John Helms
(EAW intro plays)
(The camera opens up and a recap of Fighting Spirit starts playing from Voltage’s side. Candice Blair was unsuccessful at capturing the Specialists Championship against Milli Banks. Drake King was able to win the EAW Championship against Myles thanks to Methuselah’s interference, and after the match, Methuselah gives Drake the chance to get a Gawd Contract as well if he accepts his special conditions/ Drake refuses the offer, as the decision makes Methuselah brutally attack Drake, using his power to make a match against them at Pain for Pride official. Daryl while talking backstage with Rex announces he will plan on retiring if he loses the Ultimate Opportunity match. Myles is outraged at what happened with Methuselah interfering, and he isn’t given his chance to fight for the championship again. All of sudden, Limmy Monaghan enters the scene and happily gives Myles the chance to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship which Myles accepts as well. Madison bothers ARIA and takes her time to insult her before her match as ARIA punches Madison for her troubles before leaving. Sheridan Muller and Miku Sakai win the Ultimate Opportunity Ladder Match. Dr. Bethany Blue is able to defeat ARIA and retain, as after the match Kassidy Heart comes out and challenges Dr. Bethany Blue for the Universal Women’s Championship at Pain for Pride. Right after, Richard Tracie P.I. reveals who attacked Kassidy and it turned out to be Bethany herself, as she didn’t waste any time laying out Kassidy once more and sending her a message.)
(Sunday Night Voltage transitions to show a shot of the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. An edited version of ‘33rd Blakk Glass’ by ZilaKami & SosMula is played through the speakers while spotlights are panning around and golden pyro is shooting out from the stage. The Voltage crowd cheers loudly while the shot then goes over to show the broadcasting team of Rich Russillo, James Peters, Persephone and Rex McAllister.)
Rich Russillo: Welcome everyone…TO SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE! We are coming right off Fighting Spirit and we are finally looking forward to that time of the year. Pain for Pride season is here!
Rex McAllister: A time where everyone in this company wants to get their Pain for Pride moment. It is a special moment like no other and it has been an experience getting plenty of those in the past, and I hope the future of EAW can get their own moments too.
Persephone: Say, Rexy, when will I get my Pain for Pride moment with you-
Rex McAllister: Anyway, we can’t forget the matches tonight, do we? Plenty of matches, let’s go through them! Starting off with Candice Blair versus Ronan Malosi, a trios match with James Ranger, Mercer McKay and Korey Gaines versus Rory Slate, Madison Hansen and Kasai, and finally, ARIA going up against Theron Nikolas!
James Peters: We also have a Cash in the Vault Preview Match with Sheridan Muller against Miku Sakai, as well as TLA going up against Ayu Megumi too!
Rich Russillo: And finally, we have the Hardcore Champion Hikari Kanno facing Sierra Everett and our main event having Minerva going up against Halsey Neel!
Persephone: Rexy, you still didn’t answer my question-
James Peters: And before we get on with the show, I have some breaking news to announce. With the situation between the Universal Women’s Champion, Dr. Bethany Blue, and her challenger at Pain for Pride, Kassidy Heart, escalating even more at Showdown, the decision was made by Kassidy’s husband, Methuselah, to keep Kassidy away from Voltage. The decision stems from wanting to protect the Universal Women’s Championship match at Pain for Pride and make sure nothing jeopardizes that. While it doesn’t seem like we are going to see Kassidy in the building tonight, we know that we will be hearing from Dr. Bethany Blue.
(As James finishes speaking, Voltage fades backstage where a very surprising sight is shown. It looks like an altercation had just taken place. This causes the fans in the arena to quiet down, both out of confusion over the change in scenery and because they want to see what’s going on.)
James Peters: Oh no, it looks like something is going on backstage! It seems like a few moments ago a fight may have taken place!
Rich Russillo: You’re right about that, but it looks like it’s not over yet! Security is here trying to break things up, but who is that!? What’s happening right now!?
(There’s a bunch of security guards in the area trying to separate someone from another person, and it takes a little while until the camera is finally able to reveal that Minerva is the Elitist security is trying to remove from the area. Minerva is holding a lead pipe, and it seems to be covered in blood. As the commotion continues, and the security guards and Minerva all yell at each other back and forth, the camera is finally able to catch who the Elitist on the ground is…)
James Peters: Guys, that’s Yhwach O’Hara! Yhwach O’Hara has been laid out backstage!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, and he was laid out by Minerva! What the hell is going on here! Security is trying to break things up, but it looks like they’re way too late for that! How much did we miss!?
James Peters: Too much. I just don’t get it, what’s gotten into Minerva!? Where did this come from all of a sudden!?
(Yhwach is unconscious, and there’s blood surrounding him, clearly thanks to the attack from Minerva. There’s a loud reaction from the fans after seeing O’Hara, as they’re clearly shocked to see the show start off in such a way. They’re not used to seeing Yhwach in this type of position after all he’s done in the past few months, and even beyond that they didn’t expect to see Minerva do something like this. This clearly caught everyone in the arena by surprise, and from the looks of it the security guards are trying to get help for Yhwach. The security guards continue to try and get Minerva to leave the area, but as soon as they get close to her in an attempt to restrain her, Minerva raises the lead pipe preparing to swing, threatening the guards and forcing them to take a step back.)
Minerva: Don’t touch me! Unless you want to end up like Yhwach, you’ll leave me alone!
(Minerva slowly begins to take steps backwards, keeping a close eye on the security guards that are all being cautious knowing that the lead pipe is in her hand. Some of them turn away to check on Yhwach, and Minerva finally begins to walk away from the area as none of the security guards follow her, seemingly more concerned on O’Hara’s well being at this point as they know the damage is already done. The camera would fade over to the stage, and after just a few seconds ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie begins to play. There is a loud reaction from the crowd, but despite this the fans are still clearly shocked by what they just saw from Minerva not too long ago. It takes some time, but eventually Minerva walks out to the stage, and by the time she gets there she is holding a microphone in her hand, as well as the lead pipe that she used to lay out Yhwach. Minerva begins walking down the ramp without much hesitation, seemingly not paying much attention to the loud cheers, nor the surprised faces from the fans that still can’t seem to process what they’ve just seen.)
James Peters: … What!? What just happened!? I still don’t understand. Moments ago we saw what seemed to be the aftermath of some sort of attack by Minerva on Yhwach O’Hara… But why!? Why would Minerva do something like that to Yhwach, didn’t they just team up right before Fighting Spirit!? I didn’t think Minerva had any issues with Yhwach, especially not any that’d result in an attack this severe!
Rich Russillo: Minerva has a microphone so it looks like we may be learning exactly why very soon, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just as shocked as you. We learned some sort of an altercation had taken place backstage. What we didn’t know is that this is what was going on.
Rex McAllister: I hope Minerva knows what she’s doing, because if there’s anything clear after that, it’s that she just gained a new enemy. Yhwach O’Hara really isn’t the type of Elitist whose bad side you want to be on, either.
Persephone: I was just about to say that! We’re always on the same page, aren’t we 😍?
Rex McAllister: I think anyone would have come to that conclusion, just look at everything Yhwach has done since returning to EAW. He’s dangerous, but then again… So is Minerva.
(Minerva makes it to ringside, walking up the steel steps before entering the ring through the ropes. When Minerva enters the ring and looks at the fans, she can see just how surprised many of them are by her actions. With this in mind, after a little while she begins to speak.)
Minerva: It was either him or me, and I am not going to be a victim.
(This causes cheers from the crowd, but at the same time there’s more confusion from the fans as Minerva continues to speak.)
Minerva: When I started this season, I intended to end it with the same Championship I left Pain for Pride with last year. I intended to keep the EAW World Championship for an entire year, headline a second Pain for Pride in a row, and go down in history for having a title reign that surpasses everything that has ever been done before. I did not accomplish that. I lost the Championship back at King of Elite, and since then I’ve had a lot of time to think about what was next for me. I shut Usagi Senshi’s promises down, I rid this show of Samael, but my path to Pain for Pride still seemed unclear. I said I knew what I was doing, though. When I said that, I didn’t just mean that I knew what I wanted to do at Pain for Pride. I didn’t just mean that I had a plan to compete at the biggest show of the year. I meant that I knew what I *had* to do. I knew that someone had set their sights on me, and if I didn’t strike first I’d be the one in a pool of my own blood right now. Someone was waiting for the right time. Someone was waiting for their chance to make an example of me, but what they didn’t know was that I knew they were coming, and I was ready. That “someone” turned out to be Yhwach O’Hara, the man that would’ve made his greatest mistake had I not intervened.
(Minerva looks directly towards the stage before continuing to speak.)
Minerva: I’m sure you’re still unconscious Yhwach, but when you do wake up I want you to tell me something. Did you think I wasn’t paying attention? Did you actually believe I never noticed exactly who you were targeting throughout the season? I’ve seen your actions. I’ve heard the things you said, and while you deny that this is all about revenge, just look at the names you’ve targeted throughout the season. First it was Myles, back at Wicked Games. Then it was Theron Nikolas, only a few weeks before King of Elite. After that it was Drake King, and the only reason you were ever sidetracked is because Methuselah threw himself into the picture and forced you to act. He derailed your plan temporarily, but that was never going to last forever and as soon as you were able to take your eyes off of him, you already knew who was next. This is not a random list of names, and I find it very hard to believe that the fact that these are the Elitists you chose to target is some sort of coincidence. This is clearly intentional, and it should be obvious to anyone that picked up on this who your next target was going to be. You had your eyes on me Yhwach, and you were probably waiting for this day since you returned all the way back at Wicked Games. You knew that you eventually were going to choose me. You knew that you were eventually going to strike. You knew that eventually Yhwach O’Hara was going to try and make an example out of Minerva, but what you didn’t know was that I was never going to allow you to control my fate. You thought it’d be as simple as catching me by surprise just like you have with those before you, and you were wrong. I won’t be next.
(The fans cheer loudly as Minerva explains her actions, and the former EAW World Champion continues to speak, turning back to the fans.)
Minerva: This is the biggest event of the year coming up. The event where I gained some of the biggest accomplishments in my entire career. The event where I made history in every way that I can. Now is not the time for me to be humiliated just for the sake of falling into the same trap so many others have before me. I’m taking back my power, and reminding the world who the most dangerous person in this company really is. It’s not Yhwach O’Hara. It never was for a second, and for the past few months that people were allowed to forget that, Yhwach was able to get away with sneak attack after sneak attack because nobody ever saw him coming. He was allowed to do whatever he wanted because nobody knew when, where, or even if he was coming for them. He was able to get away with it for nearly an entire season because nobody was able to stop him before he could even act. I won’t be making that mistake, so from now on we’re going to be doing things my way. The most dangerous Elitist EAW has is me, and Yhwach will understand that very soon if he hasn’t already. He’s the one that has the target on his back now, and now he knows that I won’t hesitate to cut this return short.
(Minerva raises the lead pipe, which is still bloody, as the cheers continue.)
Minerva: You did this to yourself, Yhwach. When you returned to Wicked Games and decided to start this little game, you set yourself up for failure. Someone was bound to catch on eventually, and you were so unlucky that I turned out to be the one. I was never going to allow myself to be reduced to some sort of victim after the Championship reign that I had throughout the season, not when I’ve done everything in my power to make this the best season of my career. I’ve been at the top of my game throughout this season. This is the best I’ve ever been, and I’m not about to throw weeks of my career away during the most important time of the year just so I could be taken by surprise. I knew this was going to happen eventually, so no, Yhwach. You don’t get to have the satisfaction that you had with Myles, Theron and Drake. You don’t get to lay me out in front of thousands of people. Instead, you’ll have all the time in the world to learn from your mistakes, and regret ever having me in your sights in the first place. I’m not one to be messed with. I never was, and the fact that you ever felt comfortable enough to return to this industry expecting to make a fool out of me is enough of a problem as it is. This is the type of thing I made a name for myself doing, Yhwach. This is how I elevated my career to begin with. If you thought for even a second that I would have a problem getting my hands dirty and going back to being just as cruel as I used to be, you were wrong.
(Minerva drops the microphone as the fans cheer, and after a few seconds, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ begins to play once again. Minerva is still holding onto the bloody lead pipe, and after a few seconds she begins to leave the ring as she steps through the ropes, slowly walking down the steel steps.)
James Peters: Listening to what she had to say, I do understand why Minerva did what she did now. It’d be a lie to say that Yhwach hasn’t done this to various Elitists already, and we all know that these Elitists have all been Elitists from O’Hara’s past! They all left some sort of effect on his career, so I think it’s fair for Minerva to believe she was planned to be next, especially considering both of her former New Eden partners were already targeted.
Rich Russillo: I’d like to agree, but at the same time it’s not like we know this for sure. All we know is that Minerva attacked Yhwach and left him in a really bloody mess, and based on everything she just said, I think she’d be willing to do a lot more than that if she needs to. I’m not so sure if I’d say Minerva made a mistake, but I do think Yhwach won’t be taking this attack very lightly.
Rex McAllister: I think that much we can all agree on, no matter where we stand with what happened tonight. Regardless of what happened between Yhwach and Minerva that we didn’t see, or even whether or not Minerva was correct in her belief that Yhwach planned to target her… What happens once Yhwach is in fighting shape again likely won’t be very pretty. We may have just seen the beginning of a war between these two.
Persephone: I know… Isn’t that just great, Rexy 🥰?
James Peters: I’ll say this much, I’m interested in seeing what happens next. After all, this is Minerva and Yhwach O’Hara we’re talking about. These are two of EAW’s very best.
(Minerva continues walking up the ramp, holding the lead pipe over her shoulder as the fans cheer her on. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside and into a commercial break.)
(Promotional ad for Pain for Pride 16, where the Cash in the Vault ladder match featuring Sheridan Müller and Miku Sakai takes place.)
(The camera fades in to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: And Sierra Everett and Halsey Neel have been BANNED from ringside!
Crowd: :blessed: !
(Rhapsody in Pink’ by Stela Cole (Clean Version) hits to boos from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from Anaheim, California weighing in at 130 pounds she is “The Face of Disney” CANDDDDDDDDDDDDDICE BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Candice Blair makes her way to the ring in a long white flowing Disney princess dress looking like Cindarella. She waves mockingly at the booing fans while entering the ring with a haughty look of arrogance on her face. She eventually removes the dress revealing her wrestling gear which is branded with the Disney logo as well as numerous other advertisements for upcoming Disney shows and movies.)
Rich Russillo: Do we really have to have all of these advertisements? I mean I just want to watch the wrestling match…
Persephone: She is the face of Disney after all Rich! You should embrace it! Just like how Candice embraced losing her Specialists Championship match because of how great she looked out there!
Rex McAllister: That is true. Candice recently had a really big championship opportunity. But she has already moved on from it not letting it get her down and I can respect that. Tonight she is looking to rebound with a big win over Ronan Malosi.
Persephone: You know Rex I wouldn’t mind being #DisneyBesties with you.
James Peters: Candice Blair might be all about her #DisneyBesties but tonight she has to go it alone up against Ronan. She is out for payback for what Ronan did and we will see if she can get some in here tonight.
( ‘Mo Money’ by Ben McLusky hits to heavy boos from the crowd.)
Amaya: And her opponent from Atlanta, Georgia weighing in at 267 pounds he is “The International Treasure” ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONAN MALOSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!
(Ronan Malosi comes out to the ring with a wad of bills in his hands as he mocks the audience by pretending to give them some money but then taking it away from them at the last minute. Ronan enters the ring wearing a fedora which he then removes to reveal his bald head resulting in a number of insults from the crowd. But Ronan doesn’t seem to acknowledge the crowd’s presence instead he is fully focused on Candice Blair his opponent for tonight.)
Rich Russillo: Well last time we were on Voltage we saw Ronan Malosi get a big win which doesn’t always happen that often. I guess you could say Ronan is on a roll and the history between Ronan and the #DisneyBesties is already known and Candice is looking for payback for what Ronan has done in the past.
James Peters: I mean he used a baseball bat on them. People may not always take Ronan seriously but he has declared that THIS IS WAR and he means it. He is a dangerous man and Candice should really be careful in the ring with him when he starts to get violent.
Rex McAllister: Ronan Malosi will be taking Candice on with no outside interference. Which means this will be a straight up contest. I definitely approve of that.
Persephone: I would also approve of our commentary team being a one on one type situation with no outside interference from Rich or James.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: We are underway and this match is going to be interesting to see. With SIerra Everett and Halsey Neel banned from ringside we will find out who the real better competitor is! Candice Blair is crouched in the corner awaiting the match to be underway as Ronan Malosi paces like a caged tiger. Looks like Candice is starting this match very calmly while Ronan is ready and raring to go. Candice moves out of the corner and circles around the ring before cautiously locking up with the much larger Ronan. Candice feeling Ronan out before charging in with the lockup but Ronan easily shoves her back into the corner! Candice ducks into the ropes forcing the breakup. Candice back out to lock up with Ronan once more but this time Ronan twists her arm around her back! No! Candice manages to counter into a wristlock of her own! But Ronan again using his power to shove Candice back into the corner with the referee now forcing the break!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Ronan Malosi: (off-mic) I have until six!
Referee: NO FIVE!
Ronan Malosi: (off-mic) :noah:
James Peters: Ronan Malosi reluctantly backs off Candice Blair! Wait no! Ronan charges in with a cheap shot to the face as soon as he seemingly breaks it up, but Candice ducks under it! Candice grabs the arm of Ronan and twists it around behind his back having caught the big man off guard! Candice now driving Ronan down to his knee but Ronan back up and charges in pushing Candice into the ropes until she releases the armbar. Candice responds with a kick to the midsection once she lets go, and now she begins punching away at him as Ronan drops to a knee! CANDICE NOW RUNNING THE ROPES- but Ronan grabs Candice off the ropes and with one hand tosses her towards the opposite side of the ring!
Rex McAllister: But Candice Blair leaps up to the middle rope! Candice springs off the middle rope and leaps up and over a charging Ronan Malosi! Ronan whirls around wildly going for a Clothesline to put Candice right back down to the mat! But Candice ducks beneath that as well! Candice off the ropes as she runs in towards Ronan and runs right into him! But Ronan picks her up! Ronan going for a big Powerslam here! No! Candice swings around and manages to take down Ronan with a falling Arm Drag sending him flying across the ring! Ronan wisely rolls under the bottom rope and retreats to the outside of the ring!
Rich Russillo: Ronan Malosi taking a second to recover but Candice Blair will not allow it! Candice runs off the ropes!! Candice dives through the ropes with a Suicide Dive!!!-
James Peters: NO! RONAN MALOSI MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!!!
Rex McAllister: But Candice Blair stops before she makes the Suicide Dive! Smart there by Candice and honestly I am not convinced she would have put it all on the line like that anyway.
Persephone: Of course she wouldn’t. But I would put it all on the line for you Rex. <3
Rich Russillo: Candice Blair poses in the ring to boos from the crowd as she waits for the return of Ronan Malosi into the ring to continue to fight her. It might take him awhile to get back in the ring so maybe we should take a commercial break. Wait now it looks like Ronan is yelling at Candice to come outside the ring and fight him! But she doesn’t look interested in that at all!
Referee: EIGHT! NIN-
James Peters: Also it would seem that Ronan Malosi is on the verge of being counted out! He quickly charges back into the ring having no choice but to meet Candice Blair between the ropes of the squared circle!
Rex McAllister: Ronan Malosi charges in at Candice Blair who goes to lock up with him once more! But Ronan goes low with a kick hitting her first hard in the ankle and then again in the gut. Ronan grabs Candice by the skull and drags her over to the ropes bashing her head into the top turnbuckle. Candice immediately swings out of the corner catching Ronan on the side of the head with her elbow as she staggers down to one knee from the impact of her head being bashed in by Ronan. Definitely looks like Candice took the worst of that exchange as Ronan turns back to her to continue his assault.
Rich Russillo: Ronan Malosi with a hard knee to the head of Candice Blair sending her flying downwards into the corner as Ronan continues to stomp away at her in the corner of the ring keeping the Disney Princess completely trapped in! Ronan yanks Candice out of the corner and tosses her over the ropes to the outside! Looks like Ronan is determined to get Candice out of the ring so he can do some real damage in that environment-
James Peters: But Candice Blair holds onto the top rope as Ronan Malosi tosses her up and over! Candice lands on the apron and Ronan goes to punch her off- but Candice ducks beneath and delivers a hard shoulder thrust right through the middle rope catching Ronan off guard as he rushes in! Candice leaps up and over Ronan pulling him through with a Sunset Flip into a pinfall!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Rex McAllister: Ronan Malosi powers out with authority! Candice Blair nearly stealing one there! Both competitors back up as Candice swiftly manages to get back to her feet before Ronan and runs off the ropes… Ronan catches her and tosses her high up in the air! But Candice transitions in midair and manages to connect with a side kick to the face of Ronan before landing back onto the mat on her feet! Ronan staggers backwards from the blow falling face first across the middle rope! Candice charges in with a Running Double Knee to the back of the neck of Ronan! Ronan rolls out of the ring as Candice tries to pull him off the ropes for the pinfall! Unfortunately for her, he is now resting at ringside having once again escaped.
Persephone: Why would anyone want to escape? This is where I would be all the time if I could.
Rich Russillo: Ronan Malosi begins to make his way back into the ring. But Candice Blair grabs Ronan and yanks him up into the ring, but Candice can’t get a proper hold of Ronan! Ronan then grabs under the bottom rope and grabs the legs of Candice pulling very hard! Ronan yanks Candice out through the bottom ropes to outside the ring! Ronan begins to pummel Candice’s face with hard forearms dropping her to a knee. Ronan whips Candice across the floor towards the steel steps- but Candice leaps up onto the steps! Candice leaps backwards off the steps and catches Ronan in the side of the face with a lunging Elbow attack! Ronan gets dropped from the force of all of that! Candice should get back to the ring now and Ronan just may be counted out!
James Peters: Candice Blair may have hurt her back on that move as she is holding it as Ronan Malosi is slowly back up and moving his way back into the ring. Ronan seemed to have wanted Candice outside the ring to lay some damage upon her but that plan seems to have backfired on him spectacularly so now he is retreating back towards the ring instead. Ronan back into the ring as Candice moves herself back in the ring as well. Ronan pulls himself up in the corner only for Candice to meet him with a series of hard kicks to the gut until Ronan begins to fall down to the mat! No! Ronan suddenly powers back up Spearing Candice through the gut! Ronan like a raging bull just spears Candice and charges with her all the way across the ring ramming her back first into the turnbuckle! And now Ronan hammering away at the chin of Candice with repeated forearms to the face just smashing her!
Rex McAllister: Candice Blair stumbles out of the corner but Ronan Malosi with a Running Big Boot- WAIT NO! Candice MANAGED TO AVOID THE BOOT, AND SHE SWEEPS RONAN’S OTHER LEG TO DROP HIM TO THE MAT BEFORE DELIVERING A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! CANDICE NOW DROPPING DOWN AND JUST BEGINNING TO PUNCH AWAY AT RONAN, TAKING OUT ALL HER AGGRESSION AFTER WHAT THE #DISNEYBESTIES HAVE BEEN THROUGH WITH HIM AS OF LATE! Candice now dragging Ronan up- but Ronan responds with a forearm!
Rich Russillo: Ronan Malosi kicks Candice Blair hard on the side before lifting her up and whipping her across the ring with force! Candice flies back first into the turnbuckle before collapsing face first in the ring. Ronan picks her up again and begins bashing her face again with hard forearms! But Candice fighting back with forearms of her own! Candice rocking Ronan backwards before she gains some momentum! Candice runs off the ropes and lunges towards Ronan! But Ronan catches her and lifts her up in the air in a Bearhug position! Ronan squeezing the life out of Candice and may just snap her back here tonight! Candice is screaming in pain as Ronan only tightens the hug! Candice may have no choice but to tap out here tonight!
James Peters: Candice Blair yanks at the arms of Ronan Malosi trying to break free of the Bearhug! She scratches and claws trying to get Ronan to release the maneuver. Hard elbow strikes to the side of the head of Ronan as Candice manages to maneuver her way back down to her feet! Repeated strikes and Ronan finally released the hold! Candice runs off the ropes! He leaps towards Ronan with a Flying Bodypress! But Ronan catches her and drops Candice with a thunderous Fallaway Slam! Ronan then slides down and grabs the leg of Candice before she can leave the ring and drags her back towards him and reapplies that Bear Hug!
Rex McAllister: RONAN IS TRYING TO BREAK THE BACK OF CANDICE! HE’S DESTROYING HER!!!
Persephone: You know Rex… I would love it if you would break my ba-
Rich Russillo: Nope not allowing you to say that one on Disney television! ALL of our jobs are at risk! Just like Candice Blair is imminently at risk of losing this match to Ronan Malosi! Candice is writhing wildly trying to get out of the Bear Hug! She manages to swing around and grab the ropes with one hand forcing the break! Candice immediately pummels away at Ronan as she runs off the ropes! Ronan ducks looking for a Back Body Toss, but Candice kicks him hard in the face causing Ronan to stagger backwards towards the ropes! Ronan comes bouncing off the ropes coming back towards Candice at full speed with a Running Clothesline!-
James Peters: No! Candice Blair pulls down the top rope sending Ronan Malosi flying and tumbling to the outside! Ronan crashes and burns on the floor! Candice out to the apron! She is measuring Ronan and looking to hit something here to turn this all around! Ronan slowly back up… No! Ronan rolls back into the ring! Candice leaps over the top rope to avoid a Running Boot from Ronan! Candice with an athletic somersault across the ring now as Ronan whirls around looking to strike! Candice charges in with a Running Crossbody! No! Ronan catches Candice! Ronan slams Candice down with force dropping her right on her spine with a devastating Spinebuster right in the middle of the ring! Ronan into the cover!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rex McAllister: Kickout at two by Candice Blair! She stays alive in this match tonight! Impressie resilience from Candice as Ronan looks annoyed that wasn’t the end of the match. But he stays on her slapping her hard across the head disrespectfully. Ronan runs off the ropes before colliding with a Running Knee shot to the head of Candice knocking her down to the mat in a heap. Ronan might have just knocked Candice the hell out! Candice is moving however, she’s not completely done yet! Candice slowly back up as Ronan runs off the ropes yet again colliding with Candice with a Running Shoulder Thrust. Ronan taking in the moment of his dominance and success as he is clearly enjoying making Candice suffer. Candice grabs the leg of Ronan as she feebly tries to crawl back up him! Wait! Candice grabs Ronan’s leg and sweeps it before dumping him onto his back in a pinning combination!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: Kickout by Ronan Malosi! Candice Blair nearly stole one right there!
James Peters: Ronan Malosi back up to his feet as he swings wildly at Candice Blair who catches him with a Clothesline knocking him right back down! Candice tweaked her back however as she stumbles off backwards into the corner! Ronan charges in looking to crush her in the corner! Stinger Splash! No! Candice gets the boot up and kicks Ronan hard in the shoulder sending him spinning across the ring! Candice jumps up to the middle rope… She comes flying off looking to crush Ronan with a Flying Crossbody! CANDICE GETS ALL OF IT AS SHE TRANSITIONS RIGHT INTO A PIN!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Rex McAllister: Kickout by Ronan Malosi! The match nearly came to an end right there!
Persephone: I know! I was just as worried about it ending as you were Rex!
Rich Russillo: Ronan Malosi with a look of absolute exhaustion on his face like he is surprised he even kicked out of that one. Candice Blair back up despite all the damage she has taken as she grabs Ronan and helps him up to his feet- No! Ronan with a cheap kick to the shin of Candice staggering her! Ronan runs off the ropes charging in at Candice with a Running Clothesline! No! Candice manages to stop Ronan’s full steam ahead charge with a hard uppercut to the face! Ronan goes flying backwards towards the ropes nearly going up and over! Candice charges in with a Running Dropkick!!! Ronan is sent flipping up and over the top rope as he goes tumbling to the outside once again! It is fortunate we banned everyone from ringside for this match because these two are using every inch of ringside area here tonight just between themselves!
James Peters: But Ronan Malosi manages to land on his feet! Ronan quickly slides back into the ring gunning for Candice Blair! Ronan with a Clothesline just completely leveling Candice as he slides into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Rex McAllister: Candice kicks out! Candice Blair still in this match and her faith in Disney is carrying her to continue fighting against all odds! Ronan Malosi is looking increasingly tired out but he puts the pressure on a rising Candice bashing his elbow hard right into her spine! Candice’s back might be out of commission for a while after this match; she is definitely at least going to be sore tomorrow! Ronan has Candice at his mercy as he continues to target her back, crushing on her and throwing her back first into the corner. Candice collapses on hands and knees in the middle of the ring as the referee checks to make sure she is okay. Ronan grabs her and lifts her up. Ronan with a Back Drop on Candi-
Rich Russillo: No! Candice Blair flps out of it and lands on her feet! Candice runs off the ropes and charges in towards Ronan Malosi… but Ronan wraps his hand right around her neck! Ronan is lifting up Candice and preparing to slam her down! CHOKESLAM INCOMING!!! CANDICE DRIVEN DOWN WITH FORCE BACK FIRST ONTO THE MAT! RONAN GOT ALL KINDS OF ELEVATION ON THAT CHOKESLAM AND THAT HAS TO BE IT FOR CANDICE! SHE CAN’T EVEN GO ON LIKE THIS ANY LONGER! RONAN HAS THIS IN THE BAG! RONAN TO THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
James Peters: I can’t even believe it! Ronan Malosi cannot even believe it! Candice Blair found a way to kick out yet again! Even this crowd which doesn’t approve of Candice much is impressed she has managed to survive such punishment here tonight on Voltage! Ronan repeatedly slaps the mat in frustration. It looks like he is throwing a temper tantrum! Come on Ronan show some professionalism for once in your career… Ronan looks mad as he turns back on Candice and lifts her by the neck with both hands. Ronan tosses Candice back first into the corner as she begins to take some damage from repeated strikes. Ronan lifts Candice up to the top rope! He’s going for a power move here he is going to make sure she definitely can’t kick out of this next one! Ronan gets Candice up on the top rope! Possibly looking for a Sky High Superplex here!-
Rex McAllister: But Candice Blair fighting back! Candice throwing all kinds of punches at Ronan Malosi nearly knocking him off the top turnbuckle! Ronan falls down to the second rope as his head is now at chest level with Candice! She leaps up over him and grabs Ronan from behind! Candice powerbombs Ronan back first off the top turnbuckle!!! RONAN JUST CAME CRASHING DOWN FROM THAT IMPACT!!! Candice up as Ronan staggers to his feet into the corner. Candice grabs him and runs off the turnbuckle to get up in the air!!!
Persephone: Candice Blair spins around and drives Ronan Malosi head first into the mat with a Tornado DDT!!!! THE RAGS TO RICHES CONNECTS, AND CANDICE DOESN’T STOP THERE, WANTING TO DO ALL THE DAMAGE SHE POSSIBLY CAN TO RONAN!!!! RONAN BARELY GETS TO A KNEE, AND NOW CANDICE DELIVERS THE DISNEYLAND DESTROYER!!!!!
James Peters: THAT’S IT, RONAN IS DOWN AND OUT, AND NOW CANDICE HOOKS THE LEGS!!!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… CANDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDICCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEE BLAIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!
(Rhapsody in Pink’ by Stela Cole (Clean Version) hits to boos from the crowd as Candice Blair has her arm raised in victory.)
Rich Russillo: Candice Blair managing to score another big win here tonight for Disney! These fans don’t seem to appreciate it much but I am not really sure they would have appreciated Ronan Malosi winning any more. I guess it is a lose lose situation for our Voltage fans here tonight!!
Persephone: Every match is a win win situation for me when I am here with Sexy Rexy! <3
Rex McAllister: Candice Blair took a lot of punishment in that match and I think we need to give a shoutout to Ronan Malosi too. He showed that he is a legitimate powerhouse competitor and I’d like to see this side from him more often. If he took things a little more seriously around here he might one day be a real force to be reckoned with.
James Peters: Candice Blair enjoying her victory as she gets her happily ever after Disney ending here tonight!!
(The camera cuts to a commercial honoring the recent inductees announced entering into the Hall of Fame including Drake King and The Visual Prophet.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back in, returning from a brief commercial break, with the camera going over to show the backstage area of the Smoothie King Center. The shot focuses on the area near Gorilla Position, with Candice Blair being seen making her way through the hallway, fresh off of her match against Ronan Malosi before the break. She’s feeling the effects of the fight that Ronan put up and is tired and fatigued, looking to rest up for the rest of the night and begin to prepare herself for the big week that she has with the second chance tag team match for the Unified Tag Team Championships at Pain For Pride on the horizon. Before she can go any further though…)
???: Wow… just look at you.
(Candice immediately recognizes the voice, and upon doing so her face quickly lights up. A big smile grows on her face as the camera pans over and the person revealed to be standing in front of her is none other than… Eden Sinclair, coming back from her leave of absence. She puts her hands on her hips and looks over to Candice, and surprisingly even though the history that they have with one another and the good terms that they left on the positive business relationship, she isn’t exactly sharing the same joy that Candice had upon seeing her.)
Candice Blair: EDEN! 🤩🤩🤩 Oh my GAWD how long has it been??? I’m so glad you’re back, this place has been…
(Before she can continue speaking and voicing her happiness, Eden suddenly holds up a finger, signaling for her to quiet down, which she does. After a moment of silence, with Eden thinking about what she has to say to her, she quickly shakes her head. Her serious business look quickly turns to a face of disgust as she looks back at Candice, who is confused about what is going on right now.)
Eden Sinclair: I’m not done. Look at you… and how you continue to degrade yourself by being put in this position.
(Candice raises an eyebrow, definitely not expecting that response out of her.)
Candice Blair: What do you mean?
Eden Sinclair: Don’t try and pull that with me, you know very well exactly what I mean. I took a long needed vacation from Sunday Night Voltage for what has been about 5 months now, and during that time I gave you the opportunity to pull yourselves together, seeing as we were going through a rough patch at the time. Nearly half a year if you want to look at it like that. What I expected coming back was a cohesive team still carrying the values that the Walt Disney Corporation prides itself on, and establishing order amongst all this chaos. And what I got instead… was even more chaos, and to find out that the three of you are still tangled up in this issue with Ronan Malosi. Look at it from my perspective, it’s pitiful, I couldn’t be more disgusted. Don’t you have some sort of dignity, Candice?
(Candice, having come to the realization of what she’s getting on about, quickly speaks up and looks to retort to calm everything down before it gets out of hand.)
Candice Blair: Wait, Eden, let me explain myself. I know it’s not a good look, that’s what I’ve been telling myself these past couple of months. But I want to keep a positive outlook and look at the bright side of things, even though it has taken longer than expected, it’s going just fine. Rest assured, everything is under control and I promise that we’ll have this off our hands by Pain For-
Eden Sinclair: No, Candice, I wish it was that easy but right now I really do not want to hear it. I was told the exact same thing when the issue first arose and however much time has passed since then and here we are. Let me make one thing clear with you before we go any further with this conversation, I don’t care how hard you’re trying to get this settled, it’s *Ronan Malosi* and I was a fool to expect so much out of you and end up getting so little in actuality. Words cannot describe how disappointed in you. I’m disappointed in you, I’m disappointed in Sierra, and I’m disappointed in Halsey. Clearly I didn’t do enough before I left.
Candice Blair: Hold on, I speak for all of us when I say that we’re sorry, Eden. I understand how frustrating it has to be for you, and it’s just as frustrating for us that this is still going on. But I’m still holding onto the fact that we’re not going to let it happen any longer. Pain For Pride is close and I want opportunities for myself as well and I think Sierra and Halsey can agree, I don’t want to have to keep going back to dealing with Ronan every chance that I get.
(Eden sighs and rubs her temple.)
Eden Sinclair: I will give you one thing, it’s that I am pleased to see that you aren’t going to risk losing the second chance tag team match on Friday Night Dynasty next week by having Sierra as your partner, good choice. Oh, speaking of…
(The camera goes over to show on cue Halsey Neel and Sierra Everett begin to make their way into the scene. While under different circumstances they would be just as excited as Candice was to see Eden here on Voltage, they couldn’t help but overhear the comment that Eden made toward Sierra, her more upset than Halsey.)
Sierra Everett: I was going to welcome you back, but I think you made it clear your thoughts about me before I could.
Eden Sinclair: Oh honey, please don’t blame me for trying to look out for the wellbeing of the #DisneyBesties, that’s generous considering what I got in return.
Sierra Everett: I’m sorry that my wrestling abilities aren’t up to snuff with your standards, but I personally think that regardless of who was going to be booked in that match, we were going to win.
Eden Sinclair: Make no mistake about it, I would’ve thought the same too. But this is a *second chance* for a reason, I apologize if I haven’t been keeping up with the product as much, but I vividly remember being told that you were the one that got pinned in that absolutely embarrassing affair. Don’t look at it as an insult toward your abilities, Sierra, because if it was I wouldn’t even touch you with a six foot pole. Look at it as more… precautionary on Candice’s end.
(Sierra looks to say something back, but she stops herself before she can. Eden is firm in what she’s saying and she is looking out for them just as much as she is considering her involvement in “Team Eden” before her leave of absence. She sighs before slowly beginning to step back away from the group.)
Sierra Everett: You know what, that’s okay. I understand where you’re coming from, and the only thing that I can do is wish Candice and Halsey good luck before the match.
(Sierra nods her head while staying behind Candice and Halsey, Eden looking satisfied with how the situation calmed down. She then gives a small smile before looking at the three of them.)
Eden Sinclair: Well, we have a lot of catching up to do, are we on our way?
(Candice nods her head and begins to follow Eden as she leaves, Halsey taking a moment before proceeding to follow them as they exit the scene. The camera doesn’t follow the three of them though, instead it goes to Sierra, who doesn’t follow them, instead just lingers around the area. Even though the situation has deescalated, she is still upset at the comments being made toward her. Footsteps are heard as Sierra quickly looks behind her to see where they’re coming from.)
Ronan Malosi: I can’t believe it…
(Ronan, who was coming back from his match against Candice and stumbled upon the conversation that was being had, couldn’t help but stick around and listen in on what was being said. He heard the jab at Sierra and found it very convenient for her to stick around so that he could come over and stir the pot.)
Ronan Malosi: I didn’t really think about it much before, but now that I have, that is really messed up what Candice just did to you. She really just said forget Sierra, Ima go with Halsey because she’s better.
(Ronan hides the smirk that should be showing on his face, keeping a more solemn expression while Sierra looks in disgust.)
Sierra Everett: Oh fuck off.
(Sierra quickly turns away and hurries away, looking to catch up to Eden and the rest of her partners and away from Ronan. Ronan watches her leave, grinning for a moment before then turning around and heading the other direction to his locker room. It’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage from there begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Voltage cuts to another portion of the backstage area of the Smoothie King Center. Standing by is Fight Grid host Molly Waters, and she has a smile on her face.)
Molly Waters: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… ARIA!
(The camera zooms out to show the former Specialists Champion, ARIA, standing to Molly’s left. With a big match coming up later tonight against Theron Nikolas, ARIA is dressed in her gear and seemingly ready to go. She gives Molly a friendly and waves to the camera in typical ARIA fashion.)
Molly Waters: I don’t want to beat around the bush because I know you have a very important match coming up later on tonight against Theron Nikolas that you want to get ready for. But back at Fighting Spirit, prior to your championship match against Dr. Bethany Blue, you had a run in with Dynasty’s Madison Kaline that didn’t end all that well for Madison. What are your thoughts about that?
(ARIA can’t help but sigh. She knew that the whole basis of this interview was going to be about Fighting Spirit, especially after Madison made some comments about the situation the other night on Dynasty.)
ARIA: Simple. She’s a bully and she had no reason to mess with me.
Molly Waters: That’s it?
(ARIA flashes Molly a wry smile.)
ARIA: No that’s not it, but that kind of sums up my feelings about the whole situation. Madison really, really, really made me mad last weekend because she came at me for absolutely no reason. I had purposely gone to find a quiet spot to get ready for my match because facing someone like Dr. Bethany Blue is a huge deal, never mind the fact that the Universal Women’s Championship was on the line. I was nervous. I was second-guessing myself. I needed to get away from all the chaos that goes on backstage at this event so I found a spot that wasn’t occupied, turned some music on, and was going through all the good luck text messages on my phone. A lot of people were supporting me back at Fighting Spirit and that meant the world to me. I wanted to carry their well wishes with me into the ring and give Dr. Blue the best match possible. I had actually started to feel pretty good about everything until Madison reared her ugly head, and well, Molly, it was all downhill from there.
Molly Waters: Madison had some harsh words for you, going as far as to question your preparation for the match. How did that make you feel?
ARIA: It upset me. I know how hard I work and I take my place here in EAW very seriously. I mean, I was the girl who never won a match over in Japan. The fact a company like EAW would even want me is enough in itself to make me dig my heels in and make sure I become the best possible version of myself. I shouldn’t be here, Molly, but this company decided I was good enough for them to take a chance on. I’m not ever going to take that for granted. And since being here, I have been able to grow into a heck of a competitor and a pretty darn good wrestler. I have come into my own, so to speak. I have won matches. I was the Specialists Champion. I am part of the Ice Aces, which I absolutely love. I got to compete for the Universal Women’s Championship. When I signed my contract here, I never would have dreamed that I would get myself to a point where I was able to compete for one of the top prizes in this industry. I’m sure a lot of people thought that as well and I can’t blame them. But guess what? Through my own hard work and perseverance, I made it, and the fact Madison felt the need to shortchange me was so uncalled for.
(ARIA folds her arms across her chest, knowing that the tone of her voice has changed a bit. There’s some emotion there, and understandably so. She’s gone through a lot in her career, not just in EAW, and there have been so many odds for her to overcome.)
ARIA: I don’t mean to sound super upset or anything like that, but she really made me mad back at Fighting Spirit.
(Molly gives ARIA a sympathetic smile.)
Molly Waters: It’s alright, ARIA. It seemed as if one of Madison’s biggest problems was the fact you were facing Dr. Bethany Blue and she wasn’t. Is that fair to say?
ARIA: I guess so, but like I told Madison, Dr. Blue is a fighting champion. Not to speak for her, but I am sure Dr. Blue wouldn’t have had any issues with the match becoming a Triple Threat or whatever. I know she would have faced both of us, but instead of accepting a simple solution, Madison had to go and make things personal. She doesn’t have to like me, or anyone else from what she deems to be this generation of Elitists, but none of us are going anywhere. We are here to live our dream, just like she’s still able to do, and there’s room for everyone. I can’t relate to Madison feeling like a disrespected veteran, but respect has to be earned. While I can appreciate what she’s done in the past and what she’s striving to do now, she crossed a line with me and I don’t respect that. Madison Kaline is not a good person and that’s why I knocked her to the ground.
ARIA: I know that was a bit out of character for me, but she pushed all the right buttons. I am not proud of my actions, but at the same time, I don’t regret them either. Does that make sense? Madison has had a lot of opportunities this season to capture the world championship she is so desperately seeking to prove that she can still hang with all of us. She faced Sienna Jade for the Universal Women’s Championship. She even got a chance to face Andre Walker for both of the titles he held at the time. No one has taken anything from Madison, and it’s very frustrating that she doesn’t seem to understand that. I can only speak for myself, but I saw an opportunity for myself at Fighting Spirit and I decided to take it. The match might not have gone my way, but I don’t really regret stepping up to the plate despite the way things ended. Dr. Blue was better than me, and that’s something I will accept, learn from, and grow as a result. That’s how it works, right?
Molly Waters: It should work that way, yes.
ARIA: Well, I don’t think Madison ever got that memo. Her archaic views are what’s holding her back, in my opinion, and not any single group of Elitists. Everyone here has to learn to grow and adapt, and you can’t just stay stuck in the past. It’s not my fault Madison has a chip on her shoulder because up until Fighting Spirit our paths hadn’t really crossed. Now it seems like I have a situation that I need to deal with when it comes to her because we both know she’s not going to take what I did to her lightly.
(Molly nods her head knowing that ARIA is exactly right.)
Molly Waters: That leads me to my next question. Did you watch Dynasty this week?
(ARIA grins.)
ARIA: Of course I did.
Molly Waters: So you are aware that Madison extended an open invitation to you to meet her next week, right?
ARIA: I am aware and I am very weary about that. It doesn’t really seem like Madison is being sincere when she says she wants to hash things out with me and get us on the same page. I’m sorry, but that’s just not the reputation she has. Madison is very ruthless and very unforgiving, and honestly, I just don’t think her intentions are good when it comes to inviting me to Dynasty. If she just wanted to have a conversation, she could have invited me out to coffee or something, you know? That’s what normal people do when they want to talk about stuff. Then again, Madison isn’t normal. She’s an interesting person when it comes to her words and her actions, and I won’t lie. A teeny, tiny part of me wants to give her the benefit of the doubt. She definitely wasn’t at Fighting Spirit to give me advice, despite what she said on Dynasty, but maybe she knows she’s in the wrong and doesn’t really know how to admit that.
Molly Waters: Do you think Madison wants to apologize to you?
(Unable to help herself, ARIA lets out a little laugh.)
ARIA: I definitely don’t think that, but either way, I am accepting her invitation to meet her in the ring at Dynasty. I will be happy to hear what Madison has to say and maybe she will surprise me. I refuse to believe that she is nothing but doom and gloom. There’s good inside of everyone, and I really do believe that. Madison’s approach to me wasn’t kind or beneficial to me at all, but who knows? Stranger things have happened around here, Molly, and if the two of us can actually have a legitimate conversation about things, maybe Madison will see that she’s wrong about me and all the other up and coming Elitists. We all want what Madison has, which is Hall of Fame status. We want to hold championships and compete in the big time matches. At least I know I do. That’s why I am going to grind and not let anything or anyone keep me from accomplishing my dreams. I am happy to explain this to Madison and open her eyes to how it’s a good thing that EAW is so competitive. All of us are here to push each other and get better as a result. I have no problem listening to those who have been here for a while, but Madison didn’t come at me with pure intentions. She wanted to get in my head and I let her, and that’s unfortunate. But it’s a new day, Molly. Fighting Spirit has come and gone, and now we move. It’s Pain for Pride season. I’m going to hear Madison out and then I am going to look for my own path towards Pain for Pride.
Molly Waters: You sound optimistic about heading to Dynasty next week.
ARIA: Cautiously optimistic, Molly. I have an open heart and an open mind, but I also know that this could very well end up being a trap. I would like to think that is some sincerity somewhere inside of Madison, but either way, I guess I will find out.
(Molly nods her head.)
Molly Waters: I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me, ARIA. Good luck against Theron later on tonight.
ARIA: Thank you, Molly, and please, stay alive.
(ARIA waves at the camera again and heads off, while the shot once again focuses in on Molly Waters.)
Molly Waters: There you have it, EAW Universe. Next week on Dynasty, ARIA will meet Madison Kaline inside the ring to talk about what happened between them back at Fighting Spirit. Back to you guys at ringside!
(As Molly signs off, the scene fades from the backstage area and returns to the ringside area.)
( “What’s Up Danger” by Blackway & Black Caviar plays as the crowd gives a mixed reaction. Korey comes out with a confident look on his face, and his music is replaced with “Run” by Zeal & Ardor. Mercer McKay walks out next and he isn’t too pleased to team up with Korey Gaines. Track 11 : 狂気の蛇眼 (Snake Eyes Of Madness) plays after this, and James Ranger follows the two.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING IS A SIX PERSON TAG TEAM MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST THE TEAM OF KOREY GAINES, JAMES RANGER, AND MERCER MCKAY!
James Peters: Well this should be quite the team considering you have Mercer McKay on it. He’s been on an interesting run, though I’m not sure how he’ll work with his partners tonight.
Rich Russillo: Well we’ll just have to find that out, won’t we? After all, this isn’t the only team of unlikely partners here.
(“Physical” by Shershen & Saristkaya plays as Madison Hansen struts out onto the stage. ‘The Rapture (but it’s pink)’ by Scene Queen & Mothica follows, and Rory Slate walks out, not waiting around for her partners as she walks to the ring. ‘KARATE’ by BABYMETAL follows, and Kasai walks out to cheers from the crowd. All three Elitists walk down the ramp and towards the ring, prepared for this match.)
Bella Braxton: AND THEIR OPPONENTS…THE TEAM OF MADISON HANSEN, RORY SLATE, AND KASAI!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Another interesting team, you would have to wonder if the inexperience could end up costing them or help them in the end. This should definitely be a fun one.
Rex McAllister: Agreed. I don’t know how well either of these teams will work, but sometimes that’s the fun of all this.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Rich Russillo: It looks like Madison and Korey are going to start it off – But Mercer tags himself in and is telling Korey to get on the apron because he wants to start it out. Korey and Mercer are arguing before the referee forces Korey to get on the apron, but he isn’t pleased about it.
Rex McAllister: So it looks like Mercer it is as he and Madison circle the ring and then step up to lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up! Mercer easily manages to overpower her and backs her up into the corner, and then delivers several body shots to the ribs and driving his elbow right into her face! Mercer then runs to the opposite corner before running full speed at her – BUT NOBODY HOME AS MADISON MOVES AT THE LAST SECOND! Madison immediately delivers a chop block to the back of Mercer’s leg dropping him to his knees before running off the ropes and delivers a shining wizard to the back of the head! Madison turns Mercer over before going for the first cover of this match!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
James Peters: AND WHOA!!! Mercer just powered out of it as Madison tries to go right back on the attack hammering away at his back and back of his neck…BUT MERCER SHOVES MADISON BACK INTO HER OWN CORNER!
*TAG!*
Persephone: Rory tags herself in which is pretty freaking dumb if you ask me.
Rex McAllister: I think it shows a lot of guts.
Persephone: OMG ME TOO!!! 🥰
Rich Russillo: :usure: But anyways, Rory comes in and charges at Mercer…but he grabs her by the throat, but she manages to chop down his arm and delivers a dropkick to his right kneecap…before she delivers a enziguri kick to the side of the head that drives Mercer back into his corner.
*TAG!*
Rich Russillo: Korey just tagged himself in and Mercer isn’t pleased about it. The two are exchanging words – BEFORE RORY COMES IN AND DELIVERS A RUNNING DROPKICK TAKING KOREY DOWN! Rory looks to take advantage here picking Korey up…AND SHE HOOKS THE ARM AND GOES FOR “GTFO” EARLY!!! BUT KOREY SPINS OUT OF IT AND DELIVERS A STEP UP KNEE ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE! And now…KOREY RUNS AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE DELIVERING A TORNADO DDT SPIKING RORY’S HEAD INTO THE MAT! Korey doesn’t go for the cover though, instead shaking the cobwebs out and measures Rory up from behind while keeping an eye on her partners in the corner! Now Korey makes his way over to the corner and ascends up the top rope….AND GOES FOR A FROG SPLASH BUT NOBODY IS HOME AS RORY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!
Rex McAllister: Rory now tries to make her way over to the corner to tag out but Korey grabs ahold of her foot and drags her back to the middle of the ring before picking her up, AND THEN RORY PUSHES KOREY AWAY BEFORE KOREY RUNS AT HER BUT SHE COUNTERS INTO A INSIDE CRADLE PIN!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!
James Peters: AND KOREY KICKS OUT!! Both of them race back up to their feet and then Korey leapfrogs over Rory as she runs off the top rope, then slides under his legs and makes the tag to Kasai!
*TAG!*
James Peters: Kasai is in and takes Korey down with a running dropkick! Another one! Kasai then runs off the ropes and takes Korey down with a hurricanrana transitioning into am armbar pulling his arm! James and Mercer are on the apron looking a bit worried as James tries to encourage Korey to find a way out of this! Korey is trying to use his free hand to reach the ropes but he ain’t close yet! But LOOK!! KOREY FLIPS THE PRESSURE MOUNTING OVER KASAI DRIVING HIS FOREARM REPEATEDLY INTO HER FACE WHICH CAUSES HER TO LET GO OF HIS ARM! Korey now tries to make his way over to the corner…but Kasai isn’t letting it happen, jumping on the back of Korey and elbows him in the back of the head!
Persephone: Smart because you wanna avoid Mercer at all costs as Kasai picks him up from the front and picks him up going for a suplex, but Korey lands on his feet behind her and pushes her forward to the corner and tries to roll her up – BUT SHE HELD ON AS KOREY ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET AND CHARGES AT HER BUT SHE STOPS HIM IN HIS TRACKS WITH AN ELBOW TO THE FACE! AND THEN SHE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE AND DELIVERS A CROSSBODY ON TOP OF KOREY!!
RIch Russillo: All the momentum looks to be on Kasai’s side as she measures Korey up before turning him around and places him between the legs….BUT KOREY COUNTERS WITH A BACK BODY DROP!! This might be Korey’s best chance to make a tag now as he crawls over to his corner – BUT KASAI TRIES TO STOP IT BY GRABBING HIS FOOT! Korey now stands on one foot…AND DELIVERS AN ENZIGURI TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BEFORE JUMPING OVER AND MAKING THE TAG!!
*TAG!*
Rex McAllister: HE TAGS IN JAMES RANGER WHO IS COMING IN FRESH AS HE DELIVERS A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE TO KOREY! James then runs over and takes down Mafison and Rory off the apron before turning his attention back to Kasai who turns around – AND JAMES DELIVERS HIS “SUNSET FINISH” NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! AND JAMES FOLLOWS IT UP WITH THE COVER FOR THE WIN!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: KASAI KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND! James now looks to go right back on the attack as he picks her up…but Kasai is trying her best to fight back with shots to his ribs…AND THEN DELIVERS AN UPPERCUT DRIVING JAMES INTO HER CORNER…AND KASAI RUNS AND DELIVERS A SPLASH IN THE CORNER, AND THEN TAGS MADISON IN!
*TAG!*
James Peters: Madison climbs up to the top turnbuckle as Kasai holds him by the arm…AND MADISON DELIVERS THE CROSSBODY IN A DOUBLE TEAM EFFORT FROM KASAI AND MADISON! Madison feels the momentum on her side as she runs and delivers a running dropkick to the side of Korey’s face, and Madison looks like she is ready to put this one away as Korey stumbles back to his feet and turns to face her – AND MADISON DELIVERS THE SUPERKICK BEFORE DROPPING DOWN AND LOCKS IN “MONEY TALKS!!!” THE CODE OF SILENCE SUBMISSION IS IN AS JAMES IS IN A DANGEROUS SPOT! MERCER IS SCREAMING AT HIM NOT TO TAP! BUT IT LOOKS LIKE HE IS ABOUT TO –
Persephone: MERCER COMES IN AND BREAKS IT UP BY STOMPING ON MADISON! Rory and Kasai aren’t happy about it on the apron as the referee backs Mercer back into his own corner! Mercer felt he had no choice and I don’t really blame him.
Rich Russillo: Were back at square one now as Madison looks back at Mercer and drops down trying to lock “Money Talks” in once more – BUT JAMES ESCAPES IT AS THEY BOTH RACE UP TO THEIR FEET AND THEN JAMES CATCHES HER WITH A SUPERKICK OUT OF LITERALLY NOWHERE! Mercer is holding his hand out begging for the tag as James begins to crawl over while Madison turns over and tries to make it over to her corner for the tag….AND SHE GETS THERE!
*TAG!*
Rex McAllister: RORY IS TAGGED IN AND RUNS AND GRABS JAMES BY THE FOOT PREVENTING HIM FROM MAKING THE TAG! BUT JAMES USES HIS FEET AND PUSHES RORY BACK BEFORE LEAPING OVER AND TAGGING MERCER BACK IN THE MATCH!!
*TAG!*
James Peters: UH OH! Mercer is back in and he runs and takes Rory out with a big boot! AND MERCER RUNS AND KNOCKS BOTH MADISON AND KASAI OFF THE APRON BEFORE TURNING AROUND…AND RORY CHARGES AT HIM BUT HE POPS HER HIGH UP IN THE AIR…”EMPTY PRAYERS!!!!” THE POP UP BACK ELBOW STRIKE FROM MERCER AS HE DROPS DOWN ON RORY AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE WIN!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!
Rich Russillo: RORY GETS HER SHOULDER UP KEEPING HER TEAM ALIVE!! Mercer now wastes no time in getting her up and then picks her up in a running powerslam position – BUT RORY SLIPS OUT FROM BEHIND AND HOPS ON THE BACK OF MERCER AND APPLIES A SLEEPER HOLD!! Rory had to think fast and now she has him in a sleeper as Mercer drops down to a knee…but not for long as he gets back to a vertical base and flips Rory forward onto her back!!
Rex McAllister: Rory tries reaching out for a tag…but Mercer grabs her by the hair stopping her and then drags her to the center of the ring then picking her up and locks her in a bearbug! Mercer is squeezing the life out of her swinging her from side to side as Rory is struggling trying to find a way out of this! Madison and Kasai are trying their best to root her on…and she shows done signs of life elbowing Mercer on the top of his head – AND HE LOOSENS THE GRIP ENOUGH FOR RORY TO WIGGLE FREE AND KICK THE ROPES OUT DELIVERING A TORNADO DDT!! RORY QUICKLY JUMPS UP AND TAGS KASAI INTO THE MATCH!
*TAG!*
James Peters: KASAI QUICKLY ASCENDS UP THE TOP ROPE NEXT TO HER – AND LAUNCHES HERSELF AND GOES FOR A FROG SPLASH….AND IT CONNECTS!! KASAI DOESN’T STOP THERE AND INSTEAD OF PINNING TRANSITIONS INTO HER CROSSFACE SUBMISSION!!! KASAI GAS HER CROSSFACE LOCKED IN AFTER HITTING A FROG SPLASH AND MERVER MIGHT BE IN SOME REAL TROUBLE HERE –
Persephone: KOREY SLIDES BACK IN THE RING AND BREAKS IT UP DROPPING DOWN ON KASAI!! MADISON RUNS IN THE RING AND CLOTHESLINES BOTH HER AND KOREY OVER THE TOP ROPE! Korey got the job done as the crossface is broken up though. Kasai holds her head and tries to lock it in again ….BUT MERCER HOLDS HIS HEAD DOWN PREVENTING IT FROM HAPPENING Kasai eventually gives up as Mercer uses the ropes to hold himself up….AND KASAI PLACES HIM BETWEEN THE LEGS! WHAT IN THE ABSOLUTE WORLD DOES SHE HAVE IN MIND?
Rich Russillo: Looks like we’ll never know as Mercer counters by backing her up into the corner!
*TAG!*
James Peters: Rory just tagged herself in and Mercer is unaware of it driving his shoulder into the midsection of Kasai! Mercer now steps back a few feet – BUT IN COMES A FLYING RORY WHO SPRINGBOARDS OFF OF THE SECOND ROPE TAKING MERCER DOWN WITH A DROPKICK!! Rory looks to take full advantage here as Mercer pulls himself up in the corner..AND RORY DELIVERS A RUNNING FOREARM SHOT IN THE CORNER BEFORE FOLLOWING IT UP WITH A RUNNING BULLDOG TO THE CENTER OF THE RING!! And now Rory looks like she’s setting up Mercer looking to finish him off, AND RORY GOES FOR HER “GTFO” DOUBLE ARM HOOK DDT….BUT MERCER PICKS HER UP AND DELIVERS A SAMOAN DROP! Mercer and Rory both try to make it over to their respective corners to make the tag!
*DOUBLE TAG!*
Rich Russillo: KOREY AND KASAI ARE BOTH BACK IN THE MATCH AS KASAI SWINGS AT HIS HEAD, BUT KOREY DUCKS AND RUNS SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE SECOND ROPE TAKING KASAI DOWN WITH A CROSSBODY! Korey feels all the momentum clearly on his side as Kasai turns to face him – KOREY DELIVERS HIS “DETONATION KICK!!!”!! THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK DROPS KASAI AS KOREY FALLS DOWN ON TOP FOR THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Rex McAllister: KICKOUT BY KASAI!! Man what a match this has been with action everywhere left and right.
Persephone: Yes I agree!!
Rich Russillo: Now what does Korey do here? Korey immediately eyes the top rope and rolls under the bottom rope and ascends up the top turnbuckle….KOREY GOES FOR HIS “OKIE SPLASH”!!! BUT KASAI MOVES OUT OF THE WAY JUST BARELY WITH A HALF SECOND TO SPARE! Kasai pulls himself up to her feet and sees Korey stirring, AND SHE RUNS UP BEHIND HIM AND ROLLS HIM UP FROM BEHIND!!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE l!!!
James Peters: DID SHE GET HIM?! The referee says no as they both race up to their feet again and then run into each other delivering a double clothesline! You can just tell James and Mercer are itching to get back into this match as Korey makes his way over there, but Kasai isn’t letting it happen…AND OH!! KASAI PULLS HIM BY THE ARM BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AND THEN HAS A CROSS ARMBAR LOCKED IN AND KOREY IS ALMOST IN A PANIC ON WHAT TO DO TO STAY ALIVE! IS KOREY GAINES GOING TO TAP OUT HERE?!
Rich Russillo: Korey is trying his absolute best to make it to the bottom rope and he’s almost there – AND HE REACHES OUT AND GRASPS IT FORCING THE BREAK! Kasai now quickly let’s go and drags him back to the center of the ring…AND THIS TIME SHE TRIES GOING FOR THE CROSSFACE…BUT KOREY FIGHTS OUT OF IT DELIVERING SEVERAL BACKHANDED ELBOW STRIKES TO THE FACE! Kasai back up a few feet as Korey crawls to a corner, AND HERE COMES KASAI WITH A FULL HEAD OF STEAM – BUT KOREY COUNTERS WITH A DROP TOE HOLD AS KASAI LANDS FACE FIRST ON THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE!! This might be Korey’s window to make the tag!!
*TAG!*
Rex McAllister: AND KOREY LEAPS OVER AND MAKES THE TAG TO MERCER ONCE MORE AND HE SEES KASAI IN A VULNERABLE POSITION IN THE CORNER…AND HE RUNS AND DELIVERS A RUNNING BIG BOOT RIGHT TO THE FACE!!! HE CALLS THAT “BURNING FLOSION!!!” Mercer can feel that the end is near as he has Kasai in a vulnerable position here…AND MERCER FOLLOWS IT UP AND DELIVERS “INTERNAL BOMB!!!” THE GONZO BOMB CONNECTS AS MERCER FLIPS HER OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG! YOU CAN COUNT TO 100!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!
Rich Russillo: MADISON IS BACK IN AND BREAKS UP THE COVER JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME!!! Madison gets out of dodge before Mercer could get his hands on her – AND IS MET WITH A SUPERKICK FROM JAMES RANGER!!! Chaos ensuing between all of them as back in the ring, an annoyed Mercer looks to finish Kasai off as Rory is trying to encourage her to the best of her abilities to get back in the fight and make the tag!
James Peters: Kasai seems almost motionless at this point as Mercer picks her up by the head…but wait there still might be some life as she delivers several right hand shots to the ribs, but Mercer hammers away at her back putting a stop to it quickly! That isn’t stopping Kasai though as…KASAI JUST DELIVERED A VICIOUS HIGH KNEE ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE..AND THEN DROPS MERCER WITH A SUPERKICK!! RORY IS ALMOST BEGGING FOR THE TAG AT THIS POINT AS KASAI IS INCHING HER WAY CLOSER AND CLOSER TO HER CORNER…WILL SHE MAKE IT?!
Rex McAllister: LOOK!! NOW IT’S KOREY WHO PULLS RORY OFF THE APRON AND SLAMS HER FACE FIRST ON THE EDGE OF THE RING APRON! BUT OH MY, RORY IS FIGHTING BACK AS THEY ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH EACH OTHER ON THE OUTSIDE!! Meanwhile in the inside, an exhausted Kasai is looking for the tag but there’s nobody to tag in…AND MERCER IS BACK UP AND DELIVERS A SPLASH IN THE CORNER TO KASAI’S BACK, AND HE NOW PICKS HER UP FOR A RUNNING POWERSLAM, BUT SHE SLIPS OUT AND ROLLS HIM UP FROM BEHIND!!! WHAT AN UPSET THIS WOULD BE!!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Persephone: MERCER KICKED OUT OF IT!!! The more fresh Mercer beats her back up to get feet and runs looking to drive the knee into the side of Kasai’s head, but she sidesteps it at the last second before taking down Mercer with a jumping neckbreaker from behind! Both of them are down again….AND THERE’S NOBODY TO TAG AS THEY’RE ALL BRAWLING ON THE OUTSIDE!! :lupe:
James Peters: It’s a race to their feet again, and both of them are exchanging blows with the other back and forth…BUT LOOK OUT!! RORY AND KOREY HAVE TAKEN THEIR FIGHT INSIDE THE RING, AND UH OH!! MADISON AND JAMES ARE GOING AT IT BEFORE THEY MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE RING! THE REFEREE IS TRYING HIS BEST TO RESTORE ORDER AND GET EVERYBODY BACK TO THEIR CORNERS, BUT LITERALLY ALL SIX COMPETITORS ARE FIGHTING IN THE RING AT THE SAME TIME!!
Rich Russillo: AND THE REFEREE HAS LOST ALL CONTROL AND OH NO!!! THE REFEREE SIGNALS FOR THE BELL THROWING THIS MATCH AWAY BECAUSE OF ALL THE CHAOS!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: The crowd here sure doesn’t like it but the referee has thrown this match away and he quickly gets out of dodge as the chaos is getting worse in the ring.
Rich Russillo: ON ONE SIDE OF THE RING KOREY DRILLS MADISON WITH A SUPERKICK AS SHE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING….AND MERCER GORILLA PRESSES RORY OVER HIS HEAD AND THROWS HER TO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!! The other side of the ring James and Kasai are going at it…AND KASAI GETS THE UPPER HAND ON HIM AND DELIVERS THE REVERSE CUTTER RIDDING OF JAMES RANGER!!!
Rex McAllister: It’s a shame we didn’t get to see how this match ended, but action was left and right as a lot of chaos ensued with Mercer, Korey, and Kasai all standing tall in the end.
(The three remaining Elitists all have a staredown with each other inside of the ring as Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, in theaters now!)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades in to show the backstage area, with the shot focusing on Captain Charisma’s office. The Voltage Commissioner was occupied on his computer while drinking his cup of coffee, of course, making sure this time he didn’t try to do what he did the other time by just sticking it down to the desk with glue. Turns out, it wasn’t really a good idea to do that kind of thing so it was better to just go back with the original plan and try his best to be careful not to spill it. Right now he was waiting on a few people to enter his office since he had something planned to announce to them. The first person that entered the office was none other than Korey Gaines, he quickly opened up the door and popped his head in with a confident grin on his face.)
Korey Gaines: Hey, hey boss-man, how are you doing?
Captain Charisma: Good to see you Korey, come on in.
(Korey quickly entered and closed the door behind himself, as he quickly approached Captain Charisma and raised up his hand seemingly for a high five, Captain Charisma stared at it for a few seconds before he slowly moved his arm and he ended up giving Korey his high five.)
Korey Gaines: So, what do you got for me?
Captain Charisma: Wow, wow, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves yet, there are still two other people who have to arrive before I let you know what I have in store for you.
Korey Gaines: Alright, that’s understandable then boss-man. Believe me, anything that you give me? I’ll gladly take it and make gold out of it, it always hypes me up being so close to Pain for Pride season, and honestly? There is nothing in the world that can shut my hopes and excitement down-
(And just like that, Korey’s hopes and excitement were shut down as the door slowly opened and the second person turned out to be Mercer McKay, oh yeah, things were going to get incredibly ugly. Korey slowly turned around and his smile quickly disappeared into an annoyed expression, and Mercer, as soon as he saw Korey, his expression turned into anger.)
Captain Charisma: Alright, gentlemen, please be civil. Mercer, it is good to see you as well, just…don’t try and put someone through the desk like last time either.
Mercer McKay: No promises.
(Mercer shut down the door behind him as hard as he could as the two of them took a few steps forward and stared right at each other without any sense of respect in their eyes for each other, you could feel the tension between them could be cut with a knife.)
Korey Gaines: Somehow, someway, we just end up crossing on the same path no matter what happens.
Mercer McKay: And I am starting to hate that fact with every passing second of the day, it was annoying enough having to fight you the first time, but you always end up somehow stuck to me in every step of my journey, the Grand Rampage, the Ultimate Opportunity match, you interrupting my interview, having to team with you earlier in tonight, and here you are again. I am genuinely growing tired and sick of it, but after all of this time, I sadly have to admit something, you never stay down no matter how many times you are squashed.
Korey Gaines: Good to know you can say that big man, and I will continue to get up as many times as the Earth rotates on its sphere. That means plenty of times if your big head doesn’t get it, because even though I don’t know yet the news that Captain Charisma will give to us, I just know the two of us are going to be involved on it, and this time, I am not going to let you take away my spot anymore. I am going to succeed over you, Mercer.
Mercer McKay: How many times do you lie to yourself in a day so you can sleep peacefully in your bed? You are never going to conquer me, Korey, you are never going to succeed over me and you are still going to be stuck in the same spot you have been in ever since you came back. Somehow, someway, you always end up getting stuck to me and it has reached the point I begin seething every time I see your face. I hate you.
Korey Gaines: And I hate you more, man.
Korey and Mercer: https://tenor.com/view/the-rock-dwayne-johnson-stone-cold-steve-austin-staredown-faceoff-gif-16430482
???: What the hell are you two doing? Are you going to kiss?
(The mood in the room suddenly flipped on its head as Korey and Mercer quickly turned over to the door and the last person entered, it was the newcomer called Kasai. She adjusted her hair as she slowly got into the office and quickly crossed her arms, confused at what she ended up walking into.)
Captain Charisma: And finally, everyone is here, it is good to see you too, Kasai.
Korey Gaines: Hey! You ruined the whole vibe! We were having a moment of lifelong enemies staring at each other with hate and disdain!
Kasai: Looked more like a romantic moment to me, to be honest.
Korey Gaines: Pfft, you are just jealous you can’t get a piece of this, gurl-
Kasai: I like women, Korey Gaines.
Korey Gaines: Ok, never mind, I respect your decision.
Mercer McKay: Pathetic, you can’t even flirt with women right.
Korey Gaines: Shut up man-
Captain Charisma: Alright, alright, let’s all calm down and take a deep breath, I know we are so close to Pain for Pride and tensions are growing very high, but I am not going to let the wrestlers on my brand start going at each other’s throat all willy nilly like that. We are all adults here, so let’s calm ourselves down and hold back, especially when I have asked all of you to come here for another reason entirely, so please listen to me here. I have been watching your match in my office and I must say I am impressed by the performance of all of you. Korey trying his best to not be left behind by his other peers, Mercer showing his aggression and power to succeed, and Kasai showing her prowess and experience coming down from a family experienced in wrestling, all of you were looking for an opportunity to prove yourselves in that match and I thought all of you did fantastic, so in exchange for your hard work, I want to give all of you an opportunity to compete at Pain for Pride.
(The attention of the three is quickly caught by Captain Charisma as he waits a bit before he announces their opportunity.)
Captain Charisma: Korey Gaines, Mercer McKay, and Kasai, I want all of you to be in the 24/7 Battle Royal as Voltage Representatives!
(The three are definitely excited when hearing that announcement. Mercer and Kasai really didn’t show it much in their expression but they were definitely happy, and obviously, Korey had a big smile on his face after hearing that news.)
Captain Charisma: Every year, the 24/7 Battle Royal takes place for a chance to win the 24/7 Contract, a contract that gives you the chance to cash in an opportunity at a title match anytime, anywhere. This kind of opportunity has given many former champions the chance to establish themselves because of that contract, and even record-breaking title reigns as Donovan Duke’s National Elite title reign started because of that 24/7 Contract cash in. This contract can give anybody a chance to shoot themselves right into championship gold, into finally being able to be called a champion by all of your peers and your fans, that is what makes Pain for Pride so exciting, having to go out there and fight to be recognized.
(The three stood there in silence before Kasai slowly spoke up.)
Kasai: Thank you for the opportunity, Captain Charisma.
(She adjusted her jacket and turned around to leave through the door.)
Korey Gaines: What a weird person, am I right, Mercer?
(Mercer just gives Korey a glare and ignores him, walking away to leave the office as well.)
Korey Gaines: Oh welp, thanks a lot boss-man!
(And then Korey quickly followed suit as well.)
Captain Charisma: Good luck then!
(Captain Charisma let out a sigh as they all left and he was just going to get back to work before all of a sudden, he heard another voice.)
???: Captain Charisma?
(It was then that one other person entered the office, Ayu Megumi. She slowly closed the door behind her and she stared at Captain Charisma with a serious expression on her face.)
Captain Charisma: Hey there Ayu, how can I help you-
(It was then that Captain Charisma quickly realized from Ayu’s expression, she seemed there was something on her mind that she needed to let out no matter what and there was nothing that could stop her from talking about it.)
Ayu Megumi: I really couldn’t keep myself from eavesdropping on your conversation, I am very sorry for doing that, but after hearing how you gave those three a chance to be in the 24/7 Battle Royal, I just can’t stand away in the corner looking down at the ground with my arms crossed…I want in on the 24/7 Battle Royal.
(Captain Charisma’s eyes widened slightly as he heard Ayu say that, but he wasn’t really surprised about her wanting that kind of opportunity so he sat there in silence and let Ayu speak up.)
Ayu Megumi: Honestly, all season long, I have been an Ice Ace, and I will forever be an Ice Ace, but I want the opportunity to keep trying to prove myself on my own and the 24/7 Battle Royal would be the chance of me being able to do that. After everything that I have gone through this season, after what I saw with ARIA being able to win the Specialists Championship, after the decision that I and Usagi had to take, I don’t know. After the time that I have been here in EAW, I don’t want to keep being treated the way I have been this entire time. I want to do something. I want to achieve something that I am able to be proud of and look back on. I don’t want to keep being considered the weak link in the Ice Aces. I want to succeed Captain, and with Pain for Pride coming up, I think I finally have that chance to prove myself. I want Pain for Pride to be about Ayu Megumi, and I want that contract to be able to make that come true, so please Captain Charisma, please give me this chance to prove myself!
(Captain Charisma stays silent for a moment and begins to ponder on his decision. After hearing what Ayu has had to say a smile appears on his face as he quickly speaks up.)
Captain Charisma: You know what, Ayu? After hearing what you had to say right now and hearing your passion, I know that I can trust you to make those words come true and give it your all, so I would be happy to announce that you are in the 24/7 Battle Royal as well!
(Ayu let out a small sigh of relief as she heard that and a smile appeared on her face, as she felt a lot better now hearing Captain Charisma’s response.)
Ayu Megumi: Thank you so much, Captain Charisma, I promise then I won’t let you or anybody else down, not this time.
(Captain Charisma nods in approval and Ayu quickly turns around to leave his office as well, feeling happy and proud of herself after being able to get in the 24/7 Battle Royal. She will do her damn best to not fail this time. And just as she left, Voltage faded away from Captain Charisma’s office.)
(Voltage fades to a room backstage, where Sofia Clarke is seen seated with a microphone in her hand. She has a smile on her face as she stares directly at the camera, and after a few seconds she begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I’ve been given the opportunity to host a special sit down interview with the man who’ll be facing Limmy Monaghan for the World Heavyweight Championship at Pain for Pride. Please welcome the former EAW World Champion, Myles!
(The camera cuts to Myles, seated in his own chair as Sofia continues.)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for joining me here tonight, Myles. We know that you’ve had a very eventful past few weeks, and my first question is actually about that. At Fighting Spirit you lost the EAW World Championship, though it was in controversial fashion thanks to the involvement of Methuselah. What are your thoughts on what went down that night?
Myles: Some might say it was karma. Some might say it was what I deserved. Maybe they’re right. Maybe this is just a consequence for the lengths I went to in order to win this championship. Maybe, but it still doesn’t change the fact that any champion deserves better than to lose their title in such a cheap way. I would never be happy with a loss to Drake King of all people, championship or not, but at the very least if I had lost in a definitive fashion, there could’ve been a lesson for me to derive from that experience. There could’ve been a greater sense of accountability for me to hold. But this? There’s no honor in this. There’s no respect for me to give in the way Drake won my championship. People can have whatever opinions they want about Drake’s decision to stand up to Methuselah afterwards and they can commend him for that act, but to me, all I saw in that ring were two undeserving pieces of scum who stole what was mine.
Sofia Clarke: You have history with both Methuselah and Drake King. Did part of you ever expect things to play out the way they did in that match?
Myles: In retrospect, I should have. I should have expected someone like Methuselah to do what he did, but I gave him the benefit of doubt. I thought that handing Drake a free World Championship shot would’ve been enough hand-holding to satisfy our chairman. I thought it would be enough for him to simply sit back and watch, but it obviously seems as though that wasn’t the case. It seems that he either didn’t have as much confidence in Drake as I initially thought, or he had an overwhelming amount of confidence in my own ability. Because why else would he have done what he did? If he didn’t think I had what it takes to claim victory that night, he wouldn’t have gotten involved, so as much as Methuselah might like to say that the situation surrounding Drake is ‘bigger than me’, his actions that night contradict the very same notion. Those actions are an acknowledgement of the talent I hold, they are an acknowledgement of the fact that in that very moment, the entire world and even Methuselah himself knew that I was destined for victory. So Drake King may have exited the arena with an extra championship to his name, but by the end of it all everybody had no choice but to recognize that only one man deserved to call himself a righteous EAW World Champion that night, and that man was me.
Sofia Clarke: Now that it’s all over, are you proud of everything you accomplished in your second World Championship reign?
Myles: Proud? Sure. For a while I wasn’t all that happy with this reign, but looking back there’s definitely things to be appreciated about what I did in these past few months. From an exceptional victory over Daryl Kinkade to an inadvertent acknowledgement of expertise from someone like Methuselah, I think there’s definitely been a level of progress I’ve achieved through this reign. And more than just progress on a surface level. To me, I think what’s most important was that this reign genuinely helped me improve mentally and although I don’t think that journey is done just yet considering what happened at Fighting Spirit, there were still important steps towards fulfillment that this title allowed me to make. So all in all, am I proud? Sure. But am I satisfied? No. There is still much more for me to do.
Sofia Clarke: You definitely didn’t have an easy road to your second World Championship, and part of that was facing your own fiance. How are things between you and Minerva these days?
Myles: Well, I don’t get to talk to her as much considering we’re not living together at the moment and the circumstances are still a bit difficult between us, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the amount of love I have for her never left. It’s always been here and it always will, and I hope she knows that. I hope she is beginning to see how I’ve used these past few months to ensure that I never go down that path again, and more than anything else, I hope that things can go back to normal soon. But until they do, I guess it’s up to me to keep proving to her that I’m worthy of her trust. That’s all there is to say about that.
Sofia Clarke: Do you regret anything that happened between you and Minerva back at King of Elite, or was that match necessary in order for you to reach this stage in your career?
Myles: …Did you not hear me correctly? Besides, I don’t really respect the nature of that question, Sofia. There’s been so many adversaries of mine constantly pulling on those same strings over the past few months, hoping to hear me say something that they can deliberately misconstrue in order to create a further divide between Minerva and I. It’s honestly just annoying at this point. I mean really, do I regret anything? Of course. Of course there’s things for me to regret, and I think I’ve verbalized my remorse enough over these past few months for that to be clear. But you also have to consider that the world isn’t black and white. There’s many things I regret about King of Elite, but I’d be a liar if I claimed that it didn’t have an impact on the trajectory of my career. Whether that impact ends up being ultimately positive or negative, only time will tell. But until then, I am going to keep fighting. I am going to keep moving forward, because that’s the only thing I can do in this situation. Hell, it’s the only thing any of us can do in any situation. Keep moving forward. So if we’re done with this little segment about my personal life, let’s move forward onto something else please.
Sofia Clarke: I understand, and my next question is actually about someone who you’ll be facing very soon. When it comes to your Pain for Pride opponent, Limmy Monaghan is someone you’re no stranger to. Do you believe Limmy has exceeded your past expectations?
Myles: Now this is more like it, Sofia. To answer your question simply, yes, there’s no doubt that Limmy Monaghan has exceeded the expectations of not only myself, but perhaps even the whole world. I mean, this is a guy who had his start in a D-tier tag team as essentially a comedy act. He won his first title in EAW only because I was there to practically hand it to him. He went on to be a part of a dysfunctional faction of, at the time, purely mediocre competitors and even so, most of the world still saw him as a subordinate regardless of his own refusal of such a label. But look at him now. Look at how hard he has fought to establish himself and break the pre-existent notions people had about him. Look at the commendable reign he’s had so far as a World Champion. Look at him exhibit all the bravery, intelligence and aura you’d expect from a person in his position. It’s downright motivational. He’s made himself into a globally renowned inspiration. But all of that will mean nothing when he steps in the ring with me. Whether he’s an inspiration or not, whether he’s vastly improved or not, whether he’s been a fighting champion or not, at the end of the day, one knee to the face makes you forget about all of that. So I have nothing but respect for Limmy Monaghan and I have no doubt that we will absolutely live up to the moniker of ‘dream match’, but don’t get it twisted. Just cause he has exceeded expectations, doesn’t mean he has what it takes to exceed me.
Sofia Clarke: You may have been cost the opportunity to compete in Pain for Pride’s EAW World Championship match, but you didn’t miss out on a Pain for Pride main event, as you’ll be walking into your second ever. Does that excite you at all, or is becoming a three time World Champion your main concern?
Myles: The main event of Pain for Pride does actually mean something to me. I am a man who has great confidence in his own ability and more importantly, I have respect for those abilities. I respect myself for the caliber of talent that I am, and because of that I won’t act like I deserve anything less than the very best. And a Pain for Pride main event is just that. It’s proof of my talent, and I genuinely do believe that it’s something that I’ve earned this past season. This is the position where I am destined to be, and hell it was the position that I was going to be in anyway had the events of Fighting Spirit not occurred. So I don’t know whether ‘excited’ is the right word considering I’ve been through this experience before and was expecting to be here again anyway before my match with Drake, but I am definitely without a doubt glad that this position wasn’t stolen from me. My championship might have been, but I still have the chance to main event Pain for Pride two years in a row, and best believe, this time around it will not just be a main event, but a main event victory.
Sofia Clarke: Your opponent at Pain for Pride has had a very impressive World Championship reign so far. What do you believe separates you from all of Limmy Monaghan’s previous challengers?
Myles: The fact that they are not me. I mean, Joso, Scott Diamond, Cameron Ella Ava. It’s an impressive resume, there’s no doubt about that. But don’t forget that these are names that have been sharing the Dynasty brand with Limmy and yet they failed at reaching at the very top. Me? It took me about 3 months since my return to reclaim my spot as a champion. Therein lies the difference. These other names are great wrestlers, but I have proved this very season that I can get the job done unlike them. They are great challengers, while I am a great champion. Maybe not formally or technically, but in every other way, I am still on that level. I hope Limmy knows that. I hope he knows that I am no Maxwell, I am no Joso, I am no Cameron Ella Ava and I am no Scott Diamond. I’m better than all of them, and if anybody still doubts that, I encourage you to tune in to Dynasty next week and watch me prove everything that I am saying against perhaps Limmy’s greatest challenger, Scott Diamond himself.
Sofia Clarke: Knowing how the match came to fruition, do you believe people may see you as a charity case in the event that you do defeat Limmy Monaghan?
Myles: Charity case? The only real charity case is Drake King’s World Championship. He got handed the match because he lost at Grand Rampage and then got handed the title itself on top of that. People can perceive my match with Limmy however they want, but they’d be fools to think that it’s not something I deserve. I never lost my World Championship properly. As far as I’m concerned, that means I am still undoubtedly main event material. I don’t see this as a consolation prize, I simply see it as an opportunity to restore the correct order of the world. It’s a chance to return things to the way they are supposed to be, because I am supposed to be at the very top of this brand as we speak, but I’m not because I was screwed out of that position. But I’ll be damned if I sit by and simply accept that. No. I am taking my spot on the throne back, even if it’s in a different kingdom. Best believe, I will bring the World Heavyweight Championship to Voltage, and by doing so, I’ll be ending the season as this brand’s only REAL World Champion.
Sofia Clarke: If we do see you become a three time World Champion at Pain for Pride, what’s next? Do you plan to pick up where you left off, or do you have other goals in mind?
Myles: A bit of both actually. I do plan on resuming my position as a dominant champion, but this next reign of mine will no doubt be different from either of my prior tenures as champions. Because this reign will be one that starts off on a different note than all my previous ones. The first time I won a World Championship, the destruction of New Eden that happened simultaneously was too much of a distraction for me to truly appreciate that victory. Likewise, my second reign of course began at the expense of Minerva’s trust and the stability of my relationship with her. Taking this all into consideration, it’s almost as if although I am a multiple time World Champion, I still have never gotten the chance to fully bask in the glory of a World Championship victory. There has always been something that tainted the moment, something that left a bitter taste in my mouth. But that stops at Pain for Pride. My match against Limmy will mark the first time I genuinely get to genuinely treasure the moment of victory, and it’ll even happen at the biggest event of the year. So Limmy said back on Dynasty that he will use Pain for Pride as an opportunity to give me the proper loss that I deserve, right? Well, I on the other hand will seek to use that night as a chance to give myself the proper VICTORY that I deserve. A victory that doesn’t require me to sacrifice anything. A victory that won’t leave me with a bittersweet feeling. A victory that will once again leave me at the very peak of the mountain.
Sofia Clarke: Well, there’s no doubt that this match will be a show stealer, and with all you’ve already done there’s definitely a great chance you accomplish exactly that. Myles, thank you so much for your time. Good luck against Limmy Monaghan at Pain for Pride!
(Myles nods his head before beginning to take his leave. The camera cuts back to Sofia Clarke with a smile on her face, and finally Voltage begins to fade away from the area and into a commercial break.)
(Voltage fades to a promotional ad for Pain for Pride 16, where Myles faces Limmy Monaghan for the World Heavyweight Championship.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back into the arena as we see Bella Braxton standing at the center of the ring with a microphone in hand, ready to announce the next match!)
Bella Braxton: The following singles match is a contest set for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘DESTINY’ by Saori Yoshida is heard playing through the speakers as the camera goes over to the stage to reveal ARIA beginning to make her way out to the backstage area. She takes the time to hype the crowd up here tonight before proceeding to look over at the ring, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath before then beginning to make her way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… from Chandler, Arizona… weighing in at 110 pounds… ‘THE SACRED DETECTIVE’… ARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Earlier in the night we saw ARIA come out to the ring and address what Madison Kaline had to say for what went down at Fighting Spirit. It’s safe to say she did not take it kindly and established the fact that she wasn’t going to allow herself to be stepped over by other Elitists anymore. The two of them have agreed to confront one another on Dynasty next week and it should definitely be interesting.
Rex McAllister: Madison is one hell of an Elitist make no mistake about it, but she’d be making a huge mistake getting on the bad side of ARIA because if she does then she will not be afraid to give her hell at a moment’s notice. Tonight she steps into the ring looking to make up for a crushing Universal Women’s Championship defeat that happened as well at Fighting Spirit, and with that comes some huge competition in her way.
(‘Show Me Your God’ by The Amity Affliction is heard following that with the crowd responding negatively for Theron Nikolas who is seen slowly beginning to make his way out to the stage. He straightens out the leather jacket that he has on, scanning around the arena with a nonchalant expression on his face. He then begins to head down to the ring from there.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… Edmonton, Alberta, Canada… weighing in at 224 pounds… ‘THE REAPER’… THERON NIKOLAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: As for Theron, he’s had his own issues stemming from an interaction that he had with Showdown’s Chris Elite on the Disney Wish Cruise. He furthered it by coming out to the ring the week after at Fighting Spirit and rubbing Chris’ loss in his face, and I don’t think Kennedy Street did any favors after what she said to Chris on Showdown. It’s safe to say that Fighting Spirit won’t be the last time we see this conflict between the two.
Persephone: And I hope it doesn’t spill onto Voltage, I don’t need this petty disagreement on an already boring show.
Rex McAllister: I think it’s interesting-
Persephone: WE NEED MORE! MORE CHRIS ELITE! MORE THERON NIKOLAS! GIVE ME! GIVE ME! GIVE ME!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: The bell has rung, and this match is officially underway right now. Theron Nikolas and ARIA both make their way out of their respective corners, ready to compete in what is bound to be a hard hitting and competitive match between two of Voltage’s best. They make their way toward the center of the ring, and ARIA knows better than to try and pursue a lockup with Theron as she immediately slips behind him and locks in a waistlock! Theron is taken by surprise but quickly breaks free of the hold and turns around before locking her into a front headlock! He tries to drop his weight down to the ground and take her down to the mat, but ARIA isn’t going to go down like that as she begins to push him toward the ropes. The difference in power between the two is apparent, but that doesn’t mean ARIA lacks any at all, as she has Theron against the ropes and sends him to the opposite side with an Irish whip… BUT BEFORE SHE CAN DO ANYTHING THERON TAKES HER DOWN WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE!
James Peters: ARIA lands on her back but quickly shoots up to a seated position, she rolls away from Theron and gets up to a knee, BUT THERON QUICKLY STEPS FORWARD AND GRABS HER BY THE HEAD BEFORE PULLING HER IN AND TRYING FOR A SNAP DDT- But that doesn’t happen, with ARIA beginning to send shots toward the abdomen which stops the move and allows her to slip out! Theron tries to swing at her head as she gets back up- but ARIA manages to duck under that before turning Theron around, GOING UNDER AND ROLLING THERON UP INTO A SCHOOLGIRL PIN!
OOONNNEEE!!!
Rex McAllister: THERON KICKS OUT! He rolls himself back up to a knee, BUT BEFORE HE CAN COMPLETELY RECOVER, ARIA CONNECTS WITH A SUPERKICK TO HIS FACE WHICH TAKES HIM DOWN! The former Specialists Champion knows that this match is beginning to ramp up, and that she’s going to have to look to pick up the pace if she wants to keep up with the catlike quickness of Theron Nikolas. She circles around Theron who is beginning to get up himself, beginning to approach him as he’s back up, but she doesn’t get very far as Theron steps to the side before sending ARIA to the ropes… SHE USES THE MOMENTUM TO GO FOR A RUNNING FRONT DROPKICK-
Persephone: But the elegantly commentated Front Dropkick is thwarted with Theron managing to move out of the way before stomping down on her chest to keep her down! Did I ever tell you that you have such a way with words, Rex?
Rich Russillo: Theron has ARIA down and continues to stomp down on her, having her right where he wants her and looking to take advantage of that while he has the chance. He brings her back up to her feet, BEFORE THROWING HER INTO THE CORNER AT FULL FORCE! You can hear the thud while ARIA crumbles down, but Theron keeps her up, AS HE SLAMS HER AGAINST THE CORNER ONE MORE TIME! ARIA manages to keep herself from falling forward and instead manages to keep herself up by leaning against the turnbuckle, WHILE THERON CONNECTS WITH A CLOTHESLINE TO THE HEAD-
James Peters: BUT ARIA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! She slips out just in the nick of time and that leads Theron to collide chest first with the corner at full force! He stumbles backward out of the corner, turning around, JUST FOR ARIA TO RUSH FORWARD AND CONNECT WITH A DROPKICK TO THE CHEST WHICH SENDS HIM BACK! This sends Theron down to a seated position while ARIA is in position… RUNNING TOWARD HIM AND CONNECTING WITH A BIG DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE WHICH TAKES HIM OUT!
Rex McAllister: Theron is certainly feeling the effects of that and ARIA is certainly going to be reaping the benefits in the process. He clutches onto the bottom rope and pulls himself toward them before heaving himself back up to his feet, but before he can do anything else it’s ARIA that connects with a hard right toward his face which keeps him stunned up against the ropes! ARIA then takes a moment before turning around and running the ropes and back… LAUNCHING THROUGH THE AIR AND HOPING TO CONNECT WITH A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE- JUST FOR THERON TO GO UNDER AND SEND HER OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE RINGSIDE AREA! Ouch, I’m sure that had to hurt.
Persephone: Yeah, I hope she’s okay right? You and I clearly care about this girl’s wellbeing we’re so alike. :wow:
Rich Russillo: Well I can agree that was a rough landing, and ARIA is sprawled out on the ringside matting in pain while the referee pokes his head through the ropes to check on her. Theron isn’t looking for the same kind heartedness though, rolling out of the ring and rounding the corner before immediately grabbing a hold of her and beginning to make her way back up to her feet. He grabs a hold of her head, BEFORE SLAMMING HER FACE DOWN ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON! ARIA’s face bounces off of the apron and Theron isn’t exactly done on the outside either, GRABBING A HOLD OF HER AROUND THE WAIST AND RUNNING FORWARD BEFORE RAMMING HER SPINE FIRST AGAINST THE BARRICADE! The referee’s count is at two but Theron is by no means looking to start something on the outside, instead rolling ARIA into the ring before entering back in himself.
James Peters: ARIA rolls away, trying to create some distance between the two of them before Theron can get a hold of her, but that is way too late as Theron grabs her by the head and once again brings her back up looking for something. But ARIA refuses to give in as she sends some well placed shots to the abdomen of Theron! He winces ever so slightly in response but still looks to go through with his attack as he brings her up, but ARIA refuses to let up as she begins to connect with some fast forearm strikes that are too quick for Theron to defend on a moment’s notice! Theron clearly sees the problem here and is not looking to make this worse for himself, instead sending her to the ropes to stop this… BUT ARIA MANAGES TO USE THE MOMENTUM TO LAUNCH OFF OF THE ROPES AND CONNECT WITH A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO TAKE THERON DOWN TO THE CANVAS!
Rex McAllister: ARIA is up to a knee and despite Theron’s hard offense it’s clear that she’s far from through just yet. Theron has rolled onto his stomach and is slowly beginning to push himself back up to his feet, but what I don’t think he realizes right now is that ARIA is already up and is thinking about what to do next. Whatever she has in mind she’s going to have to go for quick while she has the opportunity…
Persephone: GOING FOR THE ‘ZIRCON INJECTION’ OR WHATEVER IT’S CALLED! HANDSPRING CUTTER THAT MY REXY COULD DO BETTER TO TRY AND TAKE DOWN THERON NIKOLAS!
Rich Russillo: BUT THERON TURNS HER AROUND BEFORE GRABBING A HOLD OF HER BY THE WAIST AND DRIVING HER DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A SPEAR! SHADES OF METHUSELAH AS HE TAKES DOWN ARIA BEFORE QUICKLY ROLLING HER OVER ONTO HER BACK AND HOOKING THE LEG, TRYING FOR A PIN ATTEMPT!
OOONNNEEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRR-
James Peters: BUT THAT’S NOT IT JUST YET, ARIA SHOOTS THE SHOULDER UP! Very close call as Theron could’ve finished it off right there, but ARIA continues to show some fight and prove why it’s going to take a miracle to keep her down for the count. Theron grits his teeth, thinking about what he’s going to have to do next while getting back up.
Rex McAllister: He grabs ARIA and begins to bring her back up as well, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A HOOK TO THE RIBS! THERON THEN FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A RIGHT SLAP! LEFT FOREARM SMASH! THEN WINDING UP A BURNING LARIAT! ‘BATTLE FURY’!
Persephone: BUT AS GREAT OF A MOVE AS REXY MADE THAT OUT TO BE, ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT! Theron turns around, just for ARIA to connect with a European Uppercut to send him back! She then takes a step back before running forward, LATCHING ONTO HIM AND GOING FOR A SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!
Rich Russillo: WHICH CONNECTS! Theron is taken down to the ground but is already beginning to stir and try to find a way back up to his feet, which is definitely not a pleasant sight for ARIA who is in a seated position right now. She pushes herself back up to her feet before turning around and eyeing Theron who is trying to get his bearings back, approaching, but before she can do anything it’s Theron that steps forward and connects with a boot to the abdomen! Theron then approaches before grabbing the head of ARIA and pulling her in, BEFORE LIFTING HER OFF THE GROUND AND LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH A SUPLEX ATTEMPT-
James Peters: BUT ARIA MANAGES TO SLIP OFF AND LAND BEHIND THERON! Theron tries to turn around, BUT ARIA GRABS HIS HEAD FROM BEHIND BEFORE DRIVING HIS SKULL DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH ‘IT’S RAINING CATS AND DOGS’! THE HEADLOCK DRIVER TAKES HIM DOWN AND ARIA QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEG AND TRIES FOR A PIN ATTEMPT!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRR-
Rex McAllister: BUT THERON KICKS OUT! I know Theron all too well at this point and know the tenacity and grit that he possesses. ARIA has thrown all that she has at him but even then she’s going to have to find a way to dig down deep and unleash some more offense because what’s been done hasn’t been enough just yet.
Persephone: Yeah! He’s such a great competitor I agree, Rex. Definitely not boring and overrated.
Rex McAllister: ???
Rich Russillo: Theron might have escaped out of that but by the way he’s clutching his head that Headlock Driver by ARIA certainly had an effect on him. Theron slowly rolls over to a nearby turnbuckle padding and clutches at it before pulling himself toward it, using them to slowly help himself back up to his feet as he falls backward against the corner. ARIA quickly begins to make her way over though, grabbing him by the head and beginning to connect with repeated forearm strikes to the face! Theron is trying his best to fight back but ultimately he has not had much time to recuperate, and that gives ARIA the opportunity to grab him by the arm and send him to the opposite corner using an Irish whip! Theron collides with the corner at full force, absorbing the blow, WHILE ARIA RUSHES FORWARD AND CONNECTS WITH A HUGE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE!
James Peters: ARIA stumbles backward thanks to the impact while Theron slides down to a seated position, and she is wasting no time looking to follow that one up, CONNECTING WITH A BOOT TO THERON’S FACE- BUT THERON MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! He manages to get up to his feet with the last bit of energy that he has left, BEFORE GRABBING ARIA BY BEHIND AND LIFTING HER UP INTO A ‘DRAGON RUSH’ SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! She is dropped down onto the top of her head and Theron is quickly rising back up to his feet, feeling the fatigue in this match but also realizing that he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he wants to finish the job. ARIA is slowly scooching back up but is quickly realizing how fast this match has gotten out of hand, and what she is going to need to do if she wants to get herself out of this very precarious situation. She makes her way up to her feet…
Rex McAllister: ONLY FOR THERON TO GRAB HER FROM BEHIND AND ATTEMPT A ‘CARPE DIEM’! RIPCORD SPINNING BACK ELBOW TO THE TEMPLE OF ARIA TO FINISH THE JOB AND END THIS MATCH!
Persephone: BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT! SHE RUNS THE ROPES AND BACK… BEFORE CONNECTING WITH ‘J4A’! RUNNING KNEE STRIKE!
Rich Russillo: BUT THERON DROPS DOWN AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING BEFORE THE MOVE CAN CONNECT! ARIA catches herself before she loses balance and is fast on her feet, running to the ropes and back… LAUNCHING THROUGH THE ROPES AND CONNECTING WITH A SUICIDE DIVE TO TAKE HIM DOWN! ARIA is continuing the offense and making sure that she’s a step ahead of the competition, while quickly bringing Theron back up to his feet and looking to roll him back into the ring. But Theron refuses to go down so easily, beginning to send repeated elbow shots to the abdomen to try and force her to release the hold that she has on him. ARIA tries her best to fight back as she sends some strikes as well, but before she can go very far with it Theron connects with an uppercut to the jaw which rocks her! He then grabs a hold of her and looks to set her up for something right here…
James Peters: LIFTING HER OFF OF THE GROUND AND CONNECTING WITH A HUGE URANAGE AGAINST THE RING APRON! ARIA bounces off and is deadweight in the arms of Theron as he proceeds to then roll her inside of the ring. He climbs up onto the apron and turns around before then beginning to make his way up to the top rope. He positions himself…
Rex McAllister: BEFORE THEN PROCEEDING TO LAUNCH OFF OF THE TOP ROPE AND CRUSH ARIA WITH A SIX STAR FROG SPLASH! THERON TRANSITIONS IMMEDIATELY INTO A PIN ATTEMPT! WILL THIS BE THE END?!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Persephone: NO! UNFORTUNATELY NOT! ARIA KICKS OUT OF THE MOVE!
Rich Russillo: ARIA really dug deep to get herself out of that, but with that move we just have to ask ourselves how much more she can take before the more seasoned Theron gets the better of her. Theron is clearly beginning to reach the end of his rope, and is possibly looking to finish this match off once and for all. He begins to rise back up to his feet and starts to approach ARIA, who is barely conscious and is doing everything that she can right now to withstand the offense in this match. He begins to bring her back up to her feet, lifting her up into a Fireman’s Carry position, setting her up…
James Peters: But before he can go for anything, ARIA begins to send elbows to the side of his head! Theron is struggling to keep her up and that’s thanks in part to ARIA not willing to go down that easily. He drops down to a knee and is forced to let her go before trying to get back up to his feet, JUST FOR ARIA TO LAUNCH INTO THE AIR AND CONNECT WITH A SHINING WIZARD TO THE HEAD! Theron is down and ARIA immediately gets back up, BEFORE RUSHING FORWARD AND LAUNCHING INTO THE AIR FOR A STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! ARIA takes out Theron and knows that she has to keep up the momentum if she wants to stay afloat right now. She rises up once again and falls back against the corner, slipping through the ropes before then beginning to scale up to the top turnbuckle. She positions herself right now, what could she have in mind?
Rex McAllister: I GUESS WE WON’T FIND OUT AS THERON SHOOTS BACK UP TO HIS FEET AND STRIKES ARIA TO KEEP HER ON THE TOP ROPE! That could’ve been bad for Theron especially if ARIA had a ‘2TF’ in mind, but he manages to stop her just in time and now begins to send strikes to the face! ARIA is stunned and doesn’t have much left in her as Theron then proceeds to scale upward to the top alongside her!
Persephone: Yeah what a thought provoking exchange! So interesting! So unique! ARIA is trying to send some punches of her own back toward him, but that’s ineffective as Theron has her by the head and pulls her in… LIFTING HER OFF THE TOP ROPE AND TAKING HER DOWN WITH A SUPERPLEX!
Rich Russillo: Both of them are sent crashing down to the ground, with ARIA having taken the brunt of the damage as she rolls over to the ropes immediately and tries her best to shake off the feeling and get back up. But she doesn’t beat out Theron who has gotten himself together and is already back up to his feet. He makes his way over and grabs a hold of the head of ARIA before bringing her back up to her feet, only for ARIA to connect with a back elbow to the face! Theron stumbles back but once again tries to approach, JUST FOR ARIA TO BOOT HIM IN THE FACE TO FOLLOW THAT UP! She then turns around and grabs a hold of the top rope while Theron is stunned at the center of the ring… LAUNCHING OFF AND GOING FOR A SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!
James Peters: BUT THERON MOVES! ARIA lands on her stomach but gets back up to her feet and rushes toward him, ONLY FOR THERON TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AND SEND HER TO THE CORNER! OH! SHE JUST COLLIDED WITH THE REFEREE!
(ARIA hits the referee and he drops down like a sack of bricks. She shakes herself off and looks down at what happened, immediately feeling apologetic for the accident. There’s nothing she can do though and she has to get herself back into this match and hope that everything works out to plan regardless.)
Rex McAllister: THERON FROM BEHIND GRABS ARIA BEFORE UNWINDING HER INTO A ‘CARPE DIEM’! RIPCORD SPINNING BACK ELBOW DROPS HER DOWN AND THIS MIGHT BE HIS CHANCE TO CLOSE HIS ONE!
(Theron immediately rushes over and tries to slap the referee awake, who is just barely stirring after what happened. He slams the mat in frustration and gets back up to his feet before turning around…)
Rich Russillo: ‘BOX OFFICE SMASH’! CHRIS ELITE IS HERE AND HE JUST NAILED THERON WITH A SUPERKICK! WHAT THE HELL?!
(The crowd is in an uproar as Chris Elite drops Theron with his finishing move, infiltrating the show after the string of problems that he and Theron had these past couple of weeks. He sees the referee beginning to get back up and realizes that he has to think fast.)
James Peters: CHRIS GRABS ARIA’S ARM AND THROWS IT OVER THERON! HE SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AND DUCKS DOWN WHILE THE REFEREE BARELY CONSCIOUS STARTS THE COUNT!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘DESTINY” begins to play through the speakers again while ARIA is still down on the mat. The referee makes his way over to check on her and when she does, she is just beginning to come to her senses, unknowing of what has just happened and even more confused to hear that this match has come to an end. She slowly gets helped back up to her feet as she gingerly has her hand raised high in the air, as she tries to process how this even came to be.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… ARIA!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: :noah: I thought we got rid of Chris Elite. What is he doing here?
Rex McAllister: Well I can’t say that I expected that at all. Theron was a hair away from getting the victory tonight and Chris Elite ripped it right out from under him. Now ARIA has her hand raised and I’m sure it’s not the way she would’ve liked this to go down, definitely having a problem with it if she knew what went down, but one things for certain is that Chris got the last laugh after the disrespect that Theron has given him these past two weeks.
Rich Russillo: I’m sure there’s going to be hell to pay for Chris once Theron comes to his senses as well. I’d say that what has been happening prior to this hasn’t been hostile at all, but seeing as Chris just cost Theron the match here tonight, I think it’s safe to say that it’s only going to escalate these next coming weeks. Nonetheless a win is a win, congratulations to ARIA!
(Chris Elite is seen making his way back up the ramp, taking his leave with a smirk on his face, looking pretty satisfied with what he’s accomplished. Meanwhile Theron Nikolas is just barely beginning to wake up, but the look on his face of sheer aggravation tells all. The final shot seen is ARIA rolling herself out of the ring while clutching her head, making her way up the ramp while Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Commercial for Hot Pockets featuring the Answers World Champion, Jake Smith.)
(Sunday Night Voltage comes back from a brief commercial break away from the action, with the camera beginning to open up to show the backstage area of the Smoothie King Center. From there, a small commotion is heard happening in the area, with the shot going over to focus on Gorilla Position as Theron Nikolas is seen quickly making his way through the curtain. He makes his way into the hallway, looking around clearly for the perpetrator who put his hands into his match and furthermore cost him the victory against ARIA, Showdown’s Chris Elite. He hoped to catch him before he could leave the arena, but of course, it was too late. Upon realizing that Theron stops in his tracks, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He scrunches his face in frustration and clenches his fist before stepping back and taking a seat on a nearby production crate, taking the time to nurse his wounds. He has a moment to himself, but before long that’s interrupted as footsteps are head quickly approaching, with someone trying to catch up to him while he made his way through backstage.)
Sofia Clarke: Theron! Do you mind if I ask you a few questions???
(Theron turns over to be met by Sunday Night Voltage Backstage Interviewer Sofia Clarke, who is of course quick to get the scoop. He, obviously not in the mood right now, simply glares at her. Sofia eagerly awaits his answer though, and it’s clear that she’s not going to leave until she gets one. After a moment of silence, Theron begrudgingly nods his head.)
Sofia Clarke: As we just saw, Chris Elite came out to the ring and cost you your match against ARIA…
(It’s not hard to comprehend why that happened either. During Showdown this week, Chris explained to Kennedy Street how he didn’t appreciate someone from another brand, that being Theron, coming in and thinking that he can punk him out. Kennedy responded by telling him that he’s an EAW Hall of Famer and that if there’s something that needs to be taken care of, then he should take care of it. Chris obviously took that to heart, and responded by heading to Voltage the next night.)
Sofia Clarke: Combined with what we saw on Showdown with Chris and Kennedy, do you have any thoughts?
(After listening to Sofia ask her question, Theron takes a moment to think about what he’s going to say. Obviously, a Chris Elite interference was not on the docket tonight for him, and it’s taking him some time for him to process what has happened. But before long he brings his head back up and looks at Sofia before looking to respond through the microphone.)
Theron Nikolas: Before we start this I’d like to get one thing out of the way, clear some speculation if you will, I don’t have a problem with Chris Elite. It may have seemed that way, it may have seemed like I was attacking him for seemingly no reason, but I look at it very differently. Our confrontation on the Disney Wish Cruise came from a childish response to a point being made against him, and to see him get all riled up about it made it clear that he was out to prove me wrong. So while it looked like I was trying to start something there, in reality, I was more interested to see whether or not he would prove me wrong than start a conflict. Even if you look past that and toward Fighting Spirit when I took a trip over to Miami, Florida and went out to the ring after Chris lost to Veena Adams, reasserting my claim, I by no means intended to provoke him at all. Really all of this is pretty simple, and it all points to Chris being at blame for all of this happening, he started this himself. Even though he gave me plenty of reasons to and it could be said that he was trying to piss me off, I didn’t look at him as an enemy, as I said I had no problem with him… that is until now.
Theron Nikolas: Even after all of the claims made toward me I looked past that and focused on what mattered most, and that was my career, and even then he found a way to inject himself into it. So I think it’s safe to say that I don’t really take kindly to the fact that he did what he did tonight, obviously. There was absolutely zero need to further the issue and if he really was the man that he was we would’ve let bygones be bygones. But still he felt the need to come out there tonight and interfere in my match. Mind you, I don’t even think that was by his own doing either, if it wasn’t for Kennedy Street he would have stayed in his lane, but Kennedy hit the one weakness that Chris can’t seem to overcome and that’s his ego by encouraging his behavior. That large ego of his that he has never seemed to repair even after being in Elite Answers Wrestling for as long as he has.
Sofia Clarke: So what you’re saying is that it’s Chris’ fault?
Theron Nikolas: I don’t remember a time when it hasn’t been. It’s in his nature to always be the one to escalate the conflict, and before you have me mistaken, I had zero intentions of following up on what I did at Fighting Spirit and heading over to Showdown to actively try and press his buttons. He was the one that felt it necessary to go the other way around, and the only thing that he did was make it painfully apparent the one issue that has haunted him his entire career, and that is his attitude. His attitude is the issue and it all started solely because I was able to see what everyone else already has, what everyone else has constantly told him for years now. “Chris Elite isn’t going to succeed”, “Chris Elite is a fake Hall of Famer”, “Chris Elite couldn’t get the job done” when has it ever been different? Everyone else has already called him out for what I said, and on the Cruise I only repeated their sentiments. And while he does his very hardest to keep a straight face and pretend not to take offense to that, what he has shown to me makes it even more apparent that he just can’t handle the criticism like he says he can.
Theron Nikolas: He still can not handle what has been told of him constantly again and again and tries to force himself to believe otherwise. Well maybe it was otherwise then the results would’ve been different time and time again, the results would’ve been different and he wouldn’t be out here right now trying to pick a fight with someone that’s on a completely different brand this close to Pain For Pride. What I’m saying is that clearly my words have hurt Chris’ ego, just as everyone else’s has, and now he thinks that the smart option in this situation is to try and interfere with my career instead of possibly continuing to work on his own so that he could actually live up to the promises that he makes. It really does show where his priorities are, and that’s trying to forcefully push this stigma upon him away and whine like a baby when he’s called out for being mediocre and subpar as he has been this entire Season. It really does give some insight on his character like we didn’t know already. It’s why he’s done what he’s done especially toward me, and it hasn’t worked.
Theron Nikolas: The only thing that it has done instead of changing the public’s perception is proving it right, and proving exactly what the future has in store for him no matter what brand he happens to end up on regardless of the Season. There is no doubt in my mind that he is going to continue to get the opportunities that most Elitists don’t have the fortune of getting themselves even though he doesn’t deserve it, but the results are all going to be the same and even though he has multiple chances to finally prove everyone wrong, he will do what he always does and be an absolute letdown when it counts. He will continue to drop the ball, continue to be stagnant, in limbo, and despite all of that he will still go out of his way to blame everyone but himself and take offense to the slightest remark even though it could not be more true.
Sofia Clarke: So what does this mean for the future, what does this mean leading up to Pain For Pride? I mean I think it’s clear that you and Chris are only going to have more issues as the weeks go on.
Theron Nikolas: The sad part about this entire situation is the fact that I was going to let Chris Elite move on after Fighting Spirit. I was going to let him continue to live his lie of a life for the rest of his career if that made him happy, but it’s clear he’s not settled with that. He of course has to pick a fight that he can’t win, and if it wasn’t made apparent before, I think I’ve made it pretty clear now that he’s made a very big mistake. He’s made a mistake trying to mess with me and thinking that he can get away with it, because he’s not, I’m done playing around with him, I’m not just going to let him have his way when he doesn’t deserve that. I said that he escalated the issue and now he’s made it a problem between the two of us, and now after what he’s done, there’s unfinished business. I am going to be the one that finishes this, and make sure that I will never have to worry about Chris Elite ever again, because it’s clear not even that is worth my time. Soon, he’s going to understand that he was better off having just stayed back on Showdown and taking the heat, trying to figure out what he’ll be doing for Pain For Pride instead of picking a fight with me, because now it’s damn certain that he’s going to end up with nothing if he wasn’t going to already. He did this to himself, and I want him to know that this is far from over, and that I’m going to make him regret even looking me in the eyes once I’m done with him. Consider this a warning.
(Theron slams his hand down on the production crate before then proceeding to stand up and swiftly make his way out of the scene, signaling the end of this interview and leaving Sofia Clarke to her lonesome. The camera centers on her as she turns to face it with a smile on her face, bringing the microphone back up to her mouth and beginning to speak again.)
Sofia Clarke: Well there you have it folks! After Chris Elite’s interference in Theron Nikolas’ match against ARIA before the commercial break, I caught up with Theron to get his thoughts and he’s made it publicly known that this has escalated into a problem with Chris and is going to make sure that he handles it promptly and is the one that finishes this off once and for all. Will this lead to a match between the two of them? Well that would only be the logical approach, right? Will that be their plans on the calendar for Pain For Pride weekend? Well that one just remains to be seen. The question that I have is how Chris Elite is going to end up responding to this, because it’s clear he’s going to have a lot on his mind after hearing what Theron said toward him, it’s safe to say that he’s not going to take it lightly. All of that is just speculation though, and remains to be seen. . That’s all I have right now, back to you guys!
(Sofia waves to the camera as the shot pans away and Sunday Night Voltage, from there, begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, where Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!
(‘Amerika’ by Rammstein hits, and this gets a mixed reaction as Sheridan Müller steps out to the stage. Sheridan has a completely focused look on her face knowing the match that she is about to compete in, and she takes only a few seconds to observe the crowd before turning her attention to the ring, beginning to walk down the ramp to not waste any more time and instead get directly to the match that’s ahead of her.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… Residing in Atlanta, Georgia… Weighing in at 135 pounds… SSSHHHEERRRIIIDDDDAAANNNNNNNN MMMUUUUUUUUUULLLLLEEEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: We’re about to see a Cash in the Vault preview match between Sheridan Müller and Miku Sakai, and this is bound to be a good one!
Rich Russillo: I can really see this match going either way, honestly. Sheridan has had a very dominant run, but Miku has proven to be capable of picking up surprising wins and at times outsmarting her opponents, even if it means playing dirty.
Rex McAllister: That’s a good point. This should definitely be an interesting match, and I look forward to seeing how it plays out.
(‘Brooklyn The Hole’ hits, and while the crowd boos loudly, their boos are overshadowed as Miku Sakai walks out with a microphone, beginning to sing her entrance music with a smirk on her face, as if to taunt Sheridan Müller as Miku makes her way down the ramp. Miku sings her theme up until she makes it down to ringside, where she hands the microphone to an official and only the instrumental plays.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… From Fukui, Japan… Weighing in at 110 pounds… MIIIIIIKKUUUUUU SSAAAKKAAIIIIII!!!!!!!
James Peters: Miku Sakai is clearly very confident tonight despite how tough of an opponent she is up against, and we’ll just have to see whether or not that works in her favor.
Rich Russillo: Sheridan on the other hand just looks focused and ready to fight. She’s clearly not willing to play any of these games with Miku, and I wouldn’t want to test Sheridan too much.
Rex McAllister: Both Elitists are looking to get a good win tonight and build momentum for Cash in the Vault. Let’s see how this match goes!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: Here we go! This Cash in the Vault preview match is on, AND BOTH ELITISTS LOOK TO MAKE THEIR MOVE AS MIKU SWINGS AT SHERIDAN- BUT SHERIDAN DUCKS UNDER BEFORE GRABBING MIKU FROM BEHIND! SHERPLEX- NO! MIKU WAS ABLE TO FLIP OUT OF IT AND LAND ON HER FEET, AND NOW AS SHERIDAN GETS BACK UP MIKU GOES FOR THE DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER- BUT SHERIDAN CATCHES MIKU AND IS ABLE TO PLANT HER ON THE MAT! That was a bad fall for Miku to take so early on in the match, but Miku is right back to her feet as this one is only just getting started!
Rich Russillo: Sheridan is in control thanks to that slam though, and she is able to send Miku into the corner before rushing in and connecting with a European uppercut! Sheridan follows that up with an inner thigh throw that plants Miku onto the mat, and Sheridan is quick to transition into a rear chinlock as Miku Sakai seems to be in a bit of trouble right now! Sheridan is trying to keep Miku grounded to prevent the use of some of Miku’s high flying maneuvers- BUT MIKU IS ABLE TO FIND HER WAY OUT OF THE CHINLOCK AS SHE PULLS SHERIDAN’S LEGS OUT FROM UNDER HER BEFORE ROLLING UP INTO A PIN!
ONE-
Rex McAllister: Sheridan kicks out immediately and both Elitists get back to their feet! Miku Sakai though, CONNECTING WITH A RUNNING KNEE! Sheridan is dropped momentarily as she stumbles back to her feet and towards the ropes, AND NOW MIKU RUNS IN POSSIBLY LOOKING TO SEND HER OUT OF THE RING- BUT SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO LIFT MIKU UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE! Miku lands safely on the apron through, AND AS SOON AS SHERIDAN TURNS AROUND MIKU CATCHES HER WITH A ROPE ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! Miku is headed up top!
Persephone: YES YES YES SHE IS! REXY HAS NEVER BEEN WRONG BEFORE, SHE’S DEFINITELY GOING TO THE TOP ROPE! Sheridan just tried to run in and stop Miku, BUT MIKU WAS ABLE TO JUMP OVER SHERIDAN AND ROLL BACK TO HER FEET! Sheridan charges back after Miku, BUT MIKU CATCHES HER OFF GUARD WITH A HIP ATTACK!!! MIKU SAKAI IS IN CONTROL RIGHT NOW, AND SHE QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEGS FOR ANOTHER COVER- BUT SHERIDAN IS QUICK TO PUSH MIKU OFF OF HER BEFORE GETTING BACK TO A KNEE!
James Peters: Miku is back to her feet already, AND NOW SHE TRIES TO HIT SHERIDAN IN THE HEAD WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK- BUT SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDER IT BEFORE GRABBING MIKU AND SENDING HER OVER HER HEAD WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!!! Sheridan just planted Miku with that exploder suplex, and she wastes no time heading back over to Miku, looking to maintain control over this match as she knows that one wrong move could result in Miku getting back into this! Sheridan now pulling Miku into a front facelock, looking for a snap suplex!
Rich Russillo: NO! MIKU SLIPS BEHIND SHERIDAN BEFORE PUSHING HER INTO THE ROPES, AND NOW MIKU GOES FOR A BIG BOOT- BUT SHERIDAN HELD ONTO THE ROPES! SHERIDAN HELD ONTO THE ROPES TO STOP HERSELF FROM BOUNCING OFF AND RUNNING INTO THE BIG BOOT, AND NOW SHE RUNS IN AND GRABS MIKU BY THE LEG, SEEMINGLY TRYING TO TRANSITION INTO AN ANKLE LOCK! MIKU DOESN’T LET THAT HAPPEN THOUGH, AS SHE IS ABLE TO USE HER OTHER LEG TO JUMP UP AND CATCH SHERIDAN WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! Miku immediately back to her feet while Sheridan is on spaghetti legs, AND THERE’S A JUMPING NECK BREAKER BY MIKU!
Rex McAllister: Sheridan uses the ropes to start pulling herself up, AND MIKU NOW BEGINS CHOKING SHERIDAN ON THE ROPES, WHICH GETS THE REFEREE’S ATTENTION AS THEY BEGIN THEIR COUNT!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! F-
Rex McAllister: Miku lets go of Sheridan for a few seconds before trying to grab her again- BUT THIS TIME SHERIDAN IS PREPARED AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A BACK ELBOW! Miku stumbles backwards as Sheridan returns to her feet, AND NOW SHERIDAN RUNS IN BEFORE HITTING MIKU WITH A RUNNING KNEE OF HER OWN, DROPPING MIKU AND FORCING HER TO QUICKLY ROLL OUT OF THE RING!
Persephone: Sheridan quickly rolls out of the ring to follow Miku, and I think Sheridan is in control of this one right now! She grabs Miku and starts pulling her up- BUT MIKU WAS PLAYING POSSUM! SHE JUST PULLED SHERIDAN BEHIND HER, CAUSING SHERIDAN TO GO FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST! Miku grabs Sheridan and slams her face into the post for a second time, AND NOW MIKU RUNS OVER AND THROWS SHERIDAN INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!! Miku is fighting dirty tonight, but it might just get her the win.
James Peters: Miku sends Sheridan back into the ring, and Sheridan is barely able to pull herself into the corner, as she’s in a seated position having to recover after everything that just happened! Miku rolls back into the ring before walking into the opposite corner, and judging by that sinister grin on her face, it looks like Miku has something on her mind here! MIKU STARTS RUNNING IN AS FAST AS SHE CAN, AND SHE GOES FOR THE MUSTACHE RIDE- BUT SHERIDAN GOT OUT OF THE WAY!!! SHERIDAN WAS ABLE TO PULL HERSELF OUT OF HARM’S WAY JUST BEFORE THE MUSTACHE RIDE COULD CONNECT!
Rich Russillo: Miku tried to stop herself, but the best she could do was change her position and crash back first into the turnbuckles! It’s an improvement over what would’ve happened otherwise, but it still did enough damage for Miku to be the one to collapse into a seated position! Sheridan now wasting no time, AS SHE RUNS IN TO DELIVER A RUNNING CANNONBALL- WHICH MIKU IS ABLE TO FIND A COUNTER FOR AS SHE GETS BOTH BOOTS UP, CAUSING SHERIDAN TO GO BACK FIRST INTO THEM! WHAT A SMART COUNTER BY MIKU AS SHERIDAN ROLLS OUT OF THE CORNER!
Rex McAllister: MIKU PULLS HERSELF OUT OF THE CORNER AND ATTEMPTS A JUMPING DIVING FOOT STOMP ONTO SHERIDAN’S MIDSECTION, BUT SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO QUICKLY ROLL OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE RETURNING TO HER FEET! SHERIDAN RUNS IN BEFORE GOING FOR A BIG BOOT, BUT MIKU GETS OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE ROLLING SHERIDAN UP!
ONE!
T-
Rex McAllister: KICKOUT BY SHERIDAN AS BOTH ELITISTS RETURN TO THEIR FEET! MIKU SWINGS AT SHERIDAN- BUT SHERIDAN DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE SCOOPING MIKU UP INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY! What is Sheridan setting up for!?
Persephone: :oh: Rexy!!! 😍 I’d love for you to-
James Peters: NOT NOW, MIKU JUST SLIPPED OUT OF SHERIDAN’S GRASP AND LANDED BEHIND HER! MIKU SHOVES SHERIDAN INTO THE CORNER BEFORE RUNNING IN, AND NOW MIKU LOOKS FOR A MONKEY FLIP- BUT SHERIDAN CATCHES MIKU! SHERIDAN IS HOLDING ONTO MIKU, AND NOW SHERIDAN WALKS OUT OF THE CORNER BEFORE POPPING MIKU UP AND PLANTING HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER! NOW IT’S SHERIDAN’S TURN TO GO FOR THE COVER AS SHE HOOKS THE LEGS!
ONE!
TWO!!
James Peters: Miku Sakai is able to kickout, which means that this match continues! Sheridan is going to have to think of something bigger if she wants to keep Miku down!
Rich Russillo: You’re right about that. Sheridan seems to understand that enough though as she grabs Miku by the legs, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHERIDAN MIGHT BE TRYING TO SET UP FOR THAT INVERTED SHARPSHOOTER, BUT MIKU IS ABLE TO FIND JUST ENOUGH STRENGTH TO KICK SHERIDAN OFF OF HER! Miku once again heads out to the apron, though I have to admit it’s smart for Miku to create some space as she now has some time to recover after that huge spinebuster from Sheridan!
Rex McAllister: Miku pulls herself back to her feet as Sheridan runs over to her, AND MIKU DUCKS DOWN BEFORE SENDING HER SHOULDER INTO SHERIDAN’S MIDSECTION! MIKU NOW GRABBING SHERIDAN BY THE BACK OF HER NECK BEFORE RUNNING TO THE END OF THE APRON, ALLOWING MIKU TO SEND SHERIDAN FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Sheridan stumbles backwards but Miku doesn’t head up top this time around! INSTEAD SHE JUST JUMPS ONTO THE TOP ROPE, DELIVERING A SPRINGBOARD FOREARM THAT TAKES DOWN SHERIDAN MÜLLER! Great move by Miku there, and it looks like this is exactly what Sheridan was trying to prevent earlier!
Persephone: Sheridan rolls over towards the ropes and uses them to pull herself up. Miku once again runs in- BUT THIS TIME SHERIDAN GETS THE BOOT UP, CATCHING MIKU OFF GUARD! Miku stumbles away from Sheridan as Sheridan quickly tries to capitalize, but Miku is able to connect with a back elbow to prevent that! Miku now with a snapmare, AND SHE RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE LOOKING FOR A FRONT DROPKICK TO THE FACE- WHICH SHERIDAN IS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID BY ROLLING OUT OF THE WAY! Both Elitists get back up, BUT MIKU JUMPS ON SHERIDAN AND GOES FOR A WHEELBARROW BULLDO-
James Peters: BACK SUPLEX!!!! MIKU LOOKED FOR THE WHEELBARROW BULLDOG, BUT SHERIDAN WAS ABLE TO INSTEAD TRANSITION INTO A BACK SUPLEX TO PLANT MIKU INTO THE MAT!!! SHERIDAN ISN’T FINISHED YET EITHER, AS SHE QUICKLY PICKS MIKU UP IN A PUMPHANDLE POSITION BEFORE LIFTING HER UP AND PLANTING HER WITH THE URANAGE!!! SHERIDAN MÜLLER CONNECTS WITH THE PUMPHANDLE URANAGE, AND THAT MIGHT JUST BE ENOUGH TO PUT THIS ONE AWAY AS SHE ONCE AGAIN HOOKS THE LEGS!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
James Peters: WHAT!? MIKU SAKAI IS ABLE TO GET THE SHOULDER UP, ONCE AGAIN KEEPING THIS MATCH ALIVE! I thought Sheridan had it there!.
Rich Russillo: Sheridan gets back up to a knee, and she just shakes her head as she sees that this one still isn’t over just yet. That was a really close call, but it’s still gonna take more than that! Miku Sakai is a former Specialists Champion and Empress of Elite finalist, so we know that she has what it takes to go up against the very best. After all, she even managed to pick up a win against TLA recently! Sheridan begins pulling Miku up, and I think she’s planning to take Miku down now before Miku even has the chance to get back into this!
Rex McAllister: SHERIDAN GRABS ONTO MIKU’S ARM FROM BEHIND, AND NOW SHE GOES FOR THE RIPCORD LARIAT! ENDLESS FANTASIES- DOESN’T CONNECT! MIKU DROPPED DOWN TO A KNEE TO AVOID THE LARIAT, AND NOW SHE PULLS SHERIDAN INTO A SCHOOL BOY ROLL UP! SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY ROLL OUT OF IT- BUT MIKU QUICKLY GRABS SHERIDAN WITH A FRONT FACELOCK BEFORE JUMPING ONTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE AND CONNECTING WITH A TORNADO DDT!!! BOTH ELITISTS ARE DOWN, BUT THAT WAS A FANTASTIC WAY TO AVOID WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THE MATCH RIGHT THERE!
Persephone: I know, I loved it! Best move I’ve seen all night! You have such a great taste in wrestling moves, Rex 🥰.
James Peters: Miku Sakai slowly sits up before using the turnbuckles to pull herself back up to her feet. Miku is still hurting badly from the looks of it, so she didn’t even manage to get to the cover before Sheridan found the strength to roll away from her! Miku now walking over to Sheridan before starting to pull her back up to her feet- AND SHERIDAN CONNECTS WITH A PALM UPPERCUT, DROPPING MIKU TO A KNEE!
Rich Russillo: Sheridan slowly gets back to her feet, BUT BY THE TIME SHE DOES MIKU IS ABLE TO RESPOND WITH AN ELBOW, CAUSING SHERIDAN TO STUMBLE BACKWARDS INTO THE CORNER! MIKU NOW BEGINNING TO QUICKLY PUNCH AWAY AT SHERIDAN WHILE SHE’S IN THE CORNER, AND THE REFEREE IS ONCE AGAIN HAVING TO COUNT TO FIVE!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR-
Rich Russillo: Miku takes the opportunity to run to the opposite corner to set up for something- BUT SHERIDAN FOLLOWED, AND AS SOON AS MIKU TURNS AROUND SHERIDAN CATCHES HER WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION!
Rex McAllister: Sheridan follows that up with a European uppercut, and this drops Miku to a knee! Sheridan now capitalizing as she lifts Miku into a powerbomb position- BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THIS MAY HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN A MISTAKE, AS MIKU WAS ABLE TO DELIVER MULTIPLE PUNCHES TO SHERIDAN’S HEAD BEFORE SENDING SHERIDAN SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST WITH A HURRICANRANA! Sheridan takes a few seconds to pull herself out of the corner, BUT AS SOON AS SHE DOES SHE’S MET WITH A KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Persephone: MIKU ISN’T FINISHED EITHER, AS SHE GRABS SHERIDAN FROM BEHIND AND DROPS HER WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! That was a rough landing, Sheridan might have landed right on her neck right there! Sheridan rolls out of the ring, though I’m not sure if that was intentional like it was when Miku rolled out! Either way that got Sheridan out of harm’s way temporarily as Miku is climbing up to the top rope! I don’t know what it is Miku has planned right now, but it has to be something big as she’s waiting for Sheridan to get back up at ringside!
James Peters: Sheridan is able to slowly begin getting back up to her feet, AND THAT’S A SHAME FOR HER, AS SHE DOESN’T SEEM TO REALIZE WHAT’S COMING HER WAY! MIKU SAKAI DIVES OFF OF THE TOP ROPE, TAKING SHERIDAN OUT WITH A CROSSBODY!!!!! WHAT A MOVE BY MIKU, WHO USES THE BARRICADE TO PULL HERSELF BACK TO HER FEET BEFORE QUICKLY SENDING SHERIDAN BACK INTO THE RING!!! I think Miku can see the end of the match in her sights right now, as she wastes no time sliding back into the ring and yelling at Sheridan to get back to her feet!
Rich Russillo: Sheridan is slowly beginning to stir, and whatever it is Miku has in mind here, it might just be enough to put this one away! These two have definitely started to slow down after all the big hits they’ve taken, and it just goes to show that these two really want this win! Sheridan is on all fours and she is finally starting to push herself back up to her feet, but once again this is exactly what Miku wants! Sheridan had made it back to her feet, AND IMMEDIATELY MIKU RUNS IN BEFORE GOING FOR THE CUC-
Rex McAllister: NO! OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY BY SHERIDAN MÜLLER!!! ONCE AGAIN SHERIDAN CAUGHT MIKU, ONLY THIS TIME SHERIDAN WAS ABLE TO RUSH IN AND CATCH MIKU BEFORE MIKU COULD GET HER KNEES TO SHERIDAN’S FACE! SHERIDAN WITH A GREAT COUNTER OF HER OWN AS SHE JUST TOOK MIKU DOWN WITH THAT BELLY TO BELLY, AND NOW IT’S SHERIDAN THAT HAS A GREAT CHANCE OF PUTTING THIS MATCH AWAY! Sheridan once again pulling Miku up from behind, AND NOW SHERIDAN ONCE AGAIN GRABS HER BY THE ARM AND SPINS HER AROUND FOR ENDLESS FANTASIES!!!!
Persephone: WAIT, NO WAY!! MIKU JUST DUCKED UNDER IT AND GOT BEHIND SHERIDAN!!!!! MIKU LIFTS HER UP, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH STARFALL!!!! MIKU JUST DROPPED SHERIDAN WITH STARFALL, AND SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!!!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
James Peters: SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO GET THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THREE!!!! That was a really close call, but it looks like this match still isn’t over even after all that! These two are throwing everything they can at each other, I really don’t think it can be denied that they’re ready for Cash in the Vault after the match they’re having tonight!
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai starts yelling at the referee, but there’s really nothing that she can do as the referee tells her that it was only a two count! Miku gets back to her feet before beginning to just stomp away at Sheridan, and she clearly hasn’t taken too kindly to not winning the match already! She needs to get her head back in the game though, because this match isn’t over and until it is over, anything can happen. That means that Sheridan still has a chance unless Miku does something to change that soon, and by soon I mean as soon as possible!
Rex McAllister: Miku Sakai is slowly dragging Sheridan back up to her feet… And for some reason a smile has just formed on Miku’s face, as if she’s just gotten some sort of sick idea! Miku holds Sheridan up from behind, before grabbing onto her arm… Wait a second, no way! I think it’s clear exactly what Miku is looking for! She’s trying to humiliate Sheridan by using her own move against her! MIKU IS SETTING UP FOR SHERIDAN MÜLLER’S OWN ENDLESS FANTASIES, AND THIS MIGHT BE ENOUGH TO PUT SHERIDAN AWAY! MIKU SPINS SHERIDAN AROUND AND PULLS HER IN FOR THE LARIAT-
James Peters: THIS TIME IT’S SHERIDAN THAT MANAGES TO DUCK UNDER IT THOUGH, AND SHE HOOKS MIKU’S ARM TO SPIN MIKU RIGHT INTO POSITION FOR A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK, ALLOWING SHERIDAN TO CONNECT WITH A BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER!!!!! MIKU DROPS TO THE MAT, AND SHERIDAN QUICKLY HOLDS ONTO THE ROPES TO KEEP HERSELF STANDING! That was a fantastic counter by Sheridan, who undoubtedly just saved her chances in this match with that one move! Nobody would know that move better than Sheridan herself, and Miku clearly didn’t anticipate a counter from Sheridan while she’s still feeling the effects of Starfall!
Rich Russillo: Miku tries to push herself back up, BUT SHERIDAN NOW RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE DELIVERING A SLIDING KNEE RIGHT INTO MIKU’S MIDSECTION, CAUSING MIKU TO ROLL OVER IN PAIN!!!! Sheridan having to get a bit more aggressive herself after all of the things Miku has done throughout this match, and it looks like Sheridan is about to try and follow that up in a huge way! SHERIDAN IS ABLE TO LIFT MIKU UP FROM THE MAT, AND DEADLIFTS HER UP ONTO HER SHOULDERS!! SHERIDAN IS LOOKING FOR THE DEADLIFT POWERBOMB TO PUT THIS MATCH AWAY!
Rex McAllister: MIKU DOESN’T LET THAT HAPPEN THOUGH, AND INSTEAD IS ABLE TO TRANSITION INTO A SITOUT FACEBUSTER!!!! HUGE COUNTER BY MIKU WHO JUST SAVED THIS MATCH FOR HERSELF, BUT SHE’S UNABLE TO CAPITALIZE!! These two are both worn out at this point as this has been a very fast paced match from the start! They’ve already used some of the biggest moves in their arsenal, so it’s not a surprise that they can’t move entirely as fast as they could at the very start of this match! Nonetheless, Miku is getting back up, AND SHE QUICKLY GOES AFTER SHERIDAN BEFORE STARTING TO PUNCH AWAY AT HER!
Persephone: Miku just got on top of Sheridan! Rexy, I-
James Peters: Please don’t continue.
Persephone: I was just going to say that I’m very concerned for Sheridan, as Miku keeps punching her and Sheridan doesn’t have enough left to defend herself effectively! I don’t know what you’re thinking about, you should really pay attention to what’s going on in the ring.
James Peters: :francis: Anyways, Sheridan admittedly is struggling a bit right now thanks to the damage that Miku just did, BUT SHERIDAN IS FINALLY ABLE TO PUSH MIKU OFF OF HER!
Rich Russillo: THAT’S NOT ALL!! SHERIDAN GRABS MIKU BY THE ARM, ALLOWING HER TO TRANSITION INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE!!!! SHERIDAN HAS MIKU IN A TRIANGLE CHOKE, AND THIS MIGHT JUST BE THE LAST SUBMISSION MIKU WOULD WANT TO BE TRAPPED IN THIS LATE INTO THE MATCH! Sheridan has the size advantage so lifting her up in that position would be tough as is, but Miku is also exhausted and hurt after all of the moves Sheridan has hit her with throughout this match! This submission might actually be enough to bring this match to an end, I just don’t see how Miku would be able to escape it at this point!
Rex McAllister: You actually might be right! Sheridan has every advantage going for her right now, and the triangle choke really is no joke regardless of when it’s locked in! Miku Sakai is a really tough competitor and she has definitely showcased this many times, but this is the type of situation where Miku really has no way out! Unless Miku can somehow pull her body all the way over to the ropes, she might have no other choice but to tap out! It’s either that, or her body gives out on her and she passes out. Either way, I think we may be seeing the end of this match right now!
Persephone: Miku is fading! She’s losing her strength, it’s only a matter of time until she passes out! If Miku doesn’t tap out she’s gonna have to fall asleep, and I don’t think she wants to admit that her body gave out on her so she might as well just save herself the trouble and start tapping! We all know that there’s no way she can get out of this, so what is she waiting for-
James Peters: WAIT A SECOND!!! MIKU WITH ONE LAST BURST OF ENERGY PUSHES HERSELF UP AND- WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? WHAT DID SHE DO!? SHERIDAN LETS GO OF MIKU AND GRABS HER EYE, DID MIKU JUST POKE SHERIDAN IN THE EYE WHEN SHE PUSHED HERSELF BACK UP!? The referee was ready to call the match and was so caught off guard by Miku finding the strength to keep going that he didn’t even realize what she just did! Miku Sakai just saved the match for herself, and at the same time she just left Sheridan Müller with a huge disadvantage as Sheridan holds her eye in pain!
Rich Russillo: Both Elitists get back to their feet as Miku catches her breath, AND MIKU KICKS SHERIDAN IN THE MIDSECTION! SHERIDAN RESPONDS WITH A PUNCH TO THE SIDE JUST AS MIKU TRIED TO GRAB HER, AND NOW SHERIDAN GETS UP AND SWINGS AT MIKU, BUT MIKU IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDER IT BEFORE KICKING SHERIDAN’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HER AND RUNNING THE ROPES! MIKU LOOKING FOR A HIP ATTACK- BUT SHERIDAN GETS OUT OF THE WAY! Both Elitists are once again back to their feet, AND SHERIDAN DROPS MIKU WITH A LARIAT!
Rex McAllister: Sheridan pulls Miku Sakai back to her feet- BUT MIKU PULLS SHERIDAN INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE, POSSIBLY LOOKING TO STEAL THIS ONE JUST LIKE SHE DID WHEN SHE FACED TLA!!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
Rex McAllister: SHERIDAN KICKS OUT AND BOTH ELITISTS GET BACK TO THEIR FEET- BUT MIKU DUCKS A STRIKE FROM SHERIDAN BEFORE ONCE AGAIN LIFTING SHERIDAN FROM BEHIND, ALLOWING MIKU TO CONNECT WITH STARFALL FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!!! MIKU CLEARLY HAD A PLAN ONCE SHERIDAN KICKED OUT, AND THANKS TO THAT MIKU MIGHT HAVE THIS MATCH WON! I really don’t think Sheridan has anything left!
James Peters: She might not, and if that really is the case then we’re about to see Miku Sakai pull off a very big win! Miku chooses not to go for the cover, and while I’d normally be surprised by that decision, it seems like Miku believes that it’s going to take more than that to keep Sheridan down for the three count! Because of that Miku has rolled out to the apron, and it seems like she’s planning to head up top! Sheridan hasn’t moved very much since getting hit with Starfall for the second time, and with that in mind Miku could very well be looking to end this!
Rich Russillo: Miku has made it up top, and now she’s waiting as Sheridan slowly begins to stir, finally finding her way back up to her feet! Sheridan finally back up, BUT I DON’T THINK THAT THIS IS THE BEST PLACE FOR HER RIGHT NOW! MIKU DIVES OFF THE TOP ROPE, AND SHE GOES FOR THE WALK OF SHAME!!!!!
Rex McAllister: SHERIDAN CAUGHT HER!!!! SHERIDAN MANAGED TO RUN FORWARD AND CATCH HER BY THE WAIST SO MIKU COULDN’T DELIVER THE WALK OF SHAME, AND INSTEAD SHERIDAN CONNECTS WITH THE SHERPLEX!!!!! THE SHERPLEX CONNECTS, AND SHERIDAN MANAGES TO HOLD THE BRIDGE TO PIN HER!!!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… SSSHHHEERRRIIIIDDDDAAANNNNNNNNNN MMMUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLLEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
(Sheridan Müller lets go of Miku Sakai, and ‘Amerika’ begins to play as both Elitists remain down on the mat. There’s a loud, mixed reaction, and after a little while, Sheridan is able to grab onto the ropes and pull herself back to her feet. She has her hand raised by the referee, before the referee leaves to allow her to celebrate her win.)
James Peters: What a fantastic match by these two! This was just a preview of what we’ll be seeing from Voltage’s representatives in the Cash in the Vault ladder match, and from the looks of it, we’re going to be seeing some incredible performances!
Rich Russillo: These two brought their best to this match, and it really shows. It could have gone either way, and it ALMOST went the other way as Miku was so close to putting Sheridan down. In the end however, Sheridan found a way to take Miku out of the sky, allowing her to pick up the victory.
(As Sheridan celebrates her victory, Miku slowly gets back to her feet. By this point she is furious at what just happened, and she looks at Sheridan Müller, who has her back turned.)
Rex McAllister: This was definitely a great match, and both women should be proud of their performances tonight.
Persephone: Right!? This was just soo good, I’m so glad that we-
James Peters: WOAH!!! MIKU SAKAI JUST GRABBED SHERIDAN AND SENT HER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!!! IT LOOKS LIKE MIKU HASN’T TAKEN TOO KINDLY TO HER LOSS TONIGHT, AND NOW SHE IS MAKING SHERIDAN PAY FOR IT AS SHERIDAN HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS COMING!!!!
Rex McAllister: MIKU STARTS PUNCHING AWAY AT SHERIDAN BEFORE SHE COULD EVEN GET OUT OF THE CORNER!!!! SHERIDAN WAS CELEBRATING HER WIN AND WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE THE RING BY THE TIME MIKU GOT BACK UP, AND THAT JUST GAVE MIKU THE CHANCE TO DELIVER THIS ATTACK!
James Peters: MIKU DELIVERS MORE ELBOWS TO THE BACK OF SHERIDAN’S HEAD, AND FROM THAT POSITION SHERIDAN CAN’T EVEN FIGHT BACK, AS SHE’S TOO BUSY TRYING TO PROTECT HERSELF WHILE GETTING OUT FROM THE TURNBUCKLES!
Rich Russillo: MIKU CLIMBS UP TO THE TOP ROPE AS SHERIDAN SLOWLY STUMBLES OUT OF THE CORNER, AND NOW THERE’S THE WALK OF SHAME!!!!!! MIKU SAKAI JUST BLINDSIDED SHERIDAN!!!!
James Peters: That was just unnecessary! Miku completely caught her off guard, all because Sheridan managed to pick up the victory!
Rich Russillo: It may be unnecessary, but these two aren’t here to make friends and they know that! They’re going to be opponents at Pain for Pride, and Miku just sent a message!
Rex McAllister: I think I have to agree with James, Rich. You may have a point about her sending a message, but I don’t think Sheridan will take too kindly to this.
(Miku Sakai gets back to her feet, and she has a grin on her face as she poses over Sheridan Müller’s body, taunting her as the fans in the arena boo loudly. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside and into a commercial break.)
(A commercial is shown for Fortnite featuring the Goku Black skin.
(Sunday Night Voltage fades to the backstage once again toward Captain Charisma’s office as the Commissioner of Voltage took a deep breath looking over to the watch on his wrist and looking at the time, yeah, it was definitely Pain for Pride season. He felt like his work doubled and even tripled the past few hours, considering he has to deal with wrestlers that might attack each other at any moment. It should tell you enough how worse things can get around this time of the season, and sadly, his job was not done yet for the night. He had to do something else that was very important and he couldn’t ignore it at all. Thing is, knowing what has happened with the person he is going to meet up with next and the words she said just a few weeks ago, he knew the topic would turn serious and Captain Charisma was getting prepared mentally for it.)
(So as the minutes kept ticking down and Captain Charisma was just casually tapping his fingers on the desk, he quickly looked over as he heard someone knock on the door to his office.)
???: May I come in?
Captain Charisma: Oh yes, of course, you can come in without any problem!
(Captain Charisma quickly adjusted his tie as the door then opened to reveal the person who he called this time to his office was Usagi Senshi. After the in-depth interview that she had a few weeks ago as she spoke as honestly as she could, she had a few free weeks to ponder on her EAW career and what she wants to do next after everything that has happened. And when she heard that Captain Charisma wanted to schedule a time to talk with her, it gave her the perfect opportunity to ponder on things once more and figure them out as Pain for Pride got closer. She was the only one out of the Ice Aces who didn’t have a match today so she decided to wear a simple orange business-like suit of her size for the meeting.)
Captain Charisma: Great to see you Usagi, if I knew you would have arrived all fancy like, I would have dressed up in a better way.
Usagi Senshi: No worries Captain Charisma, the lone tie works with the polka dot shirt, it gives off stressed boss vibes.
(The two of them let out a small laugh at the joke as Captain Charisma let out a small sigh.)
Captain Charisma: I am…uh, trying my best. Right, take a seat then.
(Usagi Senshi quickly walks over and sits down in one of the chairs that was in front of Captain Charisma’s desk and as they quickly get ready to start the conversation, Captain Charisma starts off.)
Captain Charisma: Right, where do I start then? Ok so, I had the time to be able to watch your interview a few weeks ago and I have to say, it was very beautiful hearing your thoughts and you being able to clear out any doubts and misconceptions that people had on you, I am very glad you were able to successfully do that.
Usagi Senshi: Thank you Captain Charisma.
Captain Charisma: And so, I began thinking about it after hearing your words, after what you wanted to do after everything that has happened to you this season. It is indeed slightly complicated for you in some mental and physical terms. The two of us know that with Pain for Pride coming up, and everyone looking for their own spot in the show as best as they could, I understand that you have been thinking about what is next for you, haven’t you, Usagi?
(Usagi tried her best to keep up a smile when talking with Captain Charisma but as he began talking about what she wanted to do for Pain for Pride and what she was going to do for it. It made her smile disappear for a moment and a small melancholic expression appeared on her face, she took a deep breath and began talking about it.)
Usagi Senshi: You are indeed right, Captain Charisma. I have been thinking heavily about it. Everything that has happened with Aria, with Ayu, with me, with the Ice Aces. It has been a very tough season for me, mostly everything that has happened to me in the past year? I hated it. I hated that I ended up turning into that kind of person because of tasting failure like that. I hated that I ended up taking a role of leader and not showing that I actually had the experience or skills to actually show I deserved that. And because of that little change, because of me wanting to make that stupid decision, I was harassed and accused of something I never was almost the entire season by Eden and her stupid team. I tried to make things right in any way I could but I just ended up failing miserably and crashing my head against the floor as hard as I could. ARIA was able to win the Specialists Championship but sadly, Ayu and I ended up deciding to lay off going for the Unified Tag Team Championships for now and just… end up doing our own thing. And what have I been able to do myself after all of that? I don’t know, sadly, a response could be saying not much. It felt good just being able to let out everything that I have been thinking, everything that I have been feeling towards the world in that interview. I felt that I was able to lift a weight off my shoulders that just stuck to me no matter what I did or said, but after doing that, I just sat down and wondered to myself…what now?
Usagi Senshi: I am honestly not too sure what Pain for Pride has in store for me yet, I have had opportunities such as the Grand Rampage Match, and while I did everything I could to make an impact, I did not win it. I even tried when fighting against Minerva herself, I left that match with some very good lessons I was able to learn for myself, but you could say somewhat the best result for me could have been beating Minerva. So all of that left me to ponder, left me to think on what I could actually do next, left me to wonder what decision I could actually take. It was probably one of the toughest decisions I had to make when it came to my career. There was that one little option in the back of my mind, which seemed stupid and wild to hear at first, that maybe, just maybe… I was indeed not fit to be here at all and I did not deserve to be here. But I did not listen to that voice. I tried my damn hardest to find a solution that didn’t involve having to rely on doing something like that. I am better than that. I am better than being someone who just ups and quits like that. I promised myself that I would never be that kind of person and let that kind of thing happen to me, not when there are so many people who believe in me and want me to succeed for the person that I am. So the past few weeks since Grand Rampage I have been thinking about it, and while I am still not entirely sure what is in store for me, I know fully in my heart and soul that I still want to be here. I still want to compete, I still want to fight for all of my friends, for my girlfriend, for myself, so yeah, I want the chance to compete in a major match on the biggest show of the year and finally prove myself, finally prove that I have what it takes to be called a champion. Someone to be looked up at, someone to be respected and admired for the hard work they have given, someone… loved for who they are you could say as well, so please, Captain Charisma, tell me you have something for me.
(Captain Charisma lays over on his chair and staying silent for a moment, he puts a hand on his chin as a way of showing that he was currently thinking about it until he slowly leaned forward and a smile appeared on his face.)
Captain Charisma: I am kidding, I don’t really have to think about it, of course I have something for you, in fact, that is the exact reason I called you here to my office!
(Usagi seemed pretty surprised as she heard those words, but she stayed quiet for now to let Captain Charisma speak and explain himself.)
Captain Charisma: So to quickly explain myself, throughout the past week I have been planning something along with Tyrone Montgomery and Kennedy Street. The three of us spoke at length about wanting to do something special for the women for Pain for Pride and give them a chance to go out there and be able to prove themselves. It took a while thinking about what to do until finally we arrived at one conclusion that seemed to satisfy the three of us, so we together decided to hold a tri-brand Specialists Championship Contendership match at Pain for Pride. Of course, the woman who comes out the winner gets a shot at fighting for the Specialists Championship, and the woman in my roster that I want to give the chance to participate in that match is you, Usagi Senshi.
(Usagi’s jaw slightly dropped as she heard Captain Charisma say that, he actually chose her personally to be in that match? Captain Charisma quickly continued speaking.)
Captain Charisma: Yeah, I know it is a bit of a shock for you that I wanted to choose you to represent Voltage in that match, but it is indeed for a good reason, Usagi. After everything that you have said in the interview, after what you have said to me right now, it is only right that you get an opportunity like this after how far you have come in the past year. I am going to repeat what I said before and commend you for taking responsibility for the things you have done throughout the season. It takes a lot of courage and maturity to be able to accept your mistakes and become a better person despite them. With that being said, I do believe you deserve the chance to show everyone who you are as a wrestler on a stage as big as Pain for Pride.
(Usagi slowly closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths after hearing those kinds of words from Captain Charisma. It took her a while to process them and understand them, but slowly, a genuinely happy smile began to form on her face and she slowly opened her eyes as she calmly nodded her head.)
Usagi Senshi: Thank you so much, Captain Charisma.
Captain Charisma: Hey, it is my job, it is what I do.
(It was then that a more determined expression began to form on her face as she slowly spoke up.)
Usagi Senshi: I said in that interview that it is normal to go through ups and downs in life, and you are going to be facing a lot of struggles that will bring you down and tear you apart. I said that no matter what, everything was going to be ok, and everything was going to be fine. I have had to go through all of that so many times that I want to feel ok, and I want to feel fine, be able to finally feel I have done it and I have earned my spot here in EAW. I am going to keep my career on track, for the people who believe in me, for ARIA, for Ayu, for myself. I am going to better myself as an Elitist and become the absolute best I can be, and it all starts with this.
(Usagi slowly got up to her feet as she said her goodbyes to Captain Charisma, she quickly left the office and continued going forward down the hallway with a fire IN her eyes. A new look to them that would show what kind of wrestler she wants to be now. She would succeed as Usagi Senshi, and just like that, Voltage faded away from backstage.)
(Voltage returns to the stage, and after a few seconds ‘Trepanation’ by Millennium Parade hits. This causes a loud, mixed reaction to come from the crowd as the Hardcore Champion begins to walk out to the stage. Hikari Kanno is wearing her Championship around her waist, but she is also holding a microphone in her hand. Hikari doesn’t remain on the stage for too long, instead beginning to walk down the ramp as she seems to have something to say as she doesn’t pay attention to neither the cheers nor the boos that are being directed at her.)
James Peters: On the final Voltage before Fighting Spirit, Hikari Kanno was given some very interesting information about the future of her Championship reign. It looks like she might just have her Pain for Pride challenger figured out already!
Rich Russillo: In an interview with Sofia Clarke, it was TLA that revealed that he’d be setting his sights on the Hardcore Championship at the biggest event of the year! We all know how talented TLA is. He’s a multiple time World Champion and a Hall of Famer, this won’t be easy for Hikari at all.
Rex McAllister: I’d have to agree, but then again, we’re only just now about to find out what Hikari Kanno’s been thinking this whole time. Who knows what she has to say about this whole deal?
Persephone: I know, right? I was just thinking the same thing! We’re so alike. :wow:
(As Hikari Kanno walks up the steel steps, and walks onto the apron, she begins to speak.)
Hikari Kanno: For five months I’ve held the Hardcore Championship, erasing every mistake made with this title in the past year. Erasing all of the damage done throughout the previous reign. The restrictions made to this Championship were lifted because of me. This Championship was allowed to be given a spotlight, allowed to be defended on marquee events in matches worthy of the titles’ name because of me. This Championship in five months has reached heights that this division wasn’t allowed to see at the beginning of the season, and now it looks like at Pain for Pride, someone is aiming for the target that was placed on my back the day I became Champion. Someone far beyond the likes of the #DisneyBesties. Someone that has accomplished more than even my former tag team partner. TLA, a Hall of Famer, wants to be the Elitist to dethrone me for this title. TLA wants to be the Elitist to do what Halsey Neel was never going to be able to regardless of who got involved. TLA wants to succeed where Miku Sakai failed. TLA wants to win what Ayu Megumi couldn’t. After five months of me holding this Championship, could any of you really deny that I’ve elevated it far beyond what it was at the beginning of the season?
(There’s a mixed reaction, and at this point Hikari Kanno is inside of the ring, looking around at the fans. After a few seconds, she begins to speak.)
Hikari Kanno: I’ll give you what you want, TLA. You set your sights on my Hardcore Championship, so here’s your shot. I’ll defend my title against you at Pain for Pride.
(This actually causes really loud cheers to come from the crowd, and Hikari Kanno continues.)
Hikari Kanno: I’m giving you this shot, because I’m not finished. You want to further your career, and I understand that. Everyone wants to find greater success, and further legitimize themselves even after they’ve reached a point where their talent should never be put into question. While you may want to win the Hardcore Championship, and leave Pain for Pride with another title added to the resume, I’m not finished. I want to continue elevating this Championship, and to do that I’m going to defend it against competition that surpasses what I’m usually forced to put up with. I’m going to put this title on the line against a Hall of Famer at the biggest event of the year, and when I leave Pain for Pride with this Championship still in my hand, it’ll be because I was capable of putting down everyone that got in my way. I welcome this kind of challenge TLA, but before Pain for Pride I hope you ask yourself whether or not you actually know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m giving you the opportunity you asked for, but by the time Pain for Pride is over, you might just regret ever stepping up to the plate.
(The mixed reaction returns, but after a few seconds it is replaced by full on cheers as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits. TLA makes his way out to the stage wearing a hoodie and swinging a rusty lead pipe around in circles. TLA steps into the ring as he tucks the pipe away and plays to the crowd on all four corners of the ring before requesting a microphone. TLA has a smile on his face as he waits for the crowd cheering and chants to die down before he begins to talk to his now official opponent at Pain for Pride.)
TLA: Tranquila chica. I ain’t out here to even assault you none. Ain’t even come out here to disrespect as much as some of these great fans out here in the audience might want me to. Nah if anything I have come out here to show you that respect and that acknowledgement. You see there is a reason why I chose to challenge you at Pain for Pride for that Hardcore Championship. All season long I have had to sit back and I’ve had to watch EAW slowly change. I have had to see EAW go from a sport and a business that I loved and that loved me back and see it slowly change into something different. Ever since Disney walked into these doors, EAW has gone from a company for hombres reales. From soldados and gladiators throwing down and putting everything they got on the line… into a softer and more corporate family friendly version. Now don’t get me wrong. I still love EAW. I still love its fans. I still got much love and respect for many of the wrestlers backstage. Pero you ain’t wrong when you talk about having to deal with the #DisneyBesties. I have had to deal with Disney and the things they have done to EAW all season long. They tried to fire me. They tried to shun me. They tried to phase me out. Telling me that I don’t fit the mold. I ain’t going to accept it. Nah I’m going to do something about it. I look around at what all the other champions and championships are about and I ain’t interested. Look no further than right here on Voltage where we got a main event headlined by two people who basically handed it to themselves by the power of the Chairman wanting to compete in a match he ain’t earned against a champion who ain’t earned the belt he is carrying. I’m supposed to just be iight with that basura representing Voltage? Nah y’all know me too well by now. I ain’t going to just sit here and be quiet and respectful.
(TLA pauses to cheers from the crowd as Hikari Kanno adjusts her championship and continues to stand there waiting for TLA to continue. TLA points at the title on her shoulder.)
TLA: Imma spit facts and imma recognize real. That’s when I realised that there was still a champion and a championship that I could still have some respect for here on Voltage. That I would be straight up honored to throw down for at Pain for Pride. Cuz I have seen what you have done with that belt all season long and like I said I ain’t out here to dispute your accomplishments. You have made that oro relevant and as far as I’m concerned you have done even better than you care to admit and have made it the most relevant championship on this brand. I don’t care if that doesn’t fit with the company line I will go to war with EAW itself if I got to because this is the Hardcore division. We be out here doing things our own way. I be playing by my own rules and this time there ain’t nothing that EAW or Disney can do about it. The only person who can do anything about it… is you Hikari. But you won’t cuz all I need for you to do is be yourself. All I need for you to do is continue to be the best champion on this brand. Carrying that title belt con respeto. Defending it with dominance for the longest. I know that you won’t be an easy competitor to defeat at Pain for Pride… but that is exactly what I am looking for in a champion. Cuz I have shown time and time again that I ain’t one to be underestimated no matter how good of a champion someone is and no matter how high in regard they are held. I got no problem being the guy who slides in and upsets you and sends your reign and everything you have built with it come crashing and crumbling down.
(The fans cheer loudly, and TLA stops speaking after this, allowing Hikari to take notice of the support he has from the fans. Despite this the Champion remains focused, and begins to speak.)
Hikari Kanno: I shouldn’t expect anything less from a challenger. As soon as you made it clear that you wanted my Championship I knew what I’d be up against, but I’m not so sure that you can say the same for yourself. Throughout the season you’ve faced a ton of obstacles, including having your career come to a temporary end, but your opponent at Pain for Pride will be nothing like the hardships you’ve faced for the past year. You’re not going to be at war with EAW at Pain for Pride, you’re going to be at war with me. For the past five months that I’ve held this Championship I’ve been patient. I’ve allowed challenger after challenger to approach me regardless of who they were. Former friends, Elitists with nothing but failure in their future, people that couldn’t possibly compare to the woman standing in front of you. I’ve taken them all on and I put them all away because I was not willing to let this Championship reign go to waste, just like I’m not willing to let it go to waste now that I’ve once again made it to the biggest event of the year, the same event where I suffered through some of the biggest losses of my career. If you want the Hardcore Championship, you’ll have to win a war that nobody in the past five months has been able to. You’ll have to make sure I can’t get back up. You’ll have to make sure that I can no longer fight, and so far nobody has even come close to achieving that. As confident as you may be in your chances of leaving Pain for Pride as Champion once again, you underestimate just what I am willing to do in order to remain Champion.
(TLA throws phantom punches into the air as if he is ready to start fighting right then and there. The crowd gets hyped and they want to see the fight too. However, TLA eventually manages to calm down and restrain himself for the time being instead going back to the microphone once more.)
TLA: Orale you know you getting me real fired up. Gettin’ that lava pumpin’ between my veins. You know I am ready to get my lucha on right here right now. I would expect nothing less. I know that you have been out to make that championship mean something. Y’all can rest assured that if you were to lose to me that championship would be in the safest of manos. Cuz you may have defeated some great challengers in the past. I am a challenger that no matter what way you want to look at it you know that you can’t discount. You might have been able to look in the eye of some of your opponents in the past and tell them that they ain’t ready but you ain’t able to do the same to me cuz you know what I am bringing to that table. Imma push you to all yo limits and even further than you have not just in your title reign but in your entire life. I’ve gone to war against the likes of The Mauler and torn the casa down in a bloody mess. I’ve wrestled in structures of pain, blood, and glass. I’ve gone to war against the straight up loco derangement of Drake King and pushed the boundaries of psychological warfare. I even overcame the man known as Cage at Pain for Pride undeniably one of the baddest men that this business has ever seen. Now I be steppin’ to you. The Hardcore Champion. The pinnacle of extreme wrestling and I be giving to you exactly what you have been saying you have wanted all this time. Imma give you that competition you deserve. Making sure that when you walk into Pain for Pride it is going to be the toughest challenge of yo vida to date. You might get that glory you want for that championship. If you walk out Pain for Pride holding onto it somehow someway… that oro gonn’ mean more than it ever has before. Pero you ain’t walk out with the gold? Nah chica you gonna have to confront that same truth within yo self you done forced every challenger you have defeated to date to face. You going to have to look in the mirror and admit to yourself… maybe you just weren’t ready.
(There’s a brief staredown between the two, before Hikari Kanno begins to speak once again.)
Hikari Kanno: If that’s the way this is going to be… So be it. You’ve got your match. The war has already started, and I won’t need to wait for Pain for Pride to decide whether or not you’re ready.
(TLA takes a few seconds, wondering what Hikari could mean by that, until…)
James Peters: HIKARI KANNO JUST TRIED TO HIT TLA WITH THE TITLE JUST LIKE SHE DID TO AYU MEGUMI!!!!
Rich Russillo: TLA AVOIDED IT THOUGH, AND NOW HE KICKS HIKARI IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE BEGINNING TO PUNCH AWAY AT HER! IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A BRAWL ON OUR HANDS AS HIKARI JUST TRIED TO TEST TLA!
Rex McAllister: HIKARI KANNO FIGHTS BACK, LANDING SHOTS TO THE MIDSECTION THAT FORCE TLA TO BACK OFF! HIKARI KANNO NOW CHARGES AT HER PAIN FOR PRIDE CHALLENGER-
James Peters: BUT TLA IS ABLE TO SEND HER INTO THE ROPES WITH A DROP TOE HOLD!!!! HIKARI KANNO IS CAUGHT UP ON THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND NOW TLA QUICKLY RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE GOING FOR THE 305!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! HIKARI KANNO PULLED HERSELF OFF OF THE ROPES JUST BEFORE TLA COULD CONNECT WITH THE 305!!! TLA LANDS BACK IN THE RING- BUT HE’S MET WITH A BIG BOOT BY THE CHAMPION!!!! HIKARI KANNO NOW GRABBING TLA BY THE HEAD, AND SHE GOES FOR ALLELUIA!!!!!
Rex McAllister: BUT TLA SLIPPED OUT OF HIKARI’S GRASP! TLA NOW TURNING HIKARI AROUND BEFORE GETTING HER IN POSITION FOR THE MEXICAN DESTROYER- BUT HIKARI AT THE LAST SECOND IS ABLE TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING, BARELY AVOIDING TLA’S FINISHING MOVE AS TLA WAS PREPARED FOR THE ATTACK!!!
Persephone: Spot on as always 🥰! TLA definitely saw that attack coming, Hikari might have been the one that wasn’t ready.
James Peters: Well that’s something we’ll find out soon enough. Let’s not forget, this won’t just be a regular match at Pain for Pride. This will be a Hardcore match, and both of these Elitists know that.
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ plays once again as TLA remains inside of the ring. Both he and Hikari Kanno are staring directly at each other, and while TLA has a smirk on his face, the Champion doesn’t look as impressed. Hikari holds onto her Championship as she stands at the bottom of the ramp, holding it up as the two Elitists share a few more words. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)
(A commercial break is shown for Spotify featuring the themes of all your favorite Elitists!)
(We return from commercial break and TLA is still in the ring with his entrance music playing. TLA is preparing for his upcoming match. )
James Peters: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Voltage. As you can see TLA is still in the ring as he is getting ready for singles action following an interesting encounter with Hikari Kanno. So let’s get right to it and send it to Bella Braxton for the introductions of our next match.
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and already in the ring! Weighing in at 210 pounds! Here is T! L! A!
(After a little bit of time, TLA’s music fades off. Seconds later, ‘LIKE IT! LOVE IT!’ by Setsuna Yuki starts to play as Ayu Megumi enters the arena to loud cheers from the crowd. She has a smile on her face as she heads to the ring. )
Bella Braxton: Introducing his opponent! From Okinawa, Japan! Weighing in at 115 pounds! Here is “THE AMAZING GIRL” AYU MEGUMI!
Rich Russillo: Here comes TLA’s opponent for this match. It was two weeks ago on Voltage where Ayu Megumi had one of the biggest singles matches of her career when she took on Hikari Kanno for the Hardcore Championship.
Rex McAllister: Many people thought that sweet Ayu Megumi wouldn’t hack it in a Hardcore Title environment, but I believe she proved many people wrong with her performance in that match. She didn’t leave as Champion, but she proved that she can most definitely hang with the upper level competitors here on Voltage.
Persephone: You are so right, my Rexy. She proved that she is a star on the rise. I always knew you had an eye for spotting amazing talent. No wonder you always kept an eye on me.
James Peters: Umm…yeah. That’s why. Anyways, Ayu has another opportunity to prove what she can do here tonight in singles action when she takes on a former World Champion and Hall of Famer in TLA! TLA is gunning after the title that Ayu just challenged for and is looking to build some momentum for Pain for Pride. Will he succeed or will Ayu Megumi put all of that to a screeching halt and pick up one of the biggest wins of her career? We are about to find out now.
(Ayu enters the ring while the crowd is still cheering for her. She gives a wave to the crowd before she takes her corner and her music fades off. The referee checks both competitors before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: Here we go! Match is underway and we have a lockup in the center of the ring, but TLA easily overpowers Ayu and has her in a side headlock and tries to neutralize her early on in this match.
Rich Russillo: Ayu is trying to find a way to get free from the headlock and TLA takes her over and down to the mat. Ayu is down BUT AYU KIPS UP AND GETS BACK TO HER FEET! TLA quickly follows suit and they are just looking at each other in this standoff.
Rex McAllister: Ayu needs to focus on her speed advantage before TLA can use his power to overwhelm her. Both competitors love to fly on occasion, so this will be a very interesting match to say the least.
Persephone: OH YES! An amazing match this is going to be. I agree completely, Rexy. You are so smart. The two competitors go to lock up again, BUT AYU DUCKS BEHIND AND HAS A WAISTLOCK!
James Peters: TLA tries to fire elbows to get loose but Ayu is able to duck under them. Ayu is trying to muscle up TLA for a German Suplex BUT TLA MUSCLES HER OVER WITH A MODIFIED SNAPMARE AND AYU IS SITTING ON THE MAT!
Rex McAllister: Now TLA hits the ropes and comes back WITH A DROPKICK RIGHT TO AYU’S FACE! Ayu sent head over heels towards the ropes. Ayu is trying to shake the cobwebs from the dropkick by rolling out onto the apron.
Persephone: Ayu certainly felt that kick to the face and Rexy is definitely right. She is trying to shake the cobwebs from the boots to the face as she makes it back to her feet on the apron.
Rich Russillo: Here comes TLA AND DELIVERS ANOTHER DROPKICK AND THAT SENDS AYU FLYING OFF THE APRON TO THE FLOOR BELOW! Ayu has not been able to get out of the gates as of right now.
James Peters: But that isn’t going to get any easier as TLA hits the ropes on the far side BEFORE RUNNING FULL SPEED TOWARDS AYU AND HE CATCHES AYU WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! Ayu just got back to her feet and that was a direct hit with that Suicide Dive and back down to the floor she goes.
Rich Russillo: TLA has a title match coming in about five weeks and he is not going to leave anything to chance in this match. Listen to this crowd! They love TLA! He has full control of Ayu in this match.
Rex McAllister: If you want to be honest, the crowd loves Ayu as well. This is a battle of two fan favorites on Voltage. TLA brings Ayu back to her feet AND JUST SLAMS HER ON THE FLOOR BELOW! AYU’S BACK TOOK A POUNDING ON THAT SLAM!
Persephone: That’s right, Rexy. Both Ayu and TLA are loved so much by the fans. Almost as much as I love you, Rexy. Regardless of how much crowd admiration these two have, neither want to lose this match.
James Peters: Umm… ok. Anyways, TLA brings Ayu back up to her feet and rolls her back into the ring before climbing on the apron. Ayu is still down and TLA SPRINGBOARDS UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND CATCHES AYU WITH A SPRINGBOARD SPLASH!
Rex McAllister: TLA caught all of it and he rolls Ayu away from the ropes before hooking the leg for the first cover of the match.
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
TH–
Persephone: Ayu kicks out at two and that just means I get to continue calling this match with you, Rexy. That gets me so excited. I hope you feel the same way.
Rich Russillo: Maybe you need to switch to decaf or something, Persephone. But TLA is still in control and he brings Ayu once again to her feet and whips Ayu to the corner. Ayu hits the turnbuckles and TLA quickly follows AND CATCHES AYU IN THE FACE WITH AN ELBOW!
James Peters: Ayu starts to stumble out of the corner and TLA applies a front facelock and lifts Ayu with ease all the way up and sits her on the top turnbuckle before following suit. Both competitors are on the top rope.
Rich Russillo: Be careful up there. That’s very dangerous and TLA has once again applied a facelock. TLA IS TRYING TO EXECUTE A SUPERPLEX, BUT AYU IS BLOCKING IT IN ANY WAY SHE CAN! TLA tries again, BUT AYU IS HOLDING ONTO THE ROPES WITH ALL HER MIGHT!
Rex McAllister: TLA lets the facelock go and tries to clobber Ayu, BUT SHE BLOCKS IT AND COUNTERS WITH A FOREARM TO TLA’S FACE! AYU IS FIGHTING BACK AND DOING WHATEVER SHE CAN TO SAVE HERSELF! FOREARM AFTER FOREARM TO TLA!
Persephone: Oh, Rexy! She keeps throwing those shots and TLA is starting to lose his balance and that could cause big trouble for TLA if he falls–
James Peters: TLA LOSES HIS BALANCES AND CRASHES DOWN TO THE MAT! Ayu is getting her wits about her and now she is standing on the top rope and she leaves nothing to chance as she JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE—
Rex McAllister: AYU WITH THE CORKSCREW MOONSAULT FROM THE TOP ROPE AND SHE GOT ALL OF IT! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MOVE BY AYU MEGUMI AS SHE HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEE—
Persephone: AND TLA KICKS OUT! That was very close, Rexy. That just means the match continues and I get to keep calling it with you, Rexy. Isn’t that just great?
Rich Russillo: The greatest. Now Ayu mounts TLA and starts throwing lefts and rights. The referee begins a count and Ayu opens her fists on four. She isn’t trying to be malicious. Ayu has the short end of the stick in this match and she is doing whatever she can to even up the playing field.
James Peters: TLA shoves Ayu off him and starts to get back to his feet as Ayu hits the ropes and comes back at full speed AND PLANTS TLA WITH A SNAP DDT! TLA’S FACE GOES STRAIGHT INTO THE MAT!
Rich Russillo: Ayu gets on TLA’s back AND APPLIES A SLEEPER HOLD! AYU IS TRYING TO WEAKEN TLA! This might not be the best strategy at this point in the match.
Rex McAllister: TLA has 95 pounds on Ayu so the power advantage is heavily in the favor of the former World Champion. She is going to have to do more damage before trying a submission move to finish off TLA.
Persephone: I agree with everything you just said, Rexy. Because look at what is happening now. TLA is getting back to his feet with ease and he still has Ayu on his back.
James Peters: TLA is back to his feet and he starts backing up at full speed to the corner AND AYU GETS CRUSHED SPINE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES AND THAT CAUSES AYU TO RELEASE THE SLEEPER HOLD!
Rex McAllister: Ayu is still in the corner AND LOOK AT TLA GO! HE IS FIRING OFF THESE STRIKES AT ALMOST ROCKET SPEED! IT’S LIKE BOXING PRACTICE RIGHT NOW ON VOLTAGE! Ayu is doing whatever she can to block whatever shots she can.
Persephone: But most of the shots are landing, Rexy. That could spell big trouble for her if the strikes keep up and that could finish her off.
Rich Russillo: TLA lets up on the strikes and backs up BEFORE RUNNING FULL SPEED TO THE CORNER! TLA GOES FOR SPLASH BUT AYU SOMEHOW GOT HER BOOTS UP AND DROVE THEM INTO TLA!
James Peters: TLA was staggered for a second before running back into the corner BUT AYU WRAPS AROUND TLA’S NECK AND SHE FLINGS HERSELF OUT OF THE CORNER AND COUNTERS WITH A HEADSCISSORS FROM THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: TLA was taken for a ride there. TLA quickly gets back to his feet and goes for a clothesline, BUT AYU DUCKS IT! Ayu quickly turns and grabs TLA by the shoulders and JUMPS ON HIS SHOULDERS!
Rex McAllister: Ayu is trying to set up for that reverse hurricanrana style move, BUT TLA DOESN’T GIVE HER A CHANCE AS HE COUNTERS BY SIMPLY DROPPING DOWN WITH THE ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP!
Persephone: That was a very dangerous move, Rexy! I am glad you have never done something like that recently. But TLA keeps hold of Ayu’s legs AND BRIDGES UP FOR A MODIFIED PIN COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEE!
James Peters: AYU MEGUMI GETS HER SHOULDER UP AT TWO! This has been a great match to watch. Ayu has shown such drive and determination in this match and she has such a bright future here in EAW. Count on it.
Rex McAllister: I would agree with that because of how she has been doing with someone with the experience and resume like TLA. She should be proud of herself. Right now TLA is getting back to his feet and he still has a hold of Ayu’s legs.
Persephone: You know if my Rexy thinks that someone has a bright future here in EAW, then I think that someone has a bright future here because Rexy is the smartest person I have ever met in my life.
Rich Russillo: Let’s get back to the match. Right now, TLA is dragging Ayu over to the corner before he falls back WITH A SLINGSHOT AND AYU MANAGES TO JUMP ONTO THE SECOND ROPE AND CATCH HERSELF!
James Peters: Creative counter for Ayu as she gets her footing on the second rope as TLA gets back to his feet AS AYU JUMPS OFF THE SECOND ROPE AND CATCHES TLA WITH THE DOUBLE KNEE JAWBREAKER!
Rich Russillo: TLA is staggered after the jawbreaker, BUT AYU QUICKLY FOLLOWS UP WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST! “SACRED ARROW” BY AYU MEGUMI! TLA IS STILL ON HIS FEET BUT AYU QUICKLY ROLLS HIM UP! SCHOOLBOY FOR THE WIN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEE!
Rex McAllister: TLA ROLLS UP AT TWO, BUT DANG HE ALMOST GOT CAUGHT BY THAT COMBO ATTACK! TLA is still feeling the effects of that spinning back fist.
Persephone: He certainly is, my Rexy. TLA is trying to back himself towards the ropes but Ayu is not letting him get away.
James Peters: Ayu goes for TLA, BUT TLA CATCHES HER WITH A DROP TOE HOLD AND THAT SENDS AYU CHEST FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Rex McAllister: UH OH! Ayu is on the ropes and that only means one thing! TLA IS SETTING UP FOR THE “305”! TLA is getting back to his feet before hits the ropes. TLA comes back at full speed and swings through the ropes.
Persephone: AND TLA HITS THE “305”! TIGER FEINT KICK BY TLA! You were so right, Rexy! That’s why I am glad you are so back. You are such a genius. I love it!
Rich Russillo: Ok then. Ayu was flung back with the force of the kick and TLA climbs all the way up to the top rope once again. TLA might be looking for a combo of his own.
James Peters: Ayu is still down after the tiger feint kick AND NOW TLA JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE! HE FLIPS BACK AND HE HITS “420”! SHOOTING STAR PRESS BY THE HALL OF FAMER!
Rich Russillo: That move was right on target and TLA goes to hook the leg! Will “420” take away Ayu’s chances of victory?
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEE!
Rex McAllister: IT WAS NOT ENOUGH! AYU KICKED OUT! Ayu kicked out right as the referee’s hand was coming down for the three count and she fought out of it with whatever energy she had.
Persephone: I couldn’t have said it any better, Rexy! This match has been so amazing and the best part has been being able to watch it with you. I have enjoyed every second of hearing your passion.
James Peters: TLA is not done yet. He picks Ayu up and whips her to the ropes. Ayu hits the ropes BUT SHE HOOKS HER ARMS ON THE TOP ROPE AND STOPS HERSELF!
Rex McAllister: TLA comes at full force and tries to clothesline Ayu over the top rope, BUT AYU BACKFLIPS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND IN THE PROCESS KICKED TLA RIGHT IN THE JAW! Another creative counter!
Persephone: That was a creative counter, my Rexy! Leave it to the Elitists of EAW to always have tricks that they can pull out of anywhere at any time.
Rich Russillo: TLA was staggered after that kick and Ayu gets back in the ring before JUMPING ONTO THE SECOND ROPE WITH THE MOONSAULT! TLA WAS RIGHT THERE AND SHE GRABS HIS NECK BEFORE LANDING ON HER FEET AND PLANTING HIM WITH THE SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT DDT!
James Peters: TLA landed hard on the back of his head and Ayu is back on the second rope. TLA slowly gets back to his feet AND AYU CATCHES TLA IN THE FACE WITH THE ONE FOOT DROPKICK! AYU HAS TLA ON THE RAILS!
Rex McAllister: Ayu brings TLA back to his feet as she hits the ropes. Ayu ducks the TLA clothesline and SPRINGS UP ON THE ROPES GOING FOR THE SPRINGBOARD CUTTER–
Persephone: Oh, Rexy. The move didn’t work as TLA caught her. TLA has her in a back suplex position before bouncing her off the top rope–
Rich Russillo: TLA TURNS HER AROUND AND PLANTS HER WITH THE “DESMADRE”! REBOUND SITOUT POWERBOMB BY TLA AND AYU HAS ROLLED THROUGH SO TLA COULD NOT ATTEMPT THE COVER!
James Peters: But TLA is right there and pulls Ayu back to her feet. NOW TLA JUMPS AND GRABS HER BY THE BACK OF THE NECK AND TAKES AYU DOWN!
Rich Russillo: THE ZIG ZAG TAKES AYU DOWN! Ayu is trying to get back to her feet and TLA is gearing up for another big attack. Ayu is up AND TLA BACKFLIPS! TLA IS GOING FOR THE “CARTEL KICK”! PELE KICK BY TLA—
Rex McAllister: Ayu managed to get out of the way of the “Cartel Kick”! TLA keeps his balance and stays on his feet AND HE IS MET WITH THE “RYO NO IKARI”! SUPERKICK BY AYU! THAT KICK CAUGHT TLA RIGHT IN THE FACE, BUT HE IS STILL ON HIS FEET!
Persephone: He certainly is still on his feet, Rexy. TLA looks like he is on Dream Street and that could cause him a huge mess of trouble in just a few moments because Ayu is gearing up!
James Peters: AYU HITS THE ROPES AND LOOKS TO FOLLOW UP THE SUPERKICK! AYU COMES BACK CATCHES TLA IN THE TEMPLE WITH “FATALITY”! RUNNING BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE PUTS TLA DOWN! AYU SCRAMBLES AS FAST AS SHE CAN INTO THE COVER! AYU HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!
Rex McAllister: TLA BARELY GOT HIS SHOULDER UP ON THAT ONE! WHAT A CLOSE NEAR FALL THAT ONE WAS! Ayu almost picked up a very huge victory right there. But Ayu needs to keep her cool because getting frustrated isn’t going to help anything.
Persephone: That was a very close near fall indeed, Rexy. TLA was less than a second away from losing this match, but she found a way to continue to fight on. What a match it has been, Rexy.
Rich Russillo: TLA is now back up on the top rope and this time he is looking to finish this match once and for all. TLA finds his foot and he is setting up for his famous Corkscrew 630 Senton. TLA IS LOOKING FOR “BURNOUT”! TLA JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE—
James Peters: AYU ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND AND TLA FOUND NOTHING BUT THE CANVAS! THE CORKSCREW 630 SENTON DID NOT PAY OFF FOR TLA AND THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A HUGE MISTAKE FOR THE HALL OF FAMER!
Rich Russillo: TLA CRASHED AND BURNED WITH THAT HIGH RISK MOVE! TLA LANDED VERY UGLY AND HERE COMES AYU MEGUMI! SHE GRABS TLA’S HEAD AND SHE HAS APPLIED THE “ISEKAI NO MEGUMI”! THAT’S AYU’S MOST DANGEROUS SUBMISSION! SHE GOT THE DRAGON SLEEPER!
Rex McAllister: WHAT A DRAGON SLEEPER BY AYU AND TLA IS STRUGGLING! THAT CAME OUT OF LEFT FIELD AND TLA DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! He went for a big move off the top rope and that mistake could cause him to lose this match. TLA is in that submission and he is in the middle of the ring.
Persephone: I agree with everything you just said, Rexy. TLA got caught by surprise and this surprise might just cost him the match. He is nowhere near the ropes, so he needs to come up with something and fast.
James Peters: AYU HAS THAT DRAGON SLEEPER IN TIGHT AND TLA LOOKS LIKE HE IS STARTING TO FADE! AYU MEGUMI MIGHT BE A FEW SECONDS AWAY FROM GETTING A VERY BIG WIN BY MAKING TLA PASS OUT!
Rex McAllister: LOOK! TLA IS TAPPING INTO SOME HIDDEN ENERGY TO START FIGHTING BACK! TLA IS SHOWING SOME POWER BY STARTING TO GET BACK TO HIS FEET! HE MIGHT ACTUALLY GET OUT OF THE SUBMISSION
Persephone: Oh yes, Rexy! TLA managed to find enough energy to help him get back to his feet and get out of the submission. Hopefully it didn’t take too much out of him and he MAKES IT BACK TO HIS FEET!
Rich Russillo: TLA IS ABLE TO MUSCLE OUT OF THE SUBMISSION BY THROWING AYU OFF HIM AND SHE LANDS HARD ON THE MAT! AYU GETS BACK TO HER KNEES AS TLA RUNS RIGHT IN, GRABBING AYU, AND FLIPPING FORWARD! “MEXICAN DESTROYER” BY TLA! THAT WAS OUT OF NOWHERE!
James Peters: WHAT A FLIP PILEDRIVER BY TLA AND AYU WAS SPIKED RIGHT ON THE TOP OF HER HEAD AND SHE IS NOT MOVING! SHE HAS TO BE OUT COLD AS TLA ROLLS HER OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ starts playing again as TLA slowly rolls off of Ayu as he slowly starts to make it back to his feet as Bella Braxton announces the final decision.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner! TLA!
James Peters: What a great match we just watched right here. One of the rising stars of Voltage and a Hall of Famer leaving it all in the ring. The fans definitely enjoyed that match and we certainly did too. Am I right?
Rich Russillo: Absolutely! These two put on a heck of a match here tonight and with Pain for Pride in the foreseeable future. At the end of the day it was the experience edge of TLA that helped him pull out the victory here tonight as he gets some momentum for Hikari Kanno.
(TLA is back to his feet as the referee raises his arm in victory to the cheers from the crowd before going to check on Ayu as TLA leaves the ring and heads up the entrance ramp.)
Rex McAllister: You have to give so much credit to Ayu here tonight. True she didn’t win the match, but she without a doubt impressed many more people with her performance. She had the match won on a few occasions, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.
Persephone: I was thinking the exact same thing, Rexy. She fought so hard and almost won. Oh well. She will get them next time.
James Peters: That’s right. Ayu Megumi is making her presence felt on Voltage, but tonight goes to the Hall of Famer. TLA leaves victorious and we give him our congratulations for a hard fought victory here tonight.
(The final shot shows TLA at the top of the entrance ramp with a smile on his face and proud of his victory before cutting to Ayu, who is still sitting on the mat with a small look of disappointment as the camera cuts elsewhere.)
(A commercial is shown for The Boys on Amazon Prime featuring Sheridan Muller.)
(Voltage returns from commercial break and cuts down to the ring where Bella Braxton is standing by.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… PLEASE WELCOME… METHUSELAH!!!!
(‘Black Star’ by David Bowie begins to play as ominous fog begins to rise from what seems to be every part of the arena. The crowd begins to mostly boo, although there are some diehards out there who were happy to see Drake King get what he deserved back at Fighting Spirit. A few seconds later, Methuselah walks through the fog with a smirk on his face and he begins to make his way down to the ring.)
James Peters: It’s been a week since we witnessed a very diabolic scene back at Fighting Spirit. Drake King and Myles were locked in a battle of the ages with the EAW World Championship on the line, only to have it ruined thanks to Methuselah’s interference.
Rich Russillo: But sadly, the highway robbery scheme that made Myles a victim wasn’t what really got the fans talking. After the match, Methuselah would make Drake an offer that he believed Drake couldn’t refuse, including a Gawd Contract among other things, but low and behold, Drake told Methuselah no. He didn’t want to sell out in order to gain unlimited power and stuck to his own moral compass.
Rex McAllister: What followed was a beat down that ended with Drake getting his brains scrambled thanks to a con chairto, and led us to what is now Voltage’s main event at Pain for Pride. By order of the Chairman himself, Drake King will be defending his EAW Championship against Methuselah. Talk about a blockbuster of a match.
Persephone: Ohmygod, that’s exactly what I thought too! Soulmates! 💋
(Methuselah is in the ring now, microphone in hand. Despite the jeering of the crowd, he looks undeterred. He also doesn’t waste any time launching into what he wants to say.)
Methuselah: I have been thinking a lot about Fighting Spirit and what went down between Drake King and myself. It’s not often that you offer someone the world and they turn it down. My feelings were hurt and my emotions got the better of me, and as a result, I reacted in a manner that is not indicative of the feelings I have towards Drake King as an Elitist and person. Drake is a gem and in so many ways, he reminds me of a younger version of myself. The fact he is set in his ways and never deviates from his set of principles is truly inspiring. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Drake and the way he handles his business, which is partially why I wanted to work with him in the first place. Sure, he has set out to destroy the company I built from the ground up. He wants to wash away the blood, the sweat, and the tears that I have put into meticulously designing this place to be my own personal kingdom, not to mention if Drake were to follow through on his promises, it would destroy my very own legacy. But how can I be mad at him for that? Drake’s ambitions, no matter how far-fetched they truly are, have made him one of the most compelling and must-see Elitists to ever walk through these doors. In a way, I am obsessed with that. I would daresay that part of me is rather obsessed with Drake King. I need to see all of his matches. I need to watch all of his promotional videos and interviews. Every single week I find myself tuning in to see exactly what he is going to do next and I can’t get enough of it. Truly, I can’t. The only thing more satisfying than watching Drake King compete is what my wife is able to do with her mouth, and that’s why I don’t take Drake King for granted. In fact, it’s why I offered him the world.
(Methuselah pauses to allow his words to sink in. The audience doesn’t quite know what to make of this situation as of yet because truthfully, they’re still in a bit of shock over what transpired back at Fighting Spirit.)
Methuselah: I don’t think I could possibly name another Elitist who would turn down what I offered Drake. Think about it. In recent times, we have all been witness to the type of power the Gawd Contract holds. We’ve seen Chris Elite use its powers for good and evil, dictating several events that would change the course of EAW’s history. The most recent example that I can think of off the top of my head happened around this time last year. Elite was still smarting from losing the Unified Tag Team Championships to the Off-Brand Amphetamines and opted to throw his partner, Jake Smith, a bone. He utilized the Gawd Contract to put Jake in the Cash in the Vault ladder match, a match that Jake would go on to win, and now we have one of the worst Answers World Champions this company has ever seen in its 16-year history. I have no doubt that with a Gawd Contract, Drake would make better decisions than that. In fact, I offered it to him because I’m curious to see how far Drake can take his crusade to destroy this company. I am fully aware that a lot of you are questioning my motives, but at the end of the day, I’m also a fan just like everyone else. Drake is unhinged to the point where you never know what he will do next. You tune in because you love to hate him and because you have to see what he does next. It’s rare to see someone with exactly the right mix of talent, charisma, evil, and above all else, passion. Drake checks every box. Why would I not want to give him the tools to succeed? I saw the same thing in Kassidy, which is why I took her under my wing and made her my wife, and look at her now. She is just weeks away from becoming a three-time world champion, having done more in her short time here than almost anyone else in history. Drake’s rise has been just as prominent, and I feel the overwhelming urge to help him achieve everything his heart desires. I want to guide Drake, teach him how to become even better, and work alongside him to make EAW an even better place.
Methuselah: Now, some of our beliefs differ and that’s alright for now, but with the right amount of discipline and positive reinforcement, Drake King truly can become the Messiah he fancies himself to be. I can only assume that his own emotions and ego got the better of him back at Fighting Spirit. After all, it’s not everyday someone giftwraps and hands you your third world championship. Drake may not believe that this sport needs championships, but he’s smart enough to know that being EAW World Champion brings him a lot of power. He is able to dictate more and be more selective when it comes to who he gets involved with. That title coupled with a Gawd Contract and a seat on the EAW Board of Directors would have made Drake King the most powerful entity in all of EAW besides me. I suspect he was overwhelmed by the offer and didn’t truly have to think about what I was offering him. In fact, I would wager that the thought of finally having everything he’s ever desired at all nine of his fingertips instilled just the slightest amount of fear inside of him. Once you’ve won the war, then what? Where do you go from there? I don’t think it registered to Drake that the actual war would have only just begun.
(Methuselah pauses and walks over to the corner of the ring. He perches himself on the top turnbuckle and rakes a hand through his hair.)
Methuselah: I suppose my timing could have been better when it came to proposing a real, true alliance between Drake and myself. Also, I feel as if I came on a bit too strong. I was excited and my emotions got the better of me, and that’s completely out of character. I’ve often said that emotions are the true downfall of an Elitist, and that was the case at Fighting Spirit. I let the possibility of the future that Drake and I could create together for EAW get the better of me and as a result Drake rebuked me. I snapped and acted out, and then made a match for Pain for Pride between the two of us for the EAW World Championship. I would very much like to rectify this situation and offer Drake an olive branch.
???: Save it.
(The crowd gets loud as Drake walks out from the back. He looks worse for wear, having a swollen lip and two black eyes, not to mention several cuts and bruises thanks to the beating Methuselah gave him at Fighting Spirit. He has the EAW World Championship on his shoulder, something that he didn’t do the last time he was champion, and upon seeing him, Methuselah’s eyes light up. He jumps down from the turnbuckles and gestures for Drake to get inside the ring. Drake glares at him, but nevertheless he does end up in the ring and poses a simple question to Methuselah.)
Drake King: What makes you think I am going to be receptive about anything you have to say after what happened last weekend?
Methuselah: I can’t blame you for not being receptive, but I do hope you allow me a chance to fully explain myself. The offer I made you is one in a lifetime, and I believe you should consider it. Not only are you getting a seat on the Board of Directors… not only are you getting a Gawd Contract… but you are getting the biggest contract offer in EAW history. You are worth every penny, to be frank, and you also know that I want some things from you in return. I believe this is where my message got lost in translation because I didn’t get to fully explain myself.
Drake King: I don’t need you to fully explain yourself because what you said was enough. You want me to sell my soul to you, but that is not something I am going to do. You are absolutely insane if you think I would allow you to control every aspect of my career, right down to social media accounts that I don’t even use in the first place.
Methuselah: Ahhh, Drake. You see, this is why you need my guidance. Social media is a powerful tool in today’s society whether you deem it necessary or not. The right carefully crafted message can change the course of history as we know it. Do you think former President Trump was tweeting just to tweet when he set off an insurrection back on January 6th, 2021? He knew exactly what he was doing and how his followers would react. Chaos ensued and the world became more divided than ever before. That right there is a true example of power. These people love social media. They love to follow their favorites. They love to tweet at those they despise and tell them exactly what they think of them. Keyboard warriors have become some of the world’s biggest villains, and they can also become some of your greatest allies. I know the majority of the world doesn’t believe in your message about how greedy and despicable this business is, but believe it or not, there are some that do. I had my team research this and you have a following online. You have people who share your same viewpoint and believe that wrestling as a whole would be better off if championships were taken completely out of the equation. They cheered your victory at Fighting Spirit because they know you are the only person in this industry that will put good old fashioned competition first and that title on your shoulder second. You need to utilize this. You need the right people around you to help spread this message. Allowing me into your world and accepting my resources guarantees that you will succeed and shape this industry into your vision. In fact, I am happy for it to become OUR vision. You have to trust that I have your best interests at heart here. There’s a price to pay for everything, that is true and I won’t deny that, but look at what you stand to gain. You will finally have the ability to do whatever it is your heart desires. Taking my hand and coming aboard gives you the power to strip this company of all its championships if that’s what you want to do. A seat on the Board means that you will have a say in every decision that gets made and if you don’t agree with the majority, you can use the Gawd Contract to override things. Of course, all things have to be cleared with me first, but I believe in you Drake. I trust your vision. I want to see what a world ruled by you would look like. I don’t wish to be your adversary.
(Drake takes a deep breath and thinks this over for a moment. He knows Methuselah is attempting to sell him on all of this and for Drake, the offer should be tempting.)
Drake King: But what about the price you are asking me to pay? You want me to sacrifice myself in order to finally get what you think I want, and that’s not a normal request. You can’t just bribe someone into giving up everything they have worked for in order for you to have your name on it. You don’t care about my mission. You just want to control it so it doesn’t come around to hurt you. You are one of the greediest, most narcissistic people in this whole world. You have purposely hurt people in the past who have refused you or made you angry, and I am standing here in front of you as proof of that. Look at how terribly you reacted just because I said ‘no’ to you. You attacked me and then concussed me because you didn’t get your way. You reacted like a child and that is not okay. How could I ever trust you after that?
Methuselah: Spare the rod, spoil the child. You gave me no choice, Drake.
Drake King: That may work with Kassidy, but that isn’t going to work with me. I don’t need you or anyone else holding my hand and helping me achieve my goals. Every single time I have put my faith and my trust into other people, it has come back to bite me. It happened with the Round Table. It happened with the Visual Prophet. It happened with Sierra Bradford. It happened with New Eden. I am not going to stand side-by-side with you and take your handouts, and I am certainly not going to allow you to take control of my career and dictate how I spend my free time. Because of how big your ego is, I am sure it never occurred to you that I don’t want to move to Newark and sit in an office on my off days. I want to spend time at my compound, working on my goals, and making sure the necessary pieces are in place so I can achieve my vision MY way. Furthermore, I don’t need more money or a cushy contract that makes me the highest paid Elitist in history. Who cares about money? It doesn’t truly buy happiness. You are a great example of this. You have all the money in the world but you remain unsatisfied. You want more. You need more. You are consumed by nothing but greed. How you live your life is disgusting to me, and I don’t want any part of that. I don’t want to be like you. I would hate myself if I were to become like you.
(Instead of being angry at Drake’s words, Methuselah beams.)
Methuselah: Oh Drake. Poor, naive Drake. Don’t you see what’s happening? Whether you like it or not, you are just like me.
Drake King: No.
Methuselah: Yes. You are me before I learned how to harness all the potential I had. You are full of passion and have more ambition that you know what to do with. You lack discipline and you have no one to reign you in. As a result, you have made several mistakes over the last few years, getting involved with the wrong people, and ending up hurt as a result. You have never had a successful relationship or a meaningful one, and on that note, just like me, you’ve also found yourself romantically involved with a member of the Ava family.
(Drake’s face turns red.)
Drake King: My relationship with Cami-
Methuselah: Level with me, Drake. Does the carpet match the drapes? Their pig of a mother that I snogged was natural down there; all gray and completely unkempt.
(Methuselah shudders at the memory of his relationship with Carmen Ava.)
Drake King: I am leaving the ring. This conversation is uncouth and I am no longer comfortable with it.
(When Drake turns to leave the ring, Methuselah’s face changes. He’s no longer smiling and his eyes are alight with fury. He grabs Drake by the arm to stop him.)
Methuselah: With all due respect, I don’t care if you are comfortable with the conversation or not. I wanted you out here tonight to give you a second chance at making the right decision and you would be an absolute fool to turn me down once again. Hell hath no fury like Gawd getting burned, and I can promise you this Drake, there will not be a third chance.
(Drake looks down at Methuselah’s hand on his arm.)
Drake King: :francis: I am not your wife, Methuslah. You can’t use force against me.
(The crowd ‘ooohs’ at this comment and as it was designed to do, it got under Methuselah’s skin. He let go of Drake and took a step back)
Methuselah: My wife believes in my teachings and she understands what is expected of her, including that the wrong actions have consequences. I don’t put my faith in just anyone. I seek out those that I believe in and the ones I want to carry on my legacy and my wife is one of the best in the world. I put you up there with her, hence why I am trying very hard to temper my mood at the moment and try to help you see the light.
Drake King: How many times have you invested in someone only to have it blow up in your face? You have put time and effort into a lot of people over the years and where has it gotten you? More often than not, you chose to incentivize the women you had a sinful relationship with and if you would like, we can open that Pandora’s Box. Did Amber Keys not return the favor you showed her by fornicating with Ronn Bank$? Did Tarah Nova and Amari Steel not turn out to be complete and total wastes of time? Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t you put your time into Sienna Jade only to see her turn around and run straight into Impact’s arms? And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of how pitiful your track record with people is. Wasn’t Astraea Jordan one of your proteges? She turned out to be a bust not once, but twice. Wasn’t there some kid named Tyson back in the early days that you tried to guide? I had to dig real deep to find that one because that’s how insignificant he turned out to be. There’s also Ryan Savage, who despite being partnered with you, never did anything after your team dissolved. Do you see where I’m going with this? Granted, you had one success story, which is Malcolm Jones, but where is he right now, Methuselah? He had his career ended by me two years ago at Pain for Pride. That’s what happened to him. I’m not sure how you lucked out with Kassidy. Perhaps it’s because she was already a victim of another’s abuse before you got to h-
Methuselah: Drake, I am only going to give you one warning. Please leave my wife out of this conversation.
Drake King: Or what? You will beat me up? You did that at Fighting Spirit and I’m still here. I’m still standing. I’m still looking you in your eyes and telling you ‘no’. I don’t want the Gawd Contract. I don’t want the Board seat. I don’t want anything from you. I don’t even want this EAW Championship. Take it from me at Pain for Pride. I don’t care. Knowing I don’t have a championship doesn’t hurt me because I don’t need it! I am happy to do things my way, which is the right way, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do to change my mind. You don’t get to make decisions for me or have any say so in my life. I will not sell my soul to you and I will NEVER be in your debt. You are insane. You are ridiculous. You are one of the weirdest people I have ever met in my life and that’s saying a lot given the Elitists just on Voltage. I don’t know who the heck you think you are coming out here and giving me this unrealistic and stupid second chance but I don’t want it. I don’t need it. I will never take anything from you even if you offered it for the next twenty years! Do I make myself c-
(The crowd gasps as Methuselah backhands Drake right across the face.)
Methuselah: Take the offer.
(Drake, for his part, is stunned.)
Drake King: No.
(Methuselah unloads another backhand, this time splitting Drake’s already busted up lip and causing blood to trickle down his chin.)
Methuselah: Take. The. Offer.
Drake King: No.
(Clenching his jaw, Methuselah backhands Drake, sending him to the ground this time. He slams his foot down on the side of Drake’s head, holding him to the mat.)
Methuselah: Drake. Take the goddamn offer before you make me mad.
(Despite the fact his microphone had fallen, Drake’s voice is heard loud and clear.)
Drake King: (off-mic) No.
(Methuselah is actually stunned. He removes his foot from Drake’s face and takes a few steps back. He brings his hands up to his face, almost like he’s stunned and confused by this turn of events. He’s clearly upset with Drake’s refusal to join him and he just shakes his head.)
Methuselah: Unreal.
(Methuselah drops the microphone and once again, he shakes his head.)
Methuselah: (off-mic) Unreal. You’ll be sorry, Drake. I swear it.
(“Black Star” begins to play once again as Methuselah drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring. His eyes are wide and he looks a bit manic. It’s obvious he thought Drake would bend the knee tonight. That didn’t happen and it’s caused Methuselah to start tugging at his hair. Inside the ring, Drake wipes the blood from his lip and stares down his Pain for Pride opponent. Things between these two have certainly reached a breaking point and no one knows what it is going to happen next.)
(On that note, Voltage fades to a commercial break.)
(A commercial is shown for Uber Eats featuring Ronan Malosi.)
(“Spaceship II” by Alex Wiley, Chance the Rapper plays as Sierra walks out to a chorus of boos. She doesn’t pay too much attention to them, and instead tries to focus on tonight’s match after what happened earlier tonight.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SET FOR ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA…WEIGHING IN AT 132 POUNDS…SHE IS “THE CROWN JEWEL”….SIERRRAA EVVERREETTT!!!!!
Rex McAllister: Sierra looks determined here tonight to get some momentum rolling for #DisneyBesties and what an opportunity she has here tonight.
James Peters: You just know she’s dying to avenge that loss to Hikari earlier in the season for that Hardcore title and she gets that chance here tonight!
(‘Trepanation’ by Millennium Parade plays as Hikari Kanno walks out to a loud ovation from the crowd wearing the Hardcore Championship. She unstraps it and holds it up high while walking down the ramp, staring directly at Sierra Everett as she makes her way down to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT… FROM OKINAWA JAPAN… WEIGHING IN AT 121 POUNDS…SHE IS THE CURRENT EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION…
“THE PENITENT IDOL”….HIKKARRIIII KAAANNNOOOOO!!!!!!
James Peters: Here comes the proud Hardcore Champion. She successfully defeated Ayu Megumi and now she has all eyes on Pain for Pride and we all know how important that goal is to her and making the Hardcore Championship mean something again during her reign. Tonight she looks to keep on that fast lane.
Rich Russillo: We heard TLA say he’s coming for that title a few weeks ago, and Hikari accepted that challenge tonight. I’m sure TLA will be watching this match closely.
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: We are underway! Hikari Kanno versus Sierra Everett. This is a huge opportunity for Sierra, that is if she is able to walk away with the victory. This is a big night for all members of #DisneyBesties to gain momentum. Of course, Candice Blair with Ronan Malosi. But also Halsey Neel, who takes on Minerva later on tonight. However, focusing back on the present, both women circle each other early on, in the feeling out process.
Rich Russillo: Determination is etched across both their faces. Sierra has history with Hikari, and wants to avenge her loss from Wicked Games. Both women lock up in the center of the ring, and each jockey for position. But both women wind up breaking the collar and elbow tie-up as neither competitor could gain the advantage, showing they might be evenly matched early on strength wise.
James Peters: Both competitors circle each other for a second time, and lock up again in the center of the ring! A jockey for position takes place, but this time, there isn’t a stalemate as Sierra gains the upper hand with a standing side headlock on Hikari. Sierra wrenches on the hold, trying to maintain the upper hand.
Rex McAllister: But as expected, Hikari Kanno fights back, escaping the side headlock with a top wristlock, and quickly transitioning into a standing side headlock of her own!
Rich Russillo: Sierra goes down to a knee, but Hikari stays on hers, giving her a sort’ve high ground over Everett. Sierra is in trouble as Hikari continues to tighten the hold. Sierra powers back to her feet, and bounces Hikari off the ropes, so she can escape the side headlock! HIKARI COMES BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, KNOCKING SIERRA DOWN!
James Peters: Sierra rushes back to a knee, and finds herself clinging close to the middle rope as she favors her lower back.
Rex McAllister: Hikari could capitalize, but opts to stare daggers at Sierra instead, waiting for her to rise back to her feet.
Persephone: Guess not everyone can be smart as you, Sexy Rexy!
Rich Russillo: Sierra rises back to a vertical base, and prepares to size up with Hikari again. Both competitors circle each other, and another lock up takes place. Early on, Sierra gains the advantage with an arm wringer, earning control of the wrist for a wristlock. But Hikari counters into an arm wringer, followed by a wristlock of her own!
James Peters: Hikari pulls Sierra into a standing side headlock, and for Everett, she must be getting frustrated, feeling like she’s right back to square one. Obviously, not her first time being placed in this hold by Hikari.
Rex McAllister: Which can be a good thing, because earlier on, when she was placed in the hold, she found a way out of it. Now, she needs to find a way out of it again, possibly the same way she found a way out of it the first time.
Persephone: Oh my gosh, Rexy! I was just thinking the EXACT same thing! Twinsies! ☺️
Rex McAllister: Right…
Rich Russillo: Sierra must’ve heard you from the commentary desk, Rex, as she falls back on old habits, and bounces Hikari off the ropes to escape! Dropdown by Sierra! Followed by a leapfrog! Sierra spins around, BUT GETS TAKEN DOWN WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE! ONCE AGAIN, HIKARI HAS GOTTEN THE BETTER OF SIERRA WITH SAID SHOULDER TACKLE!
James Peters: Sierra quickly tries to get away from Hikari, crawling towards the corner, and pulling herself up in it.
Rex McAllister: Sierra keeps finding herself getting bested, but the retreat strategy may be smart. Sometimes, you need to create seperation, allow yourself to think, and come up with a new game plan.
James Peters: Sierra is lucky that Hikari is giving her space, and doesn’t immediately go on the attack, which she could. But this might be confidence being shown from Hikari. She isn’t trying to force anything, because she doesn’t need to force anything. Perhaps, in her mind, Sierra can take all the breaks she wants, doesn’t change the outcome.
Rich Russillo: Possible, but the only way to know what a performer is thinking is to be said performer. Right now, we don’t know what’s going through the head of Hikari, because she isn’t allowing us to. Right now, as Sierra recovers in the corner, you get a general sense of her body language, as she is currently being overwhelmed by Kanno, who hasn’t taken her eyes off Sierra. If I were to guess, Hikari’s growing a bit impatient with Sierra’s antics, and wants her to resume fighting already.
James Peters: Sierra shakes the cobwebs out of her head, and exits the corner. Both competitors circle each other, and it looks as if another collar and elbow tie-up is gonna take place- BUT SIERRA NIPS THAT IN THE BUD WITH A VICIOUS KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION, DOUBLING HIKARI OVER! If she can’t outwrestle the champion, she’s going to outsmart the champion.
Rich Russillo: With Hikari doubled over, Sierra takes back control by strapping on a standing side headlock. Already, she’s attempting to wear her opponent down. But Hikari fights her way out of it with forearms to the rib cage! Sierra gets shoved into the ropes by Hikari, who ducks down, perhaps signaling early for a back body drop!
Persephone: Hikari’s bending over like I’d for-
James Peters: Going to cut you off right there as Sierra halts her momentum, and grabs the back of Hikari’s neck, sending her into the ropes now! Sierra drops down! BUT AFTER REBOUNDING BACK, HIKARI DROPS SIERRA WITH ANOTHER SHOULDER TACKLE! QUICKLY, SIERRA RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, AND GROGGILY STAGGERS INTO HIKARI FOR A SIDE HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN!
Rich Russillo: Sierra finds both her shoulders on the mat, and the ref begins counting!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Sierra lifts her shoulder up, and makes sure to keep it up, so she isn’t at risk for any more pinfall victories.
Rex McAllister: That’s one thing you’ve gotta be mindful of while in that hold. Being grounded like that forces you to multitask. First, you’re looking to find an escape. Second, you’ve got to keep both shoulders off the mat.
Rich Russillo: Sierra presses her forearm against Hikari’s jaw, trying to push her off the hold, but it’s no use! Hikari has the grounded side headlock in tight. Sierra resorts to hair pulling, but still, it isn’t doing much, Hikari is gritting through the pain. Next, Sierra powers back to her feet, albeit slowly. SIERRA STOMPS ON THE FOOT OF HIKARI, AND SHOVES HER INTO THE ROPES!
James Peters: BUT HIKARI COMES BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, AND QUICKLY RUNS OFF THE ROPES AGAIN FOR ANOTHER SHOULDER TACKLE AS SIERRA GOT BACK TO HER FEET! HIKARI RUNS OFF THE ROPES A THIRD TIME, AND TAKES SIERRA DOWN WITH A THIRD SHOULDER TACKLE! SIERRA RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, BUT GETS SPOOKED BY HIKARI, WHO WAS STANDING THERE, WAITING FOR HER! SIERRA ROLLS OUT OF THE RING AS A RESULT!
Rex McAllister: Sierra has found her way in front of our announce table area, and is gesturing to us that she’s done.
Persephone: Great! NOW they want to end matches quick. When I’m calling matches with my boo! 😡
Rex McAllister: What now?
Persephone: 🥰🥰
Rich Russillo: Sierra starts heading to the backstage area, and this crowd is not happy as she begins walking up the ramp.
Referee: ONE! TWO!
Rich Russillo: The referee is to a count of two, not that Sierra cares as she continues her stroll, not looking back at the ring once. WHICH COMES BACK TO COST HER AS HIKARI EXITS THE RING, AND CHARGES INTO SIERRA WITH A RUNNING ELBOW TO THE BACK OF HER NECK, DROPPING SIERRA TO ALL FOURS!
James Peters: Hikari pulls Sierra back to her feet, and tags her with a big elbow strike! Bone meeting jaw! Sierra spins around, and begins staggering back to the ring, all so she can create some separation between herself and Hikari. But Hikari quickly catches up to Sierra, and grabs her by the back of her neck, and BOUNCES Sierra face first off the apron!
Rich Russillo: Sierra gets rolled back inside the ring by Hikari, who rolls back in also. Sierra crawls to the ropes, and pulls herself back up to a vertical base. But Hikari marches over, and sends Sierra off the ropes with an irish whip! NO! Sierra reverses, sending Hikari to the ropes instead! SIERRA WINDS UP SIDESTEPPING HIKARI, GRABBING THE BACK OF HER NECK, AND SENDING KANNO UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE, WIPING HER OUT RINGSIDE!
Rex McAllister: Hikari has landed in front of our announce table area. Notice how fast a match can shift in terms of momentum. Sierra went from wanting no parts of Hikari to having the upper hand over Hikari.
James Peters: Sierra has made her thoughts known on Hikari before. She thinks she’s an unsafe presence to be in the ring with. But with the confident smile that has formed on the face of Sierra, something tells me she doesn’t mind sharing a ring with Hikari at the moment. Sierra exits the ring, and pulls Hikari back to her feet before SLAMMING her face first off the apron.
Rich Russillo: Hikari looks a bit glossed over, of course, having collided face first with the hardest part of the ring. The apron might be all that is keeping Hikari up right now as she leans forward on it.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
James Peters: Sierra slides back inside the ring early on, and sticks her torso through the middle rope, grabbing a handful of Hikari’s hair, and pulling her up on the apron.
Rex McAllister: Grabbing her opponent’s hair, showing absolutely zero respect.
Persephone: Rex, you can grab my hair any-
James Peters: Again, cutting you off there! With her opponent on the apron, Sierra hooks Hikari up for a suplex back inside the ring! Cover is made by Sierra!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Kickout!
Rich Russillo: Sierra shakes her head, and pulls Hikari back to her feet. OOH! BIG PALM STRIKE BY SIERRA SPINS HIKARI AROUND, AND SENDS HER DOWN TO A KNEE! Hikari crawls toward the ropes, and hangs herself up on the middle rope. Sierra approaches, and pushes down on Hikari’s head with both hands! SHES CHOKING HIKARI ACROSS THE MIDDLE ROPE! THE REFEREE IS GOING TO HAVE TO INTERJECT HIMSELF WITH A FIVE COUNT!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
James Peters: Sierra lets go at five, using all her time to inflict damage upon Hikari.
Rex McAllister: Sierra has not been in the wrestling business for long, but that was a veteran move on her end, realizing she had til five, and using her moments accordingly.
James Peters: The referee pulls Sierra away from Hikari briefly, giving Kanno some time to recover, as she’s currently gasping for air at the moment. The referee admonishes Sierra for not listening, but she pushes past the referee, and goes right back on the attack. Sierra sticks her torso through the middle rope, AND REIGNS DOWN WITH PUNCHES TO THE BACK OF HIKARI’S HEAD!
Rich Russillo: VICIOUS, RAPID FIRE RIGHT HANDS AS HIKARI TRIES TO COVER UP! BUT SIERRA ENDS THE BARRAGE OFF WITH A MAT SLAM, CAUSING THE BACK OF HIKARI’S HEAD TO BOUNCE OFF THE CANVAS!
James Peters: Hikari writhes in pain, but Sierra isn’t allowing her much time to recuperate. Sierra sits Hikari up, and applies a vicious head crank, twisting Kanno’s head sideways! Hikari has found herself being overwhelmed by Sierra in this portion of the action, but powers back to her feet, and breaks the hold with shots to the rib cage! KICK TO THE GUT BY SIERRA, WHO IRISH WHIPS HIKARI TO THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT BY HIKARI CONNECTS AS SHE COMES REBOUNDING BACK! SIERRA SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET, AND HIKARI DROPS HER WITH A RUNNING ELBOW SMASH! SIERRA IS BACK UP, BUT GETS DROPPED WITH ANOTHER RUNNING ELBOW SMASH! Sierra slowly gets back to a knee, but is grabbed by Hikari, and bounced off the ropes with an irish whip!
James Peters: SIERRA HANGS ON TO THE ROPES, HALTING HER MOMENTUM FROM REBOUNDING INTO THE WAITING ARMS OF KANNO, WHO CHARGES FORWARD, AND CLOTHESLINE SIERRA OVER THE TOP ROPE! Hikari has all of the momentum on her side here and she pumps herself up and runs off and ropes and delivers a suicide dive through the second rope driving Sierra back first into the barricade! Hikari right away goes back on the attack with several right hands to the face before tossing her back inside the ring, AND HIKARI CLIMBS UP THE APRON AND ASCENDS UP TO THE TOP ROPE! WHAT DOES SHE HAVE IN MIND HERE? – HIKARI DELIVERS A FLYING ELBOW DROP RIGHT TO THE BACK OF SIERRA’S NECK!!! HIKARI TURNS HER OVER AND QUICKLY GOES FOR THE PIN!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT SIERRA SURVIVES AND KICKS OUT!! Hikari looks as if she was expecting that as she quickly gets Sierra up…AND SHE SETS UP FOR “BRIGHTSTAR!!!” BUT SIERRA IS FIGHTING BACK ALL SHE CAN AS SHE DRIVES HER ELBOW INTO THE SIDE OF HIKARI’S FACE!! AND UH OH!! SIERRA TAKES HIKARI DOWN WITH A JUMPING REVERSE STO PLANTING HER FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT!! Sierra now is the one who looks to be in control as she just turned the tides there and now what does she have in mind here?
Persephone: She is eyeing the top rope before rolling under the bottom rope and climbs her way up. She measures Hikari as she stands and turns around….”THE HIGHS AND THE LOWS!!!” THE TOP ROPE STUNNER CONNECTS BEAUTIFULLY AS SHE CRAWLS OVER AND MAKES THE COVER ON HIKARI!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: AND HIKARI GETS HER SHOULDER UP!! Sierra thinks of what to do now as she stands back up against the ropes and she sees Hikari stirring back to her feet…,AND SHE BENDS HIKARI DOWN LOOKING FOR HER “APHRODITE’S KISS” – BUT HIKARI GETS OUT OF IT AND OH MY – WITHIN ONLY A SPAN OF A SECOND HIKARI JUST HOOKED THE ARM AND DELIVERED “BRIGHTSTAR!!!” THE HIGH ANGLE URANAGE SLAM PLANTS SIERRA INTO THE MAT BUT HIKARI HASN’T MADE THE COVER YET LIKELY OUT OF EXHAUSTION!
Rex McAllister: That might have been a desperation move from Hikari there in my opinion to get herself a little bit of breathing room. After a few seconds Hikari begins to stir to her feet and she goes to pick Sierra up from the mat – BUT SIERRA GRABS HER ARM AND DROPS HER DOWN TO THE MAT AND UH OH….SIERRA APPLIES HER “SILENT HILL” FUJIWARA ARMBAR AND HIKARI LOOKS ALMOST ON A PANIC ON NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO!! SIERRA IS SCREAMING AT HER TO TAP OUT BUT WE ALL KNOW IT ISN’T GOING TO BE THAT EASY WHEN IT COMES TO HIKARI!!
James Peters: HIKARI IS REACHING OUT FOR THE ROPES WITH HER FREE HAND BUT IS STILL A LITTLE BIT AWAY! HIKARI IS FIGHTING AND CLAWING HER WAY OVER THERE AND SHE’S ONLY FINGERTIPS AWAY NOW – AND SHE REACHES OUT AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE FORCING THE BREAK!!! Sierra lets go and grabs Hikari by the arm and tries dragging her face to the middle of the ring and locking it in again, BUT HIKARI MOVES HER ARM AND QUICKLY RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET AND DELIVERS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD OF SIERRA WHO SEEMS TO HAVE NO CLUE WHERE SHE IS AS SHE DROPS TO A KNEE! Hikari looks to ha e retake control here as….HIKARI SETS HER UP IN PRIME POSITION AND IS GOING FOR “ALLELUIA!!!” –
Rich Russillo: BUT SIERRA COUNTERS IT WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!! Sierra saves herself for the moment as the momentum swings just keep going back and forth between these two. Both of them slowly stir to their feet at the same time and THERE’S A RIGHT HAND FROM SIERRA! AND THEN HIKARI RESPONDS BACK WITH A STIFF FOREARM SHOT TO THE FACE!! RIGHT HAND! FOREARM! THEY ARE JUST GOING BACK AND FORTH, WHO’S GOING TO GAIN THE UPPER HAND?!
Rex McAllister: HIKARI LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS THE UPPER HAND HERE AS SHE DELIVERS FOREARMS AND KICKS TO THE LOWER BODY, AND NOW SHE IRISH WHIPS SIERRA INTO THE ROPES AND GOES FOR A BACK BODY DROP – BUT SIERRA REVERSES INTO A SUNSET FLIP PIN!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
James Peters: DID SHE GET HER?! Oh mam we all thought that was three but the Hardcore Champion stays alive as Sierra rushes back to her feet and goes to drive her knee into the side of Hikari’s skull – BUT HIKARI SIDESTEPS IT AND PULLS SIERRA IN FOR A RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE!! Sierra might be in a lot of trouble here…AND HIKARI LOOKS TO PUT THIS MATCH TO BED AS SHE GOES FOR “ALLELUIA” AGAIN – BUT AGAIN SIERRA FIGHTS BACK!!
Rich Russillo: SIERRA DELIVERS SHOTS TO THE RIBS BEFORE PUSHING HIKARI BACK A FEW FEET, AND SHE CHARGES AND GOES FOR A SPINNING LARIAT – BUT HIKARI DUCKS AND DELIVERS A SNAP HALF NELSON SUPLEX!!! Sierra landed hard on the back of her head as Hikari quickly gets her in position once more…”ALLELUIA” FINALLY CONNECTS!!! THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB CONNECTS AS HIKARI IMMEDIATELY GOES FOR THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(Trepanation’ by Millennium Parade plays as Hikari Kanno rolls off of Sierra. There is a mixed reaction from the crowd, and after a few seconds Hikari gets back to her feet and gets her hand raised in victory before being handed her Hardcore Championship.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… THE HARDCORE CHAMPION, HIKKKARRRIII KANNOOOOO!!!!
Rex McAllister: An amazing match we just witnessed between two! Sierra Everett threw everything she had at Hikari, but in the end Hikari was just too much for her!
James Peters: The Hardcore Champion has had a fantastic run heading into Pain for Pride, and soon we’ll have to see if- WAIT WHAT THE?
(TLA slides in the ring behind Hikari who is unaware of his presence.)
James Peters: IT’S TLA!!! TLA TURNS HIKARI AROUND AND PLACES HER BETWEEN THE LEGS – “THE MEXICAN DESTROYER!!” TLA JUST LAID OUT THE HARDCORE CHAMPION AND SENT A CLEAR MESSAGE!!
Rich Russillo: TLA JUST LAID OUT THE HARDCORE CHAMPION, PICKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF EARLIER IN THE NIGHT!!! He said he was coming after that title and he just put Hikari on notice.
Rex McAllister: Hikari might need to be careful going forward. TLA is serious about that Championship!
(The final shot is of TLA standing over Hikari, looking at the Hardcore Championship laying beside her.)
(Promotional ad for Pain for Pride 16, where Drake King defends the EAW World Championship against Methuselah.)
(As the scene fades back from a commercial break, “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” Starts to play throughout the arena.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! MAY I INTRODUCE AT THIS TIME…. THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION…. DR. BETHANY BLUE!!!!
(The Crowd starts booing heavily though some cheer at the pure hatred toward Kassidy Heart. Bethany is all smiles in her black slacks, peep toe pumps, blue blouse and lab coat, the Universal Women’s Championship over her shoulder as she walks toward the ring.)
James Peters: The Universal Women’s Champion is here, and she had everyone fooled. The entire world was in shock at Fighting Spirit in her hometown of Miami, Florida. When it was revealed that she was the person who attacked Kassidy Heart at Reasonable Doubt when Kassidy proclaimed her shot at the Universal Women’s Championship winning the opportunity by surviving the Grand Rampage.
Rich Russillo: It really was, Kassidy thought she was just going out there to challenge The Good Doctor to a Championship match at Pain For Pride and we saw how that turned out. Bethany did shock the world and she left Kassidy laid out.
Persephone: I thought it was tremendous television, right Rexy?
Rex McAllister: Not going to lie, I didn’t think Bethany was capable of doing that to anyone especially since she is a Doctor. It took me by surprise and while Kassidy isn’t someone that is on many Christmas lists, she definitely didn’t deserve that.
Persephone: Right… what Rex said!
(Dr. Bethany Blue slowly makes her way up the stairs and into the ring, her hair slicked back in a ponytail, she reaches in and grabs her glasses. On her other hand she has a file, asking for the mic from Bella Braxton.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I like you Bella, but get out of my damn ring.
(Bella quickly adheres to Bethany’s demand and gets out of the ring. Bethany stands there for a second with the mic in hand, looking out to the crowd as the rain of boos continue. A very serious demeanor before she placed her glasses on.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: Let me start off by saying, Fuck Kassidy Heart.
(That gets the crowd booing some more, though there are cheers mixed in there because of the way many feel about one, Kassidy Heart.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: The EAW Universe is so fickle. I know that the entire world was shocked at what I did back at Reasonable Doubt and how when I was celebrating MY huge victory in MY hometown of Miami, Florida in front of MY Family and Friends, it is customary for this bitch to come out and hog up all the spotlight because heaven forbid we can’t have an event without her name plastered all over it. When Kassidy Heart won the Grand Rampage, I had a feeling she was going to come after me, I mean come on, she failed miserably against Andrea Valentine last Pain For Pride which I do know how that feels, but of course, Kassidy gets to Main Event Pain For Pride again and try to meddle into MY first one ever. I had this feeling she was going to make a huge announcement and walk right out while I was in front of MY loved ones and the fans who came out to support me and in the end? Joke was on her.
(Bethany paces the ring some before as the crowd continues to boo, some cheer before the Doctor speaks again.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: So, most of you are wondering why? The classic WHY BETHANY, WHY? Correct? Funny thing is, up until late 2020, I actually admired Kassidy Heart, but then I had my first taste of her in the Grand Prix when I teamed with that loser, Lexi. Of course, we didn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell winning that round, I can only do so much by myself. That was the precursor to Reasonable Doubt in 2020. Now, I know a lot of you are not on my intelligence level, so think about the irony of this. Reasonable Doubt 2020, Reasonable Doubt 2023, that’s right I waited three years to strike at the same event. But for those that do not remember, let me give you a reminder. Go ahead and look at the Tron.
(The fans turn their attention to the Tron where the footage of Reasonable Doubt 2020 starts to play.)
Gavin Kirkland: BUT THE DOCTOR COSPLAYER CONNECTS WITH A SUPERKICK!!! TJD SUPERKICK TO THE FACE AND IT FORCES KASSIDY TO RELINQUISH THE HOLD!! THE EAW ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION REELS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CELL AS THE DOCTOR NOW PICKS UP KASSIDY!!! AND TAKES A FEW STEPS BACK!! BEFORE CHARGING RIGHT BACK INTO THE BITCH!!
Eve: DR. BETHANY BLUE GOES FOR THE TJD SUPERKICK!! BUT KASSIDY SPINS AROUND HALFWAY AND CLOCKS BLUE CLEAN WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK!! SPINNING HEEL KICK CONNECTS ON THE MUSHER AS THE DOCTOR IS MOMENTARILY STAGGERED!! DR. BETHANY BLUE IS IN LA-LA LAND IN RESULT FROM THAT SPINNING HEEL KICK!!! BLUE IS GRADUALLY REELING TOWARDS THE EDGE OF THE CELL!!
Gavin Kirkland: KASSIDY HEART CHARGES AND SPEARS DR. BETHANY BLUE OFF THE TOP OF THE CELL!!!
Eve: BUT DR. BETHANY BLUE STEPS OUT OF THE WAY!!! BLUE SIDESTEPS HER AND KASSIDY STUMBLES AND FALLS FORWARD OFF THE HELL-IN-A-CELL!!!
**CRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!**
Deadprez: BUT KASS PULLS THE ARM OF BETHANY ON THE WAY DOWN AND BOTH GO FLYING OFF THE CELL!!!! OH MY GOD!!!! BOTH INDIVIDUALS WENT CRASHING DOWN ONTO THE FLAMES BELOW!!! KASSIDY HEART LITERALLY JUST BROUGHT THE DOCTOR STRAIGHT DOWN TO HELL WITH HER AS BOTH OPPONENTS MAY BE DEAD FOR GOOD!! EVERYONE JUST KILLING EACH OTHER IN THIS MATCH!! YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!
Eve: Kassidy Heart was initially looking to pay tribute to Mr. DEDEDE, a former EAW Answers World Champion, by splitting Blue in half and sending her crashing down into the fiery pits below with the spear, but it backfired as Blue sidestepped her attempt and she tripped and fell over the edge of the cell! BUT HEART GETS THE LAST LAUGH AND PULLS THE DOCTOR DOWN WITH HER AND THAT MIGHT BE THE LAST OF WHAT THEIR CAREER HAS TO OFFER!! OFFICIALS ARE PUTTING OUT THE FIRES AS KASSIDY AND BLUE HAVE ROLLED OUT OF THE FIRES!!
(The footage ends and the crowd boos as Bethany stands there for a moment looking at the screen and seeing her and Kassidy on fire.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: That was supposed to be MY moment. It was the FIRST time that I had a World Championship match and funny enough, it was Kassidy Heart who changed the one on one I had with Jamie O’Hara into this mess because she wanted to dedicate it to her husband and yet she ended up not just desperately ruining it for me out of desperation when I outsmarted her, but also failing her hubby and trust me she wouldn’t shut up about it and then decided to blame me. There I was in my condo in New Jersey thanks to the pandemic healing my injuries and here she comes demanding a match because I mentioned her bratty little shitty kids. Here… look.
(Bethany again points at the Tron as it starts to play footage of Kassidy Heart breaking into Bethany’s condo.)
(A bashing is heard on the other end. Kassidy on the other end is banging on the lock next to the doorknob with some type of object.)
(Alexis and Bethany are holding one another screaming.Goldstein is getting ready by the door.)
(Kassidy gets the door open, and then tosses her weapon aside, before Nurse Goldstein lunges at her and begins to wrestle for control with her, before Kass quickly gains control.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: LEX, CALL THE COPS NOW!
Kassidy Heart: Call the cops, and I take this crowbar to Goldstein’s head!
(Dr. Bethany Blue and Alexis Chambers look at each other. It seems like they have no other choice on what to do. Alexis slowly puts down her cell phone as Kassidy Heart still has a hold of Nurse Goldstein.)
Kassidy Heart: Good girl. Now, as I said, my request isn’t difficult at all. Accept my match for Road to Redemption. It’s the purpose for me hunting you down to this shithole condo.
Alexis Chambers: IT’S NOT A SHITHO–
Kassidy Heart: Quiet, AnorLexis!
Dr. Bethany Blue: You wanna defy orders, and then you damage my property, and now you threaten my best friends. Who in the-FUDGE do you think you are?!
Kassidy Heart: I’m Kassidy muthafuckin’ Heart, bee-itch!
Dr. Bethany Blue: You know what, I tried to be professional. I tried looking out for your career, but you have pushed me over the edge! YOU’RE ON!!
(Kassidy lets go of Goldstein and throws her to the side.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I tried everything to be the better person, but I’m tired of playing that person. You have been due to take your leave for a long time because of injuries and now motherhood. At Road To Redemption, I’m gonna kick your arse home to those babies full time!
(Kassidy charges at Bethany for once again bringing her newborns into this, but Goldstein grabs her by the waist, and then Bethany runs up and hits Kassidy in the side of the head by a knee! Alexis and Goldstein back up, as Bethany picks up Kassidy by her head, and then slams it into the back of the wall.)
(Bethany then grabs Kassidy up, but Kassidy pushes Bethany away trying to fight back, Kass reaches into the closet next to her and pulls out an umbrella, and she drives it into the chest of Bethany. Bethany holds her chest in response as Kassidy bashes an umbrella to Bethany’s skull as that manages to knock her down. Kassidy manages to stand above the doctor as she looks to deliver the final blow, but Bethany manages to catch the umbrella at the last second, even shocking Kassidy in a way.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: Not in my fudging house.
(Dr. Bethany Blue manages to kick Kassidy Heart away from her for the time being. She manages to get her hands on the umbrella. Kassidy is trying to make her way back to her feet, but Bethany manages to ram her with the pointy part of the umbrella as that takes Kassidy to one knee! Bethany manages to pull Kassidy closer to her before connecting with a suplex as Kassidy lands on the tile floor of Bethany’s living room. Kassidy is clutching to her back in pain as Bethany gets Kassidy by her hair, looking her dead in the eye.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I really do think that you’ve overstayed your welcome, Kassidy.
(Kassidy then kicks Bethany in the knee dropping her down, and that buys Kassidy enough time as she stands up, and Bethany then charges at her–but Kassidy sends Bethany flying over the couch furniture behind her.)
(Kassidy is then charged by Nurse Goldstein. The nurse swings but Kassidy ducks, and the Kassidy slams Nurse Goldstein face first into the mirror on the wall, shattering it.)
Dr. Bethany Blue and Alexis Chambers: RATH!!!!
(Kassidy is at the doorway, and she backs out of the room.)
Kassidy Heart: I’ll see you at Road to Redemption, you crazy bitch.
(Dr. Bethany Blue runs up and checks on her longtime partner.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: (shouting as Kassidy is long gone) YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!! I SWEAR YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!!!!
(Commercial of The Maidens Of Malpractice encouraging to wear masks and to social distance.)
(The Footage on the Tron ends and now we can see Bethany a lot more furious then she was before. She paces again, but this time she looks right into the camera.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: She breaks into my home because Kassidy wasn’t getting what she wanted, that has always been the story here, if she doesn’t get her way she throws a tantrum and does things like this, and the worst part was that the EAW lets her get away with it. Here’s the caveat to all of this though, three years ago I was not the same woman I am now and if she decided to break into my house now? I’d kill her.
(The crowd gasps some, there is a slight uncomfortable pause, but Bethany turns back to the camera.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: That led into Road to Redemption. The Unsanctioned match this narcissist claims as a win on her record when it doesn’t count toward any record, but whatever. Back then, I will admit, I wasn’t ready for what was to come, she definitely had more experience than me in those types of matches, but I never used that as an excuse and after that match? Everything changed for me. There was a cumsock, my father was hurt, Kassidy embarrassed and humiliated me in that match three years ago. But a lot has changed since this.
(Bethany one more time points at the Tron as footage from Road to Redemption starts to play.)
Eve: THAT’S DR. BJ HARDICK!! WHY THE FUCK IS HER ANESTHESIOLOGIST GETTING IN THE FRAY OF THINGS?!?! BJ HARDICK JUST CLOCKED HEART RIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE SKULL WITH THE CATTLE PROD RIGHT AS DR. BETHANY BLUE WAS ABOUT TO SUBMIT!!! BLUE’S CHANCES ARE SAVED YET BY ANOTHER ONE OF HER COLLEAGUES AS THE NEW REFEREE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF THIS!! HARDICK DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OUT OF IT EITHER AS HE LOOKS LIKE HE’S SNAPPED!!! THE DOCTOR PLACES BETHANY’S ARMS OVER THE SHOULDER OF KASSIDY HEART!! THIS IS IT!! DR. BETHANY BLUE DEFEATS KASSIDY HEART AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION 2020! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KASSIDY HEART REACHES DOWN DEEP TO POP HER SHOULDER UP BEFORE THE COUNT OF THREE!! DR. BETHANY BLUE IS IN DISARRAY!! HER ANESTHESIOLOGIST CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT HE JUST WITNESSED!! HOW IS KASSIDY HEART STILL IN THIS MATCH!?!? HOW IS THIS MATCH EVEN STILL CONTINUING!?!? THESE TWO WOMEN ARE NOT HUMAN!!
Eve: DR. BJ HARDICK IS HYPERVENTILATING IN THE CORNER BEFORE HE HELPS HIS CLIENT UP TO HER FEET!!!! HARDICK CAREFULLY GRABS KASSIDY HEART AND HOLDS BOTH ARMS!! HARDICK IS HOLDING KASSIDY UP AS DR. BETHANY BLUE GETS READY!! BLUE IS GOING TO GO FOR THE HEART PUNCH!! THIS COULD BE IT!!!
Gavin Kirkland: THE DOCTOR SWINGS FOR THE HEART PUNCH!!
Deadprez: KASSIDY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AND BLUE INADVERTENTLY CONNECTS WITH THE HEART PUNCH ON HER ANESTHESIOLOGIST!! DR. BJ HARDICK GOES DOWN CLUTCHING HIS CHEST AS DR. BETHANY BLUE CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! SHE IS IN DISBELIEF!!! KASSIDY COMES IN FROM THE CORNER!! AND SPEARS HER THROUGH THE TABLE!! A SPEAR THROUGH THE TABLE!!!
Eve: KASSIDY PAYS HOMAGE TO HER HUSBAND, MR. DEDEDE ONCE AGAIN IN THIS MATCH AS SHE NOW PULLS HER OUT OF THE CORNER!!! BLUE IS COUGHING UP MORE BLOOD THAN EVER AS SHE IS DOWN ON BOTH KNEES!! KASSIDY WITH A SADISTIC SMILE ON HER BLOODIED FACE AS SHE COMES OFF THE ROPES!! JUMPS UP!! AND STOMPS HER DOWN WITH PAINFULLY EVER AFTER!!!! CURB STOMP CONNECTS! THAT IS IT!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
( DING! DING! DING! )
( “Monster” by Kanye West begins to play through the speakers as the bloodied, battered Kassidy Heart rolls off of Dr Bethany Blue’s body. Kassidy Heart uses the ropes to gingerly get up to her feet before she is barely able to stand on her feet and raise her fist in the air. )
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…… KASSSSSSIDDDYYY HEARTTT!!
(The Tron stops the second Bethany yells in the mic.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: ENOUGH! Do you want to know WHY!? That is WHY!? Because for THREE years I have had to look at that humiliation and it is what changed me! I went through a period where I lost who I was and yet there isn’t a single person here about why! THAT IS WHY! That bitch changed the trajectory of my career when I was ROTTING away on Showdown in Season 14. She was the catalyst and after that? She went on to become the FIRST woman to be King of Elite! She went on to defeat Jack Ripley for the Answers World Championship while I was buried and forgotten on a show that I WORKED THE HARDEST! But it has always been Kassidy this…. Kassidy that…. And she is the most UNGRATEFUL BITCH that you will EVER meet! She is a Hall of Famer and has broken records, she even was the first woman to win the Grand Rampage and that will NEVER be good enough until she is the ONLY woman that ANYONE is talking about!
(Bethany pauses while the crowd is in shock of her demeanor, she then turns back and looks at the camera with her fiery baby brown eyes.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: Kassidy is a piece of shit. She is an unfit mother; unfit wife and she doesn’t belong in this company thanks to the clear nepotism shown! Let me explain something here, I didn’t bash her brains in which by the way all she has done is cry about losing to Adam before she knew who did it, but I was well confident that my husband would beat her, I didn’t do it for him, or to protect him at all, I did it because I was tired of her soiling MY ring! I didn’t go into Reasonable Doubt, the same Marquee Event this all started for us three years ago, it was by design, but I didn’t go in there with a brick to hurt Kassidy or to make sure she couldn’t compete that night.
(Gritting her teeth, Bethany almost trembling glares into the camera.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I did it to END you!
(The crowd is in shock as Bethany closes her eyes for a moment and tries to calm herself down. She once again paces some but this time takes out the folder.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: And at Pain for Pride, I will do it again. I came out here for a dissertation. What I have inside this folder is some information that while it is public knowledge to most, it needs to be addressed. Kassidy Heart has a history of head injuries. She has had many concussions in her life and to be fair, in my professional opinion suffers from CTE. Kassidy is not well, she can snap at any time against her children, the crowd out here tonight, anyone, now of course Methuselah has barred her from showing up here, smart man because he wants the integrity of the match at Pain for Pride to continue but the truth is, he isn’t protecting me from her, he is protecting her from ME.
(As the boos rain down, Bethany starts to smile, this time sheepishly, her brows furrow some before she continues to speak.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: But as you can see on the Tron, these are scanning images of her brain. As you can tell, the one on the far left is my brain, perfectly healthy and normal. The three scans that are shown next to mine are the progression of her brain in the last three seasons.
(The Tron shows four scans of the brain, three are Kassidy’s and they show a very disturbing pattern of trauma on her cerebral imaging scans. Bethany then compares them to normal brain scans and the crowd is gasped by the difference.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: This woman is a danger to herself and to the rest of the EAW. Honestly, I may be a Doctor, but I couldn’t even save her. I used that brick on her head to put that bitch out of her misery, call it a mercy killing. Dr. James Kevorkian did the same thing and people frowned upon him, they called him a murderer, but I know that deep down inside everyone here and in this company would love for me to put her down like a sick, old dog.
(There is a slight pause)
Dr. Bethany Blue: But this woman isn’t just a head case, she too is a murderer. The moment she aborted her fetus and had that abortion when she was so young and couldn’t handle having kids.
(The crowd erupts in boos as Bethany starts to laugh.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: That’s right, Kassidy Heart has always been open about that, but the truth is, this is the woman that has broken all these records and yet she is nothing more than a piece of shit walking around in this company because of her hubby. I have said a thousand times before, that I will do whatever it takes for the betterment of this business and as a Doctor to save lives. But when I look at one woman who is not worth saving, then I will do what is best for me. The Universal Women’s Championship isn’t going anywhere and what Kassidy felt at Pain For Pride will be nothing compared to when I embarrass and humiliate her! It’s a shame that you couldn’t have been here tonight, it really was, but don’t worry, after I take care of my business next week, speaking to Captain Charisma about MY favor, then it is all about you and me. I want you to remember one thing, I waited three years to look down at your unconscious body at my feet bleeding from your head, twitching not knowing what hit you.
(Grinding at her teeth, Bethany then smiles.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: But at Pain For Pride, you will see it all coming, that is a promise, and I will finally finish what your head trauma and this business started long ago and leave you brain dead.
(Bethany flips the mic as the crowd boos. “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” plays throughout the arena as Bethany just smirks and with her finger gesture does the “U.W.C.” holding the Championship up.)
James Peters: Sickening…. Absolutely sickening coming from Dr. Bethany Blue.
Rex McAllister: I am speechless right now, but this is just the next chapter in a feud that will only end in blood.
Persephone: That sounds so romantic!
Rich Russillo: We are all stunned here. This is something the Good Doctor has waited for three years. What will she try to do to Kassidy next? We will be right back.
(Bethany starts to walk out glaring into the camera with a smirk on her face as the camera slowly fades into a commercial break.)
(A commercial is shown for the NBA finals Eastern and Western Conference Finals.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Seek and Destroy’ by Metallica plays to a negative reaction from fans, and Halsey Neel enters through the curtain, taking a brief look around while gripping her jacket before marching down to the ring, taking in the negative reactions, and taunting fans on her way to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Birmingham, England, weighing in at 149 pounds…SHE IS THE RIPPER…HALSEY NEEL!
James Peters: Here’s Halsey Neel, mostly known for her contributions to Disney Besties as she’s definitely made an impact throughout this season, helping make the group a force to be reckoned with.
Rex McAllister: She’s helped give the group that vicious edge, and they have been a force to be reckoned with during their time on Voltage.
Rich Russillo: As a unit, they are strong, but we’ll see how Neel fairs as a single star against Minerva.
(“Blood, Milk & Sky” by White Zombie plays out Minerva to a raccous reaction from fans and she comes out with a sole spotlight shined on her at the stage area. Minerva heads down to the ring, smirking to herself, feeling confident ahead of her match after what she did earlier tonight to Yhwach O’Hara.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Residing out of The Florida Everglades, weighing in at 122 poundsl…THE BLACK ROSE…MINERVA!!
Rich Russillo: Minerva is confident ahead of her match, and while she has no reason not to be, I feel like her confidence tonight is there because of what happened earlier.
James Peters: Minerva surprisingly assaulted Yhwach O’Hara before the show, and now she takes on Halsey Neel. She’s beaten almost every talent in Elite Answers Wrestling, and I think she possesses the tools to defeat Halsey tonight.
Rex McAllister: But Halsey can also possess the tools to defeat Minerva.
Persephone: Couldn’t have said it better myself, Rexy! Literally. Have I told you how good you are as a commentator? I could totally take you under my wing for some “private lessons” though.
Rex McAllister: Noted…
(The referee checks with both competitors in opposing corners before signaling the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: The bell has rung, meaning: it is time for our main event match of the evening! Minerva, Halsey Neel, two women, but only one can walk out of this victorious.
Rich Russillo: On paper, Halsey Neel is the underdog, given she doesn’t have the accomplishments like Minerva. But despite not being here as long, Halsey Neel has shown an immense amount of promise within the squared circle, and should not be underestimated by any means.
James Peters: She’s been picking up momentum alongside the Disney Besties, and could keep it rolling with a win tonight. She came up short at Fighting Spirit-
Rex McAllister: Unfortunately, the move she executed to take out Ronan Malosi managed to take her out as well, leaving them BOTH down for the rest of the match.
Persephone: What an idi-
Rex McAllister: Dangerous performer Halsey proved herself to be. She’s willing to sacrifice herself if it means taking out the opponent, and an opportunity to win.
Persephone: Yeah, dangerous! That’s exactly what I was going to say.
Rex McAllister: :damedolla:
James Peters: Persephone’s lying aside, listen to the atmosphere in New Orleans, Louisiana. This crowd is electric, and can’t wait for either competitor to make a first move.
Rex McAllister: New Orleans is the original city that never sleeps. They have buckets, endless amounts of energy, and have been on their toes throughout tonight.
Persephone: You’d find that I have endless amounts of energy in-
Rich Russillo: Both competitors circle one another around the ring, and close the distance with a collar and elbow tie-up in the center! A jockey for position takes place, but Minerva manages to get the upper hand over Halsey Neel, backing her up against the ropes, and keeping her pinned there. With the action taking a break, the referee interjects himself, attempting to force a break between with both competitors, each having the count of five, or else this match is getting thrown out.
James Peters: That’d make the crowd go from 100 to 0, I imagine. :mjgrin:
Rich Russillo: Exactly, so hopefully we do get a break between before the count of five.
Referee: ONE! TWO!
James Peters: Look at that, we do. Clean break between both competitors, who circle each other for a second time before engaging in a test of strength, otherwise known as a Greco-Roman knucklelock. Both women go to lock hands, but Halsey has successfully faked Minerva out, slipping behind her instead for a rear waistlock! Halsey wrestles Minerva down to a seated position in that hold.
Rex McAllister: Minerva manages to pry Halsey’s hands apart, and wrings her left arm while rising to a vertical base. Minerva has a kneeling Neel in a wristlock, and applies more pressure, wrenching on the arm.
Rich Russillo: Halsey rises to her feet, and performs a front roll, followed by a back roll! Neel shifts the momentum with an arm wringer of her own, gaining control of Minerva’s wrist with a wristlock now. Halsey transitions into a hammerlock
Rex McAllister: That move applies a lot of pressure to the shoulder joint, especially with the amount of torque that Halsey has placed on it.
James Peters: Minerva tries backing herself in the corner, which would pin Halsey between Minerva and turnbuckles if she doesn’t release the hold. Realizing this, Halsey moves to front of Minerva, and pins her up against the corner, keeping her shoulder pressed against Minerva’s torso, and still having the hammerlock applied.
Rich Russillo: Of course, the referee interjects with a five count, and I’m expecting another clean break between the two.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
James Peters: Halsey releases the hammerlock, and starts backing away from Minerva slowly, so it looks as if we are getting a clean br- OOH! I stand corrected as Halsey BLASTED Minerva in the jaw with a forearm! But isn’t done, continuing to unleash a barrage of forearms in the corner! Finally, Halsey let’s up as Minerva appears stunned early on, and Halsey pushes Minerva’s head, beginning to trash talk.
Rich Russillo: BUT MINERVA TEACHES HALSEY A LESSON AS SHE UNCORKS WITH A WICKED RIGHT HAND THAT DROPS NEEL! Halsey rushes back to her feet, still reeling from the punch. Minerva marches toward Halsey, who accidentally backpedals into a corner, as she was trying to escape from Minerva, attempting to create some semblance of separation.
James Peters: But there is nowhere to run for Halsey Neel now, AND SHE GETS TAGGED WITH A WICKED KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! Halsey winces in pain before pushing past Minerva, and retreating to the corner at the opposite end of the ropes. Minerva easily catches up, and SMACKS HALSEY NEEL ACROSS THE CHEST WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP!
Rich Russillo: Again, Halsey Neel retreats to the corner at the opposite end of the ropes. Minerva catches up to her, BUT FALLS RIGHT INTO NEEL’S TRAP WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION, DOUBLING HER OVER! Halsey has gathered a sliver of breathing room- OOH! KEYWORD: A SLIVER AS MINERVA WENT RIGHT BACK ON THE ATTACK WITH A THIRD KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! Halsey Neel sinks down to a seated position in the corner, clutching her chest in pain.
Persephone: What a match so far, right Rex?!
Rex McAllister: I mean, it just started, but sure…
Persephone: ☺️
James Peters: 🙄 Minerva reaches down, and pulls Halsey back to her feet in the corner, so she can irish whip her to the opposite! MINERVA CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! BUT DOESNT STOP THERE, GRABBING HALSEY BY THE WRIST, AND SHORT-ARMING HER IN FOR A SECOND CLOTHESLINE, NEARLY TAKING THE HEAD OF NEEL CLEAN OFF!
Rich Russillo: Halsey’s head SNAPPED back! But as she sits up on the canvas, you can tell she’s needing to shake the cobwebs out of her head.
Rex McAllister: Minerva caught her good, and despite it being fairly early on, she’s wasted no time in delivering some hard hitting offense.
Rich Russillo: Minerva wants to inflict more damage, but Halsey Neel scoots away from the opposition. Again, trying to create some separation, but Halsey finds her back against the bottom rope, and realizes there’s no one else she can go. Minerva pulls her back to a vertical base, and leans Halsey up against the ropes with another THUNDEROUS knife edge chop to the chest!
James Peters: Halsey doubles over slightly in pain, but gets stood back upright for an irish whip off the ropes! CLOTHESL- NO! Halsey hangs on to the ropes with both hands, and slides out underneath the bottom rope, finally getting that separation between herself and Minerva created. Now, she can catch her breath, and possibly conjure up a new gamepl-
Rich Russillo: SPOKE TOO SOON AS MINERVA CAME CRASHING INTO HALSEY WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! Halsey goes down to all fours, and goes crawling up the ramp, but doesn’t get far as Minerva easily catches up to her, grabbing a handful of Halsey’s hair, and directing her towards the north barricade, SENDING HALSEY NEEL GUT FIRST INTO IT!
James Peters: Halsey collapses down on the outside, clutching at her midsection while she writhes in pain. Halsey crawls, and uses the apron to pull herself back to a vertical base, and tries sliding herself inside the ring- BUT GETS PULLED OUT BY HER ANKLE BY MINERVA, WHO SHOVES HALSEY BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Halsey sinks to a seated position, leaning back against the barricade as pain is etched across her face.
Rich Russillo: Minerva slides back inside the ring, restarting the referee’s count, and quickly slides back out.
Rex McAllister: Kudos to Halsey Neel. She used that sliver of opportunity wisely, and is crawling away from Minerva, who trails shortly behind.
James Peters: Halsey finds her way in front of our announce table desk, but that’s when Minerva catches up to her, pulling Halsey up by her hair. Minerva places Halsey’s head between her legs, and starts hooking Halsey up for a powerbomb.
Persephone: :whoa:
Rex McAllister: Guys, might be best if we cleared the area.
Persephone: Don’t worry, Rexy! I’ll protect you.
Rich Russillo: Minerva is trying to get Halsey up for the powerbomb, but can’t budge her as Halsey blocks it, holding all her weight down on Minerva. Minerva makes one last try to get Neel up, BUT NEEL DROPS TO ALL FOURS, AND CRAWLS BETWEEN MINERVA’S LEGS, SLITHERING THROUGH LIKE A SNAKE!
James Peters: Halsey rushes back to her feet, and spins around to lock eyes with Minerva. MINERVA SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT HALSEY DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND MINERVA’S ARM COLLIDES WITH THE RINGPOST THAT NEEL WAS LEANED UP AGAINST! Minerva tries shaking it off as she favors the arm, BUT SPINS AROUND INTO A ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM HALSEY!
Rich Russillo: Minerva spins around before collapsing to all fours. Now, it’s a role reversal, and Minerva is the one crawling away from Halsey, trying to create seperation. But similar to Minerva, Halsey is in hot pursuit, and catches up to Minerva easily, grabbing Minerva’s in a hammerlock, AND SENDING HER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
James Peters: Halsey slides back inside the ring, restarting the referee’s count, and slides back out, sitting herself on the apron, and taunts the booing, taking pride in her handiwork thus. Minerva writhes around in pain, clutching at the injured arm, and Halsey pulls her back to a vertical base before going to roll Minerva back inside the rin- NO!
Rich Russillo: Halsey simply sends Minerva back shoulder first into the steel steps! Minerva sits up against the steel steps, trying to grit through the pain. Whether she can or not remains to be seen, but for what it’s worth, Minerva is one of the toughest women in Elite Answers Wrestling, so I have no doubts that she can work through the arm injury sustained thus far.
Persephone: Minerva may one of the toughest woman in Elite Answers Wrestling, but Rex has to be the toughest man in Elite Answers Wrestling. 🌚
Rex McAllister: Thanks… :mjpls:
James Peters: Meanwhile, Halsey has found an opportunity, and she is exploiting it as she rolls Minerva back inside the ring. Minerva scoots back into the corner, seating herself there, and tending to the injured arm.
Rich Russillo: Halsey rolls back inside the ring, and zeroed in on the arm with stomps to it! Followed by a pressing boot to the face, keeping it pinned against Minerva’s jaw.
Rex McAllister: The referee interjects with a five count, and it feels as if that’s already becoming a trend in this match.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
James Peters: The referee pulls Halsey away from Minerva, and reprimands her for not listening quick enough. Although, I think that’s going in one ear and out the other. Halsey doesn’t care about following the rules, she cares about winning, and if she keeps this up, that’s what she’ll be walking away with tonight.
Rich Russillo: Halsey has taken the form of a shark, and is smelling blood in the water.
James Peters: So much for calling out Halsey thanks to Minerva’s accomplishments.
Rex McAllister: Remember, almost anybody can be beaten on any given day. Doesn’t matter how accomplished you are. It all depends on who wants this match more and who’s more prepared for this.
James Peters: Halsey pushes past the referee, annoyed at him wasting her time, but Minerva has pulled herself up in the corner, AND FIGHTS HER WAY OUT OF IT WITH KNIFE EDGE CHOPS TO THE CHEST! ALTHOUGH, SHES USING THE INJURED ARM, WHICH SHE SHAKES OFF AFTER EVERY BLOW!
Rich Russillo: AT LEAST SHE STILL HAS RANGE OF MOTION, AND ABILITY TO USE IT STILL, SO SHE CAN INFLICT DAMAGE LIKE SHE IS RIGHT NOW IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
James Peters: HALSEY IS STUNNED OFF THE LAST KNIFE EDGE CHOP, AND MINERVA RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF HER! BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER FROM HALSEY! NEEL QUICKLY DROPS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO-
Rich Russillo: Kickout! Minerva still has tons of fight left in her, and Halsey’s gonna have to beat it out of her. However, I don’t think Halsey minds as she pulls Minerva back to her feet. There’s a snapmare by Halsey, AND SHE DELIVERS AN EMPHATIC PENALTY KICK TO THE SPINE OF MINERVA, WHO WRITHES IN PAIN! Halsey, acting as a sadist, forms a giant smirk on her face, taking pleasure in dismantling Minerva thus far.
James Peters: Halsey steals a page out of Minerva’s book, grabbing a fistful of hair, and pulling her back to a vertical base. Minerva gets knocked back into the corner with a stiff forearm strike! Halsey keeps Minerva stunned with another forearm strike in the corner before grabbing hold of Minerva’s damaged arm, and hooking it on the top rope. HALSEY PULLS ON THE ARM, AND MIGHT DISLOCATE THE SHOULDER IF SHES NOT CAREFUL!
Persephone: Oh, “thankfully” the referee is there to stop that from happening.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Rich Russillo: Halsey eases off Minerva, and backs away. Now, she’s being reprimanded by the referee for a second time. Halsey talks back to the referee. Unfortunately, what she said wasn’t picked up by the microphone, but the referee doesn’t seem happy with Halsey’s response.
James Peters: Halsey Neel heads back over to Minerva, BUT MINERVA HAS PULLED HERSELF UP IN THE CORNER, AND SENDS HALSEY IN THE CORNER, SO SHE CAN UNLOAD WITH RIGHTS! HALSEY IS DOING HER BEST TO COVER UP AS SHE SINKS DOWN TO THE MIDDLE ROPE! MINERVA RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE CORNER, KICKING OFF THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE TO GAIN MORE MOMENTUM!
Rich Russillo: RUNNING CORNER CLOTHESLINE!!!! MINERVA CONNECTS WITH IT BEFORE HITTING HALSEY WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, AND NOW SHE TAKES HALSEY OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A SNAPMARE! MINERVA RUNS THE ROPES AND LOOKS FOR A PENALTY KICK- BUT HALSEY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND GETS BACK TO HER FEET! MINERVA TURNS AND SWINGS AT HALSEY, BUT HALSEY DUCKS UNDER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!
James Peters: Minerva still has fight left in her, and sits up off the canvas, trying to gain her wherewithal again. Halsey interjects with a seated cobra clutch submission maneuver, using the arm of Minerva as a weapon.
Rich Russillo: Halsey has Minerva grounded for the time being, but for how long as the referee begins rallying behind Minerva, who the fans would prefer to win far more than Neel. Minerva rises to a knee, and breaks the submission hold with a few shots to the rib cage!
James Peters: Minerva rises to a vertical base, BUT GETS DOUBLED OVER WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION BY HALSEY! HALSEY RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF MINERVA- BUT RUNS INTO THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!! THE DEVIL’S TOUCH CONNECTS, AND MINERVA DROPS DOWN ON TOP OF HALSEY FOR THE COVER!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: HALSEY NEEL KICKS OUT!!!!! Minerva stays on the offensive though, as she just begins punching away at Halsey, not even giving Halsey much time to breathe!
Rex McAllister: Minerva has already warned Yhwach about how dangerous she can be, and now she is showing that to Halsey Neel with her offense tonight!
James Peters: Minerva finally gets off of Halsey, but that doesn’t mean she is done with her just yet! Minerva lifts Halsey up, and now she’s got her in a fireman’s carry!
Rich Russillo: HALSEY SQUIRMS AROUND IN THE FIREMAN’S CARRY! THE FIREMAN CARRY WHATEVER WILL HAVE TO WAIT AS HALSEY SLIPS BEHIND MINERVA, AND PLANTS HER WITH A HALF NELSON BACKBREAKER!
James Peters: COVER IS MADE, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
James Peters: Minerva gets the shoulder up! Halsey sits up off Minerva’s body, and talks some further trash. Halsey rises to her knees, and pulls Minerva to hers. Halsey yells trash talk at Minerva, and doesn’t learn her listen from earlier AS SHE GETS POPPED WITH A FOREARM! Both competitors rise to their feet at the same time, AND MINERVA KEEPS THAT ONSLAUGHT GOING WITH ANOTHER FOREARM STRIKE!
Rich Russillo: HALSEY STAGGERS BACK, BUT RETURNS FIRE WITH A DEVASTATING HEADBUTT, PLACING BOTH WOMEN ON WOBBLY LEGS BRIEFLY! HALSEY GOES TO CAPITALIZE OFF HER HANDIWORK WITH A FISHERMAN SUPLEX, BUT MINERVA TWIRLS OUT OF IT, AND PULLS HALSEY INTO A TWISTING SPINEBUSTER!
James Peters: Both competitors are slow in getting back to their feet, and despite hitting the maneuver on Halsey, Minerva makes it back to her feet at the same time as Neel.
Rex McAllister: That’s wear, tear, and fatigue beginning to show.
Persephone: You hear Sexy Rexy? Wear, tear, and fatigue!
James Peters: :madstare:
Rich Russillo: HALSEY TRIES TO REGAIN THE ADVANTAGE BY GETTING THE FIRST PUNCH, BUT MINERVA BLOCKS IT, AND DROPS HALSEY WITH A PUNCH OF HER OWN! HALSEY RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, AND TRIES FOR A RIGHT HAND AGAIN, BUT ITS BLOCKED, AND SHES DROPPED WITH ANOTHER RIGHT HAND!
James Peters: Halsey rushes back to her feet, and staggers toward the ropes. Minerva bounces Halsey off the ropes for an irish whip, AND GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE! BUT HALSEY DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND CONTINUES RUNNING OFF THE ROPES!
Rex McAllister: BIG MISTAKE AS SHE RUNS INTO A SNAP POWERSLAM BY MINERVA!
Rich Russillo: Halsey wisely rolls to the outside, and lands on her feet, trying to catch her breath. MINERVA SEES AN OPPORTUNITY, AND TRIES TO COLLIDE INTO HALSEY AGAIN WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE! BUT HALSEY SIDE STEPS, CAUSING MINERVA TO SLIDE TO THE OUTSIDE!
James Peters: HALSEY TRIES FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT MINERVA CATCHES THE ARM, AND PLANTS HALSEY ON THE OUTSIDE WITH A SAMBO SUPLEX! Halsey writhes around, arching her back in pain. Minerva isn’t done, and slides back inside the ring, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES FOR A SUICIDE DIVE AS HALSEY GOT BACK TO HER FEET ON THE OUTSIDE!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA IS FIRED UP, WHICH COULD SPELL OUT THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR HALSEY! ONCE A COMPETITOR GETS ROLLING, SOMETIMES, IT CAN BE HARD TO SHUT THEM DOWN! MINERVA ROLLS HALSEY BACK INSIDE THE RING, AND MIGHT BE LOOKING TO FINISH HER AS SHE ROLLS BACK INSIDE THE RING HERSELF!
James Peters: Wisely, Halsey Neel rolls out the opposite side of the ring, and drops to a knee, catching her breath. Minerva sticks her head through the middle rope, and grabs a handful of Halsey’s hair, BUT NEEL EXPLODES WITH AN APRON ASSISTED STEP-UP ENZIGURI!
Rich Russillo: Minerva spins around, and is on wobbly legs. HALSEY SLIDES IN, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF MINERVA! BUT MINERVA RUNS OFF THAT SAME SET OF ROPES HERSELF, FORCING NEEL TO TURN HERSELF AROUND IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! REBOUND RUNNING STO BY MINERVA! COVER IS MADE, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRRR-
Rex McAllister: NO! Almost, but Halsey managed to get the shoulder up.
Persephone: 😱 Can’t believe her STO didn’t get the job done!
James Peters: Halsey rolls away from Minerva, and picks herself up in the corner. Minerva closes the distance between the two, and connects with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Once again, which reverbs throughout the arena. Minerva lifts Halsey to the top turnbuckle, and lands ANOTHER knife edge chop! Halsey climbs to the middle rope, and hooks Halsey up for a superplex.
Rich Russillo: Halsey begins fighting her way out of it with shots to the rib cage, and smashes Minerva’s face off the top turnbuckle, doubling her over! SUNSET FLIP BY HALSEY, WHO LANDS ON HER FEET, AND TRIES PEELING MINERVA AWAY FROM THE CORNER! BUT MINERVA HANGS ON TIGHT, AND STARTS REIGNING DOWN WITH RIGHT HANDS TO THE SKULL OF NEEL!
Crowd: ONE! TWO!
James Peters: Halsey slips between the legs, and lunges at Minerva! BUT MINERVA CATCHES HER WITH A BIG BOOT! HALSEY STAGGERS BACK, AND MINERVA LEAPS OFF THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE WITH A MOONSAULT!
Rex McAllister: SUPERKICK! HALSEY SWATTED MINERVA OUT OF MID AIR WITH A SUPERKICK! HALSEY HOOKS BOTH LEGS FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! However, Halsey isn’t frustrated, and appears more confident instead, having Minerva right where she wants her, and that’s reeling as of this moment. Halsey pulls Minerva back to her feet, and lifts her up in a fireman’s carry. There isn’t much urgency in Halsey’s movement, perhaps she’s a bit TOO confident, AND PAYS FOR IT AS MINERVA SLIPS OFF HER SHOULDERS, GRABBING HALSEY IN AN INVERTED FACELOCK!
James Peters: MINERVA SPINS INTO AN ELBOW DROP, COMPLETING TWILIGHT! SIGNATURE MOVE CONNECTS! COVER IS MADE, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRREEEE-
James Peters: ONE! TWO! NO! Halsey manages to kickout! Halsey sits up, and favors the bad arm briefly, still feeling the effects from the limb targeting done by Halsey. Both competitors rise to their knees at the same time, and stare back at one another before Minerva takes the first shot with a FOREARM! Halsey returns fire with a forearm of her own!
Rich Russillo; Forearm by Minerva! Halsey rises back to her feet, and Minerva gets to a knee. FOREARM BY NEEL! FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER! Halsey places Minerva’s head between her legs, and wants a piledriver. BUT MINERVA BLOCKS IT, WRAPPING HER ARMS AROUND HALSEY’S LEG! Halsey reigns down with clubbing blows to the back, breaking Minerva’s grip!
James Peters: Halsey tries for the piledriver again, BUT MINERVA TWIRLS OUT OF IT! KICK TO THE MIDSECTION BY MINERVA, AND A PENALTY KICK JOLTS HALSEY BACK UPRIGHT! MINERVA RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF NEEL, BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A PUMP KICK, STOPPING MINERVA IN HER TRACKS!
Rich Russillo: Minerva is groggy, and Halsey runs off the ropes in front of her! ANOTHER BICYCLE KICK HITS ITS TARGET, AND MINERVA CAN BARELY STAND! HALSEY RUNS OFF THE ROPES A THIRD TIME, BUT WENT TO THE WELL ONE TOO MANY TIMES, RUNNING RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT!
James Peters: HALSEY DROPS TO A KNEE! MINERVA GOES TO RUN OFF THE ROPES, BUT HALSEY GRABS HER BY THE REAR OF HER TRUNKS, AND PULLS HER BACK IN FOR A SLEEPER HOLD! MINERVA FLAILS HER ARMS AROUND, REACHING FOR THE ROPES! BUT HALSEY HAS HER TRAPPED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Rex McAllister: MINERVA IS STARTING TO FADE, AND GETS SENT OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE BY HALSEY! Minerva catches herself on the apron, and remains up on a knee.
Persephone: Rexy’s enthusiasm is SO contagious!
Rich Russillo: Halsey exits out to the apron, and has cruel intentions in the mind, which must be why she released Minerva from the sleeper hold. Halsey walks toward Minerva, but gets caught with punches to the rib cage, staggering her back a bit. Minerva rises to her feet, and delivers a FOREARM!
James Peters: KICK TO THE GUT BY HALSEY, AND SHE PLANTS MINERVA ON THE APRON WITH A DDT! Halsey rolls Minerva back inside the ring, and slides in herself. Minerva has gotten to all fours, and is lifted to her feet by Halsey. Minerva gets placed in a fireman’s carry, AND HALSEY GOES FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE!
Rich Russillo: BLOOD ON THE LE- MINERVA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! AND GRABS HALSEY IN A REAR WAISTLOCK FOR A RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! MINERVA SHOOTS THE HALF FOR A COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHH-
Rex McAllister: KICKOUT!
James Peters: Minerva lifts Halsey up in a front facelock. HALSEY SHOVES MINERVA BACK, AND CONNECTS WITH A BICYCLE KICK! MINERVA RESPONDS WITH A ROLLING ELBOW! STEP-UP ENZIGURI BY HALSEY! BUT NEITHER COMPETITOR HAS GONE DOWN! DESPITE BEING GROGGY, MINERVA REMAINS ON HER FEET!
Rich Russillo: HALSEY LIFTS MINERVA UP IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY, AND FINALLY LANDS BLOOD ON THE LEAVES! THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK! AND MINERVA COLLAPSES DOWN TO BOTH KNEES! HALSEY SETS MINERVA UP FOR THE ADJUSTMENT PILEDRIVER, BUT MINERVA COLLAPSES TO A KNEE, BARELY ABLE TO STAND!
James Peters: HALSEY LIFTS HER BACK TO BOTH FEET, AND HOISTS HER UP FOR THE FALL! BUT MINERVA BLOCKS THE PILEDRIVER, AND BACK BODY DROPS HALSEY OVERHEAD! HALSEY REVERSES WITH A SUNSET FLIP! BUT MINERVA ROLLS THROUGH TO HER FEET, AND LEAPS IN THE AIR FOR A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO A SEATED NEEL!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA PULLS HALSEY BACK TO HER FEET, AND PLANTS HER WITH THE ATLAS FALLS! TWISTING BRAINBUSTER SPIKES HALSEY NEEL, AND MINERVA HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERES YOUR WINNER… MINERVA!
(“Blood, Milk & Sky” by White Zombie plays, and Minerva rises to a knee, looking back a downed Halsey before getting to her feet, and having her hand raised in victory by the referee, receiving a loud reaction as a result.)
Rex McAllister: What a win for Minerva!
Persephone: Yeah, what Rex said!
James Peters: Minerva has managed to topple Halsey Neel, who put up a good fight, and almost beat the former World Champ on occasion.
Rich Russillo: It’s in times like this, you learn the type of competitor you are. Halsey may not be on Minerva’s level right now, but with the effort she put in tonight, it’s possible she will be soon.
Rex McAllister: I don’t even know how to feel saying this, but Minerva might have been right with her warning to Yhwach. As crazy as that attack was, she clearly knows what she is doing.
James Peters: Yeah, Minerva is definitely a threat. A threat Yhwach O’Hara needs to watch out for.
(Minerva taunts on the middle rope as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(A commercial is shown for Spider-Man 2 on Playstation.)
(As Voltage returns from its final commercial break, “Kamikaze” by RedHook begins to play inside the arena. The fans shoot to their feet, eagerly awaiting this, and for the final time tonight, Bella Braxton steps into the center of the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome… DARYL KINKADE!
(The fans let out a barrage of cheers tinged with a hint of uncertainty. They don’t know what they’re going to hear from Daryl Kinkade tonight and they are prepared for the absolute worst. When Daryl finally steps onto the stage, the ovation gets louder, but the expression on his face doesn’t change. In fact, Daryl looks like he doesn’t feel anything at all and that’s not a good sign.)
Rex McAllister: (audibly sighing) As much as I don’t want to say this, it looks as if Daryl has his mind made up. He told me back at Fighting Spirit that if he didn’t win his match to get into Cash in the Vault, he was basically going to call it a career.
Persephone: I seriously hate that for you, Rexy. I know how much time and effort you have invested into Daryl and his career. It’s like he’s throwing it all back at you and that is not okay. You are the very best mentor anyone could ever want and shame on Daryl for not listening to you.
James Peters: I don’t want to read too much into Daryl’s expression because that would lead to assumptions. He hasn’t spoken since losing at Fighting Spirit, leaving us all to wonder if he is going to stick to his word and hang up his boots. I truly hope that it was Daryl’s emotions that were speaking for him last weekend because in my opinion, Daryl still has a lot left to offer EAW.
Rich Russillo: I agree with you, James. Daryl might not be a rookie, but there is untapped potential in him. This guy is capable of being a champion again and Rex hit the nail on the head when he pinpointed Daryl’s attitude as the reason he hasn’t had more success.
(At this point, Daryl is in the ring and standing right in the center of it. He’s taken the microphone from Bella, and he seems to be soaking up the reaction of the crowd. As his music fades, his facial expression still doesn’t change, but there is an air about Daryl at the moment that is completely unsettling. Pretty soon, the noise of the crowd dies down and Daryl clears his throat.)
Daryl Kinkade: Interestingly enough, you guys are cheering me tonight. I’m not sure if that’s because you’ve decided to care or if you’re just excited to hear me announce my retirement and leave the ring for good.
(This causes a bit of a muted, mixed reaction from the crowd because collectively, they have nothing against Daryl.)
Daryl Kinkade: I get it. I’ve never been Mr. Popular. I’ve never had that type of personality that just draws people in. I’m a moody old bloke that people can’t really relate to. No one is harder on me than me, and as a result the pressure to succeed has started to cripple me and I can’t take it anymore. I’m suffocating under the weight of my own expectations and I can’t change the way I currently look at the world. The silence my return at Grand Rampage was met with was telling. I should have known right then that I made a mistake when it came to working my way back. None of you cared that I had ended my time in EAW with an injury I wasn’t supposed to recover from and you certainly didn’t care about the mental and physical hell I went through in order to recover from it.
(The scorn in Daryl’s voice has prompted the crowd to react negatively. He isn’t receiving full blown jeers at the moment, but they clearly don’t agree with what Daryl is saying.)
Daryl Kinkade: Do you know what it’s like to lay up in bed every night, for weeks at a time, contemplating your life and whether or not there’s a purpose to it? What if I was brought all this way just to fail at the very end, thus rendering my entire adult life null and void? That is what went through my head every single day while I busted my ass to make a return to EAW. When COVID hit and the world shut down, I thought I would never make it back. I certainly didn’t expect to make a full recovery because I couldn’t even see my damn physical therapist in person. I had to rehab via a damn Zoom call and that in itself was torture. I had no one around me to help me, or encourage me. Not one person, including that bloke at the booth, picked up the phone to check on me. I knew I was facing an uphill battle but damn, I thought I would at the very least get some kind of support, but it never happened. It never came to fruition. Daryl Kinkade was a forgotten man and EAW moved on. The landscape of the business changed and I wasn’t a part of it. I watched my former partner rise, then fall, and rise up again. Lord knows what he’s doing now, probably bathing in the remnants of Veena Adams’ bath water because he’s sick in the head like that. Then, my so-called mentor, the most beloved Elitist of all time, got married to someone who is every bit his equal in all aspects of life and career. Voltage dedicated an entire Marquee Event to their wedding, and even when Rex decided to leave, this company mourned him. For the last two years, that slut at the broadcast booth has kept Rex’s name front and center, making sure no one ever forgot about him.
Persephone: Did that man just refer to me as a slut??
Rich Russillo: :lupe:
James Peters: I’m not sure where this is going but I don’t like it.
(The silence from Rex is telling.)
Daryl Kinkade: Why didn’t anyone mention me? Oh right, they did. I was Charlie’s former partner. I was Rex’s former protege. I was that other guy in MarrKade. I was the one who never amounted to anything. That’s the type of shit that drives a person mad, and guess what? It did drive me mad. It infuriated me to the point where I was ready to throw the towel in, but you know what kept me going? You know what motivated me to make a return? It was the words of encouragement of all the fans who had supported me throughout my career. I know that I’ve always been hot or cold. There has never been a middle ground with me. When I’m good, I’m great; untouchable even. But when things are going wrong, they get bad. They get really bad. I fall off and I find it hard to get up and get going again. I wanted to come back because I wanted everyone to know that I could do it. I wanted the world to see who Daryl Kinkade was and not have a bad last impression of me. God, I was so stupid. I was so fucking stupid to think that any of you actually gave a damn about. You lot are so fickle. You are so quick to forget. You moved on and found new people to cheer for and to loathe. I was never a thought in your mind unless someone like Charlie brought me up to talk about how much I failed. You never gave a shit about the work I put into this career of mine and just how badly I wanted to succeed. It makes me sick that I used to want your respect. You guys don’t know anything. You all suck. You have treated me like garbage since I returned despite the fact one of my biggest reasons for returning was so I didn’t let you all down.
(The boos are raining down on Daryl now and he raises his arms in the air as if to embrace them.)
Daryl Kinkade: Silly me, right? You all never gave a fuck about me. You didn’t support me when I returned in Grand Rampage, and you damn sure didn’t support me in my quest to take the Hardcore Championship from Charlie. You made sure to ignore my efforts when it came to trying to win my first world championship and worst of all, you all actually pitied me when I tried to beat Myles a couple of weeks ago. That’s when all this emotion boiled to the surface for me and when I finally started to see what was really going on. So much frustration has come from all of those losses, but NOTHING compares to the hatred I have for myself for having faith in all of you. I saw social media after Fighting Spirit. The headlines were clear. They read plain as day that Daryl Kinkade was done with EAW and guess what? I am.
(This time the crowd cheers and Daryl scowls at them.)
Daryl Kinkade: Hilarious. Well congratulations, I guess. You all got your wish. Daryl Kinkade in EAW is no more and I hope you all rot.
Rex McAllister: I’m not letting him go out like this.
(The sound of Rex’s headset can be heard hitting the desk.)
Persephone: Rexy! What are you doing? Let him go.
(But Rex is already at the timekeeper’s area and getting a microphone. Daryl sees what’s going on and his scowl turns to a look of complete disgust.)
Daryl Kinkade: Don’t waste your time, Rex. I’m telling you. Don’t do it.
(Rex is standing in front of Daryl right now and he shakes his head. His eyes are full of disappointment.)
Rex McAllister: You have every right to end your career on your terms, but why like this? What purpose does going off on the fans serve? That’s a rhetorical question. You’ve done enough talking. Right now, you’re going to listen. You said yourself that you wanted to return here so the fans weren’t left with a bad last impression of you. But what the hell do you think you’re doing now? You are raking them over the coals and for what? The fact that they cheered for you but maybe cheered for some of your opponents a little more? People are entitled to like who they like. I haven’t always been a fan favorite. Do you think that stopped me from working hard and making the most out of my time here? Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the EAW Universe, but I have also wanted to be a professional wrestler my whole life and I had goals that I wanted to achieve. I’ve seen and done it all in this sport and made it all the way to the EAW Hall of Fame. I don’t need anything else to make me happy. I’m back here because I want to be, and because I want to continue watching people like you finally fulfill all of their dreams. I have tried so many times to tell you that one setback isn’t the end of the world. Hell, one full season full of setbacks doesn’t mean you’re never going to get your just due. It just means that you have to work a little harder, be a little smarter, and learn from your mistakes. I find it hard to believe that you would go through all of this only to throw it away now and for what? Because you didn’t make it into Cash in the Vault?
Daryl Kinkade: That’s what I told you, didn’t I?
Rex McAllister: With all due respect, man, grow up. Stop bitching and complaining about your win/loss record and your missed opportunities. I lost two Pain for Pride main events in a row before I finally won the third, but in order to even get back there, I had to start over from scratch so many times that I lost count. We all go through ups and downs, but I never quit. The men and women on this brand never quit or threw the towel in when the going got tough. Sure, some of them, such as myself, may have been in and out a few times, but sometimes you do need to hit the reset button for your own sanity and there is nothing wrong with that. If you were out here and talking about taking a break, I would wish you well and be the first person to welcome you back later on with open arms. But you want to retire. You want to just give up and that’s not something I can respect.
Daryl Kinkade: I don’t give a damn about your respect, Rex. I don’t know why I ever did. You’re nothing more than a product of a system that is designed to help people like you succeed. I was never given anything here. NOTHING. I had to scratch, fight, and claw for absolutely everything I had, and more often than not I found myself in the damn shadows of Charlie, you, and whoever else I was facing. It was never about me and you know what? It should have been. It should have been all about me because I carried MarrKade! I should have all the accolades Charlie has. I should have the Hall of Fame status. It should be ME! But now I’m walking away with absolutely fucking nothing to my name, and I hope everyone is happy about that.
Rex McAllister: Man, no one is happy about this, least of all you. If you truly felt like it was the right time to walk away, then you would have done so quietly. Instead, you came out here and had a total come apart, which is nothing more than a desperate cry for attention. You so badly want to be loved and respected but clearly you aren’t willing to work for it.
Daryl Kinkade: I’ve done nothing but work for it my entire career!
Rex McAllister: (mockingly) I’ve done nothing but work for it my entire career! Dude, stop. Just stop. I came into the ring to keep you from making a fool of yourself because I care about you. I believe in you. But if this is who you are now, then go. Take your petulant attitude and just leave because clearly you’re going to continue being your own worst enemy.
(With a look of pity, Rex drops the microphone. He had wanted to get through to Daryl but it was clear that Daryl was too far gone. Daryl refuses to look at Rex, so with nothing else to say, Rex turns his back to his former protege and goes to leave the ring.)
James Peters: DARYL JUST CLUBBED REX IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE MICROPHONE!
Persephone: SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE! GET THAT MAN AWAY FROM REXY!
Rich Russillo: DARYL’S SNAPPED!!! HE IS BEATING THE HELL OUT OF REX USING THAT MICROPHONE, BUT WHY IS HE DOING THIS!? WHAT’S GOTTEN INTO HIM!? WE KNOW HOW CLOSE THESE TWO ARE! WE KNOW THEIR HISTORY AND HOW MUCH THEY’VE BEEN THROUGH, AND NOW DARYL IS ATTACKING REX!!!!
James Peters: DARYL GETS UP AND STARTS STOMPING ALL OVER REX, FORCING REX TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING!!! I don’t get this either, Rich! I understand Daryl is frustrated, but this is too far and there’s no way he doesn’t know that!
(Daryl stares at Rex, who is at ringside beginning to stir. There are loud boos now that the fans have had a few seconds to process what just happened, and in a few seconds the boos grow even louder as they realize Daryl is not finished.)
James Peters: Wait, wait wait wait… Daryl just rolled out of the ring, and now he picks up the steel steps while Rex is just getting back up now!
Persephone: NO!! NO NO NO, SOMEONE HELP HIM, PLEASE!!!! HELP REXY!!!!
Rich Russillo: DARYL RUNS IN, HITTING REX RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH THE STEEL STEPS!!!!! REX WAS JUST DROPPED BY THE STEEL STEPS, AND NOW DARYL SLAMS THE STEEL STEPS DOWN ON TOP OF REX!!!!!!
James Peters: Rex’s head was busted open with that shot by the steel steps, but Daryl looks like he still isn’t done! He’s trying to destroy Rex right now, even though Rex was just trying to help him! Daryl Kinkade is grabbing a steel chair from the timekeepers area, and the fans aren’t liking this one bit! Daryl has turned his back against Rex McAllister, just because Rex didn’t want to see him throw his career away!
Persephone: STOP HIM!!! HE’S INSANE!!!! SOMEONE GET OUT HERE AND SAVE REXY RIGHT NOW!!!!!
Rich Russillo: DARYL KINKADE BEGINS SLAMMING THE STEEL CHAIR ONTO REX’S HEAD!!!! DARYL HITTING REX OVER AND OVER WITH THAT CHAIR, FORMING A POOL OF BLOOD!!!! What’s wrong with him!?
James Peters: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Persephone! We need security out here right now, this can’t go on! Daryl is literally trying to beat the life out of his former mentor, just moments after he tried to end his own career! Rex is completely unresponsive at this point, yet Daryl hasn’t stopped!
(Finally, security begins running out, which causes cheers from the fans who obviously don’t want to see Rex hurt any longer. The security guards quickly rush to ringside, getting in between Daryl and Rex to create distance between the two.)
James Peters: It’s not often that you hear the crowd happy to see security run out to break things up… But this wasn’t some brawl. Daryl Kinkade snapped and attacked Rex McAllister, leaving him in a pool of his own blood!
Rich Russillo: Daryl has a lot to answer for, even more than he did after Fighting Spirit. Now more than ever, I have no idea what’s running through that man’s head.
(Daryl Kinkade stares at Rex McAllister as the security guards try to get him away from the area. Some of them remain at ringside to check on Rex, and the sight of Rex laid out with blood pouring from his head is the final image shown as Voltage begins to fade to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
