Voltage

(The camera opens up to a shot of the parking lot of The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, a limo is seen slowly pulling up to the entrance, where the passenger’s seat opens up. It’s revealed to be Albert Hitchman, who quickly stands up and makes his way toward the back of the limo, opening it up as two people are seen making their way out. The shot completely focuses on Andre Walker and Ronan Malosi, the crowd responding with boos, as both of them are dressed for the occasion, wearing very dapper suits as they begin to make their walk. Ronan and Albert walk behind Andre into the arena as the camera fades from there.)

(EAW intro plays.)

(A recap is shown of last week’s episode of Sunday Night Voltage, where Minerva, Hikari Kanno, Dr. Bethany Blue, Rex McAllister, and Roberto De La Rosa are all seen getting wins on the show. The camera then goes to a shot of The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico as the shot pans around to show the hyped-up crowd while pyro is seen erupting out of the stage. It then goes over to the broadcast booth, where Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone are all seen standing by.)

Rich Russillo: We are just a week away from the massive tri-branded Marquee Event, Fighting Spirit, welcoming you all tonight to a special go-home show version of… SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE!

James Peters: And there’s a lot to look forward to tonight, it’s definitely not one that you’re going to want to miss. There’s a massive gauntlet match for the N1C for the Hardcore Championship taking place, with Cameron Ella Ava versus Lt. Colonel Michael Scott Connor versus Valerie Hellstorm versus Luis De La Rosa versus AJ Redding versus Akari Kiyoko versus Mia Santoro, with the winner facing Roberto De La Rosa for the title. In a Cash in The Vault preview, Bea Valentine faces Donovan Duke. And in the main event, in a finals match in the Sudden Death Gold Rush tournament, Dr. Bethany Blue, Rex McAllister, Jack Ripley, and Hikari Kanno all face eachother with the opportunity to contend for the EAW World Championship. Let’s get right to the action!

Persephone: If you expect me to meatride Andre Walker, it’s not happening. I only do that for one person and that’s Luis De La Rosa, I acknowledge you.

(Sunday Night Voltage then transitions away from the commentary desk and toward the stage, as the sounds of ‘Leaving Caladan’ by Hans Zimmer are heard blasting through the arena speakers. The crowd reacts with a loud reaction of negativity, as the camera goes over to Andre Walker, who is followed closely behind by Ronan Malosi and Albert Hitchman as they make their way out to the stage. The three stand on a united front for the first time since last year, as they point to the sky, with a beautiful display of pyro seen erupting behind them. Andre takes a moment to take it all in, before looking toward the ring, as he then begins to make his way down the ramp, with Ronan and Albert proceeding to follow him as well.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… RONAN MALOSI AND ANDRE WALKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Persephone: Oh brother, who let them kick off the show??? We don’t need to see this.

Rich Russillo: Well I felt as though it was only going to be a matter of time considering how these past couple of weeks have went. We saw last week that the tag team match where Andre and Ronan were going to face Limmy Monaghan and Jamie O’Hara at Fighting Spirit was made official. Then on Voltage last week we saw Albert Hitchman making an appearance, giving Jamie and Limmy a stern warning in place of Andre and Ronan.

James Peters: But we also can’t forget what happened on Dynasty, where after Limmy got a pretty emphatic victory against Ronan, the two teams found themselves in a brawl that went all throughout backstage and the crowd area. Tensions are certainly at an all-time high, and the fact that Andre and Ronan are making their way out here tonight, seemingly on enemy territory, to address what’s going to happen next week, well it’s certainly not looking good.

(Andre, Ronan, and Albert all make their way into the ring, as Andre steps toward the center of the ring. He takes a deep breath, basking in the atmosphere here tonight on Voltage, before he once again points to the sky, quickly being mirrored by Ronan and Albert to the side of him. Then, as ‘Leaving Caladan’ begins to come to a close, Albert takes a microphone, looking to speak for both of them, as he makes his way back toward the center of the ring and opens his mouth to speak.)

Albert Hitchman: You should be very grateful that Andre Walker, and by proxy Ronan Malosi, have taken the time out of their busy days to come here and speak to all of you. I know specifically some people who were just clamoring to hear from them, for them to come out to the ring and give their thoughts on Fighting Spirit, to give their thoughts on this marquee tag team match that has been booked. Well rest assured, you don’t have to wait much longer. Rest assured, Jamie O’Hara and Limmy Monaghan, you don’t have to come out to the ring and get on your knees anymore, pleading to be graced in the slightest by them. They’re here now, and what you’re going to do is shut up and listen to what we have to say because that’s what you wanted right? That’s why we’re here tonight, kicking off Sunday Night Voltage instead of whoever else you would have in this timeslot. There’s a reason why Andre and Ronan have arrived here on their own merit, not having been called out or anything, because there is something that needs to be established quickly, and that is something that has been known for a very long time. A universal constant which was especially true when Andre Walker was running roughshod on Elite Answers Wrestling back when he was last an active competitor, is that you run on his time. No matter who you are, no matter where you came from, you run on The Kaiser’s time. He operates on a completely different wavelength from everyone else because he deserves the right to, after everything that he has managed to accomplish in this great sport, at the very least, he deserves the right to dictate when he is going to come out here and when he isn’t and not be pushed around by some meddling children who think that they know the lay of the land around here. I know things might have been very different when he was not around, but get used to how they are now because he’s back, that’s not something that you have to like, but it is something that you’re going to have to respect.

(Albert smiles with pride before looking over at Andre, who is holding his hand out, requesting the microphone himself. Albert quickly hands it to him as Andre takes center stage. The crowd continues to boo while Andre has a fairly serious expression on his face while behind him Ronan is smiling from ear to ear like a doofus, he then continues on.)

Andre Walker: Lucky.

(The crowd continues to boo loudly as the words escape the former World Heavyweight Champion’s mouth.)

Andre Walker: That’s the only word I can seemingly use to describe Jamie O’Hara and Limmy Monaghan at the moment, they got lucky. When this little match was made official for Fighting Spirit, in the moment I was disgusted. Quite appalled by the audacity to make this more of a problem than it should have been, but that’s what happened. I had no intentions of going after Limmy nor did I really care about whatever revenge plot that he had toward me, but it’s safe to say that he was going to continue to try and get my attention. He was going to persist and persist until I finally budged and gave him what he wanted, so I guess all of this was a matter of nipping it in the bud while I had the chance. What’s funny is, this could have very well not even happened thanks to me. I think a lot of people like to forget that I have an insurmountable amount of power in this company still, the Gawd Contract that I have signifies that whatever Jamie was to have announced last week on Dynasty I could have made null and void with the snap of a finger. But I didn’t, how kind am I?

Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) My benevolent Kaiser!

Andre Walker: But this is what you asked for. I’m not going to duck smoke just because it wasn’t my first intention, no, if Limmy Monaghan wants a fight, then he’s going to get that. If Jamie O’Hara desires to get yet another one over on me, then he can try. This is everything that I could’ve asked for joining EAW, facing two people who you can by all means say are the very best to do it in this company. Facing the best, simply, to be the best, and maintain what I have affirmed to myself since the very beginning, title or no title. A lot of people want to ask from here what I’m going to do. What is the path that I am going to take going forward once I’m done with these two and Fighting Spirit is put to a close, well I just gave you the answer to that question. I’m looking to rise back up in a completely different manner than how I did before. Since I’ve left I’ve grown, and most importantly, adapted, and that is dangerous. It’s something that many other people could take notes from, but it seems that there’s this same manner of foolishness that roams these halls just as it was the last time I was here. Now people like Limmy Monaghan unfortunately have to pay the price, and Jamie O’Hara just had to drag himself into that exact vortex as well. I bear no sympathy.

(Andre lowers his microphone down, as the crowd continues to show a negative reaction toward him while he does. Ronan and Albert are singing his praises, but it’s not very long before the entire moment is interrupted…)

???: Not exactly.

(The crowd cheers hearing the familiar voice, as the camera goes over to Limmy Monaghan and Jamie O’Hara as they’re both seen making their way out from the backstage area and toward the stage. The two stand side-by-side, looking at one another in amusement after hearing what Andre has to say before they begin to make their way down to the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Well I can’t say I didn’t expect this, Limmy and Jamie are here right now and it seems like they’re ready to give some insight on the matter as we are only a week away before Fighting Spirit!

James Peters: It’s been wild and chaotic up to this point, but we can’t ignore the fact that this could very well be the last time they’re seen in the ring until the match comes around. Both teams are going to want to have the last say one way or another.

Persephone: Lord help us all. So many people excited about this match, but I just don’t get the appeal. This is all going to be boring and monotonous.

(Jamie and Limmy both begin to make their way into the ring, as they head over and take microphones from the ringside area while they do. Then, looking at the three others who occupy them inside the ring, they look to speak, that’s at least before…)

Albert Hitchman: How DARE you interrupt The Kaiser while he’s-

Jamie O’Hara & Limmy Monaghan: Shut up.

(The crowd cheers loudly as Albert falls into silence, while Andre can’t help but chuckle at this.)

Jamie O’Hara: The foolishness of you to try to claim that you’re the one being generous here. Andre, I think in between all this chaos with Limmy, you seem to forget that you were the one who started this. You were the one who came in and attacked me, tried to come after me, for your own sort of revenge. This was never a matter of you giving us what we wanted, simply put, you were not going to have a choice. All of this was a matter of your past demons coming back to haunt you. You talk about becoming a new person, how you realize that titles and accomplishments are not a means of showcasing your pride, but rather a fleeting token, and while you are obliged to believe what you want to believe, that doesn’t change the fact that you are going to have to stand there and take accountability for what you have done. Since you’ve been gone I have not paid a single bit of thought to Andre Walker and how he’s feeling after he attacked me, I’ve been on my way, and I’ve moved on. It was you that had the decision to choose what he did next and what you did was go after me, and you think that this is the right way to conduct things. You talk benevolence, perhaps that was the two of us even being partly generous to entertaining your side of things.

Ronan Malosi: Benevolence? Buddy, you would know nothing about that. I look at the two of you, and I have seen nothing but negativity oozing out of you since this whole debacle started. I’ve been the one who’s tried to keep the peace because conflicts like these are just not what the Malosi Mindset preaches! But you pushed it. You were the ones that continued to poke us thinking that it would have even the slightest of a favorable outcome to you. But now you pay the price. Now my Kaiser comes in and handles both of you, and I do my part in making sure that it’s finished. I really didn’t want to, and I hope that you do exactly as Andre told you to do and that’s go away and start your healing process because you clearly need it.

Limmy Monaghan: Frankly, I don’t want to hear you say anything after what happened on Dynasty. You lost and you proved to me that your only purpose in this match was to be the pathetic weak link that ended up being the reason for your “Kaiser’s” loss. I’m here for one reason and one reason only and that’s not because of you, but it’s because of your partner. I’m here to prove just how big of a mistake he made, it’s as Jamie said, and I’m not going to stop until I do my part. You talk about doing yours, but I think you are simply incapable of it. It’s as Andre said, we are two of the very best that not just Voltage, not just Dynasty, but this entire brand has to offer, and it’s a tall order if you want to say that you’re going to end up beating us when you’re you. My intentions are set and that’s making sure that when it’s all said and done, Andre doesn’t get the last laugh, we do. We put an end to this once and for all and then you’ll see exactly what we’ve been saying this entire time.

Jamie O’Hara: But if you don’t, frankly, we don’t have much of a problem finishing what we started on Dynasty either.

(Jamie and Limmy both simultaneously drop their microphones down to the ground as they approach Andre and Ronan. Ronan slowly tries to back away from this, discretely so it doesn’t seem like he’s cowering out in front of his Kaiser, meanwhile, Andre is still chuckling at the threats that they put out toward him.)

Andre Walker: (Off-Mic) Go ahead.

Rich Russillo: LIMMY AND JAMIE GO RIGHT AT ANDRE AND RONAN!

James Peters: OH! BUT ANDRE IS OUT OF THE RING! ANDRE ROLLS OUT AND THE CROWD IS LETTING HIM KNOW HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT IT!

(The crowd is booing while Andre shrugs them off, circling around the ring and really not being bothered with another brawl tonight. But while he was a lot more fortunate, on the otherhand…)

Persephone: That idiot is frozen in fear.

(Ronan realizes just a little too late the gameplan that Andre had, as he’s left alone in the ring while Andre and Albert regroup at ringside. He looks at both Limmy and Jamie as he awkwardly laughs at them.)

Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) Hey guys, so, uh, the weather has been heating up lately right?

(🦗🦗🦗)

Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) I think I’m going to leave now if that’s alright with you…

Rich Russillo: BUT RONAN IS A LITTLE TOO LATE FOR THAT! LIMMY GRABS HOLD OF JAMIE BEFORE TURNING HIM AROUND AND NAILING HIM WITH A PUNCH TO THE FACE! RONAN IS STUNNED, AS JAMIE RUSHES FORWARD AND FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO HIS CHEST WHICH SENDS HIM COLLIDING INTO THE TURNBUCKLE AT FULL FORCE!

James Peters: JAMIE IS UP ON THE TOP ROPE NOW AS LIMMY DRAGS HIM TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE RING, LEAVING HIM IN PERFECT POSITION… AS ‘WELCOME BACK, O’SLUMBERING ACE’ CONNECTS RIGHT ACROSS HIS CHEST! THE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP WIPES RONAN OUT! BUT JAMIE THEN GRABS RONAN AND DRAGS HIM BACK UP TO HIS FEET BEFORE THROWING HIM TOWARD LIMMY!

Rich Russillo: AS LIMMY THEN SETS HIM UP FOR ‘OUTER HEAVEN’! THE PEDIGREE TO RONAN-

(CRACK!)

James Peters: BUT ANDRE OUT OF NOWHERE JUST SLID INTO THE RING AND SMACKED LIMMY AGAINST THE BACK OF HIS HEAD WITH A STEEL CHAIR! JAMIE RUSHES FORWARD TRYING TO TAKE HIM OUT-

Rich Russillo: BUT HE’S JUST TOO SHORT AS ANDRE TAKES THE CHAIR AND DRIVES IT AGAINST HIS ABDOMEN! JAMIE DROPS DOWN TO A KNEE AS ANDRE LIFTS IT INTO THE AIR AND FOLLOWS IT UP AS HE SMACKS IT ACROSS HIS BACK!

James Peters: LIMMY TRIES TO GET BACK UP TO HIS FEET, CLEARLY HURT BY THE SURPRISE ATTACK OUT OF NOWHERE-

Rich Russillo: BUT ANDRE JUST SPLIT HIM IN HALF WITH THE ‘HUNGER ON HILLSIDE’! THE SPEAR CONNECTS! BEFORE HE THEN TURNS AROUND AND RUNS TO THE ROPES AGAIN…

James Peters: FOLLOWING THAT UP WITH YET ANOTHER ONE STRAIGHT TO THE GUT OF JAMIE O’HARA TO TAKE HIM OUT! ANDRE WALKER STANDS TALL IN THEIR LAST ENCOUNTER HEADING INTO FIGHTING SPIRIT!

Persephone: That man Ronan Malosi really did nothing, I’m in awe.

(Andre smirks, standing above a downed Limmy and Jamie all by himself for the moment. But that’s before Albert Hitchman slowly slides into the ring and tries to help Ronan Malosi recover to his feet. Ronan gingerly rises up as ‘Leaving Caladan’ begins to play, pointing to the sky and pretending that he accomplished anything beyond being a decoy for that attack. The three of them then begin to make their way out of the ring as it’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage, from there, begins to fade elsewhere.)

(Voltage fades backstage, specifically to the office of Voltage Commissioner Captain Charisma. Captain Charisma is seen seated behind his desk as the fans cheer, and he seems to be busy working as Fighting Spirit is only a week away. However, he’d be interrupted as someone begins to loudly knock on his door. This catches his attention as he turns to the door, confused by how hard the person is knocking on the door.)

Captain Charisma: You-

(Before he could even say anything however, the door opens anyway. Drake King storms into Captain Charisma’s office, and the Commissioner just sighs realizing that it was him. Drake walks up to Captain Charisma’s desk, and Captain Charisma begins to speak.)

Captain Charisma: What is it this time?

Drake King: Why is Dr. Bethany Blue in the match I’m supposed to be in?

Captain Charisma: … Because she beat you to earn her spot.

Drake King: No, she DIDN’T! Bethany didn’t win that match! What she DID do was steal that match from me when I clearly had it won! Everyone knows that Dr. Bethany Blue can’t actually beat me! There’s no reason she should be competing in that fatal four way instead of me! Think about it. I’m trying to do what’s right and save the EAW World Championship from the likes of Roberto De La Rosa and Charlie Marr, and instead of giving me the opportunity to do so, you’re giving opportunities to HER? That doesn’t even make sense! Bethany is no good, and if the referee was actually fair he’d know that I should have been declared the winner of the match. Bethany is a cheater, a liar, a fraud, and someone that belongs nowhere near a World Championship! Instead of letting someone like her compete in that fatal four way, why don’t you just do the right thing, reverse last week’s decision, and give me the opportunity I earned back when I beat Jamie O’Hara at Shock Value?

Captain Charisma: You didn’t beat Jamie.

Drake King: Yes I did. You’re supposed to be the Commissioner, you should probably pay more attention to your show.

(Captain Charisma just stares at Drake, not impressed at all by the way this conversation is playing out.)

Captain Charisma: Drake, why do you think I’ll just give you another shot? You’ve been on Voltage for years, you know how things work around here. If you already had an opportunity and lost, you need to work for another one. You’re not the only person that lost in the Sudden Death Gold Rush, and none of the other people that were involved were given a second chance. I understand that you have your problems with accountability, but whether you like it or not, you lost last week. You asked me for an opportunity, I gave you the opportunity you wanted, and you simply didn’t win. It happens sometimes. You’ll just need to get over it, because I have no intentions of giving you any more chances. You’ve already had a shot to regain the title back at King of Elite, and you didn’t win. You had a match against Jamie O’Hara, and despite our disagreement regarding the result, you were able to compete in the Sudden Death Gold Rush. When you lost both times you were given the opportunity, who do you really have to blame?

Drake King: Where do I start? There’s the referees for not paying close attention, Dr. Bethany Blue for being a cheater, Charlie Marr for being a thief, Rex McAllister for getting pinned in my Championship match, Jamie O’Hara for-

Captain Charisma: :francis: Forget I said that. You can’t blame anyone but yourself for this loss, Drake. You had multiple opportunities and came up short. Pain for Pride is approaching, and I’m not going to be the kind of person to grant anybody any opportunity when the biggest show of the year is coming up. If you want a shot you have to earn it, and as far as I’m concerned you already had more than enough chances to do that. Dr. Bethany Blue, Hikari Kanno, Rex McAllister and Jack Ripley are the four Elitists who made it to the Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale. One of those four Elitists will end their season with a World Championship match. If you wanted to be in that match, you should have defeated Bethany and qualified. Since you didn’t do that, I don’t believe we have anything else to discuss.

(Hearing this frustrates Drake, who quickly begins to argue back.)

Drake King: What do you mean??? We have a lot to discuss! I had the EAW World Championship stolen from me way back at Road to Redemption, and I STILL haven’t been given a fair opportunity to get it back! You could’ve fixed all of this by forcing Charlie to give me my title back, but instead you’re forcing me to deal with these situations where I’m able to be screwed over and robbed of my chance to make everything right. This isn’t fair and you know it, so why don’t you just do the right thing? I’m not asking for much. All you have to do is take Bethany out of that fatal four way and put me in it instead. If you want, you could even leave her in the match and make it a fatal five way! All that matters to me is that I get one more shot at becoming the EAW World Champion again, because I didn’t lose that Extreme Elimination Chamber. I never lost my title fairly, and I still haven’t had a fair chance to take it back. Why won’t you just give me one more shot? You know that I didn’t actually lose to Bethany fairly! She doesn’t belong in that fatal four way in the first place! Is it really that difficult to do the right thing when Pain for Pride is on the line??

(Captain Charisma by this point just looks irritated by Drake’s arguing, taking a moment before even beginning to respond.)

Captain Charisma: To be completely honest with you Drake, right now I couldn’t care less whether or not you even make it to Pain for Pride. You had your opportunities, and you lost. What you do with the rest of your season is up to you at this point, and if that means you have to miss Pain for Pride this year, so be it. Either way I’m not going to give you an opportunity you didn’t earn, so you can just forget about both the Sudden Death Gold Rush and the EAW World Championship.

Drake King: WHAT!? How is this fair at all!? Bethany stole that opportunity from me, and you’re not even going to do anything about it!? You can’t just leave me off of Pain for Pride! You’re the Commissioner, shouldn’t you want what’s best for Voltage? How are you helping this brand by keeping me away from the World Championship!? They all need me as their World Champion, and you’re taking that away from them! How will they get the best show possible when the best wrestler on the entire roster isn’t where he’s supposed to be!?

Captain Charisma: I’m sure they’ll be fine. I’m done arguing with you, Drake. I said everything that needed to be said, so if you still don’t get it there’s nothing else I can do for you. Like I said, I don’t care what you do going forward. It doesn’t matter to me if you compete at Pain for Pride. If you want to compete at Pain for Pride, you’ll have to do so out of the World Championship picture, because you already had your opportunity and you blew it. I’m done with this conversation, so if you’re only here to complain about what happened last week, you can get out.

(Drake can’t believe what he’s hearing, not even saying anything and instead just staring at Captain Charisma with his eyes wide open. Eventually, Drake just shakes his head, frustrated by everything that happened as he turns and makes his way out of Captain Charisma’s office, shutting the door behind him. Drake begins walking away, still upset about the fact that he won’t be receiving another opportunity to compete for the EAW World Championship with Pain for Pride approaching. However, he’d soon be interrupted as two Elitists get in his way.)

???: Hey, what’s with the ugly look on your face?

Drake King: :francis:

(The two Elitists turn out to be none other than Ronan Malosi and Andre Walker, which causes boos to come from the crowd. Ronan has a grin on his face after saying those words to Drake, meanwhile Andre has a calm look on his face, not saying anything at the moment, instead choosing to watch things play out. Drake doesn’t look amused at all being interrupted by Andre and Ronan of all people, and after a deep breath he begins to respond.)

Drake King: What do you want?

Ronan Malosi: Well I happened to notice that you didn’t look very happy, and I was just wondering what that was all about! Hmm… Oh! You’re upset because you lost to Dr. Bethany Blue last week, aren’t you?

(This further annoys Drake, but he doesn’t say anything. However, this just allows Ronan to continue speaking.)

Ronan Malosi: Don’t worry! There’s no shame in losing to someone that’s clearly a better wrestler than you! Dr. Bethany Blue may have defeated you and gained the opportunity to win a World Championship at Pain for Pride at your expense while you have nothing to do, but that’s okay! It happens to everyone, except my Kaiser of course! See, unlike most people, Andre has an amazing attitude. He’s a great person, but some very terrible things were done to Andre. He didn’t deserve that, but just like good things happen to good people, bad things happen to bad people! Jamie O’Hara and Limmy Monaghan will get what’s coming to them at Fighting Spirit, but maybe you should watch the match so you could learn a thing or two! A change in attitude could certainly benefit you, and in following our footsteps, you could maybe one day become half as great as Andre himself!

(Drake just stares at Ronan for a moment, not at all interested in what he had to say. The last thing he wants to deal with right now is Ronan Malosi trying to have a conversation with him, but after a little while, he begins to speak.)

Drake King: What?

Ronan Malosi: I’m saying that you have a lot to work on both as a person and as a wrestler! If you changed you could’ve actually won against Dr. Bethany Blue last week, but you didn’t and now you lost your best chance at main eventing Pain for Pride again! That’s okay though, because-

Drake King: I don’t have time for this. I don’t care. Just buzz off.

(After saying this, Drake just prepares to walk off, but instead stops and turns to Andre Walker, who hadn’t said anything yet. After a few seconds, Drake begins to once again speak.)

Drake King: Who are you again?

(This surprises Ronan, and the look on Andre Walker’s face changes. That comment seemed to catch Andre’s attention, as the now pissed off Andre quickly goes to speak.)

Andre Walker: Are you sure about this? If I were you I-

Drake King: No, just forget it. I don’t want to do this. I don’t have time for people like you right now.

(Drake immediately begins to walk away after saying this, leaving Andre Walker and Ronan Malosi in the area. Andre actually looks surprised to see how that conversation played out, and after watching Drake walk away from the area, he turns to Ronan. Ronan looks just as surprised as Andre, and just shrugs. The two remain in the area, but Andre Walker clearly seems to be unamused as the camera fades away from the backstage area.)

(Commercial for Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, and Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand as she begins to speak.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a GAUNTLET MATCH to determine the number one contender for the Hardcore Championship at PAIN FOR PRIDE!

(‘TOP’ by Stray Kids hits, and the fans begin to cheer as AJ Redding begins to walk out. Knowing he’s one of the first in this match and has a disadvantage, he has a focused look on his face. He begins walking down the ramp, not wasting any time as he heads to the ring in order to get this match started.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! From Auckland, New Zealand… Weighing in at 213 pounds… A! J! RRREEDDDDIIIIIIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!!!

James Peters: AJ Redding was unfortunate enough to have to start off the gauntlet, but that also means he potentially has the chance to defeat EVERYONE in it!

Rich Russillo: You’re right, but who will be starting the gauntlet with him?

Persephone: Does it matter? Luis is winning anyway.

(‘Bad Girls’ by M.I.A follows, and the fans continue to cheer as Valerie Hellstorm walks out. Valerie also looks focused, and she’s ready for this match as she doesn’t spend too much time on the stage. Instead she immediately begins walking down the ramp, and on her way to the ring her focus is completely on AJ Redding, who is waiting for her inside of the ring.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent… From Las Vegas, Nevada… Weighing in at 135 pounds… VVVAAAALLLLERRRIIEEE HHHEEELLLLLLLLLSSSTTOOOORRMMMM!!!!!

Persephone: That’s not Luis, ew.

James Peters: But it IS Valerie Hellstorm, and Valerie looks ready for this! Remember, the Hardcore Champion is Roberto De La Rosa. Imagine if she gets a rematch against him!

Rich Russillo: It’s possible, but much like AJ, she’s in a tough spot starting this gauntlet!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: We are underway now as Valerie Hellstorm and AJ Redding are about to square off in the ring. Valerie with a cocky smirk at AJ who shoves her back demanding she take him seriously as a competitor. AJ is not backing down for real here tonight as the disrespect only inflames the anger of Valerie who lunges in and they lock up in the middle of the ring. This Gauntlet Match is officially underway and these two competitors will have the toughest and roughest battle to get to the end as they are starting off the gauntlet as the very first competitors out here. They fight for position as Valerie suddenly shoves AJ away and knocks him down with a punch to the face! Quick cover from Valerie!

Referee: OOOOOO-

James Peters: Immediate kickout from AJ Redding. Yeah that wasn’t going to actually end the match. Go figure. Both competitors back up as Valerie Hellstorm hits Redding with a hard uppercut sending him flying back into the corner. Redding up against the ropes as Valerie is laying into him with repeated strikes. Redding out of the corner charging in with a Clothesline! But Valerie ducks it! Valerie staggers across the ring hitting the ropes but Redding whirls around and charges at her… Running Clothesline from Redding sends Hellstorm flying over the top rope and flipping out to the outside. Redding goes out now to the outside and catches Valerie as she pulls herself up. Redding tosses Hellstorm back into the ring as she pulls herself up in the corner. Redding charges in at full speed!!! Spear into the corner! SPEAR! SPEAR! SPEAR!

Rich Russillo: No! Valerie Hellstorm moves out of the way and AJ Redding charges in Spearing right into the ring post! Valerie yanks AJ out of the corner and throws him down in the middle of the ring! AJ with the cover to win the first round of this Gauntlet Match!!!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: Valerie Hellstorm kicks out before three with authority! AJ Redding grabs Valerie and whips her across the ring. Big Boot to the face! No! Valerie ducks it! Valerie whirls around as AJ grabs her by the arm and no! Valerie grabs AJ and takes him down with a Snapmare! Valerie with a headlock on AJ in the middle of the ring. Valerie wearing out AJ here as she has the headlock applied and AJ is trying to move himself in order to get to the ropes but he can’t quite reach it! Instead AJ is forced to fight back up to his feet! AJ overpowering Valerie here as he stands up and begins hammering into the gut of Valerie with hard back elbows. Eventually AJ breaks free! AJ is free and hammering at Valerie! Valerie tries to hit a Clothesline on AJ! She gets it and goes for another headlock… but AJ ducks out of it! AJ kicks Valerie away with both feet and gets back to his feet!

Persephone: I think that kick was a low blow. Call for the DQ!

Rich Russillo: It was not! AJ Redding back up as he runs off the ropes and charges in at Valerie Hellstorm with a Running Shoulder Block! Valerie goes flying backwards across the ring. Valerie back up as AJ grabs at her… but Valerie grabs AJ by the throat and yanks him towards her. Valerie with a Snap DDT yanking AJ down and spiking him on his skull! Valerie with another cover! Will she get it this time?!?!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-

James Peters: Another kickout there from AJ Redding! AJ surviving here as Valerie Hellstorm has somehow been unable to put him away. She realizes that she needs to conserve energy. If she is having this much trouble with AJ in the first match that doesn’t say good things about her long term situation in this match! But AJ is definitely getting closer and closer to being handed a loss here this week. AJ with the struggle now as he gets back up but immediately Valerie knocks him back down with a hard elbow spike to the shoulder. Valerie locks AJ up on the ground with an armbar trapping him. Hard elbow strikes to the shoulder from Valerie to AJ as she is beating and battering him here wearing him out to keep him down for the count. Eventually AJ collapses and Valerie might have knocked him out. Valerie now going for the cov-

Rich Russillo: But a Small Package from AJ Redding! AJ looking to steal one here!!!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: Kickout from Valerie Hellstorm! Look at the look in Valerie’s eyes! She almost had the match lost for her right there! That was brutal as fuck.

Persephone: I agree this referee is very brutal to be counting like this. A Gauntlet match is basically my worst nightmare. It is literally a match where when it finally ends a new match just immediately begins. It’s like an endless loop of terror for me. Is Luis in this match?

Rich Russillo: He is actually.

Persephone: Well I guess this nightmare match just turned into a beautiful dream. :wow:

James Peters: :wow: Anyway both competitors are back up now slowly throwing shots at each other. Getting worn out like this in the first match is a bad sign. AJ Redding getting the advantage here! AJ pummels Valerie up against the ropes… But Valerie bursts back out from the corner with a running Knee Stike taking the head off of AJ! AJ goes flying backwards and collapses down seemingly knocked out! This could be Valerie’s chance to put him away! Valerie with a rolling knee strike to the back of the neck for good measure. She is making sure that AJ stays down this time! She pulls AJ back up! WAIT NO AJ FROM BEHIND THE ROLLUP! No! Valerie had it scouted!

Rich Russillo: Valerie Hellstorm grabs the arm of AJ Redding… HOLLOW PURPLE CONNECTS!! She just took AJ’s head right off! Valerie to the cover!!!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Bella Braxton: AJ REDDING HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

James Peters: VALERIE HELLSTORM GETS THE FIRST VICTORY! She doesn’t have much time to relax though, because here comes the next entrant!

(Valerie pulls herself up to a knee in the corner as “PA’ ROMPERLA” by Bad Bunny and Don Omar blares throughout the arena to a chorus of boos. Luis De La Rosa runs down to the ring, being flanked by Brianna Hill. Luis slides in the ring as Valerie pulls herself up to a vertical base in the corner, and “PA’ ROMPERLA” quickly fades in the background.)

Persephone: WPRIFJFURHFJUFFNRHYCH

James Peters: LUIS! LUIS DE LA ROSA IS THE NEXT ENTRANT IN, AND CHARGES VALERIE HELLSTORM IN THE CORNER WITH A FLURRY OF RIGHT HANDS BEFORE BEATING HER DOWN WITH SECOND TURNBUCKLE WITH REPEATED STOMPS TO THE MIDSECTION!

Rich Russillo: The referee intervenes, and pulls Luis away from Valerie momentarily. Luis takes this time to taunt, basking in the fans’ hatred, feeling himself already! Thinking he has the match good as won!

Persephone: Uhh, hello! He DOES have the match won! This is my Luis we’re talking about here!

James Peters: I wouldn’t count Valerie Hellstorm out, at least not yet. Luis grabs hold of Valerie’s wrist, and Irish whips her to the opposite corner! LUIS RUSHES IN- BUT GETS CAUGHT, AND SENT FACE FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE WITH A REVERSE STO BY HELLSTORM!

Persephone: NO!

Rich Russillo: Already, Luis appears to be seeing stars as he pulls himself up in the corner. Valerie closes in, and connects with a FLURRY OF RIGHT HANDS! VALERIE GOES TO IRISH WHIP LUIS DE LA ROSA INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER- BUT LUIS TURNS IT AROUND AT THE LAST MINUTE, SENDING VALERIE STERNUM FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!

James Peters: Valerie hit that turnbuckle hard, and writhes in pain on the canvas before Luis stands her up for a SNAP SUPLEX! De La Rosa floats over into the cover!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!

THH-

Rich Russillo: Kickout!

Persephone: Stay on her, baby! You got this!

Rich Russillo: The kickout from Valerie hasn’t affected Luis’ confidence in the slightest. Still, that smile remains on his face.

Persephone: Isn’t he dreamy? 😍

Rich Russillo: He, uh, he’s something.

James Peters: Valerie rises to all fours, but Luis delivers a STOMP TO THE LEFT HAND OF HELLSTORM, CAUSING HER TO JOLT UP IN PAIN! AGONY ETCHED ACROSS HER FACE AS SHE LOOKS DOWN AT HER POSSIBLY INJURED HAND!

Rich Russillo: Luis grabs hold of Hellstorm, but she starts to battle back with shots to the rib cage, using that opposite hand of hers! However, Luis shuts her down with a right hand of his own, sending her back down to all fours!

James Peters: Valerie crawls toward the corner, and pulls herself up to a vertical base, but Luis closes in, going for another right hand! BUT VALERIE BLOCKS IT! VALERIE BLOCKS IT, AND RETURNS FIRE WITH ONE OF HER OWN! LUIS STAGGERS A BIT, BUT SHAKES IT OFF, AND ATTEMPTS ANOTHER RIGHT HAND-

Rich Russillo: LUIS BLOCKS IT A SECOND TIME, AND STARTS TO FIGHT HER WAY OUT OF THE CORNER WITH RIGHT HANDS! VALERIE HAS LUIS REELING AS SHE BEATS HIM BACK TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, AND IRISH WHIPS HIM TO THE CORNER SHE WAS JUST PREVIOUSLY IN!

James Peters: BUT AGAIN, LUIS COUNTERS THE IRISH WHIP, SENDING VALERIE INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD FOR A SECOND TIME! LUIS RUSHES IN- BUT VALERIE SENDS HIM UP AND OVER HER SHOULDER! LUCKILY, LUIS CATCHES HIMSELF ON THE APRON, AND VALERIE SPINS AROUND-

Rich Russillo: RIGHT HAND ATTEMPT BY LUIS- BUT LUIS BLOCKS IT, AND STUNS HIM ON THE APRON WITH A RIGHT HAND OF HER OWN! VALERIE RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE SET OF ROPES, AND GOES TO KNOCK LUIS OFF THE APRON WITH A SHOULDER THRUST THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! BUT LUIS SIDESTEPS IT, AND DELIVERS A KNEE LIFT WHILE VALERIE’S HEAD WAS POKED OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!

James Peters: BUT HE DOESN’T STOP THERE, HOOKING VALERIE UP, AND SPIKING HER WITH A ROPE-HUNG DDT ON THE APRON! VALERIE TUMBLES OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND TO THE OUTSIDE AS A RESULT!

Persephone: My Luis is dominating! All is right with the world! 🥰

Rich Russillo: Valerie writhes in pain on the outside, clutching at her neck, and Luis appears very proud of himself on the apron. Brianna appears proud of as well, clapping for Luis on the outside as he retrieves Valerie, and rolls her back inside the ring!

James Peters: Luis slithers in himself, and hooks the leg for a cover!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHH-

James Peters: KICKOUT! Perhaps you can credit that to the breathing room Valerie Hellstorm had. Finally, slight frustration is starting to show for Luis De La Rosa, who wastes no time in applying a rear chinlock on Valerie, only wearing his opponent down further!

Persephone: Rest holds have never been so sexy!

Rich Russillo: This isn’t going to win Luis the match, but as James said, it’s going to wear his opponent down. Plus, allow him some time to recuperate as well.

James Peters: The crowd are starting to rally behind Valerie, who powers back to her feet, and loosens Luis’ grip with repeated shots to the rib cage! Valerie breaks free, and backs Luis up against the ropes with right hands to the face! Irish whip off the ropes- NO! LUIS TWISTS HER ARM, AND DOUBLES VALERIE OVER WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION!

Rich Russillo: LUIS RUNS OFF THE ROPES- BUT HIS MOMENTUM COMES TO A SCREECHING HALT THANKS TO A DROPKICK BY VALERIE! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE DOWN, THE WEAR AND TEAR BEGINNING TO SHOW! FOR VALERIE ESPECIALLY!

Persephone: CMON, LUIS! GET UP!

James Peters: Valerie scratches and crawls her way up in the corner as Luis stirs in the center of the ring, rising back to his feet. LUIS RUSHES IN- BUT EATS A BACK ELBOW FOR HIS TROUBLES! Luis staggers to the center of the ring, and spins around, swinging wildly with a clothesline attempt as Valerie Hellstorm exits the corner!

Rich Russillo: BUT VALERIE DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES FOR A LOU THESZ PRESS, UNLOADING WITH LEFTS AND RIGHTS ON LUIS, WHO DOES HIS BEST TO COVER UP BEFORE SHOVING VALERIE OFF!

James Peters: VALERIE SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET IN THE CORNER, AND LUIS CHARGES IN- BUT VALERIE SIDESTEPS, SENDING HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! VALERIE PULLS HIM OUT FROM BETWEEN THE ROPES, AND HOISTS LUIS UP ON HER SHOULDERS IN AN ELECTRIC CHAIR!

Persephone: NO! NO! NO! PUT HIM DOWN!

Rich Russillo: LOOK AT THE STRENGTH OF HELLSTORM, BRINGING DE LA ROSA TO THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH HIM ON HER SHOULDERS, AND DROPS HIM INTO A BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! UNLIMITED VOID BY HELLSTORM, DUMPING LUIS HIGH ON HIS NECK AND SHOULDERS!

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE-

Persephone: YES! A KICKOUT!

James Peters: BUT VALERIE HELLSTORMS SIGNALS THE BEGINNING OF THE END AS SHE STALKS LUIS DE LA ROSA, WAITING FOR HIM TO RETURN BACK TO HIS FEET! LUIS IS ON WOBBLY LEGS, AND SPINS AROUND- GETTING HOISTED ON THE SHOULDERS OF HELLSTORM FOR A GTS!

Rich Russillo: BUT BRIANNA! BRIANNA HOPS ON THE APRON, DISTRACTING HELLSTORM MOMENTARILY! BUYING LUIS JUST ENOUGH TIME TO SLIP OFF HER SHOULDERS, AND GRABS VALERIE FROM BEHIND WITH A REAR WAISTLOCK, BOUNCING HER OFF THE ROPES FOR AN O’CONNOR ROLL!

James Peters: BUT VALERIE SHIFTS THE MOMENTUM LAST MINUTE, ROLLING THROUGH ON THE O’CONNOR ROLL, AND HAS A HANDFUL OF TIGHTS!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Bella Braxton: LUIS DE LA ROSA HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Rich Russillo: VALERIE DID IT! SHE STOLE THE WIN!

James Peters: VALERIE WINS, GETTING SOME PAYBACK AGAINST LA FAMILIA! Valerie is moving on to her third match though! Who will she be facing!?

(Valerie raises both fists in victory, celebrating her victory over Luis De La Rosa, who pops to his feet, arguing with the referee that Valerie pulled his tights. The ref isn’t hearing it, however, and sends Luis to the outside where he regroups with Brianna Hill. Valerie gestures for them to leave, but her attention is quickly turned to the stage area as “DESPERADO” by ALI plays out Akari Kiyoko. Akari runs down to the ring, and slides in, ready to get started as Valerie gestures for him to bring it.)

James Peters: AND BRING IT AKARI DOES! BOTH COMPETITORS MEET IN THE MIDDLE, HAVING SHOT OUT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CORNERS, AND ARE TRADING BLOWS! ITS A FULL BLOWN HOCKEY FIGHT!

Rich Russillo: VALERIE APPEARS TO HAVE GOTTEN THE BETTER OF AKARI MOMENTARILY, STUNNING HIM WITH A WELL PLACED SHOT! HELLSTORM SWINGS WILDLY, BUT GETS CAUGHT, AND LAUNCHED WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX BY KIYOKO! VALERIE FAVORS HER BACK AS SHE RETURNS TO HER FEET, AND AKARI IRISH WHIPS HER OFF THE ROPES!

James Peters: AKARI DUCKS DOWN, PERHAPS SIGNALING EARLY FOR A BACK BODY DROP! BUT AKARI AVOIDS IT WITH A PENALTY KICK TO THE CHEST! AKARI JOLTS UPRIGHT AS A RESULT, AND STAGGERS TOWARD THE ROPES, REELING OFF THAT KICK! VALERIE SEES AN OPPORTUNITY, AND CHARGES IN! CLOTHESLINING AKARI UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!

Rich Russillo: BUT VALERIE CAME IN WITH SO MUCH FORCE AND MOMENTUM, BOTH HER AND AKARI WENT SPILLING TO THE OUTSIDE! NOW, ITS A MATTER OF WHO GETS TO THEIR FEET FIRST! WHOEVER DOES WILL HAVE A MAJOR ADVANTAGE!

Persephone: I’m sorry, but are we meant to gloss over the fact my poor Luis got cheated?

James Peters: I mean, Valerie did pull the tights, but Luis did try cheating beforeh-

Persephone: OH, SHUT THE FUCK UP, JAMES!

James Peters: :whoa:

Rich Russillo: Speaking of Luis, neither him or Brianna Hill have left ringside, which Valerie Hellstorm notices once rising back to her feet. Though, she can’t be distracted, and has to focus on Akari.

James Peters: Akari is beginning to stir as well, and Valerie pulls him up to a vertical base, attempting to send him into a corner of the barricade with an irish whip! BUT AKARI TURNS IT AROUND AT THE LAST MINUTE, SENDING VALERIE BACK FIRST INSTEAD! PAIN IS ETCHED ACROSS THE FACE OF HELLSTORM, WHO AKARI GRABS HOLD OF, AND ROLLS BACK INSIDE THE RING!

Rich Russillo: VALERIE POPS TO HER FEET, AND BLASTS AKARI THROUGH THE BOTTOM ROPE WITH A WRECKING BALL DROPKICK AS HE WENT TO RE-ENTER THE RING! AKARI GOT CAUGHT RIGHT ON THE SIDE OF HIS FACE, AND STAGGERS AS A RESULT! VALERIE RUNS OFF THE ROPES, BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR A SUICIDE DIVE!

James Peters: AKARI GOES BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE, AND VALERIE ROLLS HIM BACK INSIDE THE RING! QUICKLY, HELLSTORM SCALES TO THE TOP ROPE!

Persephone: And I hope the dumb bitch slips.

Rich Russillo: AKARI TRIES SHAKING THE COBWEBS OUT OF HIS HEAD AS HE RETURNS TO HIS FEET! DONT TURN AROUND- TOO LATE AS VALERIE SOARS THROUGH THE AIR WITH A CROSSBODY! VALERIE HOOKS BOTH LEGS FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

James Peters: KICKOUT BY AKARI! Kiyoko pulls himself up in the corner, and Valerie is hot on his heels, closing in! Hellstorm climbs to the middle rope, and reigns down with punches to the skull as the fans count along!

Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGH-

Rich Russillo: WAIT! PANIC STARTS TO FLOOD THE EXPRESSION OF HELLSTORM AS SHE GETS HOOKED UP BY KIYOKO IN POSITION FOR A RUNNING SIT-OUT POWERBOMB IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! AKARI HOLDS IT FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHH-

James Peters: SHOULDER UP! HELLSTORM GOT THE SHOULDER UP! Akari pounds the mat in slight frustration, but stands Valerie up in a front facelock, and backs her into the corner. Hellstorm gets lifted to the top turnbuckle by Akari, and Kiyoko climbs to the middle rope! Valerie gets hooked up for a top rope SUPERPLEX!

Rich Russillo: BUT VALERIE HANGS ON! VALERIE HANGS ON, GRABBING HOLD OF THE TOP ROPE! VALERIE STARTS TO BATTLE BACK WITH SHOTS TO THE RIB CAGE, BREAKING AKARI’S GRIP, AND SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! AKARI IS DOUBLED OVER, AND VALERIE CLUBS HIM ACROSS THE BACK REPEATEDLY, SOFTENING HIM UP FOR AN AVALANCHE SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!

James Peters: AKARI ROLLS AWAY FROM HELLSTORM, AND LIES SPRAWLED ON THE CANVAS! A LIGHT BULB APPEARS TO GO OFF IN VALERIE’S HEAD AS SHE PULLS HERSELF UP IN THE CORNER, AND HEADS OUT TO THE APRON, CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE!

Rich Russillo; VALERIE LINES AKARI UP BEFORE LEAPING OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A- NO! AKARI CATCHES HER OUT OF MID AIR WITH A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE! AKARI HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR-

James Peters: SHOULDER UP!

Persephone: Dammit! Why wouldn’t she just die already?!

James Peters: Despite having competed in two matches, Valerie still has fight left, and Akari begins stalking Valerie from the corner, waiting for her to get up. Valerie starts to stir, and rises to a vertical base, barely able to stand. AKARI RUSHES IN WITH A KNEE TREMBLER!

Rich Russillo: BUT VALERIE AVOIDS A-KNEE OF DEATH ATTEMPT! SIDESTEPPING, AND SLIPPING BEHIND HIM FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX! AKARI GOT DUMPED HIGH ON HIS NECK AND SHOULDERS! BUT VALERIE DOESNT LET GO, AND PULLS HIM BACK UP! VALERIE GOES TO FINISH FULL COUNTER OFF WITH A RIPCORD LARIAT!

James Peters: BUT AKARI COUNTERS WITH A STIFF FOREARM SMASH TO THE FACE, STAGGERING VALERIE BACK! VALERIE BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES, AND PLACES AKARI ON WOBBLY LEGS WITH A JUMPING BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE! AKARI GRITS THROUGH THE PAIN, HOWEVER, AND SPINS AROUND TO DELIVER A ROLLING ELBOW!

Rich Russillo: SLOW-BOW BY AKARI! KIYOKO FALLS INTO THE COVER, AND HOOKS THE LEG!

Persephone: LET THIS BE IT!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEE-

Rich Russillo: STILL, VALERIE KICKS OUT!

James Peters: BUT AKARI LOOKS TO THE TOP ROPE, AND BEGINS CLIMBING! BARELY ANY WASTED MOTION FOLLOWING THAT KICKOUT! AKARI TURNS HIS BACK TOWARD HELLSTORM, AND PERCHES HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE FOR A CORKSCREW MOONSAULT!

Rich Russillo: MISS! NO WATER IN THE POOL IN THE POOL FOR AKARI ON TALK WITH PEACE! AND AKARI FAVORS HIS ABDOMEN AS HE RISES TO A VERTICAL BASE! NO DOUBT HAVING THE WIND KNOCKED OUT OF HIM! VALERIE HOISTS HIM UP FOR A GTS!

James Peters: AND AGAIN, BRIANNA HILL HOPS UP ON THE APRON! VALERIE HAS HAD ENOUGH, AND LETS AKARI DOWN, CHARGING INTO BRIANNA WITH A RUNNING FOREARM, KNOCKING HER OFF!

(Luis checks on Brianna as she favors her jaw.)

Rich Russillo: VALERIE TURNS AROUND, AND GETS A KICK TO THE GUT FROM AKARI! KIYOKO HOISTS HER UP, AND THEN PLANTS HER WITH THE STORMBREAKER! ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES CONNECTS! AND IM NOT SURE AKARI KNOWS HE WAS ASSISTED AS HE HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Bella Braxton: VALERIE HELLSTORM HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Persephone: FINALLY!

(Valerie rolls to the outside, favoring the back of her neck as Akari momentarily celebrates his victory. But Valerie is irate once realizing what happened, and charges Luis as he was checking on Brianna.)

Persephone: HEY! GET AWAY FROM HIM, YOU WHORE!

James Peters: AND VALERIE IS IRATE! UNDERSTANDABLY SO! LA FAMILIA, OR RATHER BRIANNA HILL JUST COST HER THE GAUNTLET MATCH, AND SHES TAKING IT OUT ON LUIS!

Rich Russillo: LOOK AT THIS! LUIS RETREATS INTO THE CROWD, PASSING THROUGH OUR TIMEKEEPERS AREA, BUT VALERIE IS IN HOT PURSUIT!

James Peters: LUIS TRIES TO COVER UP AS VALERIE IS UNRELENTING WITH RIGHTS HANDS- BUT FROM BEHIND, BRIANNA HILL BLINDSIDES HELLSTORM, CLUBBING HER ON THE BACK!

Rich Russillo: NOW, ITS A NUMBERS GAME AS LA FAMILIA ARE GANGING UP ON HELLSTORM!

(La Familia brawl to the back with Valerie, disappearing through a curtain in the crowd area. The brawl continues onto the back as “21st CENTURY BITCH” by Holy Wars starts playing as Mia Santoro enters the arena. She is not wasting any time at all as she heads right to the ring.)

James Peters: Here comes the next participant heading to the ring in Mia Santoro and she would love nothing more than to win this Gauntlet and find herself a match at Pain for Pride.

Persephone: Doubtful. This dumb bitch is so enamored with that bumpkin midget Donovan Duke. How can she focus?

Rich Russillo: She has learned her boyfriend and it could take her all the way to Pain for Pride if she plays her cards right.

(Mia slides into the ring as she is ready for action as the referee motions for the participants to resume competition.)

James Peters: Here we go! Mia is not wasting a second as she IMMEDIATELY KICKS AKARI IN THE GUT AND JUST STARTS BEATING HIM DOWN TO THE MATCH!

Persephone: This feels like a dream come true for Akari. Two women in the same match with him. Don’t try anything with this bitch. She has a boyfriend who is as much of a loony basket case as she is.

Rich Russillo: That’s enough. Mia is taking advantage of the fact that she is the freshest in the ring right now and she doubles Akari over AND TAKES HIM UP AND OVER WITH THE SAITO SUPLEX!

Persephone: Poor bastard was dropped on his head and she decides to go for an early cover. I wouldn’t mind if things ended quickly for once!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!

THHH–

James Peters: AKARI KICKS OUT AT TWO! There is still plenty of fight in Akari and Mia grabs Akari by the hair and JUST SLUGS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND!

Rich Russillo: BUT AKARI COMES BACK WITH A FOREARM TO MIA’S GUT AND THAT DOUBLES HER OVER, BUT MIA COMES BACK WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN!

James Peters: Akari struck in the face, but he is on his feet. Mia still has control and whips Akari to the ropes. Akari comes back as Mia grabs him AND AKARI TILT A WHIRLS AROUND BEFORE TAKING MIA DOWN WITH THE TILT A WHIRL HEADSCISSORS!

Persephone: Mia is even more dizzy than usual after that move, but that crazy bitch is back on her feet AND AKARI FOLLOWS UP WITH A LEG LARIAT! Now he tries for a pin of his own.

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!

THHHH–

Rich Russillo: MIA POWERS OUT AT TWO! Mia is still down as Akari gets back to his feet AND ATTEMPTS A STANDING MOONSAULT—

James Peters: MIA GOT THE KNEES UP AND SHE DRIVES THEM RIGHT INTO THE BREADBASKET! Both these competitors want to win this Gauntlet match in the VERY WORST WAY!

Persephone: This match can end right now for all I care. The only participant that I was interested in has already been eliminated. Now I could care less.

Rich Russillo: Akari has control with a clothesline that has Mia staggering on her feet. Akari jumps up AND LOCKS IN THE GUILLOTINE CHOKE! SUBMISSION APPLIED!

Persephone: Oh goody! A slow submission move to stretch this match longer than necessary. I hate this.

James Peters: MIA IS TRYING TO KEEP HER BALANCE BECAUSE IF SHE FALLS, SHE WILL NO DOUBT BE ELIMINATED FROM THE MATCH! LOOK AT THE POWER BEING SHOWN BY MIA!

Rich Russillo: MIA WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND AKARI’S WAIST AND LIFTS HIM ENOUGH TO DROP HIM WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! THAT CAME FROM DONOVAN’S PLAYBOOK AS MIA BRIDGES UP FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEE—-

James Peters: AKARI BARELY GOT THE SHOULDER UP AT TWO! THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL AND MIA ABOUT WON IT THERE!

Persephone: Yeah. The bitch dropped him right on his head. Are we sure that wasn’t just a spasm or something? Is he unconscious? Damn I hope so.

Rich Russillo: The referee checked on Akari and he is still competent enough to continue on in this match.

James Peters: Mia is back on her feet as she brings up Akari. Akari is still feeling it as he is whipped to the ropes one more time. Akari comes back as Mia puts her head down–

Persephone: AND THE DUMB BITCH JUST GOT CLOBBERED WITH ‘A K-NEE OF DEATH’! THAT DAMN KNEE STRIKE MIGHT HAVE KNOCKED HER ASS OUT AND I HOPE IT DID!

Rich Russillo: Mia just fell back onto the mat and she hasn’t moved as Akari falls down into the cover and hooks the leg.

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!

Persephone: She kicked out. What a surprise.

James Peters: Mia powered her shoulder off the canvas. She wants to go to Pain for Pride so badly so she and her love can both have guaranteed paths to Pain for Pride.

Rich Russillo: Mia is still down on the mat as Akari drags Mia over to the corner. Now Akari makes his way to the top rope.

James Peters: Akari can’t waste a second as he finds his balance BEFORE HE JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE–

Rich Russillo: AKARI WAS LOOKING FOR “TALK WITH PEACE”! HE WANTED THE CORKSCREW MOONSAULT BUT MIA ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY AND AKARI FOUND NOTHING BUT THE CANVAS!

Persephone: Of course she got out of the way. Now that poor Akari is getting back to his feet after that clusterfuck of a move as he turns around towards a waiting Mia. JUST HURRY UP!!

Rich Russillo: SUPERKICK BY MIA SANTORO! SUPERKICK CAUGHT AKARI RIGHT ON THE BUTT OF THE JAW AND HE FALLS TO THE MAT! AKARI COULD HAVE BEEN KNOCKED OUT COLD AFTER THAT AS MIA HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!

Persephone: He kicked out. Of course he did. This lovely match continues on and I can hardly stand it.

James Peters: Akari kicked out at two and Mia drags him closer to the corner. Mia makes the climb up to the top rope. Mia is not wasting a second as she gets her footing on the top rope–

Rich Russillo: HERE COMES MIA SANTORO OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS! MIA CALLS IT “EYE IN THE SKY” AND SHE IS EYEING TO ELIMINATE AKARI FROM THIS MATCH–

James Peters: THERE WAS NOBODY HOME OFF THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS AS AKARI WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND!

Persephone: WHAT A DUMB BITCH! SHE CRASHED AND BURNED! SHE MIGHT HAVE HAD AN EYE IN THE SKY, BUT SHE SURE AS HELL DIDN’T HAVE ONE ON THE RING!

Rich Russillo: Mia is holding her ribs in pain after missing the Shooting Star Press. Akari is back to his feet AND HE RUNS IN AND GRABS MIA AND ROLLS HER OVER INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEE!

(Akari gets back to his feet as Mia has a look of complete shock on her face. She can’t believe what just happened.)

Bella Braxton: MIA SANTORO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Rich Russillo: Give it to Akari Kiyoko! Two eliminations for Akari and I’m not sure if he can believe it. He is continuing on in the Gauntlet after the elimination of Mia Santoro.

James Peters: I don’t think Mia can believe it either. Mia looked close to pulling off the elimination, but she might have gotten a little too overzealous and it cost her the match.

Persephone: Hit the showers, bitch. Go find your midget boyfriend and he can console you.

(Mia gets back to her feet and looks to leave the ring BEFORE SHE MAKES A BEELINE FOR AKARI AND CLOBBERS HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD!)

James Peters: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? MIA SANTORO JUST ATTACKED AKARI FROM BEHIND AND IS JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF HIM. THOSE STRAIGHT RIGHT HANDS!

Persephone: This bitch is going into business for herself. Not gonna lie… I like that a little bit. Now bust him open! I wanna see bloodshed.

Rich Russillo: MIA HAS LOST IT! MIA GOT ELIMINATED FAIR AND SQUARE! NOW SHE’S TAKING IT OUT ON AKARI! SHE IS PISSED OFF TO SAY THE VERY LEAST!

James Peters: THE REFEREE IS TELLING HER TO LAY OFF, BUT INSTEAD SHE PULLS AKARI TO HIS FEET BEFORE KICKING HIM IN THE KNEE WITH A SUPERKICK!

Persephone: Not only that, she followed it up with a Roundhouse kick to the skull. I think she calls it “Two for the Road”.

James Peters: Two for the Road indeed and Mia is back to beating the hell out of Akari before the referee finally pulls Mia off of Akari.

Referee: (off-mic) GET OUT OF THE RING! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?

Rich Russillo: That’s what most of us would like to know. Mia is angry and she certainly let Akari know about it. Akari is being helped to his feet by the referee as Mia finally hits the road and heads back to the locker room. She still has that pissed off look on her face.

(Mia is glaring at the ring before she heads up the entrance ramp and heads backstage. Meanwhile the referee is trying to help Akari Kiyoko to his feet as “Won’t Back Down”, by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers starts playing as Scotty Connor enters the arena to cheers from the crowd. He offers a salute before he heads to the ring.)

James Peters: Here comes Scotty down to the ring as he is the next to enter the gauntlet and he looks ready to go.

Persephone: This old fart has to feel like he hit the jackpot. His opposition just had the shit beat out of him. Not only that, this is his third match in the gauntlet. His chances have got to be through the roof. At least the other guy beat the bitch who beat Luis, so I can tolerate it.

Rich Russillo: Scotty is a man of honor and I don’t think he wants to take the easy way to victory, so he is going to give Akari the best he can in the next leg of the gauntlet.

Persephone: So he’s old, boring, and fucking stupid. Got it. Let’s get this damn thing started.

(Scotty enters the ring as his entrance music fades off. He stays back as Akari is on his feet catching his breath as well as holding his ribs and his head in pain. The referee asks Akari once more if he wants to continue. Akari nods his head and the referee motions for the action to start again.)

James Peters: The next part of the gauntlet is underway and Scotty IMMEDIATELY RUNS IN AND APPLIES A FRONT FACELOCK ON AKARI!

Persephone: Oh gawd! Another one of THOSE wrestlers! It just started and I know this is going to be as boring as crap. NEXT!

Rich Russillo: Will you stop it? As Scotty has the facelock, he lifts Akari right into the air AND DROPS HIM WITH A VERTICAL SUPLEX! AKARI ONCE AGAIN LANDS ON HIS BACK!

Persephone: Thanks to that beatdown from Mia, this poor bastard has a giant bullseye on his back and head. I wouldn’t be surprised if the old grandpa pulls this off. The only way he can win is if he beats someone even more beat up than him.

James Peters: Friendly as always, but Scotty is starting to capitalize AS HE DROPS HIS KNEE ALONG AKARI’S SPINE! SCOTTY MIGHT START DISSECTING AKARI!

Rich Russillo: Akari is on his knees and he is being bent in a way AND SCOTTY IS TRYING TO ALREADY APPLY THE “DD214” DRAGON SLEEPER ON AKARI!

James Peters: AKARI IS IN PAIN BUT HE BRIDGES UP AND NOW BOTH MEN ARE ON THEIR FEET AND AKARI LIFTS SCOTTY UP AND OVER INTO A REVERSE NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!

THHHH-

Persephone: He kicks out. Goody.

Rich Russillo: I think part of it was because of the pain going through his back and he was not able to keep the bridge for the cover!

James Peters: Both men are back to their feet, but Akari was a little quicker AND HE HITS A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE!

Persephone: There’s no blood and that sucks. But that shot does send the old man back into the corner.

Rich Russillo: Scotty is trying to get to his feet in the corner AND HERE COMES HIKARI RUNNING AS FAST AS HE CAN BEFORE HE LEAVES HIS FEET–

Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! Akari went for a running lariat, but Old Man Scotty ducks out of the way.

James Peters: Akari went chest first into the turnbuckles as he stumbled out of the corner. BUT SCOTTY WAS WAITING FOR HIM!

Rich Russillo: SCOTTY WITH A WAISTLOCK AND HE LIFTS AKARI UP AND OVER WITH A POWERFUL GERMAN SUPLEX! AKARI LANDS HARD AND SCOTTY BRIDGES UP FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEE!

James Peters: AKARI KICKS OUT AT TWO! I just saw Akari wince in pain. The longer this match goes, the worse the pain is going to get!

Persephone: They are in pain? What about MY pain? I had to watch my love Luis get screwed out of this match and have to leave me.

Rich Russillo: Akari might have kicked out, but Scotty is still the fresher man of the match. Scotty kicks Akari in the ribs and that rolls him onto his stomach.

James Peters: Scotty drives his knees into Akari’s spine. Scotty grabs hold of Akari’s legs and neck BEFORE HE FALLS BACK–

Rich Russillo: BOW AND ARROW SUBMISSION APPLIED! “WELCOME TO BOOT CAMP” BY SCOTTY AND AKARI IS BEING WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS!

Persephone: I like torture as much as the next girl, but this is too slow for my taste right now. JUST FINISH THE MATCH!

James Peters: That’s what he is trying to do. Stop complaining!! Right now, Scotty is putting a horrible torque on Akari’s back and neck. The referee is right there to check and see if Akari wants to give it up.

Rich Russillo: Not only that, they are checking to see if Scotty’s shoulders end up down at any point in time because that will result in a cover.

James Peters: LOOK AT THE PAIN ON AKARI’S FACE! THE REFEREE IS ASKING AKARI IF HE WANTS TO GIVE IT UP! AKARI IS BEING TORTURED RIGHT NOW, BUT HE IS SAYING NO TO THE REFEREE!

Persephone: Of course he is gonna say no. That’s all they say is no. Nobody ever willingly gives up a match.

Rich Russillo: That is very true, BUT AKARI JUST MANAGED TO ESCAPE THE SUBMISSION AND LANDS ON TOP OF SCOTTY! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN OFF THE LATERAL PRESS!

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHH–

James Peters: SCOTTY KICKS OUT AT TWO AND AKARI ROLLS AWAY TO TRY AND CATCH A BREATHER!

Persephone: There is no need to run away. Stay in the ring and fight like a man.

Rich Russillo: Akari tried, BUT SCOTTY WAS JUST A LITTLE BIT FASTER AS HE GRABS AKARI AND BRINGS HIM BACK TO HIS FEET!

James Peters: Scotty with a boot that doubles Akari over and hooks Akari’s arms. SCOTTY JUMPS IN THE AIR FOR THE “TAPS” DDT–

Persephone: BUT OF COURSE AKARI COUNTERS AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT WITH A BACK BODY DROP! WHAT A SHOCK!

Rich Russillo: Last ditch effort from Akari and it might have saved that match for him.

James Peters: Scotty is back to his feet after the back body drop AND AKARI JUMPS INTO THE AIR AND SPIKES SCOTTY ON HIS HEAD WITH A MODIFIED TORNADO DDT!

Persephone: There was no need to DDT him. His neck bones are probably very old and brittle. Just like him.

Rich Russillo: Scotty is a very tough competitor and he is trying to get back to his feet. Akari is already up AND HE HITS THE ROPES!

Persephone: JUST END THIS MATCH! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!! But here comes Akari after he hit the ropes!

James Peters: HE GOT THE KNEE AGAIN! ‘A K-NEE OF DEATH’ ONCE AGAIN TAKES AN OPPONENT DOWN TO THE MAT!

Rich Russillo: AKARI LEANS AGAINST THE ROPES TO CATCH A BREATHER BEFORE DRAGGING SCOTTY TO THE CORNER! I HOPE IT DOESN’T COST HIM!

James Peters: IT DIDN’T WORK THE FIRST TIME, BUT AKARI IS GOING TO TRY HIS LUCK ON THE TOP ROPE ONE MORE TIME AND HE ONCE AGAIN JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE–

Rich Russillo: “RACE AGAINST TIME” BY AKARI KIYOKO! BULLSEYE WITH THE DIVING SENTON! AKARI IS HOLDING HIS BACK IN PAIN AS HE IS REALLY FEELING THE BEATDOWN FOR EARLIER AS HE GOES FOR THE COVER! LEGS ARE HOOKED!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!

THHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEE!

(Akari slowly rolls off of Scotty and backs up to the ropes to try and catch his breath after surviving another part of the gauntlet.)

Bella Braxton: LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL SCOTT CONNOR HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

James Peters: THREE! THREE ELIMINATIONS FOR AKARI KIYOKO! FIRST VALERIE, THEN MIA, AND NOW SCOTTY!

Persephone: That bastard is still alive? Even after having the shit beat out of him, he is still in this match.

Rich Russillo: Akari Kiyoko is having a star making performance in this match by taking out half the field. I am very impressed with the rookie Akari Kiyoko.

Persephone: You do realize that there is still one competitor left and she is the bitchiest of them all.

(The referee is helping Scotty out of the ring after the match as Akari is also back on his feet. Akari is holding his lower back in pain as he takes some deep breaths and looks at the entrance ramp awaiting the last entrant.)

James Peters: Oh gawd. Akari has been put through hell in this match and if he survives perhaps the toughest competitor in the gauntlet, he will be going to Pain for Pride.

(‘Good For Her’ by MOTHICA featuring emlyn hits, and the crowd explodes as Cameron Ella Ava begins to walk out. Akari Kiyoko drops to a knee, still hurting from his last few matches, but he pulls himself back up as Cameron Ella Ava makes her way down the ramp. Despite her advantage, Cameron simply has a focused look on her face, not wasting any time as she enters the ring.)

James Peters: The final match of this gauntlet is underway, AND CAMERON ELLA AVA IMMEDIATELY TAKES AKARI DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! Akari Kiyoko is down, and I don’t think Cameron plans to make this any longer than she needs to! I don’t think she’d do any unnecessary punishment to Akari, who she has no real personal experience with, but she definitely plans to win this gauntlet! Cameron drags Akari up onto her shoulders, AND AS IMPRESSIVE AS AKARI’S IMPRESSIVE HAS BEEN TONIGHT, I THINK IT HAS OFFICIALLY COME TO AN END! NO BODY, NO CRIME ON AKARI KIYOKO!

Rich Russillo: NO! BEFORE SHE COULD DELIVER THE MOVE, AKARI SLIPPED DOWN CAMERON’S BACK, PULLING HER INTO A SUNSET FLIP PIN!

ONE!
T-

Rich Russillo: GOOD ATTEMPT BY AKARI, BUT CAMERON KICKS OUT! Both Elitists are quickly back to their feet, AND AKARI LOOKS FOR A KNEE, BUT CAMERON CATCHES HIM! Akari doesn’t have the same speed he usually would after all he’s dealt with tonight, AND THAT COSTS HIM AS CAMERON DROPS HIM WITH A LEG SWEEP! I think Cameron is realizing that Akari may have had a little more fight left than anticipated, so she won’t be able to put him away as quickly as she planned to!

Persephone: I hope that’s not the case. My pick to win isn’t here anymore, so this sucks.

James Peters: Cameron drags Akari back to his feet, AND SHE JUST BEGINS TO REPEATEDLY KNEE HIM IN THE MIDSECTION! Cameron now sending Akari into the corner of the ring, AND NOW SHE RUNS IN BEFORE DELIVERING A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cameron is just destroying Akari right now, as she sends him out of the corner! Cameron now running the ropes, and- SHE WENT FOR A LARIAT, BUT AKARI DUCKED UNDER IT BEFORE JUMPING UP AND DELIVERING A POISONRANA!

Rich Russillo: Huge move by Akari, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE ISN’T DONE YET!! HE RUNS THE ROPES AS CAMERON GETS TO A KNEE, AND THERE’S A K-NEE OF DEATH!!!!!! IT CONNECTS ON CAMERON ELLA AVA, AND AKARI COLLAPSES ON TOP OF HER FOR THE COVER!

ONE!
TWO!!
TH-

Rich Russillo: CAMERON KICKS OUT!!!! AKARI GOT A SHOT IN AND IT WAS A HUGE ONE, BUT IT STILL WAS NOT ENOUGH! Despite that being one of the best moves he had to offer, Cameron is essentially walking into this match fresh! He’s at a disadvantage and the only way he can get around that right now is to stay on the offensive!

Persephone: Or just forfeit. That’d work too.

James Peters: Akari crawls to the ropes and uses them to get back to his feet, and at this point I think he knows that he can’t afford to take any major move from Cameron! Akari begins to repeatedly stomp away at Cameron, before finally turning his attention to the top rope! Cameron planned to end this quickly, but Akari HAS to end this quickly! That’s his best shot at getting the win tonight!

Rich Russillo: Akari slowly pulls himself up to the top rope, using everything in his power just to get up there! Akari is up top, AND NOW HE DIVES ONTO CAMERON, LOOKING FOR THE RACE AGAINST TIME-

James Peters: NO! CAMERON GOT THE KNEES UP, AND AKARI LANDED RIGHT ON TOP OF THEM! WE MENTIONED CAMERON WALKING INTO THIS MATCH FRESH, AND IT LOOKS LIKE AKARI CLIMBING UP TOP GAVE CAMERON THE TIME NEEDED TO RECOVER! CAMERON PUSHES HERSELF TO HER FEET, AND AKARI IS IN A LOT OF TROUBLE RIGHT NOW! Akari stumbles back to his feet, AND CAMERON GOES FOR THE WONDER WOMAN PUNCH!

Rich Russillo: NO! AKARI DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE HITTING CAMERON WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! AKARI NOW RUNNING THE ROPES- BUT CAMERON SLIPS BEHIND HIM BEFORE DELIVERING A DRAGON SUPLEX! HUGE MOVE BY CAMERON ELLA AVA, AND THAT’S THE LAST THING AKARI KIYOKO NEEDED! He clearly can’t take much more and I think Cameron knows this! We might be on the verge of seeing this match come to an end!

Persephone: About time. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for this to end after Luis got screwed over. This entire match went to waste once he was eliminated.

James Peters: Cameron Ella Ava scoops Akari up into the fireman’s carry again, BUT AKARI BEGINS THROWING SOME ELBOWS TO THE SIDE OF CAMERON’S HEAD! CAMERON DROPS AKARI BACK TO HIS FEET, AND NOW AKARI CONNECTS WITH A FOREARM! A SECOND FOREARM! A THIRD! CAMERON SENDS AN ELBOW IN RETURN THOUGH, AND THAT CAUSES AKARI TO STUMBLE! CAMERON SWINGS AT AKARI ONCE MORE, BUT THIS TIME AKARI DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE KICKING CAMERON IN THE MIDSECTION! Cameron drops down to a knee, and Akari takes a deep breath before looking for what could potentially be the finishing move!

Rich Russillo: AKARI KIYOKO BEGINS RUNNING THE ROPES, AND HE GOES FOR THE A K-NEE OF-

Persephone: Oh, yikes. That didn’t happen.

James Peters: CAMERON AVOIDED A K-NEE OF DEATH, AND AS SOON AS AKARI TURNED AROUND, HE WAS DROPPED WITH THE WONDER WOMAN PUNCH!!!!! Akari had spent the entire match trying to avoid getting hit with these major moves from Cameron, but he couldn’t avoid it that time! All the damage he’s taken facing three previous opponents had already caught up to him, and everything Cameron has done doesn’t help, either! Akari might as well already be done for, but it looks like Cameron isn’t willing to take any chances!

Rich Russillo: Of course not! As impressive as Akari’s performance was, this is for a spot at Pain for Pride, and Cameron wants that spot! Even so, Akari is trying to push himself up! He’s made it to all fours, and he’s desperately trying to get back up despite all the damage he’s taken!

James Peters: YEAH, BUT CAMERON WASTES NO TIME RUNNING THE ROPES, BEFORE DROPPING AKARI WITH SERPENT RISING!!!!! CAMERON WITH NO MERCY AS THERE WAS NO AVOIDING THIS ONE, AND I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY THIS ONE IS OVER!

Rich Russillo: CAMERON TURNS AKARI OVER, AND THERE’S THE COVER!!!!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… AND THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP, CCAAAAMMMERRROONNNNN EELLLLAAAA AAAAVVVVAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: WOW! What a gauntlet this was, and CONGRATULATIONS TO CAMERON ELLA AVA! We have our new number one contender for the Hardcore Championship, and it’s a Hall of Famer!

Rich Russillo: We saw some incredible performances in this match, especially from Akari Kiyoko! This was amazing and it really showcased how great this roster is, but in the end, there was nothing left. Cameron just needed that one good shot, and she knew that heading into this!

Persephone: Anyone with half a brain cell would know that. He went through three matches before this. You’d have to be pretty awful at wrestling to lose to him at that point.

James Peters: Well, once again congratulations to Cameron Ella Ava, who’ll be going to Pain for Pride!

(‘Good For Her’ hits, and while the fans cheer, there are fans that are also sad seeing Akari Kiyoko come up short following his opponents. Cameron Ella Ava returns to her feet, and has her hand raised by the referee, knowing that she’ll now be fighting for the Hardcore Championship at Pain for Pride. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)

( Voltage fades backstage and the camera quickly picks up the Universal Women’s Champion, Minerva, making her way down the hall. She is not in action tonight, so she wears street clothes and for once, she isn’t carrying her championship. A little smile is on her face at the present moment because for once, everything in Minerva’s world seems rather sunny. She turns the corner, Voltage’s backstage correspondent, Sofia Clarke, sees her and decides to approach her. As per usual, Sofia is carrying a microphone. )

Sofia Clarke: Hey, Minerva! Do you mind if I steal a moment or two of your time?

( Ever the champion, Minerva gives Sofia a graceful smile. )

Minerva: Of course. What’s on your mind?

Sofia Clarke: I know you are scheduled to meet Harper Lee inside the ring later on tonight, but right now, I want to ask you about the OTHER big event you have coming up at Fighting Spirit.

( This time, Minerva’s smile turns into a full-fledged grin and she glances down at the engagement ring on her left hand. )

Sofia Clarke: On Dynasty last week, the World Heavyweight Champion, Myles, announced that the two of you would be getting married at Fighting Spirit. What made you two decide that now was the perfect time?

Minerva: To be fair, as long as I’m with Myles, any date we could have picked would have been perfect. We’ve been engaged for awhile, and yes, we did have our fair share of problems, but love won out in the end, and all of that’s behind us. Both of us have worked extremely hard to become two of the best wrestlers EAW has ever seen, and in doing so, we found ourselves placed in each other’s orbit. It was surprising, interesting, fun, frustrating at times, heart-breaking, and now… it’s just everything I could have ever wanted it to be. We both shared the idea that it would be incredible to get married while we both held championships, and one night we were just laying in bed and said, ‘why not Fighting Spirit’?

( Sofia can’t help but smile at that. )

Sofia Clarke: It was just that simple.

Minerva: It was. I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Myles, so at Fighting Spirit, in front of the fans who have been with us on the entire journey, I will make that pledge to him official. He will make it official with me, and we will live happily ever after. I know that sounds rather cliche, but I’m happy, and nothing is going to ruin this for us.

Sofia Clarke: So can we expect tightened security for the wedding?

( Sofia said the comment in jest, but disasters happening at live, televised weddings seemed to be a common theme. Minerva and Myles had discussed the possibility of something happening, which truly was their only reservation about exchanging their vows in such a public way, but ultimately both of them had decided to throw caution to the wind. )

Minerva: Both of us have championship defenses at Fighting Spirit, and WHEN, not if, I beat Harper Lee, I know that I’ll be facing Milli Banks at Pain for Pride. Myles is dealing with SOSA Henderson and who knows who will step up to him next. We’ve both plan on headlining Pain for Pride as champions this year, and there are plenty of people out there who would love to screw that up for us. We’ve made more enemies than friends here in EAW, and I know how people are. The last thing anyone should even think about is ruining this moment for the two of us. The repercussions will not be pretty and I mean that. If you ask Myles, he will say the same thing. We just want to exchange our vows in peace and celebrate with the EAW Universe.

Sofia Clarke: Well on behalf of everyone here on Voltage, I wish you nothing but the best Minerva. I know you will be a gorgeous bride, and good luck with your championship match as well.

( Minerva grinned and after exchanging goodbyes with Sofia, she continued down the hall. She had a destination in mind, and it was one she had become familiar with over her years on Voltage. A few seconds later, she came to a stop in front of the Voltage commissioner’s office. Minerva didn’t even bother to knock. She opened the door and poked her head inside. )

( Captain Charisma was looking at something on his phone, but when Minerva cleared her throat, his blonde head shot up. )

Captain Charisma: Minerva! What can I do for you?

( He ushered her into the office and Minerva made herself comfortable in one of the chairs sitting across from Captain Charisma’s desk. )

Minerva: Well, I guess that first of all, you and I have been through a lot, and we haven’t always been on the same side.

( Even though her tone is light, Minerva had to cringe just a bit. As part of New Eden, she stood opposite of Captain Charisma for almost two years, working diligently alongside Myles and Drake King to destroy Voltage and change professional wrestling. It wasn’t something Minerva was necessarily proud of, but she also refused to regret any path she had ever taken because all of that led her to where she was right now. )

( To his credit, Captain Charisma smiled. )

Captain Charisma: Understatement of the century but go on.

Minerva: Even when I was at my worst, you still did your best to help cultivate my career and give me opportunities. You’ve always taken note of my work ethic and I appreciate that, and while I wouldn’t usually speak for Myles, I know he feels the same way. New Eden was an interesting chapter in both of our careers, and I wouldn’t change having gone through that experience, because it opened my eyes up to a lot of different things. But more than that, it brought me closer to my fiance than I ever thought would be possible. You could have fired us or split us up at any given moment, but you didn’t. You sat back, let things play out, and even though the ending was crass and bitter, something beautiful came out of it.

( Minerva, a well-spoken woman but not an overly emotional one, was nearly emotional at the moment. She paused to collect herself, but the small smile on her lips could only lead to speculation that she was reliving some of the most impactful moments of her career and personal life in that moment. )

Minerva: I guess what I’m trying to say is that I appreciate you always giving me the benefit of the doubt and giving me the platform you have on Voltage. You saw the best in Myles and myself as athletes, and we’re both appreciative of that.

( Captain Charisma simply nodded his head. )

Captain Charisma: Hard work and talent typically wins out in the end. Besides, I don’t think anyone goes through their entire career playing by the rules or being a paragon of virtue. We’re all human and I’ve done my fair share of questionable things as well. The fact of the matter is, I’m highly competitive and I want the best in EAW competing on and representing my brand every single week. Needless to say, you’ve always stepped up and done exactly that. I’m happy to see that you’re in a good place, and I’m happy that Myles has done well for himself on Dynasty. Hopefully you both will let me have a front row seat next weekend for the wedding.

( Minerva smirked. )

Minerva: Speaking of the wedding, that’s why I’m here.

Captain Charisma: Let me guess. You want to marry Myles inside of Barbed Wire Massacre since that’s where he proposed.

Minerva: :ohh: You know, I actually didn’t even think of that.

( This time, it was Captain Charisma who smirked. )

Minerva: In all seriousness, you’ve done a lot for Myles and me over the years. It would be an honor if you were to officiate our wedding.

( A surprised look came across Captain Charisma’s face. Of all the things Minerva could have asked him, he hadn’t been expecting that. )

Captain Charisma: You’re serious?

Minerva: I am.

( A soft, flattering smile crossed Captain Charisma’s face and he stood up, walking out from behind his desk. Minerva got up as well and the two exchanged a friendly hug with one another. )

Captain Charisma: Of course, I’ll do it.

Minerva: Thank you.

( Minerva hugged the Commissioner once again and took her leave, and Captain Charisma grinned again. )

Captain Charisma: I guess I have a week to figure out how to get certified to marry someone :mjlol:.

( In a time of great need, what is a person to do when they’re seeking answers to their questions? They turn to Google, obviously. Captain Charisma retrieved his phone from his desk and started his inquiry as Voltage faded out and went to a commercial break. )

(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Charlie Marr defends the EAW World Championship against Roberto De La Rosa.)

( Sunday Night Voltage fades back into the backstage area of “The Pit” in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the show is coming live from. The camera focuses sharply on Sofia Clarke as she is once again standing in front of a large LED background covering the Voltage graphics, with an interview set replicating a wrestling ring. Sofia has a particularly pretty outfit to wear tonight here in Albuquerque. She gives a nice big smile towards the camera, as she begins speaking to the fans who are watching in the arena and watching on their television screen from there. )

Sofia Clarke: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, back to Sunday Night Voltage. We have more exciting action coming up tonight, following that Gauntlet Number One Contenders match for the EAW Hardcore Championship! What Gauntlet match that was and congratulations to Cameron Ella Ava!! She’ll face Roberto at Pain for Pride, a man that can possibly become a double champion when Fighting Spirit closes at the end of the night next week. We have so much more to come here on Sunday Night Voltage including the Sudden Death Gold Rush finale to see who’ll challenge the EAW World Champion at Pain for Pride and again it can either still be Charlie Marr or Roberto De La Rosa. It is very unpredictable who’s going to win that match, it can be Jack Ripley, it can be Hikari Kanno, it can be Dr. Bethany Blue or even Rex Mcallister getting one more shot at the World Championship. The stakes could not be any higher on this go home edition of Voltage but allow me to introduce to you my guest at this time… she is a former EAW Unified Tag Team Champion… please welcome… Holly Arrow!

(Holly Arrow emerges from the screen as she stands up with Sofia. The crowd in the audience watching the segment cheered loudly for Holly! Holly is dressed in casual attire for this interview . She has a very stoic face as she awaits Sofia to ask the first question…)

Sofia Clarke: Appreciate you for your time Holly… As we all know Fighting Spirit is upon us in one week’s time and after that, the biggest event of the year… Pain for Pride will be the final destination for this season. I wanna ask you specifically how things have been going for you lately as we towards the biggest event of the year?

( Holly takes a moment to answer, as she collects her thoughts before giving and honest and thoughtful answer towards Sofia. )

Holly Arrow: Listen I’m going to be honest with you Sofia and tell you that things haven’t gotten exactly my way since I’ve returned to EAW… but I knew this was the case. I knew my path to becoming a World Champion was going to be no easy feat. When I returned, I already knew what I was getting myself into Sofia. I mean you can be gone only for a few short months and before you know it the landscape of this place changes like a dime. I knew this wasn’t going be easy for me whatsoever but I can still be honest about myself, be honest with how things are going and it’s what I just said to you. Things haven’t been going well for myself and as much I knew how hard this was gonna be to only reach a world title match, but keep moving forward. Keep holding my head up high and just continue the wave until I reached a point where I can earn myself another world title match but the opportunities that have attached to reach that goal haven’t been exactly great.

( Holly takes a moment to collect herself before continuing on with answering the question… )

Holly Arrow: Of course everyone has seen my attempt to beat Minerva for her Universal Women’s Title at Grand Rampage, and despite everything I had… I lost. I lost that world title match, something that I wanted to achieve since coming back. Then two weeks ago, I battled against Donovan Duke right here on Voltage and unbeknownst to anyone else, that match would end up being a qualifying match to be a part of Cash in the Vault ladder match at Pain for Pride. I fought that match as hard as I could but unfortunately Donovan Duke was the better competitor and he earned himself a spot in a match that could almost guarantee he becomes world champion. An opportunity like that slipped away and another opportunity came last week against Rex McAllister. Again just like with my match against Donovan, I fought hard as one possibly can. I did everything I could to beat Rex but it was my back lying on the mat when the referee counted to three for Rex. He advanced to the Sudden Death Gold Rush four way match while me… I’m standing here looking to bounce back from the opportunities grasping my fingertips but sadly nowhere close to the reality of me being world champion.

Holly Arrow: While I don’t intend on going back on what I said If I expect this NOT to be easy… I’m bothered that opportunities like this slipping away so close to Pain for Pride, how fast that event is approaching us. I would be lying if I said it didn’t irk me a little bit. I wasn’t to be in those opportunities right now. However, no matter what, I won’t stop until I become a world champion in this company, this place where I’ve honed my craft for years at this point. I’ll make it to the promised land, make it on top of the mountain as world champion. The path for Pain for Pride though… I don’t know where I’ll be heading…

???: I know exactly where you’ll be heading Holly…

( A voice from out of the frame can be heard, interrupting the interview. Sofia and Holly look over as Holly’s expression turns into annoyance. The camera pans over to reveal Harper Lee which gets an audibly negative reaction from the crowd. Harper enters the frame as she continues talking to Holly. )

Harper Lee: You’re heading exactly to the bottom of the food chain… Now before you say anything Sofia, I didn’t know you were conducting interviews for losers now??? Are we now throwing pity parties for people on Voltage that can’t get the job done when it matters? You want a winner to interview Sofia? Interview me when I beat Minerva for her title next week at Fighting Spirit. I become a two-time Universal Women’s Champion while Holly Arrow can swallow her sorrows knowing that her dreams of becoming world champion will be further and further away from actually happening. I mean you had two shots Holly? You had two opportunities after losing your big world title match at Grand Rampage, you had your chances Holly and what was the result? Loss after loss, after loss. Like I said to your face last week, everyone these last months have been hyping you up because you hate my guts. They have been hyping you to a level you won’t ever get. Despite chance after chance, you are still holding on this belief that you’re going to be a world champion. I’m here to tell you right now that at this point you are better off just giving up on your world championship dreams.

( Holly looks incredible annoyed at Harper as she responds back to her by saying… )

Holly Arrow: You have some nerve coming up to me right now Harper. You have a big title match next week and all you are focused is on what I’m doing. Your words don’t exactly mean anything to me anymore, the fact is the words that I once had high regards to died when you betrayed me. The words you are speaking right now don’t come from truths, it comes from envy. I had my chances, I’m not taking anything away from the losses that I’ve endured but that isn’t going to stop me from continuing to push forward. It isn’t going to stop me from reaching my goal no matter what you or anyone else has to say about it. Be more concerned about the champion you’re battling next week than your former partner.

Harper Lee: You don’t think I’m prepared Holly? Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be? I’ve been a Universal Women’s Champion before, I can do it again next week and it will just be as sweet knowing that I’m going to get the job done while you sit backstage and watch me do what you couldn’t do.

( Holly and Harper get closer to each other as Holly responds back by saying… )

Holly Arrow: Oh really? You’re gonna do what I couldn’t? You know you shouldn’t be so arrogant, Harper, especially towards someone like me.

Harper Lee: Is that a threat???

(Holly smiles hearing what Harper just said as she thumps Harper right in the forehead! Harper is very annoyed as she holds her forehead and Holly walks away from the set. Harper tells Sofia to get out as Sunday Night Voltage continues on to a commercial. )

(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Minerva defends the Universal Women’s Championship against Harper Lee.)

(The camera fades backstage to Sofia Clarke who is standing by with a microphone.)

Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to another great edition of Voltage here tonight. Please welcome my guest… the winner of the Hardcore Championship contender’s gauntlet… Cameron Ella Ava!!!

(Cameron Ella Ava enters the camera looking very tired and sweaty from the long and grueling Gauntlet Match she competed in tonight to become the number one contender for the EAW Hardcore Championship.)

Cameron Ella Ava: Thank you for having me Sofia.

Sofia Clarke: I can see you are clearly hanging in there after a long and hard night tonight in that Gauntlet Match. But you persevered and it paid off big time for you! We all want to know your thoughts on the match and this large opportunity that now stands before you.

Cameron Ella Ava: Well I have to admit that luck played a bit of a role out here. I ended up as the final entry in the Gauntlet Match and went on to win it all. Some of the people in this match might have actually had it a little worse off than me if I am keeping it real.

Sofia Clarke: Akari Kiyoko really fought to the absolute limit he competed in four straight matches tonight. Unfortunately his only prize for surviving three of them was a match with the Hall of Famer herself Cameron Ella Ava.

Cameron Ella Ava: I have to give Akari Kiyoko props. Some people might be unhappy that he worked as hard as he did and came as far as he did in that match but it still wasn’t enough to overcome the Goddess. I can admire the work put in and the toughness and what he accomplished… but I know deep down in my heart that I wasn’t going to lose the match regardless of when I entered it. If I entered first then everyone would have taken the loss here tonight. So Akari might be upset right now after the loss, but he should be thankful that I didn’t enter the match before him or his great performance tonight would have never happened at all.

Sofia Clarke: So Cameron, I have to ask. Recently you have been mostly in pursuit of the EAW World Championship. But now you have an opportunity at the Hardcore Championship instead. What are your thoughts about this change?

Cameron Ella Ava: Well I admit at first I was not sure about this Sofia. I wanted that EAW World Championship. I feel that I deserve it for the body of work that I have put in this season as well as my entire career. I feel there is nobody else on Voltage more deserving than me. The Hardcore Championship was not something that I really planned for myself. It is something that just happened. But now I am starting to come around to the idea. You see I look at Voltage’s line-up of champions out there and honestly I am not that impressed. We have Charlie Marr cheating to win every title defense he ends up in. Then we have Roberto De La Rosa and La Familia interfering in every match he has. Someone has to do something about that and that someone might as well be me. If I have to compete for the Hardcore Championship then I am going to win the Hardcore Championship and anything that elevates Cameron Ella Ava is something that I am interested in and worth pursuing. Besides I have a lot of anger and aggression that I need to take out and Hardcore matches seems just the way to do that. I have been denied my shot at the EAW World Championship… so I will take the Hardcore Championship and remind EAW just how tough Cameron Ella Ava really is.

(Suddenly Roberto De La Rosa enters the screen smiling and clapping at Cameron Ella Ava his latest number one contender for the EAW Hardcore Championship.)

Roberto De La Rosa: I wouldn’t get too ahead of yourself talking about how you won’t be getting that shot at the EAW World Championship. Because after Fighting Spirit I will be un doble camepon! I will have two belts on my shoulders and at Pain for Pride I just might be pulling double duty chica. Maybe I will even defend both championships against you if you are lucky. But probably not. I’ll defend the EAW World Championship against someone else and the Hardcore Championship against you. Pero you will still have a great opportunity to defeat the champ! I am going to make all kinds of history and walk into Pain for Pride with dos campeonatos and I am going to walk out of Pain for Pride with dos campeonatos like nobody in EAW history ever has before. At least as far as I know, who cares if it has happened before. Roberto De La Rosa will do it better! I mean at the very least that is nothing that the so-called “great” Cameron Ella Ava can claim!

Cameron Ella Ava: Oh is that so?

Roberto De La Rosa: It is so. It is very much so. I am going to go on to Fighting Spirit and do what you could not. That is win the EAW World Championship and defeat Charlie Marr! Charlie thinks that he is very tricky and can outsmart me but I am a hermano on a different level and he is going to find that out at Fighting Spirit. But as the face of Fighting Spirit I want to commend you on your fighting spirit here tonight. I mean the way you slid in that Gauntlet Match right at the end and stole the victory away from a guy who had just competed in three matches before hand. I mean that is super impressive. I gotta say my contenders for this Hardcore Championship just be getting even more impressive cada dia! Let’s be clear that at Pain for Pride you will have to take me on at 100% and you won’t be able to just stroll in and be handed a win like you were tonight.

Cameron Ella Ava: Huh that is strange. I thought you said that at Pain for Pride you would be pulling double duty? How do you know that you will be facing me first? Maybe you will get your ass kicked in the EAW World Championship match and then I will come in right after slide in and defeat you for the EAW Hardcore Championship. Just collect me another easy night and championship just handed to me right?

Roberto De La Rosa: You probably would do something like that. For months now I have had to watch you sit in the back bitching and whining and complaining and expecting everything to be handed to you. Unlike me who actually fought and earned an EAW World Championship match at Fighting Spirit. I am going to walk in and El Padrastro going to defeat Charlie Marr with ease and finish my conquest of Voltage that I and La Familia began so long ago!

(Cameron Ella Ava is shown rolling her eyes.)

Cameron Ella Ava: Really? Wow Roberto I knew that you were delusional but this is a whole other level. You clearly are an idiota if you think that you even have the smallest chance of defeating Charlie Marr and main eventing Pain for Pride. I don’t think you understand what the main event of Pain for Pride is. Or who you are talking to right now. Spots like this are protected. They are only for certain types of people. For legends. Like myself. And I guess like Charlie Marr too. But that certainly does not include you Roberto. You aren’t anywhere near main event level in EAW and honestly with all of the shortcuts you take every single week I doubt you will ever get there.

(Roberto De La Rosa is shown enraged as he whips off his sunglasses and gets all up in Cameron Ella Ava’s face snarling at her.)

Roberto De La Rosa: No me obligues a usar la violencia hermana. I don’t think you understand just who the hell I am or what I am capable of. You think that you are some kind of special snowflake around here? I will melt you down and make nobody ever remember the name Cameron Ella Ava ever again. You need to watch what you say to me. I am your Padrastro and if you were smart you would bend the knee and join La Familia. We could always use a veteran mentor to give us some kind of cred. What little you have left that is. Not that we would actually take any of your advice. But if you retired and started managing us in matches it might make us look better. But unfortunately after your disrespect to me that door is now closed potentially forever. You should watch what you say next to me from now on or I will slap the shit out of you and remind you just who runs Voltage.

(Cameron Ella Ava is shown nodding and smiling.)

Roberto De La Rosa: I see you understand. Muy bien.

(Cameron Ella Ava suddenly kicks Roberto De La Rosa in the nuts. Sofia Clarke is shown screaming in fear as she runs out of the interview area.)

Roberto De La Rosa: :dead:

(Cameron Ella Ava is not finished yet as she grabs Roberto De La Rosa by the neck and spikes him down head first onto the concrete floor with a sudden DDT!)

Rich Russillo: Bah gawd we have all hell breaking loose backstage! Cameron Ella Ava just assaulted the Hardcore Champion! We need some help back there now!

(Security is seen swarming the area to pull Cameron Ella Ava away from Roberto De La Rosa as medics check on him. Cameron is shown yelling at Roberto as she is dragged away.)

Cameron Ella Ava: You are wrong idiot! You are the one who doesn’t know what I AM CAPABLE OF! WHEN PAIN FOR PRIDE IS OVER! I WILL TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU! I WILL BE THE HARDCORE CHAMPION! THAT TITLE IS MINE PENDEJO!

(The camera fades to a commercial for Fighting Spirit.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to the backstage area of The Pit, more specifically, a designated office room. In there, seated behind a desk, is none other than Voltage Consultant Eden Sinclair, who is given a loud reception of cheers from the crowd inside of the arena. She’s seen working diligently behind her computer, but as soon as she notices the camera approaching her, she looks toward it with a smile on her face as she clasps her hands.)

Eden Sinclair: You know, it’s so good being back here on Sunday Night Voltage. Maternity leave was a struggle, and I had to spend 9 months of my life sitting at home and watching the show on TV, but now that I’m finally here now, back where I belong, it really just warms my heart. It was a rough time for me during my first run with this company, anyone would see that I was in a really dark place, putting my trust in the wrong people and doing things that would be disapproved by many in the industry. But now I return, having worked on myself and become the strong, independent mother that all of you know me to be, raising a beautiful baby girl who I could never trade away for the world… all by myself. I have become better, and now I’m not just here to do it for myself, but for Sunday Night Voltage, for the people. This is partly why I agreed for my first appearance back to announce the Sudden Death Gold Rush Tournament, to show the new leaf that I have turned.

(Eden closes her eyes and nods to herself with a smile on her face, clearly giving herself a pat on the back for everything that she’s gone through.)

Eden Sinclair: That’s what I’m here to talk about tonight, and how everything has turned out. Later tonight we will see the finals to determine who will face the EAW World Champion, which will end up being whoever wins between Charlie Marr and Roberto De La Rosa at Fighting Spirit, at the Grandest Stage of Them All, Pain For Pride. There are definitely a lot of exciting contenders to look toward. Dr. Bethany Blue, who defeated Drake King last week. Rex McAllister, who won against Holly Arrow. Jack Ripley, who defeated Cameron Ella Ava and ended their longtime grudge against one another. And lastly, Hikari Kanno, who beat Alex Myers as well. It’s certainly an exciting match between four of the very best, all for the opportunity to main event the biggest show of the Season, I certainly can’t wait!

(Eden gives a toothy smile as the crowd continues to cheer.)

Eden Sinclair: But there’s also a lot of things to look forward to on the Voltage side of things as we approach the Fighting Spirit Marquee Event. Minerva defending her Universal Women’s Championship against Harper Lee, NICHOLISM defending their Unified Tag Team Championships against The Jaded Hearts, KASAI defending her Specialists Championship against Brianna Hill, and of course, the stellar tag team match with Jamie O’Hara pairing up with Limmy Monaghan against An-

???: DID SOMEONE SAY… ANDRE WALKER?!

Eden Sinclair: …

(The door immediately bursts in and of course, seemingly apropos for the moment, in walks Ronan Malosi. He’s in high spirits after what happened to kick off the show, and of course, is in even higher spirits after seeing the mother of his child behind the desk. Eden immediately stands up and storms over to him, pushing him in the chest.)

Eden Sinclair: GET OUT!

Ronan Malosi: Whoa whoa, this isn’t very Malosi Mindset of you! You should be responding with positivity and kindness considering the father of your child has walked in. What would Andreya think of this-

Eden Sinclair: OUR DAUGHTER’S NAME IS VALENTINA, NOT ANDREYA YOU IDIOT!

(Ronan looks toward the invisible camera, tilting his head with a skeptical look on his face.)

Ronan Malosi: Women. They are mysterious creatures!

Eden Sinclair: WHO ARE THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING TO?! FOR THE LAST TIME, GET! OUT!

Ronan Malosi: Whoa, Eden, baby, calm down. What happened to turning a new leaf? I mean, you said you came back to this company as a strong, independent mother (even though you wouldn’t need to be if you stopped pushing me away like this), where’s that? Why am I not being given a hero’s welcome for even giving you this sort of development in the first place? If anything, you should be thanking me AND the Malosi Mindset for helping you become the person that you are today since you seem to be so proud of it.

(Eden’s eye twitches as she stays silent.)

Ronan Malosi: I mean, if it wasn’t for our under-the-table relationship, you wouldn’t be a mother right now. Our beautiful Andreya wouldn’t have even been formulated without me, you’d just be a sad, depressing loser, and nobody would want that really. I know you look back at the times you had with regret because you should be happy. Because even if you were a bad woman who has made some bad mistakes, you said it yourself, you have grown from it. You learned from your actions just as I have, and really that’s something that we can relate to.

(Ronan obviously has a smile on his face, believing everything that he’s said, Eden is very infuriated by all of this at this moment.)

Eden Sinclair: I have made some mistakes, and the first one was even deciding to be in the same vicinity as you for a long period of time. Here I was thinking that you were the perfect man, clearly, I was fucking wrong! You’re nothing more than a piece of shit scumbag who loves a GROWN MAN over his own daughter! So much so that you would name her after him!

Ronan Malosi: HEY! I’ll let you disrespect me and anyone else, but I draw the line at Andre Walker! My Kaiser picked me up when you shoved me down, and he brought me to the place that I am in today. I’ll have you know that I am happy, Eden, I have always been happy. I’ve done nothing but try and spread positivity which people like you CLEARLY need. You don’t need to be such a killjoy about it.

Eden Sinclair: You’re being a killjoy right now! You have no reason to be here, I was perfectly fine without you, yet here you are. You always bring down my day whenever you show up, because you remind me exactly why I’m in this position in the first place. That’s right, you ARE who I am today because you were a fucking deadbeat who was NEVER there for your daughter when she needed it the most. You always made things a joke, and I could not be more disgusted with the route that you decided to take. This is all YOUR fault, things could have been better if you were just a decent human being, but you decided not to be.

Ronan Malosi: Look, Eden, I think you’re just being rash here. I’ve done nothing wrong, you’re clearly just in a mood right now. I understand it’s hard, the Malosi withdrawals, not having me around, I get it. But look, I’m here right now, and that’s what matters right? I came in when you needed it the most, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand. You know I’m always one call away, my sweet Eden.

Eden Sinclair: You know what…

Ronan Malosi: What?

(Eden falls into silence, bowing her head for a moment.)

Eden Sinclair: You’re right.

(Ronan lightens up, a smile on his face as he hears what she says.)

Ronan Malosi: You really mean it??? I haven’t heard you say anything positive about me in months!

Eden Sinclair: I have been doing this wrong, I’m sorry.

Ronan Malosi: There we go! That’s the Eden I know and love! Now here, give Andreya’s father a big hug!

(Ronan holds out her arms for a hug, and Eden slowly walks toward him and hugs him back. He is obviously very surprised by this turn of events, but really isn’t questioning it either.)

Ronan Malosi: Yeah, this feels good. You and I have truly reconciled over our mistakes… wait… why am I moving backward… HEY! HEY!

(Eden pushes Ronan back while keeping a hold of him and shoves him out of the room. Ronan stumbles back against the wall.)

Eden Sinclair: It was wrong of me to entertain this for so long.

Ronan Malosi: HEY! EDEN, WAIT! WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS-

(SLAM!)

(The door gets slammed right in the face of Ronan as he staggers back.)

Eden Sinclair: (Muffled) AND HER NAME IS VALENTINA!

(Ronan stares at the door for a moment, sighing as he dusts off his clothing before turning around to walk away.)

Ronan Malosi: She’s just misguided, oh well, she’ll admit she’s in the wrong someday. She always is.

(Ronan shakes his head as he strolls away, the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage, from there, begins to fade out elsewhere.)

( Voltage returns from a break to the crowd eagerly awaiting the show to continue. Bella Braxton stands tall at the center of the ring under the spotlight, ready to announce the next competition. )

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A CASH IN THE VAULT PREVIEW MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

( ‘Gloria’ by Laura Branigan hits the PA system as Bea Valentine marches out to the stage. She has a smile on her way knowing that she’s a participant in the Cash in the Vault ladder match, and heading into this match against Donovan Duke, she is seemingly confident. Wasting little time, her and Cornelius walk down the ramp and head to thenring.. )

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST!… ACCOMPANIED BY CORNELIUS! FROM BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS!… WEIGHING IN AT 143 POUNDS!… THE QUEEN BEA!!!!!!!!… BEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!… VAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

( Valentine enters the ring, looking at the camera with a grin on her face, until ‘I Rise’ by Corey Marks plays. The fans cheer as this hits, and Donovan Duke comes out, looking up at Bea Valentine. Bea insults and yells at him from far away, whether Donovan throws shades at her while heading to the ring. )

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING HER OPPONENT!… FROM STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA!… WEIGHING IN AT 212 POUNDS!… THE OKLAHOMA STORM!!!!!!!!…. DONOVANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!… DUKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

( Donovan enters the ring and goes face to face with Bea. Bea tries to push Donovan’s face away, but both are stopped by the referee eventually. :ufdup: Donovan points at her one last time before putting himself into the corner and getting ready for this match right away. )

( DING DING DING! )

Rich Russillo: Cash In The Vault, presented to you by Pain For Pride, brings you the preview match this week, right here on Sunday Night Voltage! A former Specialist Champion is taking on the former longest-reigning EAW National Elite Champion. Bea Valentine and Donovan Duke!

James Peters: Donovan held a dominant record as the National Elite Champion, while Bea Valentine was solid during her championship reign.

Persephone: And do you know what they also have in common? They both suck ass as the champion!

Rich Russillo: These are two different kinds of characters with different achievements coming face to face. Bea has gone toe-to-toe with undisputed names like Drake King, Minerva, and Dr. Bethany Blue in the past, while Donovan Duke has done the same against Impact and Methuselah, a pair of Liquid Swordz.

James Peters: Donovan is here to rely on his veteran experience, while on the other hand, Bea Valentine is here to prove that it’s the dawn of a new day. Bea Valentine hops out of the corner and approaches Donovan Duke at the center of the ring, engaging in a collar and elbow tie-up.

Rich Russillo: That quickly takes a turn as she switches things around and now locks Donovan tightly in a side headlock at the center of the ring!

James Peters: Beautifully executed takedown by the self-proclaimed ‘Gloria’s mother’, putting Donovan trapped in her hold.

Perserphone: Gloria’s mother? Yeah right, the deadbeat one.

Rich Russillo: Donovan reaches out for Bea’s arm and tries to stretch it out, looking for a way to twist out of the hold! Bea applies pressure, making it difficult for Donovan to escape.

James Peters: Donovan is slowly trying to roll out, but Bea is still able to track him down like a radar, ensnaring Donovan where she wants him. Donovan is now on his way up to both knees, but the hold still chains him.

Rich Russillo: Valentine quickly transitions, sending Donovan rolling through the ground into a steady position. As he heads to the ropes and rebounds for a running Shining Wizard at Donovan, he ducks out of the way, sending her crashing onto the canvas.

James Peters: Donovan quickly takes aim at her right arm, attempting to apply the Fujiwara Armbar on Bea Valentine immediately!

Rich Russillo: Bea quickly uses the momentum to turn the tide, putting both of Donovan’s shoulders back to the ground with a school boy roll up! An attempt!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: Two counts! Bea Valentine isn’t letting herself be robbed of a win. Now picking herself up from the ground, she approaches Donovan Duke.

James Peters: Bea applies a drop toe hold on him and may be looking to transition into a Figure Four Leglock, but a right boot from Donovan towards her rear sends Bea down near the ropes.

Rich Russillo: Donovan finds himself back on track, giving himself a boost in his running movement. He looks to send Valentine over the ropes with a running clothesline!

James Peters: She anticipates it with a back body drop, leaving Donovan landing both feet on the apron! Bea turns around and tries to tackle the task-

Rich Russillo: Donovan catches the arm… A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF HER HEAD SENDS BEA STAGGERING BACK DOWN TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! WHAT AN IMPACT!

Perserphone: Alright this shit sucks again. Let’s not gas it up.

James Peters: Donovan gains the advantage this time, holding onto the ropes, looking to shoot himself back inside… UP TO THE TOP AND NOW AIMING FOR THE CARTWHEEL DDT!

Rich Russillo: Bea manages to move to the side, forcing Donovan to save himself by landing on his feet! Now, all eyes are on Bea once again as soon as both feet touch the ground… Ouch! What an elbow, rocking Donovan’s jaw!

Perserphone: HAHAH!

James Peters: She seizes the wrist and sends Donovan to the ropes, but he turns it around, driving Bea down there instead… FOLLOWS UP WITH A SLINGBLADE, AND DOWN GOES THE OKLAHOMA STORM!

Rich Russillo: Back being sent crashing onto the ground, Donovan rises through the pain this time, giving Bea an advantage as she steps in and hooks Donovan once more… sending both legs over her shoulders and carrying him right into the Alabama Slam, driving Donovan back to the ground!

James Peters: Donovan slips out and turns Bea into the Sunset Flip Roll this time! Donovan with another steal!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: Kicking out at two! Valentine gets up and quickly stuns Donovan with a sharp Superkick right across his jaw while she has the chance!

James Peters: This time, Valentine is able to connect the Superkick precisely, and Donovan is sent back to the ground! Now, she picks him up and goes for a swing… lifting him off and planting Donovan with a Half Nelson Neckbreaker!

Rich Russillo: Crushing his cervical vertebrae! Bea rolls Donovan over this time, and here’s the cover!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: KICK OUT AT TWO!

Perserphone: How pathetic!

James Peters: Donovan has been repeatedly sent to the ground, facing bad landings time and time again, while Bea keeps applying more and more maneuvers in her game, aiming to land some impacts on Donovan Duke.

Rich Russillo: Donovan keeps his nose to the grindstone, ensuring nothing slips through his fingers thus far. The Cash In The Vault preview is to generate momentum for both contenders, but only one will win and seize all the momentum in this field, propelling them to become the most prepared contender.

Perserphone: All that effort just to come up short—what’s the point anymore? Come on man, nobody in their right mind would bet on these two bums to win Cash In the Vault. Let’s get real here.

James Peters: Valentine may seem downhearted, but the deeper her sorrow, the more determined she grows in the match. Meanwhile, Donovan remains true to his Donovan Duke persona, embodying his optimal self regardless of the challenges he encounters. Valentine has Donovan cornered, quickly delivering elbow strikes to his jaw, leaving him seeing stars and attempting to shake off the daze!

Rich Russillo: Bea now heads down to the opposite corner and charges back for a running clothesline, colliding with Donovan at the corner!

James Peters: SIDESTEPPING AND HURLING HER TOWARDS THE CORNER, BEA COLLIDES WITH THE TURNBUCKLES, HER CHEST ABSORBING THE JOLT, SENDING SHOCKWAVES COURSING THROUGH HER BODY, ELECTRIFYING HER SENSES! DONOVAN SNEAKS UP FROM BEHIND!… WHAT A GERMAN SUPLEX! DONOVAN GOT HER!

Rich Russillo: HE BARRELS THROUGH! DONOVAN IS NOT FINISHED YET… SLAMMING BEA FLAT WITH THE SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX TO THE CANVAS! BEA IS COMPLETELY GROUNDED!

James Peters: Valentine rolls out, clutching her back, but she refuses to succumb after enduring two German Suplexes, persisting through the pain pressing her down!

Rich Russillo: Facing Donovan once more, she swings for the Discus Lariat, but Donovan seizes her arm this time… HOOKING HER UP FOR THE SITOUT FULL NELSON FACEBUSTER!!!

James Peters: SLAMMING BEA TO THE MAT AND SMUDGING HER MAKEUP! HE HOOKS THE LEGS!

Perserphone: She’s already ugly anyway so that’s fine.

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: BEA POWERS OUT AT TWO!

Perserphone: What a loser man! This guy SUCKS!!!!!!!

James Peters: Good offensive moves displayed by Donovan Duke, but just in the nick of time, Bea has managed to extricate herself from the troublesome situation.

Rich Russillo: Bea is now attempting to rise to the occasion, positioning herself once again in the corner as Donovan charges in, possibly aiming to deliver more impact to Bea’s backbone with a spear, driving her into the corner!

James Peters: Bea counters, safely landing into the turnbuckles and dragging him out of there, down to the center of the ring!… Lifting Donovan up for a Fireman’s carry driver, but he slips out, landing on both feet!

Rich Russillo: Donovan Duke then hooks her arms, possibly attempting a Dragon Suplex! Bea manages to muster some strength and drives her right foot towards his gut, jamming and momentarily cooling down her opponent!

James Peters: Bea heads towards the ropes… BUT SHE’S CAUGHT WITH OLE RELIABLE! A RIGHT HOOK DROPS BEA TO THE ROPES!… SHE REBOUNDS BACK, RIGHT INTO THE DISCUS LARIAT, TURNING DONOVAN INSIDE OUT!

Rich Russillo: Wow, what a shot from Bea Valentine! Despite that hard right hand landing right across her jaw, surely she still has some fight left in her to bring her A-game against Donovan Duke!

James Peters: Bea is now crawling down to the turnbuckles and making her way up to the ropes, climbing up and reaching the peak of the mountain! Donovan only just manages to push himself up from the ground! Bea stands tall on both feet atop the turnbuckle!

Rich Russillo: FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEA BUT NOBODY’S HOME!

Perserphone: What a stupid motherfucker.

James Peters: Donovan scrambles out of the way, leaving Bea facing the pain of missing the mark. Donovan dashes out of the corner!… A RUNNING KNEE LIFT KNOCKS BEA OUT! Donovan seizes her from the knee attack he just landed and hooks her over!… DRAWING DEAD!

Rich Russillo: MICHINOKU DRIVER PLANTS BEA VALENTINE! DONOVAN WITH A HOOK TO HER LEG AGAIN! HERE’S A COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: THREE- No! Only two counts! Bea Valentine has managed to get out of there just in time, long before Donovan could secure a victory in this competition.

James Peters: Donovan finds his footing back on top after the Michinoku Driver, and he may as well climb to the top, looking for another one of his signatures! Bea struggles to get back, and his chance could be in his hands right here!

Rich Russillo: Donovan stands before you, and witnessing him execute yet another marvel right here… STACK THE DECK!!!!! Bea narrowly evades just in the nick of time before she’s flattened by the Phoenix Splash from Donovan Duke!

Perserphone: He INDEED didn’t stack SHITS.

James Peters: Getting back up onto both feet this time, Valentine rolls back, and Donovan resurfaces as well, closing in on her!… SHE ENCOUNTERS DONOVAN WITH A SUPERKICK, TAKING THE TASTE OUT OF HIS MOUTH!

Rich Russillo: Donovan is stunned, and Bea turns back around… A DISCUS LARIAT TO THE BACK OF HIS NECK! WHAT A DEVASTATING ATTACK FROM BEA VALENTINE, KICKING THE SOUL OUT OF DONOVAN DUKE!

Perserphone: What a lame combo.

James Peters: Donovan seems to be out cold. Bea charges back into the corner, aiming to deliver the coup de grâce, looking to knock Donovan’s block off as he slowly gets up from the canvas!… OFF THE CORNER TO HIT THE BEA-TRIGGER!!!!

Rich Russillo: SPEARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONOVAN BISECTS BEA IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH A SPEAR! WHAT A CLUTCH MOVE BY DONOVAN! HE GOES FOR THE PIN! QUICKLY MAKE IT COUNTS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

James Peters: SHOULDER UP AT TWO! BEA IS AT IT AGAIN!

Perserphone: Imagine how tired we are!

Rich Russillo: That might not deter Donovan Duke from his current momentum. Bea Valentine gets brought down to the canvas by a Spear! Donovan is up on the top rope! Donovan has his aim locked in already, and he might just land it this time! DONOVAN FLIES OFF FOR A MOONSAULT!…

James Peters: OHHHHHHHHH! CUTTER IN MID-AIR! Bea stops the sequence coming Donovan’s way, putting him out of order!

Rich Russillo: Donovan gets caught by the Cutter in mid-air, granting Valentine the chance to seal the deal, and she’s seizing it! Valentine ascends to the top this time!

James Peters: Donovan remains unconscious from the unexpected cutter by Bea Valentine! She’s got him!… FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEA!!!! FROG SPLASH AND A PINFALL! SHE SECURED IT!

Perserphone: Just end this already ffs.

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREE-

Rich Russillo: DONOVAN KICKS OUT AT TWO! HE KICKS OUT AT TWO!

Perserphone: Damn you to hell.

James Peters: Donovan Duke kicked out at the very last second before Bea could have a moment to celebrate a victory she’s poised to take over Donovan Duke here tonight.

Rich Russillo: Donovan remains on the ground while Bea Valentine now finds her marks again this time. Bea Valentine may as well opt not to hit the knee, learning a lesson or two from what happened earlier.

James Peters: Donovan Duke here has been picking himself up from the ground instead… BEA COULD BE AIMING TO FINISH THIS WITH THE CONSPIRACY, BUT DONOVAN SWIFTLY GRABS HER ARM!… HE IMMEDIATELY LOCKS IN THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR! BEA IS ENSNARED IN THE HOLD!

Rich Russillo: SHE’S IN DIRE STRAITS! SHE CRIES OUT IN AGONY, TEARS STREAMING DOWN HER FACE FEELING THE PAIN!

James Peters: BEA CALLS OUT FOR HELP, FOR CORNELIUS, BUT SHE’S ON HER OWN. HE’S ABSENT, LEAVING HER TO FEND FOR HERSELF!

Rich Russillo: IT’S THE HIGH STAKES MATCH WHERE BEA HAS BEEN RISKING IT ALL, AND HER SOLE FOCUS NOW IS SURVIVING WHATEVER DONOVAN IS CURRENTLY DISHING OUT! THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR IS CINCHED IN TIGHTLY, AND BEA FINDS HERSELF ON THE BRINK, GRAPPLING WITH THE INTENSE AGONY OF THE HOLD!

James Peters: Donovan has been putting in some steady work throughout this week, and he’s quite able to calculate every angle and move that Bea is putting on. Donovan Duke has been keeping it very professional!

Perserphone: Professional?! Hell nah, this midget is OVERRATED.

Rich Russillo: That might as well not going to stop Bea from rushing through the tight hold to get out of there!

James Peters: Bea reaches out for the ropes and may as well be looking to find her way out of there! Bea is painfully hurt by the armbar here, but she’s almost to the ropes! SHE MAKES IT!

Rich Russillo: She manages to wriggle free from the armbar, but Donovan persists in inflicting torment for a moment longer before the referee’s count reaches four and he releases the hold!

Perserphone: Keep beating her up actually so you can be disqualified, fucking dumbass.

James Peters: Donovan’s opportunity is ripe at this moment! He ascends to the top once more with Bea Valentine grounded and nursing her injured arm! Donovan stands tall and appears poised to hit it!… STACK THE DECK!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Wait a second, Bea Valentine still has her other arm, and she just yanks Donovan down from the top, resulting in a brutal landing directly on his neck onto the canvas! Oh god, is Donovan okay?!

Perserphone: Who gives a fuck? Is he your dad? No motherfucker, stop acting like you care.

James Peters: But that’s not Bea Valentine’s concern at the moment; she’s positioning herself back into the opposite corner, eyeing Donovan as he faces the turnbuckles!… BEA SWARM!!!!! CORNER DOUBLE KNEE CRUSHING THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!

Rich Russillo: BEA SMOOTHLY TRANSITIONS DONOVAN OUT OF THE CORNER DOWN TO THE CENTER OF THE RING!… FIREMAN’S CARRY NECKBREAKER DELIVERS MORE IMPACT INTO THE SPOT! BEA GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREE-

Rich Russillo: NO MATTER WHAT, DONOVAN STILL KICKS OUT!

Perserphone: This is so dumb!!!

James Peters: Bea Valentine clearly displaying some dissatisfaction towards that kick out, and evidently, she’s not thrilled with how things have unfolded, as it’s not what she expected at the moment.

Rich Russillo: Bea is ascending to the top of her game this time and appears ready to bring this matter to a close. Bea climbs to her feet once more, positioning Donovan just right and throwing it all back!…

James Peters: BEA WITH A CHARGED BEA-TRIGGER BUT DONOVAN CATCHES THE KNEE! Donovan holds onto it while Valentine tries her very best to ease the hold before she’s being scooped up.

Rich Russillo: Donovan may be looking for DUKE OF HAZARD! Valentine wiggles out in front of him and quickly jumps over!… CODE RED! SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB DRIVES DONOVAN DUKE BACK TO THE GROUND!

James Peters: Bea still has one final shot at turning this around! Bea now sprinting back into the corner, ready to bring this to a close! Bea charges as soon as Donovan rises to his feet!… BEA TRIGGER!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Donovan able to see that coming again and moves to the side!… DEALER’S CHOICE!!!!

James Peters: Spinning back fist but it’s a swing and a miss. Bea swiftly hooks up both arms and immediately twists Donovan over!… BEA-MY-VALENTINE!!!!!

Rich Russillo: He counters by hooking her arms! He didn’t fall as Bea had hoped!… Pushing her up and into the corner, then rolling through!… ROLLING CHAOS THEORY!

James Peters: NO! BEA LANDS REPEATED BACK ELBOWS, BEFORE TURNING AROUND AND DROPPING DONOVAN WITH A LARIAT! Bea now beginning to repeatedly stomp all over Donovan, and it looks like Donovan’s the one in trouble now as she waits for him to get up before running the ropes! BEA TRIGGER!!!

Rich Russillo: NO! DONOVAN AVOIDS IT AND LIFTS BEA INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX! DONOVAN HAS SOME STRENGTH PUTTING ON DISPLAY THIS TIME AGAIN, AND HE’S MAKING SOME FORCE THIS TIME, PUTTING HIMSELF BACK ON TOP OF THE TURNBUCKLES!

James Peters: DONOVAN CLIMBS WAY UP! BEA STILL TRYING HER VERY BEST TO GET UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Rich Russillo: IT MIGHT BE HER FAREWELL RIGHT HERE! DONOVAN DUKE IS ON TOP AND HE’S SETTING IT DOWN!… STACK THE DECK! YES, IT FINALLY CONNECTS! PHOENIX SPLASH LANDING ON HER BACK!

Perserphone: Bro saying it out loud as if he won the world title.

James Peters: DONOVAN HAS FINALLY GOT IT BUT DONOVAN SAID IT’S NOT OVER! PICKING BEA RIGHT BACK FROM THE GROUND AFTER THE PHOENIX SPLASH!… DUKE OF HAZARD!!!!!!!! HE PLANTS VALENTINE COMPLETELY! DONOVAN COVERS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

( DING DING DING! )

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER!…. DONOVAN DUKE!

James Peters: Hell of a win for Donovan Duke tonight, but let’s bot forget Bea Valentine put up a top notch effort in taking down Donovan Duke! In the end, Donovan’s the one reigning supreme!

Rich Russillo: Bea managed her strong mindset pretty well in this match, while Donovan Duke was simply dominating the game but Donovan managed to pull through by the end and secure the win.

Perserphone: Okay? Like we care? No, shut the fuck up and move on already.

( ‘I Rise’ by Corey Marks plays as Donovan Duke stands tall, celebrating his triumph over Bea Valentine while Bea lies outside, clutching her head in frustration, pounding the ground and letting out a scream of anguish. Donovan keeps on celebrating before Voltage fades into a commercial break. )

(Commercial for Kendrick Lamar’s new song “Not Like Us”.)

(The camera cuts to the ring, as Molly Waters can be seen seated on her chair to the far right, as four other chairs can be seen side by side along the ring.)

Molly Waters: Ladies & gentleman, thank you for joining me tonight for the Sudden Death Gold Rush panel as we speak with the four finalists! In our main event of Voltage, four of these elitists will have the opportunity to punch their ticket to earning an opportunity at the EAW World Championship! Now without further ado, let’s introduce our finalists to the panel! Introducing first… Jack Ripley!!!

(‘Bounce Back’ by Big Sean can be heard as the crowd lets their positive reactions be known throughout the arena. Jack sports a grin over his face as he maintains an elevated notion of positivity after his recent victory. He heads down the ramp & enters the ring, taking his seat as he leans back.)

Molly Waters: Next up, please welcome… Hikari Kanno!!!

(‘Trepanation’ can be heard throughout the speakers of the arena as the crowd responds loudly to the arrival of Hikari Kanno. Hikari has her eyes set on the audience for a moment, as she is in elevated spirits as well while walking down the ramp. She enters the ring, giving Jack a glance before sitting herself down as well.)

Molly Waters: Next up, please welcome… Dr. Bethany Blue!!!

((‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen hits to the immense reaction of the audience, as Dr. Bethany Blue makes her way out to the ramp with the chorus of incredible boos following her. Although she maintains a stern expression, she appears more relaxed when making her way down the ramp & entering the ring. Bethany glared at both Hikari & Jack for a brief moment before sitting down.)

Molly Waters: Lastly, please welcome… Rex McAllister!!!

(‘Stronger (salü remix)’ by The Score can be heard throughout the arena as Rex McAllister makes his way outward. Rex sports a confident expression, looking toward the audience as he proceeds to walk down the ramp & enter the ring, giving all three of the other finalists a calm glance as he takes his seat, with Molly sitting upright as she prepares to speak further.)

Molly Waters: As we are not too far away from the scheduled main event tonight that will determine the next challenger for the EAW World Champion, this Sudden Death Gold Rush has been an absolute sprint for each and every single one of you who are looking to ensure their journey is intact ahead of Pain for Pride. You have each led quite the differing paths this season, but they will all cross in this finale that determines who is moving on to stamp their name in the history books further. Hikari, you are an accomplished elitist yourself who is looking to become World Champion in EAW. The importance of this match must be immeasurable…

(Hikari would give Molly a brief nod, before raising her own microphone to speak.)

Hikari Kanno: This much isn’t a glaring surprise to anyone who pays attention. I understand what comes with the weight of championship gold, you must be headstrong through your journey that merely begins as you continue to uphold the prestige of said gold. Hardcore Champion, Unified Tag Team Champion, I am not a stranger to this world where I have treasured these championships more than anything else in the world. I am prideful of my success as anyone would be, and I only have so much more to give as I pursue this longing destination. I have allowed this goal to slip past me for too long now, very much overdue. To become World Champion, that’s everything to me. I remain the sole elitist among us four to not be World Champion, yet. I must partake in this endeavor against every odd imaginable, against the grain that has not meddled with my chances as well in the past as they are at this very moment.

Hikari Kanno: I will not allow defeat. I just can’t. I am now much too close to my desired goal, it’s fingertips away from my grasp & I am focused beyond any measure that anyone can place me within. I returned to Voltage looking to become a World Champion, and that’s exactly how this tale of mine will follow suit. Everyone has their own reasons, but mine is fairly simple. After EVERYTHING that I have been through, this victory is the most crucial moment of my career. An all too valuable opportunity, that must not be wasted among the hands of three less than deserving individuals who do not pose the most necessary ambitions to succeed in becoming World Champion at Pain for Pride…

(The three other finalists listened to Hikari speak intently, as Rex would soon raise the microphone.)

Rex McAllister: I understand how much becoming World Champion would mean to you, Hikari. You never forget the moment that you’re able to grasp onto the one prize that you’ve been working your entire life to achieve. To be able to say that I’ve done it on more than one occasion means a lot to the journey that I’ve had, but this pursuit has become an all too important road for me. I have been chasing, and chasing, and chasing… always so close, only for that title to keep itself away from my hands as this chase continues. These opportunities that I’ve had don’t come along for everyone as frequently as they have for me, I can acknowledge that without any problem. I’ve been on a string of World Championship matches that never seemed to turn out the way that I would’ve hoped, but I’m still here pursuing Charlie Marr & running after that EAW World Championship ‘cause I have no intention of backing down.

Rex McAllister: This is the time to understand all of my setbacks will be met with finally reaching that finish line & assuring that I end this season off properly. This is my last chance to earn one more shot at the EAW World Championship, and I’m gonna make this chance count. I know you’re all more than eager to secure your spot at Pain for Pride, but this just means so much more than you can imagine…

Dr. Bethany Blue: Oh fuck off.

(Rex glances to Bethany, as do the others as she raises her microphone to speak while shaking her head in disbelief.)

Dr. Bethany Blue: This just means so much more, huh? Like you haven’t had opportunity after opportunity?? What a load of bullshit. I have been through more crap than any of you could even think about going through, I have been constantly disrespected as if I haven’t achieved the feats that I have. Delivered on the championship victories & reigns that I did. Dealing with all of the nonsense I’ve been forced to endure throughout the entirety of this season, only to be given the cold shoulder when it comes to being given the championship opportunities that I rightfully deserve. How the hell am I being mistreated in every step that I take when I have done nothing but work my ass off, night in & night out, every single time that I’m expected to deliver?? Not to mention having to go through these twisted games with Solomon & Caroline, it has been nothing short of disastrous for me this season!

Dr. Bethany Blue: I WILL end this damn season the right way, and that’s by defeating all of you and punching my ticket to that EAW World Championship. I will not be overlooked, I will not have this chance of mine taken away from me. My patience has worn itself all too thin… I am taking this opportunity without a second thought, an opportunity that should’ve been all mine eons ago…

Jack Ripley: Right…

(Bethany raises an eyebrow as Jack Ripley raises his microphone now, with a chuckle slipping out.)

Jack Ripley: You’ve all got the chance to speak your peace and that’s just fine, but you’re all gonna have to understand that I simply want this much more than any of you do. I also completely understand that these last few years haven’t been the most fruitful of my career, but don’t let those two years be any indicator of what I’m incapable of achieving tonight. I’ve been returning back to a level of focus that I don’t believe anybody’s prepared for, I’m applying the pressure that’s needed for me to move on to Pain for Pride and become World Champion again. The hunt to become champion in itself has been a long one. You can all speak on how you have been on your own respective journeys, but what about my own? You don’t think I’ve been experiencing a drought of my own that can be weathered by becoming the EAW World Champion? ‘Cause that’s what I’ve got on the line here, anybody can be desperate.

Jack Ripley: But this is a whole other level of desperation that’s on the line here. This is the victory that matters the most. It’s everything to everybody, but it’ll mean just that much more to someone like me. Don’t even think about counting me out, I’ve finally got the Cameron Ella Ava problem off my back after taking her down, now my mind is set on becoming champion—which means taking all of you down too.

(A moment of silence passes between the Elitists inside of the ring, until finally Hikari Kanno speaks up.)

Hikari Kanno: You don’t actually believe that will happen, do you?

(Jack turns towards Hikari, not too amused by her comment.)

Jack Ripley: Why shouldn’t I? We all know how your track record has been this season, so if you can chase after a World Championship I don’t see why-

Dr. Bethany Blue: Can you two shut up? We get it. Your glory days are long gone and the two of you will never hold the EAW World Championship. We all knew that heading into this match, but do you have to be this annoying about it? You two should be nonfactors, but right now you’re in the way of me getting the World Championship match I’ve deserved ALL SEASON! None of you were ever meant to hold that title. In fact, the only person in this match that should be fighting for that title is me, and yet I still haven’t had an opportunity to do so. This is about to be my first time fighting for a World Championship since Pain for Pride and I’m not letting any of you get in the way of that, so why don’t we just hurry and wrap this up?

Rex McAllister: There’s no point in you interrupting, Bethany. It doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself and tell us about your problems this season. We’ve all had our fair share of failures, and we’re all further than we’d like to be from the EAW World Championship. You’re no exception to that, so whether you like it or not, when we enter that ring you’ll have to give everything you’ve got if you want to make it to the EAW World Championship. I have unfinished business with that title, and no matter if it’s Roberto De La Rosa or Charlie Marr, I want to earn my way to getting one more shot. That can’t happen if I back down here.

Jack Ripley: How many times do we have to hear that from you? We went through this at Shock Value already. Bethany and I were there. We missed out on that match. We lost so you can get a shot at the title, and what did you do? You dropped the ball again. I’ve been open about the fact that my career’s basically been in the garbage for a while now, but unlike the rest of you I’m actually honest with myself. I did everything I wanted to last week. I beat Cameron Ella Ava to get my spot here, and by winning tonight, every single thing all of you promised will mean absolutely nothing. None of you are as special as you think you are. The only person that matters here is the person that’ll win the match and fight for the World title.

Hikari Kanno: And that won’t be you. If it wasn’t you for the past three years of your career since losing the Answers World Championship, there’s no reason to believe things suddenly changed after a season even you admit has gone terribly. I don’t really care how much you hate how your time here has been. Self awareness won’t get you past this match when you’re surrounded by competition that are still better wrestlers than you. I didn’t spend the majority of my season on Voltage competing against the rest of you, but for a long time now I’ve been scratching and clawing my way to my first World Championship. Of all the people that could possibly slow me down Jack, you won’t be one of them.

Jack Ripley: You’re one to talk. Are you forgetting why you haven’t held a World title yet? You have nobody to blame but yourself, and our match isn’t too long from now. I can always come back out here and show you exactly why I’m one of the two Hall of Famers in this ring.

Hikari Kanno: We know why you’re a Hall of Famer. Unfortunately, this isn’t 2020.

Dr. Bethany Blue: Correct. It’s not 2020, which means that it’s time for everyone to move on from the likes of Jack Ripley and Rex McAllister, and focus on someone that’s actually capable of carrying a brand! All of you were better off not even taking part in this match, because I already told you how it’s going to end.

(Bethany turns to Rex, before continuing to speak.)

Dr. Bethany Blue: NONE of you will stop me from becoming EAW Champion!

(The fans boo, and there is clear tension in the ring. Molly Waters notices this and begins to speak, attempting to calm things down.)

Molly Waters: Well, moving on, I-

Dr. Bethany Blue: No, you said enough. I’ve already had to deal with so much more disrespect than anyone else could even imagine this season, and now that I’m finally this close to getting what I want, I need to put up with someone that has already had three opportunities in a row, a Hall of Famer that’s no longer any good, and someone that wasn’t anything to begin with, all telling me that I don’t deserve this. What do any of you know???

Rex McAllister: I know that no matter what has happened to us over the rest of the season, if we win here we earn a shot at the EAW World Championship and end our season the right way. That’s what matters here. Anything else is unnecessary, and this tantrum of yours won’t change that.

(The fans cheer hearing this, but Dr. Bethany Blue doesn’t look happy at all. Even so, Molly Waters begins to speak once more.)

Molly Waters: Okay! So, I can see that things have taken a turn here, but you all clearly are eager to win this fatal four way and fight for the EAW World Championship! I-

James Peters: WAIT A SECOND!!! DR. BETHANY BLUE JUST JUMPED OUT OF HER CHAIR AND ATTACKED REX MCALLISTER!!!!!

Rich Russillo: IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THINGS TOOK A TURN! DR. BETHANY BLUE IS GOING AT REX MCALLISTER AS BOTH HIKARI AND JACK GET OUT OF THEIR SEATS-

James Peters: AND NOW JACK GRABS HIKARI FROM BEHIND, SENDING HER INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A HUGE BRAWL ON OUR HANDS HERE!

Rich Russillo: JACK GOES AFTER HIKARI BUT RECEIVES A BACK ELBOW TO THE FACE, AND NOW HIKARI SENDS JACK OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A CLOTHESLINE BEFORE FOLLOWING HIM OUT OF THE RING! REX AND BETHANY ARE STILL GOING AT IT, AND REX GETS BETHANY OFF OF HIM WITH A FOREARM!

James Peters: Hikari Kanno drops down to ringside- AND JACK GETS UP BEFORE SENDING HIKARI INTO THE APRON! REX AND BETHANY NOW ARE ON THEIR FEET GOING BACK AND FORTH- BUT LOOK OVER AT THE STAGE!

(As the fight continues, a bunch of security guards begin running down the ramp. This causes loud boos to come from the fans, who are enjoying the chaos. Captain Charisma walks out with a microphone behind the security guards, and before long the security guards begin to separate the four Elitists taking part in the Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale.)

Crowd: LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!

(By this point the four Elitists have been separated, and Captain Charisma just shakes his head before beginning to speak.)

Captain Charisma: Not right now. Rex, Bethany, Hikari, Jack, you’ll get your chance to fight tonight. Just wait until later, and you can do whatever you want to each other in the Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale!

(Despite the Commissioner’s words, there’s still some struggling and shouting coming from the Elitists. Even so, the security guards begin taking them up the ramp, making sure to keep them away from each other.)

James Peters: Captain Charisma made sure these four didn’t do too much damage to each other before their match later tonight, and while I think everyone wanted to see some more of that fight, we’ll get to see a lot more very soon!

Persephone: I didn’t, and still don’t. Can we cancel that match? I couldn’t care less about whoever fights for the title if it isn’t Luis.

Rich Russillo: You might not, but it looks like a lot of other people do! This is bound to be an amazing match, but who will win!?

(The four Elitists competing in tonight’s match are dragged to the back by the security guards as Captain Charisma watches. As they make their way to the backstage area, Voltage begins to fade out.)

(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Brianna Hill faces KASAI for the Specialists Championship.)

( Sunday Night Voltage continues as the crowd here in “The Pit” is still excited for what’s in store as the show goes on, as we’ll see two head to head confrontations involving Minvera and Harpers Lee’s Universal Women’s Title Match at Fighting Spirit and Charlie Marr and Roberto De La Rosa’s World Title match at Fighting Spirit as they look to make that match official for Fighting Spirit. We have one final match tonight here on Voltage which is very anticipated as Jack Ripley, Dr. Bethany Blue, Rex McAllister, and Hikari Kanno battle in a fatal four way match to see who’ll face the EAW World Champion at Pain for Pride. At the moment though, “KARATE” by BABYMETAL would begin to blast through the PA system, as KASAI making her way out from the gorilla position and into the stage and making her presence felt here tonight in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She would get a mixed reaction from the crowd here tonight as there is some cheers but boos but overall favors her more then her challenger at Fighting Spirit as she makes her way down the aisle! )

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME… THE MAD HUNTRESS… KASAI!!!!

Rich Russillo: KASAI has arrived here on Sunday Night Voltage! As we already knew she just recently won the EAW Specialist Title from Bea Valentine at Grand Rampage and is now set to defend her championship against a member of La Famila in Brianna Hill. KASAI has a lot of momentum riding for her since winning that championship including defeating Miku Sakai in singles action last night on Showdown. A massive victory to say the least right James?

James Peters: Oh absolutely Rich, Miku is a very decorated competitor herself being a former tag champ and specialist champion so beating someone on the caliber of Miku Sakai is going to alot for the champion but clearly she isn’t here to greet everyone on Voltage, it’s what happened after her match against Miku that may have promoted KASAI to show up here tonight.

Persephone: What is that exactly?

James Peters: Well Persphone if you had actually let me finish, I would have finished telling you what it was.

Persephone: Damn no need to be so feisty James, jeez.

James Peters: Well what happened after the match was Brianna rushing into the ring after KASAI had gotten the victory over Miku, rushing into the ring and started throwing hands with our Specialist champion. Kasai would end throwing Brianna out the ring as they continued their brawl up the ramp last night. The tension has certainly picked up between these two as Brianna looks to spoil KASAI’s title reign before it even begins!

Persephone: If you want my opinion on this-

James Peters: How would you exactly have an opinion if you were the one asking?

Persephone: Jesus Christ.

( KASAI continues her walk from the entrance ramp and to the ring, as she’s holding the title around her waist. She continues her march towards the ring as she climbs the steel ring steps and enters through the ropes. She would be given a microphone by a ringside official as ‘KARATE” begins to fade out in the arena. KASAI would begin to speak to not only the EAW fans around the world but to Brianna Hill as well. )

KASAI: Brianna, Brianna, Brianna… is that the game you are willing to play? Is the war of attrition that you so desperately want to play against someone like myself? I really need to know if you wanna play this game of attack with me Brianna because trust me when I say this… I don’t fear you whatsoever. I am not afraid of what you’ll bring to me at Fighting Spirit because I have been through worse to get this championship, the path of the Huntress was filled with road bumps and obstacles and I smashed through every single of them. Of course I am the hunted now, the person who has a target on their back but since you so clearly wanted the upper hand over me, maybe we should continue what we started yesterday at Showdown. Perhaps I don’t want to wait till Fighting Spirit, because trust me on this Brianna, no matter what group of mischief or cowards that may be at your service… I have no no problem taking things to a whole other if you want to. I have no problem continuing this fight here tonight and show you why “The Mad Huntress” is your reigning Specialist Champion.

( KASAI waits for Brianna’s music to pop up as ‘ballad of a homeschooled girl’ by Olivia Rodrigo begins blasting through the P.A System. The crowd begins to boo as Brianna makes her entrance here tonight in New Mexico for Sunday Night Voltage. She already has a microphone in hand as Brianna already begins to speak into the microphone. )

Brianna Hill: Yeah, yeah… turn the music off you idiots.

( The music quickly fades out as Brianna continues to speak whilst she makes her way down to the ring. )

Brianna Hill: You have to calm down KASAI, you got a little too much dip on your chip there trying to continue what we started yesterday at Showdown but these idiots here on Voltage don’t really deserve to see that.

(The crowd boo Brianna even louder as Brianna continues to speak. )

Brianna Hill: You have to understand KASAI, The Specialists title was always coming to La Familia sooner or later. It was going to be a matter of time before that championship not only became property of Voltage again, but in the ranks within La Famila. It doesn’t matter if you were the champion or that nutcase Bea Valentine was champion. It didn’t really matter because one way or another this title reign of yours is going to end way faster than you anticipate KASAI. Way early then you can ever imagine, because this reign of yours is ending in my hands… in Brianna Hill’s hands.

( Brianna eventually makes it to the ring, as she climbs on the steel steps and enters through the ropes. She stands toe to toe with KASAI in the ring. KASAI responds back to Brianna by saying… )

KASAI: My championship reign ending in Brianna Hill’s hands??? When you mean your hands to mean Luis and or someone else’s hands as well because that is your strategy Brianna. You’re not gonna beat me for this title one on one, with no circumstances involved… no. You can’t because you know that I will beat you if you had assistance there to give you the advantage. Maybe you have different strategies altogether, one that may involve you cheating your way to stealing this title but the thing is… try every playbook you have in your disposal Brianna. Give me your worst because again I’m not afraid of you nor the tactics you’re gonna bring to the table in our match. I’m going to win no matter how much la familia tries to help you or whatever antic you have in your sleeve to help you.

Brianna Hill: You speak like you’re some honorary champion when the fact of the matter is KASAI is that you are lucky to even be wearing that championship in the first place. You were lucky enough to beat Bea Valentine, you were never going to hold for long because of La Famila looking for more gold. If the Famila wants gold, they’re going to be the first to hunt for it and to me KASAI you’re gold is the type of thing I want. Your gold is someone like me wants, something like that belongs to me, belongs to La Familia and the luck of your win is going to wear the Fighting Spirit when you are staring at the lights as El Alma de La Familia hoists the Specialist Championship up high in the air. That’s just the reality KASAI because soon enough your tone will change when I leave Dallas, Texas as the champion.

(The crowd would boo Brianna for that statement as KASAI responds right back to Brianna Hill by saying. )

KASAI: Lucky is a certainly choice words from you Brianna because if I’m being real with you, if it wasn’t for Valerie Hellstorm, you would still be wondering off the face of the earth of the women that you are. You would be nothing without your family, and you’ll be nothing when our match ends next week.

(The issues between these two heats up as Brianna nails KASAI with a cheap shot to the face! The crowd can’t believe it as they start brawling in the ring! )

Rich Russillo: HERE WE GO! ALL HELL HAS BROKEN LOOSE AS THESE LADIES ARE GOING AT IT! LEFTS AND RIGHTS BEING EXCHANGED AS THE TENSION HAS BOILED OVER HERE TONIGHT ON VOLTAGE.

James Peters: Brianna pushes KASAI out of her as KASAI tries to go for a Spinning Elbow but Brianna dodges and goes for a chop block on KASAI! The champion is down as Brianna lands a Basement Dropkick!!

Rich Russilo: Brianna looks to be the one standing tall after the end fo that exchange.

( The final shot of the segment would see Brianna Hill getting the upper hand over KASAI as she stands tall to end her segment. Sunday Night Voltage fades out to commercial break. )

(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where NICHOLISM defends the Unified Tag Team Championships against the Jaded Hearts.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to a panaround shot of the crowd here tonight in The Pit, who are bustling in anticipation for what’s coming next in what has already been an exciting go home show so far. They don’t have to wait long though, as ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is heard blasting through the speakers. There’s a loud positive reception as the camera goes over to show the Unified Tag Team Champions, Alex Myers & Ruler of NICHOLISM, as they make their way out from the backstage area and toward the stage. They have serious expressions on their faces as they wear their titles over their shoulders, and it not being long before they, from there, begin to make their way down the ramp and toward the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…they are the UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!! ALEX MYERS AND RULER… NICHOLISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Well it’s certainly been a back-and-forth between the top two teams in the tag team division up to this point, but now, the time for talk is almost over. In just a week, NICHOLISM are going to defend their Unified Tag Team Championships against NICHOLISM in a match that I’m sure all of them have been waiting for.

James Peters: Last week we saw The Jaded Hearts stand tall over NICHOLISM on Voltage, and double down on their intentions going forward on the latest episode of Friday Night Dynasty. Now Alex and Ruler are making their way to the ring and they seem eager to respond to that.

Persephone: Well I’m not very eager, in fact, I want this pain to end so we no longer have to see The Jaded Hearts on Voltage anymore. Save us, I don’t know how, just do it.

(Alex and Ruler both begin to make their way into the ring, as they take their titles and raise them into the air to the loud reception of the crowd that follows. From there, they then make their way over and take microphones from the ringside area. ‘Zombie’ then begins to come to a close, as NICHOLISm stands united in the ring and begins to speak.)

Ruler: It’s challenging having to go around in circles with incompetent challengers who hinge on pointless claims in order to further their agenda. Back when we first ended up facing The Jaded Hearts, we were enamored at the illusion that was the “Tag Team of The Decade”. It was an exciting prospect and a means of a way of proving ourselves to be the very best in the tag division by facing them. We thought it to be an immense honor, Alexis and I, but unfortunately having the displeasure of speaking to them and going on this monotonous back and forth, it has been made apparent that they are way out of their depth. I understand that it’s hard to fathom being in such a compromising position, where you have to be on the chase against a team that you feel is significantly lesser than you. But that doesn’t mean that you have to start getting desperate. That doesn’t mean that you have to come out here every week and try and run us down like it means something. We’ve heard this before, especially from the likes of you, and not once has it meant anything to us. Not once have we taken it at face value because it simply isn’t true, and it never has been in the first place. You’ve gone to the well one too many times to the point where it just isn’t believable anymore, and we’ve pushed past the delusional ramblings of you two and are onto the truth.

Alex Myers: If you want to know our thoughts about what they had to say on Friday Night Dynasty, the response is the same one that we have given each time and that is that we could give less of a damn about what they think about Fighting Spirit. Hunter said it best that we’ve heard it all before, and you’re going to have to do a lot more if you’re going to want to strike fear into our hearts. We know what it takes to not only face you but to beat you as well, and just because you have some sort of “advantage” now that British Invasion is going to be involved doesn’t mean jackshit. We are still firm in our belief that this defense is going to end up like our last and that is with a victory, and if you have so much of a problem with that, then we insist. We want the full wrath of The Jaded Hearts instead of having to hear it through your pitiful intimidation tactics, if you think that was going to do anything, then you thought absolutely wrong. Despite everything that has happened to us, we are still standing, and we are going to make sure that it stays the case once Fighting Spirit comes around. We made a promise that we would not only be walking into Pain For Pride as Champions, but into the next Season as well, and with that goal put out in front of us we are not going to let anyone ruin it.

Ruler: We expect things to rack up, we expect the pressure to mound and we expect competition just like the two of you to rear your ugly little heads and show yourself. That’s fine, but you need to understand exactly the type of competitors that you’re up against. See, we’re not scared of you, and no matter what people try and say and warn us about, it’s not going to change. You have accomplished all that you have, but when it comes down to it what matters is how you operate as a tag team. And while you are exceptional at that, it simply is a fact that NICHOLISM is better than you.

Alex Myers: We know our worth, and we know what we’re able to do as a tag team, and that has continued to fuel our journey up to this point. We have goals that extend beyond Fighting Spirit that are not going to be halted just because Kassidy and Sienna said so. No, if they want to up the ante, then we are more than welcome to follow because we are not going to back down. We are not just going to hand you these titles, what you’re going to have to do is pry them off of our cold dead bodies, and even then that might not even be enough.

(Alex lowers their microphone as the crowd once again gives a loud reception to the Tag Team Champions. But the atmosphere quickly changes as ‘True Love’ by CFO$ begin to blast through the speakers. NICHOLISM turns their attention toward the stage as the camera focuses on a very annoyed Kassidy Heart & Sienna Jade as they make their way out from the backstage area. The Jaded Hearts make it known that they are very unamused by all of this as they then begin to make their way down the ramp and toward the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Well here comes The Jaded Hearts and it does not seem like they’re very receptive to what NICHOLISM is saying here tonight. They’ve been adamant on the fact that they’re going to walk out as the Unified Tag Team Champions once more, and I can’t say that they don’t have a strong case for the titles

James Peters: Kassidy and Sienna since their return as a tag team have been vindictive, and it has all led to this very point. If you ask me, I think they’re on a mission to make sure that they don’t walk into Pain For Pride empty-handed. Of course, that is all determined by how next week happens to go.

Persephone: I wish it was La Familia fighting for the titles, Luis would show them what a true Champion is all by himself.

(Kassidy and Sienna both begin to make their way into the ring as they take microphones from the ringside area. From there, ‘True Love’ begins to fade out and The Jaded Hearts eye NICHOLISM with disdain on their faces.)

Kassidy Heart: :francis: You gotta be fucking kidding me right now.

Sienna Jade: Last chance before Fighting Spirit to stand in this ring and speak your mind and THAT’S the best that you could come up with?

Kassidy Heart: We understand the type of competitor that we’re up against, and what we’re up against are two Elitists who say that WE’RE the ones out of our depth but the reality is you can spin that around and use that against them. The differences between us two teams are glaring, and you could point out every glaring flaw in NICHOLISM and not see that anywhere near The Jaded Hearts, this shouldn’t have even been a conversation in the first place but here we are. Because you two decided to spin this narrative that you are dominant Champions, that you are somehow on a league of your own in terms of tag team competition, and that there is nobody to stop you. Maybe that’d be the case with any other team, but not against the tag team that is on the cusp of greatness. That is on the cusp of becoming a record-breaking four-time Tag Team Champions and with the opportunity to be completely in a league of our own without a shadow of a doubt. Maybe you can come to us when you get even slightly close to that, but I don’t think anyone is going to trust you to even touch these titles once Fighting Spirit is done.

Sienna Jade: You’re clearly ungrateful little brats and we’re going to find the utmost satisfaction in taking you down. Unlike you two, we don’t need petty attacks and interferences in order to get ahead, and we most importantly don’t have to make excuses for it and weave intricate lies in order to make us feel better about ourselves. When it comes down to it we have absolutely no need to explain ourselves to you two because it’s already known what we can do inside of that ring. When you think of the greatest female wrestlers in the history of EAW you think of Kassidy Heart and Sienna Jade, when you think of the greatest tag team in the history of EAW you think of The Jaded Hearts. Any answer is wrong and you know it. You two had all the time in the world to prove yourselves as a tag team, but the only thing that you’ve shown us is how badly you can fumble the opportunity when it is right in front of you. The fact that we even lost those titles in the first place and it had to come thanks to interference just goes to show how far you’re going to have to go in order for us to lose another opportunity like this one.

Kassidy Heart: With your biggest chance of winning a second time discarded at the sheer thought and tossed away, how are you going to walk out of this match still the Champions without any sort of dirty business to come with it?

Alex Myers: We don’t need that and we never needed that. You can say what you want to say but really the only ones who are trying to twist the narrative in your favor is you two. We can’t control what happens, we didn’t ask for you or British Invasion to interfere in our matches, that’s simply what you did on your own merit. We can come in any given day of the week and we can beat you and we will be happy to show that.

Sienna Jade: I wish it was as easy as saying that. If you could just beat The Jaded Hearts then we wouldn’t have the stature that we do now. We wouldn’t have the legacy, we wouldn’t have the titles, simply because we would have lost every single chance that we got just because our opponent said so. The logic that you approach this match with is flawed and I hope that you understand that. But I guess you don’t, and at Fighting Spirit your ignorance will be your downfall.

Ruler: I could very well say the same for the two of you. You’ve faced us in the ring before, we have no reason to go back and forth the way that we already have, all of this is simply pointless when you put it into perspective. What matters is that you don’t know what we’re capable of, yet you want to go out of your way to make all these assumptions. When will you just take the time to listen and understand that we’re not here for that?

Kassidy Heart: We’re not here for that either, unfortunately for you. We don’t need to say anything or prove anything to you other than the fact that Fighting Spirit is gunna end up being a bloodbath and there is nothing that you can do about it. We’ve made a career of humbling dumbasses like you who have no place running their mouths like this. You lost the jurisdiction to talk this big game a very long time ago and now you’re going to pay the price for your incompetency. When we take all of this away from you as we’ve promised to, I don’t want to hear anything, because I could give less of a fuck what a team like you thinks about us. The day that I do, is the day that I fucking roll over and die.

Alex Myers: You can say what you want to say, but we’ve had our backs against the wall before, and that’s what got us here in the first place, by going against the grain.

Ruler: We did it once before, and now we’re going to do it again. No more excuses, no more bullshit.

(Alex and Ruler slam their microphones down to the ground before taking their titles and raising them into the air. Kassidy and Sienna, with fierce looks on their face, step forward as the two teams begin to stare off with one another. It’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage, from there, begins to fade out to elsewhere.)

(Commercial for Taco Bell with Ronan Malosi.)

(‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics begins to play through the speakers as the crowd at The Pit begins to shower Harper Lee with boos. Harper comes out with a shit-eating grin on her face. She comes out with a pep to her step as she makes her way down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME…HARPER LEE!!!!!!!

Persephone: Oh god, not this bitch.

James Peters: Harper Lee will be facing Minerva for the Universal Women’s Championship at Fighting Spirit. By the looks of things, Harper seems to be feeling good about herself. She defeated Hikari Kanno back at Grand Rampage to possibly get her one step closer to this opportunity.

Rich Russillo: These past few weeks, we’ve seen Harper Lee have some successful attempts at sneak attacking Minerva when she leasts expects it. She’s managed to keep the champion down, but some say that she could be making a mistake there by angering Minerva?

Persephone: We’re making a mistake by making this a match. This could be a good dark match. Those matches where we’re not even out here to see it.

James Peters: I don’t think that you’re going to get your wish there, Seph, but I’m interested to see Harper’s take on everything that’s happened these past couple of weeks.

Harper Lee: I have waited for this chance. :blessed:

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Harper Lee: I can hear it in your reaction! You couldn’t wait for this moment as well! You couldn’t wait for the moment where I finally step up to the plate and fight for the Universal Women’s Championship again! I know that all of my biggest fans have been wondering about when I would find myself out of the horrid Holly Arrowverse, where I’m supposed to be convinced that she was ever worth lifting up from the abyss of her pathetic career! Nothing more than a waste of time! I figured that aligning herself with one of the best with me would have gained her some insight on how to be a better wrestler, but I realize that not everyone can have as much talent as me! We were undefeated as Unified Tag Team Champions! We were on top of the Tag Team division and that was thanks to me! It was thanks to MY brilliance! It was thanks to MY wonderful abilities! It was thanks to all of me! Are all of you THAT shocked when the moment that I tossed Holly to the side like the piece of trash that she was, she had to run away like the coward that she was? It reminds me of the same thing that Hikari Kanno did during her time on Showdown! She thought that she was going to be given the hero welcome! She thought that she was going to have the red carpet rolled out of her! But, she sucks, ladies and gentlemen! I hate to break it to all of you, but Hikari Kanno is god awful! If she was any good, she would have defeated me back at Grand Rampage! She would have defeated me CLEANLY in the middle of the ring! Instead, it’s me, who defeated her! It’s me who took one step closer to the Universal Women’s Championship! After facing a bunch of minor inconveniences, I found myself back in the graces of the Universal Women’s Championship!

(Harper Lee turns to the stage as she continues to talk.)

Harper Lee: And to you, Minerva. I have been waiting for this chance for a while now. I have been waiting for the chance to finally fight for the Universal Women’s Championship. The last time that I fought for the Universal Women’s Championship, Dr. Bethany Blue was champion. I fell short of winning. Tempest 2023. Bethany didn’t win because she was any good. She won because she took advantage of a miscalculation on my part. That’s not going to happen this time around. I may not be facing Bethany, but Minerva needs to understand that it won’t be like my last opportunity at the Universal Women’s Championship. I am going to win and walk into Pain for Pride as World Champion and soon enough, I’ll be one of the few people to have held the Universal Women’s Championship twice. 😌

(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by Rob Zombie begins to play through the speakers as it cuts off Harper Lee, who begins to stare daggers at Minerva, who walks out with a microphone already in her possession. She has the Universal Women’s Championship slung on her shoulder as she drops her spiked sunglasses to the bridge of her nose as a smirk forms on her face.)

Persephone: Oh god, not this bitch too. She doesn’t need to be out here. :noah:

James Peters: A ‘face-to-face’ was promoted for this week’s show and that’s exactly what we’re getting as we see the Universal Women’s Champion and blushing bride, Minerva come out here. It’s going to be a HUGE night for her.

Rich Russillo: A bride and will be defending her title. There’s going to be no one else doing it like her. But, I admire the work and dedication that she’s been doing this season. She’s gotten herself back on track and looks better than ever doing it.

Persephone: She looks like an orange mop bucket and I will stand by that statement. I just hope that she’s not letting all of that wedding planning distract her or Harper’s really going to embarrass her. Imagine getting married and then, embarrassed by Harper Lee? :wow:

(Minerva stands on top of the ramp for a bit as her entrance music dies down. The reception of the crowd is electric as Minerva smirks at them before taking her shades off, getting a good look of the crowd and then back at Harper Lee, who has been death glaring at her the entire time.)

Minerva: That was a good, little, speech from you, Harper. But, it sure warms my dark heart to the core to watch you make the same empty promises that the likes of Usagi Senshi, ARIA and Holly Arrow have made before you. All good fights. All brought everything in their power into their respective title defenses, praying and hoping that it would be enough to make me buckle my knees and sway a different direction, but the results end the same each time – me holding the Universal Women’s Championship above my head.

(Minerva entered the ring after saying her last sentence before she raises the Universal Women’s Championship high above her head, letting Harper Lee get a good look of the title that she lost once upon a time. The same time that she has the opportunity to recapture at Fighting Spirit.)

Minerva: You might believe that things are looking up for you, Harper. But, your luck ends at Fighting Spirit. The last few weeks should have told you that I am not like the other people that you have faced. I’m not going to stand around here and be amused by your shit. I am not going to stand here and be a part of your little game. These mind games are nothing more than pathetic coming from you. I look into your eyes and I see a woman who’s afraid. I see a woman who will find herself experiencing the “find out” part after she thought that “fucking around” with one of the most captivating beauties and hardest hitting women of the roster was something that she wanted to do just for shits and giggles. I am not going to find myself being entertained by your sneak attacks. If anything, it’s been entertaining to see your insecurity begin to seep through the pores of your caked up foundation. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into, Harper. I am not someone that you want to play these games with. Not even some of the profound baddest bitches have been able to out do me in that department. I’m the woman that broke Raven Roberts all of those years ago to the point where she began to go downhill. I’m not the one to flex about any of that stuff. But, I can easily find myself going down that path once more, but I’d suspect that you’d know what’s best for you. After all, the moment that you step inside the ring with me, you’re going to lose. All of these sneak attacks. All of these pathetic mind games will be nothing more than a waste of time for you. You will fall like all of the other contenders before you and you’ll go to the back of the line right before Pain for Pride…just where you belong.

(The crowd pops for that as Harper Lee begins to chuckle, almost like a sinister cartoon villain before responding.)

Harper Lee: You are so stupid, Minerva. I never needed those sneak attacks. I don’t need those sneak attacks to win at Fighting Spirit. You think that I’m someone who relies on short cuts, on the dirtiest tricks in the book to get me to the finish line, but I’m already ten steps ahead of you. You’re playing checkers. I’m playing chess. You think that you’re two cards away from shouting “UNO” and winning the game, I hit you with the ‘draw two’ card and I ruin your chances of potential glory. You think that you need to drop that final chip to determine a Connect 4 and I got Connect 4 in a whole different area that you didn’t consider. You think that you would have put me away and I got you out of nowhere with the next move. You aren’t some unconquerable beast, Minerva. You aren’t someone who I’m going to have a difficult time with figuring out. I’ll figure it out. Just like I figured out Hikari Kanno. Just like I figured out all the right things to say to Holly Arrow, so that I can secure myself another championship reign. I know exactly what I am doing. There is a method to my madness that I am not going to spend my time in this dumpster fire called ‘Albuquerque, New Mexico’ —

(The crowd begins to reign in on boos.)

Harper Lee: But, you’re going to see it coming to fruition at the expense of you next week, Minerva.

Minerva: I’ve had enough with all of these antics. You can explain your whole ‘method’ to me in Romanian and I STILL would not be able to understand the bullshit that comes out of your mouth. But, I’ll make things easier for the two of us. All that’s going to happen next week is you receiving a well-needed reality check.

Harper Lee: And, how do you plan to have that happen? :mjgrin:

(Minerva forms a smirk on her face, almost like she’s personally envisioning the ass beating that is coming at Harper Lee’s way at Fighting Spirit.)

Harper Lee: What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? Trying not to get all ugly for the big day?

(Harper Lee is referencing Minerva’s wedding, which will be taking place at Fighting Spirit. Still, Minerva continues to smirk on, raising her head up, almost to look as poised and righteous at her challenger.)

Harper Lee: Who would have ever thought that you’d start caring about your looks like such a Diva—

James Peters: AND, THAT WAS ENOUGH TO SET MINERVA OFF AS SHE SLAMS THE MICROPHONE TO THE FACE OF HARPER LEE! IT SEEMED LIKE MINERVA WAS TRYING TO SNEAK IN AN ATTACK ON HER CHALLENGER AT FIGHTING SPIRIT AS THAT TAKES HARPER DOWN! WE SEE THAT MINERVA IS SMASHING THE MICROPHONE TO THE FOREHEAD OF HARPER! THE CROWD IS LOVING THIS! AFTER THE PAST FEW WEEKS OF HARPER’S SNEAK ATTACKS ON MINERVA, MINERVA IS GETTING SOME PAYBACK JUST BEFORE FIGHTING SPIRIT!!!!!

Rich Russillo: MINERVA FINDS HER WAY BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE GETS HARPER LEE INTO POSITION — ‘ATLAS FALLS!’ HER VARIATION OF THE TWISTING BRAINBUSTER, BUT HARPER MANAGES TO GET HERSELF OUT OF POSITION! SHE STANDS RIGHT BEHIND MINERVA AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH ‘HOUSE OF BALLOONS!’ THE BACKSTABBER CONNECTS ON THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION! NOW, WE SEE HARPER GETTING HER HANDS ON THOSE CYBERPUNK STUDDED SUNGLASSES THAT MINERVA WAS PREVIOUSLY WEARING! THE SHARP STUDDS THAT SURROUNDED THE GLASSES ARE WHAT HARPER’S GENTLY TOUCHING AT THE MOMENT AS SHE REALIZES WHAT SHE COULD DO!!!!

Persephone: IT SEEMS LIKE HARPER LEE MIGHT BE GIVING MINERVA A PRE-WEDDING MAKEOVER! SHE BEGINS TO TAKE ONE OF THOSE SPIKES AND BEGIN TO STAB THE CHEEK, DRAGGING THE SPINE DOWN THE CHEEK —OH COME ON!!!!!!!

(The crowd begins to boo when a series of security guards come racing to the ring as they pull off Harper Lee from Minerva. But, it seems like there is still a ton of fight between these two women. Minerva is showing some fight back, looking to throw herself after Harper, but more security guards come inside the ring and separate the two women. Then, the camera reveals that Minerva’s cheek is beginning to welt due to the impact of the scratch from the spike.)

James Peters: I think that this might be the best thing that could have happened to Minerva! I mean, who knows what Harper Lee would have done! It’s one thing to send a message to Minerva for their Universal Women’s Championship match. It’s another thing to send her a message by rearranging her face, so that she potentially ruins a wedding.

Rich Russillo: Now, I think that Minerva would own that scratch! I don’t think that she would give Harper Lee that satisfaction! Nor does she give me superficial vibes!

Persephone: She should though because that scratch is probably the most interesting thing about her face now.

James Peters: :francis:

(On that note, Voltage fades to commercial.)

(Commercial for the upcoming “Dragon Ball Sparking Zero” game with Jake Smith, who showcases his favorite character: Yamcha.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)

Bella Braxton: The following contest is a Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale… scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(‘Bounce Back’ by Big Sean can be heard as the crowd lets their negative reactions be known throughout the arena. The energy is electric, as Jack Ripley emerges from the back with a nod to the roaring crowd and a much more positive expression plastered over his face. Jack takes in the atmosphere, before looking ahead to the ring as he has a confident gaze before beginning to walk down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! From Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 205 pounds… JACK, RIPLEYYYYYY!!!!

Persephone: Welp. Homestretch.

James Peters: Jack Ripley is looking to make good on this opportunity tonight, as he may have been undergoing quite the season of greater downs compared to the ups, but tonight can surely change all of that in his favor.

Rich Russillo: Jack Ripley was able to defeat Cameron Ella Ava, and that itself punched his ticket toward potentially challenging the EAW World Champion. This can change the trajectory of Jack’s end to this season in a massive way…

(‘Trepanation’ can be heard throughout the speakers of the arena as the crowd responds loudly to the arrival of Hikari Kanno. Hikari sports unbridled focus on her face, looking ahead directly to the ring itself as she is firm on her goal. Hikari proceeds to march down the ramp, with the audience emphatically loud for her arrival.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing his opponent! From Okinawa, Japan, weighing in at 121 pounds…. HIKARIIIIII, KANNO!!!

James Peters: Hikari mentioned this earlier in the night, Rich. The only elitist among the four competing tonight to never be World Champion in EAW. Tonight can surely change the trajectory of her career in an immense light, and this will be an indication of how prepared she is for that task.

Rich Russillo: Hikari has had to go leaps and bounds to see that this opportunity has finally been propped up in her scope, and now she’s ready to take aim on a chance that does not come very often. This will be all too important for her as it is, for the rest of the field…

(‘Stronger (salü remix)’ by The Score can be heard throughout the arena as Rex McAllister makes his way outward from the entrance ramp as he has a positive expression, but the focus was increasingly present in his gaze nonetheless. He looks at the crowd with a reassuring nod as their support continues to ring true to his ears, before he begins to walk down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing her opponent! From Sea Isle, New Jersey; weighing in at 238 pounds… REXXXXX MCALLISTER!!!

Persephone: Oh brother, please save us from any more opportunities for this loser.

James Peters: Rex’s story is one that has been a tale of getting so close, yet, remaining far from grasp. The EAW World Championship has continuously eluded Rex McAllister for the last two quarters of the season, but now? This is Rex’s last chance to make good on one more opportunity.

Rich Russillo: Rex McAllister needs tonight to pan out perfectly in his favor. Anything less than victory will leave his path uncertain, spelling an end to aspirations of becoming World Champion as we close out the season. This is everything now, especially for McAllister…

(‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen hits to the loud reaction of the audience, as Dr. Bethany Blue makes her way out to the ramp with the chorus of immense boos following her. The reactions from the crowd do not deter the doctor in the slightest, as her eyes are glued onto the ring ahead while making her way down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent! From Miami, Florida! Weighing in at 125 pounds, DR. BETHANYYYYYYY BLUE!!!

James Peters: Bethany has had quite the tumultuous season in her own right, all while not being given the same opportunity to become EAW World Champion. Tonight, her season can still end as well as possibly can, as this win tonight can catapult her to becoming a World Champion in EAW once more.

Rich Russillo: After what she’s had to undergo over the last couple months, this may be quite the breath of fresh air for her. All of the focus that has been building within her will be crucial for this match, as this is the Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale… where we will have our winner!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: AND WE ARE OFF TO THE RACES! Sudden death Gold Rush finale has led us here, some of the best and most consistent performers in all of EAW, filling up one match. The best Voltage has to offer. Hikari Kanno, Rex McAllister, Jack Ripley and Dr. Bethany Blue! All four of the competitors are staring off at one another, thinking of the next move to take, as wait a second– JACK RIPLEY IMMEDIATELY MAKES THE FIRST MOVE, AS HE RUNS TOWARDS REX MCALLISTER AND BACKS REX UP IN THE CORNER, AND BEGINS TO NAIL HIM WITH CHOPS IN THE CORNER OVER AND OVER! REX WAS THROWN OFF GUARD, BUT JACK RIPLEY HAS DEFINITELY BEEN ONE OF THE MOST PASSIONATE PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK! He has Rex McAllister thrown abroad as he turns around and stomps him in the corner. Jack Ripley is feeling very accomplished, as he spins around and deters his focus back…

James Peters: AND HE WALKS RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM HIKARI KANNO! Motivated and ready, she was awaiting this opportunity and she was quick to jump. Jack Ripley was thrown abroad as he fell back onto the ground.. Hikari rises up to her feet.. AND DR. BETHANY BLUE WALKS DIRECTLY OVER AND DRILLS HIKARI KANNO WITH A RUNNING KNEE LIFT AS HIKARI GOES DOWN! It was a calculated move from the doctor nonetheless, and now Bethany finds herself as the one standing tall in the early goings of this match!! This will be a tough one to measure right now, but so far this match has been even blow by even blow! But now Bethany Blue has to get her momentum going, as she grabs Rex McAllister, BRINGING HIM TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, LOOKING TO GET HIM WITH A FALLAWAY SLAM–

Rich Russillo: NO! REX MCALLISTER MANAGES TO LAND BEHIND BETHANY, AS HE LOOKS TO NAIL HER WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX– BUT BETHANY GRABS ONTO THE ROPES… REX IS STRUGGLING TO GET HER UP! Bethany nails Rex McAllister with a forearm to save herself from shifting back with the suplex, she takes a moment to capture her breath.. as she spun back around looking to grasp onto Rex McAllister– WHO NAILED BETHANY WITH A JUMPING KNEE! AS BETHANY FALLS OUT OF THE RING! Rex finally gets his turn on the onslaught, but this has been one of the most highly contested matches in the early going. And that is going to continue, as Jack Ripley re-enters the ring, as Hikari Kanno is slowly pulling herself up..

Persephone: This is already long and drawn out, can we end it already?

James Peters: Rex McAllister looks at Jack Ripley, as he goes to grab Jack and Irish Whip him into the corner, BUT JACK RIPLEY FIRES A FOREARM STRIKE TO REX MCALLISTER! Now on the turn around, he goes for an irish whip, but McAllister reverses sending Jack colliding into the turnbuckle pad, and Rex McAllister has a perfect opportunity now, AS HE RUNS FORWARD– BUT IS INTERCEPTED BY A RUNNING UPPERCUT FROM HIKARI KANNO WHICH TAKES REX DOWN! Hikari slowly rises up to her feet as she sees Jack Ripley in the corner, and she sees an opportunity, TO SPRING FORWARD AND GET JACK WITH A RUNNING UPPERCUT IN THE CORNER! But no! Jack defends himself with a boot which knocks her backwards! Jack Ripley manages to get her again, as he climbs to the second turnbuckle…. AND HE DIVES OFF THE TURNBUCKLE WITH A TORNADO DDT WHICH SPIKES HIKARI KANNO ON THE MAT!!! JACK RIPLEY TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO FOR THE COVER ON HIKARI!

ONEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: BUT HIKARI GOT THE SHOULDER UP, THAT WAS BARELY CLOSE TO THE THREE! Jack Ripley was playing a mental game there, strategically, trying to get deep into the mind of Bethany, however with that said, Jack Ripley barely has time to react to the pinfall, as Bethany is re-entering the ring, Jack springs forward to grab her, BUT BETHANY SLAMS HER FOREARM IN THE FACE TO FOREARM HIM BACK! Jack stumbles backwards, as she grabs him… AND DRILLS HIM TO THE MAT WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! SPIKING HIM ONTO THE MAT, AS SHE HOLDS THE COVER ON JACK RIPLEY! BETHANY GOING FOR THE VICTORY RIGHT HERE!

ONEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOO!

James Peters: NOPE! That wasn’t close, but that was still a shot in the dark, and if it would have worked for Bethany, it would have went well. But that may be a testament to this match, Persephone. Each competitor of this match has been consistent and each has had a moment to shine and get their spot rolling in this match. As stated before by Rich, this is a match between some of the most consistent on Voltage, and it’s gonna come down to whomever is standing when it’s all said and done. Right now? Everyone is down, but Bethany Blue is slowly pulling herself up, a woman who was at the very top last year during Pain For Pride, now shuffling in with… uncertainty. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, I can guarantee you right now that there isn’t a soul in this arena that she wouldn’t sacrifice in order to walk out of the arena as champion.

Persephone: I wish she would sacrifice my soul and put me out of my misery, so I don’t have to endure this match.

Rich Russillo: Bethany is climbing to her feet, but I can see Rex once more coming back to the surface, as he pulls himself up after taking that vicious uppercut from Hikari earlier. Rex and Bethany come to toe now, as both competitors slowly drift themselves up. Rex grabs Bethany, looking to try and hit a suplex onto her, but she is fighting her hardest, which makes Rex transition into a waist lock! But Bethany isn’t going down without an easy fight, as she is putting the pressure on Rex and making sure he is as uncomfortable as possible! While trying to gain her footing.. as they are having somewhat of a semi test of strength there, Rex starts to overpower, as he is pushing Bethany back, but she– ATTACKS THE FOOT OF REX! CAUSE HIM TO LET GO! Rex stumbles backwards as he loses shift.. AND BETHANY GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE ONTO REX MCALLISTER!

James Peters: BUT BETHANY MISSES AS REX DUCKS THE MOVE! SHE MANAGES TO STAY ON COURSE HOWEVER, AND KEEP HER BALANCE MAINTAINED, AS BETHANY TURNS BACK TOWARDS REX– INTO A PELEE KICK THAT TAKES OUT BETHANY BLUE! A HUGE STRIKE FROM REX GETS HIM IN THE PERFECT POSITIONING TO FOLLOW UP– NO! HIKARI KANNO REINSERTS HERSELF WITH A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK GERMAN SUPLEX ONTO A DISTRACTED REX MCALLISTER WHOM NEVER SAW HER RECUPERATING AND COMING IN THE FIRST PLACE! The high action of this match has been hit you in the face, you never see it coming, AND HIKARI HAS A CHANCE TO WIN HERE AS SHE PINS BETHANY! AND CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT REX MADE!

ONEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: BETHANY GOT THE SHOULDER UP BEFORE THE COUNT OF THREE! That really wasn’t even all that close, but Bethany was barely moving from that pele kick, Hikari Kanno has to mediate quick on the position she has found herself pinned in, Bethany is down & rolling out with Rex is out of the ring, and the only person left– Jack Ripley. Hikari wants to return the favor from earlier, a Tornado DDT which spiked Hikari and took her out of the match for a good bit. She grabs Jack Ripley as he starts to come towards reality– SLAMMING HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! She nails him with a few chops in the corner to keep him steady, and a few stiff strikes to follow that! Hikari is one of the hardest hitters on the Voltage roster, and in the entirety of EAW. A chop from her definitely outweighs most of the roster.

James Peters: That is the truth, there is not that many on the roster who don’t hit hard, as Hikari does, and there is even a potential agreement thar none exist at all! and as Hikari runs back, she looks to make up for her past mistakes, which got her in a nasty situation, she is thinking about that tornado DDT, and how she can reprimand the mistake that she created. With her opponent pinned in the corner… HIKARI HITS THAT RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT IN THE CORNER, TO FULL COMPLETION THIS TIME! THAT MAY BE IT, AS SHE THROWS JACK RIPLEY OUT OF THE CORNER, AND HOOKS THE LEG DEEEP!

ONEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOO!!!

Persephone: It’s not over yet? Please god end me already, what even are the stakes of this match?

Rich Russillo: It doesn’t get much higher and more important than what is on the line here, Persephone. Every challenger stepping up to the plate will have to perform on a level that they haven’t, or have continued to neglect. We are already seeing so much risk heing taken, so much knowledge being poured on the page from these veterans that just know exactly what they are doing. Jack Ripley wasn’t gonna cost himself such a major opportunity with a single uppercut. You are gonna have to render him useless, if you want to extend yourself to a victory! Now both elitists in the ring are bringing themselves up!!!

James Peters: Hikari & Jack haven’t been letting up for a single moment here as Hikari’s sending a forearm directly to Jack—BUT JACK DUCKS & TURNS BACK WITH A CHOP DIRECTLY TO THE BACK OF HIKARI’S NECK! Hikari felt that chop as it echoed throughout the arena tonight for this Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale! Now Ripley’s got a good base to go off of as Hikari drops to a knee, a hand over the back of her neck! Jack proceeds to rush the ropes and run back looking for an emphatic DOUBLE KNEE STRI—

Rich Russillo: HIKARI ROLLS UNDER JACK TO AVOID THE DOUBLE KNEES! Jack lands flat on his back as he’s trying to bring himself back up in a much more quick pace than he’s been put through here!! Jack’s got a hand on his own lower back as he doesn’t seem ready to anticipate THE SNAP SAITO SUPLEX FROM HIKARI KANNO! SAITO PLANTS JACK DOWNWARD ONTO THE MAT!! Hikari quickly crawls over to Jack and hooks the leg for the cover as the referee slides to the count!!

ONEEEEEEEE!!

TWOOOOOOO!!!

Persephone: Andddd kickouttttt. Unsurprisingggg.

James Peters: That’s a kick out from Jack indeed! But now Hikari isn’t letting up, as she’s returning to keeping Jack suppressed and employing numerous forearms right over Ripley, who’s doing his absolute best to shield himself! Bethany & Rex are still duking it out at ringside, as they haven’t been adamant on letting the other party have any room for momentum whatsoever! Bethany manages to send a forearm of her own directly across the temple of Rex… as Rex proceeds to send a knife edge chop across Bethany’s chest in retaliation!!! Bethany stumbles back for a moment as she’s vigorously shaking her head now, the chop surely keeping her at bay in the current situation at hand!

Rich Russillo: ONLY FOR BETHANY TO RUSH TOWARD REX WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK!!! The dropkick sends Rex back first onto the steel steps as he’s arching his back outward in pain afterward! Bethany’s able to breathe now, nodding to herself as she’s got a genuine opportunity here to make good on the recuperating time that she’s got! Rex is crawling around as he’s not looking to remain motionless for long, but Bethany’s back on the prowl as she’s sending stomps downward onto Rex, primarily his back!! But Rex remains resilient, he’s trying to fight out of this predicament in any way that he can as he’s sending punches across Bethany’s abdomen! BUT BETHANY SHOOTS HIM DOWN WITH A STIFF KNEE ACROSS HIS TEMPLE!

James Peters: And while Bethany’s doing all that she can to keep Rex from mounting any momentum, Jack’s tossing forearms of his own across Hikari’s midsection to get himself out of this unfavorable position! Hikari is now stumbling backward while Jack’s still on his knees, not up to his feet in a quicker manner than what should be expected… as Kanno’s rushing directly toward Ripley with a huge BIG BOOT TO PUT JACK DOWN—BUT JACK DUCKS THE BOOT & RUSHES PAST HIKARI… RIGHT ONTO BETHANY WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! JACK EVADED ONE MANEUVER TO SHIFT RIGHT INTO PUTTING BETHANY DOWN! Rex is now able to get himself upward because of Jack, using the apron as assistance while he can!

Rich Russillo: Which doesn’t last for long, as Hikari’s just rolled herself under the bottom rope and positioned herself onto the apron, soon bringing herself up to her own feet as she sees Rex holding onto the bottom rope to get up to a proper stance… Hikari’s now rushing right toward Rex and looking for a swift kick to put him down—REX CAUGHT HER LEG! AND NOW HE’S BRINGING HIMSELF UP ONTO THE APRON AS HE SENDS A CHOP DIRECTLY ACROSS HIKARI’S CHEST FOR GOOD MEASURE!! Hikari’s stumbling back just a tad bit but keeping a tight grip of the ropes as she doesn’t seem all too interested in collapsing! Kanno responds back with a BOOT across Rex’s temple that also keeps McAllister at bay, but he doesn’t drop from the apron!! Both of these elitists are making sure there’s an answer for every ounce of offense they’re dishing out!

James Peters: Rex aims for another cho—BUT AN UPPERCUT STOPS REX! The uppercut across the jaw from Hikari Kanno is able to rock Rex McAllister where he stands! Still gripping onto those ropes to prevent falling off but dazed as ever! Now Kanno’s pulling Rex upward as she seems to have other plans in mind, while Bethany & Jack find themselves duking it out with one another now! The forearms are flying as they don’t seem interested in any fiber to let up on the pressure they’re both giving here! Hikari’s getting Rex in position as he turns him around, now interlocking his arms around her own… SHE’S AIMING FOR THE DRAGON SUPLEX ONTO THE APRON!!!

Rich Russillo: REX SQUIRMS FREE! BACK ELBOW THEN CONNECTS ACROSS HIKARI’S TEMPLE! Hikari is rocked this time around as Rex is shaking off the uppercut! BUT JACK YANKS REX OFF THE APRON! NOW POSITIONING HERSELF UNDER HIKARI AS SHE’S GOT HER HELD—AND POWERBOMBS HIKARI RIGHT ONTO BETHANY!!! JACK JUST TOOK BOTH HIKARI AND BETHANY OUT THERE WITH THE SUDDEN MANEUVER!!!

James Peters: NOW REX WITH A SPINNING WHEEL KICK TO JACK TO TAKE HIM DOWN!!! Rex McAllister had one hell of a maneuver in store there! But now McAllister is much slower to returning back to his feet! Now he’s trying to pull Hikari upward, and he’s getting her back into the ring as Kanno’s feeling the difficulties in getting herself up here!

James Peters: But Hikari eventually does manage to move upward to her feet while Rex is anticipating her turn… AS KANNO TURNS DIRECTLY INTO A SPINEBUSTER FROM MCALLISTER!! The spinebuster plants Hikari down right onto the mat as Rex quickly hooks the pin with the referee making the count!!!

ONEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Rich Russillo: NO! KICK OUT! Hikari isn’t gonna let this night end just like that!! Rex doesn’t linger on this kick out for long! We are very well aware of how this may be McAllister’s last opportunity to challenge for the EAW World Championship, so he’s dragging Hikari over to the corner, now proceeding to drag her upward onto the turnbuckle as he’s got other ideas in mind here! Hikari is trying to groggily fight back with rights being sent across McAllister’s face.. but Rex sends A HUGE KNIFE EDGE CHOP that keeps Hikari at bay for the time being! Now Rex has Kanno right where he needs her, and it’s about that time where Rex makes his control turn into reward with a SUPERPLEX—

(WHACK!!!)

Persephone: THAT’S WHAT YOU GET, MORON! ZERO AWARENESS!

Rich Russillo: BETHANY JUST SLAMMED THE STEEL CHAIR OVER MCALLISTER’S LOWER BACK!! McAllister is now stationary at the top of the turnbuckle as he’s unable to connect with any maneuver for the time being! Bethany’s raising the steel chair high once more—BUT JACK YANKS BETHANY OFF THE APRON! Bethany collides face first onto the apron in the process!!! Now Hikari’s conscious enough to see that there’s a prone Rex McAllister right in front of her! She’s fixing her positioning accordingly, and she’s got Rex where he will have no room to get himself out of this predicament, what’s coming NEXT—

James Peters: ‘IDOL STAR DROP’!!!!!! THE IDOL STAR DROP IS SUCCESSFUL AS THIS SENDS REX CRASHING DOWNWARD ONTO THE MAT WITH HIS SHOULDERS DOWN!! THE REFEREE IMMEDIATELY RUSHES TO THE PIN!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: MY GOODNESS!!! JACK JUST THREW THE SAME CHAIR DIRECTLY AT HIKARI’S SKULL!! HIKARI FELT EVERY OUNCE OF IMPACT FROM THAT CHAIR THROW!! Hikari’s now squirming around as she’s holding onto her own face after that throw, and Jack’s bringing himself upward to the top of the turnbuckle himself while Rex McAllister is still laid out!!! Jack’s right up at the top as he sees no other perspective to take from here, and he’s LEAPING OFF—WITH A MOONSAULT!!! HE LANDS RIGHT ONTO REX MCALLISTER AS THE MOONSAULT IS A GLIMMERING SUCCESS!! Now Jack Ripley hooks the leg—

James Peters: OH MY GOD! BETHANY JUST SLAMMED THE EDGE OF THE CHAIR DIRECTLY INTO JACK’S ABDOMEN! Jack’s squirming away from Rex as he’s clutching his own abdomen after Bethany’s reinserted herself into the match! Ripley’s doing all that he can to bring himself back up—BUT ANOTHER CHAIR SHOT RIGHT ACROSS HIS BACK!! Now Bethany’s sending all of the strikes to Jack’s way, as they’re coming about in great unison with one another! Bethany stops with the chair shots as she drops the chair, and she grabs a hold of Ripley’s legs before turning him over… INTO THE ‘FRACTURED’ SUBMISSION!! THE BOSTON CRAB IS APPLIED AS BETHANY IS ASSURING THERE IS INCREDIBLE PRESSURE ON JACK’S BODY!!!

Persephone: OH MY GOD WE’RE GOING HOME EARLY! TAP OUT!

Rich Russillo: JACK RIPLEY IS CRYING OUT IN AGONY! HE’S DOING ALL THAT HE CAN TO BRING HIMSELF OUT OF THIS SUBMISSION, SCRATCHING AND CLAWING FOR ANY LEEWAY THAT HE CAN GET, BUT IT’S NO USE! JACK MIGHT HAVE TO TAP OUT TONIGHT WITH BETHANY MOVING ON TO HER DESIRED EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AT PAIN FOR PRIDE!! Jack’s trying to crawl with as much energy as he can possibly muster up but the chair strikes put him down considerably! This isn’t looking good at all for Ripley who’s hand is now lifted off from the mat while the referee is crouched down! WE COULD SEE—

James Peters: WHAT THE—REX KEEPS JACK’S HAND UP IN THE AIR, ELEVATED FROM THE MAT… AS HE NOW LOCKS JACK IN A CROSSFACE SUBMISSION!! JACK RIPLEY IS COMPLETELY SUBDUED HERE ON ALL FRONTS WITH BETHANY & REX EACH EMPLOYING THEIR OWN SUBMISSIONS HERE!! BETHANY’S GLANCING TOWARD REX WITH ENRAGED CONFUSION AS MCALLISTER SEEMS TO BE AIMING FOR THE VICTORY HIMSELF IF THE CROSSFACE CAUSES JACK TO TAP OR PASS OUT!! BUT JACK’S REMAINING STRONG!! HOW IS HE DOING THIS?!? RIPLEY’S TENACITY IS ABOVE ALL TONIGHT! NOW—

Rich Russillo: RUNNING KNEE FROM HIKARI RIGHT TO BETHANY’S TEMPLE!!! BETHANY DROPS DOWN ONTO THE MAT AS SHE’S TAKEN OFF OF THE SUBMISSION WITH THE KNEE!! But Rex is still keeping the crossface applied!!! McAllister remains adamant as he still feels every single second matters when Jack can tap out in one of them—ONLY TO BE STRUCK BY A KNEE STRIKE AS WELL BY HIKARI!!! THE KNEE SENDS REX ROLLING AWAY & OUT OF THE RING ONTO THE FLOOR!! BETHANY’S GROGGILY MOVING BACK UP TO HER FEET AS HIKARI HAS THE DOCTOR EXACTLY WHERE SHE NEEDS HER… WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX!!!

James Peters: THE DRAGON SUPLEX IS SUCCESSFUL INDEED! Bethany’s dropped directly on the back of her own neck as he’s finding immeasurable difficulty here to even consider moving back up to her feet! Now Hikari motions herself back over to Bethany, in a quick hurry as he’s got a hold of her before moving herself up to a crouched position! She rolls Bethany backward and onto her knees before having a hold of her waist to HOIST HER UP… INTO THE ‘KANNO SUPER BUSTER’!!! GUTWRENCH SITOUT POWERBOMB IS A SUCCESS AS BETHANY’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN! HIKARI WITH THE PIN!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: NO!!! NOT ENOUGH!! KICK OUT FROM BETHANY AS THIS SUDDEN DEATH GOLD RUSH FINALE IS STILL ROLLING ON! Hikari’s not allowing further time to be wasted as she’s pulling Bethany upward to her knees now, and she’s looking for the next maneuver to put an end to this match and spearhead hee way directly toward Pain for Pride with a world championship opportunity!! Bethany’s motionless as Hikari’s making the run to the ropes, AS SHE REBOUNDS BACK WITH ‘DREAMER ‘TIL THE E—

James Peters: YAKUZA KICK!!! REX RUSHED INTO THE RING AND NAILED HIKARI WITH THE YAKUZA KICK BEFORE SHE COULD PUT BETHANY DOWN! Hikari is dropped as she’s sent rolling out of the ring herself, which leaves Rex with Bethany to himself as he’s got a window of opportunity to secure his title shot!! McAllister drags Bethany upward… INTO A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX THAT SUCCESSFULLY CONNECTS… BEFORE KIPPING UP! Now Rex has immense momentum on his side as the audience is entirety focused in right here!! McAllister is once again, as close as he can be toward the last chance that he’s been given to make good on!!! Bethany’s groggily moving upward, and McAllister has his opportunity… REX EFFECT!!!

Rich Russillo: RUNNING DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE FROM JACK!!! THE DOUBLE KNEES CATCH REX AS HE’S SENT DOWN ONTO THE MAT!!! NOW RIPLEY’S BRINGING HIMSELF BACK UP! Jack just took Rex out of the equation after Rex did the same to Hikari, and he’s got the opportunity of a lifetime here to make this opportunity for himself become reality! Ripley now sets his sights on the doctor as Bethany’s unable to make any sudden movements—

James Peters: ‘TJD’!!!! THE SUPERKICK CATCHES JACK DIRECTLY ACROSS THE JAW!!! BETHANY USED ALL OF HER POWER TO MUSTER UP THE SUPERKICK AS SHE FALLS ONTO JACK!!! THE REFEREE SLIDES TO THE PIN!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Persephone: OH C’MON!!!

Rich Russillo: KICK OUT!!! JACK RIPLEY WILL NOT STAY DOWN! Bethany’s absolutely irate as she’s shaking her head vigorously! This match could’ve been all hers to win right then and there!!! But Bethany’s not gonna allow it to simmer as she’s moving back up to her feet!! Ripley’s slowly but surely maneuvering to a prone crawl as Bethany’s exactly where she needs to be to make this happen! NOW BETHANY’S RUSHING TO JACK FOR THE ‘CONCUSSION PROTOCOL’—

(WHACK!!!)

James Peters: MY GOODNESS! SHE JUST GOT A TASTE OF HER OWN MEDICINE AS MCALLISTER SENT THE STEEL CHAIR COLLIDING ACROSS BETHANY’S BACK!! Bethany’s back is in immense agony as she’s stumbling forward to the corner!! Now McAllister proceeds to motion over to Bethany, quickly grabbing a hold of Bethany as he’s got her lined up for what’s about to come next… AS REX PROCEEDS TO SEND BETHANY ACROSS THE RING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!

Rich Russillo: THAT’S TURNED INTO A BACKSTABBER BY JACK RIPLEY!!! MY GOD!!!! THE GERMAN SUPLEX DIRECTLY INTO THE BACKSTABBER AS BETHANY’S BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THIS MATCH!! Rex is returning back up to his feet as Jack is as well, and McAllister is up first as he’s rushing toward Ripley with the JUMPING KNEE—BUT JACK EVADES THE KNEE! Rex remains on his feet as Jack rushes toward McAllister looking for the ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO’—

James Peters: REX DUCKS AND THIS ALLOWS HIM TO GET HIS SHOULDER UNDER JACK’S LEG… HOISTING HIM UP FROM THE MAT AS HE’S GOT JACK OVER HIS OWN SHOULDERS!! HE SENDS RIPLEY DOWNWARD WITH A HUGE POWERBOMB! THEN ROLLING JACK RIGHT OVER AND INTO POSITION… FOR THE CORKSCREW AXE KICK!!! CORKSCREW AXE KICK IS A SUCCESS!! RIPLEY IS IN AN EXTREME DAZE! MCALLISTER BACKS INTO THE CORNER AS HE HAS JACK LINED UP! IT’S TIME… REX EFFE—

Rich Russillo: MY GOD! RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM HIKARI SENDS JACK DIRECTLY INTO REX!!! REX COLLAPSES AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLE WHILE JACK’S BEEN NAILED WITH THE UPPERCUT AS KANNO’S BACK IN THIS MATCH!! HIKARI IS NOW DRAGGING MCALLISTER OVER TOWARD THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, AND SHE’S GOT REX ROLLING DIRECTLY ONTO HIS KNEES… JUST BEFORE RUSHING THE ROPES & BACK!!!!

James Peters: ‘DREAMER TILL THE END’!!!!! THE RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD AS REX SLUMPS DOWNWARD! HIKARI PUSHES MCALLISTER ONTO HIS BACK AS SHE HOOKS THE LEG!!! HER DESTINY MAY BE REALIZED WITH ONE STEP CLOSER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!! BETHANY’S GOT THE MANDIBLE CLAW ONTO HIKARI!!! HIKARI’S PIN IS BROKEN UP BY THE MANDIBLE CLAW AS BETHANY SHIFTS HIKARI DIRECTLY INTO ‘SAY AHHHH!’ HIKARI IS SQUIRMING AS MUCH AS SHE POSSIBLY CAN, BUT THERE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE ANY ROOM FOR CONSIDERABLE MOTION HERE AS BETHANY’S GOT THE MANDIBLE HERE!! THE DOCTOR IS MERE MOMENTS AWAY FROM PUNCHING HER TICKET TO THE SHOW OF SHOWS!!! PAIN FOR PRIDE IS ON THE HORIZON!!!

Persephone: CLOSER TO THE END! AND REX IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! A BLESSED DAY!!

James Peters: BUT HIKARI IS REFUSING TO GIVE IN! SHE HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY TO GET TO THIS POINT & LOSING NOW WOULD UNDO HER WORK!! BETHANY’S BEEN CHASING ANY CHANCE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF THIS MAGNITUDE!!! HIKARI IS FADING… AND FADING… BUT SHE FINDS THE ENERGY TO TURN THE SUBMISSION INTO A PINFALL AS SHE SHIFTS HER BODYWEIGHT OVER BETHANY!!!! BETHANY’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN ON THE MAT!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: BETHANY SHIFTS HER OWN BODYWEIGHT OVER HIKARI AS SHE’S GOT A GRASP OF THE TIGHTS!!! HIKARI IS SQUIRMING BUT CAN’T BREAK OUT!!! BETHANY DEFEATED DRAKE KING WITH THIS MANEUVER!!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

(BAM!!!)

James Peters: :damn: JACK RIPLEY WITH ‘BELIEVE IT OR NOT’!!! THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS RIGHT ONTO BETHANY AS SHE ROLLS AWAY FROM HIKARI, FLAT ON HER BACK! NOW JACK IS CRAWLING, AND CRAWLING WITH EVERY FIBER OF HIS BEING AS HE’S TRYING TO REACH BETHANY AFTER WHAT HE’S BEEN PUT THROUGH! RIPLEY DRAPES HIS ARM OVER BETHANY!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Persephone: NO!!! NOT HIM!!! ANYONE BUT HIM!

Rich Russillo: REX BREAKS UP THE PIN!!! REX DOESN’T LET JACK TAKE THIS VICTORY! AND JACK’S SHAKING HIS HEAD VIGOROUSLY!! THE FRUSTRATION IS SETTING IN AS HE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S COME DOWN TO THIS NOW! BOTH JACK AND REX SLOWLY RISE TO THEIR FEET AS THIS CAN TRULY GO EITHER WAY!!!

James Peters: JACK SENDS A FOREARM TO REX! THEN REX SENDS A CHOP ACROSS JACK’S CHEST!!! BOTH MEN ARE DOING EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO MANAGE ANY ADVANTAGE HERE!!! REX SENDS ANOTHER CHOP—JACK WITH A FOREARM!! NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES & BACK TO REX—

Rich Russillo: REX WITH THE JUMPING HIGH KNEE!!! JACK IS ROCKED!!! HE’S ABSOLUTELY ROCKED AS REX BACKS AWAY, AND HE’S RUSHING TOWARD JACK RIPLEY—JACK WITH ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO’—NO!!!! REX SLIDES UNDER THE SUPERKICK AND PROCEEDS TO STAND BACK UP AS JACK’S BACK IS TURNED AWAY FROM MCALLISTER—

James Peters: REX EFFECTTTTTTTTT!!!!! REX EFFECT CONNECTS!!!! JACK IS LAID OUT ON THE MAT AS MCALLISTER EAGERLY HOOKS THE LEG!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Persephone: BOTH HIKARI & BETHANY BREAK THE PIN!!!! THIS MATCH IS STILL ON!!!

Rich Russillo: REX CAN’T BELIEVE IT! HE WAS RIGHT THERE!! NOW MCALLISTER IS MOVING HIMSELF BACK UP TO HIS FEET AS HIKARI & BETHANY ARE GROGGILY GETTING TO THEIR FEET AS WELL! REX SENDS A CHOP TO KANNO’S CHEST! THEN HIKARI SENDS A FOREARM TO BETHANY’S JAW!

James Peters: AND BETHANY WITH AN ELBOW ACROSS REX’S TEMPLE AS WELL!! MCALLISTER GOES FOR ANOTHER—A KNEE ACROSS REX’S JAW FROM HIKARI!! MCALLISTER STAGGERS BACK AS BETHANY’S SENT A KNEE LIFT OF HER OWN TO HIKARI AS SHE TURNS—

James Peters: INTO ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO’ FROM JACK RIPLEY!!! THE SUPERKICK KNOCKS HIKARI DIRECTLY INTO BETHANY AS SHE’S DROPPED AND SENT OUT OF THE RING!!! BUT LOOK AT REX!!! MCALLISTER IS BEHIND JACK RIPLEY AS HE RUNS TOWARD HIM—

(BAM!!!)

Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!!! ‘YOU’LL FLOAT TOO!!!’ THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS ACROSS MCALLISTER’S JAW!!!! REX DROPS DOWN!! JACK HOOKS THE LEG!!!!! RIPLEY’S MOVING ON TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

…

…

James Peters: BETHANY PULLS JACK OUT OF THE RING!!! AT THE NICK OF TIME!!! THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!!! RIPLEY’S WIDE-EYED, HE CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!! NOW HIS GLARE IS SET ON BETHANY, AS THEY BEGIN TO TRADE THE FOREARMS IN A CROUCHED POSITION!!!

Rich Russillo: WE’LL NEED A SPLIT VIEW FOR THIS ONE! HIKARI & REX ARE SLOWLY PROPPING THEMSELVES UPWARD AS WELL!! JACK’S SUPERKICKS CONSIDERABLY LEFT THEM GROGGY & WEAKENED, BUT THEY’RE TRYING ALL THEY CAN TO FIGHT THROUGH THIS!!!

James Peters: JACK WITH AN ELBOW!! BETHANY WITH A FOREARM!!! JACK WITH A CHOP!!! BETHANY WITH AN ELBOW OF HER OWN!!!

Rich Russillo: REX WITH A CHOP!!! HIKARI WITH A CHOP!!! REX WITH AN ELBOW STRIKE!!! HIKARI WITH AN ELBOW OF HER OWN AS WELL!!! ALL FOUR OF THESE ELITISTS TONIGHT WANT THIS MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD!!!

Persephone: YEAH AND I REALLY NEED TO GO HOME!!

James Peters: BETHANY SHOVES JACK AND GOES FOR RUNNING KNEE—BUT JACK WITH AN ENZIGURI STAGGERS BETHANY FOR THE MOMENT!!! NOW RIPLEY LOOKS TO SEND BETHANY SPIRALLING DIRECTLY INTO THE STEPS—

Rich Russillo: BETHANY REVERSES THE MOMENTUM WITH JACK—BUT RIPLEY STOPS HIMSELF! HIS AWARENESS REMAINS KEEN BEFORE TURNING AROUND—

James Peters: ‘TJD’!!! SUPERKICK!!!! BETHANY WITH THE SUPERKICK AS JACK’S SLUMPED IN A SEATED POSITION AGAINST THE STEPS NOW!! THE DOCTOR DROPS DOWN, WHILE REX & HIKARI ARE STILL ADAMANT ABOUT THIS BACK & FORTH!!! THE CHOPS AREN’T SLOWING DOWN!!!

Rich Russillo: ‘TILL HIKARI NAILS A STIFF KNEE ACROSS THE JAW OF REX!!! MCALLISTER BACKS AWAY INTO THE ROPES…

James Peters: BEFORE RETURNING BACK WITH A KNEE LIFT OF HIS OWN!!! HIKARI DROPS TO HER KNEES GROGGILY AS MCALLISTER STAGGERS FORWARD AND HOLDS ONTO THE ROPES!! NOW REX HAS HIS CHANCE…. HE RUNS FOR THE REX EFFE—

Rich Russillo: LOW BLOW!!!! HIKARI WITH THE LOW BLOW!!! REX IS WIDE-EYED AS HE SLUMPS DOWN!!! HIKARI SAVED HERSELF!!

(As Hikari’s able to incapacitate Rex with the low blow, Bethany’s under the apron, before emerging back out as the audience reacts loudly.)

James Peters: BETHANY’S GOT THE SYRINGE!!! SHE SUBDUED SOLOMON AND TLA WITH THIS DAMN THING!!! BETHANY’S HOLDING THE SYRINGE WHILE JACK IS TRYING TO BRING HIMSELF UP—

Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!! BETHANY INJECTS THE MEDICATION INTO JACK RIPLEY!!! BETHANY’S NOW TRULY SUBDUED JACK, SHE HAD NO OTHER CHOICE WITH RIPLEY THERE!!!

James Peters: INSIDE THE RING!!! HIKARI’S GOT MCALLISTER!!! AND WITH ALL OF HER STRENGTH, ALL OF HER ENERGY…. SHE’S GOT HIM!!!!

Rich Russillo: ‘ALLELUIA’!!!!!!!! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!!!!! HIKARI MAINTAINS THE PIN!!!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: BETHANY’S WIDE EYED AS SHE PEERS HER DIRECTION TO THE RING!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: BETHANY RUSHES INTO THE RING!!! SHE MAKES THE LEAP!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

James Peters: HIKARI’S GOING TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!!!!

Rich Russillo: BETHANY’S GONNA MAKE IT IN TIME!!!!!

…

…

…

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNERRRRRR… HIKARIIIIIIIII KANNO!!!!!!

(‘Trepanation’ can be heard throughout the speakers once more, with the immeasurable shock in Hikari’s face as Bethany was a half-second away from breaking up the pin. Hikari groggily motions back up to her feet, as the referee raises her hand in victory.)

Persephone: AND SHE PINNED REX?!!? THIS WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!

James Peters: I… what a rollercoaster we just witnessed. Hikari punches her ticket toward becoming one step closer to her aspirations of becoming World Champion…

Rich Russillo: This was a battle through & through, one hell of a match where all four of these elitists wanted this more than anything. This IS everything, as they noted, but it was all the more to Hikari Kanno…

(Hikari remains in disbelief, able to be the victor as she is in great elation for her win tonight in the Sudden Death Gold Rush Finale. Bethany’s vigorously shaking her head, the anger beginning to set in within her as she’s experiencing turmoil within. Rex is slowly able to position himself sitting back against the ropes, experiencing immense disappointment in his own right while the referee is checking on him, with medical personnel quickly moving over to Jack after being injected with the medication.)

Rich Russillo: A lot of chapters tonight have been left largely open-ended now, James. We don’t know the direction of three of these elitists who were clamoring for their own goals to be achieved. Jack was on one most certainly tonight and truly could’ve won, Bethany’s desire to end this season strongly is now questionable, and Rex’s last chance to remain on the EAW World Championship chase this season is gone…

James Peters: Which does not discredit everything that these three elitists have done to get this far, after all they’ve respectively been through as well. But tonight, Hikari Kanno’s dreams of becoming a World Champion gave her the willpower to come out of the main event on top. Congratulations to Hikari Kanno!

(Rex remains with a sea of immense disappointment washing over his face, understanding the narrative of becoming World Champion is now lost from him this season. Bethany remains in a state of disarray, infuriated by being unable to continue the match as her hands are on her own head. Jack returns to a proper state of consciousness, as he’s shaking his own head in disbelief while personnel continue to check on him. Hikari, the victor, all the more ecstatic over her victory tonight, looks outward to the electric audience with a smile on her face, before the scene fades out to a commercial break.)

(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Jamie O’Hara and Limmy Monaghan face Andre Walker and Ronan Malosi.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, and once it’s back, the set up inside of the ring has changed. There is a table in the center of the ring, along with a chair on opposite sides of it. The ring has been set up for a contract signing, with the contract on top of the table with a pen on each side, as well as microphones. Also inside of the ring is James Peters, who is holding a microphone in his hand. After a few seconds, James begins to speak.)

James Peters: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the contract signing for the EAW World Championship match at Fighting Spirit! This match will be a Champion versus Champion match between the Hardcore Champion Roberto De La Rosa, and the EAW World Champion, Charlie Marr!

(The fans cheer hearing this, and James continues.)

James Peters: Introducing first… Please welcome the Hardcore Champion, as well as the challenger… ROBERTO DE LA ROSA!!!!

(‘El Gavilan’ by Luis R Conriquez, Peso Pluma, y Tony Aguirre hits, causing loud boos to come from the crowd. Before long, Roberto De La Rosa begins to walk out, carrying his Hardcore Championship on his shoulder. Roberto walks down the ramp with a confident look on his face, calmly making his way to the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Here comes the Hardcore Champion, who picked up a surprising victory against Charlie Marr to retain his Hardcore title! Roberto wanted this match, and with that in mind, it’s clear to see why.

Persephone: I don’t really care why he’s here. His brother is better, can he get the shot instead?

(Roberto enters the ring, raising his Championship before taking a seat in one of the chairs. After Roberto sits down, James continues.)

James Peters: And his opponent… Please welcome the EAW World Champion… EAW Hall of Famer CHARLIE MARR!!!!!

(‘It Ain’t Safe’ by Skepta follows, and the loud boos only continue. Charlie Marr begins walking out, and once he reaches the stage, he raises his EAW World Championship. Charlie doesn’t look too impressed seeing Roberto De La Rosa in the ring, but he just shakes his head before beginning to walk down the ramp. On his way to the ring, Charlie stares directly at his challenger.)

Rich Russillo: Charlie Marr is on his way to the ring, and we all know he’s not too happy about what went down between these two. Now it’s his title that’s on the line, and I’m sure Charlie wants to defeat Roberto.

Persephone: Their last match was carried by the stipulation. I really have no interest in seeing these two wrestle.

(Charlie makes his way into the ring, before taking a seat in his chair. As soon as he takes a seat, Charlie picks up a microphone and begins to speak.)

Charlie Marr: You do understand that you got lucky last week, right?

(The fans boo, and Roberto doesn’t say anything, not too bothered by Charlie’s words at the moment.)

Charlie Marr: I don’t know who you think you are or why you thought that one fluke win made you World Championship worthy, but I’ve literally spent my reign so far defeating Hall of Famers. You’re nothing to me, and what happened last week isn’t going to be repeated again. We all know that I’m the one that made the Hardcore Championship prestigious, and now I’m making the EAW World Championship prestigious just like I did back in 2019. You got lucky and escaped your match with me with the Hardcore title, but don’t get the wrong idea. I’m making it to Pain for Pride and beyond with my Hardcore Championship, and you won’t be the one that stops me from doing so. If you wanted to leave Fighting Spirit with a victory you should’ve found another rookie or career loser to defend against, because it won’t be happening against me. I’m the better competitor here, I’m the better Champion here, and once my title is on the line next week, the only thing you’ll be doing is coming up short.

Roberto De La Rosa: Es eso lo que piensas pendejo? You think that I will be coming up short? I have never done such a thing en mi vida. You see Charlie you may have beaten a bunch of viejos out there who are way past their prime and probably should have taken the hint to retire when they got into the Hall of Fame. Pero how many hot young rising stars like me have you beaten? I guess that doesn’t look as impressive on the resume tho does it cabron? My win was no fluke whatsoever and if you want to prove otherwise we can always do things by mis reglas. You think you are so tough but you always seem to take the easy way out. But you are looking into the eyes of the Hardcore Champion right now so I say that we should make the rematch into a Hardcore Match just like our first match was. You said that the first win was no fluke right? Well that would be the best chance to prove all of that. The truth is that unlike you I have already proven myself time and time again. I’ve proven all that I need to to you and to all of these people out in the EAW audience. They all love and respect me and know what kind of a champion Roberto De La Rosa truly is. But I honestly don’t care if you are too much of a pussy to accept another Hardcore Match with me. I honestly would not blame you if you just want to play it safe and have a good old fashioned stale boring unseasoned lucha against me. It might be more your thing. Pero even if we do a normal match I am still going to be snatching that championship away from you. I will be bringing the gold back to La Familia and becoming un doble campeon. I already beat you once Charlie. And next week I will do it again to win my first World Title and then I will go on to main event Pain for Pride and finally become what I was destined to become in EAW all along. El rey y el jefe.

(Charlie remains silent, taking some time to think about Roberto’s suggestion. Eventually, he begins to speak.)

Charlie Marr: Really? You want to face ME in another Hardcore match? You really think that’s a good idea?

(Roberto doesn’t say anything, allowing Charlie to continue.)

Charlie Marr: You must be out of your mind if you think that’s a good idea. Did you forget the history I have in these kind of matches? I’ve made a career out of doing whatever’s necessary to win, and when my time came to hold the Championship you’re making a mockery out of right now, I did it better than everyone else on the roster! I am the most dangerous man in this business, and giving me the opportunity to face you in another Hardcore match just means that you’ll leave Fighting Spirit in even worse condition than you walked in. You’re not a threat to me Roberto, and soon enough what happened last week will be completely forgotten, because while it may have been the biggest win of your career, it’ll be completely undone when I decimate you at Fighting Spirit. I don’t have anything to prove to you at this stage of my career. I’ve done it all and you’ll never be as great as I am, but you know what? If you really want to torture yourself, I’ll go along with this little idea. I’ll give you what you want, and face you in a Hardcore match. I just hope you realize what you’re getting yourself into.

(Charlie Marr grabs one of the pens before signing the contract, which causes the fans to cheer. This leaves Roberto De La Rosa, who has yet to sign the contract. Before he gets the chance however, Charlie continues to speak.)

Charlie Marr: Before you sign that contract, I just hope you understand that you’re setting yourself up, not just for failure, but for embarrassment. Thanks to you, I don’t have to simply beat you. I now have the freedom to do much more, which means that your night is about to get so much worse. By facing me in a Hardcore match you’re asking to be torn apart, and when that happens there will be no doubt that the one on top of Voltage is not you, or the rest of La Familia. It’s your EAW World Champion, Charlie Marr. The ONLY Champion on this brand that actually matters.

Roberto De La Rosa: That is the crazy thing about being on top. It means you have all sorts of people gunning for you and it is only a matter of time until one of them takes you down. Unfortunately for you mi amigo you messed with the wrong one. You could have had an easy night dealing with anyone else on the roster. But instead you are up against a man who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I will make my career my name y mi legado off you my bald headed friend. I don’t even have to beat you to embarrass you and to classify you as a failure. You are supposed to be the champion the dominant one on this brand and if you can’t even beat me and if you can’t even beat me convincingly what does that say about you and all of those other Hall of Famers you have beaten eh? It just says that you and all of your lot are not as good as you people think you are. It just says you are all overrated. La Familia has been taking over this brand all year long and if you haven’t noticed that just yet? You will very soon! Mark my words!

(Roberto De La Rosa is shown signing the contract to make the match official.)

Roberto De La Rosa: You say you are the most dangerous man in the business and I like to think that I am pretty dangerous myself. But you are only one man. Somos una familia. At Fighting Spirit you will learn what that really means. You will learn that even the most dangerous hombres and the most dangerous predators can always be overcome with the right strategy and the right manpower. You say that I am not a threat to you… but have you ever stopped to think that maybe that is what I wanted you to think all along?

(Roberto De La Rosa smirks as he slams the pen down on the table next to Charlie Marr’s hand. There are loud cheers knowing that the match is now official, and both men get out of their feet. There is a staredown between both men, until suddenly…)

Rich Russillo: WOAH! ROBERTO GRABS CHARLIE BY THE HEAD BEFORE SLAMMING HIS FACE ONTO THE TABLE! ROBERTO NOW STEPPING OFF OF THE CHAIR, JUMPING OVER THE TABLE AND ON TOP OF THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION!!!!! WE HAVE A BRAWL ON OUR HANDS NOW, AND ROBERTO SEEMS TO HAVE CAUGHT THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION OFF GUARD!

Persephone: Well Charlie just grabbed the microphone before hitting Roberto in the side of the head with it. Why didn’t he take the pen, though?

Rich Russillo: Well he needs his title match, right? Charlie now kicking Roberto in the midsection, BUT ROBERTO PUNCHES CHARLIE IN THE RIBS! NOW CHARLIE WITH A PUNCH TO THE FACE! NOW ROBERTO! BOTH MEN ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE CHARLIE IS GETTING THE UPPER HAND!

Persephone: This isn’t hardcore enough for me.

Rich Russillo: Roberto drops to a knee, AND NOW CHARLIE GOES FOR THE CHARING CROSS- BUT ROBERTO DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE RUNNING THE ROPES! TALON DE ÁGUILA CONNECTS!!!!! ROBERTO DROPS CHARLIE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S NOT DONE YET!

(By this point James has rushed out of the ring and back to the commentary table, meanwhile, Roberto drags Charlie towards the table used for the contract signing. Roberto begins dragging Charlie up as James puts the commentary headset on.)

James Peters: ROBERTO LIFTS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION UP, BEFORE THROWING HIM THROUGH THE TABLE!!!! ROBERTO JUST PUT CHARLIE MARR THROUGH THE TABLE!!!!

Rich Russillo: ROBERTO DE LA ROSA HAS TAKEN OUT THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION, AND THIS MAY JUST BE A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S TO COME AT FIGHTING SPIRIT!!!

(There’s a loud, mixed reaction as Roberto De La Rosa stands over Charlie Marr. Roberto picks up not only his Hardcore Championship, but also the EAW World Championship. As ‘El Gavilan’ begins to play once again, Roberto raises both Championships up in the air.)

James Peters: Is this what we’ll see at Fighting Spirit!? Will Roberto De La Rosa not only defeat Charlie Marr for a second time, but in the process become a double Champion!? Roberto could pick up the biggest victory of his career, while defeating the man he already defeated last week!

Rich Russillo: This is a huge match, even knowing that it already happened for the Hardcore Championship! This is a very unique circumstance, and with that in mind, I’m interested in seeing how this all plays out. Roberto De La Rosa defeated Charlie Marr and retained the Hardcore Championship, but will Charlie allow Roberto to take the EAW Championship as well!?

Persephone: If it was Luis facing him we’d be guaranteed a new Champion. Roberto? I don’t know and I don’t care.

(Roberto De La Rosa stands over Charlie Marr, and he continues to hold up both Championships in his hands. A smirk appears on his face, and from there, the camera begins fading to black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)