(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap is shown of Territorial Invasion from the Voltage side of things: Dynasty’s Rory Slate beats Brianna Hill, Jamie Cross, and Mia Santoro in a Unique Opportunity match. Bea Valentine retains her Specialists Championship N1C against Valerie Hellstorm. Roberto De La Rosa, Sierra Everett, and Mei Sasaki are unsuccessful in Divide & Conquer as Showdown’s KASAI wins the match. TLA retains his Hardcore Championship against Mr. Wrestling XIX. Minerva & Jack Ripley beat Alex Myers & Ruler. Champagne Charlie along with Showdown’s Madison Kaline fall short to Dynasty’s Sienna Jade in a Hall of Fame Showcase match. EAW World Champion Drake King retains his title against Cy Henderson. Brand Warfare ends with Dynasty standing tall, along with the main event with Team Voltage, Jamie O’Hara, Rex McAllister, & Dr. Bethany Blue falling short in War Games to Dynasty as the recap fades from there.)
(The camera then goes to a shot of The New Adana Stadium in Adana, Turkey as pyro is seen shooting out from the stage as the crowd cheers loudly. The shot then goes over to Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone standing by.)
Persephone: Welcome to Sunday Night Voltage everyone, yippee.
Rich Russillo: And what a night we have for you tonight as we are en route to our next Marquee Event, WICKED GAMES!
James Peters: The Iconic Cup continues on Voltage tonight with three first round matches underway! Along with that we have a jam packed show being headlined by a Champion versus Champion spectacular! Both coming off of successful title defenses, the Hardcore Champion TLA faces the EAW World Champion Drake King! Let’s get right into it!
(‘Kashmir (Paratus Intro)’ by Led Zeppelin hits, and the crowd explodes with cheers as the camera pans over to the stage. Before long Jamie O’Hara begins to walk out, and as Jamie stands at the stage, a microphone is seen in his hand. Jamie has a calm look on his face as he stares directly at the ring, and after a few seconds he continues walking, beginning to make his way down the ramp.)
James Peters: Territorial Invasion was a rough night for team Voltage, and I’m sure that’s exactly why Jamie is out here. We knew how incredible all three teams in the War Games match were, but I don’t think Jamie expected to end that match being the Elitist pinned.
Rich Russillo: At Territorial Invasion Myles managed to pin Jamie to secure the victory for team Dynasty, and I’m sure that stuck with Jamie as he was the Captain of Voltage’s team. Even so, I don’t think we can forget just how amazing that match was. Our brand may not have won, but everyone involved did amazing.
Persephone: Really? You don’t have to lie to make anyone feel better. Jamie got pinned by a guy he already beat a thousand times. He embarrassed Voltage pretty badly.
(Jamie slowly walks up the steel steps, before stepping through the ropes and entering the ring. As Jamie walks to the center of the ring he stops and stares towards the fans in attendance, finally beginning to speak as ‘Kashmir’ fades out.)
Jamie O’Hara: When I was given the opportunity to lead a team, I made it very clear that the idea of representing a brand and being a team Captain didn’t appeal to me. It came down to either me or Jack Ripley leading a War Games team, and it was simply never going to be him. I took that spot away from him without a problem, but I wasn’t desperate for this opportunity. It’s not something I was entirely interested in, and yet I excelled. I succeeded with ease, building a team that by all means should be capable of taking down anyone and anything in its path. I created a team full of Elitists who wanted to succeed, knew how to overcome any obstacle, and were more than capable of leaving War Games having gotten exactly what we wanted. This was meant to be the winning team, and yet when the time came for us to fight, we lost. I don’t think I need to explain that Territorial Invasion didn’t turn out as planned. It’s rare that things end this way. It’s rare that I find myself unable to carry out my promises, and even more rare that I’m defeated by someone I’ve never had any problem putting away even as recently as a few weeks ago, but that’s exactly what happened. Myles pinned me. Team Dynasty won at my expense. I earned the opportunity to lead a team into battle, and my team failed because I was unable to live up to my own word. As unbelievable as it sounds, as unlike me as it is, that’s exactly what happened.
(Jamie remains silent for a moment, and the fans aren’t making much noise either, a bit surprised to hear this from Jamie.)
Jamie O’Hara: Of course, I can’t say either of my teammates are to blame for what happened. I made the decision to add them to my team. They were in that match because I decided they were Elitists worthy of fighting by my side, and as expected, I did not make a mistake choosing them. They performed to the best of their ability and made that match every bit of the war we expected it to be. They told me that they’d do whatever is necessary to win that match and they both did their part, living up to as many of their words as they possibly could. They did everything they could to win, but I can’t say any of us expected things to turn out how they did last week. Someone like me being taken down by someone like Myles isn’t the type of thing you’d expect in any circumstance and you definitely wouldn’t expect it in a match like this, but there’s nothing that can be done about it now. In the end it wasn’t meant to be. Team Voltage did not win the War Games match and there’s nothing that could be done to change that, so instead of dwelling on an event that’ll never be occur again, I-
(Before Jamie could continue, ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen hits. This causes loud boos to come from the fans in attendance, but this is completely ignored by Dr. Bethany Blue as she walks out. She wastes no time heading down the ramp as she holds a microphone in her hand, and she’s furious as she stares at Jamie O’Hara, almost in disbelief over what she’s hearing.)
James Peters: Dr. Bethany Blue doesn’t look happy at all, and I can’t really say I’m surprised. We know how much that match meant to her, so this couldn’t have been an easy loss for her to take.
Rich Russillo: I don’t think that’s all she’s upset about. She just interrupted Jamie, she must not like what she had to hear from her team Captain. I guess we’ll find out very soon, as she’s here to speak.
Persephone: I don’t know why. Nobody asked her to show up. Go away.
(Dr. Bethany Blue makes it to ringside, and she immediately begins to speak on her way up the steps.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: What, is that it??? You let us to join you, promising to lead your team to victory, and THAT’S what you have to say after costing us the win?? We didn’t just do our part, Jamie. We didn’t just do our best. We threw EVERYTHING at them. I did everything I could to win that match from the second I entered that cage, and we didn’t lose because “it wasn’t meant to be”. We lost because YOU couldn’t do your part. What kind of Captain drags their team down rather than actually leading them? What kind of Captain allows themselves to drop the ball when it’s most important?? You had no problem defeating Myles in matches on Dynasty, at Road to Redemption, basically every time you enter the ring with him, but you can’t do it when you have two teammates trusting you to not screw things up? That was supposed to be my opportunity to FINALLY take down Kassidy Heart. This was supposed to be my opportunity to get back at Sheridan Müller. This was meant to be my chance to leave Territorial Invasion with a War Games victory, and you took that away. What do you have to say for yourself!?
(Dr. Bethany Blue enters the ring while saying this, walking directly up to Jamie. Despite her words however, the look on Jamie’s face has not changed at all.)
Jamie O’Hara: I already said everything I needed to say about War Games.
(This answer just further infuriates Dr. Bethany Blue.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: You’re just unbelievable. To think I even bothered demanding a spot on your team, and all this time you were unfit to be team Captain in the first place. You haven’t even scratched the surface of what needed to be said about War Games, because you STILL haven’t apologized to me for wasting my time. I don’t want to hear just how rare something like this is for you, because this shouldn’t have happened to begin with. I joined this team to WIN, Jamie. I joined this team so I could leave war games with my hand raised, not so I could leave empty handed knowing that I followed you right into failure. You were a complete joke of a team Captain, Jamie. I had already spent this entire season proving that I could defeat anyone in my way. I already did my part to prove that I belong at the top, and you just screwed everything up. War Games may be over with, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to just move on and forget any of this happened, not when I know I SHOULD have won! You have a lot to answer for, starting with the fact that you lied to us.
(The fans continue to boo Bethany, but she just waits for Jamie to speak. There’s a staredown between the two Elitists, until finally Jamie begins to respond.)
Jamie O’Hara: I didn’t ask you to forget anything. You can feel however you want. I don’t blame you for being upset, but I made myself very clear. I lost. Team Voltage didn’t win the war games match last week because I was pinned. That’s what happened whether any of us likes it or not, and now I plan to move on-
Dr. Bethany Blue: No no no, see that’s my problem right there. You don’t get to just “move on” after wasting our time like this. You don’t get to just look away after letting us get dragged into this. If THIS was the Jamie we were going to see in War Games you should’ve said so sooner, maybe then I would’ve known better than to even think about joining your team. What could you even move on to at this point, Jamie? This was supposed to be an opportunity for us, right? This was supposed to be our chance to shoot right to the top of the ranks. This was supposed to be an opportunity for us to get whatever we want, but we couldn’t even get that much thanks to you. Instead we had to return to Voltage as a losing team. We had to show up as the complete opposite of what you promised. How can you not be ashamed of yourself after what you did? How can you not feel sick knowing that you’re the reason things went wrong? That shouldn’t have happened, Jamie. We should NOT have lost that match. You and I both know that our team had all the tools to win a match like that, so WHAT HAPPENED!?
(There’s a brief silence between both Elitists once again, but this time it’s not broken by Jamie O’Hara. Instead, ‘Stronger (salü remix)’ by The Score hits. This causes an explosion of cheers from the crowd, and Dr. Bethany Blue turns towards the stage. Rex McAllister would begin walking out with a microphone in his hand, and while he has a far calmer look on his face, Rex seemingly isn’t very happy either following Territorial Invasion.)
James Peters: Rex McAllister is out, and I think it was only a matter of time until we heard from him. Not only was Rex the first Elitist to join Jamie on team Voltage, but Jamie actually approached Rex directly to add him to the team.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, I’m sure Rex has his own thoughts on what happened at war games. It was a rough night for all three Elitists for sure.
James Peters: Yeah, and even that might be an understatement.
(Rex McAllister enters the ring, joining his former team Voltage partners. ‘Stronger’ begins to fade out, and Rex actually turns towards Bethany before beginning to speak.)
Rex McAllister: I have to agree with Jamie about one thing, and it’s that no matter how upsetting the end of war games may be, there’s no changing it. We could argue about it as much as possible, but at the end of the day team Dynasty won. After tonight the best thing we could possible do is move forward and leave all this behind us. However…
(Rex turns towards Jamie before continuing.)
Rex McAllister: I can’t help but also be surprised seeing things end the way they did. When you asked me whether or not I wanted to join your War Games team, you sounded extremely confident in our chances of victory, and that didn’t change when Dr. Bethany Blue was added. The challenge we were up against didn’t matter to you because you believed we were the winning team regardless of what we were up against, so I can’t help but ask what went wrong. I’ve been here for years, Jamie. I’ve seen what you were capable of before most people here today, and I know that War Games was a match we could have won. You’ve done more than enough in your career to justify being named team Captain even without fighting for that spot, and when you offered me a spot on your team I accepted it because I knew you were more than capable of leading a team regardless of what the match meant to you personally. We may not have a choice but to move on from all of this, but I’d at least like to know what went wrong. I’d like to know why you weren’t able to do your part.
(Dr. Bethany Blue just shakes her head, annoyed by the whole conversation.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: Don’t even bother. Clearly he’s not in the mood to actually speak up.
Rex McAllister: Maybe not, but I believe we deserve some sort of explanation after following him into battle. We all had faith in our team, and in the end it was our team that failed. I listened to what you two have said, and Jamie, while I appreciate that you were able to own up to what happened last week and address the fact that things didn’t turn out well, I just want to know what cost us the victory. Myles is a very tough competitor. I’ve faced him before and even then things have changed since our last encounter, so if he managed to surprise you I understand. If this was just the result of fatigue after being out there on your own for so long I understand that too. I’d just like to know why things turned out the way they did, because you said it yourself, Jamie. What happened out there is something that doesn’t usually happen, and if I’m to believe you, it’s something that won’t happen again. If all that really is true, why did it happen in War Games? Why was team Dynasty able to win that match, and why were you responsible for their victory?
(Rex takes a step closer to Jamie before continuing.)
Rex McAllister: The first thing you did as team Captain was ask me to join your team. Is this what you wanted me on your team for?
(All three Elitists in the ring remain silent, as do the fans. Jamie stares at both Rex McAllister and Dr. Bethany Blue, not saying a word. Jamie still looks very calm about the situation, not letting the words of Rex and Bethany get to him. After a little while he finally raises his microphone once again, beginning to speak.)
Jamie O’Hara: It is what it is.
(After saying this, Jamie just walks past Bethany and Rex, stepping through the ropes and making his way out of the ring. Bethany can’t believe her eyes, and Rex is confused by Jamie’s actions as O’Hara begins to walk up the ramp.)
James Peters: Well I didn’t expect that. Neither Rex nor Bethany look satisfied with that answer from Jamie, and I can’t say I’m surprised. They were expecting a lot from him, so in their eyes I suppose he didn’t deliver.
Rich Russillo: I’m sure they aren’t going to leave him alone with that kind of response. There’s no way they’re content with that answer.
James Peters: Yeah, but we’ll have to see how things play out from here.
(Jamie continues walking up the ramp as Rex and Bethany watch on. Bethany is furious after that conversation, while Rex is puzzled after the way things turned out. As Jamie is seen heading to the back, Voltage fades from ringside.)
(The camera cuts to a commercial for the upcoming EAW releases. We weren’t acquired by anyone we just don’t like y’all.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: And it is a first round match in the Iconic Cup Tournament!!!!
(‘Lapdance’ by NERD hits to cheers from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from Auckland, New Zealand weighing in at 149 pounds she is one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, HOLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYY ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
(Holly Arrow makes her way out to the stage with her Championship around her waist. She takes her Championship and raises it up in the air before placing the title on her shoulder. Holly begins walking down the ramp as the loud cheers continue, and on her way to the ring it’s clear to see that Holly is extremely focused on the upcoming match.)
Rich Russillo: The Iconic Cup Tournament is always a very special time of year. We have a ton of incredible competitors taking part in it, including Jamie Cross and Holly Arrow who we’ll be seeing in action right now.
James Peters: So true. I love to see the competitive spirit of the great women on our roster. This tournament always produces some real bangers. Bangers on bangers on bangers. I am here for it.
(‘Anti-Hero (Rock Version)’ by Taylor Swift hits to cheers from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent from Chicago, Illinois weighing in at 133 pounds she is “The Main Charater” JAMIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
(Jamie Cross makes her way to the stage with a smile on her face, looking at the fans in attendance before turning her attention to her opponent. Jamie begins making her way down the ramp, also showing a look of focus on her face as she looks ready for the match ahead of her.)
Rich Russillo: Jamie Cross comes into this match with incredible preparedness and conditioning. This could be a long one folks!
Persephone: :lupe: !!!
James Peters: Jamie Cross is definitely not one to be taken lightly. But the fans believe in Holly Arrow just as much! Will she be able to overcome the Main Character???
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: We are underway as Holly Arrow and Jamie Cross ready themselves in their opposing corners. They look ready to collide and this Iconic Cup First Round Match is officially underway! Both competitors hear the bell as they emerge from their corners and you can just tell they are taking this match extremely seriously. They both want that Cup and they are focused and determined to absolutely score a victory in this match. They don’t want to be eliminated in the first round and you can see the determination filling the face of Jamie as she charges in throwing punches but Holly is right in there to meet her in the middle of the ring! They exchange punches as this match begins with an all out slugfest and you would think these two were sworn enemies from how fiercely they are brawling in the ring! Holly manages to get the advantage knocking Jamie down and climbing on top of her and continuing to deliver punches!
James Peters: Jamie Cross gets her leg under the bottom rope as the referee intervenes to force Holly Arrow off her. Good ring awareness there from Jamie as Holly is clearly not pleased as she is forced to back off. Jamie given a chance to recover but as soon as she gets back up Holly hits her legs and drops her face first with a leg sweep. Holly climbs up behind Jamie and begins to deliver repeated knee strikes to the back of Jamie! Jamie taking some real damage here as she elbows Holly hard knocking her away before crawling across the ring back up to her feet. Jamie tries to exit the ring but Holly grabs her by the hair and yanks her back down grabbing her by the arm and twisting her down to the mat with an Armbar! But Jamie manages to throw her leg onto the ropes as the referee orders the break once more.
Rich Russillo: Both competitors back up as Holly Arrow immediately goes in to grab the arm of Jamie Cross and yanks her back up. Jamie is sent across the ring by Holly using an Irish Whip… Jamie comes back across the ring and Holly levels her right off her feet with a vicious Clothesline! Holly is rolling here and getting the crowd behind her as she builds momentum. But Holly can’t afford to play to the crowd as she turns back to Jamie. Holly looking prepared to strike but Jamie taking her own sweet time getting back up. Jamie nearly rolls out of the ring but thinks better of it pulling herself up to the ropes. Hard back fist to the jaw from Holly sends Jamie reeling backwards into the corner! Holly charges in lighting up her opponent with strikes in the corner. A boot to the neck from Holly now choking the life out of her opponent as the referee begins the count disapprovingly!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! Alright enough already. Please let her go… Now!
James Peters: On command Holly Arrow agrees to let Jamie Cross go as Jamie collapses to her hands and knees in the corner. Holly goes in to grab Jamie but Jamie suddenly mashes her hands right into the face of Holly! Jamie throws Holly backwards face first into the middle turnbuckle! Now Jamie turning it around on Holly as she begins to repeatedly deliver forearms to the Champion, but she lets go before even the referee can begin the count. Jamie with a knife edge chop right into the chest of Holly… Holly reeling as Jamie grabs her and whips her across the ring to the opposite side. Jamie then grabs Holly by the hair and runs her along the ropes before bashing her head into the top turnbuckle padding. Holly reeling as she turns around… Jamie charges in but Holly moves out of the way! Holly from behind with a Rollup on Jamie!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: No! The kickout from Jamie Cross! Holly Arrow nearly stealing one there! Both competitors immediately back up exchanging hands in the right as Holly grabs the arm of Jamie and whips her with force across the ring! Jamie goes back first into the corner with such force it causes her to bounce off and crash face first in the middle of the ring. Holly has her right back under her control after a brief rebellion. Holly stalking Jamie to the corner but Jamie wisely rolls out of the ring to catch a breather… wait no! Holly rolls out the other side of the ring and runs around the corner to catch Jamie off guard!!! Running Spear from Holly!!!!-
James Peters: No! Jamie Cross moves out of the way and Holly Arrow runs right into the steel steps! Bad play there from Holly who just messed her shoulder up something fiercely and she is down on the outside! Jamie avoiding that full speed Spear as she looks at the sprawled out body of Holly on the ground. Jamie now crushing her boot right into the neck of Holly choking the life out of her as Holly is coughing and choking for breath here tonight!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Rich Russillo: The referee counting both of these women out as Holly Arrow pulls herself up to her feet using the ring apron. But Jamie Cross grabs her and shoves her right into the turnbuckle pole! Holly collapses across the apron as Jamie grabs her by the tights and shoves her back into the ring as the referee ends the ten count and they both get back inside. Jamie stalking Holly as she grabs her and twists her into an Ankle Lock- BUT HOLLY IS ABLE TO TURN AND USE HER FREE LEG TO KICK JAMIE OFF OF HER! Holly relying on those kicks to quickly free herself, not allowing Jamie to get that hold locked in. She might have to tap if that hold were to be applied!
Persephone: Wouldn’t that be a shame?
James Peters: Jamie Cross now going after Holly Arrow who didn’t have the chance to make it back to her feet. Holly reaches out towards the ropes but Jamie kicks her hand away before pulling her back to her feet. A measured punch right to the face of Holly from Jamie knocks her down. Holly smartly rolls out in front of our commentary tables leaning down on them to get a quick break. Holly staggering around at ringside as Jamie rolls out of the ring not allowing her to get much of a break before getting right back up at her. Holly takes notice of this and tries to attack but Jamie ducks under and delivers a huge forearm strike! Jamie now grabs her and tosses her right back into the ring. Jamie back into the ring as well-
Rich Russillo: WAIT, LOOK AT THAT! JUST AS JAMIE WAS MAKING HER WAY THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE HOLLY CAUGHT HER WITH A BIG BOOT! Jamie falls between the middle and top ropes into the ring before Holly grabs her and yanks her through the middle rope hitting a Spike DDT in the process! Holly slides into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
James Peters: Kickout by Jamie Cross! Holly Arrow with a big move to turn things around as now Jamie is down on the ground and rolls slowly onto the apron. Holly going after her trying to lure her back into the ring. But Jamie grabs Holly by the neck and yanks her down hard over the middle rope! Holly goes flying back into the ring having just taken some severe neck trauma and just like that Jamie slides back into the ring now in full control of this match! Jamie grabs Holly and picks her up… SPIKE PILEDRIVER CONNECTS!!! Jamie into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: The kickout from Holly Arrow! Jamie staying on her opponent however, as Holly slowly back up and eats a punch to the face knocking her back down to the mat. Jamie mounting up on top of her and just unloading with a series of punches to the face obliterating her opponent! Holly might be slightly busted open in the forehead from all those shots but the cut doesn’t look too bad. Not yet at least. The referee reprimanding Jamie for those shots as she relents and gets back up.
James Peters: BUT HOLLY ARROW SEES RED AND IMMEDIATELY CHARGES IN AT JAMIE CROSS TACKLING HER DOWN!!! Holly unloading punches on Jamie as well letting those fists fly! It might not have been a good idea to make her bleed as Holly has snapped! Holly is bashing Jamie’s head into the mat and we are seeing a rare side of Holly here tonight with this ruthless aggression! Holly is going in and Jamie can do little to defend herself against this absolute barrage of attacks!!!
Persephone: Good good they are both bleeding now then.
Rich Russillo: Jamie finally pushes Holly off of her, and you can really see just how much this match means to both competitors as they’re really throwing EVERYTHING at each other. Holly off as Jamie pulls the ropes back up to her feet. Holly grabs Jamie by the hair and rushes her towards the corner slamming her face into the top of the turnbuckle. This is not a pretty match but it is effective as Holly whips Jamie across the ring! Holly charges in towards Jamie!————–
James Peters: But Jamie Cross moves out of the way! Holly Arrow goes colliding at full speed into the corner! Jamie grabs Holly from behind and locks her into a Sleeper Hold! Holly is flailing desperately trying to escape but Jamie has it locked in tightly! Eventually Holly’s movements begin to slow and she might be put out of it if Holly has her way! Holly somehow manages to stay on her feet but just barely as the Sleeper is wearing away at her. Jamie continuing to use her weight to apply further pressure as Holly might not be able to stand much longer. Holly tears at the arms of Jamie but Jamie is not releasing! Holly using all her strength to try and shove Jamie off her!!! Holly eventually manages to find the strength to pull Jamie off of her, BUT JAMIE IMMEDIATELY GOES CHARGING BACK TOWARDS HOLLY!
Rich Russillo: Holly Arrow with a Back Body Drop on Jamie Cross! But Jamie flips out of it landing behind Holly and grabbing her head from behind into a Snapmare Takedown! Jamie manages to transition from a headlock into another Sleeper Hold as Holly suddenly finds herself right back where she was! Right back where she did not want to be! Holly is fading as the crowd is rallying behind her but Jamie is ignoring them focusing on winning this match and advancing in the Iconic Cup Tournament at any cost! Sportsmanship will have to wait until later! Holly reaching out trying to get to the ropes but they are too far away Jamie has done a good job of isolating her in the middle of the ring and I am not sure if there is realistically any way out of this for Holly! Holly is screwed!
James Peters: Holly Arrow’s eyes begin to close as Jamie Cross smiles and asks the referee to check her! This match could be over!
Persephone: Ring the bell!!!
Rich Russillo: Well the referee has to check her first… The referee grabs the arm of Holly Arrow and lifts it! Will it fall?!?!
James Peters: It does! The arm of Holly Arrow falls! The referee raises it again!
Rich Russillo: It falls again! One more time and it is over! It is all over!
James Peters: The referee raises the arm again!
Persephone: IT FALLS! RING THE BELL!!!
Rich Russillo: IT DOES NOT FALL! Holly Arrow suddenly finding a second wind as she keeps the arm up! Holly manages to power back up to her feet as Jamie Cross is shooken! Jamie has no idea where Holly is getting this power from as she powers back up to a standing position! Jamie positions herself behind Holly and leaps up to her back to apply even more weight and pressure! But Holly manages to break the sleeper and throws Jamie forward smashing her down on her back! What a fantastic show of strength by Holly Arrow here tonight!
James Peters: Holly Arrow now measuring her opponent as Jamie Cross gets back up! Holly runs wildly off the ropes and takes Jamie down with a Clothesline! The Clothesline hits with such force that Jamie goes flying across the ring doing a backfip before landing stomach first in the middle of the ring! Holly hoists herself up in the corner to the middle rope as Jamie gets back up!!! HOLLY LEAPS OFF THE TOP WITH A FLYING CROSSBODY TO THE OPPONENT!!!–
Rich Russillo: NO! JAMIE CROSS REVERSES THE CROSSBODY IN MIDAIR!!! THE COVER ON HOLLY ARROW!!!
Referee: ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
James Peters: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! HOLLY ARROW KICKS OUT!!!
Persephone: I agree with the “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”.
Rich Russillo: Holly Arrow shoves Jamie Cross up off her as the two collide in the ring and begin exchanging punches! Holly! Jamie! Holly! Jamie! Holly! Holly! HOLLY! HOLLY! HOLLY!
James Peters: Holly Arrow gaining the advantage and pummeling Jamie Cross back into the corner and begins to kick at her knocking her down in the corner and stomping a mudhole in her! Jamie taking all kinds of punishment here with the referee unable even to restrain Holly as Jamie falls between the ropes! Jamie rolls out onto the apron and Holly reaches over and grabs her yanking her back up and into the ring! Holly with a Standing Suplex tossing Jamie over the top rope and into the ring!
Rich Russillo: No wait! Jamie Cross manages to flip around behind Holly Arrow and lands on her feet! Jamie pushes Holly up towards the ropes and then drives her forearm into the back of Holly when she springs back! Jamie grabs Holly from behind and connects with a Backstabber! Jamie managing to turn things around here and now she is signaling that she is looking to end this! Jamie’s fans are hyped as she looks to put Holly away but can she actually do it?!?!
James Peters: JAMIE CROSS WITH THE ARC REACTOR ON HOLLY ARROW!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Holly Arrow flips out of it and lands on her feet! Holly with a Superkick to the jaw of Jamie Cross! Jamie staggers backwards into the ropes! Holly charges in battering on her before Jamie comes back towards Holly… Holly pulls her up… Arc Reactor of her own!
James Peters: But there is no way Holly is going to catch Jamie with her own move! Jamie flips out of it! Jamie with a Superkick of her own to Holly! But Holly catches the leg and yanks Jamie in!!! EXPLODER SUPLEX CONNECTS AS JAMIE IS TOSSED ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE RING WITH FORCE!!!
Rich Russillo: Jamie Cross slowly back up!!! Holly Arrow charges in, BEFORE LOCKING IN SUNSET PEAK!!!! SUNSET PEAK IS LOCKED IN, AND JAMIE HAS NOWHERE TO GO HERE!!!!
James Peters: JAMIE IS FATIGUED AFTER ALL THE DAMAGE SHE AND HOLLY HAVE DONE TO EACH OTHER! SHE DROPS DOWN ONTO THE MAT, AND I DON’T THINK SHE CAN TAKE IT ANYMORE! JAMIE TAPS OUT!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… Advancing to the Iconic Cup quarter finals… HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYY ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!
( ‘Lapdance’ by NERD hits to cheers from the crowd as Holly Arrow pulls herself off of Jamie Cross. Holly is handed her Championship by the referee, before having her arm raised in victory. After this, Holly climbs up to the middle turnbuckle and raises her Championship.)
Rich Russillo: She did it! Holly Arrow wins the match and that means she advances to the next round of the Iconic Cup Tournament!!! Could she go all the way?!?!!?
James Peters: Possibly. However, unfortunately, Jamie Cross’ Iconic Cup aspirations come to an end early as she is eliminated in the first round. That has to be very sad for her.
Rich Russillo: True but there is always another opportunity around the corner. I am sure she will find some way to rebound.
James Peters: You’re right about that. Either way this was Holly Arrow’s night, so congratulations to Holly for advancing in the Iconic Cup tournament!
(Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back in to show the backstage area of The New Adana Stadium. The camera focuses in on a designated interview area, adorned with a EAW backdrop, with Voltage Backstage Correspondent Sofia Clarke being seen standing by. She has a smile on her face and a microphone in her hand as she begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back! What an opening match that we just saw between Holly Arrow and Jamie Cross in the first round of the Iconic Cup tournament! The build to Wicked Games, where the finals of the tournament will be taking place, could not be more exciting, and the other festivities that will be going down at the Marquee Event can’t be ignored either! Territorial Invasion last week was a great segway into these next couple of weeks, and there have been a lot of things forming in the background that you’ll want to keep your eyes on. One of them is a newly introduced team here on Voltage who I’ve gotten the opportunity to interview tonight. So please join me in welcoming at this time… Alex Myers and Ruler, NICHOLISM!
(The crowd gives a strong mixed reaction as the camera pans over to show Alex Myers and Ruler begin to make their way into the scene. Both of them have serious expressions on their face, seemingly the effects of what happened the previous week, as Sofia takes a moment to allow the shot to introduce them, before she begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Alex, Ruler, thank you for joining us.
Alex Myers: Not a problem, we’re here to talk about what happened last week, correct?
Sofia Clarke: That would be part of it, yes. At Territorial Invasion we saw the two of you go up against some tough competition in the form of former World Champion Minerva and EAW Hall of Famer Jack Ripley. Of course there were some underlying issues between the four of you heading into the event, all culminating in what ended up being a thrilling tag team match. And even though it was an amazing effort from the two of you, in the end it was Jack and Minerva that stood tall. You’ve had a week, what are your thoughts on that?
(Alex and Ruler look at eachother, both with seemingly annoyed looks as they’re reminded about what happened.)
Alex Myers: I think it’s safe to say that we’re not really happy with how things played out. This match was something that I never expected to happen, but something I felt an obligation to participate in considering it was my friend that was on the receiving end and being criticized for being right. I only tried to calm the situation down, but I was dragged in, and no matter what I knew that I would fight for my friend no matter what it was. It’s up to you to determine who was in the right and who wasn’t, but all I’ll say is that we were walking into Territorial Invasion with a point to prove to Jack and Minerva. I’ve had my issues with Jack in the past, and with that I knew exactly what he was capable of, and I’ve had my fair share of encounters with Minerva as well. Even with everything that had happened, I knew that this makeshift team between the two of them was not one that I was going to make the mistake of underestimating. But at the same time, I know the type of team that Ruler and I are, with an unbreakable bond forged through years of war. You could make the mistake of discrediting us, but we promised to make sure that last week even if we didn’t come out on top, we made a pretty damning statement.
Ruler: They tried to intimidate us, but that proved to be nothing in the face of two Elitists who are unafraid of anything. They tried to brag about what they did individually and threatened us with that, thinking that it would be enough to translate into tag team wrestling. But still, there was no reason for us to back down. We were willing to put it all on the line if it meant getting the point across, and while it didn’t happen, I think it’s safe to say that the message has been firmly sent, not just to Sunday Night Voltage, but to the entire tag team division. That if we keep on the path that we’re on now, then a loss to Jack Ripley and Minerva is going to seem miniscule to what we end up accomplishing in the future.
Sofia Clarke: That’s an interesting comment, was Territorial Invasion what made you two firmly believe that you could be a great tag team? Or was that always the case for when it came to all your history with one another, you were just waiting to pull the trigger?
Alex Myers: I think Territorial Invasion and the time that we spent teaming with one another leading to that gave us a good reason to believe that we’d have a bright future as a tag team. I’m not really sure why it took us so long to come up with the idea, as we have known each other for such a long time. But now that we have joined forces as NICHOLISM, we’ll be doing far more than getting into pointless fights backstage. The tag team division in EAW is continuously growing, with the competition being fierce from every angle. You have POTARA as the dominant Champions, and on the other hand you have forces such as Devolution and IDOL-GUN trying to take it away from them. The hierarchy is set, but we look to shake it up. We firmly believe that we have the tools necessary to make it as a tag team, tools that the other teams that have tried for success lack. And when the time comes, we’re coming for exactly what we deserve, and it’s not going to be a question whether or not we succeed.
Sofia Clarke: I feel like it’s only fitting to ask now what’s the next step for you two?
Ruler: That’s for you to find out, but I’ll say that what everyone has seen so far from us was only just the beginning. It’s already known that Alex and I are amazing competitors on our own, with Alex having accomplished a number of things by themselves, and me being able to say the same for myself, this is already known. But only a select few have had the chance to face us as an actual team. While respectively, things have not gone the way that we have wanted them to throughout the past couple of months, that being made apparent when we were initially drafted to the Voltage brand, with the rest of the Season ahead of us and a rejuvenated mind… We’ll make sure that one way or another, things end with NICHOLISM on top.
Sofia Clarke: We’ve seen tag teams blossom in the past, but at the same time, we’ve also seen them fail. Are there any doubts about what side of the fence that you’re on?
Alex Myers: Sofia, it’s too early to say that for certain. All I know is that we’re here to make an impact and given the level that we’re on, that shouldn’t be hard enough. I will say that this may be what both of us have needed all this time to further our careers here in EAW, and continue to reach our goals.
Ruler: And it doesn’t matter who gets in the way of it, one-by-one we’ll take them all down if we have to, if it means getting to our goal in the end. I’ve had enough of being stagnant and not being able to get my feet on the ground. Even though the New Breed Championship was the start for us, we’re not looking to stop either. We’re coming for the Unified Tag Team Championships, and although there may be all this talk about the competition, you’re going to have to bring that and more if you want to stop us. Consider the tag team division put on notice for what is to come.
(Alex and Ruler from there turn away and begin to make their way out of the scene. The camera then begins to focus on Sofia Clarke as she looks toward the camera and smiles with a microphone in hand.)
Sofia Clarke: Once again, thank you for joining us Alex and Ruler! The tag team division is certainly shaping up, and while we may have seen the end of some, we have seen the formation of some strong contenders for POTARA’s Unified Tag Team Championships! The future is indeed bright here on Sunday Night Voltage and while I could go on and on, that’s all we have for you right now! Sunday Night Voltage will return right after the commercial break!
(Sofia waves to the camera as it’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage from there begins to fade out and into the aforementioned break.)
(Commercial for Friday night Dynasty.)
( Sunday Night Voltage fades back into the arena as ‘Too Old to Die Young’ by Brother Dege would blast through the P.A System as Mia Santoro makes her entrance to somewhat mixed reaction from the audience. Mia has her ring gear on as she is set to face Mr. 24/7 Contract holder himself, Roberto De La Rosa. She poses on the entrance before she makes her way down the aisle. )
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME…’LA DESPERADA’ MIA SANTORO!!!!!
James Peters: We all know the issues that both Mia Santoro and Brianna Hill have with one another. We know the tension these two ladies have had ever since Brianna arrived here on Voltage. Judging by what we saw a few days ago on Dynasty, it looks like these issues are going to keep on getting amped up.
Rich Russillo: It’s going to be quite interesting what Mia has to say regarding her attack on Brianna on Dynasty, after Brianna was unsuccessful in moving forward into the Iconic Cup Tournament, losing to Halsey Neel. We would also have to mention these two competed against each other in Territorial Invasion alongside Jamie Cross, and Rory Slate in a Unique Opportunity match. The eventual winner ended up being Rory Slate which I’m sure annoyed Mia that she wasn’t the one with her arm raised high.
Persephone: That bitch should have tried harder then smh.
( Mia walks down the entrance ramp with an unamused look on her face as the mixed, more negative than positive reactions come towards her. She walks up the steps and enters through the ring as she leans over to the ropes and gets handed a microphone from an official standing ringside. She grips on to the microphone as she stands in the middle of the ring. Her music would begin to fade out as Mia begins speaking to not only the audience here in Adana, Turkey, but to everyone watching at home! )
Mia Santoro: I feel very very disrespected at this moment. I feel as though somebody spat in my food, then proceeded to spit on my face and got away with it. I mean come on, let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about how ridiculous it is that Brianna Hill managed to get herself into the Iconic Cup tournament and not me. Not only that, it postponed what was supposed to be our match tonight and now instead I’m facing Mr. 24/7 himself, Roberto De La Rosa. I mean let’s be honest with ourselves, I’m the STAR here not little ol’ goody two shoes, Brianna. I’m the one who’s supposed to be competing in opportunities like the Iconic Cup, not stupid little Brianna. It’s astonishing how someone so underwhelming managed to get herself a spot in that tournament while I’m stuck over here waiting for ANOTHER opportunity.
( Mia would get some boos for that but it doesn’t seem to bother her as she collects her thought and continues to speak. )
Mia Santoro: You can boo that all you want, I’m just saying If I was in Brianna’s position I wouldn’t have lost to Halsey in the first round. I would have actually made it past the first round because I am a star, a profit to those who want to invest. I’m not someone to squander a chance like that like Brianna did on Dynasty, I’m not someone who choked an opportunity like-
( Before Mia could say anything else, ‘The Spins’ by Mac Miller would interrupt her as Brianna Hill is here as she’s interrupted Mia! Brianna does not look happy after what transpired on Dynasty. The crowd would give a positive reaction towards Brianna as she starts make her way down to the ring. )
Rich Russillo: Speaking of the woman Mia has continued disrespecting, Brianna Hill is here and she is looking to settle a score between her and Mia. She is not in a good mood for games, and no doubt that this bright star in the making is going to have a few choice words for Mia.
James Peters: Let’s see what Brianna has to say towards Mia. It wouldn’t shock me if Brianna is completely fed up at this point and finally puts Mia in her place.
Persephone: She can either be a dawg, or a pussio. It all depends on her.
( Brianna continues to make her way down the ramp, and even though she’s not in a good mood, still took a second or two to greet some fans who are in the front. They are encouraging her to confront Mia tonight! She grabs a microphone that was placed on the stairsteps and walks up the steps and enters through the ropes. ‘The Spins’ begins to fade out as Brianna begins to speak. )
Brianna Hill: You just love to say things about me, don’t you? It’s becoming a very strange obsession. You have to talk me down, and act as if I’m nothing compared to you. Me being chosen to be a part of the Iconic Cup over you had nothing to do with me. I didn’t go to management and beg to be a part of the tournament, I found out I was a part of the whole ordeal just like everybody else. All you had to do Mia was be a little patient, wait for your chance, and I would have been happy to settle these issues with you once and for all. No, instead, you insisted on trying to make an example out of me, the very moment I had arrived on Voltage. You had a problem with me since day one, and I’m getting sick of being disrespected. Whether that’s turning on me while we just had a tag match together, or attacking me after my match in the tournament, you always just wanna get put me down a level and present yourself as something bigger and I’m not having any of it.
( The crowd cheers for Brianna as she lays out everything in front of Mia’s face. Brianna continues to speak towards Mia. )
Brianna Hill: You trying to make an example out of me, no matter what… I won’t let that happen! I’m certainly not going to let you get away with attacking me a few nights ago on Dynasty. I’m not going to let you get away with that, as you try to present yourself as a shining investment with some type of aura around you. I promise to bring you down to earth, and let you realize you are not a bigger rising star than me or anyone else on Voltage for that matter!
Mia Santoro: That was such a cute little speech there Bri. Honestly that was impressive, but sadly the words you have spoken to me have no impact on the investment that is Mia Santoro. All honesty, you should consider yourself lucky that I didn’t do much worse to you on Dynasty. Trust me, it could have gone a lot worse for you, Bri, to the point where you wouldn’t be standing here right now. Your whole career could have been in jeopardy, so be grateful on that front. Your luck is gonna run out when it’s time for us to finally go one on one. Just like I said when you first arrived, I don’t buy what you’re selling and I still don’t. You are a dime in a dozen who quite frankly doesn’t understand. When we have our match, I’m going to make you wish that you chose to go to a D1 college instead of being in an industry that you aren’t capable of being in.
( Brianna Hill had heard enough of what Mia Santoro had to say and punched her straight in the face! The crowd is going insane for it! )
Rich Russillo: BRIANNA NAILS MIA WITH A VICIOUS RIGHT! Everyone here in Turkey is cheering on Brianna as she’s on top of Mia Santoro! She’s nailing forearm shot after forearm shot as the crowd here tonight is eating it up!
James Peters: Mia ends up fighting back though as she nails a few punches to Brianna! She pushes her off as Brianna rolls back. Mia looks for a swing towards Brianna, looking to hit a clothesline perhaps and… BRIANNA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! SHE RUNS FROM THE ROPES BACK AND DELIVERS A TILT A WHIRL HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!
Rich Russillo: Brianna brings Mia back to her feet and… ‘CRUSH CULTURE’!!!! LIFTING ROLLING CUTTER TO MIA SANTORO! BRIANNA JUST NAILED HER FINISHING MOVE TO MIA RIGHT BEFORE HER MATCH WITH ROBERTO!
James Peters: Brianna may have inadvertently helped Roberto’s chances of winning this match, by doing damage to Mia. The crowd here in Turkey are cheering on Brianna for that as you can feel the electricity!!!
( Brianna leaves Mia laid out in the middle of the ring as she stands tall in their confrontation tonight. The referee goes to check up on Mia as Brianna exits the ring through the ropes. She would clap hands with the fans near the ramp as she made her to the back. Sunday Night Voltage would cut to commercial break. )
(Commercial for new best selling manga “Kagura Bachi” featuring Holly Arrow.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, and ‘Too Old to Die Young’ by Brother Dege is heard playing as the camera pans to Bella Braxton.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
( The hard cam turns away from Bella and onto Mia Santoro, who was already hurting from the vicious beatdown by Brianna Hill. Mia was grimacing in pain, as Brianna already hit her finisher on Mia. However, Mia’s face turned back into a light cheeky smirk, as she was prepping to go against none other than Mr. 24/7 himself, Roberto De La Rosa.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST, ALREADY IN THE RING! FROM KEY WEST, FLORIDA… WEIGHING IN AT 115 POUNDS… ‘LA DESPERADA’!!!! MIIIIIIAAAAAA SANTOROOOOO!!!!
James Peters: Y’know, I really like this Mia girl, to me she really has something to bring to the table. I mean, you saw Territorial Invasion, right?
Persephone: Yeah, where she lost.
Rich Russillo: Even then some say she’s… entitled. I mean, we just saw Mia complaining about Brianna Hill getting into the Iconic Cup tournament. Still, she does have solid reason to believe she should be in that tournament though.
( Suddenly, as the murmuring of the fans settled down, ‘El Gavilan’ by Luis R Conriquez, Peso Pluma and Tony Aguirre hit the speakers to a VERY loud reception of both cheers and boos as Roberto De La Rosa walks out with the curtain with his family by his side. Roberto had a quite confident, yet cocky smirk on his face, despite losing Divide & Conquer. Roberto made his way down the ramp, and into the ring into his corner. His grin turned into a glare of disdain.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent.. currently residing in Cancun, Mexico, weighing in at 225 pounds… ‘EL PADRASTRO!!!!’ ROBERTOOOOOOO DEEEEE LAAAAAA ROSAAAAAAAA!!!!
James Peters: You do NOT insult a man’s family, especially a man like Roberto De La Rosa.
Persephone: :mjpls: This match is still going to be a snoozefest either way… both of them lost at Territorial Invasion.
Rich Russillo: Still. Roberto is Mr. 24/7, you don’t become that on a whim. Plus he racked up a HUGE win against Mei Sasaki at Bloodsport a couple months back.
Persephone: Whatever.
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
Rich Russillo: And we are UNDERWAY with singles competition on Voltage, with a match-up between Mia Santoro and Roberto De La Rosa; as we see the two Elitists enter the center of the ring, as Roberto holds up his hand to signal a test of strength!
James Peters: AND RIGHT AS MIA TAKES IT, ROBERTO GOES FOR A BEAUTIFUL JUDO THROW! NICE BLUFFING ONTO MIA!
Persephone: It’s just a Judo Throw..
Rich Russillo: It’s still impressive! De La Rosa holds onto Mia, before turning her over on her stomach. De La Rosa locks in the Lasso from El Paso this early?!
Persephone: Yep. It’s over.
James Peters: Don’t be so brash Persephone, Mia is still alive! Mia, while still screaming in pain, rolls back onto her back, lifting herself up to punch Roberto RIGHT in the face, as he lets go of the submission hold. Mia gets back onto her feet, as she sets Roberto up for the suplex position. Mia goes for a snap suplex!!!
Rich Russillo: Mia is showing a lot of resilience! Especially seeing what she went through the moment before this match! But wait, Mia doesn’t let go! She holds onto Roberto, as she initiates the Dragon Sleeper! What a match, and we’re not even in the first 5 minutes of it!
James Peters: Roberto is clinging on for life, squirming and reaching out his hand for the rope. And does he do it? ….YES! However.. yikes, Mia’s holding onto the submission. :wow:
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! ALRIGHT! BREAK THE HOLD!
Rich Russillo: And, obviously Mia lets go. She doesn’t want to be disqualified of course. However, De La Rosa takes advantage, as he elbows’s Santoro’s abdomen! She’s a bit groggy, however De La Rosa does what he does best! As Mia is shaking off the cobwebs, Roberto holds onto the ropes, before executing a BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT! MY GOD! Wait- he lands on his feet! Springboard Reverse DDT! De La Rosa goes for the pin!
ONE!
TW-
James Peters: And Mia kicks out with authority! That was barely a two count! De La Rosa isn’t surprised by the count though, as he lifts Mia by her hair and up to her feet, before executing a beautiful German Suplex!
Persephone: I’ve seen better. This is boring…
Rich Russillo: Still you can’t deny that athletic talent that Roberto has, or the resilience that Mia is having throughout this match. Especially considering what happened earlier.
Persephone: She’s fine. Brianna Hill wasn’t even that impressive.
James Peters: Either way, Mia insulting Roberto’s familia must be some kind of motivation for him tonight. Especially considering the fact that it was Esmeralda Mia was insulting. Roberto grabs Mia by the hair, to pick her back up. However, Roberto transitions behind Mia! SIDE SUPLEX!
Rich Russillo: This is turning into a massacre right now. I kind of feel bad for Mia. Either way, Roberto picks Mia up by the hair once again, before putting her in the vertical suplex position. SNAP SUPLEX! Wait, Roberto transitions to the other side! He stands up again, AND HITS ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX! But wait, one more time? We know what this is. AND HE HITS THE THIRD ONE! THREE AMIGOS! A LUCHA LIBRE CLASSIC!
Persephone: …:mjpls: You’re overreacting.
James Peters: Wait, Mia stands up on her own, dizzy. De La Rosa looks frustrated and he runs to the ropes. HE GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!
Rich Russillo: NO! MIA COUNTERS WITH A BEAUTIFUL CUTTER! LA FAMILIA IS IN SHOCK! HOW IS MIA IN THIS MATCH?!
James Peters: I don’t know, Rich! Roberto looks shocked, and honestly, I can’t blame him one bit. De La Rosa is on his knees, frustrated. HOWEVER MIA ISN’T DONE! ROLLING WHEEL KICK! KILLING MOON OUT OF NOWHERE! THIS MATCH IS INCREDIBLE SO FAR!
Persephone: Okay at best.
Rich Russillo: Ignoring my colleague, Persephone, this match is great so far. Mia has a cocky grin on her face once again, she exits to the apron and heads to the top rope. Oh god, is this what I think it is?! YES! SHOOTING STAR PRESS! EYE IN THE SKY!
James Peters: NO! WHAT?! ROBERTO QUICKLY GETS ON HIS FEET AND COUNTERS WITH A RUNNING KNEE! WHAT A RUSE BY DE LA ROSA!
Rich Russillo: But wait, De La Rosa looks out of it. He probably is still in shock that Mia still has some fight left in her. De La Rosa picks up Mia once again before hitting an elbow! Then again! THEN AGAIN! But wait, he runs back to the ropes and hits a MASSIVE running dropkick sending Mia to the outside! Cuerno De Chivo!
James Peters: Wait, Mia holds onto the rope, staying on the apron! Roberto looks frustrated once more, probably at the fact that Mia can’t stay down! De La Rosa exits to the apron to hit a LOUD chop at Mia’s chest! My god! However.. Mia responds with a chop equally as loud! Roberto hits a chop! Then Mia! Then Roberto! BOTH OF THEM COUNTERING WITH THEIR OWN CHOPS! THIS IS A BRUTAL CHOP FEST! I CAN’T LOOK! Wait, Roberto stops…? Mia is holding onto the ropes, clinging on for dear life. WAIT! DE LA ROSA RUNS AT MIA HITTING A VICIOUS CANADIAN DESTROYER ONTO THE APRON! THIS MATCH IS BRUTAL!
Rich Russillo: It truly is, James. However, Mia spilled out to the outside. Roberto goes back inside the ring, and he points a… finger revolver at Mia? Don’t tell me.. De La Rosa runs back to the ropes before HITTING A SUICIDE DIVE! EL REVÓLVER DORADO-
James Peters: NO! NO! OH MY GOD! MIA HITS A SUPERKICK INTO DE LA ROSA AS HE IS MIDAIR! HOW DOES SHE STILL HAVE FIGHT?!
Persephone: Luck. It’s luck.
Rich Russillo: I very much doubt it’s luck. More or so, the desire for victory. After all, Mia is a gambler, so of course she has the spirit of a gambler! The fans are on their feet however, and Mia picks De La Rosa up by the hair! Before.. HITTING AN EXPLODER SUPLEX TO THE APRON! Mia then enters the ring. …Is Roberto really going to be counted out?
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
James Peters: Roberto is on a knee.. he needs to think fast.
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
Persephone: Yep. It’s over.
NINE!
TE-
Rich Russillo: NO! ROBERTO DE LA ROSA GETS ON HIS FEET AND BACK INTO THE RING! HE RUSHES AT SANTORO HITTING A SPEAR! TALON DE ÁGUILA! Roberto is ON FIRE, and this Turkish crowd is eating it up!
James Peters: However, Roberto grabs Mia by the arm and drags her to the corner. De La Rosa then picks her up in the shoulder carry position before heading to the top rope. What is Roberto wanting to do? OH MY GOD! EL ÁNGEL AZUL! AVALANCHE ISLAND DRIVER! ROBERTO GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-
Rich Russillo: MIA SANTORO KICKS OUT! WHAT IS GOING ON?! Even Roberto can’t believe it! This match truly is a showcase of two ultra talented Elitists!
James Peters: Mia gets on her feet, and she hits an elbow smash! And so does Roberto. Then Mia again! Then Roberto! Then Mia! Roberto! THIS IS A SLUGFEST! THE TWO ELITISTS ARE HITTING EACH OTHER WITH EVERYTHING THEY HAVE!
Rich Russillo: And Roberto raises his fist.. BEFORE PUNCHING MIA IN THE JAW! BOP! AND! BANG!
James Peters: However, Roberto tucks Mia in between his legs, before raising Mia up in the air! He’s going for his Finisher! GRITO MEXICANO! He spins and- NO! MIA HITS A HURRICANRANA DRIVER AND SPIKES ROBERTO ON HIS HEAD! Mia goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
Rich Russillo: De La Rosa kicks out with a dominant display!
Persephone: Yeah, yeah. Just get to the finish already.
James Peters: Well, Persephone doesn’t want to admit it, but this match is great so far. De La Rosa is still lying on the ground as Mia looks down at him, grinning at him. This is all frustration from earlier tonight. I’m almost certain of it. Mia exits out to the apron, before heading to the top rope. Is she going to hit it this time? SHE DOES! EYE IN THE SKY! SHOOTING STAR PRESS! THE REFEREE GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-
Rich Russillo: NO! ROBERTO REFUSES TO GIVE UP! His tenacity is something to be desired, isn’t it James?
James Peters: Certainly, Rich. Mia is shocked that one of her signature moves, Eye in The Sky, didn’t finish off Roberto.
Persephone: Of course it didn’t. It’s a signature move. If I was Mia Santoro, I’d hit one of my Finishers. What an idiot..
Rich Russillo: Well, still. Impressive work from these 2 Elitists so far in this physically GRUELING match. Mia picks Roberto up by the hair, but he hits a MASSIVE Big Boot sending Mia to the outside. Roberto has his chance now! Roberto points the finger gun at Mia to the outside, before running the ropes and.. EL REVÓLVER DORADO IS SUCCESSFUL! THE SUICIDE DIVE HITS! However.. :wow: they’re both knocked out. The Referee has to start counting!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
James Peters: Roberto De La Rosa is on his feet! However he’s dizzy.
FOUR!
FIVE!
Rich Russillo: DE LA ROSA ROLLS BACK INTO THE RING! Is this going to be a countout victory?!
SIX!
Persephone: …:comeagain: Welp, nice seeing her, I guess.
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
NINE!
James Peters: Wait what?! Roberto rolls out the ring, restarting the count, before rolling Mia back into the ring! HOWEVER MIA WAS PLAYING POSSUM! SHE TRULY HAS THE MIND OF A GAMBLER! SHE ROLLS ROBERTO UP!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-
Rich Russillo: ROBERTO KICKS OUT AGAIN! MIA IS ABSOLUTELY APPALLED! AND SO AM I! HOW IS ROBERTO STILL IN THIS?! Mia picks Roberto up in the Gutwrench position.. is she going for her Finisher, Safe Passage? YES! WAIT- Roberto is hitting elbows in the back of Mia’s skull! He’s still in this! Mia lets go and gets on one of her knees. However, Roberto jumps and balances on her knee! HE HITS A KNEE BALANCED ENZIGURI!!! THE ATHLETICISM!
James Peters: However, Mia still has some fight! She’s trying to stand.. however, OUT OF NOWHERE, ROBERTO HITS A CURB STOMP! P! R! C! MIA IS LAID OUT! However Roberto exits to the apron, and goes to the top rope. AND HE HITS A BEAUTIFUL FROG SPLASH- NO! MIA HAS HER KNEES UP! Mia is outstanding at keeping De La Rosa on his toes.
Rich Russillo: De La Rosa is on his stomach, screaming out in pain, ouch. Mia isn’t letting up, as she picks up Roberto, before LIFTING HIM UP AND HITTING AN EXPLODER SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER! However, Mia doesn’t let go! She lifts up De La Rosa into the Fisherman’s Neckbreaker position! Is she going for Blackest Hour?! YES- No! De La Rosa punches Mia’s gut! Roberto is showing a lot of drive tonight! However, Roberto and Mia run at the opposite ropes.. AND THEY BOTH ATTEMPT TO HIT A DROPKICK AT EACH OTHER! THEY HAD THE SAME IDEA.
Persephone: I guess mediocre Elitists think alike.
James Peters: They both land on their backs. The Referee is starting the count! WAIT! NO! ROBERTO KIPS UP! ROBERTO DE LA ROSA IS ON FIRE! And Roberto turns to face the ropes. What is he thinking…? Mia groggily stands back up. AND DE LA ROSA HITS THE SPRINGBOARD REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER! WHITE ROSE! HE HIT THE WHITE ROSE! WAIT NO! MIA HIT THE SAITO SUPLEX IN MID AIR! MY GOD!
Rich Russillo: Wait.. what’s going on? Esmeralda hops on the apron, and it looks like she’s caught Mia’s attention! She’s motioning for Mia to come closer, but I think we know very well what she’s doing! Mia needs to focus on the match!
Persephone: Her loss.
James Peters: Mia yells at Esmeralda before turning her attention back to the match- AND DE LA ROSA TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE DISTRACTION BY ESMERALDA AND ROLLS UP MIA! THE REFEREE GOES IN FOR THE COUNT! COUNT! COUNT! COUNT!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… ROBERTOOOOOO!!!!… DEEEE LAAAAA ROSSSAAAAAAAA!!!!!!
(‘El Gavilan’ hits, and the fans boo loudly as Roberto gets off of Mia Santoro.)
Rich Russillo: Wow. What a surprise victory! Don’t knock Roberto down though, as these two put on a clinic! Unfortunately, Mia fell for the distraction, which led to the roll up victory.
Persephone: What happened? I almost fell asleep.
James Peters: Roberto De La Rosa won!
Persephone: Oh right. Yay..?
James Peters: Great effort by Mia Santoro, especially given the fact that she entered this match hurt. It says a lot that Roberto was pushed to use a tactic like that, but nonetheless, congratulations to the 24/7 Contract holder!
( Roberto rolls out of the ring, before his arm could be raised. He puts his arms around his cousins, as he has a defiant and smug grin on his face. The camera then cut to the next segment. )
(Commercial for The Marvel’s, coming soon.)
(Voltage fades back in from break and cuts down to Bella, who as always, is standing in the middle of the ring.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… PLEASE WELCOME THE HALL OF FAMER… CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE!
(‘Bubly’ by Young Thug begins to blast across the PA system, which caused the fans to start booing. There was never any love lost for Charlie, but instead of embracing the reaction like he normally did, Charlie walked out from behind the curtain with a very serious look on his face.)
James Peters: As Champagne Charlie makes his way to the ring, it’s clear to see the look of disappointment on his face. He started his season off by challenging TLA for the Hardcore Championship back at Bloodsport, and that match didn’t end in his favor.
Rich Russillo: It wasn’t for lack of trying, as Charlie continues to prove he is one of the very best Elitists in the game today, and I know he went into Territorial Invasion looking for a bounce back win.
Persephone: And as usual, this bald-headed freak stunk the place up and couldn’t even put away a past her prime Madison Kaline and a should of retired ages ago competitor in Sienna Jade. Like I don’t even know why he is walking out here looking irritated. Literally no one thought he was going to win.
(Bella passed the microphone to Charlie once he got into the ring and took her leave. Charlie stood in the center of the ring for a moment, letting his music play out, and just taking it all in. He looked around at the crowd, his face pensive, and finally he cleared his throat.)
Champagne Charlie: Something’s got to give.
(The statement was simple, yet effective, and that is what made the Turkish fans quiet down.)
Champagne Charlie: Other than my incredible Hardcore Championship reign, which came to a screeching halt well before I was ready for it too, things haven’t gone according to plan for me the last couple of years. It’s been a mental, physical, and emotional battle for me. I put my best foot forward, end up taking twenty steps back, and I’m tired of the same patterns repeating themselves. Injuries have taken their toll on me as well. I’m not out here to make excuses over my lack of results, but I feel as if I have a right to be frustrated. I look around and see everyone else thriving, and believe it or not, that gets to me. I see everyone else fighting through adversity and coming out of it better than how they started. The best example of this I can give is the evolution of a woman I’m very close to. I have seen Veena Adams at her lowest and then watched in awe as she rose to become the best possible version of herself. To say I’m proud of her would be an understatement. She’s come so far in the last couple of years and I have no doubt that one day, I’m going to get the opportunity to watch her become a world champion. Part of her desire to succeed is part of what drove me to come back. I have nothing to prove at this stage of my career. I’m a Hall of Famer and none of you fucks can take that from me. My career, while up and down, has more successes and big time moments than it does failures, but the failures hurt. I can’t lie about that. I wanted to come back and right some wrongs, and more than anything, I wanted to have fun doing exactly that. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Climbing your way to the top never is, but I’ve never been the type to shy away from a challenge.
(A wry smile crossed Charlie’s face.)
Champagne Charlie: I also have never minded taking shortcuts in order to get there. I thought reclaiming the Hardcore Championship would be what made wrestling fun again for me. Fucking with TLA has always been a favorite pastime of mine anyway. That wasn’t to be, which fucking sucks because I put everything I had into that match and it wasn’t enough. I’ve swallowed plenty of bitter pills in my day but that one got to me, not gunna lie. The turnaround was rather quick, though, and when Captain Charisma called me to his office and told me about the Hall of Fame Showcase at Territorial Invasion, I thought perhaps this was it. Maybe this is what’s going to change my fortune and allow me to have fun again.
(A sigh escaped from Charlie’s lips and he ran a hand over his bald head.)
Champagne Charlie: And then I couldn’t break up the pin. For the second time in two weeks Sienna Jade got a victory at my expense. I understand that Madison Kaline just fucking sucks, but damn. This shit is starting to get real annoying. After Territorial Invasion, I went back to London for a few days. I unplugged, did some thinking, did even more drinking, partied a little, and then did more thinking. I love wrestling. I love fighting. I love pissing people off and stirring shit up. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than being inside the ring and beating a fellow Elitist bloody. I have dedicated my entire adult life to this sport, often times dealing with it not loving me back, but never once have I lacked motivation. Never once have I given less than my very best on any given day. As hard as it is for me to admit this, sometimes my best wasn’t good enough. But I never lacked when it came to my overall effort. No one will ever be able to say that Charlie Marr didn’t give this sport his all. I have put my heart and soul into every match I have competed in. Love me or hate me, and despite the fact I’m such a ray of fucking sunshine, most of you do hate me, but you have to respect the fact Charlie Marr was willing to die for this business every single motherfucking time he stepped into the ring!
(There was clearly passion in Charlie’s voice as he spoke with conviction. For the first time in a long time, he felt heard. The reaction he was getting was somewhat positive and he acknowledged this by a slight nod of his head.)
Champagne Charlie: That’s what makes this so difficult. This is why I had to step away for a few days and truly take some time for myself. In the past, when I’ve been off, I’ve done nothing but train and work to get even better. The last few breaks I’ve had were injury related, which caused me to work harder than ever before. Rehabbing my knee, letting old, lingering injuries finally fully heal, and just coming to grips with the ever changing landscape of Elite Answers Wrestling didn’t give me any time to truly think about what I wanted for my future. I just knew I had to get myself in the best shape I could and come back with a vengeance. I had to remind everyone who I was and what I’m capable of. And now that I’ve had time to truly put all of that into perspective, I came to the conclusion that something’s got to give. That’s something I have been saying to myself for a couple of days now, that’s how I opened this video, and that’s what led me to the following conclusion.
(Charlie paused, allowing himself to take a deep breath.)
Champagne Charlie: I think it’s best for me to not renew my contract here in Elite Answers Wrestling.
Crowd: :comeagain:
James Peters: What did he just say?
Persephone: Are you fucking deaf, Jim? The bald bitch just said he wasn’t going to be a competitor anymore! That means… ONE LESS ELITIST ON THE VOLTAGE BRAND :blessed:!!!
Rich Russillo: Call me crazy, but I’m not really in the mood to celebrate the fact Charlie Marr basically just said he was stepping away…
(The crowd is just as stunned as Rich and James are, and shockingly enough, no one is celebrating. Charlie Marr is no doubt one of the most hated Elitists in EAW history, but at the same time, he has been a staple of the company for the last six or so years.)
Champagne Charlie: I alluded to this during Territorial Invasion week. I wasn’t sure if EAW was even going to renew my contract, but they did reach out and offer me a deal. I didn’t accept it because I knew I needed time to think about my future, and trust me, this decision isn’t one that I found easy. As I said, I have given this place everything I possibly could for the last six or so years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. EAW has done a lot for me and for that, I could never say ‘thank you’ enough. For all the good, bad, and even ugly moments, everything has meant the world to me. I was never meant to succeed here, I know that, but I did anyway and for that, I can look back at my career, find satisfaction in everything I’ve accomplished, and bow out with my head held high.
(The stunned crowd is a mixed bag of emotions at the moment. Some of them are cheering for Charlie, some of them are booing because they don’t appreciate the bombshell he just dropped. The Hall of Famer, who is stood in the middle of the ring, looks pretty emotional.)
Champagne Charlie: I know this probably comes as a shock to some of you, and for that I’m sorry, but when it’s time, it’s time. My current contract expires on November 1st, and after that, there will be no more Charlie Marr in Elite Answers Wrestling. That’s the bad news. BUT… the good news is, until November 1st… you still get to see the very best that I can offer. I’m going out with a bang, and I’m going to do it my way, and you can bet that I plan on having my last match… AT WICKED GAMES!
(This does get a positive reaction because as much as the crowd doesn’t want to see Charlie go, they are pleased to know that Territorial Invasion won’t be the last time they get to see him compete.)
Champagne Charlie: While this may be the beginning of the end for me as an in-ring competitor, I can promise you this. I will give you everything I have until the very last second. It’s a pleasure, EAW Universe. Thank you for the cheers and the jeers. I know I acted like I took you guys for granted, but I never did. I have enjoyed every single minute I’ve had in front of you guys. Thank you for your time tonight.
(On that note, ‘Bubly’ by Young Thug begins to play once again. The fans rise to their feet to give Champagne Charlie his flowers. Charlie nods his head, feeling the moment for the first time in a long time, and he places his hand over his heart. The news of his upcoming retirement certainly was shocking, but everything must come to an end eventually.)
James Peters: Honestly, I’m shocked. I didn’t see a Charlie Marr retirement announcement coming.
Persephone: Maybe you didn’t, but let’s be honest. This is probably for the best. This guy sucks now and isn’t bringing anything to the table. I say good riddance, honestly.
Rich Russillo: I’m not going to agree at all. It’s sad that a decorated Elitist like Charlie Marr is looking to hang his boots up, but at the end of the day, I supposed he’s got to do what is best for him. Personally, I wish Charlie nothing but the best and I’m glad that we get to see him in action for at least another few weeks.
(With Charlie back on the stage, he stopped before heading behind the curtain. Taking another glance around the arena and soaking up the atmosphere, he smiled. It was a true, genuine smile. After a moment of lingering, he finally headed backstage and Voltage went to commercial break.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Champagne Charlie will wrestle his final match.)
( Voltage has returned to the show once more, with the crowd packing the arena, everybody here ready to see more action. Bella Braxton is spotted at the center of the ring, the camera pans in closer, showing a closer look at her beauty. Then, she smiles at the camera as she announces the upcoming competition. )
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: AND IT IS AN ICONIC CUP FIRST ROUND MATCH!
( ‘Attention’ By Doja Cat plays throughout the arena as Sierra Everett begins to walk out. She has a confident look on her face, seemingly not too bothered by the events of Territorial Invasion where she lost in the divide and conquer match. She ignores the reaction of the crowd, keeping a smirk on her face as she walks down the ramp, prepared for her match in round one of the Iconic Cup tournament. )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST!…. FROM CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA!… WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS!… ‘THE CROWN JEWEL’’ !!!!!!!… SIERRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!… EVERETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!
James Peters: Territorial Invasion was a great event, but it wasn’t the best night for Sierra Everett, who was unable to win the divide and conquer match.
Persephone: Well this is Sierra Everett and you know how GARBAGE she is.
Rich Russillo: Sierra here looking to push her career forward in a major way. Tonight, she’s up against Harper Lee in round one of the Iconic Cup tournamenr and surely, she will bring something to the table.
( ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart then could be heard playing throughout the arena as Harper Lee steps through the smoke. The camera pans up closer, showing the EAW Unified Tag Team Championship around her waist. It then focuses on Harper Lee’s face as she nods and maintains her focus on the match while heading straight to the ring, not taking her eyes off of Sierra Everett on her way down the ramp. )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING HER OPPONENT!… FROM CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA!… WEIGHING IN AT 118 POUNDS!… ‘WAR DEVIL’ !… SHE’S ONE-HALF OF EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!…. HARPERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!….. LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: What a performance we witnessed from her at Territorial Invasion. While unable to win the match, Harper absolutely showcased exactly why she’s one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions.
Persephone: She didn’t kick out of Vortex so that’s just ass.
Rich Russillo: The last time EAW had the Iconic Cup, Harper Lee secured a victory over Hikari Kanno in the finals and became the winner. This year, Harper may look to repeat history and become a two-time Iconic Cup winner, solidifying her way back to the top while still being a part of POTARA as well as the EAW Unified Tag Team Champion! Tonight she’s up against Sierra Everett and we will see how it will go for Harper Lee!
( DING DING DING! )
James Peters: The match is underway, and now both Elitists lock up! Both Elitists are struggling for control right now, but Harper manages to force Sierra into the corner of the ring! The referee now beginning to count as Harper holds Sierra in the corner- BUT SIERRA… Drops down and rolls out of the ring!?
Rich Russillo: It looks like Sierra wasn’t a fan of how that match started, and may be taking some time to rethink her gameplan. She waits on the outside of the ring, basically forcing Harper to wait on her to return to the ring.
Persephone: Is she serious??? This match was already too long to begin with.
James Peters: Sierra Everett looks at the fans in attendance who don’t look very happy, and she just brushes off the reaction. Wait a second, IT LOOKS LIKE HARPER IS DONE WAITING AS SHE RUNS IN! SUICIDE DIVE… INTO A DDT!
Rich Russillo: That was quite the opening, launching the attack on her opponent by one-half of the EAW Unified Tag Team champions, taking out Sierra Everett immediately with a big move! Sierra has just been sent down to the ground! Harper gets back to her feet and picks up Sierra, sliding her back into the ring. Hopping up onto the apron, Sierra has been put under the scope and Harper charges in!…
James Peters: PERFECTLY EXECUTED! SLINGSHOT SPEAR TAKES DOWN THE CROWN JEWEL! COVER BY HARPER LEE!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: KICK OUT AT TWO! NOT SO CLOSE FOR THE WAR DEVIL!
Persephone: For WHO?
Rich Russillo: War Devil, that’s one of her nicknames.
Persephone: Does that mean she’s a military obsessive?
Rich Russillo: Different kinds of war, it’s hard to explain. Anyway, let’s just stop asking question after question and refocus on this match. Here we have Harper Lee taking control of this match so far against Sierra Everett. This half of the EAW Unified Tag Team Champions has been doing great, and now looking to make things much more significant, grabbing Sierra’s arm and locking it under her shoulder while kneeling down. Harper seems to keep it a little wrenching to keep Sierra down against the ground.
James Peters: You guys have to remember, both women are well known for their speed and agility in this competition. When you compare Harper’s speed to Sierra’s, it sets the stage for a tense competition. Maybe that’s why Harper has to take this match seriously and consider her speed a crucial factor in this battle.
Persephone: You know what would be great about their speed? If they could quicken the pace of this match and end it sooner because oh my fucking god, I might actually kill myself if I have to sit through one more of Sierra Everett’s matches and endure her bullshit. This is a real ordeal for me every time I have to witness this abysmal shit.
James Peters: Sierra remains on the ground. Harper Lee has her arm, and now, looming, transitions things to another thing there, picking Sierra back from behind, up to both feet at the center of the ring, getting a hold of her wrist and sending her spinning forward…
Rich Russillo: RIPCORD STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI!
James Peters: MISSED! Sierra manages to duck the kick coming at her. She has been sending staggering blows through the round with Sierra’s movement, and Sierra jumps over to pick her right back up from the ground into a DDT position!
Rich Russillo: SIERRA MAY BE LOOKING TO PLANT THE FLOWERPOT DDT ON HARPER!
James Peters: NO RICH, HARPER STRUGGLES! Sending her flying down at the center of the ring, Harper goes for broke towards the Crown Jewel…. AIMING TO BREAK IT INTO SMITHEREENS WITH THE DRAGON FIST! RIGHT HOOK BY HARPER!
Rich Russillo: SIERRA DUCKS AGAIN! SWING AND A MISS, HARPER PULLS A BRAKE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THOSE ROPES, TURNING HER ATTENTION TOWARDS SIERRA THERE. SIERRA ROLLS BACK UP ON BOTH FEET AND JUMPS IN, LOOKING TO DROP HARPER TO THE GROUND WITH A DDT ONCE AGAIN! SHE KEEPS AIMING FOR THE DDT TO TAKE HARPER OUT FIRST!
James Peters: Harper is still able to muster a struggle once more, lifting her up one shoulder and lunging her into the corner!
Rich Russillo: Sierra stays, and Harper quickly connects with a swift chop! A knee to the gut follows right after. Harper now kicks her feet up, turning her back against Sierra and charging towards the opposite corner!
James Peters: FOLLOWING RIGHT FROM BEHIND THOUGH, A HUGE RUNNING FOREARM FROM SIERRA KEEPS HARPER IN PLACE AT THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: Harper has just been hit right across the face hard at the corner by Sierra Everett. Sierra has just caught up with her from behind and is now sending Harper up to the top corner, putting her right on top of it. Sierra may be looking to take a big risk here against Harper. Sierra brings her back to both feet as well, and the crowd is on the edge of their seats! They’re eager to see what tricks she might have up her sleeve!
Persephone: I don’t.
James Peters: You got to be kidding me!
Rich Russillo: SPANISH FLY OFF THE TOP-
James Peters: NO! HARPER HANGS IT ON! HARPER TRIES TO CONCENTRATE ON ELBOW AFTER ELBOW OUT THERE. SHE’S TRYING TO STOP SIERRA FROM UTILIZING THE MOVE AND SENDING BOTH SIERRA AND HIMSELF OFF THE TOP CORNER! HARPER KEEPS RAINING DOWN THE BACK ELBOW ON THE SIDE OF SIERRA HARD, AND SIERRA NOW SLOWLY LOSES HER GRASP ON HARPER LEE!
Rich Russillo: Sierra falls down from the top rope to the ring’s ground, then promptly returns back to both feet there. Harper still looms on the top corner, now having her eyes set and aiming for the money shot!…
James Peters: DIVING FLATLINER! SIERRA DOWN! HARPER WITH A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: SIERRA KICKS OUT AGAIN!
Rich Russillo: Harper has been dealing tons of damage so far, and it keeps putting Sierra in a tight spot. Harper rises to the occasion once more and still maintains her attention in this confrontation. Sierra there is down, and now Harper regains her consciousness and gets back to both feet, walking down towards Sierra… but there she goes again!
Persephone: What’s up with this evasive bitch? Goddamn, JUST FUCKING WRESTLE.
James Peters: The fans don’t look very happy with Sierra rolling out of the ring, but I don’t think Sierra cares at all. All Sierra is here for is to get a win, and we know how she operates by now. She’ll win no matter what it takes to get the job done, even if it doesn’t make her very popular.
(Harper just shakes her head before rolling out of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Harper follows Sierra to the outside, and honestly I’m not sure if Sierra is in a great spot. She’s seated against the steel steps, and we know that Harper isn’t interested in giving her a chance to recover. Harper now heading over to Sierra and grabbing her-
James Peters: BUT SIERRA PULLS HARPER IN, CAUSING HARPER TO GO FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!!! HARPER FALLS TO THE GROUND, AND NOW SIERRA GRABS HARPER BEFORE SENDING HER CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE! Sierra sends Harper back into the ring, and she looks pretty proud of herself right now! She just fooled Harper and caused her to fall right into her trap, and I don’t think the fans in attendance are happy at all with her actions tonight.
Persephone: Well I’m not happy about this match happening, and you don’t see me complaining.
James Peters: What are you talking about? You’ve been complaining all night. All you do is complain.
Persephone: I have no idea what you’re talking about. All I do is tell the truth.
Rich Russillo: Sierra slides into the ring before pulling Harper up, AND SHE JUST KNEES HARPER IN THE MIDSECTION! Harper manages to deliver a punch to Sierra’s rib, but Sierra responds with a forearm! Harper stumbles back as she’s still hurt from the steel steps shot, BUT SHE GOES FOR A DISCUS LARIAT –
James Peters: SPANISH FLY CATCHES HARPER! HARPER HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN DOWN BY SIERRA. EVERET STANDS AND SIERRA QUICKLY PICKS HARPER BACK TO HER FEET. SIERRA QUICKLY SEIZES THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE, PULLING HER RIGHT IN!….
Rich Russillo: APHRODITE’S KISS! BEAUTIFUL ROLLING CUTTER BY SIERRA! SIERRA COVERS!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
THREE-
James Peters: HARPER KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND! CLOSE CALL! CLOSE CALL!
Rich Russillo: APHRODITE’S KISS JUST CONNECTED AND ALMOST PUT HARPER DOWN! SIERRA REALLY HAS A GOOD CHANCE TO WIN THIS BATTLE RIGHT NOW AND ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND, TAKING HER ONE STEP CLOSER TO WINNING THE ICONIC CUP TOURNAMENT. SHE COMES BACK AGAIN AND SHE’S PUTTING HARPER RIGHT IN THE SAME POSITION, LOOKING FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT APHRODITE’S KISS!
James Peters: HARPER WITH A KNEE STAGGERING TO HER FOREHEAD JUST THERE, ENDING UP FALLING TO BOTH KNEES. SIERRA GETS KNOCKED BY THE FORCE OF THE KNEE HITTING HER HEAD! HARPER MAY BE ABLE TO ESCAPE BUT SHE’S STILL ON BOTH KNEES. SIERRA THRUSTS HERSELF AT HARPER ONCE MORE AND PICKS HER RIGHT BACK UP ON HER SHOULDERS!
Rich Russillo: SLIPS OUT! BOTH FEET LANDING BEHIND SIERRA, HARPER HOOKS THE ARMS!… SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX!
Persephone: Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
James Peters: SIERRA FLIPS OUT OF IT!… LIFT UP KNEE STRIKE TO RISING HARPER! HARPER DAZES BY THE KNEE! HARPER SLOWLY FALLS TO THE GROUND, BOTH KNEES ARE ON THE FLOOR! SIERRA GETS A GRIP WITH HEELS AND TURNS BACK TOWARDS HARPER…
Rich Russillo: RUNNING IN AND OH! SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! CONNECTING WITH A COVER ON HARPER! SIERRA LOOKS TO PICK UP A WIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
THREE-
Persephone: DING DING DING! WOO!
James Peters: SHE KICKS OUT AGAIN! HARPER LEE KICKS OUT!
Persephone: I hate my life.
Rich Russillo: Sierra keeps getting inch closer and closer to becoming the winner of this match and beating Harper Lee! She’s almost beating the former Universal Women’s champion, you know what I’m saying?! Sierra really is trying hard to win this match as soon as possible and beat Harper Lee, making this her moment to start posing a real threat to everybody in this Iconic Cup tournament!
Persephone: Can you shut THE FUCK up?
Rich Russillo: :will:
James Peters: Harper Lee has just kicked out again, leaving Sierra to be quite a bit in disbelief that she has managed to do it once more. Maybe Sierra has to pull a big move here and end this match for good!
Rich Russillo: I GUESS SIERRA IS REALLY GOING TO DO IT NOW! SIERRA HAS A HOLD OF THE BACK OF HARPER’S PANTS, PULLING HER BACK FROM THE GROUND BACK UP ONTO BOTH FEET! THIS MIGHT BE HER MOMENT TO SHINE HERE! SHE HAS HARPER LEE ON BOTH SHOULDERS! SHE’S LOOKING FOR HER OWN MOUNT EVEREST! ONE-HANDED ELECTRIC CHAIR DRIVER!
James Peters: HARPER STRIKES SIERRA’S HEAD WITH PUNCH AFTER PUNCH. SHE TRIES TO ESCAPE BUT SIERRA KEEPS ON RISING AGAINST HARPER, BUT IT’S NO USE! SHE HAS TO LET HER GO. BOTH FEET LAND ON THE GROUND BY HARPER LEE, THERE, AND SHE TURNS BACK AROUND!…. RIGHT INTO THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE FROM HARPER!
Rich Russillo: FOLLOWED BY A SHOT OF THE BICYCLE KICK TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD! DROPKICK SENDS SIERRA LEANING DOWN BY THE ROPES! HARPER RETURNS TO HER FEET AGAIN AND RUNS!… TIGER FEINT KICK AT SIERRA!
James Peters: SIERRA HAS BEEN CONNECTED BY THE KICK THERE, HARPER BACK TO HER FEET AT THE APRON AND SIERRA JUST BEGINS RECOVERING FROM THOSE STRIKING MANEUVERS AS WELL!
Rich Russillo: HARPER JUMPS OVER THE ROPES!…. SLINGSHOT CUTTER PLANTS! IT PLANTS EVERETT! HARPER ROLLS SIERRA OVER AND A COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
THREE-
James Peters: KICK OUT AGAIN BY SIERRA EVERETT!
Rich Russillo: This has been a great back-and-forth competition between these two so far, move after move. Sierra still kicks out, just like how Harper Lee has been employing throughout this competition. These two prove to be strong. Sierra tries to prove that she has learned from her mistake from the last loss she suffered, while Harper Lee aims to win this tournament once again!
Persephone: I hope none of them win.
James Peters: HARPER MIGHT WANT TO END THIS RIGHT NOW. SHE HAS HER SIGHTS SET FOR THE TARGET!…. PULLING SIERRA BACK FROM THE GROUND AND HOISTING HER UPON HER SHOULDERS! HARPER LEE MAY BE ABOUT TO LAND THE RAGNAROK SLAM, WHICH IS A VARIATION OF THE OLYMPIC SLAM CREATED BY HARPER LEE HERSELF!
Rich Russillo: THE ARM HOOKS THE HEAD AND SENDS HARPER ROLLING TO THE GROUND, TRAPPED IN A HEADLOCK INSTEAD. SIERRA HAS JUST COUNTERED THE OLYMPIC SLAM, BUT SIERRA DOESN’T LOOK FOR THAT TYPE OF HOLD! NOW RELEASING HARPER AND QUICKLY ROLLING HER OVER, FACE KISSING THE CANVAS, SIERRA TRIES TO TAKE HARPER ON A TRIP TO SILENT HILL! FUJIWARA ARMBAR ATTEMPT FROM SIERRA!
James Peters: LOOK AT HARPER’S ARM! SHE’S TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF IT
Persephone: How the fu- What kind of roids did she use today? :comeagain:
Rich Russillo: THAT’S DEFINITELY NOT A MAGIC, THAT’S NATURAL STRENGTH FROM ONE HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! HARPER USES THE ARM AND TRIES TO PULL IT AWAY, HER FEET KICKING AND FORTH THERE, STILL DESPERATELY TRYING TO POSSIBLY REACH OUT TO THE ROPES! HARPER IS DOING EVERYTHING SHE CAN TO STOP SIERRA FROM FULLY WRENCHING BACK ON THAT ARM! SIERRA ON THE OTHER HAND IS TRYING AS HARD AS SHE CAN TO PULL HARPER’S ARM BACK!
James Peters: SIERRA COULDN’T DO IT, AND HARPER LEE JUST ROLLED BACK TO BOTH KNEES! SIERRA IS STILL ON THE GROUND, AS SHE DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING! HARPER JUST PICKS HER BUSINESS BACK UP AGAINST SIERRA, TRYING TO GO BEHIND FOR THE BACKSTABBER, BUT SIERRA JUST STOPS HER THERE AND LIFTS HER UP ON THE SHOULDERS INSTEAD!…
Rich Russillo: MOUNT EVEREST LOOKS TO END HARPER LEE RIGHT THERE! SIERRA GOT HER!
James Peters: HARPER LEE ISN’T LETTING THAT HAPPEN AND JUST SLIPPING OUT, BOTH FEET LANDING AND NOW GRABBING THE ARM AND QUICKLY WRAPPING THE LEGS AROUND SIERRA…
Rich Russillo: FOLDABODY! A MODIFIED GROUNDED OCTOPUS STRETCH! IS SHE GOING TO TAP??? SIERRA ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE FROM THERE ANY LONGER! SHE HAS BEEN TRAPPED BY FOLDABODY! THAT DANGEROUS MOVE IMMEDIATELY PUTS SIERRA IN A ROUGH POSITION! SIERRA MIGHT HAVE TO TAP OUT THERE, THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE!
Persephone: PLEASE TAP! I DON’T WANT TO WATCH THIS ANYMORE!
James Peters: IS SHE REALLY GOING TO TAP? SIERRA IS REALLY ON THE VERGE OF LOSING THIS NOW, BUT COULD SHE REALLY TAP RIGHT HERE? WOULD THIS BE ENOUGH TO PUT SIERRA EVERETT DOWN FOR GOOD? SIERRA STILL STRUGGLES, BUT HARPER HAS THAT SUBMISSION FULLY LOCKED IN!! THE SUBMISSION HOLD IS APPLIED, AND SIERRA IS TRAPPED IN THAT RELENTLESS HOLD! SIERRA IS LOCKED IN FOLDABODY BY HARPER LEE!
Persephone: YES!
Rich Russillo: OH SHE TAPS OUT! SIERRA TAPS OUT! THE REFEREE IS CALLING FOR THE BELL! I THINK WE’VE GOT THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH RIGHT HERE!!
( DING DING DING! )
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, WHO WILL BE ADVANCING TO THE QUARTER-FINALS ROUND OF THE ICONIC CUP TOURNAMENT… HARPER LEE!
James Peters: Holy hell, what a way to win! Sierra Everett with a great performance, but in the end Harper Lee was able to make her tap out with that Foldabody submission!
Persephone: Holy hell, it’s finally over!
Rich Russillo: Harper Lee just put down Sierra Everett right here with her submission, winning the match! Harper will be heading to the Quarterfinals from here, and Sierra may have to dwell on the loss she took tonight. Congratulations to Harper Lee!
( ‘Sweet Dreams’ hits, and Harper receives her Championship from the referee and raises it high into the air as she celebrates a victory over Sierra. Sierra rolls down to the outside, sitting and leaning against the barricade as she tries to recover after the events of that match. As Harper Lee celebrates her victory, Voltage fades away from ringside. )
(Promotional ad for the Iconic Cup tournament.)
( As Voltage came back from a brief commercial break, ‘Wont Back Down” By Tom Petty began to blast through the speakers to a nice array of cheers as Micheal Scott Connor began to make his way out the ring; poised and entirely composed as he began to walk down the ramp, acknowledging the fans next to him with a smirk and a nod; as he wasted little time getting right to business, surging down the ramp and through the bottom rope, before running and leaping onto the middle turnbuckle that was directly in front of him; raising his arms high as the crowd got hotter with cheers, rooting on Micheal who finally leaped off the turnbuckle; setting himself in the ring as his theme slowly began to fade, looking on to the titan-tron as he awaited his opponent. )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM LONDON, OHIO… WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS, HE IS COLONEL… MICHAEL SCOTTT CONNORRRRR!!!!
Persephone: This seems like a good time to announce that on the EAW Shop, we have a running discount under the code ‘SALUTE2SERVICE’; to honor all army and war veterans – save 20% or more on your Micheal Scott Connor merchandise today!
Rich Russillo: Really? :lupe:
Persephone: No, but wouldn’t it be cool if that was real?
James Peters: Hilarious. :mjpls:
Persephone: Look, I am just trying to rally in support of MICHAEL SCOTT CONNOR. A valiant performance at Brand Warfare, and now tonight he’s looking to get a HUGE win to keep his spot cemented on Voltage; and who am I not to support that? GO MICHAEL, WOOOOOO!!
( ‘Bounce Back’ by Big Sean began to surge through the arena to a WAVE of cheers, as none other than Jack Ripley began to make his way out of the titantron opening and into the main stage; lights shining down upon him as the crowd was ECSTATIC, rallying behind Ripley as a grin showed up on his face; as he continued his way down the ramp, clearing it quickly with his eyes locked onto Michael Scott Connor who was residing in the corner; Ripley sliding through the bottom rope and into the ring as he reached his feet, raising his hands high in the air as the crowd downpoured MORE cheers, before finally he took a step back; getting into his corner as Ripley’s theme faded, the two Elitist’s waiting for the bell. )
Bella Braxton: AND HIS OPPONENT… FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA… WEIGHING IN AT 205 POUNDS… HE IS, EAW HALL OF FAMER, ‘THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER’ … JAAACCCKKKK RIPPLEEEYYYYY!!!!!
James Peters: And if Micheal Scott Connor wants a win tonight? Enter, Jack Ripley. He has to get through an EAW Hall Of Famer, and a DECORATED Elitist that Jack is; if only we had Jake Mercer here, he could tell us the betting spread for tonight’s match.
Rich Russillo: Regardless of what the spread might be, I don’t think either one of the Elitist will allow their pre-determined chances via Vega to affect their performances today; they both have motivation and determination SURGING through them for some post-Territorial invasion momentum!
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
James Peters: And we are BACK to in-ring action on Volotage, as Jack Ripley wastes little time RUSHING towards MIcheal off the bell, looking for an early lariat that was easily avoided; THOUGH AS MICHEAL TURNED AROUND TO COUNTER, RIPLEY CURLING A FOOT BACKWARDS TO NAIL CONNOR IN THE OF THE HEAD WITH A SUPER KICK –
Rich Russillo: Caught! Micheal catching the boot just in time as he holds it in his grasp, wagging his finger towards Jack who is bouncing on his one foot, looking to keep his balance; as Connor grins towards him, clearly appeased that he got the better of him for the moment… ENZIGURI! An enziguri to rock Micheal here; forcing the grip of Ripley’s leg to loosen up entirely; as Jack wriggles out, scattering to his feet as he makes his way quickly to Micheal, and begins LAYERING him with right hands to the face!
Persephone: Backing him up into the corner here early as Micheal just wants to cover up, trying to absorb all of the shots being thrown and get away from the action; as Ripley looks for the early edge – though Micheal putting Ripley back towards the middle of the ring, creating some distance as Jack comes running back forward; AND MEETING AN ELBOW TO THE NOSE BY CONNOR!
James Peters: A quickly elbow that staggers Jack Ripley here, who takes the brunt of it whilst trying to shake of the blow; though not letting up as he walks back forward towards Micheal , , , AND MICHAEL WITH THE BIG BOOT TO TAKE DOWN JACK RIPLEY!
RIch Russillo: Momentum certainly not staying with Jack instantaneously, not for long at-least; as Micheal quickly looks to take over here, brushing off the previous shots as he pulls Ripley to his feet, grabbing and WHIPPING him into the ropes, waiting in the center of the ring for him to come back; THOUGH JACK JUMPING AND ROLLING OFF THE BACK OF MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR HERE, A NICE REVERSAL THERE AS HE CONTINUES RUNNING THE ROPES; MICHEAL TURNING TOWARDS HIM AT THE LAST SECOND — AND A SNAP HURRICANRANA ONTO MICHEAL BY JACK!!!
Persephone: Things moving fast here as Micheal bounces back onto his feet, still extremely dazed as Jack quickly gets to his own vertical position; setting his sights onto Micheal who is nearing the corner, BEFORE BLASTING HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLES WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE CORE!
James Peters: And Micheal quickly taking a seated position in the corner, Jack EXTREMELY fired up as he raises his arm; gauging the arena’s energy with him, lining his fingers up towards Micheal before running forward – AND A RUNNING SENTON SENDS MICHEAL’S LIGHTS RIGHT OUT!
Rich Russillo: And Jack quickly rolling Micheal out the corner, getting a deep hook on one leg, looking for the cover . . .
OOOOOONNNNN—
Persephone: KICKOUT! Connor simply not done yet, as Jack doesn’t waste time on the kick-out; hooking the head of Micheal as he lays him out onto his stomach…STF! The face-lock is on Micheal, and it’s on deep; as Connor has no choice but to begin struggling towards the ropes, no rest for the weary as he HAS to trudge towards safety; though Ripley’s only goal here is to just wear down Micheal with each and every moment he is FORCED to make, as FINALLY he can reach out and get FINGERTIPS onto the ropes!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIV-
RIch Russillo: And Jack getting as MUCH time as possible with that hold, before he is forced off by the ref in order to stop a disqualification; with Connor reaching a knee, trying to get up quickly as Jack is just ROLLING with momentum here; feeling a surge of energy as Micheal is still looking to get a foot out firmly in this match; with Ripley looking to continue on, watching as Micheal gets up, QUICKLY charging forward towards him– and Micheal just LAUNCHING Jack over his shoulder, SENDING him out of the ring…
James Peters: AND JACK HOOKING HIMSELF ONTO THE APRON, NOT GOING OUT TO THE FLOOR; AND MICHEAL DOESN’T NOTICE! Taking a breather here, as Ripley is just WAITING for him to turn around, looking to inflict some serious damage here; as Connor finally begins to move towards him. . .SLINGSHOT SPEEEARRRR!!!
Persephone: PEDIGREEEE!!! COUNTER FROM MICHEAL AS HE GETS RIPLEY BETWEEN HIS LEGS AND PLANTING HIS HEAD OFF THE MAT, ROLLING OVER BOTH OF THEIR BODIES AS HE LOOKS FOR THE QUICK COVER HERE…
OOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!!!! Jack not out yet as he gets the shoulder up, but just as Ripley did earlier; Connor not willing to let any kickout get to his head as he makes quick moves, rising to his feet as he grabs up Jack by his hair; not willing to give any sort of rest to the weary, with Micheal now PULLING Ripley into a fireman’s carry; looking towards the corner opposing them now, getting a bit of a running start here… BEFORE LAWN DARTING JACK’S HEAD DIRECTLY INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
James Peters: And he isn’t done yet, as Ripley stumbles back from the recoil… DIRECTLY INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Persephone: And Michael isn’t done yet, pulling Jack up to his feet immediately after… AND LANDING ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX!
Rich Russillo: And Micheal looking to do it one more time, lifting up Ripley to his feet as he looks for a German Suplex… BUT INSTEAD OF A GERMAN, MICHEAL SPINS JACK OUT OF THE HOLD; RIPCORDING HIM WITH HIS ARM – AND TRANSITIONING IT INTO A SHORT ARM LARIAT THAT CONNECTS PERFECTLY; RIPLEY FLIPPING INTO THE AIR AS MICHAEL QUICKLY LURCHES OVER FOR THE COVER!
OOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTWWWWWWOO–
Persephone: BOOM! A KICKOUT FROM JACK, AS MICHAEL IS SHOCKED AT HOW HE KICKED OUT SO EARLY! Nevertheless, it seems as if he’s trying to shake it off quickly; not willing to give Jack the mental edge on him, as he got to a knee; quickly looking to re-strategize here —
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
James Peters: OH MY, A KICKOUT FROM MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR WHO WAS SUDDENLY ROLLED UP FROM RIPLEY; WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF GOOD POSITIONING, AS MICHEAL QUICKLY SHOOTS UP TO A KNEE; AS JACK ROLLS THROUGH… LIFTED KNEE TO THE JAW!!!
Rich Russillo: Jack just took two suplexes, a headshot to the turnbuckle, AND A LARIAT; HOW IS HE UP RIGHT NOW? Insane athleticism from Jack here, as Micheal is floored for the moment; and Jack isn’t wasting anytime with such perfect positioning, staggering forward to the ropes as the climb up begins, reaching the top at a fast pace; as he turns towards Michael who is laying in the center of the ring, unmoving for the moment; as Ripley looks to take air… AND A MOONSAULT CONNECTING FROM JACK RIPLEY ONTO MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR!!!
Persephone: And he’s not done! Jack rolling through the moonsault as he INSTANTLY goes to the opposing ropes, climbing up them even quicker than before as he sets up on a STILL disoriented Micheal Scott Connor; LOOKING TO SOAR HIGH ONCE MORE – AND ANOTHER MOONSAULT ONTO THE CORE OF MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR FROM JACK RIPLEY, OH MY LORD!
Rich Russillo: AND HE IS NOT DONE, STILL! BURSTING TO THE OPPOSING CORNER, OF THE OPPOSING CORNER, WHICH WAS THE INITIAL OPPOSING CORNER FROM THE FIRST MOONSAULT; AS HE IS REACHING THE TOP ONCE MORE, LOOKING TO COMPLETE A TRIO OF MOONSAULTS ONTO MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR WHO IS STILL DOWNED FOR THE MOMENT; SPRINGING HIS KNEES AS HE LEAPS OFF –
James Peters: NO, BUT MICHAEL QUICKLY GETS TO HIS FEET; MANAGING TO FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN AS JACK IS ALREADY IN THE AIR… AND PICKED OUT THE SKY WITH A SPEAR! SPEAR FROM MICHAEL THAT FLATTENS JACK RIPLEY, A SHOCK SURGING AROUND THE ARENA AS THE LOUD THUD WAS HEARD; CONNOR GETTING THE BULK OF THAT SPEAR, AS HE QUICKLY BACKS AWAY FROM JACK, GOING TOWARDS THE CORNER, CALLING RIPLEY UP AS HE STAGGERS TO A VERTICAL POSITION… AND A FLASH KNEE STRIKE TO THE JAW OF RIPLEY DROPS HIM BACK DOWN, AND A COVER…
Persephone: NO! MICHAEL WENT DOWN, BUT HE JUST DID THAT TO PICK JACK BACK UP; BRINGING HIM TO HIS FEET AS HE HOOKS THE HEAD OF RIPLEY . . .’TAPS!’ THE DOUBLE UNDER-HOOK DDT COMES IN FOR MICHEAL SCOTT CONNOR AS JACK RIPLEY IS BOUNCED OFF THE MAT; AND NOW IT’S CONNOR LOOKING FOR THE COVER!!!
OOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
THHHRR—
Rich Russillo: AND A KICKOUT FROM RIPLEEYYYY!!!! Michael sitting up off the cover in shock, not believing there was ANY way for Ripley to get out of that amount of offense with any sort of redemption to keep himself in this match, as Connor looks towards the referee for a confirmation it wasn’t a three count!
Persephone: And he’s not going to get the clarity he wants right now, as the referee shakes his head; leaving Michael in a bit of shock and disappointment here, though he NEEDS to keep moving; as Michael begins to reach his feet, looking on as Jack rolls over to the apron; forced to begin moving faster, needing to shrug off any disdain for how the pin-attempt went; as he looks to grab Jack up from over the top rope –
James Peters: And Jack just GRABBING the head of Michael and CHOKING him across the top rope as he jumps off the apron for a moment, sending Michael STAGGERING backwards as he grabs at his neck; clearly having a harder time breathing that suited PERFECTLY from Ripley’s plan; as he gets right back on the apron, GRABBING at the middle rope – AND THE SLINGSHOT SPEAR HE WAS CALLING FOR EARLIER CONNECTS, AS MICHAEL HITS THE MAT HARD; AND JACK LOOKS TO SEAL THINGS OFF FOR HIMSELF!
Rich Russillo: It’d seem as so, as Ripley backs up into the corner behind Michael; looking to possibly surprise Ripley with some offense here as he calls for Michael to reach his knees, with Connor having no choice BUT to listen to him, as everything is setting up for Jack to unleash something BIG here .. .
Persephone: “DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!!!!” THE RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE BACK OF MICHAEL’S HEAD THAT SENDS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT, WITH JACK NUDGING OVER THE BODY OF CONNOR ONTO HIS BACK; AS HE LOOKS TO TAKE THE COVER AND WIN HERE NOW!!!
OOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
TTTHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR—-
Persephone: AND MICHAEL KICKS OUTT!!!!!!!!
James Peters: AND NOW IT’S JACK WHO CAN’T BELIEVE HIS EYES; CALLING TO THE REFEREE TO ASSURE THAT HE MADE THE RIGHT CALL, AND IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THIS ONE IS GONNA BE TAKEN BACK – MICHAEL BROKE THE THREE COUNT! And now you can tell where these competitors begin to get a big desperate, as Ripley is just in pure disbelief; holding his head as he sighs, with Michael rolling away momentarily, looking to recover!
Rich Russillo: Though Jack not looking to let him away that easily; in fact, I think he’s looking to all but ENSURE that he regrets kicking out! Marching towards Michael now, as Jack YANKS him around; LOOKING TO SET HIM UP NOW FOR A MANEUVER WE’VE SEEN FAR TOO MANY TIMES, WITH JACK RIPLEY LOOKING FOR THAT VERTEBREAKER MANEUVER, THE ‘RIPPLE EFFECT’ –
Persephone: BUT MICHAEL SQUIRMS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND; JACK UNABLE TO KEEP A HOLD ON HIM, AS RIPLEY IS PUSHED FORWARD – BUT A KNEE TO THE GUT FROM MICHAEL SENDS HIM BENDING OVER.. . .
James Peters: AND MICHAEL LOCKING AROUND HIM, LOOKING FOR IT . . .LOOKING FOR IT . . . ‘DD214’!!!! THE DRAGON SLEEPER IS LOCKED IN ON JACK RIPLEY; AND HE HAS NOWHERE TO GO, STRUGGLING IN THE RING AS MICHAEL HAS THAT HOLD IN SECURELY; THERE IS NO WIGGLE ROOM AT ALL, AND THIS MIGHT BE IT – THIS MATCH MIGHT BE OVER!!!
RIch Russillo: And that’s the energy this arena is giving here, as they all are expecting a HUGE WIN FOR MICHAEL SCOTT CONNOR; AS JACK IS BEGINNING TO FADE, ARM LOWERING TO THE GROUND AS WE MIGHT SEE A KNOCK OUT WIN FOR MICHAEL SCOTT CONNOR; WAITING FOR THE REF SIGNAL.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
Persephone: AND MICHAEL IS FORCED TO LET GO; BARELY NOTICING THAT JACK HAD A FOOT ON THE ROPES, AND BARELY GETTING OFF BEFORE HE WOULD BE MARKED AS DISQUALIFIED OR FORCED OFF; AND HE CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT HE IS SEEING, THE RING POSITIONING ALLOWED RIPLEY TO ESCAPE A CLOSE CALL SITUATION!
James Peters: BAAADDDD mistake from Michael here, who is CLEARLY regretting not being more secure with where he decided to put that sleeper in, as he quickly looks to go and grab Ripley back into the hold.. BUT JACK IS OUT OF THE RING!
RIch Russillo: Smart, smart play from Jack here getting out of the ring; knowing he can’t be pinned or submitted on the outside, giving him just a MOMENT to recover here; as he looks to be taking a breather, though Michael not willing to let him get by easily; flying out of the ring after Ripley who is slouched across our commentary table here…
Persephone: Yep, I know where this goes; I’m getting out of the way.
James Peters: Hopefully things will be fine for us over here, as Michael grabs the back of Ripley – BEFORE SLAMMING HIM DOWN INTO OUR TABLE! JACK JUST BOUNCING OFF OF IT, AS CONNOR GETS A GOOD GRASP OF RIPLEY FROM BEHIND, BEFORE FLINGING HIM INTO THE RING!!
Rich Russillo: And it looks like Michael might get what he wants now, with Ripley down in the center of the ring; all he needs to do is roll inside and put that Dragon Sleeper on, and the win is HIS; as Michael wastes NO time getting back inside.. BUT HOLD ON, JACK SPRINGS UP TO HIS FEET; PLAYING A BIT OF POSSUM HERE —
Persephone: “DAYLIGHT SLAYING TIME!!!!! “ THE KNEE LANDING THE MOMENT MICHAEL TRIED ROLLING INTO THE RING, A FAILURE FROM MICHAEL TO MAKE SURE THAT CONNOR WOULD STAY DOWN; AS JACK JUST BACKPEDALS INTO THE CORNER, WANTING TO GUARANTEE A WIN HERE AS HE CALLS TO LAND ONE MORE KICK TO THE JAW OF MICHAEL WITH ALL THE NEAR FALLS THAT WE HAVE SEEN TODAY; AS MICHAEL SLOWLY BEGINS TO GET UP, AND I’M UNSURE IF HE EVEN RECOGNIZES WHAT HE’S IN FOR, WITH RIPLEY SLOWLY STEPPING FORWARD WITH HIS LEG PROPPED AND READY…
James Peters: “ YOU’LL FLOATTTTT TOOOOOO!!!” MICHAEL GOT UP, AND HE GOT ALL OF IT; THE SUPERKICK DIRECTLY LANDING AGAINST THE BRIDGE OF MICHAEL’S NOSE, AS HE QUICKLY HITS THE GROUND; WITH RIPLEY NOW, FALLING INTO THE COVER AS HE LOOKS TO STEAL THIS MATCH AWAY WITH ONE FINAL PIN ATTEMPT, AND THIS ENTIRE STADIUM IS OUT OF THEIR SEATS FOR THIS ONE!
OOOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTHHHRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
( DING! DING! DING !)
( ‘Bounce Back’ by Big Sean blasted through the speakers; as the ENTIRE crowd was up and ablaze, with Jack Ripley surging off the pin attempt with his hands high in the air; as Michael Scott Connor slowly rolled out of the ring, holding his jaw in agony after the superkick landed flush onto him; with Jack earring a huge smile, garnering a big win tonight over a VERY game opponent. )
Persephone: Finally. I better be getting paid extra for this. I mean- Certainly never a stop of action in this match-up tonight, and a BIG win from Jack Ripley here after a massive performance from Micheal Scott Connor!
Rich Russillo: Couldn’t have said it better here Persephone, truly not a single thing I could take away from this match and NOT enjoy; both two talented Elitist, but the Hall Of Famer pulls out with this one tonight; and this crowd loved it ALL the way through!
James Peters: And we did too! Being so close to the action and those near falls are something I never regret, and this one especially; as Jack Ripley moves on tonight feeling good, and we see you all directly after this brief commercial break!
( The cameras show Jack Ripley, celebrating his win as the referee lowers his arm; with Jack slowly beginning to make his way to the ropes, with the scene fading out from there as Voltage headed to commercial – )
( And then, ‘Spiders’ by System of a Down hit. )
Persephone: What???? I already had to sit through that match, what’s this about???
James Peters: Mr… Wrestling?
( Jack had an extremely perplexed look on his face, watching towards the titan-tron as Mr. Wrestling began walking his way out from the TItantron opening, nodding his head in approval towards the victory from Ripley; though the genuine nature of it all seemed tainted, as Mr. Wrestling held a mic in hand; bringing a hand up to halt his music, as it came to a close, raising the mic in his hand as he made his way slowly down the ramp; beginning to speak. )
Mr. Wrestling XIX: It isn’t in my nature to do things like this after matches like that, but there are certain times where I have to get a little… Uncharacteristic. To put it short, I’m upset. I am upset because I lost to TLA at Territorial Invasion; and more importantly, I am upset I didn’t get the time to express my disappointment for what happened at Territorial Invasion on this show, because I was not BOOKED for time. So even though this might not be what you want right now Jack, amidst you relishing your win; it’s what EVERYONE is going to get.
( Mr. Wrestling explains, as Jack looks rather irritated before he could even get into the knitty gritty of why he was out here, though with nobody to stop him, he continues. )
Mr. Wrestling XIX: So to backtrack, yes, I lost to TLA. As much as I wish things played out differently, that’s exactly what happened. It grinds my gears, it HURTS knowing that I had the opportunity to change that title and this company’s path for the better; and things simply fell out of my hands. The Hardcore Championship should not be represented right now, but because I failed, TLA gets to keep walking around with that belt. It’s things we of course learn from, and when I get a second chance to do what I planned to do at Territorial Invasion; I can absolutely ensure a win in my column and much needed change, but do you want to know something, Jack Ripley? I can at least leave that match knowing that I’m doing everything in my power to make this company better, and that alone more than a lot of people can say for themselves, including you.
( Mr. Wrestling says, scoffing in disgusts as he shakes his head; though this only leaves Jack Ripley to be even MORE confused, an inaudible ‘What?’ leaving Ripley’s mouth, entirely lost at the accusation coming against him. Mr. Wrestling enters the ring as he continues.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: See, Jack – I know that look on your face. You don’t understand me. You don’t understand where YOU failed. Let’s take a trip in time, shall we? Back when you won the Hardcore Championship, you were simply a superb technician in the ring, to the point where that sorry excuse of a Championship was replaced with something that REALLY defined this business. Instead of carrying around that Hardcore trash, you became the PURE Champion.
(Jack remains silent, waiting to see where Mr. Wrestling is going with this.)
Mr. Wrestling XIX: You held a title that actually defined professional wrestling. In PURE rules matches, you couldn’t rely on weapons or a lack of rules to bail you out. You had to be the better wrestler, and that’s not something many people know how to do these days. You know what it’s like, Jack. You know what it’s like getting to take part in ACTUAL wrestling matches, and yet week after week you walk past TLA, see the title that replaced your own hard work, and do NOTHING! You do absolutely nothing to change this place. You do nothing to stand against the Hardcore movement, despite having every opportunity to. You could be doing so much more. You could be taking pride in the work you put in as PURE Champion, and instead you’re just ignoring a problem that’s right in front of you.
Mr. Wrestling XIX: That Hardcore Championship shouldn’t be around right now, because I know how this brand is. There aren’t many people out there who’d rather take part in a real wrestling match than entertain the hardcore garbage this place shoves down our throats, and it’s just disgusting that you’re watching all of this without a care in the world. You should be better than this, Jack. You should..
( Jack just sighs, rolling his eyes; before walking past Mr. Wrestling, exiting the ring. Mr. Wrestling XIX looks back at Jack in disbelief, as Jack just completely ignores everything he had to say, walking up the ramp. )
Mr. Wrestling: Woah, woah – what do you think you’re doing? GET BACK HERE, JACK. FACE ME LIKE A MAN!
( Mr. Wrestling barks into the mic, standing firm on his mark; though Jack Ripley doesn’t even look back, making his way all the way up the stage before reaching the back. Mr. Wrestling just SPIKES the microphone into the ground; fuming in annoyance and rage, as he puts both hands on his hips; shaking his head as he sighs. From there Voltage fades out to commercial.)
(Commercial for Saturday night Showdown.)
(The camera cuts to ringside where Bella Braxton is shown in the ring with a microphone.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen at this time please welcome the EAW Hardcore Champion… TLA!!!!
(The crowd cheers loudly as “Ambitionz az a Ridah” by Tupac blasts across the speakers. TLA is shown arriving to the ring in a lowrider decorated with black and white images of old wrestlers from the 1950s all over it. The hood of the car features an image of the old EAW Pure Championship along with the words REAL GRAPS spraypainted across it in large red letters. TLA gets out of the car with the Hardcore Championship and rolls into the ring.)
Rich Russillo: TLA is back here on Voltage still the reigning and defending EAW Hardcore Champion after his successful defense against Mr. Wrestling XIX at Territorial Invasion.
James Peters: Many people didn’t think he would survive that as he was taking on the challenger at his own game in a Pure Rules Match something that TLA is not exactly known for. But he prevailed nonetheless and you know he has to be very proud of what he accomplished.
(TLA is shown shaking hands with Bella Braxton before taking the microphone from her. The music fades out as TLA begins to speak.)
TLA: Orale Turkey! Que onda mis amigos!!!!
Crowd: :blessed: !
(The crowd begins a TLA chant which lasts a little while before eventually settling down and allowing TLA to continue to talk.)
TLA: You know that this a new EAW era this a new Disney era. They be letting yo boi come out here and spit with all y’all each and every week. Much luv to the homies in the back who be doing what they doing. You know that the producers and backstage workers be not getting any of that appreciation but they do it anyway to entertain all y’all. We gotta give them they props.
(The crowd cheers for the workers who produce the EAW shows after the successful event they had with Territorial Invasion this past weekend.)
TLA: Now we gotta talk about ME! Nah nah for real though you know that at Territorial Invasion I done walked on into that Pure Rules Match. They said a vato couldn’t do it. He just a street thug he ain’t about them Real Graps. He ain’t about that Pure Wrestling lifestyle. But I done proved them all wrong. You know I busted out some of them lucha skillz y’all ain’t even knew I had. Done showed I can wrestle with the best of them. And now you know that I am up here in Turkey… STILL the EAW Hardcore Champion!!!
(TLA raises up the EAW Hardcore Championship high in the air as the crowd cheers loudly hyped to see he is still the champion.)
TLA: You know what? I think imma be champion for a real real long time! Pero there is something else that has been bothering a vato. Something that we gotta work on. Cuz in the lead up to Territorial Invasion, Mr. Wrestling XIX talked a lot of smack about how he had wrestled more luchas than TLA had. While I ain’t really give a fuck about none of that, at the same time you know I am all about getting my lucha on. So the way I see it we gotta do that a little more often. That starts tonight when I go one on one for all y’all against the World Champion Drake King! You know we got a lot of history. We got a lot of beef. We go way back. We gonna throw it back. Find out just who the best champion on this brand really be. I know all y’all are looking forward to that. But there ain’t no title on the line either. The thing is… I ain’t never backed down from any challengers since I won this championship… so if I ain’t been wrestling enough if we being real that ain’t all on me. Nah anyone backstage is free to challenge me at any point they want to come and gun for this championship.
(TLA stops talking briefly as he turns towards the ramp and continues to talk to everyone backstage.)
TLA: I didn’t win this EAW Hardcore Championship to back down from a fight. I’m willing to face ANYBODY in ANY MATCH for this Hardcore Championship! I proved that with Mr. Wrestling XIX but I ain’t interested in waiting around for Captain Charisma to find someone backstage and order them to face me for the title. Nah I want somebody to step up. I want them to step up RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW! ¡QUIERO COMPETENCIA AHORA! ¡QUIERO PELEAR AHORA!
(The crowd is heard getting riled up as they keep turning towards the entrance expecting someone to come out to interrupt TLA at any minute.)
Rich Russillo: Who is it going to be? Who is going to step up to the plate?
TLA: Before y’all come out tho… you best think carefully because I didn’t win this EAW Hardcore Championship at Pain for Pride to lose it. I didn’t beat the two last Hardcore Champions to establish myself as the head of this division just to throw it all away like basura. I didn’t beat Mr. Wrestling XIX at his own game just to retire and hang it up. Nah nah nah this right here is an OPEN CHALLENGE! But know exactly what you is getting into. You going up against the Baddest Hombre on the Planet. The beastliest wrestler on this roster who ain’t afraid to beat y’all down bloody and raw within an inch of yo life. Use all kinds of weapons. You ban them? You know imma apply all kinds of submissions straight up snap yo arm right off.
James Peters: Well I don’t think I’ll be accepting the open challenge then. That doesn’t sound to appealing to me.
Persephone: It kind of does to me. You accepting it that is. At least it would be over quickly.
TLA: I want to defend my championship again. Again and again and again. Una y otra y otra vez. I don’t care who it is up agains-
(“I Rise” by Cory Marks hits to cheers again from the crowd as Donovan Duke comes out to the stage. Donovan is holding a microphone in his hand, and he begins to walk down the ramp as the fans continue to cheer.)
James Peters: Here comes Donovan Duke! Donovan participated in the Brand Warfare match at Territorial Invasion, and while that match didn’t play out how we wanted it to, we know just how great of a competitor Donovan Duke is. Is he answering TLA’s open challenge?
Rich Russillo: I sure hope so! Donovan Duke versus TLA sounds like a fantastic match, especially with that Hardcore Championship on the line!
Persephone: As long as it’s not another PURE rules match. That was torture.
(Donovan enters the ring, and as his music fades out he begins to speak.)
Donovan Duke: Just one week ago I was competing in the Brand Warfare match, and I have to admit things didn’t go how I wish they did. I’d like to thank Cameron, Holly and Harper for inviting me to the team in the first place, and I’m grateful for being able to fight alongside them as well as Michael S. Connor, but I can’t say I was hoping to leave Territorial Invasion with another loss. It’s disappointing that things played out the way they did, but I had the entire week to think things over, and I know there’s not a single person on my team that’d prefer sitting around worrying about what could’ve been over actually going out and fighting for another opportunity. I want to bounce back. I’m not going to let this season go to waste and miss out on all these opportunities when I know what I’m capable of, so I think I know what’s next for me. If I’m going to progress my career any further I need to get back on the path I was on at the start of the season. I was very close to becoming a World Champion, so close that in just slightly different circumstances would’ve resulted in me holding the EAW Championship, but it wasn’t meant to be. I still want to become a Champion though, and it looks like I may have found a way to do that.
(Donovan looks towards TLA’s Hardcore Championship, and this causes the fans to begin cheering very loudly.)
Donovan Duke: I have tons of respect for you, and I know that this would be exactly the kind of match I need, so if you’re hosting an open challenge for that Championship I’d like to be the one to accept. Not only that, but I’d like to face you on a bigger stage. I’d like to face you at an event where I know we’ll be under even more pressure. I want to be the best wrestler I could possibly be and that means both facing and beating the best with everything on the line, so at Wicked Games I want to face you for the Hardcore Championship!
(This causes a huge reaction from the fans, and a grin appears on TLA’s face as Donovan continues.)
Donovan Duke: You said it yourself. You want a challenger, and right now I want to become Champion. It looks like this is the perfect opportunity for both of us, and regardless of how things turn out at Wicked Games I know this will be a great match. So what do you say, TLA? Will you put your Championship on the line against me?
(TLA is shown seemingly in deep thought for a moment before suddenly raising up the microphone excitedly with a smile on his face.)
TLA: Claro que sí amigo! You’re on holmes!
(The crowd erupts into cheers after hearing the confirmation of the match at Wicked Games.)
TLA: I gots no problems taking you on whenever you want to have it. Wicked Games sounds like the perfect noche to be doing it. You know I am already booked tonight so we ain’t going to be depriving these fans of any kind of action gonna kill two birds with one stone. Speaking of killing tho I do hope y’all know what you getting into my dawg. I hope y’all realizing that you stepping to a real one. You said that you came close to winning the World Championship and as my lucha later tonight will show this ain’t no smaller fish for y’all to fry. Nah this ain’t going to be any easier for you to win, in fact it is going to be even harder. But of course you already knew that or you wouldn’t be out here stepping up to the challenge of challenges.
(TLA raises up the EAW Hardcore Championship high into the air to show off the prize that Donovan Duke will be coming for at Wicked Games.)
TLA: Much respect tho. I be looking forward to our lucha. You might be feeling like you let Voltage down after the L you took at Territorial Invasion but I can respect that y’all ain’t letting it keep you down. Nah you coming right back up hopping right back in the game and getting you some. I can respect that for real that is exactly what I would have done and I can tell that this ain’t going to be an easy title defense for me neither. Nah I be looking to represent Voltage just as much as you shine just as much as you progress just as much as you. I might be a hardened veterano but as I be telling y’all the grind ain’t never stop. The hustle ain’t never stop. I got no doubts that TLA vs. Donovan Duke going to be one hell of a lucha going to push me in all kinds of ways and we going to be straight up stealing the show like only we can. Orale leggooooooooooooooooooo ese we goin’ in!!!
(TLA is shown climbing to the top rope to raise the Hardcore Championship in celebration as the fans cheer before the camera cuts back to Donovan Duke.)
Donovan Duke: I appreciate it TLA, and don’t you worry about whether or not I’m ready. If I was worried about the possibility that I don’t know what I’m getting myself into then I wouldn’t have made the decision to answer your open challenge, but I’m not going to keep waiting around. I want to advance my career. I want to do more and be more than the man with the record breaking National Elite Championship reign. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had, and I cherish everything I’ve done up to this point, but I will do more. I didn’t walk out here for no reason, so just know that you’ll be seeing the best version of Donovan Duke possible at Wicked Games. One way or another I’m going to keep progressing. Until then, I wish you good luck.
(Donovan extends his hand to TLA, and TLA shakes his hand as the fans in attendance continue to cheer. After this, ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ begins to play once more.)
James Peters: Wow, what a huge match made for Wicked Games! Open challenges are always very exciting knowing that anyone could step up to get an opportunity, and it looks like Donovan Duke was the one to answer!
Rich Russillo: I’m really looking forward to this match. These are two fantastic competitors who I know will deliver once they face off at Wicked Games. The only question left is whether or not we’ll be seeing a new Champion!
Persephone: I don’t see why I should care.
James Peters: You wouldn’t, but everyone in attendance tonight seems to care! Everyone knows that this will be fantastic, and I for one can’t wait to see these two in action.
(As ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ continues, Donovan Duke makes his way out of the ring with a smile on his face while TLA raises his Hardcore Championship. From there, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for Mortal Kombat 1 featuring Ronan Malosi.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, where Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: AND IT IS AN ICONIC CUP FIRST ROUND MATCH!
(‘RAVE’ by Dxrk ダーク hits, and this causes a more negative reaction to come from the fans. As the boos continue, Mei Sasaki begins to slowly walk out with a confident look on her face. It’s clear that she feels good about her chances in this match, and she doesn’t spend too much time on the stage, instead beginning to walk down the ramp for her first Iconic Cup tournament match, ignoring all of the boos coming her way.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From Kyōto-shi, Nippon… Weighing in at 125 pounds… MMMEEEIIIIIII SSSSAAAAASAAAAKKIIIIIIII!!!!!
James Peters: Here we go! We already saw two Elitists advance in the Iconic Cup tournament earlier in the night, so we’ll see how things play out now that it’s time for Mei to go up against Minerva.
Rich Russillo: This could be the biggest victory of Mei’s career, but a victory like this doesn’t come easily. She’ll have to work really hard if she wants the upset, but she may very well have what it takes to surprise us.
Persephone: I don’t care about being surprised. I just want this to end as soon as possible.
(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie hits, and the crowd explodes with cheers. Mei Sasaki watches as Minerva begins to walk out to the stage. Minerva has a focused look in her eyes as she stares at her opponent, clearly ready for this match in the first round of the Iconic Cup tournament, which Minerva has won in the past. Minerva begins walking down the ramp as the cheers continue, keeping her eyes on Mei Sasaki who is standing in her corner of the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… Resising in the Florida Everglades… Weighing in at 122 pounds… MMMIIIIIIIIINNNNEERRRVVVAAAAA!!!!!!!
James Peters: Minerva is a former Iconic Cup winner and now has the opportunity to win for the second time. We know she isn’t going to let this opportunity go to waste, so this is going to be a very difficult match for Mei Sasaki.
Rich Russillo: Minerva is undoubtedly one of the best EAW has to offer, so this was always going to be a tough match regardless of who Minerva’s opponent was. I’m interested in seeing how things play out tonight, though.
Persephone: How? What’s interesting about this match? I really don’t see how you could look at it with anything but disgust.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: Here we go! This match is now underway as both Minerva and Mei quickly lock up in the center of the ring! Minerva is able to overpower Mei, backing her up to the ropes, and now the referee separates the two thanks to the rope break. Minerva takes a step back and waits for Mei to make a move, AND NOW THE TWO ELITISTS LOCK UP ONCE AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH MORE AGGRESSION AS THEY STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL! Minerva is able to apply a headlock, but Mei Sasaki begins lifting her up, potentially for a back suplex!
Rich Russillo: Minerva manages to pull herself back down onto the mat though, before dropping down and taking Mei to the mat with a headlock takedown! Mei uses this as an opportunity to escape the hold though as she applies headscissors, pulling Minerva off of her! Minerva slips out of it and both Elitists return to their feet, AND NOW MEI CHARGES AT MINERVA- BUT MINERVA DROPS DOWN AND DELIVERS A DROP TOE HOLD, TAKING MEI TO THE MAT ONCE AGAIN! Mei quickly tries pushing herself up- BUT MINERVA GOES FOR THE DEVIL’S TOUCH AS SOON AS MEI GETS TO A KNEE!!!
Persephone: Aw man, that probably would have ended the match. Why did Mei have to duck under it? Anyways, Mei just pulled Minerva’s legs out from under her to drop her onto the mat.
James Peters: Minerva sits up after landing on her back- BUT SHE QUICKLY DROPS BACK DOWN IN ORDER TO AVOID THAT PENALTY KICK FROM MEI SASAKI!!! Minerva quickly turns and gets back to a knee, BUT MEI QUICKLY TURNS AND DELIVERS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK- WHICH MINERVA IS BARELY ABLE TO BLOCK! MEI DOESN’T WASTE TIME THOUGH, AS SHE PLANTS HER FOOT BEFORE USING THE OTHER LEG TO ATTEMPT A SUPERKICK!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA CATCHES HER LEG THIS TIME THOUGH, AND NOW SHE PULLS MEI RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE, DROPPING SASAKI TO THE MAT! Mei did a good job of trying to apply pressure there, but Minerva clearly knows what she’s doing as she pulls Mei back to her feet before sending her into the corner! Mei hits the turnbuckles hard, BUT BEFORE SHE EVEN HAS THE CHANCE TO REACT MINERVA RUNS IN AND HITS HER WITH A CLOTHESLINE IN THE CORNER! MINERVA NOW RUNNING THE ROPES AS MEI STUMBLES OUT OF THE CORNER, AND THERE’S MINERVA WITH A RUNNING STO!
Persephone: Oh come on. I really thought that could’ve ended the match, but now I’ll never knos because Mei just rolled out of the ring. Seriously, why can’t anyone just stay down these days? Everyone thinks they HAVE to win. It’s just a match. You can lose, it’s okay. Nobody will actually care if you lose a normal match.
James Peters: Um… This is the Iconic Cup tournament. If anything, victory is even more important right now than it would usually be.
Persephone: Oh. Well they should win faster then. I’m getting bored.
James Peters: Whatever. Minerva makes her way out of the ring as she refuses to give Mei a chance to breathe- BUT IT LOOKS LIKE MEI ALREADY HAD ENOUGH TIME, AS SHE JUST GRABBED MINERVA BY THE ARM AND PULLED HER FACE FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Mei playing a bit of possum there as Minerva drops to a knee, and now Mei grabs her before slamming her face into the barricade once again! Mei is still holding onto Minerva, AND NOW SHE SENDS MINERVA INTO THE RING POST! Mei slides back into the ring as Minerva begins to stumble over towards our side, AND LOOK AT MEI RUNNING THE ROPES! BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKIC-
Rich Russillo: NO! MINERVA AVOIDS IT AND PULLS MEI OUT OF THE RING, BEFORE DROPPING HER WITH A BIG BOOT!!! MINERVA NOW QUICKLY PULLING MEI BACK UP TO HER FEET, AND NOW SHE USES ALL HER STRENGTH TO SEND MEI CRASHING HARD INTO THE BARRICADE!! Mei was sent back first into the barricade, and now Minerva wastes no time sending her back into the ring! Mei pulls herself into the corner as Minerva slides into the ring, and I’m not so sure if that’s where Sasaki wants to be right now! Minerva runs in, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, BEFORE PULLING MEI TO THE MAT WITH A SNAPMARE! Minerva now with a knee drop to the face, and she follows it up with a cover!
ONE!
TWO-
Persephone: Oh brother, Mei actually managed to kick out. Why did that happen? I get this is a tournament and all, but can we not end this match any sooner? At least let them use weapons if we’re gonna have to sit through this. I didn’t start doing commentary so I can watch people try to wrestle.
James Peters: What? That’s literally your entire job.
Persephone: Shut up.
Rich Russillo: Minerva just kicked Mei in the ribs as she tried to get back up, and now Mei rolls over to the ropes before using them to start pulling herself back to her feet. Minerva now running in, AND MEI TRIES TO GET THE BOOT UP, BUT MINERVA CAUGHT IT! MINERVA NOW SENDING MEI’S LEG OVER HER HEAD, SENDING MEI OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT ONTO THE APRON!! You don’t see something like that very often, but if there’s anyone that’d know some unique moves it’s Minerva! Minerva now grabbing Mei by the back of the head, AND SHE RUNS TOWARDS THE CORNER, SENDING MEI TO THE RING POST!
James Peters: NO! MEI GOT THE BOOT UP ONTO THE RING POST, STOPPING HERSELF FROM BEING SENT INTO IT! MEI NOW GRABBING ONTO THE BACK OF MINERVA’S HEAD, AND SHE SLAMS MINERVA’S FACE INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! MINERVA STUMBLES BACKWARDS, AND NOW MEI QUICKLY RUSHES UP TO THE TOP ROPE! DIVING METEORA BY MEI!!! MEI CONNECTS WITH THE DIVING METEORA, AND NOW THERE’S THE COVER AS SHE HOOKS THE LEGS WITH A GRIN ON HER FACE, LOOKING TO ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE ICONIC CUP!
ONE!
TW-
James Peters: KICKOUT BY MINERVA!! Minerva managed to kickout just before two!
Rich Russillo: Mei waits as Minerva starts to push herself back to a knee, AND NOW THERE’S A SHOOT KICK BY MEI! A SECOND ONE NOW, AND A THIRD! A FOURTH! MEI WITH FIVE SHOOT KICKS IN A ROW TO MINERVA, AND IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE SHE’S STOPPING THERE! MEI RUNS THE ROPES, AND NOW SHE GOES FOR A SHINING WIZARD-
Persephone: BUUUUUT it didn’t connect. Minerva managed to get out of the way instead of just letting Mei beat her. Didn’t Minerva win the Iconix Cup tournament already? Why does she need to be here?
James Peters: Minerva ducked under the shining wizard attempt before pushing herself back to her feet, backpedaling into the corner. Mei quickly runs in to try and keep applying pressure, BUT MINERVA GETS THE BOOT UP AND IT HITS MEI IN THE JAW! Mei stumbles back and now Minerva quickly goes to capitalize- BUT MEI GOES LOW, KICKING MINERVA’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HER! I DON’T THINK MINERVA EXPECTED THAT TO BE MEI’S NEXT MOVE, AND NOW MEI MANAGES TO DROP MINERVA WITH THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO HIT EARLIER IN THE MATCH!
Rich Russillo: Minerva is on all fours, and Mei Sasaki must think she has this match won right about now! We know just how good Mei is when it comes to striking, and she’s been utilizing that knowledge tonight as much as she could. Minerva is pushing herself up, but she might be falling right into Mei’s trap with this! Minerva makes it back to her feet, AND NOW MEI GOES FOR DISINTEGRATION-
James Peters: BUT MINERVA DUCKED UNDER IT!! MINERVA NOW WITH A DISCUS LARIAT-
Rich Russillo: BUT MEI DUCKS UNDER THAT WHILE HOOKING THE ARM! MEI PULLS MINERVA INTO A DROP TOE HOLD AS MINERVA FALLS ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE MEI HAS HER RIGHT IN POSITION FOR A HUGE MOVE! MEI SASAKI NOW RUNNING THE ROPES, AND SHE GOES FOR THE TIGER FEINT KICK-
James Peters: BUT MINERVA PULLS HERSELF BACK BEFORE CATCHING MEI’S LEGS!!! MINERVA PULLS MEI RIGHT BACK INTO THE RING- BUT MEI LANDS ON HER FEET, AND IMMEDIATELY JUMPS UP TO DELIVER AN ENZUIGIRI-
Rich Russillo: WHICH MINERVA MANAGES TO DUCK UNDER! MEI LANDS ON THE MAT, BUT SHE QUICKLY PUSHES HERSELF UP- BEFORE BEING DROPPED WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!! MINERVA CONNECTS WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH JUST AS MEI MADE IT BACK TO A KNEE, AND NOW MINERVA GOES FOR THE COVER TO PUT THIS MATCH AWAY!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
Persephone: ARE YOU SERIOUS??? HOW DID MEI MANAGE TO GET A SHOULDER UP!?!?
James Peters: That was a great back and forth between these two just now, and in the end Minerva was able to get the better of Mei, though not putting the match away entirely. I don’t think Minerva really minds that the match isn’t over, though.
Rich Russillo: Yeah. Minerva has never been the kind to be afraid of a fight, so I’m sure this just made things a bit more interesting for her. Minerva drags Mei to the corner of the ring before shoving her into the turnbuckles, and now Minerva just begins to stomp away at her opponent! Mei has nowhere to go right now, and the referee is forced to begin counting as the stomps continue!
Referee: (off-mic) ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-
Rich Russillo: Minerva finally backs off to avoid being disqualified, BUT BEFORE MEI COULD MOVE MINERVA RUNS IN AND DELIVERS A BOOT TO THE FACE!
James Peters: Minerva pulls Mei out of the corner before getting on top of her and starting to punch away at her, and this is exactly what makes Minerva so dangerous! Once she’s in control it’s not easy to find an opportunity to turn things around, as Minerva isn’t even giving Mei a chance to make a move! This is exactly what got Minerva to her Hall of Fame worthy career, and if she’s able to keep this up, it might just get her to a second Iconic Cul victory!
Rich Russillo: Mei Sasaki is down and out on the mat, and now Minerva has a great chance to close this match out! Minerva now turning towards the corner, AND NOW SHE GOES TO END THE MATCH WITH HELL’S BELLS!!!!
James Peters: NO! MEI GOT THE KNEES UP!!!! MEI MANAGED TO GET THE KNEES UP, AND MINERVA CRASHED RIGHT ONTO THEM!!!! THAT WAS A BAD LANDING FOR MINERVA, AND IT LOOKS LIKE MEI IS LOOKING TO CAPITALIZE AS SHE PULLS MINERVA INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE!! IS MEI ABOUT TO STEAL IT AND PICK UP THE BIGGEST WIN OF HER CAREER!?!?
ONE!
TWO!!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA KICKS OUT, BUT MEI DOESN’T GIVE HER A CHANCE TO MAKE A MOVE!! BOTH ELITISTS ROLLED BACK UP, BUT WHILE MINERVA WAS STILL ON HER KNEE MEI RAN IN AND DROPPED HER WITH THE SHINING WIZARD! THE SHINING WIZARD CONNECTS, AND MEI IMMEDIATELY ROLLS OUT ONTO THE APRON AS SHE SEEMS TO HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND! Minerva is down and out, AND NOW MEI GOES FOR A SPRINGBOARD CORKSCREW SENTON, WHICH CONNECTS!!! MEI NOW WITH THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEGS!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THR-
Rich Russillo: NO, THIS ONE STILL IS NOT OVER AS MINERVA MANAGES TO KICK OUT!
Persephone: I really just don’t understand. What do they have to do to end this match? Did I do something to deserve this? I don’t think I did. I’m nice enough. Why does this have to happen to me?
James Peters: Mei Sasaki can’t believe that this match isn’t over, but unfortunately for her she’s up against one of the very best we have in EAW. This was always going to be an uphill battle for Mei, though that doesn’t mean it’s an unwinnable one. Minerva is one of the toughest Elitists to defeat here, but thanks to that Mei has the chance to really shock the world in only round one of this tournament!
Rich Russillo: Right, and it looks like Mei knows just how good of an opportunity all of this is for her, AS SHE DROPS A KNEE ONTO MINERVA’S MIDSECTION! Minerva sits up in pain, BUT MEI USES THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO KICK MINERVA RIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Mei just trying to pick Minerva apart right now, as she pulls the two-time World Champion back to her feet before quickly sending her into the corner of the ring! Mei now running in, AND SHE GOES FOR A RUNNING BACK ELBOW-
James Peters: MINERVA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! MEI CRASHES INTO THE TURNBUCKLES, AND NOW MINERVA CHARGES IN BEFORE DELIVERING A KNEE IN THE CORNER! Mei slowly stumbles out of the corner, AND NOW MINERVA GRABS HER FROM BEHIND BEFORE SENDING MEI CRASHING RIGHT BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLES WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!! That was a very nasty landing for Mei, BUT MINERVA QUICKLY PULLS HER BACK UP BEFORE MEI COULD EVEN TRY TO GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY! MINERVA NOW WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX, ONCE AGAIN SENDING MEI CRASHING INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Persephone: Surely this knocked Mei out or gave her a concussion or something, right? Anything that could get the match called off? Please?
James Peters: It doesn’t look like it. Mei is still trying to push herself up, SO MINERVA PULLS HER UP BEFORE KNEEING HER IN THE MIDSECTION! Minerva has completely taken control of this match, AND NOW SHE SENDS MEI INTO THE ROPES BEFORE- wait no! Mei holds onto the ropes, stopping herself from bouncing off of them! Minerva now charging in as she knows Mei is hurt- BUT MEI DROPS DOWN AND PULLS DOWN THE MIDDLE ROPE AS MINERVA FLIES OUT TO RINGSIDE!
Rich Russillo: MEI RUNS THE ROPES AS MINERVA CLIMBS BACK UP ONTO THE APRON, AND THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL TIGER FEINT KICK TO THE BACK OF MINERVA’S HEAD, DROPPING HER BACK DOWN TO RINGSIDE!!!! That was a great twist on a move she attempted earlier in the match, and it looks like Mei has managed to turn this one around once more! Mei is on the apron waiting for Minerva to get back up, and she may have this match in her grasp! Minerva gets back up, AND NOW MEI RUNS TO THE END OF THE APRON BEFORE DIVING AT MINERVA WITH A CROSSBODY-
James Peters: WAIT, NO! MINERVA CATCHES MEI AND ROLLS OVER, GETTING TO A KNEE BEFORE MAKING IT BACK TO HER FEET!! MINERVA IS HOLDING MEI IN HER ARMS, AND NOW SHE RUNS RIGHT INTO THE RING POST, DRIVING MEI BACK FIRST INTO IT!!! MINERVA NOW SLAMMING MEI ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR, CUTTING HER MOMENTUM SHORT JUST LIKE THAT! Minerva now dragging Mei back to her feet before sending her back into the ring, and now-
Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND! JUST AS MINERVA TRIED TO FOLLOW BEHIND, MEI PUSHED HERSELF UP AND CONNECTED WITH THE BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK, SENDING MINERVA BACKWARDS AND INTO THE BARRICADE!
Persephone: YES, NOW COUNT HER OUT!! HURRY UP AND GET TO TEN!
James Peters: There’s not enough time for that! While Mei would’ve advanced in the event of a countout, Minerva was able to quickly push herself off of the barricade and slide back into the ring after that dropkick! Mei uses the ropes to quickly pull herself up, AND NOW SHE QUICKLY GOES AFTER MINERVA, BEGINNING TO PUNCH AND ELBOW AWAY AT THE FORMER EAW CHAMPION IN HOPES OF KEEPING HER DOWN ON THE MAT!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA MANAGES TO PUSH HER AWAY THOUGH! BOTH ELITISTS CHARGE AT EACH OTHER- BUT MINERVA DUCKS UNDER MEI’S STRIKE! BOTH ELITISTS TURN BACK TOWARDS EACH OTHER, AND NOW MEI RUNS IN- RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER!!! MINERVA PLANTS MEI WITH THAT SPINEBUSTER, AND I THINK MINERVA IS LOOKING TO FINISH THIS MATCH UP COMPLETELY! She pulls Mei up into a front facelock before getting her into a suplex position, AND I THINK MINERVA IS GETTING READY TO DROP MEI WITH ATLAS FALLS!!!!
Persephone: We can’t have anything nice around here though, so Mei was able to slip out of Minerva’s grasp and land on her feet- wait a minute. YES!! MEI IS ROLLING MINERVA UP! END THE MATCH END THE MATCH END THE MATCH END THE MATCH!
ONE!
T-
James Peters: MINERVA KICKS OUT AND IS IMMEDIATELY BACK TO HER FEET- BUT MEI USES THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO FOR DISINTEGRATION ONCE AGAIN!
Rich Russillo: IT DOESN’T CONNECT!!! MINERVA AVOIDS THE SPINNING HEEL KICK AND RUNS RIGHT INTO MEI, DRIVING SASAKI INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Minerva sends Mei out of the corner with a snapmare lifting her up from behind, AND I THINK MINERVA IS LOOKING FOR PARADISE LOST!
James Peters: NO! MEI TWISTS AROUND, FACING MINERVA AS SHE NOW SHOVES HER BACK! Minerva runs back towards Mei, BUT MEI QUICKLY SLIPS BEHIND MINERVA BEFORE GRABBING HER, LOOKING TO LIFT HER UP FOR A TEARDROP SUPLEX!!! MEI IS TRYING TO LIFT MINERVA UP, BUT MINERVA IS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH A BACK ELBOW, FORCING MEI OFF OF HER! Minerva now grabbing Mei by the arm before going for an irish whip, BUT MEI TURNS IT AROUND! MEI SENDS MINERVA INTO THE ROPES, AND NOW SHE GOES FOR THAT SPINNING HEEL KICK AS MINERVA REBOUNDS OFF OF THE ROPES!!! DISINTEGRATION!!!!
Rich Russillo: WAIT, NO! MINERVA JUST SLID UNDER MEI, BARELY AVOIDING THE KICK, AND NOW SHE QUICKLY POPS UP BEFORE CONNECTING WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!!! MINERVA MIGHT’VE JUST KICKED MEI’S HEAD OFF, BUT BEFORE MEI EVEN HAS THE CHANCE TO FALL MINERVA PULLS HER INTO THE FRONT FACELOCK!!! MINERVA NOW LIFTING SASAKI UP IN THE AIR, BEFORE DRILLING HER HEAD INTO THE MAT WITH ATLAS FALLS!!!!
Persephone: Oh my God, FINALLY! NOW HURRY UP AND PIN HER, I’M SICK AND TIRED OF ALL THE BLOODLESS WRESTLING TONIGHT!
James Peters: ATLAS FALLS CONNECTS, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THIS ONE MAY BE OVER! MINERVA NOW HOOKING THE LEGS!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… ADVANCING TO THE ICONIC CUP QUARTER FINALS… MMIIIIIIINNNEEERRRVVVAAAAA!!!!!
James Peters: Wow! Minerva picks up the victory after connecting with the devil’s touch and atlas falls! That was a great match, and now Minerva is one step closer to being a TWO TIME Iconic Cup winner!
Rich Russillo: Mei Sasaki did her best in that match, but at the end of the day Minerva is one of the best Elitists in EAW. Victory against her isn’t easy no matter who you are, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of tonight.
Persephone: Whatever. I’m just glad that this is over. I don’t know why this match even lasted as long as it did to begin with.
James Peters: Congratulations to Minerva for moving on to the second round!
(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ plays as Minerva returns to her feet, and the fans in attendance cheer loudly for her as she has her hand raised. Minerva celebrates her victory as Mei Sasaki is seen still laid out on the mat, and as Minerva begins to exit the ring and head back up the ramp, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for EAW 2K24 featuring Minerva.)
( As the camera’s sparkled back to life we were brought back into Turkey, the residential home for this week’s airing of Voltage, and the crowd was RAUCOUS; cheering at the signal that the show was back on air, as a mid-air drone flew over the fans lining each and every row inside of the arena; getting a vast view of how strong and prominent EAW was in Turkey, hell – all over the WORLD; as the energy was still very lively as we were reaching the end of the show, as suddenly ‘ Good For Her ‘ By Mothica began to blast through the speakers; channeling all the positive energy into loud boos towards the captain of this year’s Territorial Invasion Brand Warfare team, Cameron Ella Ava. With Voltage coming up short in that match, as Cameron’s sister, Ms. Extreme ended up taking the win for Dynasty in a HIGHLY contested bout; it was clear that Cameron wasn’t in the brightest of moods with how everything went down, as she walked her way out of the titan-tron’s opening; moving towards the ramp as she began to strut down, not in the mood for many theatrics; aside the sparkles that shot into the air the moment she began moving down the ramp, as she grew closer to the ring. )
Bella Braxton: PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME… ‘THE SERPENT’, AND EAW HALL OF FAMER… CAMEEROONNN ELLLAAAAAA AVAAAAAAA!!!!
Persephone: Now that my obligation to root for team Voltage is over, can I say how disappointed I am in Cameron’s performance? Truly, inexcusable.
Rich Russillo: I mean you can say that, but I wouldn’t say it out loud if you enjoy your facial arrangement staying the same.
Persephone: Look – All I’m saying is that Cameron Ella Ava was taken out by ARIA. Hall of Famer with over a decade old career, taken out by ARIA. I mean surely I’m not the only one to see the big problem with this here?!
James Peters: You’re acting as if ARIA hasn’t solidified herself as a great Elitist within this company?
Persephone: You and I have two different definitions of ‘great’, James. :mjpls:
( Cameron managed to make her way up the steel steps, transitioning onto the apron as she made her way into the ring, clearing through the middle rope as she walked towards the corner where a staff member was ready with a microphone in hand that they handed off to Cameron, who quickly backtracked to the center of the ring; one hand on her hip as she bit into her bottom lip, a sigh leaving her mouth as she clearly was thinking of what exactly she was going to say; with ‘Good For Her’ slowly beginning to fade out? Time was of the essence. )
Cameron Ella Ava: I’m upset. And as much as I would love to come out here and not feel like that, isn’t it obvious in my demeanor? I simply can’t do so. Territorial Invasion was just supposed to be another good mark on my already plentiful resume. It was going to be another step in the right direction for me to set a par that would be physically impossible for anyone else to reach – and you know what? I know on that night, I could’ve delivered a performance that perfectly encapsulated my need, and not just that, my justified RIGHT to have gotten that moment for myself; but the thing is? I didn’t get that. No matter how you shape it, the wrong Ava sister won and my goal wasn’t reached. So I am left with the backlash of Voltage’s failure, and I have to stand here and ask the timeless question everyone says when they are put in a position like this . . . What next?
( Cameron composes herself for a moment, tilting her head as she shook it; clearly still upset, as she took another exhale. )
Cameron Ella Ava: I move on. I’m not happy in the slightest about how things ended, but what does that change? What does sulking ever truly do? I’ve been in this business for too long, I have seen too much to just come out here and complain about what happened and what didn’t happen in a match designed for chaos to ensue. WE didn’t win, because its a group effort, at Territorial Invasion; and we all will have our grievances about it – but Cameron Ella Ava isn’t an Elitist that is defined by my losses, no no; I am SEEN only for what I have won, because that list is never ending. I’ve been in far more career-depressive situations than this, so if you were to think I wasn’t going to be able to keep it rolling? You don’t know the first thing about me. I am a woman of my word, if I think I can do something; in the general view of things, I’m going to do it. And that pairs well when I said at the beginning of this season that I would make it MINE – that I would make VOLTAGE mine, and anyone who doubted Cameron Ella Ava as a pure Main Event Talent in this business; but a woman who can walk out of those Main Events with her hand raised high. That’s who I am, that’s who I am going to BE – and Territorial Invasion isn’t going to stop that from happening, not by a long shot.
Cameron Ella Ava: So, when one door closes? Another opens, or I FORCE it to open – because Cameron Ella Ava won’t be denied, Cameron Ella Ava won’t be misused; and Cameron Ella Ava will be the head of the Marquee, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. So when I said I was going to be the face of Voltage this season? I meant it. And there are intangibles to that, one far more important than any of the rest.
( Cameron said, walking forward to the ropes as a smirk grew upon her face. )
Cameron Ella Ava: What I want? And what I will inevitably get . . . Is the EAW World Championship.
(Seemingly on cue, the sounds of ‘Footsteps of Doom’ by KOHTA YAMAMOTO are heard playing through the speakers, the crowd reacting loudly as the camera goes over to reveal the EAW World Champion himself Drake King begin to make his way out from the backstage area. It was clear that he was listening to everything that Cameron had to say, and as soon as her intentions were made known, he didn’t hesitate to come right out. He has a smile on his face as he heads down the ramp, tugging at his title, while Cameron eyes him from inside the ring while he does.)
Rich Russillo: Well it seems someone wasn’t just going to take this lying down. Drake King is here after a successful title defense against EAW Hall of Famer Cy Henderson last week at Territorial Invasion. While that was more than satisfying, it looks like the grind doesn’t stop for him as his next challenger awaits.
Persephone: This idiot said he’d face anyone then spent the entire Territorial Invasion build ducking a Cy Henderson match, I don’t think anything would change if Cameron Ella Ava of all people decided to challenge. I’m sure this is going to be annoying.
(Drake makes his way around the ring and up the steel steps, heading onto the apron as he enters through the ropes. ‘Footsteps of Doom’ begins to come to a close as he grabs a microphone, approaching Cameron as the two of them meet face-to-face. Drake seems to actually be thinking about Cameron’s challenge toward him, but of course, after sometime…)
Drake King: :mjlol2:!!!
(Cameron rolls her eyes, as Drake is practically dying with laughter for a moment.)
Drake King: Are you kidding?! You?! Cameron Ella Ava?! Let me ask you something, did you see what I just did to Cy Henderson last week at Territorial Invasion? He thought that he would be the one to beat me for my title and I stomped him out, just like I’ve done to everyone else who has tried to challenge me. If you think that you’re going to be the one to beat me, then you’re better off just getting to the back of the line. I wish I could give you the benefit of the doubt, but I’m looking at the person who couldn’t even lead her team to victory in the Brand Warfare match, a match that has been primarily dominated by Voltage for the past couple of years. I enjoy giving people the chance to see God in action, but if it’s going to be such a short and one-sided match like the one that we’re going to have, then really… What’s the point?
(Drake shakes his head, adding to the apparent disappointment that he has for someone like Cameron to challenge for his title. Cameron on the other hand though, is not really bothered by what Drake says at all, because she knows that none of it is true. She quickly looks to rebuke as she brings her microphone up.)
Cameron Ella Ava: You’re not saying anything that I haven’t heard before Drake, especially out of your mouth. We saw the stunts that you tried to pull when Cy tried to challenge you for your Championship, you did everything that you possibly could to avoid him. Now there’s a number of guesses why that would be the case, mine being that you were just scared of him, but the point is that in the end you couldn’t avoid facing him as you did last week. Even though things just so happened to have gone your way, there is no point in wasting my time. In fact, if you weren’t listening, I already made it clear a while ago that I had my eyes on the EAW World Championship, and that it was only a matter of time before I decided to actually fight for it. So if you want to try and run away from yet another fight, that’s fine, because you’ll just end up showing everyone what kind of person and what kind of Champion you are. One way or another I will find a way to add the EAW World Championship to my list of accolades.
(Drake sighs, not taking very kindly to what Cameron has to say. He takes an excruciating amount of time to think about what his decision is going to be, as Cameron patiently waits, expecting a number of answers out of him. After some time, he finally begins to nod his head and speak.)
Drake King: Alright then, if this is what you really want… You have your match.
(The crowd erupts loudly into cheers, Cameron smirking as she nods her head in agreement, it not taking much work to persuade him.)
Drake King: At Wicked Games you can face me for the EAW World Championship. I could give a number of reasons why I believe you don’t deserve a title shot, but after the trouble I just went through with Cy, he ended up not even putting up a fight… So you shouldn’t expect to be an actual challenge either.
Cameron Ella Ava: You can say that if you want to, and you can look at me however you want regardless of what I have accomplished in EAW. But let me warn you, all you need to be concerned about is whether or not you’ll actually leave Wicked Games as Champion. You have been on borrowed time for quite a while now, and it’s about time someone knocked you down a peg and I’m happy that person is going to be me.
(That seems to have struck a nerve with Drake, who simply stands there, looking down at the EAW World Championship which is around his waist. No more words need to be said by Cameron, as she drops down and rolls herself out of the ring. She doesn’t leave, instead she heads around to the broadcasting booth, and it seems like she’s going to be serving tonight as the special guest commentator given the match that has been made official. Drake eyes her in disgust, before he unbuckles his title and takes off his entrance gear. He begins to prepare for his match as a referee slides into the ring, with that being the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage fades to a brief commercial break.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Drake King defends the EAW World Championship against Cameron Ella Ava.)
(The camera cuts to Cameron Ella Ava adjusting her headset at the commentary table as Drake King harasses her from inside the ring, hurling trash talk her way, which she doesn’t pay much attention to. The camera cuts to Bella Braxton ringside, standing up from her seat by the timekeepers area.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Already in the ring! Residing out of The Dead Sea, Israel, weighing in at 220 pounds…HE IS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION…HE IS GOD…HE IS…DRAKE KING!!
(Drake King taunts in the middle of the ring with his championship, spreading his arms wide, receiving a mostly positive reaction from fans. But the ovation is overwhelming for his opponent as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac plays TLA out. TLA parks his lowrider on the ramp, and he holds his Hardcore Championship up in the car before stepping out.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing out of Tlaxcala, Mexico, weighing in at 210 pounds…HE IS THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION…LA PANTERA SEXUAL…TLA!!
James Peters: First of all, Cameron, pleasure to have you here.
Cameron Ella Ava: I’m sure it is.
Rich Russillo; It’s obvious that you’ve ramped up the drama, not like this match needed it however, as it is champion vs champion.
James Peters: Yep, Drake King and TLA are gonna duke it out to show the world who the superior champion is.
Persephone: You’d think it’d be the World Champion.
James Peters: Well, not when someone like TLA holds that Title. He has gone toe-to-toe with, and beaten the best of em, including Drake. Can he do the same tonight?
(TLA enters the ring, and holds his title up in Drake’s face as his theme fades in the background. Both men hand their titles off, and the referee signals for the bell to ring as both competitors stand in opposite corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Bell has rung, and we are underway! Drake King, TLA, Champion versus Champion, our main event of the evening with Cameron Ella Ava joining us on commentary for it!
Persephone: Thanks for recapping what we already knew, Rich.
Rich Russillo: You never know. There could be new viewers tuning in.
Persephone: What dumbass tunes in during the final match of the show?
Rich Russillo: Well… you never know I guess
James Peters: :wow: Well, focusing our attention on the in-ring action, both men begin circling one another to start things off. As you could see, Drake is now turning his attention fully towards TLA, previously being a bit distracted by Cameron’s presence ringside.
Cameron Ella Ava: It’s understandable. I mean, I’m a threat, and he knows that. There’s a reason he didn’t want to defend that title against me.
James Peters: Fair point. But right now, Drake and TLA begin to close the distance, starting to lock hands for a test of strength, otherwise known as a Greco-Roman knuckle lock. But before Drake and TLA can lock their other hands together, Drake wrings the arm of TLA, and pulls him into a standing side headlock! Drake wrenches on the hold, locking eyes with Cameron Ella Ava as he does so, and takes TLA down with a side headlock takeover!
Rich Russillo: Correct me if I’m wrong, Cam, but I think the champ is trying to send you a message early on.
Cameron Ella Ava: Not an ounce of intimidation in my eyes.
Rich Russillo: Drake has managed to ground TLA, which is probably for the best, because the last thing you want is for TLA to get some momentum going, because he’s hard to stop at that point, given his fast-paces, high flying offense. Goes to show how well Drake and TLA know each other from their numerous battles in the past.
James Peters: Look at TLA! TLA rolls Drake onto both shoulders!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
James Peters: Kickout at one! Drake finds himself right back on top for that grounded side headlock.
Persephone: Damn. I was hoping for TLA to pull a fast one, so we could hurry, and wrap things up tonight. I’m getting tired at this commentary desk.
James Peters: Even after the show we’ve had tonight?
Persephone: Especially after the show we’ve had tonight.
James Peters: :roman:
Rich Russillo: Drake has done a good job of grounding TLA in the early going, but I wonder if that’ll change soon as TLA starts powering back to his feet in the side headlock. TLA forearms Drake in the ribs multiple times, attempting to loosen his grip, which he does slightly. TLA bounces Drake off the ropes to escape, but Drake rebounds back with a SHOULDER TACKLE, taking TLA down!
James Peters: Drake goes to run off the ropes- BUT TLA KIPS BACK TO HIS FEET, HALTING DRAKE IN HIS TRACKS BEFORE HE COULD REBOUND OFF! Drake and TLA stare each other down briefly, finding themselves at a stalemate. BUT DRAKE CHARGES TLA FOR A CLOTHESLINE- TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES FOR AN ARM DRAG!
Rich Russillo: BOTH COMPETITORS SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND DRAKE RUSHES TOWARD TLA, BUT GETS SIDESTEPPED BY THE LATIN ASSASSIN! DRAKE REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES AGAIN, AND TLA LEAPFROGS OVER HIM! Drake brings his momentum to a halt behind TLA, who now runs off the ropes himself! Dropdown by King!
James Peters: It looked like Drake had tripped TLA, but no! TLA rolls through to his feet! Drake pops back to his feet, and TLA goes for a kick to the midsection! BUT DRAKE CATCHES IT, AND AS A RESULT, TLA BACKFLIPS ONTO HIS FEET! TLA GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT THIS TIME, DRAKE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES NOW!
Rich Russillo: TLA TURNS AROUND, AND GETS CAUGHT WITH A HURRICANRAN- NO! TLA HEADSPRINGS ONTO HIS FEET, AVOIDING IT! Drake rushes to his feet, proud of himself, but his high is immediately ruined once seeing TLA up to his feet as well, the hurricanrana having not
James Peters: There’s some annoyance etched on Drake’s face-
Persephone: Believe me, there’s some on mine as well.
James Peters: As usual.
Rich Russillo: As this match rolls on, I must ask, Cam, are you impressed with Drake’s performance?
Cameron Ella Ava: Not exactly. This is what I’ve come to expect out of Drake. In that ring, he’s obviously gifted. But outside the ring… well… that’s a story for another day.
James Peters: Finding themselves at a stalemate once again, both TLA and Drake circle each other for a collar and elbow tie-up in the center of the ri- OOH! NO! Drake had other plans, faking TLA out with a kick to the midsection! King follows that up with a forearm, BUT TLA EXPLODES WITH ONE OF HIS OWN, STAGGERING DRAKE BACK INTO THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: No surprise there! That forearm had some extra umph behind it! TLA marches toward Drake in the corner, BUT DRAKE PULLS HIM INTO SAID CORNER, AND CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST, ECHOING THROUGHOUT THE ARENA! Drake is starting to ramp up the intensity as he connects with a SECOND knife edge chop to the chest!
James Peters: A slight grin has formed across the face of King, his frustration beginning to die down, now having TLA right where he wants him as he irish whips him to the opposite corner! Drake charges in after him, BUT TLA GOES UP AND OVER! Drake stops himself from colliding sternum first with the top turnbuckle, and heads to the center as TLA runs off the ropes!
Rich Russillo: Drake ducks down, signaling early for a back body drop! BUT TLA COUNTERS WITH A PENALTY KICK TO THE FACE, JOLTING DRAKE BACK UPRIGHT! Drake favors his mouth and nose area momentarily, but ultimately looks for revenge with a clothesline attempt! TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, ROLLING THROUGH TO HIS FEET, AND CATCHES DRAKE WITH A BACKFLIP HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!
James Peters: Drake King quickly rises back to his feet, and leans up against the ropes as he tries to catch his bearings. BUT TLA RUSHES IN, AND CLOTHESLINES DRAKE UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE! Drake slowly makes it back to his feet, but while he does, TLA starts to line him up, grabbing hold of the top rope, possibly looking for a SLINGSHOT CROSS- NO! TLA CATCHES HIMSELF ON THE APRON AS DRAKE KING GETS OUT OF HARM’S WAY!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE TRIES TAKING A SWIPE AT TLA’S LEGS! BUT TLA HOPS OVER THE ATTEMPT, AND KICKS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE FOR A MOONSAULT, WIPING DRAKE OUT RINGSIDE!
TLA: :lick:
Persephone: Most intriguing thing done in this match so far.
Cameron Ella Ava: Kudos to TLA. That was pretty impressive.
Rich Russillo: You can use that word to describe a lot of his offense. But TLA pulls Drake back to his feet, and cracks him across the chest with a knife edge chop!
James Peters: Not sure if you could that as impressive, I’d use the words hard-hitting or straight forward, just a simple chop to the chest of King, who goes into retreat mode, rounding the steel steps to try and create space from TLA. But before he can get far, TLA catches him up to him, and lands ANOTHER knife edge chop to the chest after leaning Drake up against the barricade!
Rich Russillo: TLA rolls Drake back inside the ring, and Drake crawls to a corner, which he pulls himself up in. TLA rolls back inside himself, and charges in! BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BACK ELBOW BY DRAKE! TLA drops to a knee, clutching at his jaw. Drake hops to the middle rope, seating himself on the top turnbuckle, and reaches out for the kneeling TLA, possibly wanting a tornado DDT. BUT HE GETS CAUGHT WITH A FOREARM BY TLA INSTEAD, STUNNING HIM ON THAT TOP TURNBUCKLE!
James Peters: TLA starts climbing to the top rope, but before he could get all the way up, DRAKE SLIPS BETWEEN HIS LEGS, AND PULLS ONE OUT FROM UNDER TLA, CAUSING HIM TO COLLIDE FACE FIRST WITH THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! TLA writhes in pain on the canvas, attempting to shake the cobwebs out of his head. Drake King realizes that his opponent is down, and hurries to mount him with right hands to the face!
Rich Russillo: TLA does his best to block, but some of the punches do manage to slip past his guard! Drake grows tired of punching, and grabs a handful of TLA’s hair, pulling him back to his feet for a snapmare! Drake runs off the ropes, and delivers a JUMPING KNEE DROP! That knee hitting right between TLA’s eyes! Quickly, Drake slides into the cover, hooking the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Persephone: Unfortunately, a kickout at two by TLA.
Cameron Ella Ava: Was obvious that wouldn’t be enough to get it done.
James Peters: TLA sits up after the pinfall attempt, trying to get his wits about him, but Drake comes from behind, and locks him in a rear chinlock, proceeding to wear down his opponent. Not only that, but Drake is buying himself some time to catch his breath, along with conjure up his next move against TLA.
Persephone: Hopefully, it’s one that can actually, I don’t know, FINISH THE MATCH!
Cameron Ella Ava: To this day, I wonder how you’re still employed.
James Peters: As do I.
Rich Russillo: Hey, lay off, Persephone, will ya? TLA is powering back to his feet in the rear chinlock, finding himself in a similar position to earlier where he had to fight out of a side headlock. TLA scores with a couple of back elbows to the midsection of King, ultimately breaking his grip. Now, TLA keeps applying pressure with a FOREARM STRIKE, BONE MEETING JAW!
James Peters: Drake is stunned, and TLA takes advantage, irish whipping him off the ropes! But no! Drake counters, sending TLA instead! NO! TLA COUNTERS, TWISTING THE ARM, AND PULLS DRAKE INTO A CLOTHESLINE! TLA GOES FOR A STANDING MOONSAULT ON DRAKE- BUT DRAKE KICKS TLA AWAY WITH BOTH FEET MID MOONSAULT, CAUSING TLA TO LAND ON THE BACK OF HIS NECK!
Persephone: :roman: Damn, I might get my wish about this match ending! TLA might’ve just died there!
James Peters: Not sure why you sound so happy about that…
Rich Russillo: “Unfortunately,” Persephone, TLA is alive and well, but he’s favoring that neck as he lies prone on the canvas, writhing in pain. But ever the opportunist, Drake King rushes over, and pulls TLA back to his feet for a NECKBREAKER IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! DRAKE HOOKS THE LEG DEEP FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Kickout at two! BUT DRAKE KING TURNS TLA ON HIS BELLY, AND CONTINUES TARGETING THE NECK WITH A CROSSFACE! CROSSFACE SUBMISSION MANEUVER IS LOCKED IN, AND DRAKE PULLS BACK ON IT! TLA REACHES OUT FOR THE ROPES, BUT HES NOWHERE NEAR, CURRENTLY BEING TRAPPED IN THE CENTER OF THAT RING BY DRAKE!
Persephone: CMON, TLA! TAP!
Rich Russillo: CMON, PERSEPHONE, IT WONT BE THAT EASY TO BEA-
Persephone; SHUT UP! A WOMAN CAN DREAM!
Rich Russillo: Well… as I was saying, it won’t be that easy to put away TLA, at least not yet! Before tapping, TLA is gonna look to overcome this submission Drake King has locked in!
James Peters: You might’ve spoke too soon, partner! YOU COULD BE WRONG AS TLA RAISES HIS HAND, CONTEMPLATING A TAP OUT! NO! TLA ROLLS DRAKE ONTO HIS SHOULDERS, AND HOOKS THE LEG, STILL TRAPPED IN THAT CROSSFACE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHH-
Rich Russillo: DRAKE KICKS OUT, SIMULTANEOUSLY RELEASING THE SUBMISSION! BOTH COMPETITORS SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND DRAKE CATCHES TLA WITH A DEVASTATING KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! TLA stumbles away from King, and drops to a knee as he leans up against the middle rope.
James Peters: You know, going back to something Rich mentioned, he used the word “opportunist” to describe Drake King, but that’s a word many could use to describe you as well, Cameron.
Cameron Ella Ava: And they’d be correct in doing so. I’ve been around for a while now, and if there’s one thing I learned when to strike, when to pick your spots. You saw that when I eliminated my sister at Territorial Invasion.
James Peters: Yes, that was after Caroline made her a sitting duck out there. But speaking of sitting ducks, TLA appears to be one as Drake King closes the distance on him, pulling TLA up to his feet, and leaning him against the ropes for another knife edge chop across the chest!
Rich Russillo: TLA FIGHTS BACK WITH A CHOP OF HIS OWN, BUT THAT DIDNT PACK MUCH UMPH BEHIND IT, AND DRAKE QUICKLY FIRES BACK WITH A THIRD KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST THAT DOES! TLA is in a bad way right now, and Drake irish whips him off the ropes!
James Peters: TLA REVERSES THE IRISH WHIP, SENDING DRAKE TOWARDS THE ROPES INSTEAD! TLA ducks down, perhaps signaling a back body drop! BUT DRAKE KING AVOIDS IT WITH A SUNSET FLIP! BUT DOESNT HOLD IT FOR A COVER, INSTEAD ROLLING TLA THROUGH TO HIS FEET! DRAKE MAKES IT TO HIS, AND HOISTS TLA UP FOR A POWERBOMB!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA SLIPS OFF OF DRAKE’S SHOULDERS, AND STAGGERS BACK INTO THE CORNER! DRAKE RUSHES IN, BUT GETS SENT UP AND OVER TLA’S SHOULDER! DRAKE CATCHES HIMSELF ON THE APRON, AND TAGS TLA WITH A FOREARM, STAGGERING HIM BACK! DRAKE SPRINGS OFF THE TOP ROPE FOR THE FLYING KNEE!
James Peters: BUT TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND DRAKE HAS TO ROLL THROUGH TO HIS FEET! KING RUNS FULL STEAM AHEAD TOWARDS TLA, BUT TLA POPS HIM IN THE AIR FOR A VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT! TLA drops to his knees, and struggles to catch a breath, the wear and tear beginning to show.
Persephone: If TLA’s tired, imagine how tired we are… of this match.
James Peters: :kyrie:
Cameron Ella Ava: Unlike Persephone, I’m actually enjoying seeing these two beat the hell out of each other. It’s rather entertaining actually.
Rich Russillo: Well, TLA needs to make a cover on Drake, but due to the time taken, I fear that opportunity may have slipped through his fingertips as Drake King is beginning to stir, slowly rising to all fours. TLA rises to his feet, and hobbles toward Drake, slowly pulling him back to a vertical base. BUT DRAKE EXPLODES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A FOREARM! TLA FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN!
James Peters: DRAKE LANDS ANOTHER FOREARM! TLA DOES THE SAME! BOTH MEN ARE ON WOBBLY LEGS, BUT THAT DOESNT STOP DRAKE FROM CONNECTING WITH ANOTHER FOREARM! OOH! OVERHAND CHOP BY TLA, SWITCHING THINGS UP A BIT! DRAKE KING STUNNED, AND TLA SHOVES HIM BACK INTO THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: BIG CLOTHESLINE BY TLA! BUT DRAKE IS QUICKLY BACK TO HIS FEET, AND AS A RESULT, TLA RUNS OFF THE ROPES FOR A HURRICANRANA! AGAIN, DRAKE IS QUICKLY BACK TO HIS FEET, AND STAGGERS TO THE CORNER! TLA RUSHES IN, AND CONNECTS WITH A CLOTHESLINE, FOLLOWED BY A BACK ELBOW, AND ENDS THE COMBINATION OFF WITH A DISCUS LARIAT!
James Peters: TLA PLACES DRAKE BETWEEN HIS LEGS, AND HOISTS HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR A RUNNING SIT-OUT POWERBOMB IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, SHORTENED VERSION OF DESMADRE, WHICH TLA HOLDS FOR THE COVER, THINKING HE HAS DRAKE BEAT RIGHT HERE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! DRAKE JUST GETTING THE SHOULDER UP!
James Peters: And already, I see Persephone opening her mouth to say something negative.
Persephone: Not true. With how close that three count was, tells me that we’re getting closer to a winner. 🙏
James Peters: Well, I guess you could look at it that way…
Cameron Ella Ava: If TLA pulls this off, maybe he’s the Champion I need to be challenging, not Drake.
Rich Russillo: Speaking of, TLA hovers a prone Drake King, and pulls him up by the rear of his tights. TLA grabs Drake in a rear waistlock- but Drake scores a go behind on TLA for one of his own! TLA tries prying Drake’s hands apart, but once finding that to be no use, he takes a simpler route, BACK ELBOWING DRAKE SQUARE IN THE JAW!
James Peters: Drake staggers back into the corner, and TLA charges in! DRAKE SENDS TLA UP AND OVER HIS SHOULDER TO THE OUTS- TLA! TLA CATCHES HIMSELF ON THE APRON, AND DRAKE GOES TO KNOCK HIM OFF WITH A RIGHT, BUT TLA BLOCKS IT, AND SMACKS DRAKE ACROSS THE FACE WITH A HARD SLAP! Drake staggers away from TLA, clutching at his face, and doubles over in the center. Once standing upright, TLA SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: THIS TIME, DRAKE KING DUCKS UNDERNEATH WHATEVER TLA HAS PLANNED, AND TLA ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET, FINDING HIMSELF IN THE CORNER! DRAKE RUSHES IN! BUT TLA GETS BOTH BOOTS UP! DRAKE CATCHES THEM, BUT TLA SHOVES HIM AWAY WITH BOTH FEET!
James Peters: DRAKE ROLLS BACK THROUGH TO HIS FEET, AND TLA CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! BUT DRAKE CATCHES IT, AND COUNTERS WITH A FLATLINER ON TLA, WHICH HE TRANSITIONS INTO A KOJI CLUTCH! KOJI CLUTCH! THE SCRIPTURE IS LOCKED IN! BUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, DRAKE HAS TO BREAK THE HOLD AS TLA WRAPS BOTH FEET ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Rich Russillo: TLA got extremely lucky there with that ring placement, almost having found himself trapped in the koji clutch. Drake King marches toward TLA, and pulls him back to his feet, DONE playing around as he attempts to hook his arms for the Ascension!
James Peters: BUT TLA BLOCKS THE PEDIGREE ONCE BACK BODY DROPPING DRAKE KING UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE! DRAKE HIT HARD ON THE OUTSIDE!
Persephone: Jesus. Even I heard that splat.
Cameron Ella Ava: Talk about a sickening thud.
Rich Russillo: TLA takes a moment to catch his breath, watching as Drake King slowly stands himself up on the outside. AND ONCE HE DOES, TLA RUNS OFF THE ROPES BEFORE SOARING THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! DRAKE GOES BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! AND TLA ROLLS HIM BACK INSIDE THE RING!
James Peters: TLA slides in himself, but Drake, realizing he’s in trouble, rolls away from TLA, and pulls himself up in the corner. TLA CHARGES IN- BUT DRAKE GETS THE BOOT UP! TLA STAGGERS BACK, AND DRAKE COMES CHARGING OUT OF THE CORNER! BACK ELBOW BY TLA, KNOCKING DRAKE BACK INTO THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: TLA RUSHES IN- BUT DRAKE ROLLS HIM UP WITH A SCHOOL BOY! BUT HE ROLLS TLA THROUGH TO A KNEE! DRAKE GOES FOR THE SUPERKICK, BUT TLA SIDESTEPS, AND PLANTS HIM WITH THE ZIG ZAG! TLA HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRR-
James Peters: SHOULDER UP! TLA drags Drake closer to the corner, and begins to ascend, climbing to the top rope. BUT ONCE PERCHING HIMSELF, DRAKE THROWS HIMSELF ON TOP ROPE, CAUSING TLA TO GET CROTCHED ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! TLA holds his groin in pain, and Drake climbs to the middle turnbuckle, grabbing TLA in a front facelock, and clubbing him across the back repeatedly.
Rich Russillo: Drake King hooks TLA up for a SUPERPLEX! AND BOTH COMPETITORS COME CRASHING DOWN ON THE CANVAS! BUT DRAKE ISNT DONE, ROLLING THROUGH TO HIS FEET, AND LIFTS TLA UP FOR A FALCONS ARROW!
James Peters: TLA! TLA FLOATS OVER, FINDING HIMSELF BEHIND DRAKE! BUT GETS DRILLED WITH A GAMENGIRI AS A RESULT! TLA CAN BARELY STAND, AND DRAKE RUNS OFF THE ROPES- SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK BY TLA! DRAKE STUMBLES BACK, AND REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: DISCUS ELBO- TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! AND DRAKE TURNS AROUND- CARTEL KICK! NO! TLA WENT FOR THE PELE KICK, BUT DRAKE STEPPED OUT OF THE WAY, AND TLA RISES TO BOTH KNEES! DRAKE GOES FOR A SUPERKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
James Peters: OOH! IT CONNECTS! IT CONNECTS, AND TLA ROLLS OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! Drake King urges for TLA to stand up, intensity in his eyes, unlike anything we’ve seen throughout this match thus far! DRAKE RUNS OFF THE ROPES, AND SOARS THROUGH FOR A SUICIDE DIVE!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA CATCHES HIM! TLA CAUGHT HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS IN POSITION FOR A FIREMAN CARRY! BUT DRAKE KING SLIPS OFF, AND KICKS TLA IN THE GUT FOR THE ASCENSION! PEDIGREE CONNECTS ON THE OUTSIDE! BUT DRAKE IS UNABLE TO CAPITALIZE, FALLING OVER FROM EXHAUSTION!
Persephone: Oh, cmon! Roll him back him in, you have the match won, idiot!
James Peters: Obviously, he’s not in a state to do that, Persephone as the ref begins counting both men out!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX!
James Peters: Wait, Drake is starting to stir, and contemplates sliding back in the ring to take the count out victory. But decides against it, retrieving TLA instead, and pulling him up to his feet in a front facelock.
Rich Russillo: That’s 210 pounds of dead weight Drake needs to get inside the ring.
Referee: SEVEN! EIGHT!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA! TLA DRIVES DRAKE BACK FIRST INTO THE APRON! AND TLA HEARS THE REFEREE’S COUNT!
Referee: NINE!
James Peters: REFEREE UP TO TEN, TLA GOES TO SLIDE BACK IN!
Referee: TEN!
James Peters: DRAKE! DRAKE PULLED TLA OUT BY THE ANKLE BEFORE HE COULD SLIDE BACK IN!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! Both men have officially been counted, therefore, this match has been ruled… A DRAW!
(The crowd reign down with boos as the match ends in a double countout. TLA is seated on the outside, and pounds the floor in frustration, but both him and Drake lock eyes, each man filled with anger, and charge at one another, causing the crowd to erupt with cheers.)
James Peters: WELL, THE MATCH IS OVER, BUT THESE TWO ARENT DONE FIGHTING, ENGAGING IN HOCKEY LIKE FISTICUFFS WITH ONE ANOTHER!
Cameron Ella Ava: Say, I’m not glad with how things ended, but this is pretty good compensation.
Rich Russillo: TLA! TLA GETS THE UPPER HAND OVER DRAKE, THROWING HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!
James Peters: BUT AS TLA CLOSES IN, DRAKE CATCHES HIM WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! TLA GETS ROLLED BACK INSIDE THE RING, AND DRAKE HOPS UP ON THE APRON!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA CHARGES, AND DROPKICKS HIM OFF, SENDING DRAKE RIB FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!
James Peters: TLA TRIES TO EXIT THE RING, SO HE CAN INFLICT MORE DAMAGE, BUT THE REFEREE IS ATTEMPTING TO TALK TLA DOWN! ALTHOUGH, WITH THE MINDSET HE’S IN, IM NOT SURE THATS POSSIBLE AS TLA PUSHES PAST THE REFEREE, AND EXITS THE RING!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE KING HAS STAGGERED HIS WAY OVER TO A CORNER OF THE BARRICADE, BUT TLA CHARGES IN, AND CLOTHESLINE HIM OVER INTO THE TIMEKEEPERS AREA!
(TLA takes a moment to taunt to the fans, firing them up even more.)
James Peters: TLA GOES TO ENTER THE TIMEKEEPERS AREA, BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A STEEL CHAIR THAT DRAKE DRIVES INTO HIS MIDSECTION! DRAKE GRABS HOLD OF TLA, AND-
(The commentary team get out of dodge as Drake sends TLA up and over the announce table.)
Rich Russillo: TLA JUST WENT FLYING OVER ANNOUNCE TABLE! AND DRAKE HURLS SOME TRASH TALK CAMERON’S WAY! THAT IS BEFORE RETRIEVING HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!
(Cameron stands up out of her seat as TLA comes crawling out the table rubble, giving him the space to do so.)
James Peters: UH OH! TLA HAS CRAWLED OUT THE RUBBLE, BUT DRAKE IS LINING HIM UP WITH THAT WORLD TITLE!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE IS CHARGING IN! LOOK OUT!
Persephone: :roman:
James Peters: HE MISSED! DRAKE MISSED! BUT HE DID HIT SOMEONE, THAT BEING CAMERON ELLA AVA! DRAKE CLOCKED HER WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
(Drake responds with initial shock at hitting the wrong target, but ultimately shrugs it off once realizing it’s simply Cameron, and turns around-)
Rich Russillo: OOH! KICK TO THE GUT BY TLA DROPS DRAKE TO A KNEE! AND TLA STARTS CLEARING OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE OFF!
James Peters: TLA GRABS DRAKE’S HEAD, AND SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST OFF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!
Persephone: WE GET IT!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE IS ALMOST OUT OF IT, AND TLA PULLS HIM UP ON THE ANNOUNCE TABLE… PLANTING HIM WITH THE VERY MEXICAN DESTROYER THROUGH THE TABLE!
Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
(Both TLA and Drake King lie sprawled in the rubble, neither competitor moving.)
James Peters: TLA JUST PUT DRAKE KING THROUGH OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE!
Rich Russillo: IF THAT ISNT A WAY TO CLOSE THE SHOW, I DONT KNOW WHAT IS!
(Referee exits the ring to check on both men, and waves out medics, who rush down the ramp as Voltage ends in chaos. Cameron having been clocked with the championship, and TLA putting Drake through a table.)
(EAW Logo Buzzes.)