(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap is shown of last week’s episode of Sunday Night Voltage, with Holly Arrow, Roberto De La Rosa, Harper Lee, Jack Ripley, and Minerva getting victories. And in the main event, Drake King and TLA fight in a Champion versus Champion match which leads to a double countout to end the show and the recap.)
(Sunday Night Voltage opens up to a shot of Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Delhi, India. The crowd is electric as pyro is seen shooting out from the stage. The camera then goes over to ringside where Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone are seen!)
Rich Russillo: We are getting closer and closer to the Voltage Marquee Event, Wicked Games! Welcoming you to yet another jam-packed episode… of SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE!
Persephone: :francis: !!!
James Peters: And what a show we have for you tonight! With the Iconic Cup quarterfinals kicking into full gear! Holly Arrow versus ARIA! Halsey Neel versus Miku Sakai! Harper Lee versus Caroline! Ashlynn Quinn versus Minerva! And in the main event, Champagne Charlie and Rex McAllister face the team of NICHOLISM! Let’s not waste anymore time!
(Voltage fades to ringside, and ‘Footsteps of Doom’ by KOHTA YAMAMOTO hits. This causes a loud reaction to come from the crowd as the fans in attendance begin to cheer. Before long, Drake King begins to make his way out to the stage. As Drake stands at the stage, he unhooks the EAW World Championship from his waist before raising it up in the air, causing the cheers to grow louder as Drake begins to walk down the ramp.)
James Peters: Last week we saw Drake King and TLA go at it right after it was made official that Drake would be taking on Cameron Ella Ava at Wicked Games. Things got pretty chaotic in that match, although knowing TLA and Drake’s history with each other, what’s new?
Rich Russillo: That’s right. Not only did a brawl lead to a double countout, but Cameron was caught in the crossfire as Drake accidentally took her out, not that Drake cared. In the end TLA stood tall, but I’m not so sure that Drake is here to talk about that knowing he has an EAW World Championship match coming up.
Persephone: I hope not. That match was already enough of a chore to watch, I don’t need to hear anything else about it. While we’re at it, why do we keep giving Drake a mic? He’s been on our brand for three years now, I’m tired of hearing him speak.
(Drake receives a microphone from the timekeeper’s area before walking up the steel steps and entering the ring. Drake takes a moment and stares at the fans in attendance, before finally beginning to speak.)
Drake King: Thank you! Thank you everyone for the overwhelmingly positive reception as always. I understand that you all choose to appear at these shows every week because you want the chance to see your God in person, and I’d never want to disappoint you all. Of course with that said, this means that when I enter the ring I want to give you all the best experience possible. While any match with Drake King in it is pretty much guaranteed to be the best of that night, if we can do better we should! I don’t think people deserve to be given a match against me if they’re not doing anything to warrant such a big spotlight, which is why I’m here to address the elephant in the room.
(The crowd begins to quiet down as Drake continues.)
Drake King: So after doing some thinking, I don’t think I’m interested in a match with you, Cam.
(This receives more of a negative reaction, and Drake just slowly nods his head as if he understands their disappointment.)
Drake King: I know, I know. By giving Cameron a match you all had the opportunity to see me wrestle at Wicked Games and save the entire show, but I’m just not feeling it. I could always find another challenger and give you all the match you want, but Cam? Not her. Out of the question. She’s just not good enough! If I let her face me at Wicked Games the match might only end up being a few seconds long. After all, she hasn’t exactly been very impressive as of late. Seriously, can any of you name a SINGLE thing she’s done this season that actually warrants her facing me in a match for the EAW World Championship? Actually, let’s go back even further. Can any of you name something she’s done in the past YEAR that makes her a worthy opponent for the greatest wrestler on the planet? I sure couldn’t! Cameron has been a huge disappointment, and why would anyone want a disappointment in their main event match? You guys deserve better, and I’m going to make sure you get that!
Drake King: Just so everyone understands my decision, I’d like to remind you all that Cam started this season promising to make this season hers, and that was right after a very embarrassing loss to Sienna Jade at Pain for Pride. Losing that match was sad enough, but you’d think she’d AT LEAST live up to such bold words! Instead, she lost to Dr. Bethany Blue at Bloodsport right after being handed a spot as Voltage’s team Captain, and because Captain Charisma decided to keep trusting her… Cam walked into Territorial Invasion and led her entire team into failure. A team that SHE chose, of course. It wasn’t like my Territorial Invasion team that I led to victory despite my entire team despising me for some reason. Everyone believed in Cam, and not only was her team eliminated first, but she wasn’t even the final Elitist standing on her team. Even in doing commentary last week she somehow managed to mess things up and get herself taken out, so how well do you really think she’d do in a match against me? She’s in no position to be given matches like this, so I might as well not even face her. It’d just be a waste of everyone’s time-
(‘Good For Her’ by MOTHICA featuring emlyn hits, cutting Drake off. This causes another loud reaction to come from the crowd, as Cameron Ella Ava begins to walk out. Drake doesn’t look pleased knowing that he was interrupted, but Cameron is staring directly at Drake, not wasting any time as she begins walking down the ramp.)
James Peters: It looks like Cameron didn’t take too kindly to the things Drake had to say about her, and to be fair, I completely understand. It looks like he’s suddenly not interested in a match against her, though with Drake’s track record I’m not so sure I believe his reasoning.
Rich Russillo: Well regardless, Drake himself doesn’t look too happy that Cameron is out here. I’m not sure if it’s because he wasn’t expecting Cameron to interrupt him or what, but things could get pretty heated after what happened last week between them.
Persephone: Speaking of people we need to stop giving mics, why is Cameron here??? Did anyone ask for this???
James Peters: She doesn’t even have a mic.
Persephone: Even more reason she shouldn’t be here.
(As Cameron walks up the steel steps and enters the ring, Drake begins to speak.)
Drake King: Why are you here? I’m pretty sure I said I wasn’t interested in facing you anymore, which means you have no reason to be in the same ring as me anymore. Back to the line you go-
James Peters: CAMERON JUST PUNCHED DRAKE IN THE FACE!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE DROPS DOWN AND STUMBLES INTO THE CORNER, AND IMMEDIATELY CAMERON GOES ON THE ATTACK! CAMERON RUNS IN BEFORE KICKING DRAKE IN THE MIDSECTION! CAMERON BEGINNING TO PUNCH DRAKE OVER AND OVER AS THE CHAMPION DROPS DOWN TO A SEATED POSITION, AND NOW SHE JUST BEGINS STOMPING AWAY AT DRAKE REPEATEDLY!!!! I GUESS THAT EXPLAINS WHY CAMERON DIDN’T HAVE A MICROPHONE, SHE WASN’T INTERESTED IN WORDS!!!!
James Peters: THAT’S RIGHT, INSTEAD SHE’S JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF DRAKE!!!! CAMERON STARTS DIRECTING THE STOMPS TOWARDS DRAKE’S FACE, REPEATEDLY KICKING HIM IN THE FACE AND IN THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD OVER AND OVER! CAMERON POSSIBLY LOOKING TO GIVE DRAKE A TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE! EVEN IF THAT SHOT WITH THE TITLE WAS UNINTENTIONAL, I DON’T THINK DRAKE REGRETTED HIS ACTIONS UNTIL THIS VERY MOMENT! Drake catches the boot before finally pushing Cameron away though, AND NOW DRAKE GOES FOR A SUPERKICK-
Rich Russillo: CAMERON DUCKED UNDER IT, AND SHE PICKS UP THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE SWINGING IT RIGHT INTO DRAKE’S FACE!!!! THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT CAUGHT CAMERON OFF GUARD, AND IT LOOKS LIKE CAMERON GOT SOME PAYBACK TONIGHT!!!! The crowd is on fire tonight! Despite Drake’s words, it looks like the fans are interested in seeing this match after all!
James Peters: Yeah, but I think we already knew that much! Cameron is now waiting for Drake to get back up after dropping him with his own Championship, and I don’t think Drake was anticipating being attacked like this! Drake slowly stumbles to his feet, AND CAMERON CONNECTS WITH THE WONDER WOMAN PUNCH!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE DROPS DOWN TO A KNEE, AND NOW CAMERON USES THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH GODDESS RISING!!!!! THE EAW CHAMPION IS DOWN, AND STANDING ABOVE HIM IS THE WOMAN THAT I BELIEVE STILL INTENDS TO CHALLENGE HIM FOR HIS CHAMPIONSHIP AT WICKED GAMES!!!!
(The fans cheer as Cameron Ella Ava stares at Drake King, who is laid out on the mat. Cameron notices the microphone that’s on the mat, and after a few seconds she picks it up before beginning to speak.)
Cameron Ella Ava: You must’ve had the wrong idea, Drake. I was always going to be your next challenger. You never had a choice.
(This causes another loud reaction from the fans, and Cameron just slowly paces around Drake as she continues.)
Cameron Ella Ava: I understand that things haven’t always turned out how I wanted them to, but did you think I was joking when I said I’d make this season mine, or last week when I said I had that Championship in my sights? It doesn’t matter if I lost the brand warfare match, or to Dr. Bethany Blue, or whatever other matches you want to remind us of. I’m still Cameron Ella Ava, the greatest of all time, and clearly that was enough to make you fear getting in the ring with me. I’m a legend and even now most people know better than to deny my abilities in the ring, so for you to go on this whole rant after having already done more than enough to get on my bad side really was stupid. It’s too bad Drake, because whether you like it or not, I’m next in line. Not just to face you for the EAW World Championship, but to hold that Championship. I get you want to keep forcing this idea that you’re anything even similar to a God, but soon enough you won’t even be a Champion. You’ll just be the person who added another Championship reign to my collection.
(A smirk appears on Cameron’s face as she stops, before picking up the EAW World Championship. She stares at it for a few seconds before looking back at Drake, once again beginning to speak.)
Cameron Ella Ava: I’m not like your previous defenses, Drake. I’m not any of the other people you’ve faced this season, and you’re definitely not going to avoid a match against me because “I’m not good enough”. I made it known a long time ago that I had eyes on the EAW World Championship, and at Wicked Games I’ll be taking it. It was always going to happen, and you walking out here and accepting the match sped up the process. You can rethink your decision all you want and use all the time necessary to regret ever accepting a match against me, but it’s way too late to back out. I’m the biggest threat you’ve faced in your title reign, and I’m a threat you won’t be able to escape. Soon enough I’m going to remind everyone why I’m one of the biggest names in the business, and one of the best parts of it all is that it’ll be happening at the expense of someone who deserves everything coming to him. When I face you at Wicked Games I’m ending this little joke everyone’s had to put up with for the last few months, and I’m returning to Voltage with yet another World Championship.
(Cameron throws the microphone down, and as the fans cheer she raises the EAW World Championship. ‘Good For Her’ begins to play once again as Cameron poses with the Championship, and after some time Cameron looks down at Drake once more.)
James Peters: Some strong words by Cameron Ella Ava, and after taking out the Champion, I think she just sent a really good message to him!
Rich Russillo: I have to agree. Cameron Ella Ava is undoubtedly one of the greatest EAW has seen, so she’ll without a doubt be a huge challenge for Drake King at Wicked Games. We may very well see a new Champion, especially if Drake continues to overlook her like this.
Persephone: From trash to garbage. How great.
(Cameron drops the EAW World Championship on top of Drake King before beginning to walk out of the ring, leaving the unconscious Drake laid out in the ring with the Championship on top of him. As Cameron Ella Ava makes her way up the ramp, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for Drake’s upcoming album “For All The Dogs” featuring Michael Machina.)
(Sunday Night Voltage comes back from a brief intermission as a panaround of Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, with it not being long after for ‘Tot Musica‘ by Ado to be heard blasting through the PA system. The crowd erupts into cheers, and it’s not long after before Harper Lee and Holly Arrow, better known as the Unified Tag Team Champions POTARA, are seen making their way out to the stage. Harper and Holly have their respective titles in hand, raising them into the air, before they then begin to make their way down the ramp and to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!! Harper Lee and Holly Arrow… POTARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: While both members of POTARA have their goals set on competing in the Iconic Cup tournament later tonight, on Dynasty we saw the seeds being planted for their next challengers in terms of the Unified Tag Team Championships. Kassidy Heart, Sienna Jade, The Jaded Hearts are back to business after Territorial Invasion and they made it clear exactly what they wanted, but POTARA showed that they weren’t just going to hand it to them either.
James Peters: In Sienna’s match against Ms. Extreme, POTARA made their presence known as they jumped the barricade and started a brawl with her and Kass at ringside. Even though they were taken out, it was enough to cost Sienna the match against Ms. Extreme, and enough to make The Jaded Hearts very unhappy campers to end the night. They got the last laugh then, and here they are now, and I’m sure they’re going to make sure to rub some salt in the wounds.
Persephone: Oh God please no. I already have enough of their irritating voices, now we’re going to have the retirement home on this brand, I’m just SICK of it!
(Both Holly and Harper make their way into the ring, as they stand at the center of the ring, once again raising their titles in the air to the cheers of the crowd. ‘Tot Musica’ after sometime begins to come to a close, as POTARA both get microphones for themselves and begin to speak while the crowd begins to quiet down.)
Harper Lee: So, Holly, I guess we have to talk about The Jaded Hearts.
Holly Arrow: Oh, you mean what we did to them on Dynasty?
Harper Lee: I was thinking more about the challenge that they put out for our titles, but I was going to get to that at some point too. They wonder why we would do that instead of just coming out when they asked us too, but I think the answer goes without saying. They talked their talk and did a really good job overlooking POTARA and our abilities, and I don’t know, them just thinking of us as a way to reach the Unified Tag Team Championships kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. Saying that they were giving us “advance notice about our loss” is crazy to hear, and I don’t know about you, Holly, but I’m getting pretty tired of people trying to use us as stepping stones. We know what we’re capable of, and if you think we’re in the wrong for costing Sienna her match against Ms. Extreme, then you should hear their side of the story.
Holly Arrow: They’re full of it, and it’s the same story I’ve heard multiple times in the past. Saying that even though POTARA is as good as they say they are, the competition is scarce and it’s been slim pickings for the past few months. And while yes, I think we can all agree that The Jaded Hearts are going to end up being the toughest challenge that we’ve faced yet, knowing what they’re capable of and the threat that they pose as a unit, to say that guarantees them our titles is ridiculous. Even more, to say that the ceiling of competition that we’ve faced when it comes to DOMINION, the Off-Brand Amphetamines, The Queen Bees, whoever you want to say, are the limitations of our abilities are just setting yourselves up for failure.
Harper Lee: The fact is that we’re the best tag team in EAW and the Unified Tag Team Champions for a reason, and that isn’t because we’re barely scratching by… it’s because we’re on a level that simply can’t be touched by just anyone that tries to challenge for our titles. The Jaded Hearts may be one of the best tag teams that this company has ever seen according to many, and they may have proven that, but that was a long time ago. They’re not talking about those now, they’re talking about the individual success of Kassidy Heart and Sienna Jade, and while that’s something to marvel at, the blotch on their record will always be the multiple attempts that they’ve had to try and relive their glory days with their reunions that certainly don’t lead them to these titles.
Holly Arrow: If they think that they can just go ahead and try again, well then they’re going to find out that it’s not going to be that easy. We’re going to show at Wicked Games that after we’re through with them they can go ahead and do whatever they want, but they will never, ever, make the mistake of going after POTARA and these Unified Tag Team Championships again. You can do whatever you want, question what could’ve been, and wonder why you couldn’t get the job done against a team you deem inferior to you. But the only thing that we can say is…
Harper Lee: You two won’t be picking up a second Tag Team of the Decade award that’s for sure.
(Harper and Holly once again raise their titles into the air, the crowd roaring one more time for the Champions as they mark their territory and tell it straight what is going to happen when they go up against them. Their peace doesn’t last long enough with ‘Partition (Smearcase Trap Remix)’ by Beyoncé beginning to play through the speakers of the arena. The crowd reacts loudly once again as inevitably the duo of Kassidy Heart and Sienna Jade begin to make their way out to the stage. The Jaded Hearts don’t share their usual smug confidence amongst one another, instead, they look annoyed about what happened on Dynasty as they make a beeline toward the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Well it’s been made pretty clear that Kassidy and Sienna have a bone to pick with POTARA. They don’t take kindly at all to what happened and if their challenge was directed toward solely capturing the titles before, their focus is definitely on POTARA now.
James Peters: I do think a misconception here is that The Jaded Hearts are overlooking POTARA, which I doubt to be the case. I think Kassidy and Sienna know the challenge that they’re up against very well, and it’s going to require a lot more than what they put out usually in order to get the job done.
Persephone: FUCK! This is exactly what I DIDN’T want. GET THEM OUT OF HERE! SECURITY! SECURITY! THIS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
(Kassidy makes her way into the ring as Sienna heads around and grabs microphones for the both of them. The two Hall of Famers meet back inside the ring, with Kassidy adjusting the Universal Women’s Championship around her waist and Sienna with a stern expression as she looks at both Harper and Holly. ‘Partition (Smearcase Trap Remix)’ begins to come to a close as The Jaded Hearts look to share their piece.)
Kassidy Heart: You realize what you did could very well be the biggest fucking mistake you’ve made in your life, right?
(Harper and Holly look toward one another, sarcastically nodding. Sienna has no time for this though, and Kassidy certainly does not either.)
Sienna Jade: I don’t think it’s us that’s overlooking what POTARA is capable of, I think it’s a matter of the Champions not being able to gauge their challengers properly. Yes, say it for the whole world to hear, this isn’t the first time that The Jaded Hearts have reunited, and I’ll let you in on a little secret, it certainly won’t be the last. But to clear up some confusion, what has happened prior to all of this is certainly not our fault.
Kassidy Heart: Where do you want to start? The fact that one of them ended because The High Rollerz shit the bed or that the other ended because we became too successful individually to prioritize fighting for your titles? I don’t think it’s much of an excuse on our part that there are reasons why our quest to take back the tag division have been delayed, even though we’ve done it in the past and we have no problem doing it again, but I digress.
Sienna Jade: Currently there may not be a tag team to contest the fact that you are the best in the tag division, those titles are proof of that, but no matter the year, no matter the situation, there is no tag team in the world that can match what The Jaded Hearts bring to the table. You brought up our success individually, which is a lot more even than what Harper has done compared to Holly, and that in itself should show what we are capable of as a duo. Let’s think about it for a moment, because you said that it’s been sometime since The Jaded Hearts had a full run together, and you’d be right. But the time between our last Tag Title reign to now there have been a numerous number of titles added to our resume, a Universal Women’s Championship for the both of us might I add, along with respective Hall of Fame inductions to cap it all off.
Kassidy Heart: You can say that us as a team aren’t all that, even though you’d have to be real stupid to try and make that argument, real stupid like POTARA, but you can never make the excuse that myself and Sienna aren’t as good as we say we are. The only reason you can say that without being laughed at is because you have those titles around your waist, and the only reason that has continued to be the case for months now is because we’ve been generous enough not to go after them. But after what you did on Dynasty, there are no more excuses.
Holly Arrow: Can I ask you a question, are you really that fed up about it?
Harper Lee: Because if so that’s kinda sad. We even let you get your hits in because risking a potential disqualification would be more disappointing than just costing you the match itself.
Holly Arrow: We’ll be happy to start over tonight and show you what we can really do, because we’re not just going to sit here and take this disrespect from the two of you. You say you’re as good as you are, well it’s time to show you why POTARA is as good as we say we are as well.
(Harper and Holly both lower their titles, but Kassidy and Sienna don’t seem to be reacting to this at all.)
Sienna Jade: Good news for you, we’re not here for a fight. We know you’ve got matches in the Iconic Cup Tournament later in the night, you have no reason to try and engage us.
Kassidy Heart: That’s for your own good as well, because I promise, we can do a whole lot worse than what you two managed to pull off on Dynasty. So much so that there won’t be any Champions to take those titles from once we’re through.
Sienna Jade: We’re here to give you a warning, to make sure you don’t make the mistake of doing what you did again. It’s less about losing the match, it’s more about costing me a match that I know I would have won against a disgusting Ava sister. That, no matter who you are, is absolutely unforgivable.
Kassidy Heart: Insolence does not go unpunished and both of you need to understand that.
(Harper and Holly have serious looks on their face as Kassidy and Sienna say what they have to say, and it’s clear that they’re taking this very seriously as well.)
Harper Lee: Well then, so be it, we welcome the challenge.
(POTARA raises their titles high into the air while ‘Tot Musica’ begins to blast through the speakers again. Kassidy and Sienna look up at the titles, admiring what they’re going to be going after very soon. It’s not long after that Harper and Holly make their way out of the ring, POTARA taking their leave up the ramp and to the backstage area. That leaves The Jaded Hearts inside the ring, as Kassidy and Sienna watch them with fierce determination, knowing what they need to do. It’s the last shot shown before Sunday Night Voltage from there begins to fade out to elsewhere.)
(Commercial for the upcoming video game Spider-Man 2, on PlayStation 5.)
( Voltage returns to the show, the crowd is seated, and they all anticipate the opening contest of the night! Bella Braxton, at the center of the ring, is prepared and ready to make the introduction of the match with a bright smile on her face. )
Bella Braxton: THE OPENING CONTEST IS A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH AND IT’S SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
( ‘Shook Ones PT. II’ by Mobb Deep blares through the PA system as Joey Francis bursts through the curtain and charges up to the stage, extending both arms. He wears a bright smile, fully aware that he’s making his EAW debut tonight and ready for action. Looking up at the ring, Joey sprints down the aisle, enters the ring, and rallies the crowd with a cheer once he’s inside. )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST!… MAKING HIS EAW DEBUT OUT OF MIAMI, FLORIDA!… WEIGHING IN AT 182 POUNDS!… ‘MIAMI HEAT’ !!!!!…. JOEYYYYYYYYY…. FRANCISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: Joey is set to make his EAW debut on Sunday Night Voltage, emerging as another shining star eager to make a memorable debut in his EAW career. Hailing from Miami, Joey pays homage to the renowned basketball team, the Miami Heat, incorporating its spirit into his entire franchise. Tonight, he looks to present what it truly means to bear the honor of the Miami Heat!
Persephone: Nothing really, just some NBA mark wanna be a wrestler. Like anime nerds, not so many differences.
( ‘Kill The Lights’ by Britney Spears plays as Ryan Dempsey slowly walks out and shows how flamboyant he is here tonight, just like the last time he was in his debut match on Fight Grid. Ryan here seems to be a bit extravagant with his entrances. He might not have a flock of boys with him today but when it’s just himself, the spotlight is his own and he simply makes much of opportunity out of it. Ryan simply cheers himself up with a cheeky smirk and heads to the ring. )
Bella Braxton: NEXT!… FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA!… WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS!… ‘PRETTY BOY’ !!!!!… RYANNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!…. DEMPSEYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: Pretty? This fucking geezer is at least 38.
Rich Russillo: Last time we saw Ryan here on EAW, he was making his debut against another rising star like Roque Santa Cruz, which he ended up suffering an unfortunate loss. Ryan is up tonight against his neighbors from Miami like Joey Francis and Korey Gaiens in this three-way competition. Would Ryan be able to recover from the loss he took at Fight Grid? We are going to find this out together!
( Ryan and Joey come face to face with each other, both men standing tall while ‘The World Is Mine’ by Mikey Rykus replaces Ryan’s theme music. Both men turn their attention back to the stage and out comes Korey Gaiens. Korey has both eyes focused on both men down there in the ring. He keeps on walking while looking to those men waiting for him. He finally arrives in front of the ring, hopping up onto the apron and getting into the ring. )
Bella Braxton: AND LAST!… FROM OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA!…. WEIGHING IN AT 170 POUNDS!… ‘THE EXTREME’ !!!!!!!!…. KOREYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY……. GAINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Persephone: Do we really need to watch this dude wrestle? Can I just leave?
James Peters: Last time we saw Korey Gaines, he put on a tough performance and came quite close to winning the Divide and Conquer match. Tonight, Korey is looking to bounce back again, facing two newcomers we have here on Voltage. We are going to see how things are going to go for Korey here.
( DING DING DING! )
James Peters: The opening contest match is underway; Three Ways is kicking off the show here tonight. These three men are facing each other off. Joey Francis, Korey Gaines, and Ryan Dempsey. Joey and Ryan are two newcomers, and we have seen a not-so-beautiful preview of Ryan Dempsey at Fight Grid in his debut match. But tonight, it’s Joey’s debut match. Korey, here, has the most experience, so he might also have a good chance to pick a win off this match as well.
Persephone: Unfortunately.
Rich Russillo: And here we go, folks! Ryan with a quick kick to Korey’s gut, sent him through the ropes to the outside. Joey, coming from behind, locks Ryan up, looking for a German Suplex. Joey switches sides and turns things around, putting Ryan under his arm, hooking him, and looking for a Suplex!
James Peters: Joey escapes, both feet landing on the canvas and pushes Ryan forward… only to meet an Enzuigiri flashing before his eyes from Korey Gaines! Ryan gets pushed, but at the same time, he’s pushed right back into the ring once Korey gets back to the apron to send him back in. Joey stands just right behind Ryan and hooks both arms!… DRAGON SUPLEX! DOWN GOES RYAN!
Rich Russillo: One’s down, Joey up to his feet, and Korey still there at the apron, coming back to his feet. Joey charges in and looks to send Korey off the apron, but Korey manages to step aside. Another Enzuigiri from the apron hits right on the target! Joey is pushed back as well. Korey seizes the rope, and with an extreme look on the Extreme himself, he’s ready to fly!….
James Peters: SPRINGBOARD SPLASH-
Rich Russillo: JOEY MOVES OUT OF HIS WAY!
James Peters: Korey fails to connect the springboard maneuver, rolling back to his feet safely, and turns his attention back to Joey. Joey runs in to strike down Korey, but Korey counters with a spinning kick, catching him. Korey now seizes the rope again, up on the middle rope, and here comes Korey Gaines again! Looking for another springboard maneuver!
Rich Russillo: Up to the second rope goes Joey Francis, bringing Korey down from there together… putting him right into the Dragon Sleeper! The Dragon Sleeper has Korey where he wanted! Joey just upped his chance to make this potential victory even sweeter; holding it in his hands like a golden opportunity!
Persephone: I mean… yay, you beat Korey Gaines. It’s nothing good to brag about just like his worth.
Rich Russillo: Ryan is finally back into this match and he comes after those two men, delivering a knee drop on Joey’s face, stopping him from utilizing the move against Korey Gaines. Korey is now free and Ryan continues charging at Joey with punches after punches. Joey is just weathering the storm, not catching a break at the moment, even though he had a golden opportunity with the other man in the ring!
James Peters: Ryan picks Joey from the ground and sends him flying down to the ropes, Joey comes back and meets a harsh chop from Ryan at the center of the ring! Another chop follows up and nails it hard on his chest as well! Ryan with a right hook, then a left hook from the other side, a slap across Joey’s face, grabbing him again, and now down goes Joey by the corner. Ryan runs up to track down his opponent, delivering a corner clothesline that collides with Joey at the corner! What a combo by Ryan Dempsey!
Persephone: What a garbage from the creep of a wrestler!
Rich Russillo: Korey rises to the occasion there, Ryan maintains Joey at the corner as Korey starts running toward Ryan! Ryan moves out of his way, Korey shoots himself into the corner and collides with Joey who’s already there! Ryan steps back and turns his attention down to both men!
James Peters: JUMPING IN… BODY SPLASH ON BOTH MEN! RYAN IS ON FIRE!
Persephone: So much fire, it burns the whole kitchen. Get this freak out of my screen.
James Peters: Joey rolls to the outside of the ring, leaving Korey alone in the ring with Ryan, which just makes Ryan’s target even clearer. Ryan steps in and drags Korey up from the ground, bringing him back to his feet. A chop connects again, followed by a series of forearm smashes to wear down his opponent. Korey ends up leaning against the ropes. Ryan now starts running, facing the ropes as he bounces off, heading straight back towards Korey on the opposite side of the ring!
Rich Russillo: BACK HEEL KICK ACROSS RYAN’S FACE STOPS HIM! Korey managed to extricate himself from the troublesome zone, swiftly grabbing Ryan and hurling him through the ropes. Ryan now finds himself on the outside, and here comes Korey, charging! Watch out!
James Peters: SUICIDE DIVE TAKES OUT THE PRETTY PEACOCK!
Persephone: Pretty- that- I- what? Pretty Peacock? What a shitty nickname. What the fuck is that even supposed to mean?
Rich Russillo: Impressive!
Persephone: There’s nothing impressive about this dumb motherfucker.
James Peters: Korey is back with the fire he brings to this match as well. He just tackles Ryan on the outside by flying through those ropes. Joey, then slowly comes back, as Korey has just caught him, and quickly strikes him down as well while he’s on the outside! Throwing elbows and dishing out kicks, targeting Joey directly. Korey seizes Joey and hurls him back into the ring. Korey bounces back and shadows Joey inside, finding him back on his feet, and promptly goes toe-to-toe with him…
Rich Russillo: SUPERKICK- NO! KOREY GAINES CATCHES IT BEFORE PULLING JOEY’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM, AND NOW THERE’S A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP FROM GAINES! Korey now pulling Joey up, AND HE QUICKLY FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!
James Peters: Joey stumbles into the corner, AND NOW KOREY GAINES RUNS IN BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! KOREY NOW THROWING JOEY OUT OF THE CORNER BEFORE RUNNING THE ROPES-
Rich Russillo: BUT JOEY CUTS KOREY’S MOMENTUM SHORT WITH A SUPERKICK, DROPPING GAINES TO THE MAT!
James Peters: Well, isn’t that a bit of a twist? Korey hasn’t had the upper hand in this match for a while. Suddenly, Joey seizes control just like that. That’s definitely an impressive display from Joey already!
Rich Russillo: Joey might want to be cautious and maintain his momentum in this match. With Korey down on the ground, Joey is now targeting those legs, wrapping them up, and bending them back, applying pressure to the jaw! KOJI CLUTCH LOCKED IN!
James Peters: He’s just caught in a Koji Clutch submission hold. Korey surely wouldn’t want to lose this way. He needs to find a way out of this as soon as possible! That’s undeniably a great move by Joey Francis, wearing down his opponent to that level and completely shifting the tide against Korey!
Rich Russillo: Korey is really in a dangerous position, and his chances of surviving are looking grim at the moment! He’s nowhere near winning this match if Joey is able to secure the victory with this Koji Clutch! He’s in serious trouble!
Persephone: I hope he taps out.
James Peters: Someone stops Joey from winning this competition, and it’s Ryan! He’s back! Ryan enters the ring once more and quickly drops a stomp right onto Joey’s stomach, repeating the move. With Joey now down on the canvas, Ryan seizes control and brings him back to his feet, firmly in the driver’s seat. He throws his arm around, and here goes Ryan Dempsey!
Rich Russillo: EXPLODER SUPLEX CONNECTS! THAT’S A BIG MOVE THAT COULD LEAD RYAN TO A GREAT VICTORY! RYAN COVERS! HE LOOKS FOR THE WIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: KOREY BREAKS UP THE PINFALL!
Persephone: Why?
Rich Russillo: So close for Ryan to come and pick a victory just right there, but Korey has just managed to insert himself down there and break up the cover in time! Korey saves the victory for himself, and Ryan clearly not so happy about how Korey did it. Ryan there rolling back to his feet while Korey there still hurt, yet he’s still trying to get back. Ryan threw some steps in and picked Korey up, now sending him down into the corner once more and rushing up to follow Korey down there!
James Peters: SUPERKICK KNOCKS RYAN BACK INSIDE! KOREY WITH ANOTHER KICK AS WELL! KICK TO HIS JAW AGAIN! KICK, KICK AND KICK!…. CELEBRATING THAT SUPERKICK PARTY WITH THAT ONE FINAL BEAT OF THE SUPERKICK! RYAN DROPS TO THE GROUND!
Persephone: All those superkicks just to lose to a headlock takedown.
Rich Russillo: I think Korey might be able to win the match here. Korey there just took down Ryan and he has his sights set up towards the top rope. He might long to fly for an even bigger move here! Korey rushes in and heads all the way up to the top! He climbs, he goes all the way up there and there’s no sign showing that Ryan is going to recover from that soon! Ryan is down, Korey is already up there and here he is!
James Peters: O AND K, OKIE DOKIE! THE 450 SPLASH!
Persephone: Wait, huh?
Rich Russillo: WAIT THE MINUTE! HE DOESN’T LAND ON RYAN; JOEY JUST PULLS RYAN OUT OF THE PICTURE, AND KOREY TAKES A NOSEDIVE. KOREY IS DOWN FOR THE COUNT, AND JOEY POSITIONS HIMSELF SQUARELY IN THE CORNER. KOREY GETS BACK ON HIS FEET, AND JOEY IS PRIMED FOR THE GRAND FINALE!
James Peters: BUSAIKU KNEE! HE HITS IT! KOREY IS DOWN AGAIN! JOEY COVERS! THIS SHOULD BE IT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: THREE BUT NO! KOREY MANAGES TO KICK OUT IN TIME!
Persephone: I believe the referee’s counting pace sucks, this match should have wrapped up ages ago.
James Peters: Joey has just managed to hit one of the big moves. Korey is down, but Joey is up on his feet. Joey looks up to the top and the crowd sees the lights in Joey Francis! He’s heading all the way up to the top; he’s climbing in, he’s readying for it and he’s just going up there! Korey is still down there! This could be his moment! This debut match might be the one that Joey Francis uses to shine himself! Joey to the top rope and Korey still down there. He’s not getting up soon! Joey got his balance settled down and done; he’s looking to launch himself off the top and cut to the chase to the end of this competition with a victory in his hands!
Persephone: ????? Where the fuck did he come from?
Rich Russillo: RYAN! HE’S UP ON THE SECOND ROPE, HE’S RUSHING DOWN AND HOOKING JOEY WITH HIM! JOEY IS JUST ABOUT TO TAKE FLIGHT, BUT RYAN CUTS HIS FLIGHT TICKET OFF AND SEIZES HIM! SUPERPLEX! SUPERPLEX SENDING JOEY DOWN FROM THE TOP ONTO THE CANVAS!
James Peters: JOEY HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN OUT BY THE SUPERPLEX, BUT RYAN IS FAR FROM DONE! HE HOISTS JOEY BACK UP ON HIS FEET, SPINS HIM AROUND, AND LOCKS IN THE SLEEPER HOLD, AIMING TO LULL JOEY INTO DREAMLAND!
Persephone: HE TAPS OUTS! RING THE BELL!
Rich Russillo: NO, IT JUST STARTED! HE LOCKS IN THE FEATHER HOLD! JOEY IS NOT MOVING! THIS COULD BE OVER! JOEY SEEMS LIKE HE’S ABOUT TO FADE INTO THE SHADOWS, AND RYAN HAS THAT HOLD LOCKED UP AS TIGHT AS A VICE! JOEY IS HEADING TOWARD HIS FINAL CURTAIN CALL! THIS COULD BE REALLY BAD NEWS FOR JOEY! JOEY’S EYES BEGIN TO DROOP. THEY START TO CLOSE, THE REFEREE COMES TO CHECK, AND NOTHING SEEMS TO BE LOOKING GOOD FOR JOEY AT ALL! I THINK RYAN IS ABOUT TO CLINCH A WIN HERE, GUYS!
James Peters: KOREY IS BACK! HE JUMPS UP TO THE SECOND ROPE AND FLIES BACK AT BOTH MEN!
Rich Russillo: OKIE CUTTER! THE SPRINGBOARD CUTTER DROPS BOTH MEN DOWN IMMEDIATELY! JOEY’S OUT! RYAN IS OUT AS WELL! KOREY HAS INSTANTLY JUST TAKEN BOTH MEN OUT WITH THE SPRINGBOARD CUTTER! THIS IS IT!
James Peters: KOREY REGAINS HIS FOOTING ONCE MORE AND HEADS UP TO THE TOP ROPE THIS TIME, HE HAS IT FOR REAL! HE’S UP ON THE TOP CORNER AND WHAT GOES UP…
Rich Russillo: MUST COME DOWN! OKLAHOMA TWISTER! CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS ON RYAN! HE GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( DING DING DING! )
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER!… KOREY GAINES!
James Peters: What an opening and Korey has just won the match!
Persephone: Man, WE DON’T CARE!
Rich Russillo: This match is surely a great start for Voltage here tonight and there are more to come soon after this! Congratulations to Korey Gaines for a win here tonight and for the efforts that Joey and Ryan have been putting on display, but nothing has come close to putting down Korey Gaines yet!
( ‘The World Is Mine’ by Mikey Rykus plays as Korey gets back to his feet and celebrates his victory over those two men, smiling and knowing that he has just won the match itself. Meanwhile, those two on the outside are hurt and trying to recover themselves. Korey continues celebrating his win over those two before the scene fades out. )
( Sunday Night Voltage fades back in to show the backstage area of Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Delhi, India the site of where EAW programming is taking place this week. The camera would focus on Sofia Clarke as she is standing in front of a large LED background covering the Voltage graphics with an interview set replicating a wrestling ring. She smiles towards the camera as she begins speaking to not only the fans in the arena, but to everyone watching at home as well. )
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage. My guest here tonight comes off a victory at Territorial Invasion where her team outright won Divide and Conquer at one of the biggest Marquee Live Events we do all season long. She was a participant in the Iconic Cup tournament but was eliminated in the first round, but regardless, she’s looking to make a big splash this season. Please welcome, Sierra Everet.
( Sierra Everett would pop into the scene as the crowd in the arena would give Sierra a negative reaction. Sierra would be seen wearing a basic pink one shoulder crop top with black leather pants as she looks dressed for the occasion. She looks to give an annoyed face as she rolls her eyes at Sofia’s introduction to her. She’s stands side by side with Sofia as Sofia continues on with what she was saying. )
Sofia Clarke: Last week, despite being on the winning side of Divide and Conquer, you were unsuccessful in moving onto the second round of this year’s Iconic Cup, losing to Harper Lee via Submission. So what’s next for Sierra Everrert, what can we expect from her now as we approach Voltage’s next big event, Wicked Games!
( Sierra has a wtf face on her as she looks both sides as she begins to answer Sofia Clarke’s question. )
Sierra Everett: Do you not remember what I told you the last time we had an interview Sofia? Huh? That you interviewers need to have some self-awareness and read the god damn room sometimes. Like you seriously gonna bring up my loss against Harper Lee last week, like are you really asking for me to punch you in the face? Honestly Sofia that loss was just nothing to me, Harper just got herself lucky that she managed to get me into an Octopus Stretch. I’m not sobbing in tears for that loss Sofia, maybe it would sting for someone new but I know my time will come, trust me on that Sofia. Obviously I had my past issues with Roberto, when he rudely interrupted my interview time and was disrespectful little shit. I wanted a match with him before my team wiped the floor of his team at Territorial Invasion. What I soon realized is that seeing him up close and in that ring, he’s a total joke if I ever saw one. I mean he’s holding on to that contract that we all know he’s gonna fail when he decides to use it. I don’t really have any reason to have any sort of interest in fighting someone like that. I mean we all saw what happened after that match anyways, he got clocked by a group lead by a guy named Ricky! Roberto was down and out in front of millions of people because of a dude named Ricky…
Sierra Everett: HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAH ISN’T THAT HILARIOUS SOFIA????
( Sofia just stands there with a blank expression as she has eyes pointing in another direction and then right back at Sierra. Sierra stands there for a moment before she lets out a huge sigh. She continues to speak… )
Sierra Everett: God you are so lame. Anyways, I’m not really sure what is next for me. I don’t know what direction, or what the next step is for me but my fans can bet they haven’t seen the best of Sierra Everett yet. Everyone on this roster has no clue that at the end of the day, when it’s truly my turn to shine, that I am simply better than all your favorites. Next time we have this interview Sofia, you better not pull the same shit you did today, or the last time and I mean it.
( Sofia nods her head as she quickly leaves the interview stage. Before Sierra could leave herself she would get a pat on the shoulder from someone. Sierra is surprised by this as she turns around to see she’s standing face to face with Korey Gaines. Korey proceeds to talk to Sierra over the comments she just said moments ago. )
Korey Gaines: I couldn’t help but overhear what you were saying. How you were laughing at Roberto being jumped and attacked by KAI-ZEN at Territorial Invasion. Listen I’m not the biggest fan of Roberto myself but this attitude of laughing at a man who was down and out just doesn’t sit with me. Your whole attitude as whole is just entitlement, brushing off your failures like it doesn’t even matter. You project your insecurity to others and laugh at their expense. I’m not a fan of it, not one bit. That attack on Roberto could have happened to anyone Sierra, KAI-ZEN could have easily beaten up anyone else that night but Roberto was the man they targeted. It’s not fair to pick apart that situation knowing it was out of his control. I didn’t expect you to be some honorable star or anyone but even if you are Sierra, this is a brand new low.
Sierra Everett: First off, shut the hell up. Don’t tell me what I can or can’t do Korey. You’re not my daddy, you’re not the boss of me. I am a grown ass woman and I can do and say whatever I please. I’m not interested in your little philosophy tips with Korey Gaines, I’m simply not. I don’t want to hear your opinion because quite frankly it’s none of your concern. Mind your own business jerk-off, whatever I said to Roberto should literally have no effect on you whatsoever. I can maybe understand if I said something to you directly but standing up for Roberto De La Rosa? That is actually pretty crazy but hey if you wanna bend over backwards for Roberto then whatever I guess. Either way, I don’t really care what you think of me, or my so-called attitude. You should just get used to it at this point.
Korey Gaines: Having that kind of mindset isn’t going to get you anywhere Sierra. You say the fans haven’t seen the best of you yet but what if the best was already seen at Pain for Pride? Having this mindset of just laughing at others’ expense while they’re down and out is an unhealthy way of seeing this world. It isn’t going to get you the promised land, trust me on that.
Sierra Everett: Yeahhh….. I’m gonna pass on that. I don’t want to be taking advice from someone like you. Bye Bye!
( Sierra does a small sarcastic wave with an annoyed expression on her face. Sierra proceeds to leave the interview set as Korey Gaines face palms himself as his attempt to talk to Sierra was seemingly brushed off by her. Korey was looking to leave as he turned around and was surprised to see Lieutenant Colonel Micahel Scott Connor as he looked to be in uniform. They stand face to face with each other. Michael begins speaking with Korey about the interaction he just saw between Korey and Sierra. )
Michael Scott Connor: I’m going to be real with you Korey and say that talking to someone like Sierra Everett is pointless. Not your fault at all though, because I can see you’re trying to be a good person even if others in this locker room are as mean as the commanding officers I’ve dealt with in my time in the Marines. That’s just how some people operate and no matter how many times you want to tell them to change their mindset, change their attitude, they’re gonna stick to it until it ultimately bites them in the ass.
Korey Gaines: I just wanted to tell Sierra because I was in that position too. I wanted to let know that what she was doing was not the right mindset and that she shouldn’t be focused on hating others while they’re down and out. Right now as a man I’m trying to be positive you know, just trying to make a name for myself, and achieve goals and aspirations no matter how many setbacks I’ve faced. Keeping that negative ass energy towards a beat down just doesn’t sit right with me and if Sierra can’t see that, I guess she’s a lost cause.
Michael Scott Connor: Some people in this business just have bad attitudes overall, they have no sense of respect or gratitude towards others. They think having this cut-throat mean mindset is going to help them be successful when more often or not, they fall flat on their face when that happens to be the case. Even though I have only been in this business for almost a year, being an older member of the roster I can see this type of no respect, no honor towards others is a youth thing. Going into the Marines has taught me discipline, values that most of these young guys and girls just don’t get but YOU Korey are one of the few exceptions.
( Korey smiles at that comment from Michael Scott Connor as the Lieutenant Colonel continues to speak towards Korey Gaines. )
Michael Scott Connor: You actually took the leaps of learning your past behavior, and dealing with the trauma that you had to endure in your life. You made the effort to change your ways, change how you approach life. I mean look what happened tonight, you got a nice win and you can use that win to gain some more momentum. You have shown your change and have an outlook. This out-look is best for you not only as a performer, but mentally as a person as well.
Korey Gaines: Thanks Michael, I really do appreciate that, I’m glad someone is seeing that I’m just trying to do me, and feel the need to say something when I don’t feel that’s right out look to have like I did with Sierra. Hey it’s unfortunate you didn’t win the New Breed Title on Dynasty on Friday. It was a great match between you and Hans.
Michael Scott Connor: Stuff didn’t go well that time but I’m not that bothered. I gave it my all and it just wasn’t enough to take that title, but I’m glad the New Breed Champion we have is one of the exceptions of a roster full of degenerates. I have a ton of respect for that kid, and while I was disappointed at my loss to him on Dynasty, I know the respect between us is mutual and it will always be the case. Hans is one of the few people I can trust and I’m happy he’s able to get that position. Other Elitists that have the same mindset like you, Hans, they still exist and that’s good to hear. I’m glad there’s some who still hold respect for others around them. So overall don’t let Sierra get into your head Korey, you’re doing the right things.
( Michael extends out his hand towards Korey Gaines. Korey looks at Michael’s hand briefly before looking back at him as he shakes it. Both of them are shaking hands, as respect between these two is evident. Gaines would tell Michael… )
Korey Gaines: I appreciate the words thank you Michael, and hey if there’s anything you ever need, whether that’s having your back or training with you, just let me know. I’m more than happy to do all that.
Michael Scott Connor: Same to you my friend, wishing you all the best this season.
Korey Gaines: You too!
( Michael and Korey end their handshake as the two of them go their separate ways. The scene would fade out as Sunday Night Voltage transitions elsewhere. )
(Commercial for Friday night Dynasty.)
(Voltage returns to ringside.)
Bella Braxton: The following match is set for one fall, and it is a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH!
(‘The Spins’ by Mac Miller plays through the speakers as Brianna Hill exits out the curtain to loud cheers. Brianna skips down the ramp, high fiving fans with a huge smile on her face. When Brianna enters the ring, she drops the smile into a more focused and determined look.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST! FROM MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE! WEIGHING IN AT 115 POUNDS! BRIANNNNNAAAAAA… HIIIIIILLLLLLLL!!!!!
James Peters: Man, I’m excited for this match. A rivalry with two people who have bad blood for each other in a Falls Count Anywhere match!
Persephone: Yeah, a rivalry with two nobodies.
Rich Russillo: Well, to be frank, both Mia and Brianna only debuted a couple months ago. Either way, Brianna and Mia have had quite the stir due to last weeks segment with Brianna hitting Crush Culture onto an angry Mia Santoro. This match is going to be something special.
(‘Too Old to Die Young’ by Brother Dege plays through the speakers as Mia Santoro exits the curtain as she gives a rather cocky smirk. Mia walks down the ramp keeping her eyes on the ring and Brianna. Entering the ring, Mia gives a disgusted and angry grimace looking at Brianna.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT! FROM KEY WEST, FLORIDA! WEIGHING IN AT 115 POUNDS! MIIIIAAAA…. SAAANNTTOOORROOOO!!!!!!!
James Peters: Things have been getting progressively more heated between these two, so I look forward to seeing who wins this ons.
Rich Russillo: Both Elitists are rising stars here in EAW, so who will pick up the victory?
Persephone: Thank God this has a stipulation.
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: And we are underway with Brianna Hill vs Mia Santoro, and Mia already rushes towards Brianna with a clothesline! Brianna is in the corner, and Mia is stomping her guts out as Brianna is sitting in the corner defenseless! Mia backs up into the opposite corner, before HITTING A HESITATION DROPKICK IN THE JAW OF BRIANNA HILL-
Rich Russillo: NO! BRIANNA MOVES OUT THE WAY! MIA’S FEET MEET THE TURNBUCKLE! This is a fast paced match already!
Persephone: …I’m going to sleep. Wake me up when it’s done.
James Peters: Oh. Okay then. :wow: Mia is lying on the mat, dumbfounded by Brianna’s speedy tenacity. Brianna grabs Mia by the hair and picks her up, before going up to the middle rope. Is Brianna thinking of going for a Tornado DDT? SHE IS! Wait- Mia is not budging! She’s standing her ground! AND MIA HITS A HEADBUTT! Brianna is dazed! She is sitting on the top turnbuckle, but Mia hits a dropkick, sending Brianna to the outside!
Rich Russillo: I’m kind of scared for Brianna’s safety. After all like you said James, these two have bad blood for each other. Mia and the referee exit the ring, and Mia has an almost sadistic grin on her face. After all, Mia believes she’s the only person who Brianna has faced that actually matters.. arrogant, but alright. Mia picks up Brianna once again, before putting her in the vertical suplex position! Wait- NO! BRIANNA REVERSES WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN! Mia’s back hits the apron and lands onto the ringside mat.
James Peters: Wait Brianna’s not done! Brianna rushes back into the ring, before running the ropes AND HITS A SUICIDE DIVE! Brianna runs back into the ring, and Mia gets back up, WAIT! BRIANNA HITS ANOTHER SUICIDE DIVE! Wait again?! Brianna runs back into the ring to hit another Suici- NO! IT’S THE OTHER SIDE! ONE OF BRIANNA’S MOST EXCITING SIGNATURE MOVES!
Rich Russillo: NO! IN MIDAIR, MIA HITS A SUPERKICK TO THE SKULL! BRIANNA IS OUT COLD! MIA GOES FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONE! TWO!
James Peters: NO! Brianna kicks out! What valiant effort from Hill!
Rich Russillo: This is a fast paced and brutal match so far, isn’t it? Falls Count Anywhere is a stipulation that honestly scares me. Mia picks up the lifeless body of Brianna Hill before tossing her back in the ring, however.. Mia is searching under the ring? Remember, there’s no disqualification in a Falls Count Anywhere match! …Wait! Mia pulls out a table from under the ring! She slides it into the ring under the bottom rope. Mia rolls back into the ring, before she’s met with a roundhouse kick by Brianna! Santoro took too long, and it ended up biting back!
Persephone: What an idiot.
James Peters: Harsh, but it was a bold decision. So… you’re not wrong. Brianna picks Mia back up, and lifts herself back up onto the middle rope, locking Santoro in under her arm. Is it going to land? YES! Brianna Hill hits a Tornado DDT, planting Mia on her skull! Yikes. Wait Brianna isn’t done! Standing Moonsault- NO! Mia rolls out the ring and onto the apron! These two are equally matched!
Rich Russillo: Wait! BRIANNA RUNS THE ROPES AND BRIANNA LEAPS ACROSS THE TOP ROPE AND HITS ANOTHER HURRICANRANA TO MIA OFF THE APRON AND THE RING! THE ATHLETICISM IS INSANE! Brianna exits the ring and pins Mia.
Referee: ONE! TWO!
James Peters: NO! Mia kicks out! Brilliant work by La Desperada!
Persephone: Boring. I’m going back to sleep.
Rich Russillo: :francis: And it looks like Brianna is on her knees, frustrated. I don’t blame her, however she’s pulling something from under the ring…? Is that? No… no. It’s a barbed wire plank. Brianna is setting it up against the barricade! This isn’t going to be pretty.
James Peters: Mia Santoro is back to her feet, and Brianna drags her to the barricade, before Mia hits a VICIOUS slap to the face. Before Brianna goes for another Roundhouse Kick! Wait! MIA GRABS THE LEG! EXPLODER SUPLEX THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE PLANK AND THROUGH THE BARRICADE! WHAT THE HELL?! THIS MATCH IS BRUTAL!
Rich Russillo: It doesn’t help that Brianna’s back is bleeding profusely, due to the barbed wire. Mia drags Brianna through the crowd and into the equipment area and picking her back up, before attempting to lift her up in a suplex position. Wait- Brianna isn’t budging! Brianna kicks Mia in the stomach before hooking her arms. What is this…? FAVORITE DAZE! OH MY GOOOD! FAVORITE DAZE ONTO THE CONCRETE! BRIANNA GOES FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THR-
James Peters: OH MY GOD! MIA KICKS OUT! THIS IS INSANE! Brianna falls to the floor to process her injuries taken from that nasty bump on the barbed wire. Honestly I can’t blame her even a bit. However, Mia groggily gets back to her feet picking Brianna up and dragging her back to ringside however Brianna groggily wanders towards the ring post to get away from Mia. Mia looks under the ring once more and finds a kendo stick and a steel chair. God… I can’t believe what I’m watching. Is this how Mia wants to prove her superiority?
Rich Russillo: This is gruesome to watch. And- MIA WITH THE KENDO STICK SHOT AGAINST BRIANNA OUT OF NOWHERE! Brianna is corner against the ring post, defenseless! Then Mia hits Brianna again! THEN AGAIN! THEN AGAIN! THEN AGAIN! That’s 5 Kendo Stick shots against the bloody abdomen of Brianna Hill.
James Peters: And Mia goes for it again- NO! Brianna hits a forearm shot at Santoro’s jaw. then again, then again! AGAIN! Mia is dazed. Brianna enters the ring one more time, before running the ropes and.. SHE HITS IT THIS TIME! THE OTHER SIDE CONNECTS! Brianna goes for the pin!
Referee: ONE! TWO! T-
Rich Russillo: NO! Mia kicks out.
Persephone: Try harder.
James Peters: You gotta stop being so negative. Anyways, this match has been nonstop action from the first bell toll. Barbed wire. Blood however as Brianna bends over to grab Mia, Mia grabs Brianna’s arms and wraps her legs around her! THE TRIANGLE CHOKE IS LOCKED IN! HELLBENT IS LOCKED IN!
Rich Russillo: Is Brianna going to tap? She raises her hand thinking about it, screaming in absolute pain!
Persephone: Pussy.
James Peters: :wow:
Rich Russillo: Kind of rude Persephone- oh wait! Brianna is standing up punching Mia’s skull, before being set free. Mia rushes Brianna before- BRIANNA HITS A HURRICANRANA SENDING MIA TO THE ROPES! MIA IS HANGING ON THE MIDDLE ROPE! Brianna is fired up! She runs to the opposite side of the ropes before hitting.. HOTLINE! THIS SENDS MIA TO THE OUTSIDE! However.. Brianna isn’t done. Brianna exits to the apron.. BEFORE JUMPING ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPES TO HIT A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE
James Peters: BUT MIA HITS A CUTTER IN MIDAIR ONTO THE CHAIR FROM EARLIER! SHE GOES FOR THE PIN!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THR-
Rich Russillo: BRIANNA KICKS OUT! BRIANNA HILL KICKS OUT! THIS IS INSANE!
James Peters: Brianna’s siblings at home must be ecstatic, after all Brianna is showing that she has the heart of a warrior tonight. Mia is angry however, and I don’t blame her. Mia lifts Brianna up once more, before giving a VICIOUS EXPLODER SUPLEX to the apron! The hardest part of the ring. Mia tosses Brianna back in the ring, only to pick her up and dropkick her out of the ring again. It’s almost as if Mia is taunting Brianna!
Rich Russillo: No! Brianna holds on! Mia rushes at Brianna however she gives a nice elbow to the jaw of Santoro. Mia is stunned, and Brianna slingshots herself over the ropes… INTO A ROLLING THUNDER FLATLINER! RIFT IN TIME! Wait… Brianna doesn’t go for the pin? She lies on her back, exhausted from the pain going on right now
James Peters: The referee can’t count! This is a No Disqualification match! Let’s see who gets up first.
Persephone: I want to leave.
Rich Russillo: And Mia gets back up first! Brianna rolls out to the apron, before Mia climbs the top turnbuckle, turning her body towards Brianna, AND SHE HITS THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS ONTO THE APRON! EYE IN THE SKY! Mia ricochets off the apron and onto ringside, and Brianna falls off the apron.
James Peters: However, Mia gets back up immediately and looks under the ring to.. find a traffic cone, and golf club. :wow: Creative weapons. But I wonder how Mia is going to use it.
Rich Russillo: I’m curious too, and seeing how this match has been going, I don’t think we want to know. Brianna is back on her feet, however Mia puts the traffic cone on her head, blocking her vision! Mia isn’t done! SHE SWINGS THE GOLF CLUB AT HER GUT! MY GOD! This match. This match is hard to watch. Is this where Mia is willing to go to prove she’s better than Brianna Hill? To prove that she really is ‘some girl with a dream?’
James Peters: It looks like it. Mia Santoro is desperate to put Brianna away, and fast. Brianna is on a knee, still blinded by the cone. However Mia superkicks her other knee, AND HITS A VICIOUS ROUNDHOUSE! TWO FOR THE ROAD!
Rich Russillo: That was ugly. Luckily, Brianna is still alive, and the cone is now off her head due to that nasty kick. However Mia picks Brianna back up to her feet, and grabs her by the hair and drags her back into the ring. Mia enters the ring, but.. Brianna still has fight in her! Brianna out of nowhere hits a running bulldog!
James Peters: That’s not it. Brianna grabs that table that was tossed into the ring and sets it up. What is she about to do-? Brianna grabs Mia and lays her on top of the table before exiting to the apron. She climbs the turnbuckle and… SHE TURNS HER BACK TO MIA! MOONSAULT THROUGH THE TABLE! MY GOD! However they both roll out the ring, trying to catch their breath.
Persephone: Can they not take a break every 2 minutes?
Rich Russillo: Can you blame Mia and Brianna? They’re going to war tonight. Mia recovers first, and thus picks up Brianna dragging her to.. through the broken barricade and through the crowd to the equipment area once again. And Mia SLAMS Brianna’s head harshly onto the production crate as it ricochets off. Ouch.
James Peters: Honestly, it’s a miracle Brianna Hill has even made it this far into the match, after all this is just a bloodbath right now. Especially with the scaffold in that same equipment area.. oh god. This is hard to watch. Mia then climbs the production crate, and leaps-
Rich Russillo: HOWEVER BRIANNA HITS A MIDAIR TILT-A WHIRL HEADSCISSORS! MIA’S BACK LANDS ON THE COLD HARD CONCRETE!
James Peters: Man, Brianna is just running on adrenaline and instinct right now. Brianna climbs the production crate, and Mia is back on her feet. BUT BRIANNA HITS A METEORA SENDING MIA BACK ONTO THE GROUND! But she’s not done! Brianna hits a standing moonsault!
Rich Russillo: BUT NO! Mia moves out the way! Brianna’s torso landing on the concrete! Brianna is screaming in pain, after all that landing isn’t the prettiest thing in the world. However, Mia lifts Brianna back up to hit a NASTY forearm to the jaw! But Brianna responds with her own forearm! Then Mia! Then Brianna! THEN MIA! THIS IS A FULL ON SLUGFEST!!
James Peters: However Mia mixes it up with a chop, staggering Brianna before lifting her leg up to put her in the Fisherman’s position.. AND BLACKEST HOUR- Wait! Brianna punches Mia’s gut, Mia falls back letting go! But wait- MIA GRABS A NEARBY CHAIR AND HITS BRIANNA’S SKULL WITH IT! THAT’S DIRTY TACTICS! Then again.. Mia isn’t exactly the cleanest elitist in Elite Answers Wrestling.
Persephone: This is a spotfest. Ew.
Rich Russillo: :mjpls: Still, this is a brutal match between two rising stars in ‘La Desperada’ Mia Santoro and Brianna Hill. Brianna is dizzy, and that Mia leads to put Brianna back in the Fisherman’s position once again and.. does it connect? IT DOES! BLACKEST HOUR, THE FISHERMAN’S NECKBREAKER CONNECTS ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR! Mia goes for the pin!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE-
James Peters: AND BRIANNA KICKS OUT! MY GOD! Brianna gets back on her feet, groggily… AND SLAPS MIA IN HER FACE! However Mia chops Brianna! Brianna hits a back elbow, before jumping onto the production crate. AND HITS ANOTHER TORNADO DDT! THIS TIME ONTO THE CONCRETE! However, Brianna holds onto Mia, PULLING HER ARM BACK AND PUTTING HER IN A FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!
Persephone: Why are we watching two nobodies have a wannabe hardcore match? I need more excitement. Is there a knife anywhere?
Rich Russillo: Well.. technically, a Falls Count Anywhere IS a hardcore match. Mia is screaming in pain, before Brianna transitions the Fujiwara armbar into a crossface! Mia is in trouble!
James Peters: But Mia grabs the wrists of Brianna, forcing her to let go. And a snapmare! Beautiful work by Santoro! Wait, Brianna groggily back onto her feet! But MIA RUSHES TOWARDS BRIANNA, DROPKICKING HER INTO THE PRODUCTION CRATE! BUT NO! BRIANNA MOVES OUT THE WAY! MIA’S FEET EAT THE PRODUCTION CRATE!
Rich Russillo: Brianna isn’t done! She lifts herself and Mia up onto the crate before kicking the gut of Mia! AND WHAT THE HELL?! ANOTHER FAVORITE DAZE THIS TIME ON TOP THE PRODUCTION CRATE! Brianna goes for the pin!
Referee: ONE! TWO!
THRE-
James Peters: AND MIA SANTORO KICKS OUT AYAYSYSGSGSHSNALAO HOW?!
Persephone: …:mjpls: This is the most cliche match I’ve ever had the dishonor of watching.
Rich Russillo: Still, Persephone you can’t deny. This match is bitter. Mia wants to prove that her star power is the only thing shining in EAW, while Brianna simply wants to put this bad blood behind her. I’m rooting for Brianna, if you ask me. Brianna looks rather frustrated. However.. as Brianna lifts Mia up to her feet, MIA HITS A ROLLING WHEEL KICK! KILLING MOON OUT OF NOWHERE! This match is unpredictable!
James Peters: You have that right. However, what is Mia doing? Brianna is passed out but… Mia brings over that chair from earlier and sandwiches Brianna in between the concrete and chair..? Wait a minute. Wait a minute! What is Mia thinking? What is this woman thinking?! What is she thinking?! Don’t!
Persephone: Welp, nice seeing her.
Rich Russillo: My god! Mia is climbing the scaffold! What the hell?! She raises her arms, before… OH MY GOD! WHAT THE HELL?! CHASE THE FEELING! DIVING LEG DROP 20 FEET OFF THE SCAFFOLD! BRIANNA HILL IS DEAD! BROKEN IN HALF! A barely conscious Mia Santoro goes for the pin on a lifeless Brianna Hill Is this it?! IT HAS TO BE IT! There’s no way Brianna survived that!
Referee: ONE! TWO!
….
THREE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER! ‘LA DESPERADA!’ MIAAAAAAAA… SANTOROOOOOOO!!
(‘Too Old to Die Young’ by Brother Dege plays through the speakers as Mia lies on the floor exhausted, as the referee raises her hand.)
James Peters: What. A. Match. Brutal. Back and forth. And while Brianna held her own, Mia came out as the winner.
Persephone: Thank GOD. It’s over.
Rich Russillo: Still, that was a great match either way. Congrats to Mia Santoro!
James Peters: Both Elitists in this match have amazing futures ahead of them. Things might be over between them, but I think they have a lot more to offer in EAW.
(As medical checks on both Elitists, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
( Sunday Night Voltage continues on as we see backstage in the locker room, Roberto De La Rosa talking with his beautiful wife, Esmeralda. Roberto would be seen wearing an expensive white custom made suit, while Esmeralda is seen in a classy black dress. Polar opposite color choices by these two as Roberto begins speaking to his wife, Esmeralda. )
Roberto De La Rosa: That was a good win for me, a good for La Famila you know. Redeemed myself of not only what happened at Territorial Invasion when my team lost in Divide and Conquer, but also the brutal attack we had after the match. It was nice to get some momentum following such a disappointing loss at Territorial Invasion bebita.
Esmeralda: You shouldn’t dwell over that loss, it wasn’t your fault your team lost. Just look at the people who you had to team with sweetie. You basically had to carry the load for most of the people on your team, especially when one of the guys pretty much spazzed off only after returning just recently. Trust me, you shouldn’t blame yourself for the shortcoming La Famila suffered at Territorial Invasion. You got that 24/7 Contract, you are Señor 24/7! you have a guaranteed shot at your disposal just don’t lose fo-
( All of a sudden, Esmeralda would get interrupted as someone appeared to be knocking. The startles both Roberto and Esmeralda as the mysterious voice asks… )
???: Can I come in?
Roberto De La Rosa: Well we’re kinda in the middle of-
???: Well too late!
( The door opens with none other than Valerie Hellstorm as she enters the locker room with a glare look on her face. Valerie looks to be wearing her casual attire, wearing a leather jacket over a Hans Grayson t-shirt that you can get on EAWShop.com. Along with that she’s wearing black leggings as both Roberto and Esmeralda seem confused as to what Valerie wanted from them as she approaches them. She begins speaking to both of them. )
Valerie Hellstorm: You two both look lovely today, I see the color contrast you got going on. Pretty cute If I do say so myself. Anywho… I actually wanted to address something, something coming from Esmeralda that was said to Mia Santoro in your guy’s promotional videos last week. What I actually noticed was that Esmeralda was giving an extended offer, an open hand offer for that wanna-be superstar Mia Santoro to align with La Famlia. Well of course that didn’t really work out for both parties involved considering Mia decided to insult your gorgeous wife over here, and Esmeralda getting involved in the match last week. While that partnership may have gone down in the dumps, I have a proposition for you if you’re still looking for some assistance.
( Both Roberto and Esmeralda raise their eyebrows looking to see what Valerie has to say has she continues to speak.. )
Valerie Hellstorm: If you guys need help, I am very much interested in being assistance for La Famila!
( Roberto and Esmerlda look at each other with surprised looks at each other, as the sight of Valerie Hellstorm offering herself to be the help of La Famila and why she would do that. Roberto responds to Valerie as he says… )
Roberto De La Rosa: Wait a second sweetheart, you want to help us? You want to help La Famila and be of assistance for us. That seems kind of left field that someone like you would want to be of some help. Afterall, you’re the last person I expected to lend out a helping hand so it confused me as to why you would even be interested in helping us out.
Esmeralda: Better yet, why should we even believe you? Why should we even believe that you actually want to help us out, and be an assistance for La Famila. It obviously isn’t from the kindness of your heart, there’s got to be some type of ulterior motive as to whether you want to help us or… even trick us.
Valerie Hellstorm: Hey! Hey! You guys need to relax, I come in peace okay. Listen, after what happened to Roberto after his match at Territorial Invasion, when KAI-ZEN came in and attacked him in a vicious assault, you guys need an ally, you Roberto need an ally and I’m the answer. I mean, I guess you could go to Gaines, who offered to lend a helping hand but like why? I doubt there’s anyone else on Voltage that would willingly help you guys out, I mean who’s really there guys like come on. Mia obviously didn’t see the value, which is her loss because quite frankly I do see the benefits. I see the positives that can come with the alliance of sorts, only a visionary like mwah could ever see.
Esmeralda: What are these so-called benefits of you being an ally to La Famila?
Valerie Hellstorm: Well for starters, having a few allies for myself wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I’m THAT bitch after all but even someone like me could have a few friends of her own, especially when Roberto over here has a major target on his back. Everyone is looking to take that contract away from him, a guaranteed title match of your choosing at any time. It’s enticing to those who want it from him. You never know when someone is just gonna try and cheap shot you, and bait you into putting that contract on the line, or someone cheats to win it off you. As far I’m concerned guys, it would benefit not only the current 24/7 contract holder himself, but a future star like me as well of us working together. I got your guys’ back, you got mine. Tit for Tat per-say. I’m the key that you use in situations where you felt threatened like when Ricky came out and orchestrated that attack on Roberto. You need help fighting those freaks, and I’m one of the only few people on this roster that would actually want to help you out. So what do you guys think?
( Roberto looks at his wife, Esmeralda as they both listen to Valerie’s very interesting proposition. After only a few moments of staring, they nodded at each other as Roberto is the first to speak towards Valerie. )
Roberto De La Rosa: You know Valerie, I’m actually quite intrigued with that offer. Offering your services to us to benefit yourself with allies of your own is a pretty fair reason as to why you want to help us. I’m no stranger to your potential, believe me. While you may not have been successful in your Hell in a Cell match against Bea Valentine, or against Miku Sakai in last week’s Iconic Cup opening round, you have shown that you have belong in this company. I mean competing in a match like Hell in a Cell is already pretty salvaje if I do say so myself. You call herself an inevitable future and I can see why you see that every time you make your presence felt. It’s intriguing to me personally, what do you think, Esmeralda?
Esmeralda: I’m also intrigued Val, I mean getting help from someone like you wouldn’t be the worst idea ever. You’re actually quite talented to some degree, talented enough to shine even in defeat. Me, My husband, his cousins, we haven’t forgotten what KAI-ZEN did to him two weeks ago. We haven’t forgotten how they decided that their intended target for their arrival here in EAW was on my husband, and that’s something I won’t stand by for. That’s something I just won’t pass by so it would be nice to get some help after what happened to my man.
Valerie Hellstorm: So are you guys accepting my help?
Roberto De La Rosa: We need some time to think about Valerie, it’s a pretty big decision all things considered. I mean I tried recruiting people to join my famila, join the ranks of the De La Rosa dynasty. So many of them reject that offer, and it makes me question why even bother allowing that door to be open if more often than not, it gets closed on my face. Like I said, we just need some time to think about that offer.
Esmeralda: Me and my husband do need to talk it over, I mean it is a big decision after all, you understand but don’t worry. You’ll know our answer soon enough, we aren’t gonna waste your time on that but we do need to discuss it.
Valerie Hellstorm: Yeah that’s fine, just don’t take too much time you know. Everybody wants a piece of the inevitable future so don’t keep me waiting too long. Just look at the landscape of this brand, and as EAW as a whole. I hope you figure out that answer quickly as you expect. See you both in a bit.
( Valerie nods as she exits the locker room area. Roberto and Esmeralda are still surprised that someone like Valerie Hellstrom would want to help them as they continue to talk with each other. Scene would fade out as Sunday Night Voltage transitions into a commercial. )
(Commercial for Mortal Kombat 1 featuring KAI-ZEN’s Ricky.)
( Voltage returns from a commercial break and the crowd has been seated, looking to see more actions unfolding here tonight. The camera pans all around, showing the crowd getting ready for the show that must continue, then fades back to Bella Braxton at the center of the ring. She’s there, ready to announce this upcoming contest. )
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS AN ICONIC CUP QUARTER FINALS MATCH AND IT’S SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
( ‘DESTINY’ by Saori Yoshida then plays as the cheers almost blow off the roof. ARIA comes out and slowly stops at the stage, closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath, before looking up with eyes filled with desire and determination to win this competition and head to the next round here tonight! )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST!… FROM CHANDLER, ARIZONA!… WEIGHING IN AT 110 POUNDS!…. ‘THE MIRACLE MAKER’ !!!!!!!!!…. ARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
( ARIA goes into the ring as she slowly walks around, taking in the arena that surrounds her. She slowly takes a step back into one corner, looking down and closing her eyes once more, thinking about what she has been through in this past to be up to this point. While ARIA thinks about things, the camera focuses closely on her, but we also focus just there…. )
( Lapdance’ by NERD then plays. ARIA’s eyes open wide as she looks up to the stage while leaning at the corner, spotting her opponent, Holly Arrow walks out, with the EAW Unified Tag Team Champion walking out around her waist. Holly looks around before taking the title off her waist and raising it up high while standing tall at the stage. She then marches back to ARIA at the center of the ring. Holly’s eyes show that she has been waiting for this match as her focus comes full circle, putting the title on her shoulder before making her way straight to the ring. )
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT!… FROM AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND!… WEIGHING IN AT 149 POUNDS!… SHE’S ONE-HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!… ‘THE FINAL GIRL’ !!!!!!!!!!… HOLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!…. ARROWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( Holly steps inside the ring and raises the title up high while looking down at ARIA, who stays straight at her corner. Holly then hands the title to the referee, taking her entrance coat off. ARIA does the same. Holly turns back and faces ARIA from their corner, then warms up as both women now wait for the bell to ring. )
( DING DING DING! )
James Peters: THE ICONIC CUP QUARTERFINAL IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY! ARIA from Showdown, Holly from Voltage! These two women have already faced each other once before at Territorial Invasion in a Brand Warfare match, but here tonight, they find themselves face to face once more! Who will move on to the next round? Will it be Holly Arrow or will ARIA be the one to take that next step? We’re about to find out! The bell has already rung and both women lock eyes with each other from their respective corners. Who will make the first move in this competition? We can’t wait to see this match rolling!
Persephone: We?
Rich Russillo: Both women circle around in the ring, tension has built up here. They lock eyes, still holding each other’s gaze. Finally, they meet at the center of the ring, engaging in a collar and elbow tie-up, connecting them at the center of the ring!
Persephone: Okay this already sucks. Just end it right here.
James Peters: Holly employs a quicker tactic, swiftly moving behind ARIA and securing a waistlock! ARIA promptly counters, grabbing one of Holly’s wrists and twisting it, leaving Holly with her wrist being twisted! Rolling forward, Holly regains her footing and extricates herself from ARIA’s grip on her wrist. She seizes ARIA’s wrist, transitioning her hold to ARIA’s neck. Executing a Snapmare, Holly sends ARIA to the ground, attempts to strike ARIA from behind with a Running Shoot Kick!
Rich Russillo: ARIA rolls out of the way just in time! As Holly’s kick meets empty air, ARIA swiftly moves behind Holly, going underneath and executing a School Boy Roll-up! Holly is rolled onto her knees, while ARIA looks to deliver a kick to the side of her head but Holly manages to duck just in time, avoiding the kick!
James Peters: The self-proclaimed strongest woman in the world now rises to her feet, maintaining a firm grip on ARIA’s wrist. She drags ARIA back up to a standing position, positioning herself directly behind her.… IT’S THE EMPEROR’S TIME! RIPCORD LARIAT AT ARIA!
Rich Russillo: The lariat comes right at the Sacred Detective, but she manages to duck underneath it, much like how Holly dodged that earlier kick. ARIA now positions herself right behind Holly, attempting a German Suplex! Holly counters with a sharp back elbow to ARIA’s face, freeing herself from ARIA’s hold on the German Suplex! Holly takes her turn and changes her position, now standing directly behind ARIA! Holly grabs ARIA’s hair, tucks her head under her shoulder, and attempts to hit the Inverted DDT!
James Peters: ARIA’s knee connects squarely with Holly’s face! ARIA not only survives the move but also delivers a counter of her own! Holly is momentarily stunned by the powerful knee strike, nearly sending her tumbling out of the ring. Fortunately, she manages to lean against the ropes for support. ARIA quickly gets back to her feet and rushes towards Holly, but Holly anticipates the move and sends ARIA down to the outside instead!
Rich Russillo: The Sacred Detective manages to make a save in this case, landing both feet on the apron and grabbing hold of the middle rope. Holly falls back inside and quickly turns around to face ARIA, charging towards her and attempting to tackle ARIA off the apron! ARIA sidesteps and counters with a Step Up Enzuigiri, sending Holly staggering back inside the ring!
James Peters: Disoriented, Holly stands at the center of the ring. ARIA, now wise and clear-headed, has a firm grasp of the top rope! She holds onto the rope tightly and looks ready to fly!… SPRINGBOARD!… INTO AN ARM DRAG! TAKING DOWN HOLLY!
Rich Russillo: BUT SHE DOESN’T STAY DOWN FOR LONG!
Persephone: Just stay down and lose damn, I don’t want to watch this.
Rich Russillo: Holly has been taken down to the ground with an arm drag, but she swiftly rolls back to her feet. This is an impressive move by Holly. Now, things continue. ARIA charges forward and attempts to bring Holly back down. However, Holly sidesteps, placing both hands on ARIA’s shoulders….
James Peters: OFF THE GROUND AND THE KNEE JAMS HER SPINE! SINGLE KNEE BACKSTABBER BY HOLLY ARROW! WHAT A MOVE!
Persephone: Neither of them has ever been particularly impressive. Holly can be quite irritating whenever she speaks, and ARIA simply seems so clueless that it’s hard to rely on her for any detective work, especially when the case she has yet to solve is her own dementia.
James Peters: ARIA finds herself held down, her spine in agony, her voice expressing pain from deep within. That Backstabber move must be really painful for her spine. Meanwhile, Holly slowly rises to her feet and strides towards ARIA, lifting her up from the ground, regardless of how ARIA may be feeling at the moment!
Rich Russillo: She refuses to be halted, she cannot be halted, and she will prove it. Holly turns ARIA around and focuses her attack on the spine, driving her elbow right into it, causing ARIA even more intense pain! Holly turns ARIA around, delivering a back elbow to the jaw that leaves ARIA facing the ground. ARIA still holds down her back and Holly quickly rebounds off the ropes!…. RUNNING FOREARM TO ARIA!
James Peters: ARIA with a hold of her own, ducking underneath and showing resilience to the pain. She bounces back from the ropes, her back still bearing the weight of the backstage assault she received. Now meets Holly at the center of the ring!… JUMPING DDT TAKES DOWN HOLLY! ARIA HOLDS HER BACK AND LEANS OVER HOLLY, COVER ON HER! ‘
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: HOLLY KICKS OUT!
Persephone: Oh yay, she kicks out of the DDT! Yay, woo hoo! The match continues, and we can keep watching this! Hooooorayyy!… bra bra bra, anyway end this match, please.
James Peters: ARIA gains control over Holly with a sudden Jumping DDT, giving her the advantage in this competition. Now, she looks to continue moving towards the verge of victory. ARIA backs Holly into the corner and readies her aim. Holly takes a risk, getting to both knees, and ARIA charges out! OH NO, IF THIS HITS, IT COULD BE IT!
Rich Russillo: J4A KNEE STRIKE!
James Peters: GETS CAUGHT! ARIA HAS BEEN CAUGHT BY HOLLY JUST AS THE KNEE IS ABOUT TO STRIKE HOLLY’S FACE! HOLLY TURNS ARIA AROUND, SEIZING HER, AND EXECUTES A BACK SUPLEX, QUICKLY TAKING ARIA DOWN! ARIA FALLS TO THE CANVAS, NOW AILING ON THE EXACT SAME SPINE THAT WAS TARGETED BY THE BACKSTABBER EARLIER!
Rich Russillo: THE BACK SUPLEX HAS COMPLETELY TURNED ARIA AROUND! SHE WAS ON THE VERGE OF FINISHING THIS MATCH AND MOVING ON TO THE NEXT ROUND, BUT HOLLY DOESN’T ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN JUST YET. EVEN AT THIS STAGE OF THE TOURNAMENT, HOLLY CAN’T AFFORD TO LET HERSELF DOWN EITHER! HOLLY GETS BACK ON HER FEET AND LIFTS ARIA UP FROM THE GROUND. SHE SEIZES HER, TOSSING ARIA UP INTO THE AIR, AND HERE SHE GOES!….
James Peters: FULL NELSON SUPLEX! FOLLOWS UP WITH A COVER! HOLLY GOES FOR IT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: THIS TIME, ARIA KICKS OUT!
Persephone: Why are you guys really so excited about this match or even pretending to have fun with it? This match has been the same pattern and I’m just so tired of watching this kind of wrestling now. Can’t we just add something to the match, like people killing each other with knives or whatever?
James Peters: Remember, this is a match to go to the semi-final round. These two women are fighting for their lives right now to determine the one to head there. ARIA and Holly, they are going off here and none of them going to be stopped anytime soon!
Rich Russillo: Holly, back to her feet, ARIA still hurt from those maneuvers she endured earlier and now backing to her feet, coming to meet Holly at the center of the ring, but Holly quickly stops her and sends her back down to the ropes with A QUICK PALM STRIKE ACROSS HER JAW!
James Peters: That was a surprise pace from ARIA that she was moving suddenly faster than Holly, to make a bigger move against her. But Holly manages to stop it, ARIA rebounds back for the ropes there, looking for a Superkick at Holly! Holly catches the kick with both hands, turning around as ARIA turns things sideways with an Enzuigiri! Holly stumbles back from the Enzuigiri, now backing down the ropes and coming off, looking for a Slingblade at ARIA! ARIA ducks underneath and lets Holly fly over her! Holly crashes herself to the ground and ARIA backs onto her feet…
Rich Russillo: REBOUNDING OFF THE ROPES, AND LOOKING TO CONNECT THE RISING HOLLY WITH THE ZIRCON INJECTION! HANDSPRING CUTTER TRIES TO TAKE DOWN HOLLY!
James Peters: ARIA HAS BEEN CAUGHT AGAIN! Holly with both arms holding her up right when the cutter is just about to apply, ARIA is in trouble and Holly has her in a hold, Holy now lifting her up from the ground and things being locked up by a hold there, Holly transitioning and now having ARIA in a position once more!….
Rich Russillo: DRAGON SUPLEX!
James Peters: BOTH FEET HIT THE CANVAS!
Rich Russillo: Dragon Suplex sent ARIA flying, but ARIA managed to land on the ground safely! Holly noticed it there, turning back around and trying to take ARIA down immediately, but ARIA sidesteps, HOOK KICK FROM BEHIND TO THE SIDE OF HOLLY’S HEAD! Backslide Roll up sending Holly up to both knees, to both feet goes ARIA and steps in!… SHINING WIZARD! HOLLY IS DOWN! ARIA CRAWLS DOWN, HOOKS THE LEG AND COVERS!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: HOLLY’S SHOULDER COMES OFF THE GROUND!
Persephone: Damn why she does keep trying? She’s going to lose anyway.
Rich Russillo: We don’t know that yet! This match has been very intense so far and none of these two has come close to losing, so I think you are really wrong there, Persephone! ARIA has been showing off a lot, as well as Holly. Both are trying so hard to win this match as well! Both women perform on a great level of their talent, their effort determines the winner out of themselves!
Persephone: Both women this that brabrabra, long story short: this shit sucks.
Rich Russillo: ARIA returns from the ground to both feet, still holding her back but it’s a little lesser now because things are getting healed for ARIA now. ARIA there, settling in and pushing Holly back to her feet slowly, and quickly delivers a forearm across the jaw, now grabbing Holly and sending her all the way down to the ropes right behind! ARIA with a clothesline!
James Peters: HOLLY RUNS THROUGH IT, BOUNCING BACK FROM THE ROPES AS QUICK AS A FLASH AND CHARGES ARIA WITH HER OWN!
Rich Russillo: BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE IN A MID-RUN! HOLLY IS STUNNED BY THE KNEE COMING FROM ARIA THAT STOPS HER FROM CHARGING RIGHT BACK! ARIA IS THERE WITH A SUPERKICK TO HOLLY AND SHE NAILS IT THIS TIME COMPLETELY. ARIA STEPS BACK IN FROM BEHIND AND JUST CONNECTS HOLLY ONCE MORE WITH ANOTHER HOOK KICK RIGHT TO THE SIDE OF HOLLY’S SKULL! HOLLY ENDS UP BY THE ROPES! ARIA IS ON FIRE! HOLLY IS IN TROUBLE! IT’S A BIG CONTRAST BETWEEN THESE TWO RIGHT NOW!
James Peters: ARIA STANDS RIGHT BEHIND HOLLY, AND SHE GEARS UP FOR IT AGAIN, WITH THOSE SHOTS THAT SHE JUST MADE, THIS COULD WORK ONCE SHE’S GOT IT ALL DONE THIS TIME! HOLLY IS NOT IN A GOOD POSITION, ARIA THEN JUMPS AND THINGS ARE COMING DOWN!….
Rich Russillo: ZIRCON CUTTER!
Persephone: ????
James Peters: HOW THE ACTUAL HELL???
Rich Russillo: THAT’S THE GREAT STRENGTH OF THE FINAL GIRL RIGHT THERE! ARIA MIGHT JUMP IN TO APPLY THE CUTTER AND BRING DOWN HOLLY BUT HOLLY MANAGES TO GET UNDER HER AND NOW ARIA HAS LANDED ON HOLLY’S SHOULDER! ARIA IS UP ON TOP AND HOLLY PUTTING HER RIGHT IN THE PERFECT PICTURE! HOLLY THEN LOOKS FOR IT!….
James Peters: SECTUMSEMPRA! BURNING HAMMER AND DOWN GOES ARIA!
Persephone: Scamotospaghetti what?
James Peters: SECTUMSEMPRA! SHE JUST HIT IT! HOLLY GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREE-
Rich Russillo: ARIA KICKS OUT AT THE VERY LAST SECOND! NO THAT’S DEFINITELY NOT THREE! ARIA JUST KICKED OUT!
Persephone: I know you failed math so let’s me help you, that’s three.
James Peters: ARIA just kicked out at two and Holly still has a job to do there. She still hasn’t won this match yet as ARIA has just powered out and managed to survive and maintain in this competition! These two women surely want to take that one spot where only one person can go back home, but who’s it really going to be is the trouble! ARIA still hasn’t given up in this match just like Holly; they’re both in a competition to see who will give up their hopes and dreams here first! And the answer, these both women are the only ones to find out!
Persephone: I’ll make sure one of them loses right now.
Rich Russillo: Holly there has just failed to seal ARIA’s fate and end this match with a victory back home in her hands, and ARIA is still lying down here, in pain, yet being put to sleep by the power of Sectumsepra that Holly has just applied.
James Peters: Holly seems to be displeased but she knew that is what she must have anticipated. Now brushing off her emotions and coming off to both feet with a grasp of ARIA’s wrist, now pulling her back upon both feet…
Rich Russillo: but ARIA falls to both knees.
Persephone: Ugh, what?! Is this bitch so weak?!
James Peters: Both Elitists are understandably fatigued, and it’s really showing now. Holly slowly starts to drag ARIA back up- WAIT! ARIA ROLLS TO BEHIND HOLLY!… BACKSTABBER! HOLLY HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN!
Persephone: … what just happened?
Rich Russillo: HOLLY WAS DRAGGING ARIA BACK UP, AND ARIA USED THAT TIME AS A CHANCE TO THINK OF A WAY OUT OF HER GRASP! ARIA HAS JUST TAKEN DOWN HOLLY, NOW PICKING HER RIGHT BACK UP TO BOTH FEET BUT BY PULLING HER HAIR! ARIA PICKS HOLLY RISING BACK UP FROM THE GROUND AND TUGGING HER UNDERNEATH HER LEGS, LIFTING HOLLY OFF THE GROUND AND HERE IT COMES!….
James Peters: ARIA HAS JUST MADE HER OPPONENT FACE A *GLITCH IN THE MATRIX!* GLITCH IN THE MATRIX CONNECTS AND PLANTS HOLLY ARROW! ARIA ROLLS HOLLY OVER AND A COVER! IS THAT IT?!?!?!?
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEE!……
….
Rich Russillo: NO WHAT?!
Persephone: Fuck, I hate this so much.
James Peters: HOLLY KICKS OUT AT TWO! SHE SURVIVES A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX! I DON’T THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO PUT HOLLY DOWN FOR GOOD, ARIA HASN’T PULLED HER BIGGEST MOVE YET! ARIA STILL THERE, TRYING TO MAKE AS MUCH DAMAGE AS POSSIBLE TO WEAR HER DOWN, BUT DESPITE HER EFFORTS, HOLLY REMAINS IN THIS MATCH AND IS LOOKING TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT! SHE LOOKS TO KEEP GOING BUT ARIA DOESN’T, SHE WANTS TO END EVERYTHING RIGHT THERE AND SHE SEEMS LIKE SHE’S LOOKING TO GO FOR IT RIGHT NOW!
Rich Russillo: GOING ALL THE WAY UP HIGH TO THE TOP CORNER, ARIA HAS STARTED STIRRING FASTER AND AS SHE’S ALL THE WAY UP AND NOW SHE’S ALL SET! ARIA IS ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF AND HOLY IS STILL DOWN THERE! ARIA HAS GOT HER BALANCE SET AND DONE, SHE’S READY TO LAUNCH HERSELF OFF AND SHE’S GOING TO COME ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THERE! IF THIS HITS, IT’S OVER FOR HOLLY ARROW! ARIA IS GOING TO WIN!
James Peters: STRAIGHT!….
Rich Russillo: 2222222222 THEEEEEEEEEEE FUTUREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: TO HELL!
James Peters: NO SHE MISSES IT! HOLLY IS BARELY ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF HER WAY AND ARIA HAS JUST SENT HERSELF RIGHT INTO THE GUARD WITH THE SPIRAL TRAP THAT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO HIT HOLLY ARROW WITH! HOLLY SLOWLY RISES BACK TO HER FEET AND ARIA STILL TRYING TO RECOVER FROM THE SUDDEN DODGE BY HOLY! HOLLY RUNS IN QUICKLY AND HERE SHE COMES….
Rich Russillo: …LOOKING TO SHOOT THAT PISTOL KISS! SCORPIO RISING KICK!
James Peters: POPS HER UP TO THE AIR INSTEAD!… DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER! ARIA WITH A DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER! HOLLY HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT AGAIN AND ARIA GOES FOR A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: HOLLY POWERS OUT AT TWO!
James Peters: THERE ISN’T MUCH TIME TO WASTE AROUND HERE ANY LONGER. ARIA HAS JUST TAKEN DOWN HOLY LIKE THAT WITH AN IMPRESSIVE DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER AND SHE’S NOT GOING TO DRAG THIS MATCH OUT TO BE ANY LONGER. ARIA THEN PICKS HOLY RIGHT BACK TO HER FEET AND HOOKS HER IN, SHE LOOKS FOR THAT MOVE THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO ALEX MYERS!
Rich Russillo: THIS IS FINAL ARIA! FLOAT-OVER CRUCIFIX DRIVER DROPPED INTO A LUNGBLOWER, INSPIRED BY ALEX MYERS!
James Peters: NO! HOLLY SCOOPS ARIA OVER HER HEAD AND ARIA’S BODY FLIES OVER HER. ARIA LANDS BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND SAFELY BUT HOLLY IS ALREADY SWINGING RIGHT BEHIND! GRABBING HER WRIST AND SENDING HER HIGH, JOLTING HER FORWARD! ARIA HAS BEEN TURNED ALL AROUND!
Rich Russillo: THE EMPEROR’S TIME! RIPCORD LARIAT CONNECTS BUT BOTH WOMEN GO DOWN! Holly may be able to connect the Ripcord Lariat but both women immediately fall to the ground right after the signature has been applied!
(Holly sees the opportunity, as she reaches out her arm and tries to go for the pin, but her weakened state is too much for her to handle right now. She is fingertips away, before all of a sudden… the crowd roars.)
James Peters: LOOK! LOOK! FROM THE CROWD! KASSIDY HEART! SIENNA JADE! THE JADED HEARTS HAVE JUMPED THE BARRICADE AND THEY’RE MAKING A BEELINE TOWARD THE RING, JUST LIKE WHAT POTARA DID TO THEM ON DYNASTY!
(Holly immediately shoots up to her feet, a rush of adrenaline being shot in her as Kassidy and Sienna jump on the apron. They eye their prey, and even though the referee is shouting at them to get off, they don’t seem to be interested in doing that. They look to deliver some payback and it doesn’t matter to them what happens to the match. It doesn’t take long though for the crowd to cheer loudly again.)
Rich Russillo: IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME! HARPER LEE IS SPRINTING DOWN TO THE RING WITH A STEEL CHAIR IN HAND! SHE’S LOOKING TO MAKE SURE THE JADED HEARTS DON’T GET THE LAST LAUGH LIKE THEY PROMISED!
Persephone: A midget with a chair comes out and all of a sudden you fuck off?
(Harper circles the ring and immediately, Kassidy and Sienna jump off. They don’t seem very intimidated at all by Harper’s presence, but it also seems like it was all a plan on their end to catch POTARA when they least expected it. Holly has a pissed off look on her face, leaning against the ropes and shouting at Kassidy and Sienna, while Harper is telling her to focus on the matter at hand right now, and that’s the match.)
James Peters: Holly turns around toward ARIA, who is still down on the ground…
Rich Russillo: WAIT! ARIA GRABS HER BY THE HEAD AND ROLLS HER UP INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘DESTINY’ begins to blast through the speakers as ARIA quickly rolls herself out of the ring. Holly Arrow quickly sits up in disbelief, looking toward Harper Lee who has already looked toward where The Jaded Hearts are… but by the time they do, Kassidy Heart and Sienna Jade have already disappeared deep into the crowd. There is an insurmountable amount of frustration between the two of them right now, but on the other hand the camera goes over to the referee raising ARIA’s hand at ringside.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… Advancing to the Iconic Cup semi-finals… ARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: :francis:
Rich Russillo: WOW! ARIA pulls out the win! Even though it wasn’t in the way she wanted, she advances in the Iconic Cup tournament against a tough opponent in Holly Arrow. But right now I’m sure that POTARA has their eyes focused elsewhere.
James Peters: Even then, they have to stay on high alert. This isn’t their only match, Harper has one later in the night as well. She’s also in the Iconic Cup tournament and there is nothing barring The Jaded Hearts from making yet another appearance. But that of course, remains to be seen, nonetheless, congratulations to ARIA!
(POTARA are absolutely fuming at ringside, meanwhile ARIA, who still is clueless about what happened, but not going to question it either, makes her way up the ramp with her hand raised high. It’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Drake King defends the EAW World Championship against Cameron Ella Ava.)
( As Voltage returned back from a brief commercial break, we are brought back to the backstage area of the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, of Delhi, India; taking a brief moment away from the in-ring action, as the scene is set directly on Jamie Cross backstage; leaning onto a crate as she has her phone in hand, looking down to it as her attention is clearly absorbed; unaware of anything going on around her, as Cross continued to scroll throughout whatever was on her feed, before finally putting her phone back into her pocket; looking up as she leaned off the crate, looking to maneuver her way through the arena – )
???: Hey, you!
( A voice rung out from behind Jamie, which caused her rather neutral expression to sour; her eyes closing for a moment as her body tensed, almost cringing at the thought of what was inevitable to come; as she quickly exhaled, relaxing her muscles as she began to slowly ease her eyelids open; almost praying that she had mixed up the voice she heard with someone else’s . . . But her hopes would be denied, as she forced a smile; to greet none other, than Mei Sasaki. )
Jamie Cross: Mei… What a pleasure this is…
Mei SasakI: You’re just as happy as I am to see you? So touching, really! I mean, anyone else would’ve assumed that you had some sort of problem with me after our last few go-arounds; but honestly, after Territorial Invasion, I could see how you all of a sudden would feel so welcoming of my presence, bit of character development I’d say, and good for you!
( Mei replied cheerily, which clearly Jamie had a bit of distaste for; already sick of a conversation that hadn’t even gotten off the ground, as Jamie had a sigh leave her mouth, raising an eyebrow to Mei. )
Jamie Cross: Mhm, lovely development – I think Captain Charisma actually was calling me into his office, if you’d excuse me?
( Jamie said, quickly trying to work past Mei; though a quick palm to her chest stopped Cross, as Sasaki wasn’t quite done yet. )
Mei Sasaki: Trust me, I know how busy of a man he could be; but I also know that he would be lenient with your time knowing we were having a conversation, just boosting backstage morale between co-workers! He’ll understand. Now, back to what I was saying; Territorial Invasion ! A fun show to be a part of, no? Where I sort of won in a match I shouldn’t have been in, in the first place, and you flat-out LOST in a match you shouldn’t have been in, in the first place; funny how that works, right? And look, I’m not trying to rub salt into the wound here; you faced three good Elitists in that match, but that might just highlight the fact that you are… Well, a mediocre wrestler. And I know I’ve told you this for weeks now, but that just proves my point more, does it not? How I warned you over and over, and over… AND OVER again that you were getting opportunities you didn’t deserve that you were bound to fail when it came to trying to cash those same opportunities in, just to find out that when you ALMOST got your hands on the Special Opportunity you had at your grasp? You soiled it.
Mei SasakI: How do you think that makes me feel, hmm? To know that could’ve and should’ve been me? A lot of heart in my heart, a little bit of disappointment; but also my head tilted a little higher to the sky knowing at the end of the day I called it from the get-go.
( Mei said, extending a hand to rest on Jamie’s shoulders. )
Mei Sasaki: Remember, I’m not trying to come down on you, little one. I am doing this for your OWN good; reminding you at every chance I get that you’re screwing up my opportunities, is just me saying in my own way; that you’re in the wrong business field. You are inhabiting an occupation you aren’t suited for, and not only is it hurting the ones around you; but at the end of the day you’re hurting yourself. And as the good samaritan I am, I can’t just let you continue to do so.
( Jamie goes to interject, but Mei puts a finger up; cutting her off, clearly not done with her rant. )
Mei Sasaki: And I get it, ‘Mei, how can you criticize me?! You’re blurring the lines of reality here to be construed to your ideals!’ But as a friendly reminder here… You’ve gotten two opportunities as of late, and with both of them; you haven’t exactly, well… CAPITALIZED. And when you have minds like me backstage, who are smart in and out of the ring? Having to sit back and watch as you continue to bring yourself down from someone who looked so good before changing your face, and now you just seem to have lost your footing in this company. Chances have been rare for me, and I just feel like it is fair after you fail to be consistent; maybe you shouldn’t see another opportunity for the rest of the season. Consider it a bit of a . . . Readjustment period. Not a punishment or consequence for your inability to produce; but rather, a resting period for you to get that hunger again, and then MAYBE they’ll let you have a shot at the New Breed Championship again; surely by that point you’d be ready to beat some of the newer rising Elitists in this company, but then again . . .
( Mei says, shrugging her shoulders; as Jamie stays quiet, though it was a fuse effect that had the cheeks of Jamie growing rosier; her eyebrows furrowing as her head looked like it’d blow right off, but in spite of this Mei continued forward. )
Mei Sasaki: You know, maybe Fight Grid is hiring active talent! I think you’d be a Main Event player over there, fighting with the Performance Center Elitists, sounds fun right !! –
( Though before Mei could finish out her sentence, a quick shove from Jamie sends her off her balance; Sasaki staggering back, with a shocked look on her face towards the hostility of Jamie Cross who seemed to not be having ANY of Mei’s banter with her. )
Jamie Cross: Enough is ENOUGH. I’m tired. I’m sick and tired of doing this run around with people who think they can bad mouth me and expect me not to bite back! Calling me trash in your own verbiage, and then deciding to do it time after time – when is the stopping point? What is the REASON? I am talented, I can defend myself; so consider the lee-way I have given you as a form of grace, but right now? I’m not feeling as gracious. Let me remind YOU that at Territorial Invasion, the only reason you ‘won’ is because of Kasai. Without her clutching up a comeback victory, you would’ve lost a match that was supposed to boost your momentum; and imagine that. If you couldn’t handle a simple victory there, what makes you think you would’ve won in MY shoes?
Jamie Cross: One way or another? You’re going to face some reality and the consequences of your actions. You’re going to see that you CLEARLY can’t practice what you preach – and you are going to find out who exactly Jamie Cross is, and what I am all about; one way or another.
( Mei still holds an offended look on her face after being shoved, and with Jamie Cross getting into close proximity with her, dishing out her built-up feelings. Offense turns to irritation, Mei scoffing at Cross as she shakes her head. )
Mei Sasaki: One way or another, hmm? Jamie, let me give you one more dose of wisdom; and this time, instead of ignoring me I’d take it, so you don’t end up on the mat again. Try not to get into the way of someone like me, with a chance to succeed in this business; throwing out these vague challenges, when at the end of those challenges it just has you sent to ground zero once again, looking worse than ever.
( Mei rebuttals, though Jamie isn’t seeming to have any of it; getting directly into the face of Mei who isn’t backing down either. )
Jamie Cross: Things for myself might not have gone the best in the Iconic Cup tournament, or at Territorial Invasion, I’ll give you that; but one thing I won’t let slide because of my shortcomings Is you coming at me thinking I’m some weakling. I’m going to progress, I’m going to get better, and one thing that is for certain is I won’t let YOU and your little ideologies get in the way of me becoming the best star I can be; no matter HOW hard you might try. Get that?
( Jamie says, rolling her eyes as she begins to walk off; shoulder-checking Mei Sasaki who gets shoved to the side, absolutely at a lost for words as anger flourishes onto her face; staring at Jamie who makes her way far, far away from the scene; as the shot lingers onto Sasaki, before beginning to fade away. )
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: And it is an Iconic Cup Quarter Finals Match!!!
(Brooklyn The Hole by Miku Sakai hits to boos from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from Fukui, Japan weighing in at 110 pounds she is MIKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU SAKAIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!
(Miku Sakai makes her way out, and as usual she begins to sing her entrance music, showing her confidence heading into this match. She sings up until she makes it to the bottom of the ramp, heading to ringside. After this she stops, but she still has a grin on her face as she enters the ring, seemingly ready for the upcoming match against Halsey Neel.)
Rich Russillo: Now we get to see some Showdown talent here in the Iconic Cup Tournament Quarter Finals. The blue is invading the yellow brand here tonight!
James Peters: I definitely won’t complain about seeing more Miku Sakai. Her actions don’t please everyone, but she’s a skilled competitor that could absolutely make it to the Iconic Cup finals!
( ‘Ten Ton Hammer’ by Machine Head hits to boos from the crowd, and Miku Sakai watches as Halsey Neel walks out to the stage.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent from Birmingham, England weighing in at 159 pounds she is “The Despair of Devolution” HALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEY NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL!!!!
(Halsey Neel has a cold look on her face, ignoring the boos from the crowd who don’t seem to like anyone in this match. She begins walking down the ramp, also confident in her chances but keeping a more focused look on her face as she stares at Miku on her way down to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Neither of these Elitists are fan favorites, but they also don’t care to be, either. They’re focused on getting the job done tonight, nothing more.
James Peters: Of course Halsey Neel had a lot of disrespectful things to say about her opponent this week and maybe the crowd took exception to that. Then again they don’t seem to like Miku much either. Regardless of the crowd’s opinions of these two women this is going to be a very hard hitting match and I for one am excited for it.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: This match is underway! It is a rare treat for us to get to see an intense matchup between two great Showdown competitors right here on Voltage! This is what the Iconic Cup is all about! As the match begins Miku Sakai quickly runs in, clearly having not forgotten about her history with Devolution as she rushes Halsey into the corner! Miku battering away on Halsey with rough punches in the corner. Halsey falls out of the corner and stumbles across the ring grabbing the top rope trying to hang on. Miku grabs Halsey by the head and runs her along the top rope raking her eyes across the ring rope! Miku then rams Halsey head first into the top turnbuckle padding! Miku rolling here but Halsey is managing to stay on her feet! Miku grabs the arm of Halsey and whips her hard across the ring to the other side.
James Peters: No! Halsey Neel uses all her strength to reverse the Irish Whip and sends Miku Sakai across the ring instead. Miku comes running back across the ring and eats a Running Elbow Strike to the jaw from Halsey! Halsey knocks Miku to the ground for the first time here tonight and probably not the last time either! Miku quickly back up holding her jaw as she staggers into the corner! But Halsey not letting up as she makes her way into the corner with a barrage of punches. Halsey then grabs the head of Miku and slams her face first into the turnbuckle padding. Halsey getting a bit of payback by doing to Miku exactly what Miku just did to her! More punches from Halsey rocking Miku in the corner. Halsey yanks Miku out of the corner and Irish Whips her across the ring!-
Rich Russillo: But Miku Sakai rolls out of the ring! Miku wandering around ringside regaining her balance. Wait here comes Halsey off the apron! Flying Axe Handle takes Miku down on the outside! Miku sprawled out on the outside in a bad way. Halsey grabs Miku off the ground and whips her around into the barricade! Halsey now sending Miku back into the ring, and she is definitely in control right now. Halsey back in as well, but Miku is able to roll out from the other side of the ring! Halsey goes after her running up behind her and dropping her with a Clothesline on the outside! Halsey grabs Miku and throws her hard back first into the barricade at ringside. Halsey now rolling Miku back into the ring and this time Miku stays in it at least. Halsey back into the ring…
James Peters: But MIku Sakai had her scouted! Miku back up to her feet and immediately begins stomping on Halsey Neel as she makes her way under the bottom rope! Miku pummeling on Halsey who wills herself back up to her feet! Irish Whip! No! Halsey with another reversal! Clothesline by Halsey on Miku! No! Miku ducks beneath and runs off the ropes! Miku with a Flying Crossbody on Halsey! But Halsey connects with a Running Knee strike in midair colliding with the gut on Miku! Miku is obliterated and laid out in the ring as Halsey grabs her and drags her over to the ropes and begins choking her out on the middle rope! The referee warning Halsey and counting on her forcing the break!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Persephone: DING! DING! DING!
Persephone: Miku Sakai wins by disqualification!!!
James Peters: Oh no actually she let go just in time!
Persephone: NO!
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai pulled back up to her feet by Halsey Neel who hooks the arm. Halsey with a perfect form Snap Suplex on Miku! No! Miku jumps over and lands behind Halsey! She connects with a Backbreaker out of nowhere dropping Halsey! Smart there by Miku able to counter and break up Halsey’s offensive assault! Miku now looking to take advantage but she is still a bit worn out clearly from everything she has gone through up until now. Halsey slowly rolling her way out of the ring but Miku stops her by grabbing her by the leg and hard yanking her back into the center of the ring. Halsey kicking at Miku trying to get out of this trap but Miku smartly drops a knee onto the leg of Halsey bending it back painfully in ways it shouldn’t! Miku smashes the knee of Halsey against the mat before sliding into the cover!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: Kickout by Halsey Neel! Quick kickout by Halsey who still has a lot left in her even after that backbreaker. Miku Sakai immediately climbs on top of Halsey and begins delivering repeated punches to the face to keep Halsey down. Halsey being punished for daring to kick out. The referee warning Miku about those punches as Halsey pulls herself up in teh corner. But Miku comes charging in battering Halsey with a Running Forearm. Halsey nearly collapses in the corner but Miku grabs Halsey by the neck and begins to choke her. Halsey shoveMiku back as hard as she can sending Miku across the ring. Miku does a somersault backwards into the ring pulling herself up before rushing Halsey again in the corner with a Running Forearm-
Rich Russillo: But Halsey Neel battles back with repeated shots out of the corner! Halsey bashes Miku Sakai up against the ropes before connecting with an Irish Whip across the ring! Miku runs across the ring but ducks beneath a Clothesline from Halsey! Halsey spins around and Miku catches her before lifting her up into the air and dropping her down with a hard powerslam! Miku into another cover!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
James Peters: Another kickout from Halsey Neel! But a near two count that time! Miku Sakai is making progress!
Persephone: Yes at this rate I might even get to sleep some tonight.
Rich Russillo: Stay awake a little longer my love because Halsey Neel is hanging in this thing! Miku Sakai looks none too happy about it as she drags Halsey right into the middle of the ring. Now Miku is targeting Halsey with well placed stomps and strikes to the various limbs of her body. Miku enjoying toying with Halsey and seems to be targeting the leg, possibly weakening it for further use later down the line! Halsey begins to get back up but Miku stomps down hard on her hand! Kick to the face from Miku sends Halsey sprawling across the mat. Now Miku talking some smack to Halsey who is on her back and in a bad way. Big knee drop from Miku onto the leg of Halsey. Miku staying on Halsey with yet another cover.
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
James Peters: Kickout by Halsey Neel! Miku Sakai retaliates immediately by locking Halsey into a Sleeper Hold on the mat. If Halsey won’t go to sleep and keeps kicking out she will force her to sleep first! Halsey is passing out as the time goes by and she is in that Sleeper. But Halsey reaches a hand up and begins to claw into the face of Miku! Halsey not afraid to get a little dirty as she is scratching, clawing, and biting her way out of this Sleeper Hold! But Miku is holding on! Halsey manages to get back up to her feet… no her legs gave out! She fell down onto one knee! But Halsey not going to let it be all she wrote for her! Halsey powers up onto her other leg as well and begins throwing well placed elbow strikes into the gut of Miku. Miku now reeling back as Halsey comes in after her punching into the gut of Miku and eventually breaks free of the hold!-
Rich Russillo: And a European uppercut from Miku Sasaki! Miku whips Halsey Neel across the ring… but Halsey comes charging back in with a Running Clothesline! Halsey leaps into the air and gets all of that Clothesline literally flipping over in the air from the impact! Both competitors down now as the referee begins the ten count and they are exhausted from the exertion put into this match so far!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TE-
James Peters: But both competitors make it back up to their feet in time.
Persephone: :mjcry: !
Rich Russillo: And Miku Sakai staggers backwards into the corner! Halsey Neel notices this and takes advantage as she charges in slamming into Miku with a Running Clothesline to the corner! Halsey grabs the arm of Miku and whips her hard across the ring to the other side… and another Running Clothesline! Halsey using all the strength that she can muster as she grabs Miku and runs her head first into the turnbuckle padding. Miku staggers backwards into the ring as Halsey comes off the ropes running up on her and taking her down with a Running Bulldog! Halsey into the cover!!!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: Miku Sakai kicks out! Halsey Neel stays on her yanking her up by the arm and then lifting her up into the air. Halsey putting Miku up high on the top rope looking for a high impact maneuver here that is almost certain to keep her down for the full three count! Halsey punching at Miku nearly knocking her off the top rope! Halsey climbs up to the top rope with Miku! Superplex from the top incoming!!! HALSEY THROWS MIKU UP OFF THE TOP FLYING INTO THE RING!!! SKY HIGH SUPERPLEX CONNECCTS!!! SHE GETS ALL OF IT! HALSEY INTO ANOTHER COVER!!!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! How did Miku Sakai kick out of that! Halsey Neel is in disbelief! She is shaken! Both competitors down from that high impact maneuver as it looks like Halsey may have hurt herself almost as much as Miku with that Superplex. Eventually Miku pulls herself up in the corner but Halsey goes right back to where she started. Another Running Clothesline into the corn-
James Peters: No! Miku Sakai gets the elbow up! Halsey Neel runs at full speed right into the elbow strike from Miku staggering her back! Miku saving herself for the moment here. Halsey staggers back into the ring as Miku charges in! But Halsey catches Miku and spins her around and down into a Samoan Drop! Halsey falls into another cover on Miku who has her eyes glazed over!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: Of course a kickout. Just use your finishing move already.
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai rolls out of the ring looking to escape the attack from Halsey Neel but Halsey rolls out of the ring as well to get some from her opponent. Halsey with a Running Punt Kick to the side of Miku sending her sprawling across the ringside area. Halsey then grabs Miku and returns her to the ring. She definitely wants to win this thin fair and square! But as Halsey enters back into the ring… Miku kicks the ropes! Miku tripping Halsey as she enters the ring! Miku grabs Halsey and tips her upside down into the ring. Spike Piledriver connects! Miku slides into the cover!!!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: Halsey Neel with the kickout! Miku Sakai has turned things back around in her favor however. This match has been back and forth all night no matter who wins this match it is clear that both of them deserve it and have been giving it their fullest of efforts! Miku now stalking Halsey and looking to finish things here. It’s clear she has something in mind to end the match! The hunter has found it’s prey! Can Miku hit what she has in mind???
Rich Russillo: MIKU SAKAI WITH THE CUCK KILLER ON HALSEY NEEL!!!
Persephone: Yes! A finisher!
James Peters: No! Halsey Neel flips out of it! Halsey off the ropes… Halsey charges into Miku Sakai with a Running Axe Handle! Miku bounces off the ropes and right into the arms of Halsey! HALSEY CONNECTS WITH THE DECONSTRUCTION OF EVERYTHING!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Miku Sakai flips out of it and sends Halsey Neel crashing to her back in the ring. Close call there from both opponents as the match would surely have been over if either of them had hit either of those moves. Halsey turns around as Miku charges at her from behind chopping her leg down! Halsey’s leg grabbed by Miku as she twists it around into an Ankle Lock! But Halsey throws Miku up and over! Halsey off the ropes with a Running Knee Drop across the face of Miku! She got all of it! Halsey with another Rolling Knee Drop as she rolls over the face of Miku-
James Peters: No! Miku Sakai rolled out of the way and Halsey Neel drove her knee down hard into the mat! Luckily she is wearing knee pads so the blow is softened somewhat. Miku now looking to take advantage as she grabs the leg of Halsey and twists it around… Figure 4 Leglock is applied! Miku looking to force Halsey to submit! Halsey might have no choice whatsoever as she is trapped in the middle of the ring! Halsey flailing desperately trying to get her arms over to the bottom rope. Can she do it?
Rich Russillo: She does! Halsey Neel manages to grab the bottom rope and the referee forces Miku Sakai to break up the Figure 4 Leglock! Miku is annoyed with the referee but she does break it up. But the damage has been done as now Halsey is struggling to stand up! Miku goes to grab Halsey…
James Peters: But Halsey Neel with a Drop Toe Hold! Halsey trips Miku Sakai and sends her through the ropes! Miku tumbles through the ropes, hitting the apron as she falls. Miku pulls herself up on the apron as Halsey grabs her by the hair looking to yank her over. Wait! Miku grabbed Halsey by the throat and pulled her down over the top rope! Halsey goes flying back into the ring holding her throat as Miku slides into the ring. Miku with a chance to end things here!
Persephone: Wait! Halsey Neel with a Small Package out of nowhere on Miku Sakai! This is it!!! Please let this be it!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Miku Sakai manages to barely kick out just in time! Halsey Neel nearly stole one right there! You can see the shock on both their faces especially Miku who realizes just how close she was to losing this match. Both competitors back up as Miku with a Spinning Backhand catches Halsey on the side of the jaw! Halsey collapses to the mat as Miku slowly climbs her way up to the top rope! But Halsey back up as well looking to meet her up on the top rope! Halsey throwing shots at Miku trying to knock her off the top! But Miku retaliates with repeated shots of her own! Hard kick to the chest from Miku sends Halsey flying backwards into the ring! Halsey back up now as Miku leaps off the top rope!!!
James Peters: Flying Missile Dropkick off the top rope from Miku Sakai! She gets it! Miku into the cover on Halsey Neel!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout by Halsey Neel! Miku Sakai rolling over onto her side as she climbs back up looking to go back up to the top rope once more! Miku said if it didn’t work the first time she is just going to do it again! Halsey back up as Miku measures her! No wait look out! Halsey just charges the corner at full speed! Halsey knocking Miku off the top as Miku goes flying out into the middle of the ring doing an unintentional Senton Bomb and crashing into the ring!!! Miku rolls out into the corner as Halsey pulls herself up and charges in. HALSEY WITH A RUNNING SPEAR INTO THE CORNER ON MIIKU! SPEAR! SPEAR! SPEAR!
James Peters: No! Miku Sakai moved out of the way! Halsey Neel went running at full speed into the corner and smashed her shoulder up against the metal pole! She couldn’t even stop herself in time! Miku runs up on Halsey from behind and grabs her and rolls her up! School Boy rollup as the referee slides into the count!
Persephone: ONE! TWO! THREE! ONE! TWO! THREE! ONE! TWO! THREE! ONE! TWO! THREE! ONE! TWO! THREE! DING! DING! DING!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Halsey Neel kicks out yet again! The will to survive! The passion to win the Iconic Cup wills her on! Halsey back up as Miku Sakai is in shock! Halsey runs in but Miku throws her up! Miku catches Halsey in midair with a European Uppercut sending Halsey sprawling across the ring ragdolling to the mat! Miku yanks Halsey back up…
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai beats on Halsey Neel’s face repeatedly yelling at her to stay down! Halsey not even moving now as Miku continues to brutalize her! Halsey up as Miku shoves her hard into the corner and runs in- BUT HALSEY CONNECTS WITH A BOOT TO THE JAW! HALSEY NOW WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN, AND NOW IT’S HER THAT STARTS PUNCHING AWAY AT MIKU! HALSEY THROWING EVERYTHING SHE HAS LEFT AT MIKU! MIKU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THIS, EITHER! WE KNOW HOW DANGEROUS HALSEY IS, AND SHE’S SHOWING IT TONIGHT!
James Peters: WAIT A MINUTE! MIKU FINALLY PUSHES HALSEY OFF OF HER BEFORE QUICKLY GETTING BACK UP, AND NOW SHE WASTES NO TIME GETTING INTO POSITION!!! MIKU SAKAI CONNECTS WITH THE CUCK KILLER ON HALSEY NEEL! THIS TIME SHE GETS ALL OF IT! MIKU TO THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… Advancing to the Iconic Cup semi-finals… MIKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU SAKAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!
(Brooklyn The Hole by Miku Sakai hits as Miku slowly rolls off of Halsey Neel. After a few seconds she pushes herself back to her feet, and she has her hand raised by the referee. After a hard fought win, she has a smirk on her face.)
Rich Russillo: She did it Miku Sakai wins the Iconic Cup quarter finals! Only two more rounds to go and she could win the whole thing!
James Peters: Very impressive and important victory for Miku Sakai here tonight. Unfortunately Halsey Neel is now out of the tournament. But what an impressive showing from her this week. There is definitely no shame in this loss whatsoever. I imagine it will be very heartbreaking for her I am sure.
Rich Russillo: Great showing from these Showdown talents here tonight but personally I hope someone from Voltage wins the Iconic Cup. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Miku finds a way to go all the way!
(The camera cuts to a commercial featuring a drunken Ruler causing problems for airport security and making false allegations against them.)
(The camera returns to ringside, where there are three chairs set up inside of the ring. Inside of the ring is also Sofia Clarke, who is seen holding a microphone in her hand as she looks towards the crowd with a smile on her face. The fans in attendance are cheering seeing the setup inside of the ring, and as they quiet down, Sofia begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I’d like to welcome the two men who’ll be competing for the Hardcore Championship at Wicked Games, Donovan Duke and the Hardcore Champion, TLA!
(There are once again loud cheers coming from the audience, and Sofia continues.)
Sofia Clarke: Introducing first, please welcome the challenger… DONOVAN DUKE!
(As the cheers continue, ‘I Rise’ by Cory Marks hits. Donovan Duke begins to walk out with a microphone in his hand, and he has a smile on his face as he makes it to the stage. He takes a second to look out at the crowd as the fans continue to cheer, but he doesn’t spend too much time on the stage, instead beginning to make his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
James Peters: Coming up we’ll be having a sit-down debate featuring the competitors in the Hardcore Championship match at Wicked Games!
Rich Russillo: This will definitely be interesting. We know these two have respect for each other so this should remain friendly, but both Elitists definitely want to leave this match as Champion.
Persephone: That stipulation really is the saving grace for this match. I’m not looking forward to seeing them talk, why is this happening?
(Donovan enters the ring as his music fades, and he shakes Sofia’s hand before taking a seat. After this, Sofia Clarke continues to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: And his opponent… Please welcome the Hardcore Champion… TLA!!!!!!
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits, and the cheers continue as TLA begins walking out. He is also holding a microphone, and he raises his Hardcore Championship up high at the stage with a grin on his face as the cheers continue. Donovan watches from the ring as TLA begins making his way down the ramp and towards the ring, ready for the upcoming sit-down debate with his upcoming Hardcore Championship challenger.)
James Peters: Donovan and TLA are both very talented Elitists, so I’m personally really looking forward to the match. I don’t know who will win at all, it could go either way.
Rich Russillo: Donovan Duke is looking to become a Champion for the second time in his career, but while it’s possible, it wouldn’t be easy when TLA is Champion.
Persephone: I don’t really care who wins. Neither of them are good wrestlers.
(TLA enters the ring, and once again raises his Championship before sharing a few words with Sofia off-mic. TLA takes a seat afterwards, allowing Sofia to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: I’d like to thank you two for joining me tonight, and the question I have for you two to kick this off is very simple. We know both of you would like to leave Wicked Games with the Hardcore Championship, but this won’t be an easy match for either of you. Why do you believe you’ll be the one that wins this Championship match?
TLA: Imma be getting that W in chica cuz that is what I do. Y’all know that is how I roll just getting Ws on Ws on Ws. Nah for real tho confidence ain’t never even been an issue for yo boi. I be walking into each and every lucha with that belief in my own self and my own talent to get the job done. Cuz if you come in with any less than that you have already lost. Sure you might not always win but there ain’t even a point to getting to that point before it comes to it. Nah I know that the same can be said of my opp at Wicked Games Donovan Duke. I got much respect for the homie for real. He be keeping keeping on despite anything that the haters say or be throwing up at him. It just ain’t even matter none. But he done had to deal with the haters regardless. Pero he ain’t even letting them get him down. Orale we be straight up crushing all them haters! ¡Destruimos a todos nuestros enemigos!
(The crowd cheers loudly clearly excited for the match and also remembering past times in which TLA has defeated his opponents to retain that championship.)
TLA: Escuchame carnal. You know Donovan you and me have got a lot in common. We have both had to deal with people doubting on us from day one. Even when it ain’t even justified. I came into this business and I was straight up stylin’ on all the haters blowing half of the so-called leyendas out the water. But I ain’t even going out and getting disrespectful. All I wanted was a place on the roster and a chance to prove myself. To get my lucha on here in EAW on that grandest lucha stage that there be. But unfortunately even that was too much to ask for some people. They be tryna hold me down and tryna keep me out for the longest and to this day I can’t even say I completely understand why. Nah nah I know why. But I ain’t understand why. There is a difference. That type of shit has made a comeback recently with the shit that I had to deal with leading up to Pain for Pride this year.
(A brief recap is shown of TLA and Hikari Kanno’s feud leading up to their Hardcore Championship match at Pain for Pride.)
TLA: Shit feels like a lifetime ago but was actually only a few months ago. Hikari Kanno couldn’t and wouldn’t just settle to have a respectable and classic lucha at Pain for Pride up against TLA. Nah she had to make it personal. Put my personal life on blast and the thing was it wasn’t even about me neither. Nah it was hurting innocent people just to get to me and I know that Donovan has had to deal with similar shit. But we both overcame all of that. Which is why I say that we got so much in common cuz we both overcame all of that mierda. We done overcame all the bullshit that they used to try to hold us down and now it be paying off when we got a chance to do what we do and do what we do best at Wicked Games shining with this championship on the line. You know that people get mad when I bring up my veteran status but it ain’t just age neither. It’s experience and it ain’t just no buzzword neither. It’s a consistent and repetitive series of obstacles that I have overcome. Y’all want to know why I think I can win the match? Y’all should know by now I am TLA and I can overcome anything.
(TLA puts the microphone down as the crowd cheers. He has finished his speech as Sofia looks over to Donovan Duke.)
Donovan Duke: I can’t say I disagree with a lot of the things you said TLA, especially when it comes to having doubters who are willing to stoop as low as holding personal matters against you. You dealt with it back when you were facing Hikari Kanno, and back when I was defending my National Elite Championship against Ryan Wilson I had to deal with him holding my father’s passing against me. I was already going through a tough time and he thought he could get inside my head because of it, but in the end I proved a lot of people wrong just like you did with Hikari. I know how it feels to have a lot of people look down on you and try to underestimate you, and the fact that we’ve gone through such similar experiences is part of the reason I believe I’ll be a serious threat to your Championship reign. I’m not one of those doubters. I’m not like Charlie, or Hikari, or anyone that’d try to ignore your abilities. I’m someone that’s been in your shoes before, and wouldn’t make the same mistake some of your previous opponents did in overlooking your abilities.
Donovan Duke: I can’t deny that you’re the more experienced Elitist here either, but I’ve got some experience in my own right, and it’s not like this will be my first time in some kind of hardcore match. I’ve been in many kinds of dangerous matches, even going back as recently as Bloodsport where I came as close as possible to becoming the EAW World Champion. I’ve spent a while now gaining experience both in these stipulation matches and in matches against some of the best EAW has to offer, and every time I leave one of those matches I make sure I take something away from them. Heading into this match I know I have the chance to put that experience to use in a way I’m more than capable of doing. Not only do I plan to defeat you and get back on track after Territorial Invasion and Bloodsport, but I plan to become the Hardcore Champion for the first time in my career.
(Cheers come from the crowd after hearing this from Donovan, just going to show that both Elitists in this match are fan favorites and have support heading into this match.)
Donovan Duke: Let’s not forget, I’m not the kind of guy to back down regardless of who is in front of me. I’ve faced some very tough challenges in the past. Mr. DEDEDE, Kassidy Heart, Impact, Jake Smith, Drake King, you name it. I have a lot of heart, and I think you need that in a match like this where both Elitists want to win and even the rules aren’t stopping them from tearing each other apart. I was the National Elite Champion for as long as I was because of the heart I had, and since that reign ended I’ve been fighting to do more. This is a great opportunity TLA and I plan to make the most of it. I have no doubt that this will be an amazing match and one of my toughest matches yet, but heading into it I know I can win the second Championship of my career.
TLA: Y’all know that you out here putting all that respect on a vato name. Gotta show that luv and appreciation. You know that La Pantera Sexual be granting all kinds of favors n shit. I done seen y’all backstage you know you stay chattin’ up them finest mamis like Mia Santoro y’all interested in all them cards n gambling.
(This completely catches Donovan off guard, flustering him as he tries to speak.)
Donovan Duke: Oh, I uh-
TLA: You know that we gotta get you some for real for real. Ain’t no way I be just letting y’all off the hook just like this Hardcore Championship you gotta go for it and get you some ese.
Donovan Duke: 😐 It was not like that. It was just a common interest, there was nothing more to it.
TLA: Nah we goin’ straight out from Voltage. Goin’ straight on into the Poon Palace. Gonna get yo ass laid with the quickness if y’all feel me. You know that ain’t no mamacita can refuse when y’all bring her all up in the Palace the magic just be doing the rest.
Donovan Duke: :whoa: Actually… I think I’d like to get back to talking about the match if that’s okay.
(TLA laughs, and Donovan continues.)
Donovan Duke: Heading into Wicked Games I understand how much of a challenge this will be, but since I lost the National Elite Championship back at King of Elite I’ve been fighting for this. I want to become Champion again and I’m not about to miss out on this opportunity. Facing you will be an honor, but I enter the ring at Wicked Games I plan to bring everything I have to that match. You’ll be seeing my very best, and I plan to walk out of that match as Champion.
TLA: Most definitely cabron. You know you be getting all that opportunity that I can provide. But it going to be the kind of opportunity that just might not pay off for you if you know what I mean. It going to be all kinds of an honor. Going to shake y’all hand n shit. You been fighting for this for the longest but y’all best believe that I been fighting for it just as long just as hard. Going to be keeping this championship reign going. Going to keep this championship and you going be getting the best version of TLA comin’ after you and we going to steal the show and never give it back even if they ask real nicely.
(The fans cheer, and once again TLA shakes Donovan Duke’s hand. ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ hits. Both Elitists get back to their feet, and TLA raises the Hardcore Championship.)
James Peters: This is definitely looking to be a really great match, I can’t wait to see how this one goes. Personally, I think it’s a bit interesting to see a Championship match between people who have so much respect for each other.
Rich Russillo: That’s true. It’s rare we get that, and I think it will make for a very exciting match. This isn’t a personal match between people who want to hurt each other. It’s just a match between people who want to be Champion, and I can’t wait to see it.
(The camera shows the staredown between Donovan and TLA, fading out from there as the camera fades to black.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where TLA defends the Hardcore Championship against Donovan Duke.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back in from a brief commercial break, as the camera goes to show a panaround view of Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. The crowd suddenly erupts into boos as the sounds of ‘Imma Be’ by Black Eyed Peas are heard playing through the loud speaker, with it then going over to show Bea Valentine as she makes her way out from the backstage area toward the stage. She has a smirk on her face as she scans around at the atmosphere in the arena tonight, taking a moment to soak it all in before beginning to mouth some words of confidence to herself while heading down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… BEA VALENTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: The past week we’ve seen a huge Specialists Championship match be built for the House of Glass Marquee Event. Milli Banks had challengers left and right from all three brands coming for her title, and the only thing she could think of was taking on all of them in a huge fatal fourway match. Bea is one of the competitors in it after winning a Unique Opportunity to earn her shot, and I think it’s easy to tell how she feels about not only all of this but also what happened on Dynasty two days ago.
James Peters: We saw her team with Delilah Rose to face Milli Banks and Rory Slate, and of course, that match was a ticking time bomb. In the end we saw Rory attack Milli, and Bea seizing the opportunity to attack Delilah as well, with the match ending in a no contest. Of course, it has to have left a sour taste in her mouth to see Delilah be the one standing tall with the Specialists Championship in hand, and she’s definitely going to have something to say about it tonight as she makes her way to the ring.
Persephone: Oh please, they just threw anyone out there to face Milli at this point. Who believes that out of EVERYONE in the company, it’s going to be BEA VALENTINE that beats her for the title?
(Bea makes her way up the steel steps and onto the apron, looking out before entering through the ropes and into the ring. She circles around for a moment, scanning around once more at the hyped atmosphere of the crowd here tonight, before she then heads over and snatches a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Imma Be’ begins to come to a close as Bea stands at the center of the ring, not wasting any time beginning to speak.)
Bea Valentine: To catch you up to speed, I am unBEAlievably pissed off right now. 😡 Before I tell you why, let me give you some context on the situation: I get announced for a match on Dynasty, a stupid one at that, where I’m being set up for failure by teaming with a waste of space, liability Elitist in Delilah Rose. I head into the week with extremely low expectations, knowing that even though I am going to give my all, my partner is just going to find a way to fuck it all up. But to my surprise, the other team imploded first. Rory attacked Milli, and y’know… I’m not just gonna stand there and not join in on the fun, right? So I cut the dead weight, I attack Delilah, and right about now everything is going right. I don’t have to risk a loss because my partner can’t do anything right, and I get to lay out the entire field. So with that in mind, let me ask you a question… WHY THE HELL WAS DELILAH THE ONE LEFT STANDING?!
(Bea gets frustrated thinking about it, showing her disdain for her opponents in the Specialists Championship match. She’s not exactly the type of person to make friends, so this is a given.)
Bea Valentine: Like, ha ha, funny joke, right guys? Did we all agree to let the Make-A-Wish child get the upper hand because she’s the least likely to win the match and I just forgot? Well, hey past Bea, I thought about your decision, AND IT FUCKING STINKS! Delilah Rose doesn’t deserve anything, nor does Milli Banks, and damn sure not Rory Slate. You guys may think that you have some sort of high ground over me because you won an opportunity as well, but you can’t say at all that you are better than me. Bar Milli, my other opponents and I arrived around the same time, and since then who has been the one that has gotten the attention? Who has been the one that’s been getting ALL the recognition for what she does? It’s ME, and it’s not for no reason. It’s not because I was handed everything, in fact, with my status in this company I’ve arguably had to work HARDER to maintain my status as the Queen Bea of EAW.
Bea Valentine: Who’s to say that Delilah can compare to that? Since her arrival she has done nothing but bitch and moan DESPITE having the entire world at her feet. She earned this opportunity by beating LUCAS JOHNSON on a random episode of Showdown and all of a sudden you guys want me to take her seriously? Give me a break, if there’s anyone to automatically omit from winning this match, it’s her. Rory Slate is a BOYFRIEND MERCHANT, and without Michael Machina to prop her up, she would end up being a gutter whore in the street begging for change. And while I can give Milli a lot more credit than I’ll be able to give them, we can admit that facing Bea Valentine is a lot different than facing just about anyone like she has her entire reign. I am going to BEA her toughest challenge yet, and I don’t think that she’s going to end up having any answers for that.
Bea Valentine: By design, this match is meant for me to win the Specialists Championship. That isn’t a claim, it isn’t a theory, that is just a fact. I don’t think there is anyone that can do what I do inside the ring, and if you think that you have the answers, well then I’m just going to create more questions. There is no one that deserves to have that title around their waist more than me, there is no one that has earned it by working as hard as I have than me. When the time comes to fly to Japan and take that title away from you at House of Glass, Milli, I want absolutely ZERO excuses. I don’t want some pity parade to be thrown because you couldn’t get the job done and complete your fever dream of reaching this impossible goal, what I want you to do is look me in my eyes and say “THANK YOU” because there is no better person to take that title away from you than me. There is no better person to carry the mantle and shit, maybe you can live vicariously through my reign and watch me become the longest reigning Specialists Champion instead, something that you’re incapable of doing. I don’t care about the others in the match, even when they won their pity opportunities they never once compromised my chances of winning. At the end of the day it was ALWAYS between you and I, Milli. And when it comes to winning the Specialists Championship, well I just wonder who it’ll BEA! You can say what you want, tell yourself what you want to hear, but I can really only leave you off on one thing… I will BEA an amazing Specialists Champion!
(Bea drops her microphone down to the ground, with a big smirk on her face while ‘Imma Be’ begins to play through the speakers once again. She spreads her arms out and begins to trash talk toward the hard camera, making a Championship gesture around her waist to show what her future is going to look like after House of Glass, and continues to spend an excruciating amount of time bragging about herself in the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Well certainly a statement to be made tonight by one of the challengers for the Specialists Championship. I think that Bea can admit as well that her opponents are not anyone to sleep on.
James Peters: Milli has been a dominant Champion, and Rory along with Delilah both earned opportunities at her title as well as she did and have done a lot to prove why. But Bea is going to make sure that above all she is the one that stands out and is going to be the one to stop Milli Banks from making history and becoming the longest reigning Specialists Champion in EAW.
(Bea drops under the bottom rope and begins to make her way up the ramp, looking back one more time with a confident grin on her face as it’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage from there begins to come to a close.)
(Commercial for the upcoming Dynasty marquee event, House of Glass.)
(The camera returns to the ring where Bella Braxton is standing with a microphone in hand ready to begin the introductions for the next match.)
Bella Braxton: This next contest is an ICONIC CUP QUARTERFINAL MATCH and it is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart starts playing as Harper Lee enters the arena followed closely behind by Holly Arrow. She is strictly business as she heads right to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and making her way to the ring. Representing POTARA and accompanied by Holly Arrow. From Charlotte, North Carolina. Weighing 118 pounds. Here is ONE HALF OF THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! “THE AVARICIOUS” HARPER LEE!
James Peters: Here comes Harper Lee heading to the ring for singles action and she is not in the best of moods after having to watch Holly get screwed out of her match with ARIA earlier tonight.
Persephone: Oh who cares. Bitch got what she deserved. You can’t expect to pull a stunt like they did on Dynasty and expect to get away with it. Those two are so stupid.
Rich Russillo: Be that as it may, Harper Lee did defeat Sierra Everett last week to advance to the quarterfinals, but her opponent tonight, is a competitor of a different level.
(Harper enters the ring and takes her corner as her entrance music fades off. Seconds later, ‘Living Dead Girl’ by Rob Zombie starts playing as Caroline slowly enters the arena. Caroline almost has a pitch black glare in her eyes as she slowly heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing her opponent! Residing Amongst the Shadows. Weighing 109 pounds! Here is “THE QUEEN OF SHADOWS” CAROLINE!
Rich Russillo: Here comes Caroline as she heads to the ring. To make it to the quarterfinals, Caroline defeated Kasai on Showdown last week.
Persephone: Why in the world is this creepy psycho bitch here? Isn’t there enough crazy weirdos on Voltage that we had to bring another one from Showdown over here?
James Peters: Friendly as always, Persephone. The winner of this match is going to face the winner of the Ashlynn Quinn and Minerva match. Who will find themselves with a victory and a ticket to the Semifinals? We are about to find out.
(Caroline slowly enters the ring and takes her corner as her entrance music fades off. The referee checks Harper… and trusts Caroline… as the referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: Here we go! Quarterfinal action on tap. Caroline. Harper Lee. Who is going to find themself a trip to the Semifinals to take on either Ashlynn Quinn or Minerva. Both women meet up in the center of the ring and immediately tie up.
Persephone: Seeing these two in the ring is like a living and moving advertisement for therapy. These two are nuts… why are they here?
Rich Russillo: To compete, Persephone. But it is Harper Lee who uses her experience and power advantage to gain control of Caroline. Caroline in the side headlock before Harper transitions into a hammerlock–
James Peters: HARPER LEE JUST SMACKED CAROLINE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Harper is very confident with her skills, but does she really wanna play that game with the likes of Caroline?
Rich Russillo: Caroline already has that pitch black stare in her eyes as she goes right into Harper’s face AND THROWS A RIGHT HAND TO HARPER, CAUSING HARPER TO STUMBLE BACK!
Persephone: It’s going to be one of those types of matches isn’t it? Long. Drug out. Completely pointless. Can we just skip this match? Because Caroline looks like a nitwit swinging like that.
Rich Russillo: HARPER LEE COMES BACK WITH A RIGHT HAND! That shot sends Caroline back and Harper keeps firing off the right hands that send Caroline to the ropes. Harper grabs Caroline and whips her to the other side.
James Peters: Caroline goes to the ropes AND SHE JUMPS ONTO THE SECOND ROPE BEFORE BACKFLIPPING AND GRABBING HARPER BY THE NECK AND DROPPING HER WITH AN INVERTED DDT!
Persephone: Harper was dropped on the back of her head, but that’s the safest part of her body because there is nothing up there to hurt. Either way, Caroline mounts Harper AND JUST STARTS PUNCHING HER IN THE HEAD! YES YES YES! MORE! MORE! MORE!
James Peters: You are feeling very vicious today, aren’t you, Persephone?
Persephone: Hell yes. I hope these two bitches beat each other into oblivion. I got to have something to look forward to in this gawd awful match. Harper got to the ropes though and now the referee is counting. STOP COUNTING! LET THEM BEAT THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER!
Rich Russillo: The referee reaches four and Caroline stops the punches. Caroline has a handful of Harper’s hair now, AND SHE JUST BEGINS TO BASH HARPER’S HEAD ONTO THE MAT!
James Peters: I think they said it last week. Caroline is a damn nut. Even Caroline herself mentioned how unpredictable she can be, and I think it’s safe to say that has made her a very big threat heading into this match.
Rich Russillo: Caroline brings Harper Lee back to her feet, AND HARPER WITH AN ELBOW TO THE GUT TO GET FREE BEFORE TAKING CAROLINE UP AND OVER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!
Persephone: I don’t really see the appeal with these two. One is an incompetent idiot that let her partner lose earlier, and the other is an edgy weirdo.
Rich Russillo: At the end of the day these are two very talented wrestlers, but Harper is in control right now as Caroline gets back to her feet. Caroline heads for Harper AND HARPER TAKES DOWN CAROLINE WITH A DROP TOE HOLD!
James Peters: Caroline goes face first into the mat and Harper is putting the boots to Caroline trying to keep her down and Caroline is rolling her way onto the apron and the referee gets Harper away.
Persephone: What a big baby! Get back in that ring and beat the hell out of each other like what you are supposed to do. Come on and stop boring me!
James Peters: HARPER BREAKS AWAY FROM THE REFEREE AND GRABS CAROLINE BEFORE PULLING HER RIGHT BACK INTO THE RING! CAROLINE LANDS HARD WHEN PULLED BACK INTO THE RING!
Persephone: Harper’s weirdo friend Holly is cheering her tag team partner on and looking like an idiot while doing it. Why in the world is Holly even here in the first place?
Rich Russillo: Are you trying to ignore what happened earlier tonight involving Holly Arrow?
Persephone: Yes.
James Peters: Of course you are. But Holly is being a good friend and tag partner and playing back up to maximize Harper’s chances of winning this match.
Rich Russillo: While Holly is keeping watch on the outside of the ring, Caroline is back to her feet AND HARPER CLOCKS CAROLINE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOREHEAD WITH THAT HEADBUTT! “RED SKULL” FINDS ITS MARK!
Persephone: That was almost like smashing two empty coconuts together. Neither one of these two have anything upstairs in those heads of theirs, so that move had absolutely no effect whatsoever. Keep trying, stupid.
Rich Russillo: Contrary to what Persephone thinks, the headbutt did have some impact as Caroline staggers back to the ropes AND HARPER GOES FOR THE CLOTHESLINE ON CAROLINE–
James Peters: CAROLINE PULLS DOWN THE TOP ROPE AND HARPER GOES FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND HARPER TUMBLES OFF THE APRON AND TO THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF US!
Persephone: Oh goody. An up close and personal look at a couple of nitwits. It looked like Harper landed on her head, so she’s completely safe.
James Peters: Will you be nice? Anyways, Caroline gets on the apron as Harper gets back to her feet AND CAROLINE SPRINGS ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND TAKES HARPER DOWN WITH A BEAUTIFUL ASAI MOONSAULT!
Persephone: Harper’s head once again cracks the floor. Did anybody else hear the hollow thud when that happened? No? Just me? You guys suck.
Rich Russillo: The scary and demented Caroline is in control of the match as she grabs Harper by the hair AND SMASHES HARPER’S FACE INTO THE EDGE OF THE RING! AGAIN AND AGAIN, HARPER’S FACE KISSES THE HARDEST PART OF THE RING!
James Peters: Caroline rolls Harper back into the ring and Caroline slowly follows suit. Caroline again with the handful of hair and Caroline whips Harper right into the corner. Caroline follows up WITH A ROUND OFF, THEN A BACK HANDSPRING, THEN A BACK TUCK BEFORE SHE HITS A SPINNING BACK FIST IN THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: Caroline calls that “In the Shadow Garden” and that was a very acrobatic move by Caroline. Now Caroline follows up by lifting up Harper and sitting her on the top turnbuckle.
Persephone: Why are they getting so creative? Can’t they just punch each other until somebody is knocked out so we can end the match? It would be much more entertaining and violent that way.
Rich Russillo: Caroline tries to climb onto the turnbuckles, BUT HARPER HITS CAROLINE WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE THAT KNOCKS CAROLINE FOR A LOOP, BUT SHE IS STILL ON THE TURNBUCKLE!
James Peters: Harper now has hold of Caroline’s head and these two are in a very dangerous position up on the turnbuckles. Be careful up there, ladies.
Persephone: Will you shut up? Why are you telling them to be careful? Let them fight. Let them hurt each other. If they injure themselves, it’ll make things more tolerable around here.
James Peters: Of course you would. But Harper has hold of Caroline AND SHE COME SPINNING OFF THE ROPES AND PLANTS CAROLINE WITH “DIRTY FIREWORKS”! AVALANCHE SWINGING NECKBREAKER CONNECTS AS HARPER CRAWLS INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!
Persephone: NOOOOOOOOO! CAROLINE KICKS OUT AT TWO! DAMN! WE WERE SO CLOSE TO THIS MATCH ENDING AND IT WAS RUINED! Why are they doing this to me? This sucks.
Rich Russillo: A huge move for the very first cover of the match, but you can’t blame either one of these women for giving it their all in this match. A chance to win the Iconic Cup? Two former champions looking to add another accolade to their respective resumes.
James Peters: Both women took damage off the neckbreaker, but it is Harper Lee who is back to her feet first and she brings Caroline back to her feet and whips her to the ropes. Caroline comes back AND TAKES CAROLINE DOWN WITH A SLINGBLADE!
Rich Russillo: Harper is building momentum right now and she is not playing around. She is here to put Caroline DOWN! Caroline is recovering from the slingblade. But Harper is not gonna let her rest for a second.
Persephone: Good for her because this match is certainly making me want to take a long rest because this is a very boring match. I should have brought a pillow because this is a snore fest.
Rich Russillo: Everybody but you thinks the opposite and Harper brings Caroline back to her feet and whips her to the turnbuckles once more. HARPER RUNS FULL SPEED INTO THE CORNER AND GOES FOR A DROPKICK–
James Peters: NOBODY HOME AS CAROLINE GETS OUT OF THE CORNER AT THE LAST SECOND AND HARPER LEE DROPKICKS THE TURNBUCKLE BEFORE CRASHING AND BURNING IN THE CORNER!
Persephone: That was great! I love watching that dumb bitch make an idiot out of herself just like she did a few seconds ago. Oh that was great.
James Peters: Caroline takes a quick second to catch a breather as Harper pulls herself into a seated position in the corner. That ends Caroline’s break AND SHE RUNS RIGHT INTO THE CORNER AND SQUASHES HARPER WITH A CANNONBALL SENTON IN THE CORNER!
Persephone: Good for the crazy psycho cheerleader. She squashed a moron. She finally did something halfway decent for once. Whoop de do. Now finish the match.
Rich Russillo: That’s what Caroline is wanting to do as she drags Harper to the center of the ring by the ankle as she lifts her leg in the air AND DROPS HERSELF INTO A SPLIT LEG DROP ACROSS THE CHEST!
James Peters: We just got a view of “Vintage Caroline”! Split leg drop by the Queen of Shadows as she keeps herself in the split position and grabs the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEE!
Rich Russillo: HARPER KICKS OUT AT TWO AND CAROLINE DIDN’T LIKE THAT ONE BIT! Caroline crawls back over to Harper, and now she just begins to elbow Harper in the head, looking to do as much damage as she possibly can as Harper is in a ton of trouble right now!
Persephone: Caroline is a demented jezebel, but clearly that’s all she has going for because this match is boring. Hurry up and send her ass back to Showdown where she belongs.
Rich Russillo: Caroline brings Harper up and back to her feet and whips Harper to the ropes. Harper comes back as Caroline puts her head down–
James Peters: HARPER JUST KICKED CAROLINE RIGHT IN THE FACE! CAROLINE FLUNG BACK BEFORE SHE COMES BACK WITH A CLOTHESLINE THAT HARPER AVOIDS WITH HER MATRIX EVASION MOVE!
Persephone: She calls that “Ultra Instinct” or some of that other stupid crap. Caroline turns around and Harper flips back and wraps her legs around Caroline’s neck and takes her down with a headscissors.
James Peters: Caroline was sent into the ropes as she tries to recover, BUT HERE COMES HARPER INTO THE ROPES BEFORE SPIKING CAROLINE DOWN WITH A SPRINGBOARD FLATLINER!
Persephone: Psycho just had the rest of her screws knocked loose after that move and that was kind of amusing to watch. Keep bashing each other’s brains in.
Rich Russillo: This isn’t a deathmatch, Persephone. But look at Holly keeping an eye out at ringside for Sienna or Kassidy as well as cheering her partner Harper on. But right now, it’s Harper in firm control.
James Peters: Harper pulls Caroline back to her feet before sending her into the corner, AND NOW HARPER RUNS IN- AND I THINK HARPER WAS LOOKING FOR THAT SUNSET FLIP BOMB BUT CAROLINE JUST MOVED OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE DROPPING HARPER WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!
Persephone: If only she’d go for the cover!
James Peters: Harper is down and Caroline drags Harper over to the ropes and gets back on the ring apron BEFORE SOMERSAULTING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND HITTING THE LEG DROP ACROSS THE THROAT!
Rich Russillo: If Caroline is still picturing Candice, then Harper is in for a mess of trouble. Caroline is a very dangerous competitor when given the chance.
Persephone: I just hope that they’re gonna kill each other and this match ends in a draw and we will never see either of these competitors again? Gawd, I hope that happens.
Rich Russillo: You know that isn’t gonna happen, Persephone. But Caroline is climbing all the way to the top rope now. Harper hasn’t moved and CAROLINE COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE AND DELIVERS A SHOOTING STAR KNEE DROP FROM THE TOP!
James Peters: “DARK HOLLOWS” FINDS ITS MARK AND THAT COMPLETELY KNOCKS THE WIND OUT OF HARPER LEE AS CAROLINE CRAWLS HERSELF INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: And what comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody, Harper Lee kicks out and drives me one step closer to boredom and insanity.
James Peters: Harper Lee is a former World Champion and she is very battle tested. She knows how to handle big time match situations like this, but dang Caroline was close to picking up one of the biggest wins of her career.
Persephone: What you’re saying is that Harper Lee is very old. I agree.
Rich Russillo: No, Persephone. Anyways, Caroline is slowly dragging Harper back to her feet before getting her in the gutwrench position AND LIFTING HER UP IN THE AIR FOR THE GORY SPECIAL!
James Peters: CAROLINE IS TRYING TO GET HARPER IN POSITION FOR THE SUBMISSION MOVE, BUT HARPER IS FIGHTING! HARPER GETS FREE AND SHE LANDS BEHIND CAROLINE!
Rich Russillo: Caroline quickly turns around AND HARPER LEE JUST CLOCKS HER IN THE JAW WITH “DRAGON FIST”! STRAIGHT RIGHT HOOK MIGHT HAVE JUST KNOCKED CAROLINE OUT!
Persephone: No. No she didn’t. That dazed and confused look is natural.
James Peters: Caroline falls right into Harper AND HARPER LIFTS HER UP IN THE AIR AND PLANTS HER WITH “RAGNAROK”! OLYMPIC SLAM PUTS CAROLINE DOWN!
Rich Russillo: WAIT, NO! CAROLINE SLIPS OUT OF IT, AND NOW SHE JUMPS UP BEFORE DELIVERING A NECKBREAKER!!!!
Persephone: Oh just hurry up and finish this match. Gawd, this is taking so much longer than necessary. Creepy bitch has Harper in that “A Song of Ice and Fire” move that she likes to use–
Rich Russillo: HARPER GETS FREE OF THE HEADLOCK DRIVER AND NOW HARPER IS BEHIND CAROLINE! HARPER GRABS CAROLINE BY THE SHOULDERS AND DRIVES HER DOWN WITH THE “HOUSE OF BALLOONS”!
Persephone: Ok. Just jump right in and interrupt me. Thanks for nothing!
James Peters: BACKSTABBER BY HARPER LEE AND CAROLINE IS NOT MOVING! THIS MATCH IS OVER HERE! HARPER IS ROLLING CAROLINE OVER AND HOOKING THE LEG FOR THE COVER– WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON NOW?
Perseohone: Aaand here we go.
James Peters: LOOK WHO’S HERE! IT’S SIENNA JADE ONCE AGAIN! SIENNA JADE IS AT RINGSIDE AND SHE JUST CLOBBERS HOLLY ARROW FROM BEHIND! HASN’T SIENNA CAUSED HOLLY ENOUGH TROUBLE TONIGHT? WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE NOW?
Persephone: Why? Because the two skanks who call themselves “The Jaded Hearts” screwed Holly out of the Iconic Cup? Who cares? There are no friends around here and everyone secretly hates each other.
Rich Russillo: HOLLY TURNS AROUND AND STARTS FIRING BACK AND NOW HOLLY AND SIENNA ARE GOING AT IT ONCE MORE AND THE REFEREE HEADS OUT OF THE RING TO TRY AND BREAK THESE TWO WOMEN UP AGAIN! THESE TWO WOMEN ARE JUST TRYING TO BEAT EACH OTHER SENSELESS!
Persephone: Normally, I would complain about seeing this bitch Sienna Jade three times in one night, but I am watching her and Holly beat the hell out of each other, so I will let it slide this time. Let the bitches fight!
James Peters: HARPER IS WATCHING THE FIGHT UNFOLD FROM INSIDE THE RING, AND SHE KNOWS THAT IF SHE GETS INVOLVED, SHE COULD RISK GETTING DISQUALIFIED AND LOSING OUT ON THE ICONIC CUP! HARPER MIGHT’VE HAD THE MATCH WON, BUT-
(CRACK!)
Rich Russillo: OH MY GAWD! KASSIDY HEART JUST BLASTED HARPER LEE RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BELT! DIRECT HIT AND HARPER LEE MIGHT HAVE JUST BEEN KNOCKED OUT COLD! THE REFEREE IS STILL OUTSIDE WITH HOLLY AND SIENNA, SO THEY DIDN’T SEE A DAMN THING!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! THAT WAS THE GREATEST THING I’VE SEEN TONIGHT! I don’t like any of these bitches, but it was great seeing Harper getting her face smashed in with the title belt
James Peters: KASSIDY HOPS OFF THE APRON AND HARPER WAS KNOCKED OUT COLD! NOW CAROLINE IS STARTING TO COME TO AND SHE NOTICES HARPER COMPLETELY KNOCKED OUT AND SHE SLOWLY CRAWLS OVER TO HARPER AND DRAPES HER ARM OVER THE STILL NOT MOVING HARPER!
Persephone: Oh good gawd. Just hurry up and finish this match so I can move on with my life.
Rich Russillo: WHILE ALL THAT IS GOING ON IN THE RING, SIENNA HAS HOLD OF HOLLY ARROW AND JUST WHIPS HOLLY ARROW RIGHT INTO THE RING STEPS! DID YOU SEE THE BACK OF HEAD HIT THE STEPS!
Sienna Jade: (off-mic) Ref? REFFFFFF! GET BACK IN THE RING! FORGET ABOUT THIS AND GET BACK IN THE RING! NOW!
James Peters: THE REFEREE HEARD SIENNA YELL AT THEM AND THEY LOOK AT CAROLINE PINNING HARPER IN THE RING! THEY SLIDE INTO THE RING AND IMMEDIATELY COUNT THE COVER! NOT THIS WAY! NOT AGAIN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
( ‘Living Dead Girl’ starts playing again as Caroline starts to slowly roll off of Harper to loud boos from the crowd. Caroline takes a moment to catch her breath as Sienna and Kassidy are watching on with amused looks on their faces as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match. )
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… AND ADVANCING TO THE SEMIFINALS OF THE ICONIC CUP… CAROLINE!
James Peters: I can’t say that I am too shocked about the end result. The Jaded Hearts don’t play to get even, they play to get ahead and that’s exactly what they did. Not only did they cost Holly the Iconic Cup, they cost BOTH members of POTARA the tournament.
Persephone: Boo hoo. Karma’s a bitch and they got exactly what they deserved. I said it before and I will say it again and again because I am right.
(Caroline is back up to her feet and the referee raises her hand in victory before Caroline snatches it away and glares at the referee, who goes back to check on Harper. Caroline exits the ring and gives Sienna and Kass a quick glance as she heads up the entrance ramp.)
James Peters: Regardless of what happened within this match, Caroline is the winner and some people might not like this statement, but you would have to call this an upset.
Rich Russillo: Some might agree, but Caroline has certainly been on a roll lately. Now she has a victory over a former World Champion.
Persephone: Good for the crazy psycho bitch. Can we move on?
James Peters: We also can’t forget how hard Harper fought in this match. She had the match won, but it was just unfortunate circumstances that led to Harper’s demise. You have to believe that Harper and Holly are NOT going to let this slide.
(Sienna and Kass travel up the entrance ramp still laughing over what they did to POTARA!)
Sienna Jade & Kassidy Heart: (off-mic) #JADEDHEARTSWEEP!
(Holly is seen laid out against the steel steps, holding her head, meanwhile Harper Lee is still down and out inside of the ring. Satisfied, the Jaded Hearts make their way to the back.)
James Peters: You can hear it quite clear. It isn’t a #POTARASWEEP anymore. Now it’s the beginning of the #JADEDHEARTSWEEP! You hate to see this happen, but Caroline does advance to the semifinals of the Iconic Cup thanks to Sienna and Kassidy. Congratulations to Caroline!
Rich Russillo: But things are just starting to heat up between The Jaded Hearts and POTARA! Chaos is going to ensue and I can’t wait to see it.
(The final shot shows Sienna and Kassidy still celebrating the damage they caused at the top of the entrance ramp still screaming “#JADEDHEARTSWEEP” before cutting to Holly recovering by the steps looking angry then cutting to Harper in the ring, who looks pissed off beyond belief, before the camera cuts elsewhere.)
(Voltage fades to the backstage area where the one and only Mr. Wrestling XIX is seen walking down the corridor. Last week, he attempted to make his case about the Hardcore Championship to the former PURE Champion, Jack Ripley, but found himself brushed off and disregarded. No doubt that has bothered Mr. Wrestling XIX as the week has progressed and as he rounds the corner, his eyes settle on the one door he was looking for.)
(Cheers can be heard from the ringside area as the camera focuses in on the nameplate on the door. ‘Jack Ripley’ is what it reads and apparently, this is who Mr. Wrestling XIX is looking for. He is nothing, if not persistent, especially when it comes to his beliefs, and it appears to all who are watching that he wants to talk to Jack once again. Mr. Wrestling XIX knocks on the door and takes a step back. After a moment, when the door does not open, he frowns and reaches out to knock again. However, before he can do that, the door opens, and there is Jack. When he sees who’s knocking, he rolls his eyes.)
Jack Ripley: Apparently taking a hint is not your strong suit.
Mr. Wrestling XIX: And listening isn’t yours.
Jack Ripley: Look, man. I have better things to do with my time than listen to you drone on about how bad this business is. Over the years, people with this same vision have come and gone, not making good on their promises to change the business for the better. You aren’t doing anything that other people haven’t tried. You may not be up to date on your EAW history, but it wasn’t that long ago that New Eden literally existed and tried to run with this same narrative. They failed and so will you.
(Unable to help himself, Mr. Wrestling XIX sighs.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: You don’t get it and had you actually listened to me last week, perhaps we would be having a different conversation right now. This deathmatch malarkey is running rampant and titles like the Hardcore Championship only serve to romanticize everything that is wrong with EAW. As professional wrestlers, we should not be risking our lives to this extent all to satisfy a handful of bloodthirsty fans. As someone who is a gifted technical wrestler, you of all people, should see where I’m coming from especially since you once held a championship that represented what this sport is truly about. You walked off last week without even giving a single thought to what I had to say, and that bothers me. I understand you’re the type of person who doesn’t always listen to logic, but at the very least, I thought you would get where I’m coming from. Once upon a time, this company looked at you and saw a man who was above the hardcore garbage wrestling scene. They took into account how talented you were as a pure wrestler and resurrected a championship that was worthy of you. Surely that means something to you, right? After all, how many times have you said in your videos that they brought back that title just for you?
Jack Ripley: Look. I understand that you are new to EAW and all, but there are some battles that just aren’t worth fighting. I was a great PURE Champion and yeah, that title was brought back just for me, but I have moved on with my life. The PURE Championship doesn’t define my legacy, nor does it represent the fact I can adapt to any and all styles of wrestling. EAW is what it is, and nothing is going to change that. You can continue to waste your time and carry on with this shit no one is really listening to, or you can change courses and actually do something meaningful. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to waste my time. I’m using this season to rebuild myself and remind everyone what I’m capable of. Taking up a ridiculous crusade alongside some old dude who refuses to live in year 2023 isn’t something I’m going to do, like at all, so how about you stop fucking bothering me? You don’t even know me, and if you are so passionate about getting rid of the Hardcore Championship, then maybe you should have, oh I don’t know, actually beat TLA for it? There’s a thought, but what do I know? While you were losing a match in your own style for a title you don’t want, I was winning my match along with Minerva and debating what I want to do next. I’ll be honest with you, talking to you about stupid shit wasn’t on my list.
(Mr. Wrestling XIX takes a deep breath and does not allow his temper to control his response to Jack. He knew that he would likely be met with this type of pushback, and he was prepared for that. Holding up his hands in mock surrender, Mr. Wrestling XIX takes another step back.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: I should have defeated TLA at Territorial Invasion. You’re right. But I’m not going to dwell on that. You should have won a lot more matches last season than you did, am I right?
(Jack bristles at this. He clearly doesn’t appreciate someone who is new to EAW bringing up what he went through last season.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: I see I struck a nerve, and believe me, that’s not what I’m purposely trying to do. But if this place wasn’t so corrupt maybe you wouldn’t have lost so many opportunities. Maybe if they didn’t have such a gray area where rules and regulations were concerned, you’d be in a better position instead of having to rebuild your name. You walked away with a loss at Pain for Pride because Triple Threat rules are crap. They allow for anything to happen and multiple people got involved in your match. That’s just one of many examples I can give of you being shortchanged because this place endorses calamity and has built its foundation on that.
Jack Ripley: All you’re accomplishing in bringing that up is making me take you even less seriously. I’m already annoyed you approached me last week right after I won, and after ignoring you, you’re still trying to get my attention and for what, Mr. Wrestling?
Mr. Wrestling XIX: Because you have a platform, Jack! No one takes me seriously because they see me as some bitter old guy, but you’re a Hall of Famer who’s won at every single level here. When you speak, people listen, and if you advocate for the Hardcore Championship to be taken away, it could actually happen.
(Jack folds his arms across his chest and leans against the door frame.)
Jack Ripley: After losing out on becoming a two-time National Elite Champion, what makes you think I don’t want to become a two-time Hardcore Champion? I may have never defended that particular championship, but it was the title I beat Ryan Wilson and Ventura for when I cashed in the 24/7 contract. The PURE Championship is the title that is synonymous with my name, but the Hardcore Championship is my first ever singles title. How do you know that it doesn’t have a special place in my heart?
(Mr. Wrestling XIX furrows his brow, clearly having not considered this very possibility. Was Jack the wrong person to approach about this? In spite of himself, Jack smirks.)
Jack Ripley: Please let this be the last time the two of us are crossing paths and having this stupid conversation.
Mr. Wrestling XIX: Now hold on, Ja-
(But Mr. Wrestling XIX was abruptly cut off by Jack slamming the door in his face. Mr. Wrestling XIX’s mouth drops open at the sheer disrespect and finally, he takes a deep breath.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: Why am I the only one who wants more for this place? Everyone’s been drinking the Viletage kool-aid, and I don’t get it.
(Mr. Wrestling XIX throws a frustrated look at Jack’s door and just shakes his head. As he turns to take his leave, he sees Fight Grid host, Molly Waters, approaching him. She’s holding a microphone and being trailed by a cameraman, and for once Mr. Wrestling XIX finds himself in no mood to be peppered with questions.)
Molly Waters: Mr. Wrestling, do you have time for a quick interview?
Mr. Wrestling XIX: Actually Molly, I don’t. I’m very irritated right now and quite frankly, I don’t want to talk to you.
Molly Waters: Oh. Well uhhh, okay. I guess that means you aren’t going to tell me why you’re standing in front of Jack Ripley’s door.
Mr. Wrestling XIX: Piss on Jack Ripley.
(There was an unexpected hint of venom in Mr. Wrestling XIX’s voice, which catches Molly by surprise.)
Molly Waters: Care to elaborate?
(Mr. Wrestling XIX glares at Molly.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: No. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going.
(He takes off down the hallway, clearly angry, and as Molly watches him go, she simply shakes her head. It was an odd run-in, to say the least, and on that note, Voltage fades to black.)
(Commercial for the upcoming Showdown marquee event, The Last Stand.)
( As Voltage whirred back to life, the camera’s pulling back to the ring; “Dance The Night” By Dua Lipa began to blast through the speakers, an uncommon theme to hear on Sunday Nights; though the fans were still ready with a reaction, as a resounding amount of boo’s poured from the stands, as Ashlynn Quinn began to make her way out to the ring. A BIG grin on her face as Ashlynn kept her hands outspread, soaking in all the attention being given to her, as she made her way down to the ring; maneuvering to the steel steps quickly as she marched up them, transferring onto the apron before stepping through the ropes; stepping to the corner as she climbed up the turnbuckle, allowing the fans to PRAISE her . . . With their neverending hatred, before Ashlynn finally got off the turnbuckle; making her way over to the corner as she relaxed herself, zoning in quickly as she awaited her opponent. )
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: AND IT IS AN ICONIC CUP QUARTER FINALS MATCH! INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA… WEIGHING IN AT 115 POUNDS… SHE IS, THE BOUJEE PRINCESS… ASHLYYNNNNN QUINNNNN!!!!
James Peters: Unknown territories for Ashlynn Quinn here arriving on Voltage as a Showdown superstar, which is something that should surely add on to the pressure that this match-up already brings!
Rich Russillo: True, it COULD; but Ashlynn Quinn is used to pressure. After all, she has Veena Adams as her Rolemodel, someone who will NOT take anything BUT the best effort possible; so to Ashlynn Quinn? This might just be any other day.
Persephone: I suppose so, but then again; I would’ve just blamed the lapse of fear on the fact that her head is probably filled with glitter and rhinestones, but that’s just a thought.
( As Ashlynn’s theme faded, “Blood, Milk, & Sky “ began to blast through the speakers; the cheers pouring down from the stands as Minerva began to make her way out to the ring, confidence oozing out of her demeanor; as she began to instantly eye down Ashlynn Quinn in the ring, sizing her up early as she made her way down the ramp; entirely focused on the match, and the match alone as she didn’t pay too much attention to the praise of the fans; finding her way into the ring quickly by rolling under the ring, shooting to the hard-cam as her solid stare pierced through it; a grin slowly creeping on her face, as Minerva slowly backed up towards her corner, now both Elitist’s awaiting the bell. )
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT, FROM THE THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES… SHE IS, THE BLACK ROSE…. MIIINNERRVVAAAAAAA!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Last year, Minerva wasn’t in the Iconic Cup Tournament; and this year? She’s looking to make her mark on it, possibly winning her second Iconic Cup.
James Peters: I’d be lying if I said this was a clear even match-up, I mean Minerva has accomplished SO MUCH; this is a HUGE mountain for Ashlynn to be climbing right now, and quite frankly; I think we all know the clear favorite here to win tonight.
Rich Russillo: True, but I wouldn’t shut any hope out on Ashlynn Quinn winning just yet; we know she’s talented, and all it takes is one night for a star to break out… I guess we will all see, won’t we?
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
Rich Russillo: And we are underway in Iconic Cup Tournament fashion; with Minerva and Ashlynn Quinn, as these two ladies begin making their way towards the center of the ring; a powerhouse of this business versus an up-and-comer; certainly a mountain to climb for Ashlynn, and that climb starts now, as Ahlynn instantly initiates a collar-and-elbow tie up!
James Peters: And that isn’t favoring too well for her, with Minerva instantly pushing her back into her own corner; pinning her head over the top turn buckle, though with Ashlynn grasping at the ropes; the referee initiates a quick five count, forcing Minerva off of her opponent!
Persephone: This looks like it is going to be manslaughter, and I’m here for it. Anything to end this as soon as possible. Minerva not looking to pull any punches; and that is evident out of the get go, muscling Ashlynn Quinn to set the tone; and now it’s Ashlynn’s turn to rebuttal once more!
Rich Russillo: And she better come with more of surprise than she tried to in the opener, pulling herself out of the corner as the two circle the ring once more; feeling each other out, with Ashlynn looking for that tie-up once more – but a quick kick to the gut from Ashlynn catches Minerva!
Persephone: Minerva clearly looking for that lock-up but actually being caught a bit off guard, and now Ashlynn is just WAILING on Minerva’s back, trying to break down the former World Champion, as Minerva begins shrinking down to a knee; Ashlynn not stopping with her offense, looking as if she’s gotten a bit of a strategy for herself here – BUT ASHLYNN’S PLOT IS QUICKLY CUT OFF BY MINERVA WHO LURCHES HER HEAD UP AND PINS IT AGAINST THE JAW OF QUINN, SENDING HER TUMBLING BACKWARDS!
James Peters: And it’s almost as if Minerva forced Ashlynn to bite down on her tongue; a very creative headbutt, as Quinn begins to backpedal into the ropes; shaken up by Minerva for the moment who begins reaching her feet, BEFORE RUNNING TOWARDS ASHLYNN AND BLASTING HER WITH A LARIAT OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: And thus far, Minerva seems to have full control; watching as Quinn begins to topple out of the ring to the floor, as Minerva instantly rolls out after her; grabbing Ashlynn back up to her feet – BEFORE GRABBING AND SMASHING ASHLYNN DIRECTLY INTO THE BARRICADE!
Persephone: And Ashlynn just CRUMBLING against the barricade; but I don’t think Minerva’s done! Picking Ashlynn back up to her feet, turning her around – AND LAUNCHING HER INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
James Peters: AND BEFORE ASHLYNN COULD EVEN CRUMBLE TO THE GROUND, MINERVA PICKING HER UP BACK TO A STRAIGHT POSITION ONCE MORE; AND SENDING HER RIGHT BACK INTO THE BARRICADE!
Rich Russillo: THIS IS A WICKED GAME OF PONG FROM MINERVA AS ASHLYNN IS CONTINUOUSLY BOUNCED BETWEEN THE APRON AND THE STEEL STEPS, GOING BACK AND FORTH TO NO FORESEEABLE END; BEFORE MINERVA SPINS OUT AND FINALLY ENDS THE ASSAULT BY LAUNCHING ASHLYNN DIRECTLY INTO THE RING POST, LAYING OUT HER OPPONENT ; WHICH REALLY COULD BE SEEN AS MINERVA GIVING HER SOME SORT OF MERCY !
Persephone: If only this was some sort of hardcore match, then we could actually see weapons rather than having to rely on the ringside environment. That’d be so much more fun than this.
James Peters: I’m sure there won’t be too little brutality that you wont be satisfied Persephone, as Minerva clearly isn’t done yet; grabbing and flinging Ashlynn back into the ring, trailing behind slowly after; though Ashlynn quickly continuing to roll until she has on the other side of the ring, just under the ropes on the apron here!
Rich Russillo: Wise separation from Quinn here, though Minerva clearly not letting that pass; rushing over towards Ashlynn as she looks to grab Quinn up from over the top rope by her hair; But smart move from Ashlynn here who grabs the head of Minerva and JUMPS off the apron to choke out Minerva with the top rope, stunning the aggressor of this match for the moment!
Persephone: Fair enough to Ashlynn here, with Minerva staggering back to the center of the ring; leaving Quinn vital time to make a move for herself as she quickly rolls back into the ring – AND A WICKED BACKBREAKER FROM QUINN ON A STUNNED MINERVA GIVES HER MORE OF AN OPENING, AS MINERVA HITS THE MAT HARD!
Rich Russillo: And Minerva rolling onto her back here, suffering a bit from the recoil of that maneuver; though Ashlynn not done yet, seeing some great positioning her for herself; and Ashlynn with a PERFECT standing Moonsault over the body of Minerva to get herself more in this match!
James Peters: And with Ashlynn making quick moves, this goes to show that you could never count someone out of a match early; as Quinn picks herself back up to her feet, grabbing up Minerva by her hair, before SLINGING her into the corner; Minerva’s head smashing against the top turnbuckle, as Ashlynn looks to churn out some more offense… AND THAT’S WHAT SHE DOES, RUNNING TOWARDS THE CORNER AND LAUNCHING A BIG BOOT DIRECTLY INTO THE CHEEK OF MINERVA TO MAKE HER FALL BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
Persephone: I’ll admit, this is some decent game planning for Ashlynn off the initial counter, but Minerva has obviously faced far worse than this; so if the tricks Ashlynn is pulling now is close to how deep her bag goes? I’m pretty sure she’s not winning anything. Though Ashlynn continuing to push the agenda forward for herself, lifting up one of Minerva’s legs into the air; and it seems like Ashlynn might be trying to pick an ankle lock here.
Rich Russillo: Seems as so, Persephone; though Minerva is fighting and wiggling for freedom; kicking at the grip of Ashlynn, forcing Quinn to let go here; as Minerva tries to scramble up to her feet, running forward towards Ashlynn who is a bit off her game; looking for a –
Persephone: DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SHE WAS LOOKING FOR, ASHLYNN CAUGHT HER WITH A RUNNING KNEE BEFORE SHE COULD EVEN SET HERSELF, AND QUINN QUICK TO WRAP AROUND THE WAIST OF A DISORIENTED MINERVA HERE… GERMAN SUPLEX! “NOSTYLIST”, THE SIGNATURE MANEUVER CLASHING AGAINST MINERVA; AND A COVER FROM QUINN!
OOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—
James Peters: And there is the kickout from Minerva! Ashlynn actually putting in a hefty load of offense here, as Minerva is on the backend; looking to hopefully get a counter sooner rather than later, though Ashlynn looking to do everything she can to DENY that, with Ashlynn just calling Minerva back up to her feet; possibly looking for something big to work off the landed signature of hers, with Minerva slowly getting up; reaching vertical position that could be a possible gamebreaker here, as Ashlynn runs forward towards the ropes… AND SHE LEAPS OFF, LOOKING FOR THAT SPRINGBOARD CUTTER —
Rich Russillo: OH MY LORD, AND A ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM MINERVA CATCHES ASHLYNN OUT OF THE SKY; AND SHE IS LIMP ON THE MAT! No movement from Quinn who was riding on all of that momentum, with ONE simple move from Minerva! A high risk maneuver from Ashlynn, but the reward not being so fruitful as Minerva is looking to reset; in prime positioning to take over here, as Ashlynn is down and out on the mat!
Persephone: And the match could very well end here if Minerva wants it to I feel, though Minerva looking to take her opponent further to their limit; going to Ashlynn quickly and grabbing her up to her feet; pulling her in as she DRIVES forward, and NAILS the back of Ashlynn into the corner; watching as Quinn slowly shrinks down into a seated position, looking to make her pay a bit here; as Ashlynn is disoriented for the moment!
James Peters: And this is where Minerva thrives, in this second wind offense where adrenaline is just off the rails; it doesn’t look good for Ashlynn in the slightest, as Minerva takes a quick lap around the ring; garnering momentum for herself as she looks to make Ashlynn suffer a bit here – AND A RUNNING BOOT TO THE FACE OF A DOWNED QUINN; PUNISHING HER IN THAT CORNER POSITION!
RIch Russillo: And she’s not done yet, quick to get on her feet again as she SPRINTS to the opposing corner; using the turnbuckle as a sort of BOUNCING mechanism; BARELLING BACK TOWARDS ASHLYNN WHO IS STILL STUNNED, AND A RUNNING SENTON FROM MINERVA SO SUDDENLY AFTER THE BOOT JUST SMASHES INTO THE FACE AND CORE OF ASHLYNN; SUCH BRUTAL WAVES OF OFFENSE BACK TO BACK FROM MINERVA, AS QUINN ROLLS TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Persephone: And Minerva still not quick for the cover, taking her time as she begins to ascend the top rope; only reaching the middle turnbuckle here before stopping, facing Ashlynn who isn’t responsive for the moment; looking to go to the sky, before RELEASING a leg drop onto Ashlynn; draping her thigh over the throat of Quinn, as she looks for the cover!
OOOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO–
James Peters: And a kickout from Ashlynn here, stopping Minerva for the moment! It is to be said how well Ashlynn is handling this adversity here, not letting up even with the monster of an opponent that Minerva is, as she is choosing to stay in this fight!
Persephone: For better or for worse though, James? Because Minerva is up, and she is perfectly fine continuing the onslaught onto Ashlynn; because this is REGULAR for her. Just watching as Ashlynn begins to struggle up to her feet, taking her precious time curating the offense; before PULLING her into a side headlock!
Rich Russillo: And Minerva carrying the two of them towards the ropes, looking for a possible Springboard Bulldog here… Though when Minerva goes up, looking to bring down Ashlynn with her; Quinn manages to PUSH Minerva out of her grasp, forcing Minerva to just hit the ground with her derriere ! Stunned for the moment as Ashlynn stands behind her – AND A KICK TO THE BACK OF MINERVA BY ASHLYNN QUINN!
Persephone: And Minerva felt ALL of that one; arching herself backwards, as Ashlynn has another opening here; as Quinn runs forward past Minerva, shooting to the ropes, before coming BACK with a Meteora into her face; sitting onto Minerva, as she pulls her legs up for the cover!
OOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–
James Peters: And a QUICK kickout from Minerva, as Ashlynn springs up… AND DELIVERING A QUICK MUSHROOM STOMP ONTO THE FACE OF MINERVA AFTER THE KICKOUT; SHATTERING ANY SORT OF REVERSAL OFFENSE FROM HER INSTANTLY!
Persephone: Beautiful from Ashlynn here, stomping into the face of Minerva who is clutching at her nose on the mat; leaving a perfect opening for a big offensive push from Ashlynn here, who quickly rolls out towards the apron as Minerva is stunned; getting herself up to her feet as Minerva staggers to a vertical position herself, Ashlynn looking ready to rocket out… AND HERE SHE GOES, THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE – “TREND SETTERRR!!” THE DROPKICK CONNECTING AS MINERVA HITS THE MAT HARD AGAIN; AND ASHLYNN INTO ANOTHER COVER ON MINERVA!!
OOOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
THH–
James Peters: KICKOUT FROM MINERVA, AND ASHLYNN IS SHOCKED! Thinking that’d be enough to end this match, Ashlynn FURIOUS with the referee as she jumps up to her feet; PLEADING with the official to reverse the decision, but there is no use to argue; he isn’t changing it!
Persephone: I think Ashlynn finds PLENTY use arguing it, getting into the face of our referee now; as she looks to TRULY rival his decision, not taking no for an answer; and I don’t think this is a good game plan at all…
Rich Russillo: Not when Minerva is your opponent, no; because giving her this vital time to recover is the move you DON’T want to be making; as Ashlynn continues backing the official into a corner; looking to intimidate a winning result for herself; though after multiple attempts of trying, it doesn’t’ seem like she’s getting anything for herself; huffing out a annoyed sigh as she turns back to the ring – “ THE DEVILS TOUCHHHHH!!!” SUPERKICK DIRECTLY ONTO ASHLYNN QUINN WHO WAS UNSUSPECTING; DROPPING TO THE MAT, AS MINERVA FOLLOWS AFTER HER QUICKLY INTO THE COVER!!
OOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEE–
Persephone: KICKOUT FROM ASHLYNN QUINN, BARELY ESCAPING THE PIN ATTEMPT; AS MINERVA MANAGES TO GET A NEAR PIN-FALL!
James Peters: And we all said it, make bad decisions; and you get the end of Minerva’s boot directly against your jaw. Minerva getting a sudden lead in this match now after that decision from Ashlynn to argue, though not a win out of it just yet; with Minerva still needing to fight in this match, pulling herself to her knees as she eyes down a floored Ashlynn, possibly wondering what to do next!
Rich Russillo: And if I am Minerva here, I’d try testing the grit of Ashlynn Quinn, possibly a submission to lower the stamina and endurance of her opponent here; and testing how much she REALLY wants to win in this match-up!
Persephone: And I think she heard you loud and clear here, Rich; because she’s wrapping herself around Ashlynn who is entirely defenseless, not able to refute against the plans of Minerva who is looking to lock in a submission here… “ OWL OF MINERVA! “ THE CATTLE MUTILATION FROM MINERVA ONTO ASHLYNN, AND SHE IS JUST WAILING AND SCREAMING IN AGONY!
Rich Russillo: This is BAAAADDDD for Ashlynn’s winning campaign here, being brought to the mercy of Minerva, or lack thereof; as Minerva is applying as much of that hold in as she possibly can, Ashlynn Quinn POSSIBLY tapping out here and losing her spot in the Iconic Cup tournament; as Minerva isn’t planning on releasing that hold any time soon…
James Peters: BUT YOU CAN SEE ASHLYNN FIGHTING TO SURVIVE! Not willing to disappoint herself or possibly Veena, as she continues to struggle; Minerva testing the battle waters with her; as Ashlynn Quinn looks to find some sort of reversal maneuver —
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—
Persephone: KICKOUT FROM MINERVA, ALMOST LOSING TO HER OWN SUBMISSION ON ASHLYNN; BUT MINERVA QUICKLY LETTING GO TO GET HER SHOULDER UP! Ashlynn playing her spot SMARTLY, as she leverages herself up and Minerva’s shoulders down to the mat to break up the Cattle Mutilation submission; as the two stars scramble to their feet, Minerva up first though as she swings wildly; though Ashlynn ducking under; continuing to run as Minerva turns –
James Peters: “ BAD AND BOUJEEEEEEE!!! “ THE SPRINGBOARD ASSISTED CUTTER CONNECTS, AND MINERVA IS DOWN; MINERVA IS DOWN ON THE MAT, WISH ASHLYNN LOOKING TO SCRAMBLE INTO THE COVER… BUT MINERVA ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! SMARTLY GETTING AWAY FROM QUINN BEFORE SHE CAN MAKE A PIN, AND THIS IS DEMORALIZING FOR ASHLYNN SURELY!
Rich Russillo: It could be if she DOESN’T push the envelope, but she IS – smartly rolling out after Minerva instead of sulking, and just PULLING her back up to her feet; before chucking her into the ring! Valuable time already lost, but maybe if she gets this cover quick enough it won’t matter at all; with Minerva down in the middle of the ring, Ashlynn rolling inside before LEAPING over her body…
OOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTHHHHR—
Persephone: KICKOUT FROM MINERVA HERE, AND ASHLYNN IS FUMING! SMACKING THE MAT AS SHE PULLS AT HER HAIR; ABSOLUTELY FRUSTRATED MINERVA GOT THE SHOULDER UP AFTER THE FINISHING MOVE!
Rich Russillo: And this is a testament to the smarts of Minerva, knowing wisely to roll out of the ring before Ashlynn could initiate a pinfall attempt, leaving Minerva to have breathing room in this match; no matter how small it is. The margin for error growing smaller and smaller, as Ashlynn reaches her feet STOMPING to the corner; as she looks to call Minerva up here!
James Peters: And Minerva is just following along with that call, getting up to a vertical position; as Ashlynn shoots forward, LEAPING INTO THE AIR POSSIBLY LOOKING FOR THAT CODEBREAKER – “PINK STAR DIAMONNDDDDD!!!!!!!”
Rich Russillo: CAUGHT! MINERVA SOMEHOW POWERING ASHLYNN THROW THE CODEBREAKER ATTEMPT; AND KEEPING HER IN POSITION, TRANSITIONING THE FEET OF ASHLYNN ONTO BOTH OF HER SHOULDERS; WITH QUINN BEING PICKED OUT OF THE AIR, MINERVA RUNNING FORWARD — AND A BUCKLE BOMB FROM MINERVA!!!!
Persephone: HUGE FROM MINERVA AS ASHLYNN BOUNCES OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, HOLDING HER BACK IN AGONY — BUT MINERVA NOT DONE, AS MINERVA LEAPS FORWARD AND LANDS A SHOOT KICK ONTO THE BRIDGE OF ASHLYNN’S NOSE; BRINGING HER BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND!
James Peters: And what a way to close in on the end of this match, how in the WORLD did Minerva have the power to wield up Ashlynn Quinn; and not only that, but BUCKLE BOMB HER INTO A PUMP KICK?! The Insanity that comes with the strength of Minerva knows no bounds, as now she looks to close in on the end of this match; watching as Ashlynn begins to get up to her feet, Minerva calling for it as she is ready herself to put the bow and ribbon on this match . . ..
Rich Russillo: And this spells DISASTER for Ashlynn, as Minerva PULLS her by the hair up to a full vertical position, tucking her in as she hooks the head of Ashlynn.. “ATLASSSSS FALLSSSSSSSS!!!!” THE SPINNING BRAINBUSTER FROM MINERVA LANDING PERFECTLY ONTO THE NECK OF ASHLYNN QUINN, WHO TRIES TO DO THE SAME THING MINERVA DID BEFORE; ROLLING TO THE ROPES AS SHE LOOKS TO GET OUT OF THE RING… BUT MINERVA CATCHES HER! PULLING HER BACK TO THE CENTER OF THE RING, GIVING HER NOWHERE TO GO AS MINERVA HOOKS THE LEG, LOOKING FOR THE COVER AND TO GO FORWARD IN THE ICONIC CUP TOURNAMENT!!!!
OOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. ADVANCING TO THE ICONIC CUP SEMI FINALS… MIINERRRVVVVAAAAAA!!!!
( “Blood, Milk, & Sky” Blasted through the speakers to a mass amount of cheers, as Minerva quickly got off the cover; getting to a knee, before the referee helped her all the way up; raising her hand high in the air as Minerva grew a grin on her face, looking down to Ashlynn who slowly rolled out of the ring; being tended to by medical, as she picked up a quick win tonight; moving forward in the Iconic Cup Tournament! )
Persephone: And it was what we all expected, so can we hurry up and move on? I have stuff to do, like not watching matches like this.
James Peters: Rich told us all it takes is one night for an upset to happen; and whilst it didn’t? Who’s to say it COULDN’T have? Great performance from Ashlynn Quinn overall, but Minerva the veteran between the two keeping her head up and surging through this match; claiming a victory at the very end!
Rich Russillo: There is much to look forward to in both superstars, but when it comes to the Iconic Cup? Only one moves on, as we see Minerva moving forward; and with how this field is shaping out to be? These next few match-ups will be MONUMENTAL! I’m eager to see every single one of them to come.
( The Camera continued to pan over Minerva celebrating her win, as she finally lowered her arm; exiting out of the ring as the camera trailed her out, before fasting to black; Voltage going into commercial. )
(Commercial for the Iconic Cup tournament, with the upcoming semi-finals matches.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, and ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen hits. This causes most of the fans in attendance to begin booing as Dr. Bethany Blue begins walking out, but when Bethany reaches the stage she does not seem concerned with the audience. She looks frustrated and is staring directly towards the ring as she begins walking down the ramp, holding a microphone in her hand.)
James Peters: Dr. Bethany Blue is here to speak, and honestly there’s only one thing I could see this being about, that being the conversation with Jamie O’Hara just last week.
Rich Russillo: Last week Jamie addressed the War Games match and team Voltage’s failure to win it, but to Bethany that was not enough. She said that he needed to take responsibility for what happened in that match as he was the team Captain, and in the end Jamie just responded with five words. “It is what it is”.
Persephone: I really wish Bethany had the same mindset so I didn’t have to hear her whine about War Games for the second week in a row. You guys lost. Who cares anymore??
(Dr. Bethany Blue walks up the steel steps, and she immediately begins speaking as she steps through the ropes and enters the ring, causing her music to fade out.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: “It is what it is”? You lead us into War Games and set us up for failure, and all you have to say is “it is what it is”? No. That’s not good enough, Jamie. I didn’t join that team just to lose and have it brushed off like it never happened. I didn’t join team Voltage just to fail because my own team Captain dropped the ball. I’m not the only one that expected better from you, so I’m NOT going to let you ignore me. Rex can try and move on from this all he wants, but I’m not gonna let you run away from this without addressing the fact that you cost us. You need to get out here and speak up Jamie, because what happened back at Territorial Invasion was just disgusting and you know it yourself. You’re supposed to be the great Jamie O’Hara, the man who looks down on everyone around him, and THAT’S what you had to bring to War Games. You’ve been in the match before! You know what War Games is like! This should’ve been nothing new to you, but CLEARLY we all expected too much from our team Captain. If this is all you had to offer, you never should’ve been given that opportunity to begin with.
(The fans begin to boo as Dr. Bethany Blue turns towards the stage, continuing to speak.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: There were so many options available yet Captain Charisma gave the team Captain spot to the winner of the match between you and Jack Ripley, expecting whoever won to deliver. You “earned” your spot, right? You earned the opportunity to become team Captain. You proved that you were ready to lead a team, so where are you?? Things go wrong and now you just decide it’s time to move on? You can’t do that. You didn’t just fail me, or fail Rex, you failed this entire brand after spending WEEKS saying that failure wasn’t an option. You cost me the opportunity to get what I wanted. You cost us the chance to win the War Games match. You’re the reason team Dynasty was able to leave War Games as the winners instead of us. If you were willing to spend three weeks leading us to believe that victory was the only option, you need to be willing to walk out here, admit you were wrong and admit that you had no right leading a team. There’s no excuse for what happened at Territorial Invasion, especially not from you.
(Dr. Bethany Blue begins to wait, clearly expecting a response from Jamie O’Hara. She spends a few seconds staring at the stage, but eventually she grows impatient, shaking her head before continuing.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I really hope you don’t think you can just keep ignoring this, Jamie. If you want to be a coward and hide backstage you can do that no problem, but you WILL take responsibility for this. It’s the least you could do seeing how you disappointed us two weeks ago.
(The boos continue, but this changes as finally, ‘Kashmir (Paratus Intro)’ by Led Zeppelin hits. Dr. Bethany Blue watches on as Jamie O’Hara begins to walk out, and as Jamie reaches the stage he just doesn’t look impressed at all. Jamie is holding a microphone in his hand, and he slowly begins walking down the ramp, taking his time as he doesn’t seem very bothered by Dr. Bethany Blue’s words.)
James Peters: Well this is what Bethany wanted. She demanded that Jamie come out here to answer for what happened at Territorial Invasion, but while Jamie is out here with a mic, I’m not so sure what else there is to say.
Rich Russillo: Well we know that Bethany believes Jamie has been taking this loss way too lightly, and she doesn’t appreciate that one bit. Whether or not Jamie gives her what she wants however, that’s a different story.
Persephone: Why do we care what she wants? The wrestling is bad enough, I really don’t want them to speak anymore.
(Jamie walks up the steel steps, entering the ring as ‘Kashmir’ begins to fade out. Once in the ring he just stares at Bethany, before finally beginning to speak.)
Jamie O’Hara: It has been two weeks. What are you doing?
Dr. Bethany Blue: Did I not make myself clear?
Jamie O’Hara: You did. What I don’t understand is the fact that you’re still concerned about War Games. We lost. Get over it.
(This answer just further annoys Bethany, who quickly speaks up.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: Are you serious?
Jamie O’Hara: Why wouldn’t I be? As I’ve already told you, nothing we say or do will change the fact that we lost the War Games match. No matter how we approach this, team Dynasty won. What are you really asking for, here? Do you want me to “take responsibility” for a loss I’ve already addressed, or do you want me to get on my knees and beg for your forgiveness? To me it just sounds like you can’t accept the fact that you lost a match, as if this one War Games loss will be a permanent stain on your record. If that’s what the problem is you need to deal with it on your own, because I have no intention of entertaining your tantrum any further than I already have. I was pinned in that match. I never pretended otherwise, but I was able to move on because I know what happened in that match will never happen again. I can enter this ring without a problem as I know very well I’ll still be a man the rest of the world is failing to catch up to. I won’t reduce myself to your lows, so stop begging me to apologize. Either move on, or keep complaining on your own time.
Dr. Bethany Blue: This isn’t the attitude we walked into War Games with. We knew how important that match was, so instead of treating it like something we can just throw away if things don’t go to plan, we did everything in our power to get the job done. It seems like the only person that couldn’t live up to their word was the team Captain. Maybe you were the wrong choice after all.
Jamie O’Hara: And who would’ve been a better option? You?
(There’s a brief silence, as there’s a staredown between Bethany and Jamie inside of the ring. Bethany is clearly still furious over the situation, and after a few seconds Jamie just continues to speak as she remains silent.)
Jamie O’Hara: I really don’t need your thoughts on me being Voltage’s team Captain, because the match is already over. Whether you like it or not I’m the one that led this team. I’m the one that held onto the position of team Captain, and there’s nothing you could do about that now. The longer you keep trying to drag me into this issue, the worse it looks for you. I don’t need to deal with this. I don’t need to entertain you. I don’t even need to think about the War Games match right now, but from the looks of it that’s the only thing on your mind. What’s done is done. You expect a better response to all of this, but what would that really do besides help your own bruised ego? Nothing I say will change the fact that we lost. Nothing I say will change the fact that you couldn’t get the revenge you were looking for. We all had our own reasons for entering the War Games match, and none of us got what we wanted. Despite our many opportunities to win that match, we did not. Either accept that, or cry to someone else about it. Either way, I’m done being dragged into this.
Dr. Bethany Blue: So you’re just going to keep running away from the problem?
Jamie O’Hara: It says more about you if you call accepting what happened “running away”. If you want to keep dwelling on that loss, go right ahead. I’m not stopping you. You can keep telling everyone just how mad you are that we lost at Territorial Invasion weeks ago, but how long can you keep that up until you’re the only person left that still cares? I’m moving on, and I’m sure Rex is moving on because he’s not childish enough to waste weeks of his career on such an insignificant problem. Let’s just be honest, Bethany. If this is the kind of attitude you have, it never mattered what happened in that cage. As long as we lost, we’d be exactly where we are right now. You’d still throw a fit, you’d still blame whoever you could, and you’d still look just as pathetic as you do right now-
James Peters: WAIT A MINUTE, DR. BETHANY BLUE JUST PUNCHED JAMIE!!! BETHANY WITH A SHOT OUT OF NOWHERE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S HEARD ENOUGH!!!! BETHANY WANTED JAMIE TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THE WAR GAMES MATCH, AND INSTEAD JAMIE DOUBLED DOWN ON WHAT HE SAID LAST WEEK, WHICH CLEARLY FURTHER ANGERED BETHANY!
Rich Russillo: BETHANY CONTINUES TO PUNCH AWAY AT JAMIE, BUT JAMIE STARTS DELIVERING PUNCHES TO THE RIBS!!!! BOTH ELITISTS NOW STARTING TO GO BACK AND FORTH, AND IN JUST TWO WEEKS IT LOOKS LIKE THINGS HAVE BECOME PRETTY HEATED BETWEEN THESE TWO! I WASN’T EXPECTING THIS, BUT WE KNOW BETHANY CAN BE MORE DANGEROUS ONCE YOU GET ON HER BAD SIDE!
James Peters: BETHANY SWINGS AT JAMIE, BUT JAMIE DUCKS UNDER BEFORE DELIVERING A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! JAMIE NOW WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, AND NOW HE DELIVERS A SPINNING KICK TO THE MIDSECTION THAT DROPS BETHANY DOWN TO A KNEE! IT LOOKS LIKE JAMIE’S MANAGED TO GET THE UPPER HAND, AS HE NOW GOES FOR-
Rich Russillo: NO! BETHANY PULLS JAMIE INTO A FOREARM, AND NOW SHE SHOVES JAMIE BACKWARDS BEFORE GOING FOR THE TJD!!!
James Peters: JAMIE DUCKS UNDER IT, AND NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES AS BETHANY TURNS AROUND!!
Rich Russillo: IN EXCELSIS!!!!!
James Peters: JAMIE DROPS BETHANY WITH IN EXCELSIS, AND IT LOOKS LIKE JAMIE WAS PREPARED FOR BETHANY TO MAKE A MOVE AFTER ALL AS HE JUST LAID HER OUT!!! Things have clearly taken a turn tonight. Bethany has had enough of Jamie, and I think Jamie has had enough of being dragged into this whole mess!
(Jamie O’Hara stands over Dr. Bethany Blue as the fans are heard cheering, and after a few seconds ‘Kashmir (Paratus Intro)’ is heard playing once again.)
James Peters: I doubt Bethany will take too kindly to what just happened tonight, though in the end she doesn’t have anyone to blame but herself. After all, she’s the one that attacked Jamie and started this whole brawl.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, although you could argue that she only did it because of Jamie’s attitude. In the end though, things clearly didn’t go her way, and we’ll have to wait to see what happens next.
Persephone: Next?? I didn’t even want to see what happened now. Can they both just take a vacation or something? Better yet, can *I* take one?
James Peters: Anyways, Jamie O’Hara stood tall tonight, though I’m sure he’ll have some words about Bethany’s actions just now himself.
(Dr. Bethany Blue is seen down on the mat, while Jamie O’Hara begins making his way out of the ring. The camera follows Jamie as he begins walking up the ramp, and from there Voltage begins to fade away from ringside and into a screen bar.)
[ SCREEN BAR – EARLIER TODAY ]
(The scene opened up to the inside of the empty ringside area. The crew is currently scurrying around, setting up for Voltage, which will begin taping in a few hours. The camera focused on two people who sat across from one another in the front row of the empty stands. These people were Sofia Clarke and Hall of Famer, Champagne Charlie. After they made small talk, Sofia cleared her throat and got down to business.)
Sofia Clarke: So retirement.
(Charlie shook his head, almost as if he didn’t quite believe it himself.)
Champagne Charlie: Yeah. Trust me. This is the single most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make in my life, and even now, I’m sitting here thinking about it. The word itself sounds so final, but when you think about it, everything I’m about to do in EAW as a competitor is going to be my final time doing whatever particular thing. Later on tonight, I will team up with Rex for what will likely be the final time, competing in what might very well be my last ever Voltage main event. It’s surreal, but honestly, Sofia, I’m at peace with my decision.
Sofia Clarke: What brought you to this decision, Charlie? I know you touched on some things last week such as injuries and the caliber of competition, but is there anything else you want to add or expand on?
Champagne Charlie: I mean, my decision is a combination of everything, really. I hardly consider myself to be past my prime, or anything like that, but years of injuries have taken their toll on me, and things in EAW are more competitive than ever. When I truly look at my own personal bigger picture, I can say without a doubt that there is nothing left for me to prove. I have done everything I’ve ever set out to do in this business, and I’m content. When I first got signed to EAW, I never could have imagined what was in store for me. I just wanted to beat the shit out of people, truly. But forming MarrKade, feuding with names like Mr. DEDEDE and Cameron Ella Ava, was beyond what I thought was possible for me. Being taken in by Rex and taught the ropes is an experience I actually am eternally grateful for, and now that I am leaving, I have no problem with giving Rex credit for that. He helped me become a better Elitist, and not to speak for Daryl, but I believe Rex did that for him too. I doubt MarrKade would have survived if not for Rex, and we certainly wouldn’t be known as one of the greatest tag teams in recent history.
Sofia Clarke: Do you have any regrets when it comes to MarrKade?
(This is a question that makes Charlie stop and think before answering.)
Champagne Charlie: Yes, and no. For whatever reason, Darly and I were never on the same page. When I was hot, he was cold, and vice versa. As great as we were together, it was inevitable that we would split and forge our own paths. Greed drove the final wedge between us, and I do blame myself for that. But at the same time, MarrKade splitting up when we did benefitted me. I was able to become a world champion, and truly separate myself from Daryl. He hasn’t had the easiest road to becoming a solo star, but injuries and his own mental health are to blame for that. That being said, if MarrKade had stayed together and if we had gotten on the same page, teams like the Jaded Hearts and POTARA wouldn’t be in the conversation about who the greatest tag team of all-time is. MarrKade would have trumped the High Rollerz and taken their record, and everyone else would be forced to chase us. So in retrospect, that’s something I’m sorry I’ll never get a chance to reminisce about, but at the same time, looking at my own singles career, I’m not going to lose any sleep over the what ifs when it comes to Daryl and I as a team.
Sofia Clarke: That’s completely fair, but it’s also not a reach to say that your first taste of a singles championship isn’t something you accomplished entirely on your own.
(A slight chuckle escaped from Charlie’s lips as he remembered one of the wackiest, most shocking moments in EAW history.)
Champagne Charlie: Touche, Sofia, but you’re right. I saw Daryl pinning POP and I wasn’t going out of the match like that. Granted, at the time, I’m not even remotely sure what I thought was going to happen, but sharing the National Elite Championship isn’t something I could have predicted. Credit to Daryl, because when it came time to decide who the real champion was, he beat me. He seized the moment and put me down, and I was very bitter about that for a long time. But as I stated a few minutes ago, I went on to find more success. I’ve had more meaningful battles and my career has been greater.
Sofia Clarke: You have had a lot of incredible feuds over the years. Is there any particular opponent or match that stands out to you?
Champagne Charlie: Loaded question because different opponents represent different things to me. My number one, Veena Adams, was by my side for battles against Malcolm Jones and the Beating Hearts of Voltage, so of course I look back at those times fondly.
(A cheeky grin crossed Charlie’s face.)
Champagne Charlie: Well, when it comes to Andrea Valentine, Ms. Extreme, Raven Roberts, and Consuela Rose Ava the memories aren’t all that fond. But beating Malcolm Jones for the EAW Championship is by far the most meaningful moment of my career. When I won that title, I knew I had cemented myself as one of EAW’s all-time greats. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to look back and know you were a world champion. While that may be my defining moment as an Elitist, my favorite opponent has been Jack Ripley. Man, we had some wars. I loved fucking with that guy, and we beat each other to a pulp so many times. He’s a tough sonofabitch, and someone I have a lot of respect for. There has never been anyone who’s pushed me as hard as Ripley, and I’m thankful for that. Sure, most of our battles didn’t end in my favor, but I had fun fighting him. Ripley is legit, and I really hope to see him have one of his best seasons yet.
Sofia Clarke: With your career winding down, do you feel as if you are in a place to put everything in perspective? You didn’t mince words earlier this week when it came to Rex, but just now you talked about your gratitude towards him. How do you really feel about all of this, Charlie?
Champagne Charlie: You know, I say a lot of things for show and to help build the drama. Throwing down on the microphone and ruffling feathers is my favorite part of this business. Dragging Rex a bit is just fun, but I meant what I said a few minutes ago. I owe that man a lot, no matter what his motives were for taking Daryl and I under his wing. He taught me a lot. He helped me a lot. Even when I pushed him away, he didn’t give up on me. That says a lot about the man he is, which is something I can separate from the competitor he is. We all do what we can to get ahead in this business and you certainly won’t hear me putting down another Elitist for doing something dirty. I’m one of the dirtiest players this game has ever seen, and I’m proud of myself for that. Who am I to truly dislike someone for using others for their own personal gain? Either way, Rex McAllister is a great guy. He’s a Hall of Famer for a reason, and I respect him. His work ethic is second to none and I have no doubt he’s going to return to prominence. I look forward to teaming with him one last time and beating NICHOLISM, or whatever the fuck they’re called, and then I’m just going to take it one day at a time. I can honestly say that I am not yet in a place where I can put everything I’ve done into perspective, or even tell you where my place in history is. I know I have a seat at the table that will not ever be taken away from me, but I’m not sure where I rank on the list of the all-time greats. I’m not sure if that even matters since I’ve accomplished far more than I ever thought, and more importantly, I did it the way I wanted.
Sofia Clarke: You can certainly be described as an Elitist who marches to the beat of his own drum.
Champagne Charlie: It’s the way I’ve always lived my life. Growing up, I had no other choice but to forge my own path and do it through any means necessary. Childhood was rough. The teenage years were tougher. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for a guy like me, who knew nothing but how to fight, so I channeled it and ended up here. Things worked out for me, and that right now, with my decision to retire so fresh in my mind, is my takeaway. I’m sure as time passes, I’ll be able to truly sit back and figure out what my legacy truly means to me.
(Sofia nodded, and there was a small smile on her face. There was one question she had left, and perhaps it was the biggest one of all.)
Sofia Clarke: Wicked Games is coming up and as well all know now, that will be your final match in EAW. Who do you want to face?
(Charlie sat back in his seat and raked a hand over his bald head. This is something he had been thinking about.)
Champagne Charlie: The first person that came to mind is Veena. No one has meant more to me than her, for a multitude of reasons, but I fear she will make me sleep on the couch if I beat her in my retirement match.
(Charlie and Sofia laughed at this.)
Champagne Charlie: Another person who came to mind is Daryl, but I have beat him plenty of times. I don’t need to end my career with another victory over my former tag team partner. Other than ruling out Veena and Daryl, I haven’t come to a firm decision. I know the clock is ticking, and as I said earlier this week, I plan to go out in a blaze of glory. Big Match Charlie, one more time, and I want to make sure my last match is perhaps my greatest of all.
(All Sofia could do was nod, and she got to her feet. Charlie followed suit and when Sofia extended her hand, the Hall of Famer gave it a firm shake.)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for your time today, Charlie. It’s been a pleasure. On behalf of everyone who works behind the scenes at Voltage, we wish you nothing but the best.
Champagne Charlie: I appreciate that, and seriously, thank you. Everyone works so hard to make each show in EAW the spectacle it deserves to be, and that doesn’t go unnoticed; at least not by me.
(With that, Charlie and Sofia exchanged a few more pleasantries as what will likely be one of Champagne Charlie’s final interviews came to a close.)
(Voltage faded into a commercial.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Champagne Charlie wrestles his final match.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
(“Stronger (salü remix)” by The Score plays to a very loud cheers, and Rex comes out looking focused ahead of his match, but stops at the rampway, waiting for Charlie to arrive as “Bubbly” by Young Thug plays next. Rex takes off his entrance jacket as he marches toward the ring alongside Charlie Marr, both men focused on winning more than anything else rather than actually acknowledging the others’ presence much.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! At a combined weight of 478 pounds… THE TEAM OF REX MCALLISTER AND CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE!
James Peters: Well, last week, we got an announcement that Champagne Charlie, or Charlie Marr would be retiring at Wicked Games, and I’m still saddened by said information.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, like him or hate him, you no doubt respect Champagne Charlie, and everything he has done in Elite Answers Wrestling.
James Peters: Hopefully, he can roll towards Wicked Games with a win under his belt alongside Rex McAllister, who everyone knows is great himself, and will be missed too whenever the time comes for him to hang up his boots as well.
(‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries plays to a mixed reaction from the crowd as Nicholism arrive, and pose together on the stage, looking focused ahead of their match with Charlie and Rex as they make their way down to the ring. Along the way, Myers high fives a few fans while Ruler remains all business.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents! Weighing in at a combined weight of 400 pounds…THE TEAM OF ALEX MYERS AND RULER…NICHOLISM!!
James Peters: Here’s two competitors that aren’t nearly close to the end of their career, but rather in the prime of it. Alex Myers and Ruler.
Rich Russillo: Otherwise known as Nicholism. They’re best friends outside the ring, and look to translate that to inside the ring.
James Peters: Well, what a way to do so if they can defeat two EAW Hall of Famers tonight in the main event of Voltage, all eyes on them!
(The referee signals to the bell as both Alex and Rex start things off.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: Alright, here we go, Alex Myers starting things off against Rex McAllister. Both competitors circle one another, and a collar and elbow tie-up takes place in the center of the ring. Early on, Rex gains the upper hand, beginning to wring Alex Myers’ arm, keeping control of the wrist.
Rich Russillo: But Alex shows off their athleticism, rolling down to the canvas, turning to all fours, and headspringing to their feet! Realizing that Myers is starting to mount momentum, Rex pulls Alex into a standing side headlock, which he transitions into a takedown, grounding “The Guardian Angel.”
James Peters: That’s 238 pounds on top of Alex, but momentarily as Alex counters with a headscissors, which Rex quickly kicks out of, scrambling back to his feet, along with Myers! Myers make it to their feet first, and rushes over to Rex, taking HIM down with a side headlock takeover now!
Rich Russillo: But Rex takes a tool from Myers’ playbook, grabbing them in a headscissors, however, Myers quickly kicks out of it themselves! Both competitors scramble back to their feet, and lock eyes, finding themselves at a stalemate thus far. Both Myers and Rex don’t take their eyes off each other as they circle once again, perhaps their focus starting to ramp up.
James Peters: Their focus needs to ramp up. Right now, they’re at a stalemate, which should tell a competitor that they need to apply more pressure when it comes to the opposition.
Rich Russillo: Another collar and elbow tie-up takes place, and this time, Alex gets the upper hand with a standing side headlock over Rex. Rex manages to bounce Alex off the ropes to escape! BUT ALEX REBOUNDS BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE THAT DOESNT TAKE REX DOWN!
James Peters: No, Rex doesn’t budge, showing the stark contrast when it comes to things like size and strength. Rex is certainly going to beat Alex in that aspect. Alex isn’t deterred against Rex though, and runs off another set of ropes to CRASH INTO HIM WITH ANOTHER SHOULDER TACKLE!
Rich Russillo: But again, Rex doesn’t budge. If I were to sum it up, Alex is running into a brick wall right now. But look at this, Rex is giving Alex the go ahead to try it a third time. Alex thinks on it briefly, but ultimately takes up the opportunity, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES- BUT REX TRIES TO TAKE THEM DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! ALEX DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES AGAIN! REX GOES FOR A BACK ELBOW THIS TIME AROUND!
James Peters: BUT ALEX DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND SLIDES OUT OF THE RING! Now, look at Alex, taunting Rex McAllister on the outside, WHICH BAITS THE LEGEND INTO SLIDING OUT THERE HIMSELF! ALEX HOPS ON THE APRON, AND MOONSAULTS OFF ONTO REX!
Rich Russillo: NO! REX SIDESTEPS, AND AS A RESULT, ALEX LANDS ON THEIR FEET! REX SLIDES BACK IN THE RING, AND ALEX FOLLOWS AS REX RUNS OFF THE ROPES! ALEX DROPS DOWN, BUT REX LEAPS OVER THEM! REX REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES INTO A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION, AND ALEX TRIES HOOKING HIS ARMS FOR SPACE BOUND, AKA THE PEDIGREE!
James Peters: BUT REX TWIRLS OUT OF IT, AND SHORT ARMS ALEX INTO HIS PATENTED DDT- BUT ALEX SHOVES REX AWAY! There was some slight panic on Alex’s face following that exchange, but Rex is oozing confidence right now, gesturing to Myers that he was extremely close to putting this one away.
Rich Russillo: Well, who really knows? We know that Alex can be a resilient competitor, who’s to say that only one Rex Effect will be enough to put them away tonight?
James Peters: Good question, but one I’m sure that Alex doesn’t want to find the answer to. Alex seems slightly annoyed following that near one with Rex, and marches toward him. Rex does the same, marching toward Alexis, and both competitors lock up in the center of the ring again. A brief jockey for position takes place, but Rex grabs Alex in a standing side headlock.
Rich Russillo: Guess this is Rex turning the tables from earlier on Alex. But Alex tries to bounce Rex off the ropes-
**TAG!!**
Rich Russillo: Tag was made by Champagne Charlie before Rex would be bounced off the ropes by Alex. I think Alex is unaware that the tag was made, still focusing their attention on Rex, who almost rebounds off the ropes to the waiting Myers, but hangs on instead, halting their momentum. Alex goes to charge towards Rex, but Charlie reels them in by the band of their shorts for a BACK SUPLEX!
James Peters: Alex sits up, favoring the back of their head, BUT REX COMES IN WITH A SLIDING LARIAT! As a result, here comes Ruler, who tries for a clothesline on Rex! BUT REX DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, AND RULER GETS CAUGHT WITH A KICK TO THE GUT BY CHARLIE, DOUBLING RULER OVER! CHARLIE LANDS WITH A PENALTY KICK TO THE FACE, STAGGERING RULER BACK INTO THE CLUTCHES OF MCALLISTER, WHO SENDS HIM UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: Rex and Charlie go to redirect their attention towards a kneeling Alex Myers, still working as a team, BUT WHAT THEY HAVENT NOTICED IS RULER HANGED ON! RULER CAUGHT HIMSELF ON THE APRON, AND CLIMBED TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Rex and Charlie go to pull Myers up, but sense something is off, and turn around into-
James Peters: DIVING CROSSBODY ONTO BOTH MEN BY RULER! Rex rolls out of the ring, but Charlie remains, and makes it back to his feet, struggling to find his bearings after that crossbody. With Charlie stunned in the center, Nicholism gestures something towards one another, and runs off opposite ropes to each other!
Rich Russillo: OOH! NICHOLISM SANDWICHES CHARLIE BETWEEN THEM WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! BUT CHARLIE REMAINS ON HIS FEET, ALBEIT BARELY, AND RULER RUNS OFF THE ROPES AGAIN! HADDONFIELD! NICHOLISM CONNECTS WITH HADDONFIELD!
James Peters: ALEX WITH THE LEGSWEEP, RULER WITH THE SITOUT CLOTHESLINE, DROPPING CHARLIE! REX GETS BACK ON THE APRON, BUT GETS DROPPED WITH A DOUBLE SUPERKICK BY NICHOLISM, KNOCKING HIM OFF THE APRON!
Rich Russillo: Charlie rolls to the outside, and slowly pulls himself up with assistance from the ropes. Rex stands himself up slowly on the outside, AND NICHOLISM SLINGSHOT OVER THE TOP ROPE TO WIPE CHARLIE AND REX OUT WITH CROSSBODIES!
James Peters: Alex rolls Charlie back inside the ring as Ruler gets up on the apron once more. Alex is quickly back to his feet as Alex slides in, and wrings his arm. Alex backs over to their corner, and reaches out for a tag to Ruler.
**TAG!! **
Rich Russillo: Tag is made, and Ruler enters the ring, hopping to the middle rope a DIVING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE ON THE ARM THAT ALEX HAD CONTROL OF! Charlie favors his arm, and Alex exits the ring. Charlie staggers away from Ruler, leaning up against the ropes, but once Ruler approaches, Charlie grabs hold of him, and leans Ruler up against the ropes for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!
James Peters: Ruler is stunned, and Charlie irish whips him off the ropes! RULER REVERSES, AND SENDS CHARLIE INSTEAD! CHARLIE REBOUNDS OFF, AND GETS CAUGHT WITH A DROPKICK! Ruler pulls Charlie up, and backs him into the corner, beginning to hammer him with repeated right hands, beating Charlie down to a seated position. Now, Ruler starts to STOMP him in that corner, reigning down his boot on Charlie’s head!
Rich Russillo: As you can see, Charlie has done his best to keep his hands up, and block Ruler’s striking, but some are slipping past the guard. The referee pulls Ruler away as his onslaught seems unrelenting. Once the referee lets up, Ruler closes the distance between himself and Charlie, grabbing hold of Marr, and bringing him over to his corner, making a tag out to Alex!
**TAG!!**
James Peters: Myers is in, and both competitors PLANT Champagne Charlie with a double suplex in the center of the ring! Alex makes the cover as Ruler leaves!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Kickout! Myers pulls Marr back to his feet, and irish whips him into the corner! MYERS CHARGES IN WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! BUT- OOH! MARR SIDESTEPS, AND MYERS HITS THE CORNER BACK FIRST!
**TAG!!**
Rich Russillo: Ruler tagged himself in, unbeknownst to Charlie as Alex staggers out the corner, and GETS CAUGHT WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! CHARLIE GOES FOR A SUPLEX ON MYERS, BUT MYERS FLOATS OVER, AND SHOVES CHARLIE INTO RULER FOR A KICK TO THE ABDOMEN! RULER LIFTS CHARLIE UP IN POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB, AND LAUNCHES HIM INTO ALEX FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX!
James Peters: Usually, you’d see a bridge, but Alex is not the legal competitor! However, Ruler drags Charlie to the center, and makes the cover himself!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
James Peters: SHOULDER UP! Charlie has been getting isolated by Nicholism, who are really showing their prowess as a tag team thus far, using frequent tags, along with double team moves to keep the ball in their count. Ruler grabs Charlie in a front facelock, and backs himself into his corner.
**TAG!!**
Rich Russillo: Tag is made by Alex Myers! Alex enters the ring, and Ruler releases his hold over Charlie as Alex pulls him away. Alex connects with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST, BUT CHARLIE SHOWS HE STILL HAS FIGHT IN HIM, RETURNING WITH ONE OF HIS OWN!
James Peters: Myers staggers away slightly, BUT CATCHES MARR WITH A BACK KICK AS HE CLOSES IN! Marr drops to all fours, clutching at his abdomen, and Alex takes advantage with a grounded front facelock! Charlie is reaching out for a tag to Rex, but he’s trapped in the center of the ring currently.
Rich Russillo: Maybe not for long as Charlie starts powering back to his feet. BUT RULER! RULER RUNS IN, AND KNOCKS REX OFF THE APRON WITH A FOREARM! NOW, RULER GOES TO DOUBLE SUPLEX MARR- BUT MARR COUNTERS WITH A DOUBLE DDT ON NICHOLISM!
James Peters: Marr crawls to his corner, and pulls himself up, beginning to realize that Rex was knocked off the apron, hence him being down on the outside. BUT ALEX COMES FROM BEHIND WITH A SCHOOL BOY- NO! CHARLIE ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET, AND MYERS CHARGES INTO A SPINEBUSTER! HEADMASTERS RITUAL CONNECTS!
Rich Russillo: Charlie crawls over to his corner as Rex has gotten back up on the apron! Rex has his hand out, wanting Charlie to make the tag, BUT RULER! AGAIN, RULER INTERJECTS, PULLING REX OFF THE APRON, CAUSING REX TO HIT FACE FIRST ON THE APRON! Charlie pulls himself up in the corner, BUT GETS DAZED WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK BY ALEX MYERS!
James Peters: Charlie gets whipped to the opposite corner, and Myers rushes in! BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BOOT! RULER SLIDES IN THE RING, AND CHARGES AT CHARLIE HIMSELF! BUT GETS SENT UP AND OVER CHARLIE’S SHOULDER TO THE OUTSIDE! WITH RULER DISPOSED OF, CHARLIE HOPS TO THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND CRASHES INTO MYERS WITH DEATH OR GLORY! HIS PATENTED DIVING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!
Rich Russillo: NOW, CHARLIE STARTS CRAWLING TOWARDS REX IN THE CORNER! MYERS IS DOWN, UNABLE TO STOP IT! RULER SLIDES IN TO TRY, AND HALT CHARLIE FROM GETTING THE TAG-
**TAG!!**
Rich Russillo: BUT HES TOO LATE! CHARLIE HAS MADE THE TAG TO REX, WHO ENTERS THE RING LIKE A HOUSE OF FIRE! REX DUCKS UNDERNEATH A CLOTHESLINE ATTEMPT BY RULER, WHO RUNS OFF THE ROPES! REX REBOUNDS OFF THAT SAME SET, AND RULER TURNS INTO A CLOTHESLINE! MYERS CHARGES REX- BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A CLOTHESLINE THEMSELF!
James Peters: RULER GOES TO STRIKE REX DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE, BUT REX REVERSES WITH ARM-TRAP NECKBREAKER! MYERS PULLS THEMSELF UP IN THE CORNER, AND REX COMES IN WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE, FOLLOWING IT UP WITH A BULLDOG! REX HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THH-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! Kickout by Alex Myers, but the intensity only starts to grow in Rex’s eyes, urging Myers to get back up. Myers slowly makes it to their feet, and staggers back into Rex’s clutches for an OLYMPIC SLA- NO! MYERS LANDS ON THEIR FEET BEHIND REX, AND WHIPS HIM INTO THE CORNER! MYERS RUSHES IN- BUT REX SIDESTEPS, SENDING ALEX SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!
James Peters: SCHOOL BOY BY REX, WHICH HE TRANSITIONS INTO A BOSTON CRAB! BOSTON CRAB IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! MYERS FACE HAS PAINED ETCHED ACROSS IT, PERHAPS CONTEMPLATING A TAPOUT!
Rich Russillo: BUT RULER INTERJECTS, BREAKING THINGS UP WITH A BIG NORTHERN CLOTHESLINE TO THE BACK OF REX’S HEAD! BUT THERES CHARLIE, CHARLIE GRABS RULER’S ANKLE, AND PULLS HIM TO THE OUTSIDE! CHARLIE GOES FOR A RIGHT- BUT RULER BLOCKS IT, AND RETURNS WITH A RIGHT OF HIS OWN!
James Peters: RULER GRABS HOLD OF MARR, AND SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST OFF THE STEEL STEPS! BUT BACK INSIDE THE RING, REX HOISTS ALEX UP FOR A FIREMANS CARRY- BUT ALEX SLIPS OFF HIS SHOULDERS, AND TURNS REX AROUND FOR A KICK TO THE GUT! ALEX WANTS THAT PEDIGREE MANEUVER, BUT REX LIFTS ALEX UP IN POSITION FOR AN ALABAMA SLAM!
Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK AT ALEX! ALEX SLITHERS DOWN THE BODY OF REX, AND TRIES FOR A SUNSET FLIP! BUT REX MAINTAINS HIS BALANCE, ALBEIT BARELY, REMAINING ON HIS FEET! BUT RULER CATCHES HIM BEHIND THE EAR WITH A STEP-UP ENZIGURI! REX FINALLY FALLS BACK, AND ALEX HAS HIM COVERED WITH THE SUNSET FLIP!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
James Peters: SHOULDER UP! REX GOT THE SHOULDER UP! BUT THE TEAMWORK THERE FROM RULER AND ALEX ALMOST GOT THE JOB DONE! RULER CAME CLOSE TO KNOCKING REX COMPLETELY OUT WITH THAT ENZIGURI, BUT IT WASNT ENOUGH!
Rich Russillo: Rex is sprawled on the canvas, still reeling off that enziguri as he writhes in pain. But with him in perfect position, Alex Myers quickly rises to the top turnbuckle, back facing their opponent, meaning: they must be planning for Angelic Blessing, something that’d for sure put Rex away most likely.
James Peters: BUT CHARLIE SLIDES IN THE RING, AND PEELS MYERS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE WITH A THUNDEROUS POWERBOMB! RULER TRIES TO ENTER THE RING, BUT MARR KNOCKS HIM OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF HIS SKULL! CHARLIE EXITS THE RING, GOING AFTER RULER SOME MORE!
Rich Russillo: BUT THE MAIN STORY HERE IS: MYERS IS DOWN, AND REX COMES TO, TO NOTICE, CRAWLING INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
Rich Russillo: NO! MYERS KICKS OUT, GETTING THE SHOULDER UP! Rex looks to the ref, double checking on if that was three or not. Once getting the reassurance, Rex looks over his shoulder, and notices that Charlie has gotten back on the apron. Rex pulls Alex back to their feet, and irish whips them into the corner. REX BEATS ALEX DOWN TO A SEATED POSITION WITH STOMPS IN THE CORNER!
**TAG!!**
James Peters: TAG OUT TO CHARLIE MARR, WHO ENTERS THE RING, PICKING UP RIGHT WHERE REX LEFT OFF, STOMPING MYERS IN THE CORNER AS WELL! CHARLIE GRABS HOLD OF ALEX, AND PLANTS THEM IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH A VERTICAL SUPLEX! CHARLIE FLOATS OVER INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! MYERS STAYS IN THIS THING! Notice how at one point, it was Myers and Ruler wearing down the other side, now it appears as if the shoe has reached the other foot, a little role reversal taking place between both teams. Charlie pulls Alex back to their feet, and drops them with a stiff forearm strike to the face! Myers quickly rises to all fours, trying to shake the cobwebs out of their head.
James Peters: Charlie pulls Myers back to their feet, and lands ANOTHER snap suplex, floating over into the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
James Peters: KICKOUT! Charlie came closer to a three on that occasion, but still, it wasn’t enough to put away Myers, showing he needs to do a little bit more than that. Remember what I said about role reversal, now Charlie Marr locks Alex Myers in a grounded front facelock, staring directly at Ruler on the apron. Little bit of mind games on Charlie’s end, forcing Ruler to watch as he wears down his partner and friend.
Rich Russillo: Alex starts to power back to their feet, and scores with shots to the rib cage of Marr, loosening his grip slightly. Once seeing that wont work, Alex Myers switches the strategy, CATCHING CHARLIE OFF GUARD WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!
James Peters: Myers doesn’t even bridge for the cover, possibly due to the wear and tear they’ve taken as of late. Myers rises to all fours, but notices Charlie has done the same, and grabs hold of his head. Alex pulls Charlie up as he rises to a vertical base, and backs him against the ropes to repeated right hands to the face! IRISH WHIP OFF THE ROPES BY ALEX-
Rich Russillo: REVERSED BY CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE, SENDING MYERS TO THE ROPES INSTEAD! ALEX REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO A FRONT POWERSLAM BY CHARLIE! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
James Peters: KICKOUT! I’ll tell you what, Alex Myers needs to make a tag, but if they keep getting isolated like this, they won’t have a chance to.
Rich Russillo: Charlie pulls Alex to a vertical base, and slams them FACE FIRST off the top turnbuckle!
**TAG!!**
Rich Russillo: Charlie makes the tag out to Rex McAllister, who comes in, and grabs hold of Alex’s wrist, proceeding to lean them up against the ropes for an irish whip! WHOA! BACK BODY DROP BY REX! ALEX GOT LAUNCHED HIGH IN THE AIR, ALMOST LEAVING OUR CAMERA FRAME! AND REX IS QUICKLY INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
James Peters: KICKOUT! Alex Myers is a very, very resilient competitor, and if Charlie or Rex didn’t know that, they do now. Alex rolls away from Rex, and pulls themself up in the corner. Rex closes the distance, and starts to UNLOAD WITH KNIFE EDGE CHOPS ACROSS THE CHEST! Alex is doubled over as a result, but Rex stands them back upright for an irish whip into the opposite corner!
Rich Russillo: REX COMES IN- BUT ALEX GETS BOTH BOOTS UP! MYERS HOPS TO THE MIDDLE ROPE, GRABS HOLD OF CHARLIE, AND SPIKES HIM WITH A TORNADO DDT! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE DOWN IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, BUT AFTER A WHILE, SIGNS OF LIFE IS SHOWN FROM BOTH SIDES! ALEX IS CRAWLING TOWARDS RULER, BUT REX IS CRAWLING TOWARDS MARR!
**TAG!!**
James Peters: TAG! TAG IS MADE ON BOTH SIDES! RULER ENTERS THE RING, BUT AS DOES CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE! RULER DROPS CHARLIE WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! CHARLIE IS IMMEDIATELY BACK TO HIS FEET, AND GETS DROPPED WITH ANOTHER! REX CHARGES RULER- BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BACK ELBOW!
Rich Russillo: RULER WHIPS CHARLIE OFF THE ROPES! SNAP OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX BY RULER! REX SWINGS WILDLY AT RULER, BUT RULER DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND DUMPS HIM WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! CHARLIE CHARGES RULER WITH A CLOTHESLINE, BUT RULER COUNTERS WITH A SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX, BEAUTIFULLY BRIDGING FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: OOH! REX WITH A STOMP TO THE MIDSECTION OF RULER, BREAKING THINGS UP! ALEX RE-ENTERS THE FRAY, CHARGING REX, AND BACKING HIM INTO THE CORNER WITH REPEATED FOREARMS TO THE FACE! RULER JOINS IN, AND NICHOLISM DOUBLE TEAM IRISH WHIPS REX TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: REX STAGGERS OUT SAID CORNER, BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK BY RULER, KNOCKING HIM BACK IN! REX FINDS HIMSELF SEATED IN THE CORNER NOW, AND ALEX CHARGES IN WITH A CANNONBALL!
James Peters: Charlie has found his way back to a vertical base, and Ruler hoists him up in a powerbomb while Alex climbs to the top turnbuckle! DIVING BACKSTABBER AND POWERBOMB COMBINATION BY NICHOLISM! WHICH THEY CALL PASS THE NIRVANA! RULER HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! CHARLIE BARELY GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Ruler signals the beginning of the end, and stalks Marr as he slowly rises back to his feet. But as Charlie gets to a knee, HE EXPLODES WITH A SPINEBUSTER! HEADMASTER RITUAL! CHARLIE PULLS RULER UP, AND TRIES HOOKING BOTH ARMS, BUT RULER DRIVES HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER!
James Peters: CHARLIE STILL DOESNT LET GO, AND RULER DRIVES HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER ONCE AGAIN! Finally, Charlie breaks the hold; and Ruler staggers away slightly, MYERS CHSRGES AT RULER! AND RULER POPS MYERS UP OVERHEAD!
Rich Russillo: POWERBOMB! MARR CAUGHT MYERS IN POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB, AND LAUNCHES THEM AT RULER! ALEX ROLLS OUT THE RING, AND CHARLIE PULLS RULER UP FOR THE QUEEN IS DEAD AGAIN! BUT RULER SHOVES CHARLIE AWAY!
James Peters: MARR ALMOST COLLIDES WITH THE REFEREE, WHO SHIELDS HIMSELF IN THE COVER! BUT WITH THE OFFICIAL TEMPORARILY DISTRACTED, RULER KICKS MARR RIGHT INTO THE GROIN! AND CHARLIE GETS TURNED AROUND FOR THE SWINGING REVERSE STO! BLOODRAYNE MAKER CONNECTS, AND RULER HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: REX TRIES TO SLIDE IN, BUT MYERS PULLS HIM OUT BY THE ANKLE, AND TAGS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here are your winners… ALEX MYERS AND RULER… NICHOLISM!!!!!!!
(‘Zombie’ hits, and Alex Myers slides into the ring before helping Ruler back to his feet. While Alex is against underhanded tactics such as the low blow Ruler did to Charlie, they picked up the victory in their first match as an official tag team. The referee raises Alex and Ruler’s hands, and they celebrate their victory.)
James Peters: That was a great match that became controversial at the end, but ultimately the newly formed team between Alex and Ruler picked up the victory!
Rich Russillo: I’m surprised by that low blow. I didn’t expect that to be utilized in this match, but Ruler did what he felt he had to do. You can’t fault him for that if it got his team the win.
James Peters: Well congratulations to NICHOLISM! This turned out to be a successful tag team debut. With the history these two have with each other and the talent they have individually, they can definitely be an incredible force!
(Alex and Ruler take their leave, and by this point Charlie and Rex have recovered. Rex enters the ring, and after a brief moment of thinking, Charlie gestures towards the timekeepers area, requesting a microphone. )
James Peters: It looks like Charlie has something to say to us following that main event. It looked like he had something on his mind during his entrance.
Rich Russillo: That’s true. We know this must be a very tough time in Charlie’s career. While he may have made up his mind, there’s still a lot he’d have to think about knowing he’ll be retiring soon.
(Charlie is handed a microphone, and Charlie turns to Rex before beginning to speak.)
Champagne Charlie: During these past few weeks I’ve been very open about the state of my career, and the fact that it’ll be ending very soon. I’ve held nothing back. I’ve said everything I truly believe, and that includes acknowledging what some others have done for my career even if we don’t have the greatest history with each other. I can’t say I’m proud of what just happened, but heading into a tag team match with someone who helped me get to where I am right now, it reminded me of my career years ago. It reminded me of my journey towards the career I have today. It reminded me of what I went through in order to eventually become a Hall of Famer, and heading into my final match ever, there’s something very important that I need to say.
(Rex remains silent, watching patiently as Charlie continues.)
Champagne Charlie: There have been many questions regarding my final opponent, questions that I haven’t answered up to this point. Wicked Games is slowly crawling closer and closer with every passing week, and as I’ve already said, if this is where my career ends, I want it to end with a bang. That’s why I’m not interested in just facing anybody at Wicked Games. I don’t need a match that I could easily have had any other week. I don’t need my final match ever to be against someone that means absolutely nothing to me. At Wicked Games I want to wrestle my final match against someone that knows me very well. Someone that was there years ago, long before I became the man I am today. Rex… I want you to be my final opponent.
(This causes an explosion of cheers from the crowd. The fans are in full support of this idea, and Rex looks a bit surprised himself. Charlie stares at Rex, waiting patiently for an answer, though Rex needs some time to think, knowing that this is about Charlie’s final match in Elite Answers Wrestling. After some time, Rex holds his hand out, asking for the microphone. Charlie hands it to him, and Rex says just two words that’s enough to make the crowd reaction even louder.)
Rex McAllister: I accept.
(As the fans cheer as loud as they can, Rex holds his hand out towards Charlie, and Charlie shakes his hand.)
James Peters: WOW! What an announcement to end Voltage! Rex McAllister will be Charlie Marr’s final opponent in Elite Answers Wrestling! We know how important Rex has been to Charlie’s career, so this is huge!
Rich Russillo: It only makes sense. Charlie said everything that needed to be said. He wants his final match to be something special, and I don’t think it can get much more special than facing Rex one last time.
James Peters: After everything these two have gone through in their careers, this is a fantastic way to close out Voltage. Charlie Marr will take on Rex McAllister… AT WICKED GAMES!
(Rex and Charlie shaking hands is the final image shown on the camera. With this, Voltage fades away from ringside as the camera begins fading to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)