(EAW intro plays.)
(The camera opens up as usual with a recap of last week’s Voltage, which begins to play. The show started off with the Ice Aces talking about their performances at Road to Redemption, ARIA talks about her Specialists Championship win and how she is going to be a fighting champion while Ayu and Usagi talk about how after their win against Team Eden, they are looking forward to fighting for the Unified Tag Team Championships. But they are interrupted by Xander Payne and Ryan Wilson who have made a statement of their own going for the championships as well, and they arrive at the conclusion of the Ice Aces challenging Xander and Ryan at King of Elite to prove who is the better team, and both Xander and Ryan accept.)
(Trish Edwardson beats Sal Dorado.)
(Molly Waters sits with various Elitists ranging between TLA, Daryl Kinkade, Samael and Sheridan Muller and gives them a chance to talk about their 2022 and what they are planning for heading into 2023.)
(Eden is angry with Candice, Sierra and Ronan’s failures so she decides to take a vacation and tells them to get their stuff together before she comes back. Candice and Sierra get angry with Ronan when he tries to shift the blame off him and they leave him before finally, Halsey Neel appears and talks with Ronan, overhearing their conversation and tells him they might need some help. Ronan rejects at first but Halsey tells him to think it over with Candice and Sierra before she leaves.)
(Mercer Mckay defeats Justin Thorson to advance in the King of Elite tournament.)
(Hikari Kanno comes out talking about her Hardcore Championship win and how she is going to make the Hardcore Championship mean something again, and she won’t be able to do that with all the new changes which have been put in place. She calls out Captain Charisma to explain himself, and he says that he can’t do much about it if Disney is enforcing them, but Hikari responds to him saying that there has been chaos as well in other brands and they have broken Disney’s rules there. Captain Charisma takes the information, thinks it over and agrees with Hikari, and he says he will try his best to change the Hardcore Championship back to what it was.)
(Mei Sasaki defeats Halsey Neel and advances to the 2nd round of the Empress of Elite.)
(Theron Nikolas has an interview where he explains what happened at the Christmas Show, saying he was simply tired of Charlie and when he got the chance to get rid of him, he did. Before he can say anything else though, Natasha Agnello appears and warns Theron of someone coming for him, someone from his past. Sadly, Natasha doesn’t know who it is so Theron simply accepts the information and gets ready for what is next for him.)
(Usagi Senshi defeats Kylie Grace and advances in the Empress of Elite tournament as well.)
(Dr. Bethany Blue sits down with Sofia Clarke and talks about challenging Sienna Jade for the Universal Women’s Championship and how she isn’t going to be stopped from reaching her goals, but after the interview she is attacked and laid out by Sienna to send her a message.)
(ARIA and Hikari face off in an impressive Champion versus Champion match with Hikari coming out on top.)
(Minerva comes out to celebrate her win at Road to Redemption, reflecting on her championship run and promising that 2023 would be even better than 2022.)
(And finally, on the main event in an always amazing bout, Myles and Drake King face off, but ends in controversy as when the three count is made, Myles puts his foot in the ropes and the referee doesn’t see it. Drake escapes and after the match Myles takes his anger out on the referee and lays him out as the recap ends there.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades away to show a shot of the SAP Center in San Jose, California. An edited version of ‘33rd Blakk Glass’ by ZilaKami & SosMula is played through the speakers as spotlights are panning around and golden pyro is shooting out from the stage. The California crowd cheers incredibly loud while the camera then goes over to show the broadcasting team of Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone.)
Rich Russillo: Welcome everyone…TO SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE! I hope all of you prepared because we have an incredibly stacked show for you tonight!
James Peters: We have Usagi Senshi against Holly Arrow in the second round of the Empress of Elite tournament, alongside Trish Edwarson versus Justin Thorson, Samael versus TLA in first round of King of Elite, and the Hardcore Champion Hikari Kanno against Sheridan Muller!
Rich Russillo: As well as a Voltage versus Showdown Showcase; Mercer McKay against Lucas Johnson! Candice Blair against Dr. Bethany Blue, Theron Nikolas versus Daryl Kinkade in another first round of the King of Elite tournament and finally, in the main event, the return of MASOCHISTxMANIFEST, the team of Myles and the EAW Champion Minerva against the Ice Aces, Ayu Megumi and the Specialists Champion ARIA!
Persephone: What an amazing match the main event will be, it will be a great sight to see Myles and Minerva and get together back again, seeing them together reminds me of me…and…Rexy… :mjcry:
James Peters: She is never going to get over the Christmas Show, is she?
Rich Russillo: Sadly no, but anyways, let’s not waste any time, let’s get right into the action!
(The camera pans to Bella Braxton inside the ring.)
Bella Braxton: OUR OPENING CONTEST IS AN EMPRESS OF ELITE ROUND TWO MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!
( ‘Despair: A Hero’s Cure’ by Soraru starts playing as the crowd erupts into cheers. Holly Arrow struts confidently toward the ring. She wears a fierce look on her face, a look that says she is ready to keep this wave of momentum going into the semifinals. )
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST….FROM ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA…WEIGHING IN AT 149 POUNDS…‘THE FINAL GIRL’…….HOOLLLYYYYY ARRRRRROOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: We’ve seen what she’s done all season long over on Showdown, and she’s gotta be one of the favorites to win this whole thing. She picked up some huge momentum last week in defeating Candice Blair and she looks to ride that wave here tonight.
Rich Russillo: Yeah. The only question is whether or not she’ll get what she wants, as we know very well what her opponent is capable of.
(‘Catch Me If You Can’ by BABYMETAL blares throughout the arena, garnering positive feedback from the audience, who continue to cheer on Usagi as she saunters down to the ring, focused upon the task at hand, which is advancing in the tournament and continuing the Ice Aces hot streak.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT….FROM FUKUOKA, JAPAN…WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS….SHE IS THE “MASTER OF EXCELLENCE”…USSSAAAAGGGGGUIIIII SEEENNNSSHHHHIIIIIIII!!!!!
James Peters: Her along with her partners have been on quite the hot run, and she looks to add to the Ice Aces successes as she aims to get one step closer to that Empress of Elite crown while looking to protect Voltage soil.
Rich Russillo: Usagi Senshi has spent most of her time as a tag team competitor primarily, but this is a huge opportunity for her to come one step closer to winning her first title, that title being the Universal Women’s Championship!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: And this round two match-up is underway, as both Holly and Usagi slowly circle the ring waiting for the other to make the first move, and they look like they’re gonna do a test of strength as they have the hands up. And that doesn’t last long as they back up from one another. After several seconds, Holly and Usagi finally lock up in the center of the ring! And then Holly looks to have the upper hand as she applies a side headlock, and then flips Usagi on her back applying the maximum amount of pressure. Usagi fights out though using her legs to between the head of Holly, before both race up to their feet, and then Holly goes for the clothesline, but Usagi ducks it and runs off of the ropes and springboard off the second rope – A SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK THAT TAKES HOLLY DOWN!
Rich Russillo: Holly quickly pulls herself up in the corner, and here comes Usagi with a full head of steam in the corner – BUT HOLLY SENDS HER OVER THE TOP WITH A BACK BODY DROP! Holly isn’t aware though that Usagi held on to the apron. Holly turns around, AND THEN USAGI DELIVERS A VICIOUS FOREARM SMASH TO THE FACE THAT DROPS HOLLY DOWN TO A KNEE IN THE RING! And now Usagi measures her up from the outside apron…AND USAGI SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND DELIVERS A FLYING FOREARM TO THE FACE! And Holly quickly rolls out of the ring to try and regroup.
Persephone: AND HERE COMES USAGI AGAIN WHO DELIVERS A SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE! BUT NO! HOLLY CATCHES HER – AND THEN DELIVERS A BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX AS USAGI HITS BACK FIRST ON THE BARRICADE BEFORE DROPPING DOWN ON HER HEAD! Match just started and Holly is hurting while Usagi might just have a concussion after what just transpired there.
James Peters: Holly knows this is a great chance to put Usagi away early as she rolls her back inside the ring, and then Holly eyes the top rope as she climbs up the apron and begins her climb up the turnbuckle – AND THEN HOLLY LANDS RIGHT ON TOP OF USAGI WITH A FROG SPLASH FROM THE TOP ROPE! What elevation Holly got there as she hooks the leg for the first cover of this match!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
Rich Russillo: And Usagi kicks out of it! And then Holly wastes no time in picking her up and going back on the attack. But before we could know what was next on Holly’s mind, Usagi fights back with several right hand shots to the ribcage! And then Usagi slaps the hands away and then delivers a backhanded elbow strike to the face! Usagi then runs full speed off the ropes, BUT HOLLY WAS WAITING FOR HER AS SHE HITS A SPINNING LARIAT ACROSS THE CHEST! Holly looks to have regained control as she goes to pick Usagi up off of that mat.
James Peters: Holly sets her up for a suplex – But Usagi lands on her feet behind her and then pushes her forward before Holly charges back at her – But Usagi takes her down with a Thesz press and begins raining down shots to the face before rolling off of her ..AND THEN GOES FOR A BODY KICK! But Holly caught her foot, and then spins her around…BUT USAGI CHANGES GEARS AND THEN TURNS IT INTO A SPINNING DOUBLE LEG LARIAT! Usagi stands up and then grabs ahold of her legs looking to lock in the sharpshooter I think, but Holly fights back and pushes Usagi back with her feet buying herself enough time to stand up, BUT HERE COMES USAGI ONCE MORE!
RIch Russillo: USAGI RUNS AT HER SHOULDER FIRST – BUT HOLLY SIDESTEPS SENDING HER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST THROUGH THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE! Holly takes a second to catch her breath before she pulls Usagi out from the corner – and she hooks both of the arms from behind – THE TIGER SUPLEX DRIVING USAGI HEAD FIRST INTO THE MAT, AND THEN HOLLY GOES FOR ANOTHER COVER!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
Persephone: And Usagi gets the shoulder off the mat again, and Holly picks Usagi up from the front, and then places her between the legs, and she has her up in a powerbomb position… But Usagi is delivering shots to the head trying to fight out of this predicament…BUT HOLLY GOES TO THROW HER INTO THE CORNER FOR THE BUCKLE BOMB ANYWAY! BUT NO…USAGI REVERSED IT INTO A HURRICANRANA SENDING HOLLY FACE FIRST INTO THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE! Holly is on both knees facing the corner as Usagi pulls herself up and then back pedals a few feet….AND UH OH!
James Peters: USAGI RUNS FULL SPEED AND THEN DRIVES BOTH OF HER KNEES INTO THE BACK OF THE NECK! Usagi has a flurry of momentum going as she now ascends up to the top rope – AND THEN SHE GOES FOR A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE HEART, BUT HOLLY MOVES AT THE LAST SECOND BUT USAGI SAW IT COMING AS SHE ROLLS THROUGH TO HER FEET AND THEN THEY BOTH RUN AT ONE ANOTHER…AND THEN USAGI LOCKS HER IN A TRIANGLE CHOKE OUT OF NOWHERE! HOLLY IS PANICKING IN THE MOVE AS USAGI iS CHOKING THE LIFE OUT OF HER, WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO?!
Rich Russillo: Holly is trying her best to use the strength she has to drag herself to the ropes but Usagi is not making it easy in any way. Holly stretches her leg out and….SHE GETS THE FOOT ON THE ROPE CAUSING A BREAK! Usagi lets go and thinks of what next to do in trying to advance to the next round, and she picks Holly up slowly – AND HOLLY OUT OF NOWHERE JUMPS UP AND LOCKS IN THE GUILLOTINE CHOKE!! HOLLY TURNS THE TABLES ON USAGI WITH A CHOKEHOLD OF HER OWN, AND NOW WHAT IS USAGI GOING TO DO?! Usagi is aware that she is close to the ropes and she tries to reach out, but is still a bit away. Usagi might just pass out here…BUT USAGI OUT OF ADRENALINE STRETCHES HER LOWER BODY OUT…AND THEN GETS HER FOOT ON THE ROPE!! Now it’s Holly who has to let go, and both of them are making each other earn everything they get in this match.
Persephone: Holly slowly stands up, and then is pretty much begging Usagi to stand around. Usagi turns to face her and then..Holly runs and clotheslines her over the top rope before backing up….TOPE CON HILO OVER THE TOP ROPE ON TOP OF USAGI ON THE OUTSIDE!!! What a move from Holly there as she fires the crowd up.
James Peters: Holly tosses her back inside the ring quickly and slides back in herself and measures Usagi up. Holly grabs her by the arm and goes for “Emperor’s Time” – BUT USAGI COUNTERS WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT TO THE JAW – FOLLOWED UP BY A STEP UP KNEE ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE! Holly looks like she was caught off guard there and she might be in some trouble here as Usagi – USAGI PICKS HER UP ON A FIREMAN’S CARRY – “CRITICAL DARLING!!!” THE SAMOAN DRIVER FROM USAGI AS SHE TURNS HOLLY OVER AND GOES FOR THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: And Holly kicks out at two! Usagi looks to not waste any time as she immediately runs off of the ropes and she goes for “Fatality!!” BUT HOLLY SIDESTEPPED IT AT THE LAST SECOND BEFORE DROPPING USAGI WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD! Holly looks like she just saw this match flash before her eyes and rightfully so. Holly scoots away into the corner and she pulls herself up once more as she sees Usagi on both knees stirring to her feet.
James Peters: Holly grabs her head and then drives her knee into the side of her head as hard as she can before picking her up from the back and then goes for a German suplex…but Usagi reverses it facing her back looking for a German of her own, but Holly this time reverses and she quickly delivers a German…AND OH MY! Usagi landed hard on the back of her head as it hit the second turnbuckle. Usagi has taken a lot of head damage throughout this match and I think Holly knows that which is why she delivered the suplex in that direction, and now Holly is in control and looks to perhaps put the finishing touches on this match. SHE GRABS AHOLD OF THE ARM AND GOES FOR “THE EMPEROR’S TIME” ONCE AGAIN – AND IT CONNECTS!!! THE RIPCORD KNEE TAKES OUT USAGI AND HOLLY DROPS DOWN ON TOP FOR THE COVER AND THE VICTORY!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE1!!
Rich Russillo: AND USAGI IS STILL ALIVE AS SHE GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Holly nods knowing that she can’t let frustration get to her and has to stay on top of Usagi and don’t give her any time to recoup. HOLLY GRABS THE ARM AND SHE LOOKS TO LOCK IN “VELA-NOVA!!!” SHE’S TRYING TO LOCK IN HER OMOPLATA CROSSFACE SUBMISSION, BUT USAGI IS IN A PANIC HOLDING HER HEAD DOWN TO PREVENT HOLLY FROM FULLY APPLYING IT, BUT HOW MUCH LONGER CAN SHE FIGHT IT?!
James Peters: USAGI SUCCESSFULLY MANAGES TO REVERSE THE PRESSURE AND SHE TURNS OVER TO NOW MOUNT OVER HOLLY – AND SHE IS RELENTLESS IN THE ATTACK WITH SEVERAL RIGHT HANDS AND ELBOW STRIKES WHILE HOLLY IS DOING HER BEST TO COVER UP BUT IS NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK! Usagi rolls off of Holly and rolls to the rope as both of them atir to their feet at the same time. Holly charges at Usagi, but Usagi sends her over the top rope…but this time it’s Holly who holds on to the apron while Usagi is unaware of it. Usagi turns around to face Holly…WHO LAUNCHES HERSELF THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE LOOKING FOR THE SLINGSHOT SPEAR! BUT NO!! USAGI CAUGHT HER IN MID AIR WITH A DDT SPIKING HER HEAD INTO THE MAT! OH MY GOSH! AND NOW USAGI GOES FOR ANOTHER COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
Persephone: NO! HOLLY IS STILL IN IT! And here goes Usagi who picks her up and places her between the legs…AND THEN PICKS HER UP GOING FOR PERHAPS “LOST IN THE FIRE!!” BUT NO! HOLLY LEAPS OFF AND THEN LANDS ON HER FEET…A PALM STRIKE FROM HOLLY! AND THEN HOLLY…HOLLY OUT OF NOWHERE LOCKS IN “TOTEM KILLER!!!” THE TRIANGLE CHOKE IS APPLIED AND USAGI WAS CAUGHT OFF GUARD WITH JUST HOW QUICKLY HOLLY LOCKED IT IN, AND SHE IMMEDIATELY PICKS HOLLY UP AND THEN SLAMS HER TO THE MAT…BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT AS HOLLY STILL HAS IT LOCKED IN!! USAGI MIGHT HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE THAN TO TAP OUT HERE!
Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK!! HOLLY’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN! AND THE REFEREE COUNTS!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
…..
…….
James Peters: AND HOLLY HAD TO LET GO OF “TOTEM KILLER” TO SAVE HERSELF THERE! Holly was almost caught there as she races back up to her feet and goes to drive the knee into the side of Usagi’s head – BUT USAGI SIDESTEPPED IT AND TAKES HOLLY DOWN WITH A REVERSE DDT!! Now both of them are down, what a battle this has been between two warriors, doing everything possible to make it one step further to the Empress Of Elite crown. Now it’s just a question of who wants it more…and I honestly have no clue.
Rich Russillo: Both of them stand at the same time, and then both turn around to face one another….A KNIFE EDGE CHOP FROM USAGI! AND THEN A FOREARM STRIKE FROM HOLLY! KNIFE EDGE CHOP FROM USAGI! FOREARM FROM HOLLY!!! BOTH OF THEM ARE JUST GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THE OTHER AND THIS CROWD LOVES IT! Who is going to get control over the other….
James Peters: AND THEN USAGI SWINGS AT HOLLY’S HEAD, BUT HOLLY DUCKS AND THEN GOES FOR A SIDE SUPLEX!! BUT THEN USAGI LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND HOLLY….USAGI PICKS UP HOLLY BY THE WAIST FROM BEHIND, I THINK WE ALL KNOW WHAT SHE HAS IN MIND HERE – “ACE-PLEX!!!” THE HIGH GERMAN SUPLEX AS HOLLY LANDS HARD ON HER HEAD! Usagi doesn’t go for the cover though as she slowly picks herself up in the corner opposite of Holly who has no clue on where she is as she turns around – AND HERE COMES USAGI….”FATALITY”!!!! THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TAKES DOWN HOLLY AND USAGI HAS THIS MATCH ALL BUT WON! USAGI HOLDS HER HEAD IN PAIN AS SHE SLOWLY FLIPS HOLLY ON HER BACK AND HOOKS THE LEG! IS THIS GOING TO BE ENOUGH TO SEND USAGI TO THE NEXT ROUND?!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!
Persephone: NO IT WILL NOT AS THE REFEREE SPOTS HOLLY’S FOOT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND THE MATCH CONTINUES! 😀
James Peters: You have to wonder if that long delayed reaction of covering Holly gave Holly enough time to be aware of where she was to get her foot under the ropes to save herself, and now Ysagi has to go back to the drawing board wondering what else it will take to put Holly away. Usagi is exhausted as she slowly picks up what seems to be the dead weight of Holly – BUT I THINK HOLLY WAS PLAYING POSSUM AS SHE PULLS IN USAGI WITH A “EMPEROR’S TIME!!!!” THE RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, AND USAGI MIGHT BE IN SOME SERIOUS TROUBLE RIGHT HERE!!
Rich Russillo: HOLLY FOLLOWS IT AND PICKS HER UP…”PLAYER HATERS DEGREE” BURNING HAMMER THAT PLANTS USAGI INTO THE MAT! AND THEN HOLLY GOES FOR THE COVER!!!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
James Peters: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! After both of those signatures Holly moves, Usagi is still fighting in this as she survives. It seems like both woman have taken their best shots…so now what?
Rich Russillo: Holly stands Usagi up – AND HERE COMES USAGI FIGHTING BACK WITH AN UPPERCUT! PALM STRIKE! AND THEN SOME BODY KICKS!! BUT LOOK! HOLLY OUT OF DESPERATION TO SAVE HERSELF JUMPS UP AND SHE LOCKS IN “TOTEM KILLER” FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THIS MATCH!! THE TRIANGLE CHOKE IS LOCKED IN!! USAGI COULDN’T STOP IT BECAUSE OF JUST HOW TIRED SHE WAS, AND NOW SHE’S TRAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! THAT ISN’T GOING TO STOP HER AS SHE TRIES TO DRAG HERSELF TO THE ROPES AS SHE REACHES OUT, BUT SHE HAS NO ENERGY LEFT….DOES SHE HAVE ENOUGH TO MAKE IT TO THE ROPES!?!
Persephone: SHE HAS HER FREE HAND AND FOOT OUT…..BUT IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S OUT!! The referee checks her arm….AND THAT’S IT! USAGI HAS COMPLETELY PASSED OUT!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(‘Despair: A Hero’s Cure’ by Soraru plays as the crowd roars in appreciation for the match they just saw. They cheer as Holly stands and has her hand raised.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND MOVING ON IN THE EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT…HOOLLLLYYYY ARRROOWWWWW!!!!
James Peters: WOW! What an absolute battle that was between two of EAWs best in the women’s division. Both laid it all out on the line here tonight and threw everything at one another, but it’s Holly Arrow who prevails and gets one step closer to the crown.
Rich Russillo: Props to Usagi too she fought until she couldn’t anymore. We all know how determined Usage tends to be, and tonight was no exception. In the end though, it just was not her night. Congratulations to Holly Arrow!
(The final shot is of Holly celebrating her win on the top rope before fading elsewhere.)
(The camera transitions backstage where we see Holly Arrow’s new tag team partner, Harper Lee watching her match on a television monitor happy for her on getting the win and advancing to the semis in the Empress of Elite tournament. After a moment or so, we see a finger tapping on Harper’s shoulder in the background, and Harper turns around immediately to come face to face with Sheridan Muller. She obviously isn’t too pleased seeing her as she rolls her eyes.)
Harper Lee: Sheridan, nice to see you. You didn’t seem in a talking kind of mood last time we spoke. What do you want?
Sheridan Muller: Listen, I didn’t come here looking for any trouble. I came here for one reason and one reason only…I want a match with you. I said last week that 2023 was going to be my year. I’ll always hold The Prescription close to my heart, but I have no idea where that’s going to go now based on how the past few weeks have gone. There’s an old classic saying that when one door closes, another opens and it’s time I take that next step in my career in showing that I can make it back to the top of the mountain, that I can be the champion again, it’s something I crave and won’t I’m stop until I get it. I’m going to continue to grind rather than sit around and feel sorry for myself that I came up short against Sienna Jade. And clearly you, Harper, were looking for some type of trouble back at the Christmas show by getting in my way and stopping me when I was just trying to leave, knowing that I wasn’t in the best of moods to talk to anybody.
(Harper has a confused look on her face with that accusation from Sheridan.)
Harper Lee: You really think I had bad intentions back at the Christmas show? Like, why would I waste my time doing that? I mean, it’s obvious that I was only trying to sympathize with you because I know just how disgusting and evil Sienna Jade is and I know just how much that opportunity meant to you. I was just trying to tell you that I get what you were going throu –
Sheridan Muller: No, just stop. You have no idea what I’m going through, not one bit. After picking up many key victories ever since I came back, it was time for me to show that I deserved to be the Universal Women’s Champion, and I left the year empty handed. But hey that’s in the past now and I’m all about making 2023 as dominant as my 2022 was. With that being said and me not buying into anything you’re trying to sell me, I beat you once before, and I want to do it again, so I have a little proposition for you. With King Of Elite coming up, what do you say the two of us get in the ring and show the world how two former Women’s World Champions throw down.
(Harper looks a bit caught off guard at the challenge being laid down. She thinks for a second before opening her mouth to answer.)
Harper Lee: You want to face me at King Of Elite? Over a little misunderstanding?
Sheridan Muller: It’s a lot more than that. The female talent in EAW goes without saying, and I believe my name should be up there at the very top and I know that you believe in your mind that you are one of the best of the best, and I wanna start the year off on a high note after 2022 ended with a sour taste in my mouth. King Of Elite gives us both a chance to stake that claim that we’re the best.
Harper Lee: Well, this came a bit out of nowhere, but you know me. I am not the one to back down from any type of challenge. So if you want that match, then you’re on.
(Harper extends the hand, and Sheridan accepts it.)
Harper Lee: Just know, that I haven’t forgotten about the history, and I would love nothing more than to right that wrong and beat you in that ring. I do believe I’m one of the best because you don’t deserve to be here if you don’t think that way about yourself. I’ve accomplished so much already, and the scary thing is that I’m just barely scratching the surface. Beating you will only boost up my resume on my road back to the top. You may want 2023 to be your year, but it’s not gonna start off on the right foot at my expense. I may be focused on the tag titles at the moment, but like you, I want to become champion again sooner rather than later, because you already said it, I know I’m one of the best and I’m going to take that first big step by going through you, and when it’s all over, you have nobody to blame but yourself.
Sheridan Muller: Well, I look forward to the challenge and you trying to live up to those words, but I promise you it’s not going to happen. Nothing has changed since the last time we were in the ring, and when it’s over, you’re gonna have nobody to blame but yourself. Next time, just stay in your lane and mind your own business. And let that be a warning to everybody else as well on the roster. See you at King Of Elite, may the better woman win.
Harper Lee: I will.
Sheridan Muller: In your dreams.
(Sheridan gives a little chuckle before slowly backing up out of the scene as Harper continues to stare her down and the camera fades to black and into a commercial.)
(Commercial advertising Impact’s new wrestling school. It looks promising at first but it ends with reviews from people saying it is him just slapping people around and showing them the ropes.)
(The show fades back in and the camera cuts to footage from last week, featuring Halsey Neel talking to both Sierra Everett and Candice Blair in the corridor backstage, unbeknownst to the fact they’re being recorded. However, despite the conversation going on for a while, it’s unclear as to what they’re discussing due to the cameraman being far away, and no mic being there to pick up what they’re saying, but based on body language, it seems to have gone well. From there, it freeze-frames on a shot of all three smirking, and the camera pans out from behind a TV to show who’s watching in front of it, that being Ronan Malosi, alongside Amaya, both dressed formally as usual, and inside Ronan’s locker room. The appearance of these two garners boos from the audience, not that either are paying attention to the feedback from San Jose, having more pressing matters to worry about. Upon seeing the footage, Ronan proceeds to cross his arms, and shake his head. Similar to the audience, it’s his first time hearing about this conversation, which is the source of his frustration, given that Ronan is a member of Team Eden also, and feels he should be told this type of information in advance.)
Ronan Malosi: I.. I’m at a loss for words. I can’t believe it. They actually met with Halsey Neel. Amaya, sometimes, I feel like the only one who hasn’t completely lost their mind around here. I mean-
(A knock is heard at Ronan’s door, which draws both their attention away from the monitor, and causes Ronan’s attitude to perk up slightly as he grabs his fedora from on top of the TV, and places it back on his head.)
Ronan Malosi: Must be the food I ordered. Come in!
(The door opens, and it isn’t the food Ronan ordered, but rather both Sierra Everett and Candice Blair. Sierra doesn’t have a match tonight, so can be seen sporting her street clothes, which consists of a white string top, jeans, and white sneakers. Candice can be seen sporting her sparkly gold ring gear for her match later on in the night against Bethany Blue. Ronan’s demeanor becomes serious once more, and he directs attention over to Amaya.)
Ronan Malosi: Ya know what? We’ll pick this conversation up later, understood?
Amaya: Understood.
(Amaya gives a nod of respect to both Candice and Sierra before walking past them as they proceed towards Ronan. Amaya exits the room, and closes the door behind her, leaving it to just the trio.)
Candice Blair: Sorry to interrupt, but we need to discuss strategy for my match with Bethany later on.
Ronan Malosi: I’ll be glad to, that is once you two provide an explanation for last week.
Sierra Everett: What happened last week?
Ronan Malosi: So, are we just insulting my intelligence, because you two know exactly what happened. In fact, allow me to refresh your memory.
(Ronan swipes the remote to his TV, and rewinds it back, playing the conversation between Halsey, Sierra, and Candice back for them. Once that wraps up, Ronan extends his arms, almost questioning with his body language “well, what do you have to say for yourselves?” Though, Candice and Sierra don’t look all that phased by what they’re seeing.)
Sierra Everett: Oh, that.
Candice Blair: I had no idea someone was recording us last week without permission, guess we’ll have to take that up with Eden. Ya know, once she gets back from vacation, or turns her phone back on…
Ronan Malosi: Well, I’m glad someone caught you two in the act last week.
(Sierra finds some amusement in this statement by Ronan, which causes her to snicker a bit.)
Sierra Everett: The act?
Ronan Malosi: Yeah, the act, as in you two conversing with Halsey Neel behind my back.
Candice Blair: I came in here to discuss strategy, not us talking to Halsey Neel last week. Besides, what exactly is the problem?
Ronan Malosi: Isn’t it obvious? The problem is: you two talking with Halsey Neel in general. I get that, last week, emotions were running high, so you probably weren’t thinking straight when talking to me, but I thought you’d at least be in a right enough headspace to not listen to whatever BS Halsey had to spout last week. Guess I was wrong in that aspect. I mean, can we even trust her? Am I the only one thinking about that? Halsey doesn’t belong anywhere near Team Eden, especially after the way she talked to me, disrespecting a founding member. Who does she think she is? In my opinion, we shouldn’t even entertain the idea of letting her in the group, we should focus on regaining momentum after Road to Redemption, and after your losses in the Empress of Elite. Together, we are still a force to be reckoned with, but after the rough past few weeks, some people might’ve forgotten that. Not just in the locker room, but right here in Atherton, California.
(The crowd boo at having the name of their city mentioned wrong by Malosi, who picks the reaction up, and responds to it.)
Ronan Malosi: It’s San Jose, California, my bad. I was thinking of somewhere better.
(The boos grow louder, and Ronan smirks as a result, feeding off the hate he gets from fans. Meanwhile, Sierra and Candice poorly hide their laughter at this zinger from Ronan, who places his focus back on the task at hand.)
Ronan Malosi: So, as I was saying, we need to reestablish ourselves, and the first step towards that would be you toppling Bethany Blue, which I’ll broadcast for the whole world to see. After all, she deserves everything that’s coming to her. But first, we need to regain trust within one another. Because thanks to me, that’s what The Prescription lack in 2023. Trust, and they’re the last thing we want to wind up like, because their ship is slowly, but surely sinking. I don’t want our ship to sink, or get slowed by a one-hundred pound anchor in Halsey Neel. That’s the only purpose she serves. To be an anchor, to drag us down. Need proof? She’s not even in the group yet, and look what she’s doing to us.
(Sierra rolls her eyes briefly at this nonstop rambling from Malosi.)
Sierra Everett: Alright, Ronan, we get the message. You don’t like Halsey Neel.
Ronan Malosi: Exactly! Maybe my tune would change if I was given a reason to, but as of right here, what reason is there for me to like Halsey Neel? Zero! Because her involvement has led to you guys going behind my back, and having secret conversations I don’t know about. Perhaps I need to remind you, but we are TEAM Eden, emphasis on the team. We do everything as a team. All I’m saying is: you don’t see me sneaking around, having conversations without you knowing, do you?
Candice Blair: Weren’t you just having one with Amaya?
Ronan Malosi: That’s different, alright? That’s different. We were discussing steak and Ugandan whiskey, which shall be here soo- you know what? What am I saying? I’m not the one who needs to explain myself, that responsibility falls solely on you two. So, explain to me, what were you talking to Halsey Neel about last week? After that, we can go right into discussing strategy for your match, and have the slate wiped clean before doing so.
(Ronan grows a smile on his face, expecting the duo to be completely transparent with him. Candice and Sierra exchange brief glances with one another before turning back to face Ronan, and shrugging at the same time.)
Sierra Everett: Halsey wanted to talk.
Candice Blair: We wanted to listen.
(Ronan’s smile fades away, and his frustration begins to mount with a sigh, clearly unhappy with the answer he received.)
Ronan Malosi: So, that’s it? That’s all you’re gonna say?
Candice Blair: Yep.
Ronan Malosi: Sierra, c’mo-
Sierra Everett: That’s all there is to it, Ronan, I’m sorry.
Ronan Malosi: You two wanna keep secrets? Fine, keep secrets.
(Ronan brushes past the two, and storms out of the room, ranting to himself, frustrated at the lack of a direct answer. Meanwhile, both Sierra and Candice look towards one another after he leaves.)
Candice Blair: Guess we’ll discuss that strategy later…
(The crowd can be heard in the background laughing at this statement from Candice, gathering amusement from the duo being apathetic to Ronan’s worries. But the question remains: what exactly were they discussing with Halsey Neel last week, and how will it impact Team Eden in the future, given the slight dissension. But we’ll have to find out at a later time, as both Candice and Sierra begin talking to one another, discussing Ronan’s outburst, and are confident he’ll calm down later on. But the camera doesn’t pick up much of their conversation as the crowd audio overtakes theirs, and we pan out elsewhere from the backstage area, as both Trish Edwardson and Justin Thorson have a match coming up.)
(The camera shot switches to ringside.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(“Do What I Want” by Lil Uzi Vert hits. Justin Thorson walks out following this, and he seems prepared for the upcoming match. He doesn’t say much, leaving the crowd wondering as he makes his way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from Chicago, Illinois weighing in at 212 pounds he is… JUSTIN THORRRRRRRRRRRRSON!!!!!!!
James Peters: Justin Thorson didn’t have much to say this week. You have to wonder what he brings to the table following his match last week.
Rich Russillo: I am interested to see what he does tonight. He may have come up short against Mercer McKay, but things could change this week.
( DMX – Who We Be hits to a cheers from the crowd. )
Bella Braxton: And his opponent from Worthing, United Kingdom she is “Le Petit Serpent” TRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRISH EDWARDSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Trish Edwardson comes to the ring slapping hands with the fans. She looks excited to be making her return to Voltage after a successful debut last week. She has a lot of confidence on her face as she nearly skips into the ring looking certain that victory is ahead of her yet again. Trish runs up into the ring and raises her arms above her head allowing the fans to take pictures and videos of her with their phones as she smiles wide for them. )
James Peters: We saw Trish Edwardson get a big win last week. This week maybe she will get yet another one as she continues to fight up through the ranks of EAW!
Rich Russillo: It remains to be seen how far she can go! The sky is the limit I always say.
Persephone: I mean there is more above the sky. It is called outer space.
James Peters: Well maybe one day EAW will have a show on the Moon. But that isn’t relevant to this match. Trish Edwardson may eventually hit a wall on her rise to the top but will that be tonight or will she run through Justin Thorson?
Rich Russillo: The battle of Edwardson vs. Thorson begins now!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! Trish Edwardson and Justin Thorson just can’t wait to get their hands on each other! They begin circling around the ring as Edwardson flashes a devious smirk towards Thorson possibly getting into his head with her upbeat confidence. They are feeling each other out as Edwardson yanks on the arm of Thorson pulling him into a headlock but he immediately slides out of it behind her with an armbar. Edwardson pushes herself into the ropes forcing the break before immediately turning around and going to lock up with Thorson who backs away possibly smartly avoiding the grapple of this generational talent who has been a part of the wrestling business her entire life.
Persephone: That’s true. She does feel like she has been part of wrestling a long time. Almost as if she has been here in EAW before even. But I don’t know why I get that feeling. Maybe it is just because she is a natural talent. :wow:
James Peters: Trish Edwardson and Justin Thorson lock up in the ring yet again as Edwardson manages to take Thorson down with a standard wrestling takedown pinning him down upon his belly in the ring staying on top of him and applying the pressure. Thorson with reverse elbow strikes knocking her off him but Edwardson drives her knee down hard into the back of the neck of Thorson as she gets back up. Edwardson runs off the ropes but Thorson rolls under her feet as Edwardson leapfrogs over him with an athletic cartwheel. She whips around as Thorson gets back up to his feet and connects with a picture perfect standing Dropkick dropping him back down to his back in the ring! Thorson looking frustrated as he pulls himself back up on the ropes but Edwardson comes running in with a Clothesline straight outta hell knocking him over the top ropes to the outside! No! Thorson moved out of the way! But Edwardson manages to control the momentum and flips over the top rope landing on the apron!
Rich Russillo: Justin Thorson comes charging in with a right hand looking to knock Trish Edwardson off the apron! But she counters the punch with her arm and returns one of her own! Edwardson with a Leaping Enzuigiri knocking Thorson staggering backwards into the ring. Edwardson slowly now up to the top rope as she looks to take out Thorson! She leaps off the top rope crushing him with a Flying Body Press! She gets all of it and slides into the first cover of this competitive contest!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
James Peters: The kickout by Justin Thorson! Trish Edwardson was looking to make short work of her opponent here tonight but Thorson isn’t going to give it up that easily!
Persephone: He is the son of Thor after all. He would never lose that quickly. :whew:
Rich Russillo: :comeagain: Both competitors rise back up to their feet as Trish Edwardson goes in with a Running Lariat! But Justin Thorson manages to duck out of the way and catches her side with a flurry of strikes finally getting some offense in here in this match! But Edwardson grabs his arm and uses the momentum of his strikes to yank him out into the corner and begins returning the favor! Edwardson with the speed advantage just lighting up the gut of Thorson who can’t seem to catch a break. Edwardson is really talented as seen here tonight and last week she hasn’t really been challenged much in the ring and you have to wonder if there is anyone in the entirety of EAW who can stand up to her dominance in the ring.
James Peters: Justin Thorson ducks beneath a shot to the face from Trish Edwardson! She was going for the killing blow! But she got none of it! Thorson whips Edwardson off the ropes as she comes charging back! Thorson with a Back Body drop! No! Edwardson lands on her feet behind him grabbing him from behind and rolliing him up! School Girl rollup! This could be it!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Persephone: Another near fall for Trish Edwardson! Far too near of a fall for my liking! Let those counts breathe ref…
Rich Russillo: Justin Thorson back up to his feet but Trish Edwardson with a Spinning Back Kick to the gut sending him back first into the ropes. The momentum sends Thorson flying back towards Edwardson as he tries to punch her but Edwardson catches him in the side of the jaw with a Spinning Back Forearm. Thorson nearly collapses to the mat but instead falls back into the corner catching himself with his arms over the top rope as he spits something out possibly even a tooth from the impact of that shot. Thorson does not look pleased as he was not expecting to have such a difficult time tonight with Edwardson who is proving to be surprisingly resilient and he has been unable to mount much of an offense against her. Edwardson is going off now and pummels Thorson into the corner she is just beating him relentlessly.
James Peters: Trish Edwardson is a real force to be reckoned with as she grabs Justin Thorson dragging him out of the corner and slamming him down hard on the mat. Trish off the ropes as she connects with a Falling Punch to the face before sliding into the cover yet again!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout from Justin Thorson. Trish Edwardson mounts Thorson and begins pummeling away at him just bashing his face in with both fists. Right. Left. Right. Left. Right. Left. Absolute carnage in the ring tonight and Thorson is being destroyed completely ruthlessly here tonight and there isn’t much at all that he can do about it. He is fully at Edwardson’s mercy and he might just want to give in to the next pinfall at this rate before she hurts him too significantly that he can’t even continue further on in the match.
James Peters: Justin Thorson slowly pulls himself up in the corner somehow he hasn’t been beaten unconscious. But Trish Edwardson stays on him and lights him up with repeated strikes and back chops in the corner just absolutely savaging him and beating his chest until it is redder than a tomato. Edwardson with repeated kicks on Thorson in the corner. He falls out nearly collapsing in the ring but instead collapses into Edwardson’s arms and she tosses him back with a Belly to Belly Suplex.
Rich Russillo: Trish Edwardson yanks Justin Thorson back up in the ring. He tries to retaliate with a kick to the gut but she catches that and pulls him in for an Exploder Suplex. Edwardson hooks the arms of Thorson on the mat and twists him onto his back with a Double Underhook Pinning Combination!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
James Peters: But Justin Thorson kicks out yet again! Trish Edwardson pulls him back up and whips him across the ring. She throws him back with a Back Body Drop! What elevation on that! Thorson crashes down painfully yelling as his spine connects with canvas. Very painful! This match continues on! Trish Edwardson stalks Justin Thorson from behind as he pulls himself back up. She locks her arms in from behind squeezing the life out of him with a Reverse Bearhug! But Thorson grabs desperately for the ropes! No! Edwardson with such strength she lifts him and carries him back into the middle of the ring! But her efforts allowed Thorson to slip out between her arms which had loosened slightly from that motion. Thorson falls to the mat below and grabs the leg of Edwardson twisting her around into an Ankle Lock!
Rich Russillo: But Trish Edwardson manages to roll through the Ankle Lock throwing Justin Thorson forward face first into the turnbuckle with a crash! Thorson looks wobbly on his legs after going face first into the turnbuckle but Edwardson back up and bashes his head repeatedly into the turnbuckle yet again! She yanks Thorson into a Headlock before whipping him down to the mat with a Snapmare Takedown! Edwardson slides into the headlock as she applies a rest hold but I’m not sure she is the one who needed it! Thorson is probably the one truly in need of a rest but Edwardson is not allowing him to have one! Since the bell rang she has not let up one bit!
James Peters: Justin Thorson is fading here tonight as he looks like he might pass out! Trish Edwardson might just win this whole match with a Headlock! But no! Thorson somehow finding the way back up to his feet as he struggles out of the hold! But a kick to the gut from Edwardson! She runs off the ropes… Scissors Kick connects dropping Thorson to the mat! She then runs the ropes and connects with a Curb Stomp to the back of the head of Thorson! Edwardson now with the cover as she looks to mercifully end things once and for all!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Persephone: What the… It’s not… it’s not over?
Rich Russillo: Not sure it was a smart idea for Justin Thorson to kick out there. Trish Edwardson pulls Thorson back up who at this point doesn’t even seem to know where he is. She kicks him in the gut and pulls him up… Stalling Suplex! She holds Thorson up for several seconds before dropping him dow-
James Peters: NO! JUSTIN THORSON FALLS DOWN AND COUNTERS THE SUPLEX INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!!! WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM! JUSTIN IS GOING TO STEAL IT!!! JUSTIN FOR THE WIN!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: Kickout with authority from Trish Edwardson! She looks as shocked as everyone else here in the arena! She thought that Justin Thorson was dead meat! And from the looks of his motionless body even after the kickout he just might be! That had to be the last gasp of desperation from Justin in this match tonight. If he had won there… it might have been a different story… but it looks like tonight is going to be the story of Trish Edwardson continuing on instead! Edwardson lifts up Thorson and drops him neck first over the top rope! Thorson collapses down on the mat as Edwardson yanks him by the hair flipping him over onto his back. She runs the ropes… Rolling Leg Drop across the back of the skull
James Peters: Justin Thorson is going to have to regroup next time and bring the fight a bit harder in his next match. That is if he survives what Trish Edwardson is about to do! She lifts him up over her shoulders… Edwardson drops Thorson down with a Burning Hammer!
Rich Russillo: Trish Edwardson stomping away repeatedly at Justin Thorson. She is yelling at him to stay down and the crowd is fully behind her! She yanks the dead weight of Thorson up and hooks him into a Headlock position before transitioning into a Snap DDT!!! Edwardson now signalling to the crowd she is done! She is going to end Thorson! For good this time! What does she have planned?!?!? Oh I think we saw this last week!
James Peters: TRISH EDWARDSON YANKS JUSTIN THORSON IN WITH THE CROSS ARMBAR!!! THE PADLOCK HAS BEEN APPLIED! BUT DOES JUSTIN THORSON HAVE THE KEY??!?!?
Persephone: He doesn’t! He taps out immediately!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… TRRRRRRRRRRRISHHHHHHHHHHHHH EDWARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSONNN!!!
(DMX – Who We Be hits to cheers from the crowd as Trish Edwardson has her arm raised by the referee in victory.)
Rich Russillo: Another big win this week for Trish Edwardson! That’s two in a row!
James Peters: The streak continues! These fans are so happy to see her pick up another win on Voltage. She has a bright future here! I just know she does!
Rich Russillo: Justin Thorson tried his best but it wasn’t good enough! Hopefully he brings more of a fight next time because this week he was dominated completely. But Trish Edwardson is looking to do more of the same and 2023 could be the year we witness her rise to main event status here in EAW!
(The camera cuts to a commercial for a cooking show featuring Jake Smith. It is also a show about the fire department.)
(Voltage returns and the camera pans backstage to see Captain Charisma in his office with a small grin on his face.)
Captain Charisma: Good evening ladies and gentleman, what a night it’s been on Voltage so far, and now I’ve got an announcement that will make things even better. Last week, we heard from the new Hardcore Champion, Hikari Kanno who had something she wanted to get out in the open. She came out and she spoke for pretty much the majority of our locker room and our fans around the world wanting the restrictions placed on the Hardcore Championship abolished and she was pretty vocal about it. I told her there wasn’t much I could really do, but she made some great points about the chaos on other brands and the fact that Disney should have replaced the title instead of watering it down, and it really made me think this past week. I admire her for having the same exact vision that I do for that title and I promised her and all of you an update soon, and now, I have one for you.
(Captain Charisma takes a deep breath, knowing that he may be taking a risk with what he’s about to say. With Disney’s rep Eden Sinclair on vacation, he knows he can make a decision on his own without having to worry about her input. Captain Charisma smirks and begins to speak once again.)
Captain Charisma: After thinking some things over the past week, I realized that Hikari was right, and I may or may not have consequences for this later on, but it has to be done. I am happy to break the news that effective immediately, the Hardcore Championship will be defended at all marquee events and all the rules put on it, are officially gone. The first blood rule, and the ten minute time limit will no longer be in effect. To win the championship, you must only win by pinfall, submission, or TKO.
(The crowd roars in approval of this huge announcement.)
Captain Charisma: Hikari was right in many of her points last week that despite the Disney merger, the title’s meaning and lineage shouldn’t be punished because of it. I, of all people, should understand that because of what that title means to me personally. I never wanted the rules to begin with. Disney may not like it, but it’s what the championship deserves and how it should be defended. The Hardcore title means just as much to me as it does to all of you, and I look forward to watching it thrive in the future as how it was intended to be. Best of luck to Hikari in this reign and to the rest of the roster in trying to add your name to the history books of calling themselves the Hardcore Champion. And to Hikari, thank you for fighting to free the title of its restriction and believing in the true vision of the title. Best of luck again and enjoy the rest of the show everybody.
(The camera switches back into the arena where the crowd is still happy about the announcement of the strict Hardcore title rules being lifted. After a few seconds, ‘As Long As I Love’ TK from Ling Tosite Sigure plays as the crowd cheers for Hikari who walks out dressed ready for her match later on tonight with Sheridan. She holds the Hardcore Championship up while walking to the ring, obviously pleased on the news that we just heard that the Hardcore restrictions are lifted, before sliding in and then grabbing the microphone while positioning the Hardcore title on her shoulder.)
Hikari Kanno: Excellent choice there by our commissioner. I said last week that it wasn’t a request, more of a demand because there was no way I was going to let Disney control my reign or have a bunch of asterisks next to all of my defenses. I wasn’t going to come this far to be held down in my first singles reign. The Hardcore rules are officially gone and I can do this reign my way. When I first won this title, I knew that I wanted to be the one who made a difference holding this championship and not be just another holder on the list. My long and rocky journey didn’t lead me this far only to have me held down during my first singles reign. I went over my entire story last week, from my most embarrassing moment, to my rehabbing, to coming up short against Mr. DEDEDE, to my painful Iconic Cup loss which caused me to self reflect, going back to the drawing board turning me into the competitor I am today. During this, I made the difficult decision to cut my best friend loose to focus on myself and I just hoped that it would eventually pay off. It did. My triumphs this season go without saying and it’s only the beginning for Hikari Kanno in 2023. I’m putting the entire roster on notice.
(Hikari lays the Hardcore Championship down flat at her feet.)
Hikari Kanno: This is the line, and I’m calling each and every single person on this roster out. Try making a name at my expense while also trying to take my hard work away, that’s a decision you are going to end up regretting in the very near future. You thought 2022 was a great year for me in all that I accomplished, then you’re in for a surprise for the things I’m going to accomplish this year. With the restrictions lifted on the title now, the rest of the roster will have to do whatever it takes to pry this championship away from me now that we’re not being held back by the rules that hindered our former champion whose long reign will forever be tainted because he never truly beat anybody, but was more saved by the bell. I’m putting this out there right now, that if you dare step up to me, I’m going to be your worst enemy. As I have proved all season long, picking a fight with me is the absolute worst thing you can possibly do. Anyone who stepped up or tried putting me on the shelf, I ended up taking care of in the end. I went through absolute hell in order to get this, and it’s going to be ten times as hard to take it away from me. I could have hid behind the soft rules and had a lengthy reign filled with a bunch of narratives that I would have lost in a real match, but that’s just not the type of competitor I am nor the Champion that I want to be. I wanna be the change and I wanna be the difference maker and actually earn my reign which I now have the freedom to do. I’m using this championship as the line, and I dare anybody to step across it and try to take everything I’ve worked so hard for away from me.
Hikari Kanno: It’s as simple as this, I am going to go down as the greatest Hardcore Champion of all time, and there isn’t a single person on the Voltage roster capable of cutting my reign short because nobody is on my level right now. 2022 started with a few hiccups but right now it’s all gas and no brakes. This is only the start and I’m just barely scratching the surface of what I’m capable of, and now I turn my attention to my first challenger, I look forward to seeing which brave soul will take on my challenge and end up being the first victim in what’s going to go down as one of the best Hardcore title reigns of all time. Show me something and please don’t waste my time. I’m on another level right now and only have time for people who are afraid or got too comfortable with the rules. To whomever it ends up being, choose very carefully and think about just who you’re about to deal with, and enjoy your five minutes of fame being the first successful defense of a legendary reign by Hikari Kanno on her way to cementing herself as the greatest Hardcore Champion of all time. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you soon. Choose wisely.
(Hikari drops the microphone as her theme picks up once again, and she poses in the ring with her title.)
James Peters: Well you heard her, she just put the entire roster on notice here tonight and with the Hardcore rules now gone, she’s drawing the battle line and ready to pounce on the first person to cross it. I do wonder who will be the first person to step up to Hikari Kanno.
Persephone: If the rules are gone, I may be interested in watching Hardcore matches again :blessed:!
Rich Russillo: Ahem. Disney might have something to say about this.
(The final shot is of Hikari holding her championship on the top of the stage before the camera fades to black.)
(Commercial advertising the Michigan Football Pain Package. It comes with things such as a picture of Roman Wilson’s TD being overturned in the semifinal, and Jim Harbaugh NFL rumors.)
(‘Down With the Sickness’ by Disturbed hits, as the crowd boos Samael’s presence. The large and mighty individual slowly walks his way down to the ring in a menacing way. Mentally unstable with his greatest skill being the ability to hurt people, Samael is more than ready for this next match.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! THIS IS A KING OF ELITE FIRST ROUND MATCH SET FOR!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: Introducing first!!! Weighing 285 pounds!!! SAMAEL!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: And we are back with another competitive first round matchup in the King of Elite tournament. The 24/7 contract Holder and an EAW Hall of Famer!!
James Peters: If there was one person I wouldn’t want to face in this tournament, it would be Samael. Did you see how many people it took to take him down in the chamber a month ago? For one man to try and stop him will be tough.
(‘Ambitionz az a ridah’ by Tupac hits, as TLA steps out onto the stage to a loud and cheerful reaction from the crowd. Even after the words from our commentators, there is no doubt in TLA’s mind that he can win this match. He points out at Samael, then makes his way down to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent!!! From The Poon Palace in Miami, Florida!!! Weighing 210 pounds!!!! TLA!!!!!!!!
James Peters: And here comes TLA!!! Multiple time world champion, and a staple to this company. He’s seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows throughout his career, and tonight he plans on reaching a new high, as he attempts to climb his way into the later rounds of this tournament to eventually call himself the King of Elite!
Rich Russillo: TLA has experience both in the King of Elite tournament and as World Champion. If anybody knows how to win this it’s him, but it won’t be easy. Not at all.
Persephone: We’ll see how these guys both do!
DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell, and this round one matchup for the King of Elite is underway! The 24/7 contract holder, Samael, and Hall of Famer, TLA, are getting ready to bring us another Voltage classic!
James Peters: You’ve got that right! Samael instantly charges at TLA with a monstrous running lariat! But it looks like TLA isn’t going to be taken down that easily or that quick, as he ducks the arm, and ends up behind Samael who turns around..
Persephone: Bam! TLA just tagged Samael with a quick right hook across the face! Samael staggers back a step or two, and is immediately hit with a body shot from TLA!! Now a hook to the body by TLA!!! The Hall of Famer is unloading the fast striking combos, while Samael fails to keep up with him!
Rich Russillo: RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! RIGHT! LEFT!!! TLA IS STRIKING FROM EVERY SINGLE DIRECTION AND ANGLE!!!
James Peters: BUT SAMAEL SIMPLY SHOVES TLA BACK WITH SO MUCH FORCE, THAT TLA FALLS TO HIS BACK, THEN SCRAMBLES UP TO A KNEE!
Persephone: Samael sent TLA back about 5-10 feet. The strength of The Grim Reaper is insane, and even those fast striking combos by TLA wouldn’t slow him down.
Rich Russillo: That’s the thing about these two. While TLA is extremely fast and athletic, Samael is durable and strong. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but obviously those land in totally different categories than the other. This is what makes this matchup unique.
James Peters: Well, these two saw each other in the Elimination Chamber a month ago at Road to Redemption, so they both know how hard it’s going to be to outperform and wrestle the other for the victory tonight.. However, just looking at TLA’s face, I can tell he has something up his sleeve.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, TLA rises up to his feet slowly, then begins to approach the much larger Samael. The 24/7 contract holder steps towards TLA…
Persephone: And TLA blasts him with a strong kick to the side of the leg that causes Samael’s knees to buckle for a second!! TLA now with another strong kick to the other side of the leg!! And ano-
Rich Russillo: Wait no!! Samael just caught TLA’s leg by the ankle!!! Samael then throws and swings TLA’s leg around..
James Peters: BUT TLA USES THAT MOMENTUM TO GO FOR A ROUNDHOUSE KICK ACROSS THE FACE!!! WAIT NO!!! SAMAEL DUCKED THE LEG, AS TLA SPINS ALL THE WAY AROUND!!
Rich Russillo: TLA plants his foot back down, but it isn’t done without him struggling to regain his balance! Samael uses this to his advantage however, as he gets low, then grabs TLA around the body!!! He lifts TLA up, and.. BEAR HUG!!! SAMAEL HAS THE BEAR HUG LOCKED IN ON TLA!!
Persephone: TLA is in a lot of pain right now, as his face begins to turn red. Samael is squeezing this bear hug tightly. He’s pressuring in on the body and cutting off TLA’s circulation making it harder for to breathe!!
Rich Russillo: The strength of this man is unreal!! This isn’t even the worst of it all for TLA, because not only can’t he breathe, but Samael is now also swinging TLA’s body from side to side!!
James Peters: TLA is trying to pry his hands and arms through this bear hug grip, but unfortunately for him, he is unable to do so since the grip is so tight!! The Hall of Famer isn’t quitting though, as he continues trying to find a way out of this predicament!!
Rich Russillo: Wait! I think Samael has other plans, because now he’s charging straight towards the corner turnbuckles and.. HE SLAMS TLA’S BODY BACK FIRST AGAINST THE CORNER TURNBUCKLES!!!
Persephone: TLA gasps out for air after connecting against the corner. Samael backs away from him, as he leaves the luchador leaned up against the turnbuckles.
James Peters: Samael takes a few steps back and looks directly at TLA who is in so much pain right now. Samael then charges in!!!! CORNER CLOTHESLINE!!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! TLA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND, AS SAMAEL GOES CRASHING INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!! Samael bounces off of the turnbuckles, and clutches at his chest in pain..
James Peters: BUT FROM BEHIND IT’S TLA WITH A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF SAMAEL!!!
Persephone: AND SAMAEL ENDS UP FALLING INTO THE SIDE ROPES WITH HIS HEAD AND ARMS HANGING OVER THE MIDDLE ROPE!!!
Rich Russillo: Well, we all know what’s on TLA’s mind! He rushes his way over to Samael, and.. 305!!!!!! THE TIGER FEINT KICK BY TLA!!!!
James Peters: IT CONNECTS!!! TLA JUST BLASTED SAMAEL RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE WITH THAT 305!!!! Samael falls back onto the ring mat, as TLA grips onto the top rope from the ring apron!!! He pulls back…
Rich Russillo: SPRINGBOARD BODY SPLASH BY TLA!!!! AND BOOM IT CONNECTS!!!! HE STAYS ON TOP OF SAMAEL FOR THE PIN!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEE-
James Peters: AND SAMAEL BENCH PRESSES TLA OFF OF HIM, AS HE LAUNCHES THE MUCH SMALLER ELITISTS HIGH INTO THE AIR!!!!
Rich Russillo: TLA crashes down hard onto the mat as he smacks his chest and face against it!!
James Peters: TLA tries to shake it off. He had Samael down, but the Grim Reaper is far too strong and has way too much resilience to be taken down this early into the match.
Persephone: TLA now rises up to his feet, as Samael gets up to his. TLA steps towards Samael.. SWAG SHOT!!!! PIMP SLAP BY TL-
James Peters: NO!!!! SAMAEL BLOCKS THE HAND WITH HIS ARM!!! From here, Samael shoves TLA back, as he hits the side ropes!! TLA rebounds back towards Samael.. BACK BODY DROP BY SAMAEL!!!!
Rich Russillo: TLA slams down onto the mat hard, but quickly pops back up to his feet where he turns and runs back towards Samael..
Persephone: BUT SAMAEL LOWERS HIS SHOULDER, AND COMPLETES YET ANOTHER BACK BODY DROP THAT SLAMS TLA BACK AGAINST THE CANVAS OF THE RING!!!
James Peters: That one stops TLA in his tracks, as he doesn’t pop back up as quickly. He slowly works his way up onto his hands and knees, but regardless of the speed, he gets to his feet with the help of Samael. Samael lifts TLA onto his shoulders, and faces the corner..
Rich Russillo: Oh no. This does not look good at all for TLA!!! Samael charges towards the corner.. SNAKE EYES!!!!
James Peters: NO!!! TLA SLIPPED OUT THE BACK, AND SHOVED SAMAEL STRAIGHT INTO THE CORNER TURNBUCKLES!!!
Persephone: Samael hits the corner hard with his chest, then turns around to face TLA!!! MEXICAN UPPERCUT BY TLA!!!!!
Rich Russillo: AND WITH THAT, SAMAEL’S HEAD SNAPS BACK, AS HE FALLS BACK AGAINST THE CORNER TURNBUCKLES!!
James Peters: AND TLA RUSHES IN!!! DROPKICK RIGHT INTO THE STERNUM OF SAMAEL!!!! HE JUST DRILLED SAMAEL RIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLES, AND FROM THERE, IT’S THE GRIM REAPER WHO DROPS TO HIS KNEES, THEN FALLS FLAT AGAINST THE RING MAT!!!
Rich Russillo: This crowd is getting behind the luchador right now, as he makes his way off to the side ropes. He steps out onto the ring apron, then proceeds to make his way over to the corner where he scales himself up to the top rope! He looks over his shoulder, and sees Samael slowly rising up to his feet!!!!
Persephone: Samael is standing, and.. TLA LEAPS AND LAUNCHES HIMSELF OFF OF THE TOP ROPE WITH A DIVING MOONSAULT ONTO SAMAEL!!!!!
James Peters: NO!!!! SAMAEL CATCHES TLA IN MID-AIR!!! What an incredible display of strength!!! Samael now begins to make his way towards the center of the ring!!!!
Rich Russillo: TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!!! TLA’S HEAD AND NECK WERE JUST CRUNCHED IN TOGETHER BY THAT TOMBSTONE!!! TLA LAYS FLAT IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, AS SAMAEL COVERS HIM FOR THE PIN!!!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: NO!!!! TLA GETS HIS SHOULDER UP JUST IN TIME!!!
Rich Russillo: Samael hits the mat with his fist. He’s mad that he didn’t put TLA through the amount of pain and punishment needed to not only keep him down, but eliminate him from this tournament! Samael grabs TLA by the arms..
Persephone: He’s adjusting his legs and placing TLA’s head… Wait!! That’s the HELL’S GATE!!!!!
James Peters: Samael is wasting absolutely no time in torturing the already broken TLA!!!
Rich Russillo: You have that right. Instead of allowing TLA to catch his breath, Samael chose to keep the pressure on TLA by putting him right into this submission hold!!
James Peters: AND INSTANTLY, IT’S TLA WHO BEGINS KICKING HIS LEGS AND FLAILING HIS ARMS!!! TLA IS IN AN ABSOLUTE PANIC RIGHT NOW, AS SAMAEL CONTINUES PULLING ON HIS HEAD!!!
Persephone: Wow! He can’t breathe at all!
Rich Russillo: Samael is simply digging into TLA’s throat. Cutting off air circulation, and causing internal damage to the inside of his throat!! There is absolutely no mercy being shown here by Samael, as TLA continues to struggle inside of this submission move!!
Persephone: If I were TLA, I would just quit.
James Peters: And that’s exactly what he might do! It’s definitely on his mind, as he struggles to keep himself conscious in this match!! Samael has this locked in tighter than TLA could ever imagine was possible. But This is for the King of Elite!! He can’t quit now!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK!!! TLA’S ARM IS EXTENDED OUT!!! HE HAS HIS HAND HOVERING OVER THE RING MAT!!! IS THIS HOW IT ENDS!!! IT CAN’T BE!!!
James Peters: IT’S NOT!!! LOOK AT TLA!!! LOOK AT HOW HE GRABS SAMAEL BY THE LEGS AND USES ALL OF HIS STRENGTH TO SLIGHTLY LIFT SAMAEL UP… AND ONTO HIS SHOULDERS!!!! SAMAEL’S SHOULDERS ARE BEING PINNED DOWN!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: AND SAMAEL HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO LET GO OF THE HELL’S GATE IN ORDER TO BREAK OUT OF THE PIN!!!!!!
Persephone: Wow!!! What a way to get out of that Submission hold!!
James Peters: Yeah, that was wild! TLA is down! He’s hurting and can barely move right now, as Samael slowly turns onto his hands and knees. From here, Samael rises up to his feet, then begins walking around TLA’s body!!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW IT’S SAMAEL WHO GRABS RIGHT AT TLA’S THROAT WITH ONE HAND, THEN LIFTS HIM BY THE THROAT TO GET TLA UP TO HIS FEET!!!!
James Peters: Samael then tosses TLA’s arm over his shoulder, and lifts him up to.. CHOKESLAM!!!! SAMAEL WITH THE-
Rich Russillo: NO!!!! TLA BEGINS SPAMMING BACK ELBOWS TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!!! HE IS GOING ABSOLUTELY WILD RIGHT NOW, AS HE DESPERATELY BREAKS OUT OF SAMAEL’S GRIP!!!!
Persephone: KICK TO THE STOMACH BY TLA!!! SAMAEL HUNCHES OVER AFTER THAT ONE, AS HE CLUTCHES AT HIS MIDSECTION!!!
James Peters: MEXICAN UPPERCUT!!!!!!! TLA WITH THE REMARKABLE UPPERCUT THAT POPS SAMAEL STRAIGHT UP!!!!! The Grim Reaper is stunned!!!!!
Rich Russillo: AND TLA TURNS AROUND IN FRONT OF SAMAEL TO… CONNECT WITH THE CARTEL KICK!!!! WOW!!!!!
James Peters: But somehow and someway, Samael hasn’t dropped down to the canvas of the ring!!! This giant is still standing!!! Groggier than ever, but still standing on his feet!!!!
Rich Russillo: And what is TLA doing?! He runs right past Samael and heads towards the ropes! He rebounds back and ends up behind Samael where he.. SNAPS SAMAEL BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS OF THE RING WITH THE ZIG ZAG!!!!
Persephone: Samael’s head smacked against the ring mat with authority!!! And from here, we can see TLA slowly working his way up to his feet! TLA is now on his way to the corner once again!!!!
Rich Russillo: TLA now climbs his way up to the top rope, then faces Samael right below him!!! WHAT’S THIS?!?
James Peters: 420!!!!!!!!!! SHOOTING STAR PRESS BY TLA!!!!
Persephone: IT CONNECTS!!!! TLA CONNECTS WITH THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS, AND STAYS ON TOP OF SAMAEL FOR THE PIN!!! IS TLA ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND?!?!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRR-
James Peters: NO WAY!!!! SAMAEL STILL KICKS OUT!!! SAMAEL STILL KICKS OUT!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: TLA rolls off to the side. He lays flat on the mat, and turns his head over to face Samael. There isn’t much movement from the Grim Reaper. He looks beaten and hurt, however when we look back at TLA you’d think he was the one who was just being pinned.
James Peters: Yeah, these guys have put each other through so much in this match, but think about what they are fighting for. This is for the King of Elite. These are both guys who have fought through adversity to win accolades and accomplishments that forced them to prove that they can be the last men standing… However, now they are in the same bracket.. And meeting right here in the first round!!!
Persephone: This year’s King of Elite has been absolutely competitive from the beginning, and this is another example of that! At this point it’s a matter of who wants it the most!!! Who wants to advance and keep their dreams of being King of Elite alive!!
Rich Russillo: TLA crawls his way over to the side ropes. He reaches and grabs the ropes in order to help pull himself up to his feet. Eventually he gets there, but behind him is none other than Samael!!!
James Peters: Samael has gotten to his feet as well and is standing at the opposite end of the ring behind TLA! TLA has no idea, as he turns around…
Rich Russillo: BLOOD DONATION!!!!! RUNNING BIG BOOT BY SAMAEL!!!!!!
James Peters: NO!!!! TLA SPINS OUT OF THE WAY, AS SAMAEL’S LEG GOES OVER THE TOP ROPE!!!!
Persephone: I assume that isn’t a comfortable position?
James Peters: ANOTHER CARTEL KICK BY TLA!!!! HE JUST SMACKED SAMAEL ACROSS THE FACE WITH HIS BOOT!!! Samael instantly falls back into the ring and lands flat against the ring mat!!!
Rich Russillo: And look at TLA! He looks down at Samael!! And he wants to put this one away!!! TLA rushes over to the corner, and climbs his way up onto the top rope!!
James Peters: The quickness and speed we are seeing right now was not shown a few minutes ago, but I believe that it has clicked in TLA’s mind that he needs to continue pushing through without letting up!!! He sets himself up on the top rope!! He knows he needs to keep going if he intends on becoming the King of Elite!! Knock out the largest domino early and move on TLA!!! YOUR TIME IS NOW!!!!
Persephone: HE LEAPS!!!!!
James Peters: BURNOUT!!!! CORKSCREW 630 SENTON BY TLA!!!! IT CONNECTS!!!! SAMAEL IS OUT OF IT!!! THIS COULD BE IT!!! THIS COULD BE ALL OVER!!!! TLA COVERS HIM FOR THE PIN!!!!! WILL HE ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND?!?!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits, as the crowd goes wild. TLA rises up to his feet where he gets his hand raised by the referee.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner!!!! TLA!!!!!
James Peters: What a match that was!! Both Elitists gave it their absolute all!! This was for the next round of the King of Elite, but both of these men have the talent and skill to win it all. Unfortunately for Samael, it was TLA who emerged victorious!
Rich Rusillo: Yeah, this was an incredible back and forth match that lived up to the hype! I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next in the King of Elite.
(The screen shows TLA celebrating his victory by standing on the top rope and embracing the crowd. Eventually, Voltage fades elsewhere.)
(Voltage fades backstage after the break as Sofia Clarke is standing by with a microphone and a smile on her face, ready to conduct another interview as she begins speaking up.)
Sofia Clarke: Hello everyone, please welcome my guest at this moment, Kylie Grace!
(The crowd cheered in full support for Kylie Grace as she calmly walked out with a small smile on her face. She tried her best to stay positive considering how unlucky the past month has been for her, she takes a deep breath before starting and she slowly speaks up to Sofia.)
Kylie Grace: Hey there Sofia! It is a pleasure to see you once more.
Sofia Clarke: It is good to see you as well Kylie, everything alright?
(Sofia asked since she could easily notice how Kylie was down in the dumps. Kylie quickly nods in response as she tries to not worry Sofia.)
Kylie Grace: Of course Sofia, I could be better, but I assure you I am alright!
Sofia Clarke: It makes me happy to hear that! Last week you had a match against Usagi Senshi which sadly you ended up losing and missing your chance at the Empress of the Elite. I was wondering what were your thoughts on what happened and what you plan to do going forward?
Kylie Grace: Yeah I had a good feeling you would end up asking me that, honestly, it is…rough having to think and reflect on what has happened to me the past few weeks, it is indeed soul shattering having to deal with that kind of thing, I promised that no matter what, I was going to go onto Road to Redemption willing to shoot for the stars, willing to give it my all and be able to become Specialists Champion. I really didn’t want to let anyone down, but I just…I don’t know. I let fear overtake me, I froze yet again, I ended up failing once again and it completely screwed me over. All of that good progress I did and I am at rock bottom, it sucks. I can’t really lie to you there, I wish I could have somehow changed things, but now I have to deal with the consequences as best as I can so…that is why I tried my hand at the Empress of Elite. I said a lot of things about it in my first match against Usagi, I didn’t really think I could end up winning it, I didn’t really think at that point, with the kind of experience I had and the mentality that I am currently dealing with at the moment, was going to help me out and push me over the edge to give it my all so I could win the tournament.
Kylie Grace: I just wanted to try my best and have a great performance, that is what my objective boiled down too. I did so horribly at Road to Redemption that I just wanted to wash all of that away and start a new page with the Empress of Elite. I thought I would be able to succeed there, I thought I would be able to redeem myself after everything that has happened, after being pushed to start at the bottom once again and…I did take one good first step at least, I am proud of that. I may not have won the match against Usagi, but what mattered most is that I put up a way greater fight than in the past, that is what I am able to take away from what happened. It might not seem like enough, but as I said, it is simply one good first step. What I ended up doing and what ended up happening to me will be such a hard thing to redeem, making such good progress at first and then…the whole world just goes down on you, so that is why from this point on I will try my best as well to not focus on what I could have done, if not what I am able to do right now, and what I am able to do is just continue to climb up that mountain, continuing to fight with everything that I have in me and just…hope for the best.
Sofia Clarke: Incredibly strong words from you Kylie, it is good to see you are willing to continue despite all of those setbacks, but after your match with Usagi was done, what did she end up telling you?
Kylie Grace: Oh! Right, I didn’t talk about that! So after the match, Usagi actually gave some advice. She told me that I need to embrace this sport for all that it is, the good, the bad and the ugly and make the most of it. That is the kind of thing that gives me motivation to pick myself up and continue no matter what. These past few months made me realize that maybe I am still not where I want to be yet, where I am able to overcome all of the obstacles and downsides and reach the position I really want to be in. So that is why I want to improve and do better going forward, so I really appreciate that Usagi gave me that kind of advice so if you are seeing this, thanks again Usagi. And what I plan to do going forward? After losing the Empress of Elite tournament…well…I am not exactly sure-
???: Hellooooooooooooo…
(Kylie and Sofia were very much taken off guard by the sudden voice interrupting them, the camera quickly panned over to the side and it showed a relatively new face, Trish Edwardson! She stood there with a joyous smile on her face and she calmly waved to Kylie.)
Trish Edwardson: You are Kylie Grace, right?
Kylie Grace: Uh…yeah, that’s my name.
Trish Edwardson: Oh, good, good! I didn’t want to appear in the wrong interview, my apologies for interrupting your little speech but hearing it just simply captivated me in a sense! You have failed so much and have expressed how hopeless you were just a few minutes ago and then you ended up turning all of those words completely around and seeing the good in what they meant, you are a very determined woman if I must say at the least. Those are the kind of people I appreciate and adore fighting against in wrestling. It has been such a wonder, such a dream being able to stand here in EAW after all of those years. I guess we do have something in common there, don’t we? Being so fascinated at arriving here, jumping over that rainbow and hoping you land right on top of it, you have already done that yourself from what I can see, but sadly you overshot way too much and instead of landing on that rainbow, you fell into a deep abyss without a bottom to it, and despite that, you are hoping for wings to appear on your back and fly out of it no matter what. I respect that! That is why I would like to keep the momentum I’ve had since debuting. It does get repetitive having to do that against other newcomers like myself, so instead I will do it by facing an Elitist that has more experience in EAW, someone like…you.
(Trish pointed directly to Kylie as she said that and she was a bit taken off guard by that as well, so Trish wanted to fight her, huh? Kylie thinked it over for a moment before she began speaking again.)
Kylie Grace: Hmmm…Trish, right? It is a pleasure to meet you, it seems you are an incredibly passionate person, I guess we do have another thing in common there, no? Seeing you go directly to me and without any fear to challenge me to a match? I can respect that as well. And…thanks as well for those kind words.
Trish Edwardson: Of course, no problem at all. And yes, I am very much passionate, in wanting to be the best, in wanting to become better in every way in can, in wanting to reach the goals and objectives I set for myself, and especially, I am passionate about wrestling, wrestling is in my veins, for I come from a lineage of incredible and talented wrestlers and I am not stopping myself in showing what I am able to do in that ring, and it will be possible facing off against you. I think you had a nice showing the past week, and that eventually I want the chance to be able to compete in tournaments and matches like you have, that is what this match will give me, and this match will give you another chance at redemption. So tell me Kylie, do you accept my challenge?
(Trish then calmly extends her arm for a handshake to seal the deal, Kylie looks down at it for a moment thinking it over before finally nodding.)
Kylie Grace: I accept.
(Kylie accepts the handshake and Trish smiles even brighter than before as the two let go of the handshake.)
Trish Edwardson: Makes me very happy to hear that. Right then, have a good day. I’ll see you next week.
(Trish waves goodbye this time before turning her back and leaving where she came from. Kylie looked at her for a few more seconds before turning to Sofia.)
Kylie Grace: I think I found the next step I need to take, thanks for the interview Sofia.
(Sofia nods with a smile on her face as the two of them say their goodbyes and Kylie takes her leave as well, feeling a lot more determined and hopeful than she was a few minutes ago as Voltage fades away into a commercial break.)
(Commercial for the new anime Chainsaw Man. Watch all 12 Episodes on Crunchyroll.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Amerika’ by Rammstein plays to a mixed reaction from fans, and after a silhouette can be made out within the ash smog, Sheridan steps out of the darkness, determined ahead of her match with Hikari Kanno, and she marches down to the ring, focused on the task ahead, drowning out almost any reaction from the fans, but a smirk can be seen on the face of Müller, almost excited at the prospect of locking horns with Hikari.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of München, Deutschland, weighing in at 135 pounds…SHE IS GERMAN EFFICIENCY…SHERIDAN MÜLLER!!!
James Peters: Sheridan and Hikari have taken potshots at one another throughout the course of the week, but the time for talk is over, and the time for action is now.
Rich Russillo: I’m sure Sheridan wouldn’t want to have that any other way, nor would Hikari, as the two set out to prove who’s the best when stepping inside that squared circle.
Persephone: Sheridan’s determined, but I expect to see that same focus out of Hikari Kanno, who’s just begun representing the Hardcore Division.
(Sheridan paces back-and-forth, awaiting the arrival of her opponent, but doesn’t wait for long ‘As Long As I Love’ TK from Ling Tosite Sigure blares throughout the arena. Hikari appears on the stage area, and poses with the Hardcore Championship around her waist, which causes pyro to go off on either side of her. From there, Hikari saunters down to the ring, not taking her eyes off of Sheridan.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Hailing out of Okinawa, Japan, weighing in at 121 pounds…SHE IS THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION…HIKARI KANNO!!
Rich Russillo: Hikari ended the year off great, scoring some championship gold around her waist, but she must continue riding that wave of momentum in 2023.
James Peters: If anybody is capable, it’s Hikari, who’s proven she’s deserving of a championship, and has also proven she knows how to hold onto one.
Rich Russillo: Sheridan’s no stranger to that either, making this the best versus the best, action which you can only get right here on Voltage!
(Both competitors stare each other down from opposite corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: It is Hikari Kanno, Sheridan Müller, one-on-one. The crowd is electric, knowing we are in for a treat. Sheridan could be in for a future title opportunity, that is if she knocks off the new Hardcore Champion, who kicked her reign off with a victory last week. Will the momentum continue? We’ll see, as both competitors size each other up from opposite corners.
Rich Russillo: Sheridan marches toward Hikari, who takes initiative also, and the two lock up in the center of the ring, jockeying for position! Hikari gains the early advantage with a side headlock takedown, and Sheridan is forced to fight from underneath the champion, powering back to her feet, and bouncing Hikari off the ropes to escape! KANNO REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES WITH A BACK ELBOW, AND QUICKLY FALLS INTO A COVER, WASTING NO TIME!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
James Peters: Only a one count as Sheridan powers out, getting to a knee before being grabbed in a side headlock by an also kneeling Hikari. Müller powers back to a vertical base a second time, and history repeats itself as Hikari gets rebounded off the ropes! Sheridan drops down! Leapfrog! And Sheridan runs the ropes opposite to Hikari for a RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE! Hikari goes down, and Sheridan quickly covers her!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Hikari kicks out, and tries getting back to her feet, BUT AN OKLAHOMA ROLL BY SHERIDAN INTERRUPTS THAT! SHOULDERS DOWN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Kickout! Both competitors scramble to their feet, and Kanno charges at Müller, but Sheridan slips behind her for a rear waistlock! BACK ELBOW BY HIKARI FORCES SHERIDAN TO BREAK! Müller staggers back into the corner, slightly dazed by that elbow, and Hikari takes full advantage, driving her knee into the midsection of Sheridan! The referee intervenes with a five count, and Hikari better lower that aggression slightly before she’s disqualified.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
Rich Russillo: Hikari finally relents on the knee strikes, and LEVELS Sheridan with a forearm smash! Hikari grabs the back of Müller’s head, and directs her towards the corner at the opposite end of the ropes, bouncing her FACE FIRST off the top turnbuckle! Sheridan is stunned, something Hikari knows, and continues to take advantage of, leaning her up against the ropes for an irish whip!
James Peters: Hikari attempts another back elbow, which was successful for her earlier, but not this time as Sheridan ducks underneath, and grabs her opposite wrist after doing so, irish whipping Hikari towards the ropes now! Unique way to shift the momentum by Sheridan, WHO POPS HIKARI UP IN THE AIR FOR A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Hikari might be out of it as she lies sprawled on the canvas, but surprisingly, Sheridan doesn’t go for the cover, and begins attempting to set her up for the inverted sharpshooter!
Rich Russillo: But right as Sheridan stepped between her legs, Hikari came to the realization she was in trouble, and used her body to scoot back, grabbing hold of the bottom rope with both hands! Sheridan continues to try and pull Hikari away from the ropes, which forces Kanno to boot her directly in the face with her right leg!
Persephone: Sheridan ate the blows at first, but was given no choice but to stagger back after a while.
James Peters: Hikari uses the ropes for assistance in getting back to her feet, and sends Müller out through the middle rope! Sheridan lands HARD on her right shoulder, and rushes back to her feet, clutching at it. Sheridan tries shaking it off as she walks around ringside, not gonna rush back in there with Kanno, which might be the smart move on Müller’s end.
Rich Russillo: Finally, Sheridan gets on the apron, and Hikari goes after her, BUT SHERIDAN DRIVES HER SHOULDER GUT FIRST INTO THE MIDSECTION OF KANNO! Hikari spins around, and creates some distance between herself and Sheridan, who enters the ring once more. Müller approaches a doubled over Kanno, and stands her upright for a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!
James Peters: Hikari fires back with a forearm strike, but Sheridan returns fire with a SECOND european uppercut, jacking the jaw of her opponent! Third European uppercut by Sheridan, which knocks Hikari back up against the ropes for an irish whip! Wait! Kanno reverses the irish whip, sending Müller toward the ropes instead! …BACK ELBOW! Her second one in this match!
Rich Russillo: Sheridan isn’t down long, already getting up to a knee, but Hikari grabs hold, sending Sheridan SHOULDER FIRST into the ringpost! Müller goes tumbling out through the middle rope to the outside, and favors that shoulder she was holding earlier. That was a deliberate attack on Hikari’s part, and this is her M.O., targeting certain parts of the opponent’s body, one of them being the shoulder.
James Peters: Sheridan gets to all fours on the outside, and Hikari rolls out, pulling Müller up to a vertical base, and slamming her FACE FIRST OFF OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE!
Persephone: :lupe:
James Peters: Hikari tries for it a second time, but Sheridan gets both hands in the way, effectively blocking it! Back elbow to the abdomen by Müller stuns Hikari briefly, but since Sheridan couldn’t put all her strength into it, Hikari manages to shrug it off for the most part, BOUNCING SHERIDAN OFF OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE AGAIN!
Rich Russillo: Hikari rolls Sheridan back into the ring for a cover, hooking the leg deep!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout at one! Sheridan sits up off the canvas, and Hikari transitions into a rear chinlock, tightening the hold around the head and neck area, making sure to wear down her opponent!
James Peters: Sheridan grits through the pain, and powers back to her feet, driving the point of her elbow into the gut of Hikari, loosening her grip. Sheridan grabs Hikari in position for a suplex, but due to the bad arm, she’s struggling when it comes to getting her up. Hikari blocks the suplex attempt, keeping her weight down, and turning the tide with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! No wasted motion for Hikari in making the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout at one! Hikari watches as Sheridan uses the ropes for aid in getting back to her feet, and a forearm strike knocks Müller back into the corner! A forearm strike, and kick to the gut sinks Sheridan down into the corner slightly, her back up against the middle turnbuckle. But Müller starts to battle back with a shot to the rib cage on Hikari, followed by a right hand! Sheridan fights her way out of the corner off this, and catches Hikari with another european uppercut!
James Peters: Hikari issues a HARD elbow strike in return that drops Sheridan down to a knee! Hikari grabs hold of her head, but Sheridan shoves Hikari back, AND KANNO REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES FOR A KNEELING BIG BOOT! Kanno shoots the half on Müller, who she hooks the leg on deep!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO-
Rich Russillo: Sheridan gets the shoulder up right before the count of two, and Hikari keeps her composure, PENALTY KICKING A SEATED MÜLLER RIGHT BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BLADES! Sheridan winces in agony, and Hikari stands her up- which she might regret as Sheridan lands a boot to the midsection! Followed by a European upp- Hikari dodges it, and backslides Sheridan!
ONNNNNNN-
James Peters: Sheridan kicks out, and gets to a knee, but Hikari is to her feet first, grabbing hold of Sheridan’s arm, and PLANTING HER WITH A HAMMERLOCK ARM BREAKER! Sheridan writhes in pain on the canvas, and Hikari stalks her opposition, watching as Sheridan uses one arm to claw back to her feet, needing the rope for assistance. The referee is checking if Sheridan can continue, but she isn’t gonna leave this fight like that.
Persephone: As someone worried for both competitors’ well-being, I think it’d be wise for the referee to stop this before it goes any further! 🌚
Rich Russillo: Sheridan slowly turns around, and gets grabbed into BRIGHTSTAR by Hikari! BUT SHERIDAN! SHERIDAN ELBOWS HER WAY OUT OF IT, REIGNING DOWN WITH EVEN MORE ELBOWS TO THE BACK OF HIKARI’S NECK WITH HER INJURED ARM! Sheridan favors the arm afterward, wincing in pain as her opponent is doubled over! But she hooks Hikari up for a PUMPHANDLE URANAGE!
James Peters: Sheridan rolls off of Hikari, and writhes in pain as she clutches at the arm. Both competitors are down, and this is good for Sheridan, who is allowed some time to regroup, being on an endless onslaught of attacks by Hikari.
Rich Russillo: Speaking of, Hikari pulls herself back up in the corner, and Sheridan watches from a knee, BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Sheridan whips Hikari to the opposite corner for ANOTHER sickening european uppercut! MÜLLER RUNS OFF THE ROPES AS HIKARI COMES STUMBLING OUT OF THE CORNER! BIG BOOT! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: HIKARI MANAGES TO GET THE SHOULDER UP, BUT SHERIDAN GRABS HOLD OF HER LEG! Kicks to the hamstring are delivered, and Müller proceeds to drop elbows down on the knee, attacking the base of her opponent! Sheridan steps through, and TURNS HIKARI OVER FOR AN INVERTED SHARPSHOOTER!
Rich Russillo: WILL HIKARI TAP OUT?! You can see her pondering it as she raises that hand high in the air… but decides against it as she drags herself to the bottom rope, forcing the break from Sheridan!
James Peters: Hikari gingerly rolls out underneath the bottom rope, holding her lower back, and while doubled over in front of our announce desk, doesn’t even notice Sheridan as she steps out onto the apron. Hikari turns around! CANNONBALL SENTON ONTO HIKARI RINGSIDE, AND SHE GETS ROLLED BACK INTO THE RING! Sheridan climbs to the top turnbuckle, AND DIVES DOWN WITH A CROSSBODY, HOOKING THE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: Almost! Sheridan almost caught the champion off guard for a three count! But can’t harbor on the past, needs to already start working on her next plan of attack, which seems to be the case. Sheridan watches as Hikari rolls out underneath the bottom rope to the apron, and reaches over the top rope to grab a handful of Hikari’s hair.
James Peters: Sheridan pulls Hikari up, her back facing towards Müller, who balances herself on the middle rope, wrapping her arms around the waist of Kanno. Is she gonna go for a deadlift german suplex?!
Rich Russillo: Our imaginations are left to figure that out as Hikari battles back with a back elbow, knocking Sheridan off the middle rope! Hikari turns around to face her opponent, and delivers a forearm strike from the apron! Sheridan fires back with a right hand on Kanno, who fires back with one of her own! Sheridan bounces Hikari face first off the top turnbuckle from the apron, stunning Kanno.
James Peters: Hikari goes down to a knee, and Sheridan grabs a handful of her again, but pays the price for it this time, as Hikari grabs control of her wrist, AND HOTSHOTS HER ARM ACROSS THE TOP ROPE! Sheridan spins around, and collapses down to both knees, clutching at the arm, a sight weve seen multiple times in this matchup!
Rich Russillo: Hikari slides back into the ring, and rolls Sheridan onto the canvas for a lateral press!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWW-
Rich Russillo: Sheridan inches the shoulder up, and starts trying to get back to her feet. Hikari makes it to hers first, and picks up Sheridan as she gets to a knee. OOH! SHERIDAN EXPLODES WITH A FOREARM STRIKE TO THE FACE! But groans in pain as she did it with the injured arm. Sheridan shakes out the arm, and delivers another forearm strike to the face with it!
James Peters: Sheridan goes for a third, but Hikari blocks it with a boot to the forearm! Sheridan spins around, and doubles over, grabbing her arm, but Hikari takes hold of it, and wrings the arm before yanking on it THREE TIMES! Big forearm from Sheridan with the free arm stuns her opponent momentarily, and she front kicks Hikari back into the ropes!
Rich Russillo: RUNNING SINGLE LEG HIGH KNEE BY HIKARI MAKES SHERIDAN REGRET THAT DECISION AS SHE RUSHES INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHH-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! Hikari pulls Sheridan up to a knee, and tags her with a right hand! Hikari isn’t done there, standing Müller up for a second right hand! Hikari switches things up a bit with a forearm strike, and a European uppercut knocks Sheridan back into the corner! BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF HER SKULL DROPS SHERIDAN DOWN TO A KNEE!
James Peters: Hikari grabs the injured arm of Sheridan, and hammerlocks it before sending her opponent shoulder first into the top turnbuckle! Sheridan sinks down into the corner, holding her injured arm as she seats down on the bottom turnbuckle. Hikari goes to inflict more damage, but the referee backs her away from Sheridan, who he checks on, wanting to make sure she’s alright to continue.
Rich Russillo: After he’s done, clearly making no progress on getting Sheridan to call it quits, Hikari approaches Müller in the corner, BUT WALKS RIGHT INTO A BACK ELBOW! Hikari is stunned momentarily, but with Sheridan unable to capitalize, Kanno keeps control of this match up, advancing toward Müller a second time.
James Peters: EUROPEAN UPPERCUT KNOCKS HER BACK A BIT! But again, Sheridan is unable to capitalize. Hikari shakes the cobwebs out of her head, and marches toward Sheridan in the corner again, BUT EATS A BIG BOOT FOR HER TROUBLES! Hikari staggers back to the center of the ring, and Sheridan charges out of the corner with a running lar-
Rich Russillo: HIKARI BOOTS THE ARM AWAY, REMINISCENT OF EARLIER! Sheridan spins around, and doubles over, grabbing at the arm. Hikari approaches her from behind, BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A BACK KICK THAT DOUBLES KANNO OVER! Sheridan stands herself upright, AND A PENALTY KICK TO THE FACE JOLTS HIKARI UPRIGHT ALSO! DISCUS LARIAT TAKES KANNO DOWN!
James Peters: Not sure how smart that was as Sheridan rolls around in agony. She typically uses a ripcord lariat to put opponents away, but that might be out of the question, given that bad arm. She wasn’t able to get all of the discus lariat either, which might be the reason as to why Hikari Kanno isn’t completely out of it right now.
Persephone: Everything Sheridan does puts her in an immense amount of pain with that arm, but… she somehow keeps gritting through it.
Rich Russillo: Both competitors get to all fours, and lock eyes with one another, prompting Hikari to catch Sheridan with a right hand! Sheridan shrugs it off, and scores with a left hand, which doesn’t have much effect over Hikari, seeing it isn’t her dominant hand, but has just enough to do damage.
James Peters: Right hand from Hikari as she gets to a knee. Sheridan lands a shot to the ribcage as she gets to a knee! Both competitors are up to their feet, AND SHERIDAN LEAVES HERS WITH A STEP-UP ENZIGURI THAT ROCKS HIKARI KANNO!
Rich Russillo: Hikari stumbles back into the corner, and Sheridan gets to her feet, proceeding to get a second wind with a RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT TO HIKARI IN THE CORNER! Sheridan proceeds to stomp a mudhole into Hikari, who falls to a seated position in that corner. MÜLLER RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE CORNER, MOUNTING MOMENTUM FOR A CANNONBALL SENTON IN THE CORNER!
James Peters: Hikari rolls out underneath the bottom rope to the apron, attempting to create seperation, and pulls herself up on the apron, her back facing Müller on the inside. Sheridan school boys Hikari through the bottom rope, but rolls her to all fours for a DEADLIFT SIT-OUT POWERBOMB, HOLDING IT FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!
Persephone: That was brute strength from Sheridan, who is gritting through the pain in her right arm!
James Peters: Hikari is up on all fours, but from behind, Sheridan wraps her arms around the waist of Kanno, pulling her up to a vertical base. IS SHE GONNA GO FOR THE SHER- that bad arm starts to nag Sheridan once more, and she can’t get Hikari all the way up. Kanno wrings the bad arm of Sheridan, and short arms her into a BRIGHTSTAR! HIGH ANGLE URANAGE SLAM!
Rich Russillo: Müller is limp, as Hikari shoots the half for a cover, hooking the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: DESPITE ALL THE DAMAGE SHES TAKEN THUS FAR, SHERIDAN MANAGES TO KICKOUT! Hikari can’t believe it before plopping down to the canvas, equally spent and exhausted as Müller. Kanno needs to think about her next plan of attack, as slowly gets to her feet. Sheridan rolls over to the corner, and picks herself up there. Hikari notices this, and pulls herself up in the opposite corner. HIKARI CHARGES IN!
James Peters: BUT THE TWO MEET IN THE MIDDLE AS SHERIDAN CRASHES INTO HIKARI WITH A JUMPING LEG LARIAT! Almost out of instinct, Hikari gets back to her feet, albeit dazed, taking swipes at nothing! From behind, Sheridan goes to ripcord Hikari for ENDLESS FANTASIES! …HIKARI DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LARIAT, AND TRIES TURNING IT INTO BOOK OF THE END!
Rich Russillo: BUT SHERIDAN SLIPS BEHIND HIKARI, WRAPPING HER ARMS THE WAIST FOR THE SHERPLEX! NO! SHERIDAN TRIED FOR THE BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX, BUT HIKARI BACKFLIPPED, LANDING ON HER FEET! Sheridan sits up, BUT HIKARI SCORES WITH A RUNNING SHINING WIZARD TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD!
James Peters: Hikari pulls a groggy Sheridan onto her feet, and sets up for Book of the End, getting Müller on her shoulder, and prepping to plant her with that michinoku driver! However, Sheridan shows feint signs of life, trying to squirm on Hikari’s shoulder, but I don’t think it’ll be enough fight on her end to get out of this predica-
Persephone: HEY! WHAT THE?!
(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: THE MATCH WAS JUST THROWN OUT AS SOMEONE LAID BOTH COMPETITORS OUT!!!!
Rich Russillo: Wait, is that!?
James Peters: IT’S MADISON KALINE!!! DYNASTY’S MADISON KALINE CAME THROUGH THE CROWD, AND CAUGHT HIKARI BY SURPRISE WITH AFTERLIFE, HITTING MÜLLER AS COLLATERAL, WHO GETS KNOCKED OFF THE SHOULDER OF HIKARI! KANNO GOES DOWN TO ALL FOURS, AND IS SENT TUMBLING OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE BY KALINE!
Rich Russillo: MADISON DOESNT EVEN PURSUE HIKARI FURTHER, AND GOES RIGHT AFTER SHERIDAN, MOUNTING HER WITH RIGHT HANDS! SHERIDAN IS TRYING TO GET HER HANDS UP, BUT SHES MOSTLY OUT OF IT AS A RESULT FROM THIS GRUELING MATCH UP! MADISON KALINE IS SCORING WITH THOSE RIGHT HANDS, AND THERE ISN’T MUCH MÜLLER CAN DO ABOUT IT!
Persephone: THANK GOD! THE REFEREE IS TRYING TO RESTORE ORDER, PRYING MADISON OFF SHERIDAN! BUT KALINE IS UNRELENTING, JUST STOMPING DOWN ON MÜLLER’S INJURED ARM AS SHE TRIES TO COVER UP!
James Peters: The referee finally completely pries Madison away from Sheri- OH NO! MADISON PUSHES PAST THE OFFICIAL, AND CONTINUES THE ONSLAUGHT! KALINE MOUNTS SHERIDAN WITH MORE AND MORE RIGHT HANDS! SHERIDAN CANT EVEN COVER UP AT THIS POINT, THOSE LIGHTS MUST BE DIMMING IN HER HEAD!
Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE PULLS MADISON OFF MÜLLER A SECOND TIME, AS MADISON UNLOADS WITH AGGRESSION! KALINE PUSHES PAST THE OFFICIAL A SECOND TIME, AND ISSUES A WARNING AFTER DOING SO, TELLING THE OFFICIAL TO BACK OFF, WHICH HE SEEMS TO HEED!
James Peters: MADISON CIRCLES SHERIDAN LIKE A SHARK, AND PROCEEDS TO LOCK HER IN DEATH’S GRASP! THE HELL’S GATE SUBMISSION MANEUVER IS IN! SHERIDAN HAS NOWHERE TO GO, AND IF SHE WASNT OUT BEFORE, SHE’S CERTAINLY GONNA HAVE HER LIGHTS DIMMED NOW!
Persephone: THERE’S STILL SOME FIGHT IN SHERIDAN, WHO SQUIRMS A BIT IN THE SUBMISSION HOLD, BUT ITS NO USE AS THE FIGHTING SOON COMES TO AN END… SHERIDAN’S OUT! SHERIDAN IS OUT! BUT MADISON CONTINUES TO HAVE THAT SUBMISSION HOLD TACKED ON, TAKING A WHILE TO RELEASE!
Rich Russillo: Finally, she does, and Madison kicks an unconscious Müller away… that was a vicious beatdown we just witnessed from Kaline, and I wish Madison would offer somewhat an explanation for this.
(Madison steps over a downed Sheridan, so she can stick her upper body through the middle rope, demanding a microphone. Meanwhile, the crowd showers Madison in boos, having interrupted quite the compelling matchup, but crowd reaction is the least of Kaline’s concerns.)
James Peters: Looks like we’re gonna get an explanation for this vicious attack after all, Rich.
(A stagehand delivers a microphone to Madison Kaline, who taps on it repeatedly, testing to make sure it’s on as she paces around the ring. Madison finally begins to speak into the microphone, staring directly into the hardcam, a fire in her eyes.)
Madison Kaline: Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t allow this to go on for much longer, and by that, I mean the disrespect. Was I supposed to sit idly by, and allow Harper Lee and Sheridan Müller to have some sort of battle of former Women’s World Champions without me? Has everyone forgotten I’m an EAW Hall of Famer? Has everyone forgotten I’m a two-time champion? Has everyone forgotten I’m the one who set the standard for today’s generation? Without me, there’d be no Harper Lee. So, I propose this. Instead of your typical, bland one-on-one match at King of Elite, why not add one more to it? Why not add… me?
(The crowd cheers at the prospect of seeing a triple threat match between Sheridan Müller, Harper Lee, and Madison Kaline, who takes notice of the reaction, and spreads her arms out wide, almost questioning who possibly opposes?)
Persephone: So, let me get this straight, Sheridan Mülller versus Harper Lee versus Madison Kaline?
James Peters: If that doesn’t sound like a marquee match to anyone, I don’t know what does.
Rich Russillo: But let’s not forget, despite all the accolades she listed, one Madison doesn’t have under her belt is that of general manager or commissioner. Add that on to the fact neither Harper or Sheridan have responded to such intrusion, and given Sheridan’s current status, I’m not sure she will anytime soon.
James Peters: Rich, you mentioned the latter, Harper Lee, who looks to be making an appearance now!
(‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart gathers a mixed reaction from fans as Harper walks onto the stage area with a microphone in hand, obviously not dressed to compete, this coming as a bit of shock to her. But before speaking, she surveys the scene, locking eyes with Madison Kaline in the ring, and listening to crowd reception.)
Rich Russillo: First, Madison Kaline. Now, Harper Lee. That’s why you should always pay attention to Voltage, you never quite know just what’ll happen.
James Peters: Harper told Sheridan that she wouldn’t back down from a fight, so I don’t expect her to now. Based on the reaction, these fans don’t want her to either. A triple threat between those women has COMBUSTIBLE written all over it.
(Harper forms a smirk on her face, and begins speaking into the microphone.)
Harper Lee: Did I just hear you correctly, Madison? I mean, between your yelling at the clouds, “remember me? Remember what I’ve done?” rant, it sounds as if you want in on me and Sheridan’s match, which… I’m not against it. But fair warning to you, that’ll just add up to another Madison Kaline loss at a marquee event. God knows your Hall of Fame career doesn’t need anymore blemishes on its record. But in trying to build my own Hall of Fame career, I realize that beating BOTH Sheridan Müller and Madison Kaline could do that. So, I don’t know about Sheridan, and quite frankly, I don’t care about Sheridan. But to your challenge, Madison, I accept.
(Harper oozes confidence in the face of Kaline, forming a smug expression on her face, but Madison Kaline doesn’t look intimidated by it either, having put out the challenge in the first place. A few more words are shared, but the camera doesn’t pick them up. ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart plays for a second time to a thunderous ovation from fans, and Harper continues to stare down a fired up Madison in the ring.)
James Peters: It looks like Harper wasn’t planning to back down from this fight after all, even if she was a bit caught off guard by the intrusion from Madisin Kaline, who basically just bulldozed her way into this matchup.
Rich Russillo: You don’t become an EAW Hall of Famer by sitting idly by, and watching as other people get a slice of the cake. Sometimes, you’ve gotta take initiative yourself, and that’s exactly what Madison did tonight.
James Peters: But you’ve gotta ask yourself, is Harper Lee a bit overconfident going into this thing?
Persephone: I mean, who takes their fifty-percent chance of winning, and lowers it drastically like Harper tonight? I think this could come back to bite her. :lupe:
James Peters: Adding on to Rich’s point about becoming an EAW Hall of Famer, you don’t get to that sorta position by backing away from a fight either. Harper’s right, a win over both Sheridan Müller and Madsion Kaline could drastically raise her stock, and maybe put her in line for a future Title opportunity. But this is just speculation, time will tell for all three competitors.
(‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart plays for a second time, and Harper gives one final glance toward Madison before turning around, and exiting to the backstage area. Kaline looks toward the stage area before slowly twisting her head around, and noticing that Sheridan is slowly coming to from her beatdown. From there, Madison crouches down beside her, and drops the microphone on Sheridan’s chest before ‘O Fortuna’ by Carl Orff plays Madison out as she exits the ring, and heads toward the backstage area, taunting fans on her way there.)
James Peters: How much you wanna bet Sheridan isn’t clued in on her upcoming match at King of Elite?
Rich Russillo: Sooner rather than later, she will be, which spells out danger for Madison Kaline, who while struts away confidently now, going forward, she’ll have to keep her head on a swivel, because Sheridan isn’t going to take this lying down.
James Peters: Can you blame her? Sheridan was cost her matchup against the Hardcore Champion, and laid out in the ring. That isn’t something a talent simply forgets.
(‘O Fortuna’ by Carl Orff continues to play, and Madison taunts on the stage area at Sheridan while the camera fades elsewhere.)
[ SCREEN BAR – EARLIER THIS WEEK ]
(Sunday Night Voltage comes back to a scene completely different from the arena. One of the cameramen was tasked to go to that place and shoot some footage for one of the newest Voltage Elitists, the only problem was that the place he was tasked to go to was in the middle of nowhere in the woods. It took him hours to maneuver around in his car and try to find where he needed to go, until finally, night struck and he seemed to arrive at the right place. He parked his car and got his camera out to start recording, but…where was the man he needed to film with? The place he arrived at was unusual to say the least. It was a gigantic cathedral in the middle of nowhere. That kind of reveal definitely threw the cameraman for a spin, how was a cathedral in the middle of nowhere after all?)
(He walked slowly and got closer towards it, he tried to open it somehow but it was completely locked. He eventually gave up on it and decided to try and enter from the back. The cameraman went to the side and just as he went further and further, trees started appearing around the field and crows flew around the area, he couldn’t really see where he was going very well, but with one sudden lightning strike in the distance lighting everything up, he noticed he was now in a cemetery. It seems that is what was behind the cathedral. The cameraman tried the backdoor this time, but it was locked as well. Guess his best bet was the cemetery, they really weren’t paying him enough to do this kind of thing.)
(He went deeper into the cemetery just as it unluckily started to rain, which made sense why there was a lightning strike. He continued walking, almost barely kicking a few tombstones and almost going and tripping himself up with a few branches on the ground. He was just ready to give up when all of the sudden a lightning strike struck once again and lit the whole area, and just as he turned he noticed a gigantic man standing right under a tree and staring down at the ground. The cameraman after seeing that was even more than ready to run out of there as fast as he could, but the gigantic man raised his hand to stop him.)
???: Stop. I won’t hurt you.
(The cameraman stopped just before he was ready to sprint out of there, he simply turned directly to the gigantic man and stared a bit confused, this was…supposed to be the man he was looking for, no? Mercer McKay. Seeing the cameraman relax, Mercer lowered his hand and spoke up once more with a strong and direct tone to his voice.)
Mercer McKay: You have found who you are looking for, and you are the man that I requested. You have arrived a few hours late but don’t worry, the people here have already gone on to another life, they don’t have to wait anymore. It is only me. Come closer.
(The cameraman very much didn’t want to walk closer, the man towering over him definitely gave him a few chills down his spine, considering how easy it would be for him to break him in half. How there are high chances he isn’t coming out of this alive, but it was his job so he carefully walked closer and closer until finally Mercer McKay could be seen directly. He was wearing an all black suit, as they say, be dressed for the position you want, but Mercer simply stood in silence for a few more seconds, staring at all the graves that surrounded the cemetery and just as another lightning strike appeared, and Mercer’s face lit up, he started talking again.)
Mercer McKay: I might not look like it at first glance but I am a man who reflects a lot, I wonder what to eat when I wake up, I wonder if I sit down to read or to walk around, sightseeing the forest, what I can do to spend the little time that I have in this world, helping the weak, training for my next battle, growing stronger each and every single day to not be eaten alive by the rest. My father once told me this little phrase, “vivere via nostra est, mori fatum nostrum est”, which means “to live is our way, to die is our destiny”. That is why my best place to reflect and think on what I can do next is here, in this cemetery, because as you can see, there are thousands of people here without any life, only their name being written in each of the tombstones, and the day they decided their way to live and their destiny to die. You don’t know what each woman or man who is under the ground has done, you nor me, for all we know, there could be a firefighter, a policeman…a detective, a witch, a man with a mission, a monster, an idol, a warlord, a messiah.
Mercer McKay: Sadly, no one here that exists in this world has infinite knowledge, that would be a curse rather than a blessing if you ask me. So with so little time, so little opportunities to make people remember you after you are gone, why do you think I am…the way I am?
(Just then, clips of Mercer’s matches started to cut in, highlights of Mercer hitting the Empty Prayers and finishing off Axel Graves with the Hall of Atonement as well as clips of him ruthlessly taking Justin Thorson down and hitting him with The Hierarchy. It quickly cut back to Mercer as his expression was a lot more serious.)
Mercer McKay: I have been away for a year from the ring and when I ended up coming back to wrestling a few weeks ago it was definitely a great feeling, that rush of adrenaline as you do whatever you can to beat another man’s skull in for that taste of victory. You will feel at the end that you have went through a thousand wars but all of it will end up being worth it as you stand above and beyond the other thousands of people you robbed that taste of victory from, because the worst feeling imaginable is working so hard, arriving so far and then failing at the last hurdle. Fighting all of that time to be remembered and you can’t go any longer just when it matters the most, that is why having this simple victories isn’t enough for everyone, that is why the King of Elite is made, for everyone to proclaim themselves as the one above all, the chance to sit on a throne and show everyone a reason to be remembered. A way to finally go and proclaim yourself as a champion in the history books, that is why wrestling has continued to be alive all of these past years, because men and women will never be sick enough of that feeling and I am not ashamed of being a sinner, of wanting to hunt for that feeling as well, but unlike everyone else, it won’t take me long before I am put six feet underground.
(It was then that the rain started to cease and the clouds started to part as Mercer cleared his throat and began speaking once again.)
Mercer McKay: To the man I am fighting this week, Lucas Johnson, you are one of the biggest hunters of this kind of feeling, if not, why would you still be here after all of these long years? In my short career here in EAW, you are considered the “biggest” opponent I have this far, as my debut here was a newcomer just like me, a man with a heart and a shine in his eyes, and my second match was against a kid who thought he could fly too close to the sun, but you? You don’t even have the power to fly, not even the power to jump high enough so you can reach the sky, because as I went back in your past and now I see your present, you have just been a man stuck in the same day, you have been stuck in an infinite loop over and over again. Believing you can bench-press the galaxy itself, when in reality you can’t even reach down to pick up a dumbbell, after all of your years here in this company, continuing to fail over and over again, never reaching a position that gives people a reason to praise for. You have always been a shadow in the wall your entire career and you will continue to be after I am done with you, I just need to turn on the light and you will disappear.
Mercer McKay: And when we fight, it will be another glorious day where I can experience that feeling of being one step closer to what I want, and it will just be another normal day for you when you appear…and then you are gone off the face of the Earth.
(Mercer then simply stood silent for a few seconds again, staring into the cemetery one last time before he began walking away towards the cathedral, the last shot was of Mercer walking through the tombstones before Voltage faded away back to the arena.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: And it is a Voltage vs. Showdown Showcase Match!!!
( “Ready To Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. hits to boos from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from Long Island, New York weighing in at 204.5 pounds he is “The Emperor of Violence” LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCAS JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSONNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!
(Lucas Johnson makes his way out to the ring wearing a blue Showdown shirt eliciting a lot of boos from the crowd. He enters the ring and takes the shirt off before doing a variety of exercises. Lucas looks unphased by the boos from the crowd as he prepares for the match and looks to be in great condition.)
James Peters: Lucas Johnson has been in a couple of these brand versus brand matches, and I’m sure the last thing he wants in this one is a loss. Not because it’d disappoint his brand, but because it’d be another loss on his record.
Rich Russillo: You’re right, though I have to admit his opponent this week is someone that has already begun to establish himself. Even with the experience advantage, this might not be easy for Lucas.
( Run by Zeal & Ardor hits to a mixed reaction from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent from The Black Cabin weighing in at 265 pounds he is “The Seed of Evil” MERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCER MCKAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
(The lights in the arena go out as the music continues to play. Mysterious smoke begins to rise throughout the entire building as the dark shadow of Mercer McKay appears on the stage illuminated by red lights. The red lights begin to flash black as he makes his way to the ring and the smoke begins to clear. The lights are flickering, and by the time he’s completely visible once more Mercer is standing in the ring on the middle rope with arms raised before the music fades and the entrance ends.)
Rich Russillo: I have to admit this guy is pretty scary, and it doesn’t help how impressive of a performance he’s already had in his first round match for the King of Elite tournament.
James Peters: Yeah, he definitely has potential. Lucas? He has a challenge on his hands, that’s for sure.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: This match is now underway as the battle between Voltage and Showdown begins! They can’t wait to lock up as they charge full on into the middle of the ring fighting for position! The lock up! They are fighting back and forth and appear to be evenly matched in strength! But if we are keeping it real then obviously Mercer has the strength advantage for sure out here! He shoves Lucas back across the ring but not hard enough to take him off his feet. Lucas retaliates with a disrespectful slap across the face! Mercer staggers back across the ring before retaliating with a disrespectful slap of his own! Both men shove each other and this thing may break down real quick here tonight!
James Peters: Mercer McKay leaps towards Lucas Johnson yanking him into a headlock before flipping him down to the mat with a Snapmare Takedown! The headlock remains applied as Mercer begins to choke the life out of Johnson. I am sure that Mercer has choked the life out of many other people before too but that is a story for another time. Lucas is flailing wildly trying to get out of the headlock but Mercer is doing his best to keep it locked in! Trying to quickly slow the pace of this match down from the fastness that tends to occur at the outset. Lucas tries to push away at Mercer to get him off him. Even pushing on the face of Mercer but not touching the eyes as that would be illegal and Lucas would never stoop to such levels. Instead he is going to get of this the old fashioned way!
Persephone: True. Raking the eyes is not the Disney way. :wow:
Rich Russillo: Lucas Johnson manages to pull himself back up to his feet and runs off the ropes throwing Mercer McKay off him! The momentum sends Mercer charging across the ring but he checks Lucas on the rebound with a charging Shoulder Rush just knocking him down on his back! Mercer then goes to grab Lucas who quickly rolls out of the ring to the outside with the referee preventing Mercer from leaving the ring to go after him. But Mercer shoves past the referee and heads out anyway! But Lucas uses this as an opportunity to climb back up onto the apron and yanks the ropes as Mercer climbs between them causing him to trip and tumble to the outside of the ring! That was a smart move from Lucas to use Mercer’s momentum as a big man against him!
James Peters: Mercer McKay slaps the mat outside the ring in rage as Lucas Johnson slides out of the ring looking to take advantage. Mercer on his hands and knees as Lucas charging in with a Running Punt kick to the head! Mercer manages to move a bit but the kick still catches him on the chest as he stands back up sending him lurching over onto the apron. Lucas now hammering on the back of Mercer as he grabs him by the head and slams him face first into the apron! No! Mercer with an elbow to the back of Lucas before his head can collide with the hardest part of the ring! Mercer tosses Lucas back into the ring and slides in to beat the referee’s count.
Persephone: I noticed that you guys weren’t keeping track of the referee’s ten count. I can assure you I however was watching it very carefully. You should pay more attention to details. I mean the match almost ended there.
Rich Russillo: Thank you for holding us accountable queen. Mercer McKay looking to hold Lucas Johnson accountable for thinking he can step onto Voltage turf with no repercussions. Mercer has Lucas trapped into a headlock once more but Lucas manages to push him back first into the corner. Lucas with his hands all over the face of Mercer trying to shove him away as the referee insists they break things up. They eventually do so with Lucas getting in a cheap jab to the gut of Mercer taking the wind out of him. Lucas hammers away at Mercer knocking him down almost before whipping him across the ring. But Mercer counters and whips Lucas across the ring instead! Lucas bounces out of the corner and eats a kick from Mercer! Mercer hauls back with a big Suplex! Great form! He gets all of it as Mercer slides into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: But Lucas Johnson with the quick kickout! Mercer McKay has a way to go before Lucas Johnson has been through enough to get put away. The veteran Lucas showing great stamina here in this match at the outset. Both competitors back to their feet as Lucas catches Mercer in the chest with a raised knee. And a hard elbow to the back of the neck drops Mercer down to his knees. Lucas pulls Mercer back up and whips him across the ring… but another reversal from Mercer! Mercer catches Lucas on the rebound and tosses him up with a Back Body Drop! That had to hurt the spine. Lucas back up but Mercer catches him and takes him down again with a Scoop Slam. Mercer off the ropes as the big man comes leaping through the air with a Running Splash! It connects and Mercer slides into yet another cover looking to put Lucas away here!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: Didn’t get much more than last time! Another one count! No time to pout about it as Mercer McKay swiftly spins around and grabs Lucas Johnson with a Reverse Headlock keeping him grounded face first on the mat. The rest hold is sinched in and Mercer has a lot of weight on Lucas preventing him from getting back up. Lucas manages to spin around in the headlock but Mercer stays on him pushing his shoulders down to the mat yet again!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: Quick kickout again from Lucas Johnson who realized his mistake very quickly. He might have been better off in the rest hold. However, it worked as Mercer McKay was forced to break the hold and now this match can continue. Both men back up as they trade punches in the ring. MERCER! LUCAS! MERCER! LUCAS! A hard measured right hand from Mercer sends Lucas falling back into the corner. Mercer pulls Lucas back up and whips him with all his strength across the ring sending Lucas flipping into the corner and crashing and burning. Mercer pulls him back up staying on him pulls him into the ring… another Suplex right in the middle of the ring as Mercer continues his safe but effective strategy here in this match so far! Another cover as Mercer continues to wear at the stamina of Lucas!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Persephone: Yet another kickout at one by Lucas Johnson. I am surprised. I mean you would think it would turn into a two count at some point. We would be closer to the end of the match then. Not that I want that.
Rich Russillo: Of course of course. None of us want that queen.
James Peters: Mercer McKay quickly captures Lucas Johnson before he can get back up and applies a Sleeper Hold! Lucas may be put to bed here tonight as he is trapped perfectly in a seated position. Lucas with a look of pain on his face and disgust as he is fighting back with little to no support from this Voltage crowd. He is finding his way back to his feet however in spite of this. Maybe even because of this. He is defying the hatred of the yellow brand as he looks to represent that blue flag. As soon as Lucas is back up to his feet however, Mercer switches things up into a headlock to keep Lucas under his control. Lucas staggers off the ropes which gives him enough momentum to whip Mercer across the ring and finally break free. Mercer comes charging back with a Leaping Shoulder Tackle at Luc-
Rich Russillo: No! Lucas Johnson counters with a Missile Dropkick in mid-air! He just dropped Mercer McKay and this might be the opening he has been waiting for! Mercer down on the mat as Lucas makes his way up to the top rope! This might not be wise Lucas! Lucas is just operating on autopilot now after having his senses rattled by that Sleeper and Headlock he isn’t all with it! Mercer is back up quickly as soon as Lucas makes it to the top rope! Mercer charges the ropes and causes Lucas to fall off! Lucas collapses and hits his back on the apron before tumbling to the outside! What a fail from Lucas Johnson here tonight! Lucas is out of it and the crowd is hyped for Mercer who screams out in defiance psychotically before rolling to the outside of the ring to grab Lucas! He tosses Lucas back into the r-
James Peters: No! Lucas Johnson reverses it and whips Mercer McKay hard into the steel ring steps! I have no idea where Lucas got the strength to do that after being shoved off the top rope to the outside! Both men down now on the outside as the referee begins to count!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE!
Persephone: :lupe:
Rich Russillo: But both men slide back into the ring just in time!
Persephone: :mjgrin:
James Peters: You seem awfully quiet over there Perse. Something wrong? Anyway both men baack into the ring now as they get back up… Lucas Johnson suddenly kicks Mercer McKay in the gut and yanks him back with a Snap DDT! Lucas got all of that as both men are laid out in the ring! Lucas manages to get an arm over Mercer!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: Kickout with authority by Mercer McKay causing Lucas Johnson’s arm to fly off him wildly and slap against the mat painfully. Mercer still has a lot of strength in him. Lucas with hard stomps to keep Mercer grounded as the crowd boos. Mercer back up to his feet and he is battling back but Lucas with hard forearms to the face staggers Mercer back up against the ropes. Hard knee from Lucas who measures Mercer up with a hard shot dropping him to his knees. Lucas off the ropes with a Running Double Knee strike right to the back of Mercer putting him down in the ring. Lucas stomping and punching at Mercer and he has totally snapped here tonight!
James Peters: Mercer McKay pulls himself up in the corner as Lucas Johnson staggers in… Mercer with a hard right hand! But Lucas immediately grabs the face of Mercer and rakes the eyes before slamming him skull first off the turnbuckle padding! So much for playing by the rules! Lucas now has lost it and is just taking out his aggression on Mercer as the referee gets in between them to break things up. Lucas shoves the referee out of the way before pushing Mercer slowly up to the top rope! Impressive strength by Lucas to get the big man up there into a seated position on the top rope! Things here could end very poorly for Mercer! Hard punches from Lucas nearly knock Mercer off the top rope as Lucas climbs the ropes along with him! He hooks the arm! I think we all know what is coming here!
Persephone: Yes we do! A match ending maneuver! A SUPERPLEX FROM SKY HIGH!!!
Rich Russillo: Mercer McKay nearly moved the ring from the impact of his body with the mat! Lucas Johnson with an incredible Superplex that even these rabid Voltage fanboys have to acknowledge! Lucas slides into the cover and as Persephone said this match may indeed be over!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: No! Mercer McKay somehow kicked out! Lucas Johnson cannot believe it! Near fall from Lucas there as he pulls Mercer back up and kicks him hard in the gut. Lucas setting up for something here and Mercer just may not like it very much! Lucas comes running off the ropes… THE LIGHTSWITCH!!! LUCAS WITH THE CLAYMORE KICK!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Mercer McKay managed to move out of the way and Lucas Johnson kicked the ring ropes instead! His leg went through the ropes and he got caught up in them and flipped upside down landing on the back of his neck! Mercer pulls him out of the ropes and lifts him up before dropping Lucas with a devastating Sit-Down Powerbomb! Mercer looking to take advantage of that mistake and put Lucas away now! For Voltage!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: No! This time it is Lucas Johnson who kicks out and Mercer McKay comes away with a near fall of his own! Both men struggling now and have to wonder what it is going to take to put the other away! This is about brand supremacy! The most important thing of all!
Persephone: True. That is pretty important and explains why this match has lasted as long as it has. I am completely understanding of that and everything is fine. 🙂
Rich Russillo: Both men back up as they sluggishly trade blows and this match has definitely slowed down as the fatigue sets in. Lucas Johnson hooks the head of Mercer McKay who refuses to be pulled down into the DDT! Mercer locks his arms around Lucas with a strongman Bearhug as he squeezes hard. But Lucas with hard open palmed strikes to the ears of Mercer eventually forcing him to relinquish the hold! Mercer falls down to his knees as Lucas runs off the ropes!!! THE LIGHTSWITCH!!! WILL HE GET IT THIS TIME?!?!?
James Peters: Lucas Johnson does not hit the Lightswitch! Mercer McKay rolled out of the way as he slowly gets back up to his feet! Lucas whirls around and eats a Rushing Shoulder Tackle from Mercer who was able to jump surprisingly high there! Mercer looking to end things now as he yanks Lucas up and pulls him upside down… SPIKE PILEDRIVER CONNECTS!!! The cover and Lucas can’t get up from this one!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: I can’t believe it! Lucas Johnson may have suffered neck and spinal damage from that Piledriver! Yet he kicked out regardless! How the hell?
Crowd: VOLTAGE! VOLTAGE! VOLTAGE!
James Peters: The crowd is not happy but Mercer McKay isn’t either as he yanks Lucas Johnson back up and punches him hard in the face several times. He yanks Lucas in…
Rich Russillo: HALL OF ATONEMENT!!!! STANDING TIGER DRIVER 91!!! But that’s not all!!!
James Peters: Mercer McKay transitions Lucas Johnson into a Giant Swing! Around and around he goes!
Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN! ELEVEN! TWELVE! THIRTEEN!
Rich Russillo: Thirteen swings and Mercer could probably do more if he wasn’t exhausted from this match! He drops the elbow on Lucas and goes into the cover!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… MERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCERRRRRRRRRRR MCKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
( Firewake by Zeal & Ardor hits to a mixed reaction from the crowd. )
James Peters: He did it! Mercer McKay brings the win home to Voltage! Great match. Real back and forth contest. Anyone could have won it.
Rich Russillo: Well Mercer McKay is an unpredictable individual for sure. He did win for Voltage and that is great… but I’m not sure we really want someone like him on Voltage to begin with…
Persephone: I’ll be sure to let him know you think that.
Rich Russillo: :whoa: !!!!!!!
(The camera cuts to a commercial featuring Impact in a hardware store showing a group of sailor’s the various types of rope they have for sale. However, they become concerned and leave without buying when he begins to slap them around.)
(Voltage begins to fade to the backstage area, specifically to the office of Voltage commissioner Captain Charisma. Captain Charisma seems to be working as he has a lot on his plate right now with the King of Elite and Empress of Elite tournaments, as well as the newly removed restrictions of the Hardcore Championship. This is a very eventful time of the year and with everything else going on with Voltage there’s a lot for him to deal with. Despite him being so busy, the door to his office would suddenly swing open, interrupting the commissioner as he looks over to see who’s responsible.)
Captain Charisma: Myles, can I help you?
(As Captain Charisma said, it’s the former EAW World Champion, Myles. The commissioner didn’t have much time to react to him pushing open the door, as Myles walks directly up to him. He’s pissed off, clearly infuriated following last week’s events, and he begins to speak.)
Myles: We need to talk, right now.
(Captain Charisma looks at all of his paperwork for a second before looking back at Myles, knowing that he doesn’t really have the time for this and can’t help him with his issues just yet.)
Captain Charisma: You caught me at a bad time. I have a lot going on right now, do you think you could wait just a-
Myles: No. I’m not waiting for anything, not when my problem should have been fixed a WEEK ago! You had all the time in the world to do something about this, I’m not about to keep waiting.
(Captain Charisma realizes what Myles is referring to, that being the King of Elite round one match where he lost due to the referee failing to see a rope break. This all happened after the referee was knocked out just a few minutes earlier, stopping Myles from winning after connecting with his “De Facto” finishing move. The night ended with Myles taking out the referee of the match, clearly not happy with how things ended.)
Myles: You need to fix this. I didn’t just lose last week, I was blatantly screwed over. Thousands of people were in attendance, every single one of them saw what happened that night. I BEAT Drake! I won that match! I did exactly what I promised, but not only does the referee fail to see that, but he’s unable to see what should’ve been a clear rope break! I should be advancing to the next round of the King of Elite tournament and you know this. What happened last week, it’s not like what happened at Road to Redemption. It’s not like I was defeated, it’s not like I came up short in any way, I didn’t lose that match because of my opponent. I lost it because of a referee, YOUR referee. If you’re going to let referees that can’t even do their jobs properly officiate matches as important as that, the least you could do is make things right once they slip up and allow a result that shouldn’t have ever occurred to stick. I don’t care if it means reversing the decision, giving me another shot in the tournament and putting me against Drake or whatever, I just need this whole thing fixed right now. I told the referee that but he was so useless he couldn’t even make up for HIS mistake, so now this is on you. Now it’s your responsibility to make things right and give me the shot that I deserve, the shot that everybody else has had so far. If I’m to be defeated in this tournament it needs to be because I wasn’t the better competitor. It needs to be because I was actually taken down, NOT because the referee couldn’t see that the match wasn’t over yet!
(Captain Charisma could see how mad Myles is about the situation. Knowing that what happened was not fair to the former World Champion, he chooses to remain silent and patiently wait as Myles continues.)
Myles: When I returned back at Wicked Games I promised to return to the top of this brand. I didn’t do that just to make a bunch of empty threats and promises, I did it because I know I’m capable of accomplishing whatever I want to. That King of Elite tournament was no exception, but I didn’t even get the chance to be proven right or wrong. I didn’t get the chance to either live up to my words or fall flat on my face and embarrass myself. I never had the opportunity to even TRY to advance in the King of Elite tournament, because I was put in an unwinnable situation. I was put in a mess where I didn’t have any options. You know what happened last week, and I get it. I know what I did to that referee, but I’m not going to feel bad for laying him out when I just had that match stolen from me without even receiving the chance to take it back. No, not just the match. That entire tournament was stolen from me. The King of Elite crown was stolen from me. The opportunity to become a World Champion whenever I please was stolen from me. The opportunity to reach the goal I returned to this place to achieve was stolen from me, and you need to help me take it back. The referee might not have been able to do anything, but you can. You can give me the chance to have the match that I deserve, a match where I’m allowed to actually succeed or fail thanks to my own ability. I’m really not asking for much, the only thing I want is the opportunity that I was promised in the first place. The only reason I’m here right now is because I didn’t think you of all people would overlook what happened last week, so are you going to prove me wrong or are you going to give me what I deserve?
(Captain Charisma is still silent, waiting to see if Myles has anything else to say after all that. He can see that he had a lot to get off his chest thanks to the controversial ending to the King of Elite first round match against Drake King as the loss clearly didn’t sit well with him, but it seems that Myles is done speaking as he just waits for an answer from Captain Charisma. Seeing that Myles is silent, the Voltage commissioner begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Are you done?
Myles: I am, do you have an answer?
Captain Charisma: Well, first of all I do have to say this. I understand your frustrations when it comes to your match against Drake, and I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that what happened was fair in any way. The referee made a mistake and that cost you. Unfortunately, we’re just about done with the first round of the tournament already, and it’s nearly time for us to move onto round two. With King of Elite approaching, I can’t afford to go back and spend even more time on the first round just to rectify such an oversight. Along with that, it’d be wrong for me to put you back in the tournament knowing you’re not the only person to have lost, even if the circumstances weren’t exactly fair.
(This annoys Myles even more as he just shakes his head, preparing to speak. Before he even says a word though, Captain Charisma continues.)
Myles: I-
Captain Charisma: But… I can say this. You don’t deserve to miss out on an opportunity just because the referee made a mistake, a mistake that cost you a potential victory in one of the biggest tournaments of the entire year. So, while I can’t just place you in the tournament again to give you another shot at advancing I can give you a different opportunity, if you’re willing to listen of course.
(This catches Myles’ attention, and he looks at Captain Charisma before speaking.)
Myles: Go on.
Captain Charisma: Well, if there’s anything we could both agree on it’s the fact that you deserve better than to be robbed of a proper opportunity to come closer to becoming World Champion. You’ve been on Voltage for a very long time now so I’ve been able to watch your growth as a competitor up close. You’ve definitely proven to be a World Championship level competitor, and even after being away for months due to what happened at this past Pain for Pride, you quickly proved that you haven’t lost a step in your matches against Sierra Everett and Yhwach O’Hara. I knew that it was only a matter of time before you started to seek Championship gold again, but I didn’t expect things to go how they did last week. I said I couldn’t put you back in the King of Elite tournament, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on becoming World Champion again just yet. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and while the EAW World Championship picture this season has been fantastic, I wasn’t too sure up until now who’d be the next person to step up and fight for an opportunity at the title. So many challengers have already stepped up and had their shot that I wasn’t too sure who’d be next, but now I think I have the perfect idea.
(Myles’ eyes widen, realizing what Captain Charisma means by this.)
Captain Charisma: I understand how much you want to become EAW World Champion again, and it’d be wrong to deny you of the opportunity especially since you never actually had the chance to reclaim the title. After your reigns with the National Elite Championship and the EAW World Championship as well as huge wins such as the Cash in the Vault ladder match we all know what you’re capable of when given the opportunity, so I want to give you the chance to get what you want. So, how do you feel about the idea of facing Minerva for the Championship? If you’re up for it, the match will happen as soon as King of Elite.
(This gets a huge reaction from the fans in the arena that are watching this conversation, and Myles actually looks surprised to hear such an offer from Captain Charisma. He returned stating that he’d fight his way back to the top and Captain Charisma just gave him the opportunity to do exactly that, but just as Myles goes to speak he stops himself. By this point it starts to become clear that he is conflicted, not sure whether or not he should take up the opportunity despite it being exactly what he wanted.)
Captain Charisma: So, what do you say?
(The reason behind Myles’ silence is obvious. The current EAW World Champion is none other than his future wife Minerva, who has already made it clear many times just how much the EAW World Championship means to her. This had made it a bit of a tough choice for Myles as he wouldn’t want to ruin her chance of reaching her goal of becoming the greatest EAW World Champion ever, but ultimately Myles thinks about his own goals and how much he wants to pick himself back up after the last few big matches he’s had. Myles looks at Captain Charisma, and finally nods his head.)
Myles: I accept.
(Captain Charisma has a smile on his face, and the crowd cheers extremely loudly hearing this information.)
Captain Charisma: That’s great to hear, it’s official then! I know a match like this would mean a bit more than just the title, but if there’s anybody I trust to put on an incredible match at King of Elite, it’s you and Minerva.
(Having heard all he needed to, Myles begins to walk out of Captain Charisma’s office, thinking about the match he just put himself in and what’s to come at King of Elite. From there, Voltage fades from the backstage area.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back into the SAP Center where the sounds of ‘Unf**kwithable’ by Deez Nuts is being heard playing through the speakers with the crowd responding with a negative reaction. The camera goes over to the broadcasting booth where a hurt Sienna Jade from what happened on Dynasty this week is slowly lowering herself down on the chair. She’s beaten up and bandaged, evidently not in the best shape, and certainly not happy.)
Rich Russillo: Welcome back, and on behalf of the Voltage commentary team I’d like to give a warm welcome to Dynasty’s Universal Women’s Champion! Sienna, thank you for joining us here tonight.
(Sienna is about to speak but winces, pausing and shaking her head before trying again.)
Sienna Jade: Make it quick.
(‘Unf**ckwithable’ begins to come to a close with the camera going over to Bella Braxton inside the ring, ready to announce the next match on hand here tonight!)
Bella Braxton: The following singles match is a contest set for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘Rhapsody in Pink’ by Stela Cole is heard playing through the speakers of the arena while the crowd erupts into boos. The camera goes over to the stage to show Candice Blair strutting out from the backstage area, followed by Ronan Malosi who has a selfie stick and is live streaming to Instagram. Candice has a smirk on her face while she poses at the center of the stage before then making her way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first, accompanied by Ronan Malosi… from Anaheim, California… weighing in at 130 pounds… ‘THE FACE OF DISNEY’… CANDICE BLAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Well it’s obviously been a rough couple of weeks for Team Eden. If it wasn’t losing at Road To Redemption, it was certainly the train wreck that happened last week where Eden said that she would be going on a vacation, leaving the rest of the team high and dry. Then obviously there was some dissension involving Ronan, it just hasn’t been easy on them…
James Peters: Well they have a chance to right some wrongs tonight when Candice has the opportunity to go up against a World Championship contender. If she can come out of this with a win, I could only imagine what that could do for the stock of the team. With Ronan accompanying her as well and what he’s able to do to help, if everything goes right this could be a very good night for them.
Persephone: I doubt it.
James Peters: Why is that?
Persephone: It’s Ronan.
Rich Russillo & James Peters: :francis:
(Candice is seen making her way into the ring, with Ronan desperately trying to include her in his livestream, but her just blocking it, focused on the match at hand. She enters the ring, posing at the center of the ring before then beginning to make her way over to her corner. She prepares for the match while ‘Rhapsody in Pink’ begins to come to a close.)
(‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen is heard blasting through the speakers of the arena, with the camera going over to reveal none other than Dr. Bethany Blue begins to make her way out from the backstage area and toward the stage. She has a smile on her face as she spreads her arms out, looking toward the ring before then beginning to make her way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… from Miami, Florida… weighing in at 125 pounds… DR. BETHANY BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd: E!!!! O!!! E!!!!
Rich Russillo: Well obviously Bethany is in a delightful mood after what happened on Dynasty. That was obviously supposed to be the night where she and Sienna came face to face, but instead she showed up in the parking lot where she wrecked Sienna’s car. That wasn’t just it though, as they got into a huge brawl where Bethany spiked her through the windshield.
Sienna Jade: …
James Peters: Well obviously, tensions are high tonight when it comes to Bethany and Sienna even being in the same vicinity as one another. I would not be shocked at all if something were to happen tonight during or after the match when it comes to this feud.
Persephone: You forgot one James, before, I think someone’s unhappy.
(Rumbling is heard at the commentary booth while Bethany is making her way around the ring and continuing her entrance…)
Rich Russillo: YOU’RE RIGHT! SIENNA JUST LUNGED OUT OF HER SEAT AND TACKLED BETHANY TO THE GROUND! THE TWO OF THEM ARE GOING AT IT AND THIS BRAWL HAS STARTED EARLY!
James Peters: THEY’RE TRADING FISTS WITH ONE ANOTHER, ROLLING AROUND THE RINGSIDE AREA, AND IT’S CLEAR THAT SIENNA HAS HAD ENOUGH OF BETHANY AFTER WHAT SHE DID ON DYNASTY! BOTH OF THEM ARE BACK UP ON THEIR FEET AND ARE CONTINUING TO EXCHANGE BLOWS WITH ONE ANOTHER! WE’RE GOING TO NEED TO GET SOME HELP OUT HERE!
Persephone: THE MADNESS! THE CHAOS! THE VIOLENCE! That I totally didn’t predict…
(Security is seen filing out alongside a handful of officials trying to break this up. Ultimately after sometime they manage to, and the only thing that’s left to do for the two of them is scream at one another, to which Sienna says something that is clearly caught by the cameras as the words are not censored in time.)
Sienna Jade: (Off-Mic) THIS IS FAR FROM OVER, BITCH. YOU ARE SEVERELY UNDERESTIMATING JUST WHAT SIENNA JADE IS CAPABLE OF.
(This enrages Bethany further as this chaotic scene is the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage quickly cuts to a brief commercial break.)
(A commercial is seen for AWOLNATION’s song ‘Passion’, featuring Drake King.)
(Sunday Night Voltage comes back from commercial with Bethany being seen away from security and inside the ring, and is fired up after what happened with Sienna before the break. The camera goes over to Candice Blair on the other side of the ring, and after what she just saw happen, she’s fired up as well. The two of them are ready to go and despite the obvious roadblock, it’s clear that this match is still going forward.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Well, um, this match is officially underway. :lupe: Both Bethany and Candice are beginning to make their way out of their respective corners and around the ring, ONLY FOR CANDICE TO ATTEMPT A KICK TO THE ABDOMEN- But Bethany manages to move out of the way of that, she spins around behind Candice, BEFORE GRABBING HER FROM BEHIND AND LIFTING HER UP INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX ATTEMPT- But that doesn’t happen with Candice connecting with a back elbow to the face which sends her backward! Already a quick start to this one!
James Peters: Candice slips out of the hold that Bethany has on her, as she turns around to face her. Bethany grabs her by the arm and attempts to send her into an Irish whip- But that doesn’t happen with Candice managing to drop her weight down, INSTEAD PULLING BETHANY IN INSTEAD AND CONNECTING WITH A SWIFT KNEE! This drops Bethany down to a kneeling position, Candice then turns around and runs to the ropes… GRABBING BETHANY BY THE HEAD BEFORE TAKING HER DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH AN STO!
Rich Russillo: Candice takes a moment to slow down the pace, before she makes her way over and grabs Bethany by the arm and begins to bring her up to her feet. She pushes her up against the ropes and grabs her by the arm and sends her toward the ropes with an Irish whip… drop down… leapfrog… BUT BETHANY USES THE MOMENTUM TO RUN FORWARD AND SNATCH CANDICE BEFORE DROPPING HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH AN ARM DRAG! Candice is dropped down to the ground but manages to grab onto the ropes and uses them to get back up to her feet, BUT WHILE SHE DOES THAT, BETHANY RUSHES TOWARD HER AND LOOKS TO CONNECT WITH A BIG BOOT TO SEND HER UP AND OVER TO THE OUTSIDE!
James Peters: BUT CANDICE MANAGES TO DIP HER HEAD UNDER AND SEND BETHANY OVER INSTEAD! Bethany lands on the apron while Candice approaches, but before she can do anything The Empress of Elite manages to go under and connect with a shoulder thrust to the abdomen! This sends Candice back and toward the center of the ring while Bethany thinks of the next best thing to do, and that’s to begin to make her way up the top rope. Candice is in position with Bethany measuring her trajectory…
Persephone: ‘MS. BLAIR’S WILD RIDE’! ALREADY???
Rich Russillo: NO! CANDICE RUSHED FORWARD AND TRIES FOR THE ICONOCLASM BUT JUST IN TIME IT’S BETHANY THAT RAMS HER KNEE INTO HER SPINE! Candice is forced to let go while stumbling forward while Bethany keeps herself up on the top turnbuckle, LEAPING OFF AND CONNECTING WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE CHEST TO DROP HER DOWN TO THE CANVAS!
(While all the action is happening, the camera goes over to ringside where Ronan is seen still holding out his selfie camera, interacting with all of the fans that have joined his Instagram Live session tonight.)
Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) Yeah! We’re out here tonight my Instagram peeps! This match is heating up and…
(Ronan looks back at Candice on the ground while Bethany recovers back up to her feet.)
Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) :yikes: It’s not looking good whatsoever. But rest assured this match will be a win in the books for Team Eden- AH!
James Peters: BETHANY SHOOTS UP AND RUNS TOWARD THE EDGE OF THE RING! CONNECTING WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE TO THE BACK OF RONAN SENDING HIM DOWN TO THE GROUND! SHE’S HAD ENOUGH OF HIS BICKERING AT RINGSIDE AND LOOKS TO SHUT HIM UP!
Rich Russillo: Bethany dusts her hands off that mess, getting Ronan out of the way while she can so he doesn’t cause any problems later on in the match. She gets back up to her feet…
James Peters: ONLY TO BE HIT BY ‘SPINNING WHEEL’! THE SPINNING WHEEL KICK BY CANDICE BLAIR CONNECTS SQUARE AGAINST THE JAW OF THE EMPRESS OF ELITE! CANDICE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE DISTRACTION BY RONAN AND GOES FOR THE PIN!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRR-
Rich Russillo: BUT BETHANY KICKS OUT! Certainly not the end of the match, but it’s a start, which is something that Candice is going to need if she wants to take down someone like Dr. Bethany Blue tonight on Voltage!
(Candice grabs the ropes and pokes her head out to ringside through the middle rope.)
Candice Blair: (Off-Mic) Ronan! Buddy! Are you okay???
Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) :dead:
James Peters: Candice realizes that she doesn’t have much time to tend to Ronan, pulling herself up completely and beginning to close in on a stirring Bethany. She grabs her by the head and tugs her up to her feet, before connecting with some well-placed shots to the head! She then pushes her toward the ropes before sending her the opposite way with an Irish whip! Bethany rebounds… LEAPING INTO THE AIR AND CONNECTING WITH A DROPKICK TO HER CHEST TO TAKE HER DOWN! Candice lies in wait, awaiting Bethany’s rise back up to her feet a second time… BEFORE LEAPING UP AND CONNECTING WITH A SECOND DROPKICK! Candice speeds up the process and tugs her back up, going for a trifecta of moves, GRABBING HER BY THE HEAD AND SCOOPING HER UP FOR A SNAP SUPLEX-
Persephone: But Bethany brings her leg out and hooks it around Candice’s, keeping herself in place before using this opportunity to connect with some well placed shots to the abdomen of ‘The Face of Disney’! This weakens the grip that she has on her, giving Bethany the opportunity to slip right out while she has the chance! Candice attempts to swing at her head- But just in the nick of time Bethany manages to duck under that, before she then winds her up, BRINGING HER OUT AND IN FOR A RIPCORD FOREARM! That leaves Candice stunned, BEFORE BETHANY REELS HER ARM BACK AND CONNECTS WITH ONE MORE FOREARM TO COMPLETELY DROP HER DOWN!
Rich Russillo: Candice is nursing her jaw while bringing herself up to a seated position slowly, ONLY FOR BETHANY TO TRY AND CONNECT WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE- But Candice just in time manages to push it out of the way and allow herself some time to get back up to her feet! Bethany dips down to a kneeling position but attempts to get back up to her feet, ONLY FOR BETHANY TO SEND A SWIFT KICK TO THE BACK OF HER KNEECAP WHICH SENDS HER BACK DOWN! Bethany tries to get back up, BUT CANDICE IS ONE STEP AHEAD AS SHE GRABS HER BY THE HEAD AND SPIKES HER DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A SNAP DDT!
James Peters: Candice brings herself up to a seated position, gritting her teeth before then beginning to bring herself back up. The fatigue of this match is beginning to kick in now, with both of these Elitists finding it increasingly harder to generate offense. She begins to get back up to her feet before then turning around and grabbing Bethany by the head and dragging her up. Bethany immediately begins to show some fight by throwing some vicious lefts and rights her way, but Candice doesn’t let it last any longer as she grabs her head and sends a knee to the abdomen! This doubles Bethany over before Candice grabs her by the head again, GOING FOR A SECOND SNAP DDT-
Persephone: But Bethany fights back with punches toward the side of Candice! Candice is forced to let go while she approaches Bethany, only for her to connect with an uppercut! Bethany continues to fight back despite the odds, before then going for a forearm- But Candice manages to grab a hold of it before pushing her away! Candice approaches Bethany again, reeling her arm back and connecting with a punch to the face! Bethany absorbs the attack and fights through it, before responding with a fist back in retaliation! Candice looks to follow with another- But Bethany manages to block it with her forearms before connecting with a second consecutive punch! Candice is still putting up a fight, stepping forward and looking to boot her in the abdomen- But before that happens it’s Bethany who just in the nick of time manages to seize the leg! Candice is hobbling while Bethany spins her around… ONLY FOR HER TO FALL INTO ‘ALMOST THERE’! DISCUS CLOTHESLINE TO THE HEAD OF BETHANY!
Rich Russillo: DOESN’T CONNECT! BETHANY CONNECTS WITH A BOOT TO CANDICE’S FACE TO COUNTER! The boot leaves the Team Eden member reeling, sending her backward into the corner. Bethany takes a step back, BEFORE LOOKING TO EXECUTE A HUGE SHOULDER THRUST TO THE ABDOMEN- BUT CANDICE SLAMS HER KNEE AGAINST THE TOP OF BETHANY’S HEAD JUST IN TIME! Bethany stumbles backward in retreat, her attack not exactly going to plan right now. Candice grabs a hold of the ropes, slowly beginning to climb up the turnbuckles, scaling herself to the top…
James Peters: BUT BETHANY SHOOTS UP AND SHOVES CANDICE! SENDING HER TUMBLING OFF OF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND TO THE RINGSIDE FLOORING!
Rich Russillo: Hard landing as Candice is down on the outside, clutching her back in pain while Bethany is going to waste absolutely no time tailing her. She drops down and rolls out of the ring before grabbing her hair, SLAMMING HER FACE ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON AND SENDING HER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! Bethany then brings her up again and rolls her into the ring, looking around to check for Ronan Malosi who could very well interfere in this match again, before rolling herself back into the ring as well… BETHANY GETS BACK UP, ONLY FOR CANDICE TO CONNECT WITH A STUNNING SUPERKICK TO THE JAW TO TAKE HER OUT!
James Peters: Candice managed to knock down Bethany courtesy of the out of nowhere kick to the jaw, and now begins to stomp down on her repeatedly to make sure that she stays down on the canvas. She knows that this is the opportunity that she needs to get the offense back in her favor, and it’s especially crucial when we get into the latter half of this match as well. Candice rushes toward the ropes and back while Bethany gets back up to her feet… ONLY FOR BETHANY TO GRAB HER BY THE HEAD AND LIFT HER OFF THE GROUND WITH A BACK BODY DROP!
Rich Russillo: NO! WHAT THE! CANDICE MANAGES TO LAND ON HER FEET! She stumbles forward, barely able to catch her balance and fall into the corner. Bethany turns around and sets her sights on her, running toward her instead… ONLY FOR CANDICE TO STEP FORWARD AND CONNECT WITH A BICYCLE KICK TO THE FACE TO KNOCK HER DOWN AGAIN! Bethany is steadily beginning to rise up to her feet immediately after, continuing to persist, which allows Candice to realize that she’s going to have to connect with something more to make sure that she stays down. She turns around and begins to make her way up to the top rope and set Bethany up… CANDICE LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE GOING FOR A CROSSBODY!
James Peters: BUT BETHANY MANAGES TO GRAB HER! She has her in her arms with Candice desperately trying to flail her way out of there, not a good position to be in with the Empress of Elite directing her toward the center of the ring… BEFORE LAUNCHING HER INTO A FALLAWAY SLAM- NO! Before that can happen it’s Candice that begins to slam repeated elbows toward the side of her head, trying to force her to release the hold that she has on her and escape out of this! Bethany is trying her best to keep her up on her feet… but ultimately she’s forced to let go while she dips down to a kneeling position! Bethany tries to recover, ONLY FOR CANDICE TO LAUNCH INTO THE AIR AND CONNECT WITH A METEORA TO DROP BETHANY DOWN TO THE GROUND!
Rich Russillo: Candice rolls back up to her feet and takes a moment to recover, before then turning herself back around and grabbing the head of Bethany to bring her back up to her feet. She begins to drag her body toward a corner… SLAMMING HER HEAD AGAINST THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! She isn’t done though, LIFTING BETHANY UP OFF THE GROUND AND CONNECTING WITH SNAKE EYES! If the offense beforehand wasn’t enough to stun Bethany, that surely did it, and Candice knows it as she throws her down to the canvas. Bethany is fighting tooth and nail to get back up to her feet, but it might be too late for her to do anything right now. Candice has her in her crosshairs and is bringing herself toward a corner, slowly heaving herself up onto the middle rope, and I have a clue what she might have in mind, and it’s not going to be any sort of good for The Good Doctor right now…
James Peters: CANDICE JUMPS OFF AND GOES FOR THE ‘DISNEYLAND DESTROYER’! CANADIAN DESTROYER-
Persephone: BETHANY! THE ‘TJD’! SUPERKICK CATCHES CANDICE MID-JUMP AND DROPS HER DOWN TO THE CANVAS! SHE WASTES NO TIME DROPPING DOWN AND PINNING HER SHOULDERS TO THE MAT!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: BUT CANDICE SHOOTS THE SHOULDER UP! Really narrow call by ‘The Face of Disney’, but thankfully for her she managed to get out of that by a hair. But if she takes anymore of Bethany’s hard-hitting offense, I truly do not know how much more she is going to be able to take. That was one hell of a counter to Candice’s finisher though.
James Peters: You asked how much she’s going to be able to take? Not much I’ll tell you, which is why it’s crucial for her to get back into this one while she has the chance. An unhappy Bethany is getting back up to her feet and awaiting a wide-eyed Candice to do the same, who could be wondering a multitude of things right now concerning this match. Candice is slowly beginning to crawl herself toward a corner, clutching onto the ropes and bringing her upward to rest against the bottom turnbuckle, but Bethany at the same time isn’t just going to stand idle and allow her to do that. She sizes Candice up… BEFORE RUSHING FORWARD AND CONNECTING WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!
Persephone: Candice is absolutely rocked by that move, and Bethany knows that as she grabs her arm and yanks her out of the corner, beginning to bring her toward the center of the ring. Bethany grabs her by the head, BEFORE LIFTING HER UP AND DOWN FOR A SNAP SUPLEX! Bethany then mounts on top of her, before beginning to unload with strike after strike just raining down on her face! Candice is forced to bring her forearms up to try and prevent it, but after sometime Bethany relents and begins to get back up to her feet. She grabs Candice by the arm and brings her up, sending her toward the ropes and back with an Irish whip… BUT BEFORE BETHANY CAN DO ANYTHING CANDICE GOES UNDER WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE KNEECAPS!
Rich Russillo: Candice drops Bethany down but it’s not taking so long for the Good Doctor to get back up to her feet, CANDICE RUSHES FORWARD AND GOES FOR A KNEE STRIKE- But Bethany pushes the leg out of the way leaving Candice down in a kneeling position, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
(The camera goes over to Ronan Malosi seated at ringside, he’s grabbing the back of his head in pain after what Bethany did to her earlier in the match, still on his phone and live streaming.)
Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) It’s not looking good… ow… but I think this is the point of the match where Candice mounts a comeback… Hey, what are you doing…
(Bethany is seen dropping down and rolling out of the ring, beginning to approach Ronan, who quickly shoots out of his chair and begins to stumble away from her.)
Ronan Malosi: (Off-Mic) HEY HEY! BETHANY! WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS! YOU REMEMBER OUR HISTORY! WE’RE GOOD FRIENDS- AH!
(Bethany gestures a threat to Ronan which causes him to run for his life the other way, leaving the match as it’s clear he wants absolutely nothing to do with her. For Bethany, that got one problem out of her way, for Candice, this just meant that her teammate has left her high and dry in this match. Bethany shrugs her shoulders before sliding back into the ring…)
James Peters: WAIT! WAIT! ‘DISNEYLAND DESTROYER’! CANADIAN DESTROYER DROPS BETHANY! AND WHILE IT WAS INADVERTENT, RONAN MIGHT’VE VERY WELL JUST GOTTEN CANDICE THE WIN RIGHT HERE! SHE GOES FOR THE PIN ON BETHANY!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
…
…
…
Rich Russillo: NO! NO! BETHANY KICKS OUT! CANDICE IS ABSOLUTELY IRATE! THIS MATCH CONTINUES!
(Candice is not happy about this turn of events, with Bethany kicking out of one of her finishing moves. She gets back up to her feet, stumbling backward and into the corner, before beginning to wait for Bethany who is starting to stir to get back up.)
James Peters: Bethany is back up to her feet, turning around… INTO ‘ALMOST THERE’! ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT THE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE-
Persephone: NOT! Bethany ducks under, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH THE ‘TJD’! SUPERKICK TO THE JAW OF CANDICE DROPS HER DOWN! Candice falls on all fours, fighting for her life to keep herself somewhat up so Bethany doesn’t get the better of her…
Rich Russillo: BUT BETHANY PUTS THE NAIL IN THE COFFIN! ‘CONCUSSION PROTOCOL’! THE CURB STOMP DRIVES CANDICE’S HEAD DOWN TO THE MAT AND BETHANY ROLLS HER ONTO HER BACK AND GOES FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
…
…
…
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ begins to play up while Dr. Bethany Blue slowly drags herself off of the body of Candice Blair. She brings herself up to a seated position, taking the time to compose herself while grabbing her head in pain. The referee makes their way over, helping her back up to her feet, before raising her hand in victory.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… DR. BETHANY BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd: E!!!! O!!!! E!!!!
James Peters: What a war that we’ve just witnessed tonight on Voltage. Two fiery Elitists for their own respective reasons going at it in what was an intense back and forth. While Candice thought that she might’ve had the match in her favor, Bethany had an ace up her sleeve, allowing her to get the victory tonight in this match.
Rich Russillo: I’m less focused on that, more what happened at the beginning of this match with Sienna. Surely Bethany still has that on her mind, and the first chance that she sees her, well, I don’t think it’s going to be very good. Regardless of that though, Bethany channeled her aggression into a win, and that I can say is all that matters.
(Bethany continues to collect herself, eyeing the hard camera and giving it a cold stare, presumably as a message toward Sienna Jade, before she turns around and rolls out of the ring. Ronan Malosi has quietly entered the area again, checking on Candice who is visibly annoyed at him. The last shot seen is Bethany raising her hands at the stage while Sunday Night Voltage begins to transition out to elsewhere.)
(Commercial for the Friday the 13th video game featuring Limmy Monaghan and Jon Kelton. Lose all of your progress thanks to server glitches now!)
(Voltage fades into an undisclosed location backstage where we see Theron Nikolas doing some launches, switching from one leg to another. He looks straight ahead, clearly focused on his match with Daryl Kinkade coming up next. He is not going to allow himself to let Natasha Agnello’s vision get inside his head. To him, what matters is obviously trying to advance to the next round of the King of Elite tournament and nothing is going to ruin his plans.)
???: And, I thought that you would be more cautious after my warning last week.
(Theron Nikolas stops his launching before making it back to a vertical base, staring back at Natasha Agnello. Unlike last week, there’s a bit of a calmer demeanor on her face. The two of them stare at one another for a moment, with plenty left unsaid at the moment. If Natasha could read Theron’s mind, she wasn’t letting on, and Theron wasn’t really giving anything away. Finally it is Natasha who sighs and she wraps her arms around herself.)
Natasha Agnello: I didn’t think that I need to remind you that someone is after you and that you should be more cautious going forward, especially if you plan to take part in the King of Elite tournament. The same image keeps coming to me; every night at three a.m., without fail.
(Theron simply nods.)
Theron Nikolas: Has anything changed in the past week, though? Has the identity of the person in your vision been revealed? That’s the information we need, Natasha. How can I prepare for a threat if I have no idea who to prepare for? I know I have a list of enemies, past and present, so who is it? Who do you see?
(Natasha Agnello seems a little taken aback that Theron Nikolas is not responding to her advice to be more cautious, knowing that the King of Elite tournament is something on his mind. Still, she moves on from it. Theron isn’t really the type of person to make chit-chat when he wants to learn some big news.)
Natasha Agnello: No, but I did have another vision and what I did see in it has made me even more concerned about what’s to come.
(Suddenly, you can see that Natasha Agnello’s face goes from calm to a bit of concern. Theron Nikolas raises a brow, a bit of intrigue on his face. He still wasn’t THAT concerned, but he was curious. Natasha’s visions more often than not came to fruition and Theron did have some belief in what she was saying. Natasha had his back and Theron knew this.)
Theron Nikolas: What is it?
Natasha Agnello: In my vision, you were laid out in a pool of your own blood, and the person that’s after you was there, standing over you.
(There is no response from Theron Nikolas, but you can tell that he is taking a bit to take this in. Obviously, this figure is a threat, and for Natasha Agnello to have the visions that she is having are something that Theron needs to take a bit more seriously. With Natasha having those visions, but no face to the name, perhaps, Theron needs to be a little more cautious in his surroundings. Theron Nikolas takes a seat down on the steel chair behind him. Natasha pulls a steel chair and sits in front of Theron, getting a good look at him and his blank stare, trying to get through him. Reaching out, she places her hand on top of his.)
Natasha Agnello: This is exactly why I approached you, Theron. You know I know what I’m talking about and while I can’t fully grasp who it is that is setting their sights on you, I can FEEL that they’re not someone we can afford to ignore.. Whoever is after you, clearly isn’t someone to take lightly. This situation is dire and it’s dangerous, and it could very well cost you what you’re looking for, be it King of Elite, or perhaps another shot at winning a world championship…
(Theron Nikolas sighs, not really in the mood to be having a conversation like this and he pulls his hand away from Natasha. She sits back in her chair, trying not to look hurt by this, and schools her features into a look of neutrality. This is not the moment for him to have this conversation. This could wait because his focus is on defeating Daryl Kinkade and advancing to the next round of the King of Elite tournament. He rises up from his steel chair, and looks down at Natasha Agnello, who still remains sitting at the steel chair. Theron gives a bit calmer demeanor, understanding that it’s good that Natasha has her concerns, but he has other things in his mind to deal with.)
Theron Nikolas: I understand this, Natasha, but I’m not going to live in fear when I’ve been given the opportunity to do much more. I have been given the one opportunity to do what only one person in EAW history has become and that’s winning a second King of Elite crown…
(Theron Nikolas grabs his trademark leather jacket that was placed on one of the tables. He slides the jacket on, before looking back at Natasha Agnello.)
Theron Nikolas: And, I’m not letting that opportunity go to waste. This tournament is important to me and if it will calm your nerves a bit for now, I’ll make sure to keep my head on a swivel. I’m not going to let ANYONE stand between me and winning that crown. King of Elite is where it all truly started for me, and it just seems fitting that once again I find myself in this tournament. Perhaps this is what we’ve been working towards all along. All the ups and the downs, and the fact I let the Hardcore Championship go. It’s all brought me here.
(Theron rakes a hand through his hair and shrugs.)
Theron Nikolas: Destiny is a funny thing. I’m not going to let anyone take mine away.
(Theron Nikolas walks away, heading to the ring. Natasha Agnello rises up from the steel chair. Obviously, her attempt at trying to get through Theron has failed. The person in her visions remains a mystery and the ending result with Theron laying in a pool of his own blood is something that continues to haunt her. )
Natasha Agnello: (whispering) Oh Theron…
(Theron Nikolas is completely gone. The last shot is of Natasha looking in the direction Theron left in, giving a head shake about the possibilities that could happen. The segment fades into a commercial break.)
(Commercial for King of Elite, promoting the triple threat match between Sheridan Müller, Harper Lee and Madison Kaline.)
(“Show Me Your God” by Amity Affliction hits, as the crowd gets loud for the arrival of Theron Nikolas and his manager, Natasha Agnello. The two step out after just speaking with one another before this matchup. Theron looks determined and focused on winning this match, as he keeps a straight face throughout his walk to the ring.
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A KING OF ELITE FIRST ROUND MATCH SET FOR!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: Introducing first!!! From Edmunton, Alberta, Canada!!! Weighing 224 pounds!!! He’s accompanied by Natasha Agnello!!! HE IS GHOST!!!! THERON NIKOLAS!!!!
James Peters: And here comes Theron who has made it known that he wants to be a two time King of Elite winner. To do it once is impressive, but twice?! That’s a whole different level of legendary.
Rich Russillo: But first he has to get through the first round, and his opponent is no slouch whatsoever.
(“Kamikaze” by Redhook hits, as the crowd gives a loud mixed reaction with more cheers than boos. Daryl Kinkade steps out onto the stage, and stares right at Theron from across the arena. The two have had quite the history with one another, and today marks another chapter for then as the face off in this first round matchup.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent!! From Norwich, England!! Weighing 225 pounds!!! THE KINK OF ELITE!!! DARYL KINKADE!!!!
Rich Russillo: The Kink of Elite is now trying to become the King of Elite! This is another highly competitive first round matchup that I am looking forward to calling.
Persephone: Yeah, these are two guys who I would expect to make a deep run in this tournament, but here they are fighting in round one!!
James Peters: This is going to be good!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell and now this match is underway. Theron Nikolas and Daryl Kinkade are no strangers to one another. These guys have seen each other in the past, and just recently fought each other for another accolade in the Hardcore Championship not too long ago at the Christmas Show.
James Peters: Neither one of these guys won the Hardcore title, but tonight they have the opportunity to get one step closer to being King of Elite.
Rich Russillo: Someone like Theron Nikolas is going to be a tough match for Daryl since Theron has already won a King of Elite tournament before. That type of experience goes a long way in a tournament like this one, but you never know what could happen. Daryl has proven himself to be amongst Voltage’s top stars this season, so it’s really anyone’s game.
Persephone: And as neutral as we are about how this is going to play out, it goes hand in hand with how this match is starting. Both of these men are circling around in the center of the ring and mirroring one another until they both tie up with each other here in the early moments of this match!!!
James Peters: This right here is a test of strength to see who is stronger, but it looks like we’re hitting a stalemate between both guys!!!
Rich Russillo: Neither guy is getting the upper hand over the other, and that’s just an example of how tough and competitive this match up is!
Persephone: It looks like Daryl is starting to budge now, as Theron begins pushing him back a few steps! Daryl pushes back harder-
James Peters: BUT THERON STOPS PUSHING, AND RAISES HIS KNEE UP SO THAT DARYL COULD RUN RIGHT INTO IT!!!! THAT KNEE JUST DROVE DEEP INTO THE STOMACH OF KINKADE, AND NOW IT’S NIKOLAS WHO IS IN CONTROL OF THIS MATCH!!!
Rich Russillo: Daryl is clutching at his stomach in pain!!! But that doesn’t stop Theron from delivering yet another strong knee strike!!! Daryl gasps for air after that one, but immediately gets kicked right in the ribs by Theron!!! Nikolas now grabs Daryl and looks to be going for a Reverse STO!!!
Persephone: BUT IT’S DARYL WITH A BACK ELBOW TO THE HEAD OF THERON NIKOLAS!! ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!!!!
James Peters: Theron’s head must be ringing right now, because he releases his grip on Daryl in order to tend to the side of his head. He clutches his ear and jaw, as he walks away from Daryl!!
Rich Russillo: But Daryl isn’t letting Nikolas get away!!! Kick to the stomach by Dary Kinkade!! He pulls Theron in, and lifts him high in the air!! SNAP SUPLEX!!!! Theron crashes down onto the mat hard
James Peters: That’s not all for Theron Nikolas though!! He pops back up to his feet quickly and meets Daryl with a knee to the sternum!!! Daryl takes a step back and grabs at his chest in pain!!!
Persephone: And right on the attack, it’s Theron Nikolas with.. AN ENZIGURI KICK!!!
James Peters: No!! Daryl ducks the leg, as Theron lands in front of him!! Nikolas quickly works up to his feet, but from behind, it’s Daryl who wraps his arms around Nikolas and.. BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX!!!!!
Rich Russillo: AND IT NOT ONLY CONNECTS, BUT IT ALSO CONNECTS WITH DARYL SENDING THERON INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!! WOW WHAT A MOVE BY KINKADE!!!!
Persephone: Nikolas is surely going to feel that in the morning.
James Peters: That is exactly right, Persephone. Daryl Kinkade really put everything into that suplex knowing that the corner was right behind him. He isn’t just fighting this match to win.. He’s fighting this match to one day call himself the King of Elite.
Rich Russillo: And you know what? To be the man, you have to beat the man, and since Theron has already been King of Elite this is the perfect test for someone like Daryl Kinkade. This is the perfect opportunity for him to see if he has what it takes to truly be the King of Elite this year. To knock off a former winner would be a huge boot to his momentum moving forward.
James Peters: Theron Nikolas is hurt and leaning against the corner turnbuckles right now. He’s breathing heavily, and lifts his head..
Rich Russillo: LOOK!! IT’S DARYL KINKADE!! HE MADE HIS WAY OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING AND IS NOW CHARGING AT FULL SPEED TOWARDS THERON!!!! RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT BY DARYL KINKADE!!!!!
Persephone: IT CONNECTS AND SNAPS THERON’S HEAD BACK!!! Nikolas is surely rattled after that one, as Daryl finds himself in the driver’s seat now!!!
Rich Russillo: Daryl has Theron Nikolas limp in the corner. Nikolas is out of it right now, but that doesn’t stop Kinkade from throwing some strong knee strikes and forearms onto him!!!
James Peters: This is what I like to see. I like when an Elitist can really pressure their opponents by keeping the offense and attacks constantly going. When there is something as great as the King of Elite on the line, there is no time to hesitate! You need to keep pushing and working to keep you opponent down.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, the second you let up, your opponent may find that window of opportunity to come back and take what you’ve worked so long and hard for. This is the King of Elite. There’s no time to waste. No time to hold back.. And that’s what Daryl Kinkade is bringing to the table right now!! He’s proving that he can bring it to anyone in this tournament right now!!!
Persephone: Daryl Kinkade grabs Theron from out of the corner now, and wraps his arms around his head. He places him in an inverted facelock before… BEFORE LIFTING THERON UP AND SLAMMING HIS HEAD RIGHT INTO THE MAT WITH A LIFTING REVERSE DDT!!!! WOW WHAT A MOVE BY DARYL WHO DROPS DOWN FOR THE PIN!!! CAN HE WIN IT HERE AND KNOCK OFF THERON NIKOLAS IN ROUND ONE?!?!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHH-
James Peters: And there’s the kick out by Theron Nikolas. We all have to remember that this man Theron Nikolas is an absolute legend who has shown time and time again that it is going to take way more than that to put him away. Daryl has done a great job controlling this match, but the early pin attempt was not going to be enough to put away someone as seasoned as Theron Nikolas.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, Theron was never going to go out that easily. It’s simply not in his DNA to lose this early into a match. He wants this more than anything. He spoke to Natasha about being a 2 time King of Elite earlier tonight, but he can’t accomplish that if he doesn’t get past the first round.
Persephone: Speaking of Natasha, you can see the sigh of relief on her face when Theron kicked out. Obviously we have stated how Theron would never let himself get pinned so early, but being his manager and witnessing what’s going on in that ring, it’s easy to freak out in situations like that, because you never actually know if the kickout will occur. Luckily for her and Theron, it did.
James Peters: Well, here comes Daryl Kinkade grabbing Theron from off of the ground. He throws a hard forearm strike, then follows that up with a kick to the stomach!!! That kick sends Theron back towards the side ropes.
Rich Russillo: And now it’s Daryl who turns around and runs towards the side ropes!! He rebounds back towards Theron Nikolas…
James Peters: BUT IT’S THERON NIKOLAS WHO BACK BODY DROPS DARYL OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING!!!!
Persephone: Wait no!!! Look!!! Daryl Kinkade grabbed a hold of the top rope as he was getting launched, and he managed to land on the ring apron!!!! Theron Nikolas has absolutely no idea, as he slowly turns around…
Rich Russillo: AND IT’S A FOREARM TO THE FACE BY DARYL!!!! THERON STAGGERS BACK BUT RESPONDS WITH A FOREARM OF HIS OWN THAT NEARLY KNOCKS DARYL OFF OF THE RING APRON!!!!
James Peters: But Daryl lowers his level now, then pulls on the ropes to shoot his shoulder right through the ropes and into Theron’s midsection!!!!
Rich Russillo: That shot alone forced Theron to hunch over and aid his abdomen!!! However, Theron sees Daryl still between the ropes, and.. HE POPS UP TO BLAST DARYL WITH A KNEE RIGHT IN THE FACE!!!!
Persephone: Kinkade nearly falls to ringside, but stays hanging onto the top rope!! Nikolas sees this, takes a step back.. THEN CHARGES AT KINKADE WITH A RUNNING LARIAT!!!!!
James Peters: NO!!!!! DARYL KINKADE PULLS DOWN ON THE ROPES, AS THERON NIKOLAS FALLS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND CRASHES DOWN ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!!!
Rich Russillo: Theron over shot that one, and it really likes Daryl Kinkade came to play!!!
James Peters: Yeah, we questioned Daryl at the start of the match. Obviously, Theron has already won a King of Elite, so we knew he had it in him, but the way Daryl has taken it to Theron tonight is very eye opening!! The second that Daryl found his opening, he hasn’t let up, and instead has only gone harder. This is exactly how you want to face someone like Theron. You don’t want him to get in a groove, and the best way to prevent that is to keep the match in your favor. All of the momentum is on his side, and you can tell that he thinks that he can do just about anything to Theron right now after how this match has started.
Persephone: On the outside, it’s Theron Nikolas who slowly gets up onto his hands and knees. He looks up at Daryl, and you can see the frustration on Nikolas’ face. He can’t believe how this match has started, and intends on making things turn around soon. But the pain he is going through right now to even get up is nearly unbearable! He works up to a knee, then up to his feet…
James Peters: BUT FROM INSIDE OF THE RING IT’S DARYL KINKADE WITH THE SASUKE SPECIAL!!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!! THERON STEPS OUT OF THE WAY, AS DARYL KINKADE CRASHES AND BURNS!!!! Daryl Kinkade is in so much pain right now after that landing, and that brings a smile on Theron’s face. The momentum is beginning to shift to his side after a singular failed attempt by Daryl, and that is not a good thing for Kinkade if he plans on winning tonight, because once the ball gets rolling for Theron, it’s hard to slow him down!
Persephone: Daryl Kinkade is doing all that he can to work up to his feet just to prevent Theron from really gaining too much momentum, but Theron Nikolas is already seeing his opening and chance!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, now that Theron has Kinkade slowed down, he isn’t going to hold back. Theron rushes towards Kinkade, grabs him, then.. REVERSE STO!!!!!!! THERON SLAMS KINKADE RIGHT INTO THE THINLY PADDED RINGSIDE FLOOR!!!!
James Peters: BUT THAT’S NOT ALL BECAUSE THERON NIKOLAS TRANSITIONS INTO A… DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX THAT CRASHES DARYL BACK AGAINST THE BARRIER THAT SEPARATES THE CROWD FROM RINGSIDE!!!
Rich Russillo: In a way I want to believe that was Theron’s get back for getting slammed against the turnbuckles earlier tonight. However, getting slammed into the barricade is much worse. Yeah there is padding, but barely any. You can still feel the steel when crashing into the barrier, and that Suplex by Theron is no different. Daryl is surely in pain and probably has a million things racing in his head as he tries to figure out how to get himself into a better situation!!!
Referee: One.. Two.. Three..
James Peters: The referee is about to be at a count of four, as Theron grabs Daryl, and brings him back to his feet. He shoves Daryl back, as Daryl crashes and leans up against the barricade.
Rich Russillo: Theron backs away, and.. WAIT NO HE CHARGES BACK AT DARYL WITH THE HEADHUNTER!!!! BUSAIKU KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE BY THERON NIKOLAS!!! WOW THAT ONE BLASTED DARYL RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE, AND HAS SENT HIM STRAIGHT DOWN TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!! WOW WHAT A SHOT BY THERON!!!!!
Referee: Four.. Five.. Six…
James Peters: And now Theron Nikolas rises up to his feet. He looks down at Daryl, then instantly slides himself into the ring. Daryl remains in the outside, as he slowly turns onto his hands and knees.
Referee: Seven.. Eight…
Rich Russillo: And from here, if Theron wants to just win this match by count out, he can. It wouldn’t be a dumb decision either since it would count as a victory and still send him to the second round.
James Peters: Yeah, but you can’t count Daryl out so easily. Kinkade realizes the referee’s count is so high, and begins working his way up to his feet!!
Referee: Nine…
Persephone: Daryl is now up to his feet and rushes towards the ring!!!
Referee: Te-
James Peters: NO!!! DARYL BEATS THE RING OUT COUNT, AND RISES TO HIS FEET HERE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE!!!!!
Rich Russillo: SPEAR!!!! SPEAR BY THERON NIKOLAS!!!! WHAT A MOVE BY GHOST AS HE NEARLY SPLIT DARYL KINKADE IN HALF!!!!
James Peters: You can’t tell me that Theron didn’t plan that all out! He knew that if there was any possible way for Daryl to get back into the ring, it would be at the last second, and he would be right there waiting for Daryl with the spear!! That is textbook strategy by a veteran for sure!!!
Persephone: Yeah, and not only that, I think Theron is trying to put this one away, as he hooks the leg and drives Daryl’s shoulders down for the pin!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: NO!!!! DARYL WITH THE KICKOUT!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Don’t ever question the heart of this man Daryl Kinkade. This man has fought through hell and back many times in his career. He got his first taste of the world championship scene after years of being an Elitist. He’s failed to capture the title, but with that added experience, he doesn’t want just a taste of this type of competition!! He wants it all!!! He wants to finally come out on top, and no matter how much pain and punishment he goes through, he will do everything he can to kick out or break out of a pin or submission!!
Persephone: Theron now begins delivering knee strikes to the side of Daryl’s downed body. Over and over again he rains these knees in order to wear down his opponent.
James Peters: Theron continues with the knee strikes then eventually rises back up to his feet. He backs away from Daryl’s body, as he watches his opponent struggle to get up. Daryl eventually works up to his hands and knees, then slowly forces his way up to his feet..
Rich Russillo: TOUCH OF HEROINE!!! RAINMAKER LARIAT BY THERON NIKOLAS!!!!!
James Peters: NO!!!! CATCH 22!!!!! DARYL JUST CAUGHT THERON’S ARM, BROUGHT HIM DOWN TO THE MAT, AND IS NOW ATTEMPTING TO PUT THIS ONE AWAY WITH THE CATCH 22!!! THE BRIDGING FUJIWARA ARMBAR HAS THERON SCREAMING IN PAIN!!!!
Persephone: I’m not going to lie, I THINK HE’S GOING TO TAP!!!
Rich Russillo: We talk about how these guys will go through the pain in order to come out victorious. Their resilience and durability!!! But lets talk about how they are initiating the pain!!! Daryl is literally trying to rip Theron’s arm out of it’s socket!!! BUT THAT’S WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO TO GET THERON TO QUIT!!!!
James Peters: The stress on Theron’s face! His body wants to tap out!! We all know it does!! Theron reaches out for the ropes, but he’s too far!!! He bites his lip to focus elsewhere, but even then, the armbar is so unbearable!!!
Persephone: Theron looks out and sees Natasha yelling for him not to quit!!! Theron shakes his head, and forcibly crawls his way towards the ropes!!! Natasha rooting him on, and telling him to scoot towards her!!!
Rich Russillo: Theron is doing everything that he can to get to those ropes, and… HE’S GOT THEM!!! THERON GRABS THE ROPE WITH HIS FREE HAND, AS DARYL HAS TO RELEASE THE ARM BAR!!!!
James Peters: Wow!! That was insane, but it is not over yet! Daryl is exhausted. He looks over and sees Theron who is clutching at his arm in pain. Kinkade grabs Theron by the head, pulls him to his feet, and hooks the head.
Rich Russillo: A BEAUTIFUL LIE!!!!! CROSS LEGGED FISHERMAN’S BUSTER BY DARYL KINKADE!!!!!
Persephone: NO!!!! THERON KICKS AND SLIPS OUT OF THE BACK BEHIND DARYL!!!!!
James Peters: Daryl quickly turns around..
Rich Russillo: CARPE DIEM OUT OF NOWHERE BY THERON NIKOLAS!!!! DARYL CRASHES DOWN TO THE MAT IS UNCONSCIOUS!!!’ THERON HOOKS THE LEG!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Show Me Your God” by Amity Affliction hits, as the crowd gives a loud reaction for Theron’s victory. Nikolas rises up to his feet where he is met by the referee and Natasha Agnello who both raise his arms in the air. Theron falls back against the turnbuckles, as he is exhausted as ever after such a tough fight with Daryl Kinkade.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER!!! THERON NIKOLAS!!!!!!
James Peters: Wow what a match between these two Elitists. They gave it their all, and we can clearly see that based on how exhausted these two both look after such a brilliant match!!
Rich Russillo: And with that, it’s Theron Nikolas who advances on to the second round! This was yet another wild first round match. Competitive as ever, but in the end only one could win!
James Peters: Makes me even more excited for what Voltage has in store for round 2!!
(The screen shows Natasha Agnello helping Theron Nikolas walk up the entrance ramp. Eventually, the screen fades elsewhere.)
(Commercial for Sonic Frontiers featuring Jay Jerry Johnson. Play the first good 3D Sonic game in over a decade!)
(Voltage returns to ringside before the camera fades to the stage. After a few seconds, ‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer hits, causing an explosion of boos to come from the crowd. As usual this entrance music receives extremely loud boos, but as Drake King begins to walk out to the stage, he actually has a grin on his face. Along with this Drake has a microphone in his hand, making it apparent that he has something he wants to say, likely regarding his match against Myles last week which was a first round match for the King of Elite tournament.)
James Peters: Drake King is out here, and honestly I’m not even sure why he has a smile on his face. In his last match he did “defeat” Myles and move forward in the King of Elite tournament, but what happened that night could barely even be considered a victory seeing what happened. Myles had the match won, Drake was just lucky that the referee was out and even then Myles had the rope break!
Rich Russillo: You’re completely right, but Drake King might honestly be the last person to care what went down despite him being the one actually in the match! Judging by that grin on his face, things must have gone exactly how he wanted them to.
Persephone: It’s a shame the referee couldn’t have stayed down for longer so they could keep wrestling! That match was just so good it never should have ended!
(The fans continue to boo as Drake walks up the steel steps and onto the ring apron. Drake still has a smile on his face despite their boos, and he steps into the ring. Not caring about the reaction, Drake starts to speak right away.)
Drake King: I can see it now. I can see the end of this tournament, and do you want to know what I see? I see a bunch of missed opportunities. I see a bunch of failures, all coming from people who “needed” this. I see a bunch of setbacks and roadblocks for people who that crown “belonged to”. I see losses coming up for each and every single person standing in my way whether they’re on the Voltage roster or fighting for Dynasty and Showdown’s spot in the finals. It’s actually funny. There’s so many people on the EAW roster fighting for the same exact thing right now. So many of you want the exact same opportunity. The exact same reward. The exact same piece of validation, as if going around calling yourself king for a single year will be enough to convince the world of what you previously couldn’t. You all want the opportunity to end the season as a World Champion and you want to use the King of Elite tournament as your path towards whichever title you choose to chase, and in the end NONE of you will succeed. Nobody’s getting what they want. Nobody’s winning this tournament. My first opponent already failed to live up to his words, and it won’t be long before the rest of you meet a similar fate.
(The boos grow even louder, knowing that the way Myles lost the match to Drake wasn’t fair at all, and that it should be Myles in his position right now. Drake continues to speak despite the louder boos.)
Drake King: I did what I promised last week whether anybody likes it or not. I said that I’d be taking Myles out of the King of Elite tournament and I did exactly that, didn’t I? Whatever oversight the referee may have made is not my problem at all, and it’s honestly very telling that the person receiving all this support throughout all this is the one that went and assaulted that referee just because he didn’t get the result that he wanted. Didn’t I warn you guys that this would happen? I’m pretty sure I did. In fact, the entire “BoycottKOE” movement two years ago happened because I knew stuff like this would happen once people stopped getting their way. Myles spent ONE match with the odds stacked against him rather than me and that was enough to force a childish tantrum out of him that ended with the referee being laid out. That’s exactly the kind of childish behavior that I tried to stop you guys from falling into yet I was vilified for it. It’s a shame but there’s not really anything I could do about it. You all wanted the King of Elite tournament to stay. The EAW roster wanted the King of Elite tournament to stay, well here it is! The tournament is still here, and now Myles has been eliminated. He wasn’t the first, and he’s far from the last. You all have a long tournament ahead of you, because what happened last week is going to keep happening week after week until this awful tournament is finally over. Every single Elitist you’re hoping to see succeed is going to end this tournament with potential World Championship opportunities out of reach, and the last one standing will be the one Elitist that couldn’t care less about any of this.
(The boos grow even louder than before, and all of the fans in the arena are clearly angry at Drake, even more than before after hearing Drake’s response to what happened in the match against Myles. They can obviously see that what happened was unfair but Drake could not care less. Drake stops for a bit as the boos continue, and he just doesn’t look impressed at all seeing the hatred coming from the crowd. He waits for a little while but they never quiet down, forcing him to continue speaking regardless of the boos.)
Drake King: How many people in this tournament actually deserve to be here? The majority of the people in it just competed in major matches a few weeks ago, whether it has been an Elimination Chamber or the Extreme Enigma Memorial Match. Most of the people in this tournament already knows what it’s like to have an opportunity and a good portion of the remaining Elitists are so new to this company that they haven’t even had the chance to compete at a marquee event, so how could we possibly sit here and pretend that anybody “deserves” anything? Who actually needs this? All of the former World Champions in the tournament? All of the multiple time Champions that had all the time in the world to win “the big one”? The 24/7 Contract Holder that could literally go and win a Championship this very moment if he wanted to? It surely can’t be the people who’ve had less than five matches in this place, so I’m really not too sure how anybody could sit here and pretend that they’re entitled to *anything* let alone victory that gives you nothing more than a chance to hold another belt. Nobody is competing in this tournament because they need to. They’re in this tournament because they want either another accolade to add to the collection or their first shot at making a name for themselves, and I’m not having that. Myles was only the first round. There’s still many more matches to go before this tournament is over and I’m telling you all right now that I’m going to keep winning. I’m going to keep taking names out of this tournament and I’m going to keep eliminating the chances of one of you parasites ending the tournament with the opportunity to become a World Champion. That’s what you all asked for when you stood against me two years ago. You asked for the opportunity to fail, and now here it is, the opportunity you fought for. In the coming weeks you’ll be getting exactly what you wanted.
Drake King: Understand this, I returned to this place with only one goal, and that was to destroy this industry. Nothing is going to stop me from doing that, so if becoming “King Drake King” is what I have to do to come one step closer to this industry’s demise then I’ll do it. Whatever’s necessary to bring this place down, because that’s the only possible change I could make to an industry as cruel as this. An industry full of people who think tournaments like this are actually beneficial despite things like what happened last week. An industry full of people who’ll justify their greed all for the sake of getting what they want while looking good to the thousands of people in attendance. The wrestling industry is the very bottom of the barrel when it comes to this planet, and this King of Elite tournament was made to glorify the very people that made this industry so awful. Just look at the past few winners. Andre Walker, Kassidy Heart, the Visual Prophet, Malcolm Jones, Theron Nikolas… the further you go the worse the list gets. I won’t be boycotting the tournament this time around, because I know better than to assume even a single one of you would listen to a word that I have to say. Instead, I’m going to take the King of Elite tournament for myself. I’m going to be the one that decides what to do with that crown, because I’ve had enough of watching how this company’s “progressed” in the past few years. I’ve had enough of the frustrating decisions that are made month after month all for the same purpose. I’ve had enough with allowing greed to dictate what happens to this industry, and if you all refuse to let me help you I’m going to take away everything you love about this place, starting with the tournament that annually headlines one of the biggest events of the year. I’ve seen just how much importance you all give this tournament. I know just how much the EAW roster values an opportunity like this, though it’d be hard to miss seeing how every winner makes it their personality for an entire year. I can promise you this, we won’t be dealing with that this year. This isn’t about the crown for me. All becoming King of Elite means to me is another loss for the rest of you.
(Drake stops speaking, and the boos continue just as they have ever since he first walked out. The fans are obviously unhappy with all he’s had to say and they continue to show that, but Drake seems to be done for good this time around as he turns towards the stage and begins to make his way out of the ring. ‘Cold War’ starts to play once more, but the music is not heard very well as the fans boos are that much louder.)
James Peters: Well I think Drake said everything we needed to hear. Just as expected he doesn’t feel bad in the slightest for what happened last week, and he’s still going on about trying to destroy the industry! I guess he’s not going to be giving up on that goal anytime soon, even after failing to dethrone Minerva for the EAW World Championship back at Road to Redemption.
Rich Russillo: I have to say though, with what we heard from Drake tonight I think it’s clear that he’ll do whatever he thinks is necessary to win. Usually that means he’s up to no good, and seeing how he won last week I don’t think things will be any different this time around. We definitely have to watch out for Drake.
Persephone: Well I hope that his next King of Elite match is as exciting as his first! Hopefully they have an even longer match than the first round! That’d sure be fun!
(‘Cold War’ continues to play, and Drake walks down the steel steps before beginning to walk back up the ramp. The crowd showers him with boos, all of which are ignored as Drake makes his way to the back. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside and goes to commercial break.)
(Voltage fades to a commercial promoting the King of Elite tournament, showing the bracket for the second round.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, where Bella Braxton is seen holding a microphone in her hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a TAG TEAM MATCH, SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!
(‘Pinky! Pinky!’ by The Idol Formerly Known as LADYBABY hits, and the crowd explodes with cheers for the Ice Aces. Before long, Ayu Megumi and the Specialists Champion ARIA begin to make their way out, and they both look prepared for what’ll undoubtedly be a major match for them. They have smiles on their faces on the stage, but as they make their way down the ramp they put on more focused looks as they prepare to face off against a pair of former World Champions, one of those opponents currently holding the EAW World Championship.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… At a combined weight of 225 pounds…. THE TEAM OF AYU MEGUMI AND THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION ARIA, THE ICE ACES!!!!!
James Peters: We don’t usually see ARIA and Ayu Megumi team up with ARIA usually being more in singles competition, but tonight is going to be an exception as these two look to take down the EAW World Champion and a former World Champion!
Rich Russillo: I’m sure both the team of Xander Payne and Ryan Wilson and Lexi will be looking at this match. The Ice Aces could very well pull off an upset tonight, especially knowing what’s to come for their opponents!
(After the Ice Aces make their way to ringside, ‘Manifest’ by Starset hits. This is a theme that has not been used for a very long time, but it is immediately recognized as soon as it hits, causing extremely loud cheers to come from the crowd as Myles and the EAW World Champion Minerva walk out alongside each other. Minerva holds her title up on the stage, meanwhile Myles has a focused look on his face, seemingly looking to put his focus on the upcoming match rather than what happened in the King of Elite tournament or his upcoming match against Minerva. Before long, Minerva and Myles begin walking down the ramp, staring directly at their opponents.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents… At a combined weight of 337 pounds… MYLES AND THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION MINERVA, MASOCHISTXMANIFEST!!!!
James Peters: MASOCHISTxMANIFEST is the team name of Myles and Minerva, dating back way before New Eden, but tonight things are different. They’ll be facing each other for the EAW World Championship soon and they know this, but their bond goes beyond wrestling. I don’t think that will get to them.
Rich Russillo: You might be right. Either way, this should definitely be an interesting match, as despite their bond Myles and Minerva don’t actually team up very often. This match could potentially go either way, and I look forward to seeing how it ends.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: HERE WE GO! Myles and ARIA are starting this match, and the two Elitists lock up! Myles quickly powers ARIA to the ropes though, AND HE DELIVERS A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION BEFORE PUTTING ARIA IN A HEADLOCK! Myles was smart there too, moving away from the ropes as soon as he applied the headlock! ARIA is stuck in that hold now, OR NOT! ARIA STARTS RUNNING FORWARD, CAUSING HER AND MYLES TO COLLIDE WITH THE OPPOSITE PAIR OF ROPES! Myles bounces off of them, AND NOW ARIA LOOKS FOR A DROPKICK- BUT MYLES PUSHES THE LEGS AWAY!
Rich Russillo: YEAH, AND HE QUICKLY TRIES TO FOLLOW IT UP WITH A KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! ARIA was fast enough to avoid it and now she tries to sweep the legs, but Myles jumps over the arm before kicking ARIA in the jaw! Myles is a lot more aggressive already which likely has to do with everything that went down recently! Myles now pulling ARIA up into a front facelock, BUT ARIA PUNCHES MYLES IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE TAKING HIM TO THE MAT WITH A DROP TOE HOLD! ARIA with a very smart counter, AND NOW SHE RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE LOOKING FOR A DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Persephone: DOESN’T CONNECT! MYLES MOVED OUT OF THE WAY, AND NOW HE DEADLIFTS ARIA UP INTO A POWERBOMB POSITION! ARIA STARTS PUNCHING AT MYLES THOUGH, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHE DOESN’T PLAN TO GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT! ARIA manages to slip down Myles’ back with a sunset flip roll up, but Myles kicks out before the referee could even drop down to count the pin! Myles gets back up and tries to kick ARIA in the face, but ARIA avoids it before rolling back up to her feet!
James Peters: ARIA charges at Myles, BUT MYLES POPS ARIA ONTO HIS SHOULDERS INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY! MYLES POTENTIALLY LOOKING FOR A SAMOAN DROP, BUT ARIA STARTS RAPIDLY ELBOWING HIM IN THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD, FORCING HIM TO LET GO OF HER! ARIA NOW CONNECTING WITH AN ENZUIGIRI THAT CAUSES MYLES TO STUMBLE! ARIA grabs Myles by the arm now and attempts to pull him towards the Ice Aces’ corner to tag Ayu in, BUT MYLES IS ABLE TO REGAIN HIS STRENGTH QUICK ENOUGH TO PULL ARIA IN FOR A SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE!
Rich Russillo: Now it’s Myles dragging ARIA to his corner, and he tags in the EAW World Champion, who’s both his future wife and his opponent at King of Elite! Minerva now entering the ring as ARIA tries to catch her breath and prepare for her second Champion versus Champion clash in two weeks, BUT BEFORE SHE COULD GET BACK TO HER FEET MINERVA GRABS HER AND KNEES HER IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Minerva now pulling ARIA up, AND SHE SLAMS THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION’S FACE INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE BEFORE KICKING HER IN THE MIDSECTION! Minerva is in full control right now, this is exactly why she’s undefeated this season!
Persephone: Minerva now pulling ARIA into a front facelock before lifting her up in a suplex position, but ARIA slips down onto her feet behind Minerva before shoving her away! Minerva now turning around, AND ARIA DELIVERS A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE THAT DROPS MINERVA TO A KNEE! ARIA now grabbing the arms, AND SHE HITS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION WITH A KAMIGOYE!!! ARIA now backpedaling to her corner before tagging Ayu Megumi in, AND AS SOON AS MINERVA GETS BACK UP ARIA GRABS HER BEFORE DELIVERING AN ATOMIC DROP! ARIA holds Minerva in place as Ayu runs the ropes, AND THERE’S THE EUROPEAN UPPERCUT-
James Peters: WAIT NO! MINERVA GOT BOTH ARMS UP AND BLOCKED IT AT THE LAST SECOND! Minerva kicks ARIA in the midsection to push her away, AND NOW AYU SWINGS AT MINERVA, BUT MINERVA DUCKS UNDER BEFORE SPINNING AROUND AND DROPPING AYU WITH A CLOTHESLINE! Right now MASOCHISTxMANIFEST has basically dominated the match, but that’s to be expected nowadays, isn’t it? This isn’t the same team that joined forces in 2020, this is the current and the previous EAW World Champion, the ONLY two competitors to hold that title in 2022.
Rich Russillo: Minerva grabs Ayu and pulls her up, BUT AYU CONNECTS WITH A FOREARM SHOT BEFORE SPINNING AND HITTING MINERVA WITH A SPINNING BACK ELBOW! That caught the Champion off guard, and Ayu is quick to follow it up with a kick to the leg, dropping Minerva to a knee! Ayu backpedals into the ropes, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A SHINING WIZARD, WOW!!! AYU CATCHING MINERVA OFF GUARD WITH THAT COMBINATION OUT OF NOWHERE, AND NOW SHE GOES FOR THE COVER HOOKING THE LEGS!
ONE!
T-
Rich Russillo: It’ll take more than that to put the match away though, as Minerva just kicked out before two!
Persephone: Ayu gets back up and pulls Minerva to the Ice Aces’ corner, and now there’s another tag made! Ayu holds Minerva up, AND ARIA DELIVERS A CHOP! AYU NOW WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION, AND ARIA KICKS MINERVA IN THE KNEE BEFORE PULLING HER INTO A FRONT FACELOCK! Minerva starts repeatedly punching ARIA in the midsection though as soon as Ayu left to the ring apron, and Minerva pushes ARIA away before stumbling back into an empty corner! ARIA runs in- BUT SHE’S MET WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
James Peters: Minerva now sweeping the leg, AND MINERVA TRIES TO STOMP ON ARIA BUT ARIA ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! The Ice Aces starting to play it smart as they rely on their tag team offense to get the better of Minerva, who by this point has already been in the match longer than Myles and has been forced to receive more punishment! ARIA grabs Minerva by the leg as soon as Minerva went for a kick, AND NOW ARIA SPINS MINERVA AROUND, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A SUPERKICK THAT SENDS MINERVA STUMBLING BACKWARDS!
(*TAG!*)
Rich Russillo: ARIA now running in as she sees Minerva in the corner, BUT MINERVA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY, CAUSING ARIA TO COLLIDE WITH THE TURNBUCKLES! ARIA stumbles a bit, AND THIS ALLOWS MYLES TO CONNECT WITH A ROPE ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! It looks like Myles tagged himself in when Minerva fell into the corner, as Minerva just went out into the ring apron! Myles now entering the ring, AND HE RUNS IN BEFORE GOING FOR A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE OF HIS OWN- WHICH ARIA IS ABLE TO JUST BARELY AVOID AS MYLES TURNS AROUND RIGHT INTO ANOTHER SUPERKICK!
Persephone: The Specialists Champion now has a similar problem to what Minerva had faced earlier as that tag caught her by surprise, but it looks like she intends to fight off both Minerva and Myles! ARIA grabs Myles before running up the turnbuckles, AND SHE GOES FOR A TORNADO- NO! MYLES PUSHES ARIA OFF JUST AS SHE JUMPED OFF THE TURNBUCKLES, AND ARIA JUST LANDED ON HER FEET ON THE RING APRON! MYLES SWINGS AT ARIA, BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER BEFORE SENDING HER SHOULDER INTO MYLES’ MIDSECTION! ARIA now heading up to the top rope as she seems to have something planned!
James Peters: ARIA now, LOOKING FOR A DIVING CROSSBODY- BUT MYLES IS ABLE TO CATCH ARIA!!! MYLES CAUGHT ARIA OUT OF THE SKY AND IS NOW HOLDING HER IN HIS ARMS!! MYLES POPS ARIA INTO A SUPLEX POSITION- BUT THAT DOESN’T LAST LONG AS ARIA SLIPS BEHIND MYLES, THIS TIME CONNECTING WITH A FOREARM TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD AS MYLES STUMBLES TOWARDS THE ICE ACES’ CORNER! MYLES TURNS AS ARIA RUNS TOWARDS HIM- AND MYLES POPS ARIA UP ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! THAT’S CLOSE ENOUGH FOR THE TAG TO BE MADE THOUGH, AND ARIA TAGS AYU IN WHILE MYLES WAS LOOKING AWAY!
Rich Russillo: MYLES TURNS AROUND, AND ARIA DELIVERS A DIVING CLOTHESLINE AS AYU MEGUMI MAKES HER WAY TO THE TOP ROPE! DIVING KNEE DROP BY AYU!!!! INCREDIBLE COMBINATION BY THE ICE ACES AS AYU HOOKS MYLES’ LEGS!!!
ONE!
TWO-
Rich Russillo: NO, THAT STILL WASN’T ENOUGH AS MYLES KICKS OUT BEFORE TWO!!! Myles saves the match for him and Minerva, and now Ayu starts to slowly drag Myles up. I think Ayu is looking to tag ARIA back in- BUT MYLES QUICKLY GRABS AYU BEFORE HEADBUTTING HER, STOPPING HER FROM TAGGING ARIA IN!
Persephone: Myles dropped to a knee as he is still hurt, but that headbutt rocked Ayu and now ARIA can’t even reach her to tag herself in! Myles uses the ropes to pull himself up, holding onto Ayu’s arm to pull her further from ARIA! Myles now trying to trap Ayu’s arm in the ropes, BUT AYU USES HER FREE ARM TO HIT MYLES WITH A FOREARM STRIKE! Myles stumbles back, but I think he’s got Ayu’s left arm stuck! She’s gonna have to take time to free it, TIME SHE DOESN’T HAVE AS MYLES RUNS IN AND DELIVERS A RUNNING KNEE!
James Peters: Myles takes some time to catch his breath. I wouldn’t say he’s exhausted, but he does need to recover from those back to back moves. Myles now trapping Ayu’s other arm in the ropes, and this is something people who are fans of Myles would be very familiar with! Myles now running the ropes, AND HE GOES FOR A SECOND KNEE- BUT AYU INTERCEPTS AS SHE BOOTS MYLES IN THE JAW! AYU NOW JUMPING UP, HITTING WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN ENZUIGIRI! That was very impressive with her arms trapped in the ropes, and now ARIA is going over to free her partner!
Rich Russillo: Ayu’s left arm is free, AND NOW SHE GOES TO HIT MYLES WITH THE LEFT HAND, BUT MYLES BLOCKS IT BEFORE KICKING AYU IN THE MIDSECTION! Myles sees ARIA freeing Ayu’s other arm, SO MYLES GOES TO KICK ARIA’S HAND! ARIA MOVED HER HANDS OUT OF INSTINCT, BUT THAT JUST ALLOWED MYLES TO KICK AYU IN THE RIGHT ARM! Ayu’s arm falls out of the ropes and she drops to a knee, AND NOW MYLES GRABS BOTH OF AYU’S ARMS BEFORE CONNECTING WITH HIS OWN VERSION OF THE KAMIGOYE!! MYLES NOW WITH A COVER, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ARIA!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
Persephone: Oh, Ayu kicked out. I’m not sure why ARIA didn’t try to break up the pin, though.
James Peters: It’s illegal. I’m sure it’s something they wouldn’t want to have to resort to, especially knowing that it risks disqualification.
Persephone: It risks disqualification? Now I really wish ARIA broke it up.. Just to try and save her partner of course, not that she needed saving since she kicked out and all, but you know. Good teamwork and all of that good stuff! I definitely don’t just want this match to end.
James Peters: Myles now dragging Ayu Megumi up, BUT AYU PUSHES MYLES AWAY BEFORE RUNNING IN AND HITTING HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! That was enough to push Myles back as the former EAW World Champion holds onto the ropes to stand, but Ayu is down on all fours and is having to push herself back to her feet! Ayu manages to get back up though, AND NOW SHE CHARGES IN BEFORE- BEFORE GETTING SENT FLYING OUT TO RINGSIDE! MYLES JUST DUCKED DOWN BEFORE LIFTING HER OVER HIS HEAD, BUT HE WAS ABLE TO LIFT HER HIGH ENOUGH TO STOP HER FROM GRABBING THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: Ayu Megumi slowly makes it to her feet, BUT MYLES ISN’T GIVING HER MUCH OF A CHANCE TO RECOVER! MYLES RUNS THE ROPES, AND NOW HE DIVES OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A TOPE CON HILO!!! MYLES JUST TOOK AYU OUT WITH AN INCREDIBLE TOPE CON HILO, AND NOW HE SENDS AYU BACK INTO THE RING BEFORE BEGINNING TO HEAD BACK UP TO THE TOP ROPE!!! Ayu is down and out inside of the ring, and it looks like Myles is planning to finish this match up with an aerial move! DIVING FROG SPLASH BY MYLES!!!!
James Peters: NO!!!! AYU MEGUMI JUST GOT THE KNEES UP!!!! AYU GOT THE KNEES UP AND MYLES LANDED RIGHT ON TOP OF THEM!!!! MYLES CRASHES ON AYU’S KNEES AND NOW BOTH LEGAL COMPETITORS ARE DOWN!! Both teams are on even ground as both Myles and Ayu desperately need to tag their partners in! The only question is, who’s gonna make it first!? Myles just landed right on top of Ayu’s knees, but Ayu also took her fair share of offense and had to resort to the knees because she couldn’t actually stand back up!
Rich Russillo: MYLES DIVES OUT AND MANAGES TO TAG IN MINERVA!! AYU DOES THE SAME- BUT MINERVA IS ABLE TO GRAB AYU’S LEG AND PULL HER JUST FAR ENOUGH FOR AYU’S HAND TO MISS ARIA’S!!! AYU FAILED TO MAKE THE TAG THANKS TO MINERVA, AND THAT’S THE LAST THING THE ICE ACES WANT AS MINERVA HAD TIME TO RECOVER! Ayu tries to spin around and deliver a step up enzuigiri, but Minerva ducks under the kick before kicking Ayu in the back of the head! Minerva now grabbing Ayu, THROWING HER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST, RIGHT IN THE CORNER OF MYLES AND MINERVA!
Persephone: Minerva goes after Ayu, BUT AYU LANDS A BACK ELBOW THAT STOPS MINERVA FROM POTENTIALLY GOING FOR A DOUBLE TEAM MOVE! Ayu slowly stumbles out of the corner using the ropes, AND MINERVA SWEEPS THE LEG! MINERVA NOW LOOKING FOR A KNEE DROP, BUT AYU ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE GETTING BACK TO HER FEET! Both women are back up, AND NOW AYU GOES FOR RYO NO IKARI- BUT MINERVA CATCHES THE LEG! MINERVA SPINS AYU AROUND, AND NOW THERE’S THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!! THE DEVIL’S TOUCH CONNECTS, AND NOW THERE’S THE COVER!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
James Peters: AYU MEGUMI SURVIVES!!!!! AYU MANAGED TO GET THE SHOULDER UP JUST BEFORE THREE, KEEPING THIS MATCH ALIVE!! Minerva just sits up, shaking her head as she now has to think of another way to close this match out! Minerva slowly starts pulling Ayu Megumi up, hitting her in the face with a forearm before pulling her into a front facelock. I think it’s pretty obvious exactly what Minerva is going for at this point in the match, and if it connects it might just be the end for the Ice Aces tonight! MINERVA LIFTS AYU FOR ATLAS FALLS-
Rich Russillo: NO! AYU KEPT HER WEIGHT DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO KEEP HERSELF DOWN ON HER FEET BEFORE HITTING MINERVA WITH A PUNCH TO THE MIDSECTION! Minerva was smart, letting go of the front facelock quickly before going for a roundhouse kick, BUT AYU DUCKED UNDER THAT BEFORE HITTING THE SACRED ARROW!!!!! THE SPINNING BACKFIST CONNECTS, AND NOW BOTH ELITISTS ARE DOWN AS AYU MEGUMI SLOWLY CRAWLS TOWARDS ARIA!!! AYU DIDN’T FALL ON TOP OF MINERVA AND DIDN’T HAVE THE ENERGY TO RISK GOING FOR A COVER, TAGGING IN HER PARTNER IS HER BEST BET RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: WELL, SHE MANAGED TO ACCOMPLISH EXACTLY THAT JUST NOW! ARIA HAS BEEN TAGGED IN, AND NOW SHE BEGINS TO HEAD UP TO THE TOP ROPE AS MINERVA IS STILL DOWN AND OUT THANKS TO THE SPINNING BACKFIST FROM AYU! ARIA is setting up for something big it looks like!
James Peters: SHE IS!!!! ARIA DIVES OFF THE TOP ROPE AND GOES FOR 2TF- BUT MINERVA ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!! MINERVA MANAGED TO AVOID THE SPIRAL TAP, AND NOW SHE USES THE ROPES TO PULL HERSELF UP BEFORE HITTING ARIA WITH A PENALTY KICK!! MINERVA WITH THE COMEBACK NOW!
Rich Russillo: Minerva seemingly fighting through the pain here as she begins to get fired up, and that’s the last thing ARIA wants as she stumbles into the corner! Minerva runs in, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, WHICH SHE FOLLOWS UP BY SENDING ARIA INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER! MINERVA NOW RUNNING IN- BUT ARIA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE RUNNING THE ROPES, AND CONNECTING WITH A BICYCLE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! ARIA sweeps the legs and drops Minerva to a seated position, AND NOW SHE RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER OF THE RING BEFORE CHARGING IN! CANNONBALL SENTON!
James Peters: MINERVA GETS OUT OF THE WAY!!!! MINERVA JUST AVOIDED THE CANNONBALL AS ARIA’S BACK HITS THE TURNBUCKLES! Both Elitists stumble back to their feet as ARIA charges at Minerva, BUT MINERVA DUCKS A STRIKE BEFORE GRABBING ARIA AND LOOKING FOR A SPINEBUSTER- WHICH ARIA IS ABLE TO PREVENT BY HITTING AN ELBOW TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! ARIA NOW SLIPPING BEHIND MINERVA, AND SHE LIFTS MINERVA UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX- BUT MINERVA CONNECTS WITH A BACK ELBOW THAT CAUSES ARIA TO LET GO! Minerva now with a kick to the midsection, AND SHE RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A SCISSOR KICK!
Rich Russillo: ARIA is down, and now Minerva rolls towards the ropes as she takes some time to recover. Minerva is slowly pulling herself up, and I think both she and Myles see this match coming to an end very soon. Will they get what they want though? That’s something we’ll just have to see as Minerva pulls ARIA up and starts to drag her towards the corner of MASOCHISTxMANIFEST. Minerva preparing to make the tag, BUT ARIA LANDS REPEATED PUNCHES TO THE MIDSECTION! MINERVA FINALLY LETS GO, AND ARIA QUICKLY GRABS MINERVA’S ARM BEFORE IRISH WHIPPING HER!
Persephone: Minerva holds onto the ropes to stop ARIA from catching her off the rebound, AND NOW MINERVA GOES FOR A BICYCLE KICK, BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE BOUNCING OFF THE ROPES HERSELF AND GOING FOR A CLAYMORE- NO! THE CLAYMORE KICK DOESN’T CONNECT, MINERVA MANAGED TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! Minerva now going after ARIA, BUT ARIA CATCHES MINERVA BY SURPRISE WITH A KIP UP HURRICANRANA!! What??? How did ARIA pull off something like that this late into the match!? She should be all worn out by now!
James Peters: It looks like ARIA used all her energy left on that, as she can barely even move right now! It took a bit for both women to stir, but Minerva is making a really smart choice! Instead of crawling towards Myles, she’s grabbing onto ARIA as she saw that she wanted a tag! Minerva is crawling over onto the Specialists Champion, AND MINERVA DROPS DOWN ONTO ARIA WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Great move by Minerva, who now turns ARIA around onto her back before beginning to deliver even more strikes to the face!
Rich Russillo: ARIA is having to block to try and defend herself from these strikes, but here’s the thing about matches like this! When you’re as beat up as these four Elitists are at this point, everything’s going to hurt! ARIA manages to push Minerva off of her before getting back up, and now ARIA swings at her, BUT MINERVA DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE SHOVING ARIA INTO THE CORNER OF MASOCHISTxMANIFEST!!! MINERVA RUNS IN AND ARIA GETS A BOOT UP- BUT MINERVA CAUGHT IT!!! MINERVA NOW WITH THE TAG TO MYLES, AND I THINK THESE TWO ARE LOOKING TO PUT THIS MATCH AWAY!!!
James Peters: Minerva pulls ARIA out of the corner before spinning her around, allowing Myles to kick her in the midsection! MYLES SETS UP FOR DE FACTO- BUT ARIA SLIPS DOWN MYLES’ BACK BEFORE SHOVING MYLES INTO MINERVA!!! MYLES IS CAUGHT BY SURPRISE, AND ARIA STUMBLES AWAY BEFORE DIVING TOWARDS HER CORNER, TAGGING AYU MEGUMI IN BEFORE ROLLING OUT OF THE RING!!! ARIA clearly used the last bit of strength in her arsenal to do that, she might just be out of commission for the time being! Minerva seems fine enough though, only rolling out to the ring apron to take some time to catch her breath!
Rich Russillo: Myles runs at Ayu Megumi, BUT AYU DUCKS MYLES’ STRIKE BEFORE TURNING AND HITTING HIM WITH A COMBINATION OF STRIKES! AYU MEGUMI IS THROWING EVERYTHING SHE CAN AT MYLES AS SHE HAS HIM BACKED UP IN THE CORNER! Unfortunately there’s no chance of her going for a double team move with ARIA down at ringside, but I think Ayu already expected that which is exactly why she’s throwing everything she possibly can at Myles right now! MYLES EXPECTED THIS THOUGH, AND HE PUSHES AYU MEGUMI AWAY!
Persephone: Myles gets out of the corner as Ayu charges towards him, AND MYLES GOES FOR VICTORIA- BUT AYU JUMPED OVER HIM, USING THE POP UP TO GET THE HEIGHT NEEDED TO GO OVER HIM COMPLETELY! Myles turns around, AND AYU LOOKS FOR THE SPINNING BACKFIST AGAIN BUT MYLES BLOCKS IT BEFORE HITTING AYU WITH A KNEE! MYLES NOW LOOKING FOR AN IRISH WHIP- BUT AYU TURNS AROUND AND SENDS HIM INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! Myles holds onto the ropes similarly to what Minerva did, AND AYU WASTES NO TIME CHARGING TOWARDS HIM- BUT WAIT A SECOND! MYLES DUCKED UNDER AYU’S ATTACK BEFORE TURNING AND SENDING HER OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!
James Peters: Myles takes a second to recover, but Ayu isn’t down and out just yet! She managed to hold onto the ropes to get back up, and I think Myles has seen this! Myles now running in, BUT AYU PULLS HERSELF BACK TO AVOID MYLES’ ELBOW ATTACK BEFORE COMING BACK WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN! Myles definitely felt that one as he’s now on spaghetti legs, and now it’s Ayu Megumi who has the upper hand right now! Ayu holds onto Myles who’s still on his feet, AND SHE HITS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! THAT ONE CAUSED MYLES TO STUMBLE BACK, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THAT’S ALL THE SPACE THAT AYU NEEDED! SHE JUMPS ONTO THE TOP ROPE, IMMEDIATELY BOUNCING OFF FOR A SPRINGBOARD- OH MY GOD!
Rich Russillo: WHAT!?!? MYLES JUST CAUGHT AYU MEGUMI WITH A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE JUST AS SHE WAS GOING FOR A SPRINGBOARD MOVE!!! That looked like it might have been a springboard clothesline, and a move like that left Ayu open for attack, an attack that nobody saw coming! I think it’s safe to say that Myles just saved his own chances, as Ayu had the upper hand up until that point! Myles just showed us all exactly why he is a former World Champion, that was an extremely smart counter and he couldn’t have pulled it off at a better time!
Persephone: Ayu crumbled down to a knee after that, and I’m honestly surprised that her jaw is still intact after receiving that knee. Either way, Myles just backpedaled into his teams corner, and this kind of sucks for Ayu because ARIA is only slightly beginning to stir! I don’t think she’s gonna be able to save her from what’s about to happen!
James Peters: Myles makes the tag to Minerva as Ayu Megumi is very slowly making an attempt to get back to her feet, BUT MINERVA SHUTS DOWN AYU’S HOPES OF DOING SO BY CONNECTING WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!! THAT ONE CAUSED AYU TO JUST DROP DOWN ONTO THE MAT, BUT SHE DOESN’T STAY THERE FOR TOO LONG AS MINERVA BEGINS TO DRAG AYU BACK UP HERSELF! Minerva has something planned as she begins to lift Ayu Megumi up, and for some reason it looks like Myles’ time in this match isn’t over just yet either!
Rich Russillo: Myles just went out to the ring apron, MEANWHILE MINERVA PUTS AYU IN THE TOMBSTONE MOTION! THIS IS HOW MINERVA SETS UP THE PRINCESS KILLER, BUT MINERVA TURNS AND LOOKS DIRECTLY AT MYLES WHILE HOLDING INTO POSITION! MYLES NOW SPRINGBOARDING BACK INTO THE RING, AND THERE IT IS!!! PROM NIGHT!!!!! PROM NIGHT CONNECTS ON AYU MEGUMI, WHO CAN’T HAVE ANYTHING LEFT IN HER AFTER THAT ASSISTED TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! THERE’S NO WAY FOR ARIA TO MAKE IT BACK INTO THE RING IN TIME EITHER! MINERVA NOW HOOKING THE LEGS, THIS ONE IS OVER!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here are your winners….. MMMYYYYYLLLESSS AND THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION MIIIINNERRRVVVAAA…… MASOCHISTXMANIFEST!!!!!!!!
(‘Manifest’ hits, and slowly but surely both Myles and Minerva return to their feet as the fans in the arena cheer extremely loudly.)
James Peters: Wow! What a main event to Voltage that was! In the end Myles and Minerva proved to be able to work phenomenally as a team just as they could before, though after all they’ve been through they’re definitely an even stronger team than before!
Rich Russillo: Yeah. The Ice Aces put up an amazing fight, but in the end amazing just wasn’t enough to win. Both women are starting to recover now, what a match.
(Minerva is handed the EAW World Championship, and both her and Myles have their hand raised as the fans cheer. ARIA slowly rolls back into the ring as Ayu gets back up, and the two tag teams have a brief staredown. After a few seconds, the Ice Aces extend their hands, offering handshakes just as promised. Minerva shakes their hands, but Myles pretty much ignores them, catching the Ice Aces by surprise a bit. After a little bit Ayu and ARIA just make their way out of the ring together, and Myles looks at Minerva, or more specifically the EAW World Championship that’s on her shoulder. Minerva notices this, and a smirk appears on her face.)
James Peters: Myles wasn’t so accepting of the handshake and good sportsmanship, and it seems that instead he has his sights set on Minerva’s EAW World Championship!
Rich Russillo: Minerva knows that very well, and that’s why she has that smirk on her face. These two have already faced off with that EAW World Championship on the line. This time though, it’s just them.
James Peters: Myles is definitely not in the same mood he was in when he first returned at Wicked Games. Between that referee attack and him refusing to shake the Ice Aces’ hands, it seems he wants to make it back to the top now more than ever.
(Minerva raises her EAW World Championship, and she and Myles have a staredown with each other. There’s obviously no hatred visible between them, instead only determination and a shared desire to hold the EAW World Championship. With this as the final image, Voltage begins to fade to black for the final time.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
