

James Peters: DONOVAN DUKE STOLE IT!!! DONOVAN DUKE JUST STOLE THE WIN AND NOW HE MOVES ON TO ROUND TWO OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!!!!

Rich Russillo: What a win for Donovan Duke! Donovan Duke will now be headed to the next round of the King of Elite tournament, and I don’t think Jake looks too happy about that!

Persephone: Well yeah, duh. It’s funny as hell seeing Jake complain though. :mjlol:

Rich Russillo: Jake Smith was so close to getting the job done, but Donovan just barely managed to get the win! What an ending!

James Peters: What a match by these two! In the end Donovan Duke advances, but that was a fantastic showing by both men! That’s all for Voltage tonight, and as always I’m James Peters, and with me is Rich Russillo and Persephone Tsitsipas! Congratulations to Donovan Duke, and goodnight everyone! See you next week!

(Donovan Duke is seen backpedaling up the ramp, hands in the air as the crowd continues to cheer. Jake Smith is still in the ring, arguing with the referee who tells Jake that it was in fact a three count. Jake is in complete disbelief, and as Donovan Duke celebrates his victory, Voltage fades out for the final time.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)