Voltage

(EAW intro plays.)

(The opening recap starts up, highlighting the events of last week’s Voltage. When the video package comes to an end, the camera opens up to Arena Vienna in Vienna, Austria. At this location, thousands of fans are shown cheering, all while pyro shoots out from the stage. The camera pans around the crowd for some time, before finally fading towards the commentary table where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! As we know we’re on the road to Wicked Games, and if you ask me things are definitely heating up!

Thadd Blazevich: You got that right broseph, and I think things are only gonna get crazier! I mean dude the tag matches we got going on tonight are totally wild, not to mention TLA is in action against Carmen!

Persephone: Right right, whatever. I don’t–

(‘My Own Summer’ by Deftones abruptly hits, causing the camera to fade over towards the stage. Selina Reyes walks out, sporting a different demeanor than usual. She doesn’t hide the frustration on her face, and walks down the ramp with a quicker pace as she already holds a microphone in her hand. Selina storms to the ring, making it to ringside in no time as she appears to be in a rush.)

Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes has had a rough few weeks, and I have to say I am glad to see she has a microphone, because I have to know what she’s thinking after everything she’s been through. Thankfully, Daniella Atlas has been there for her.

Thadd Blazevich: That’s a good thing for sure, but this has still been seriously crazy dude. Minerva’s been real hard on her, and I honestly think it’s a lil unfair. I mean I get ToXXXin is ruthless, but jeez!

Persephone: To be honest I thought about it, and I think Minerva had the right idea. Slapping the taste out of Selina’s mouth for being terrible at wrestling is something we should start doing for the whole roster.

(Selina Reyes slides into the ring, and her entrance music quickly fades out as she walks up to the ropes, beginning to speak as she stares at the crowd.)

Selina Reyes: This… This is *not* why I became a member of ToXXXin!

(While Selina is not one of the favored members of the roster, this does receive a mixed reception as some of the fans feel for Selina after what she has been through over the last few weeks, while others don’t thanks to all of her actions over the past year and a half.)

Selina Reyes: I became a member of ToXXXin because I trusted the vision that Minerva had. I am aware of all she’s been through in this company. She is a Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated Elitists EAW has ever seen, and that is not without reason. She knows what it takes to reach the top, and when this began she told me that when she looked at me she saw someone who could do the exact same. I wanted that for myself, and at first, I got that. I stood aside a woman I once hated. A woman I competed against for the sake of reaching the top of this brand, and together she and I were able to capture the Unified Tag Team Championships. Daniella and I both cared about the progression of ToXXXin, and our desire to push this group forward even beyond our reign as Tag Team Champions is precisely what led us to Territorial Invasion to begin with. Daniella was successful. Minerva was successful. I was not, and I regret allowing Delaney Rhodes to leave with her hand raised just as I regret letting Avril and Carmen escape last week… but…

(Selina pauses for a moment, shaking her head as she momentarily turns from the crowd.)

Selina Reyes: I am not here so I can be slapped in the face by the same person I trusted with the future of my career.

(Selina raises her head and stares at the camera ahead of her, and there’s clear frustration on her face as she continues.)

Selina Reyes: I’m not happy about my failures. I know what I am capable of, and nobody will ever feel more dissatisfaction towards my own setbacks than me. I was not lying when I apologized for failing in my previous matches, but I didn’t apologize solely to appease anyone. I apologized because I know where I belong. I know what I am capable of, and I still remember the goals I set for myself when last season began. I planned to make this show mine, not to be pushed around and disrespected. I don’t care if it’s you, Minerva. I will not continue to be treated like this. You crossed the line, and I will not continue to brush it off as if it is acceptable. Get out here, Minerva. Do not waste any more time than necessary.

(Selina turns to the stage, and ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie begins to play. Selina waits, impatiently gesturing for her to come on as Minerva walks out to the stage, holding a microphone in her hand. Her Championship is around her waist, and as Minerva stares at Selina, she can’t help but shake her head, letting out a slight grin briefly before she begins walking down the ramp, not doing much to hide her amusement at the circumstances.)

Rich Russillo: Well here comes the Universal Women’s Champion, who as of late has been reminding people, including her own ToXXXin teammates, just how ruthless she can actually be.

Thadd Blazevich: That’s one way to put it. Honestly I have no clue what’s about to happen, but after last week? I don’t think this is gearing up to be super friendly.

Persephone: You think? I think that ship has pretty clearly sailed.

(Minerva makes it to ringside, walking up the steel steps before entering the ring. Minerva stands across the ring from Selina, raising her microphone to speak as her entrance music fades.)

Minerva: Selina… What is this? Have you thought this through for even a second?

(The look on Selina Reyes’ face doesn’t change as she stares at Minerva, only further frustrated by the amused expression from the Champion.)

Selina Reyes: What do you think this is, Minerva? Did you really believe I would just allow myself to be treated as if I’m nothing every single week?

Minerva: What I believed was that you’d care more about the future of ToXXXin. That’s what you spoke of, isn’t it? You and Daniella reigned as the Unified Tag Team Champions. You did well, both of you did. However, that reign was meant to be the beginning, Selina. If that was as much as you were capable of achieving I never would’ve taken you in and formed ToXXXin. Daniella coddles you, but she was able to earn a World Championship opportunity. She has the opportunity to take a step forward and become World Champion, and if she understood what that meant for ToXXXin she’d stop wasting her time on you and focus on getting the job done, because as well as she did at Territorial Invasion… you’ve done nothing but fail me.

(This causes the crowd to boo, and Minerva gives Selina a look of disapproval as she walks closer to her.)

Minerva: Selina, the only person you have any right to be mad at right now is yourself.

Selina Reyes: Are you serious? Do you think I’m not aware of my setbacks? I addressed that every single week. I made it clear that my recent losses were unacceptable and again, I apologized to you. You were not part of my match last week. You were not inside of the ring. You did not suffer that loss. You were watching at ringside. What right did you have to put your hands on me?

Minerva: Every right, Selina. When you represent ToXXXin you fight for the same cause that the rest of us do. I have held myself to the highest standard possible throughout my entire career– and as you said, when I chose you and Daniella I did so under the impression that you’d be able to have a climb similar to what I had. I wanted to be there for the two of you because I did not have that for myself, but I cannot tolerate weakness. That’s not who I am, and you should know that that’s not what ToXXXin is. This isn’t anything new, Selina. You’re falling behind. You’re failing to meet the expectations that I had for you and Daniella, and what happened to you last week was the result of that. It doesn’t matter what you think about that, Selina. You failed and the best thing you can do about that is own up to it and do better. This tantrum is a waste of time, and it is honestly unbecoming of you.

(Selina doesn’t respond to this, and noting the anger clearly written all over her face, Minerva continues to speak.)

Minerva: Don’t be foolish, Selina. You and I both know that the best thing you can do is get out of the ring, remember what I told you last week, and do everything you can to fix whatever has happened to you as of late. Wicked Games is on the horizon, Selina, and I don’t intend to let ToXXXin be pushed to the side when I return home. Daniella has her match, now you need yours, and more importantly, you need to make sure you don’t repeat history and once again make us look weak. Figure it out, Selina. Before it’s too late.

(Not backing down, Selina walks up to Minerva, quickly responding.)

Selina Reyes: I already have figured it out, Minerva. I know exactly what I want to do to fix my problem, and I’ll start by–

???: Selina, please. Stop.

(Selina turns towards the stage, while Minerva just shakes her head before slowly doing the same. Daniella Atlas can be seen holding a microphone, walking out to the stage as she stares inside of the ring, showing a very conflicted look given everything that has taken place. Daniella keeps her eyes on Selina, continuing to speak as she walks down the ramp.)

Daniella Atlas: I understand why you feel the way you do. What happened last week was not acceptable, and it is not what we have ever stood for. Throughout the year it is true that the three of us have been dominant over this brand, but we did so as one. We have always stood together, and we don’t need to let something so petty ruin that for us. I can see where this is going. I can hear it in both of your voices, and I do not intend to stand aside and allow ToXXXin to fall apart.

(Daniella Atlas climbs onto the apron and enters the ring, immediately walking up towards Minerva as she continues.)

Daniella Atlas: Minerva, you are better than this. What you’re doing is wrong. This isn’t necessary. Antagonizing Selina, belittling her, even striking her. This won’t strengthen her bond with us, it will destroy it.

(Minerva doesn’t directly respond to Daniella’s words, calmly beginning to speak.)

Minerva: Daniella, you should be focusing on Wicked Games, not on Selina’s antics. You’ve done more than enough of that.

(There are more boos, but Daniella doesn’t back down from Minerva, standing her ground as she responds.)

Daniella Atlas: I am not going to abandon her, Minerva. I don’t want to abandon either of you, but we can’t allow this to destroy us so easily. We cannot allow ourselves to crumble from within. We have stood together for a year. We had been through so much together. We have seen victory after victory and we have seen defeat even prior to recent events. I’m not asking you to condone failure nor for us to ignore it. All I ask is that we treat it as we always have. Something to learn from, not something to treat each other as lesser for. Selina has already proven that she is able to carry her weight. I know well enough just what she is capable of inside of the ring, but after l we’ve been through, she should not have to continue earning our respect. Please. We can stop this now, and we can move forward together.

(Daniella turns to Selina.)

Daniella Atlas: Selina…

(Selina and Daniella look at each other for a moment. Selina knows how much Daniella wants to prevent anything from happening between her and Minerva, but she can’t deny the anger she feels at the sight of the Universal Women’s Champion.)

Minerva: Why do you keep wasting your time, Daniella? It’s pointless. You saw that last week, didn’t you?

Selina Reyes: You–

(Daniella gets in front of Selina, just as she went to step forward. Selina stops, noticing the look on Daniella’s face, refusing to let Minerva’s words get to her.)

Daniella Atlas: Stop. Don’t listen to her. There are better ways for us to handle this, without any of us doing something we may come to regret.

(Daniella turns to Minerva.)

Daniella Atlas: Minerva, please. Feel how you may, but don’t drive a rift between us. You saw something in us. In the both of us. If you’re willing to let go of that so easily, what was it all for?

(Minerva doesn’t say anything in response to this. Daniella turns back to Selina, and there is silence inside of the ring as both members of ToXXXin seem to take in what Daniella had to say. Selina stares at Daniella, still not over what had been done to her over the last two weeks, but finally she just lets out a sigh and nods, seemingly conceding as she lowers her head. There is slight relief on Daniella’s face knowing that things have finally begun to calm down, and Minerva doesn’t look impressed by it whatsoever. Daniella finally steps out of Selina’s way, and Selina slowly begins to look at Minerva.)

Selina Reyes: Minerva…

(Selina turns to Daniella one more time, before finally she looks at the Champion, sporting a much more focused and determined face, and beginning to speak with a raised and more stern tone in her voice.)

Selina Reyes: I want a match. You and I, at Wicked Games!

(This causes the crowd to explode, shocked by the sudden turn. Daniella Atlas can’t believe it, but alongside her shock is disappointment knowing that Selina didn’t listen after all, and Daniella’s attempt at calming the situation down didn’t work. Minerva stares at Selina, and the smirk and dismissive look on her face actually drops.)

Daniella Atlas: Selina, no, what are you doing?

(Minerva walks up to Selina, giving her a cold stare.)

Minerva: I accept.

(The crowd gets louder, and Daniella Atlas just remains stunned, in disbelief knowing that this turned out so badly. It was exactly what she didn’t want, and now, things were only going to get worse.)

Minerva: Selina… You should have listened to Daniella, because you really will regret this.

Rich Russillo: MINERVA HITS SELINA WITH THE MICROPHONE!!! SELINA FALLS BACK AND DROPS HERS– BEFORE RUNNING BACK IN AND PUNCHING MINERVA IN THE FACE!! THE FIGHT IS ON, AS TWO OF THE MEMBERS OF TOXXXIN ARE GOING AT IT RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!

Thadd Blazevich: SELINA LANDS A FEW GOOD FOREARMS, BUT MINERVA LANDS A CLEAN SHOT TO THE JAW, CAUSING HER TO STUMBLE BACK! Daniella sees the action going on, and she looks beyond distressed bro. I think this is everything she was hoping wouldn’t happen!

Persephone: Yeah, because she’s boring and stupid. This is the first time I’ve actually been interested in whatever ToXXXin’s doing.

Rich Russillo: Selina and Minerva continue to trade shots– UNTIL DANIELLA BEGINS PULLING SELINA AWAY!! Daniella pushed Minerva off of Selina before grabbing Selina with a waistlock, using her strength to try and break this fight up! Selina is trying to break out of her grasp, but Daniella already saw enough with that challenge being made, she’s not letting this go any further–

Thadd Blazevich: THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!

Rich Russillo: OH NO!!!

Thadd Blazevich: SELINA BROKE FREEE!!! SELINA GOT OUT OF DANIELLA’S GRASP AND DUCKED, CAUSING DANIELLA TO GET HIT BY THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!! DANIELLA GOES DOWN, AND I THINK THAT JUST CAUGHT THE REST OF TOXXXIN’S ATTENTION, BRO!!

(Selina Reyes immediately turns to Daniella after seeing her get laid out by the kick, clearly not intending for this to happen. She goes to check on Daniella as Minerva steps forward, also staring at Atlas. There’s concern on the look of Selina as she tries to wake Daniella up, making sure she’s okay as–)

Persephone: Oh, wow.

Rich Russillo: MINERVA JUST ELBOWED SELINA IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! DANIELLA WAS JUST LAID OUT, AND IT’S LIKE SHE DOESN’T EVEN CARE!! Minerva just used the opportunity to blindside Selina, and now she’s dragging her up into the front facelock!

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva pulls Selina back to her feet before lifting her up… AND DROPPING SELINA ON TOP OF DANIELLA WITH ATLAS FALLS!!!! COME ON DUDE, WHAT THE HELL!?!? SHE JUST PLANTED SELINA ON TOP OF DANIELLA!!

Rich Russillo: I don’t even know what to say. Despite Daniella’s attempts to play peacemaker, it seems we will be getting Selina Reyes versus Minerva for the Universal Women’s Championship at Wicked Games. I didn’t expect this to happen, but it looks like ToXXXin may be falling apart right before our eyes.

(Minerva stands over Selina and Daniella briefly, staring at the two before she just shakes her head. She begins to slowly walk away, stepping through the ropes and climbing down from the apron. The fans boo as Minerva walks up the ramp, but she doesn’t give any response. She just continues to make her way to the back, leaving the fallen Daniella and Selina inside of the ring as the camera fades from ringside.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to the backstage area of Arena Vienna, focusing on Damon Lazarus’s personal locker room. He’s accompanied tonight by Specialists Champion Saori Aizen, here in support of his main event match, but that doesn’t mean things are going smoothly between them right now. Damon isn’t looking at her, but he can already sense something, as he begins to speak while stretching himself out.)

Damon Lazarus: I can tell when something’s wrong.

(There’s a tense silence, Saori glancing down at the ground, not immediately responding. Damon comes to his own conclusions, as he continues.)

Damon Lazarus: I’m just finishing what I started. You, of all people, should know this.

(Saori once again doesn’t respond, and this begins to irritate Damon. He stops what he’s doing as he turns his head.)

Damon Lazarus: Do I make myself clear…?

Saori Aizen: Tsk…

(Saori shakes her head.)

Saori Aizen: Nothing is wrong. You are doing what you must. I cannot take that away from you.

(Damon immediately notices the tone in her voice, and while he could put the issue aside, he has never been known to do that.)

Damon Lazarus: If you don’t like her, you don’t like her; I think we’ve long established that. But it’s gotten the job done, and it’s benefitted you, especially considering her being in our orbit helped us secure War Games. It won’t affect you if you don’t let it. Simple as that.

Saori Aizen: What’s your deal with her anyway?

(Saori spits the question out, as if she wasn’t expecting to, but Damon continuing to question her dragged it out.)

Damon Lazarus: We’re not gonna do this again.

Saori Aizen: She held up her end of the bargain and conducted business with us, and that’s as much credit as I can give her. She wanted nothing more to do with you, yet it was you who pursued it. Why? What is your infatuation with this woman?

Damon Lazarus: She deserves more credit than you give her; I thought you, of all people, would’ve learned that having been closely acquainted with her. But I’ve never fancied you being the type to harbor jealousy in this manner. It’s… unbecoming.

(Saori can’t hide her disdain, as she continues to clutch her title close to her chest, continuing not to look at Damon while she does.)

Saori Aizen: It just does not make any sense to me. Why don’t you just leave her alone?

Damon Lazarus: And allow her to compromise herself and undo all the work that I’ve done? It doesn’t work like that, and you know it. You’re saying this like I’ve done something wrong, but everything that I’ve done up to this point has led me to success. Why does my intuition suddenly lead me astray when it does not convenience you? That doesn’t make sense to *me,* does it?

(Damon finally stands up straight from where he’s at, shifting his entire body toward her, as Saori finally glances upward at her.)

Damon Lazarus: You know I don’t like being questioned.

(Saori finally stands up, having had enough of this conflict.)

Saori Aizen: Her decisions are hers to make; she does not need to be led on by anyone. I gave her my credit, my thanks, and my allegiance, but that’s as far as it goes. I do not wish to be associated with her any longer. But the closer that you get to her… the more that it pertains to me. That is something that I can’t allow.

Damon Lazarus: So what do you want me to do? Allow her to self-destruct? Lead her down the path that I explicitly drove her away from? This is the final step, and I told her the same as I will tell you: if I do not see this through, then I have failed, and I do not accept failure as carelessly as other people would.

Saori Aizen: If that is what she chooses, then let her do it, allow her to self-destruct and tear herself apart at the seam; at least it will be one problem away from the two of us. You and I have better things to focus on. I have the Specialists Championship, and you know that you can get anything you so choose thanks to what you have acquired from Territorial Invasion. Why don’t you focus on that?

Damon Lazarus: I can do whatever I so damn choose, and NOBODY is going to tell me otherwise. If you’re trying to tell me what to do, then maybe we have bigger things to talk about than my association with Auburn. So if I were you, I would focus on yourself, and I can assure you that I am more than capable of handling myself.

(This finally silences Saori, who doesn’t say anything else. Damon, feeling as though he has concluded the conversation on his terms, briskly makes his way out of the locker room. Saori simply sits still, fuming as she allows herself to process what just happened. But as she does…)

???: Ahem…

(She glances up to see someone who has taken her place leaning against the door frame, someone who she does not particularly welcome with open arms.)

ARIA: Well, he seems to be in a good mood tonight.

(ARIA is all smiles as she greets her former rival, reveling in what she just eavesdropped on. Saori is not at all interested in this.)

Saori Aizen: Worry about yourself.

(Saori stands up and begins to make her way out of the locker room, but ARIA makes sure to get in the way as she wags her finger.)

ARIA: Not just yet. I didn’t just come here to laugh in your face, unfortunately. I came here to tell you that you should probably take your mind off of whatever Damon and Auburn have going on and focus on that title around your waist.

(ARIA points to the Specialists Championship, something that brings disdain to Saori for a lingering moment.)

ARIA: I still haven’t made your life a living hell as a promise; therefore, I feel incomplete. Henceforth, this has been left unconcluded, at least… until now.

(ARIA smirks, something that brings immediate confusion to Saori.)

Saori Aizen: Is there a point to all of this blabber, or should you be going?

ARIA: I’m getting there if you would take a second to listen. In case you’ve been living under a rock, as tradition, Voltage management has given me a favor thanks to the Brand Warfare victory that I helped contribute to. This was something that I thought long and hard on, and when I decided what I wanted, it was brought to my attention that you are in store for one hell of a challenge. My favor was to take that title away from you, but I learned that it was not just that either…

(Saori raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she listens to what ARIA is saying, and the former Champion is clearly just savoring the moment right now as she smiles, continuing on.)

ARIA: When I went to talk to Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair about it, they were more than happy to factor me in, but it turns out they already had some plans of their own for you and that title. Turns out… they were in touch with Tyrone Montgomery and Kennedy Street to give you two more challengers along with that. Hope that doesn’t cause any problems. So not only will you be facing me, but you will be facing Dynasty’s AKIZA, the winner of Divide & Conquer, and Airi Miyamune, a promising new prospect from Showdown. Each of them is calling their shot at Wicked Games!

(The crowd inside the arena cheers loudly, and while this is a massive announcement, this isn’t one that particularly soothes Saori all that much after the whirlwind of events that just transpired. ARIA doesn’t really care, as she tilts her head.)

ARIA: So if I were you, I’d make sure that you were at your very best, because the last thing that you need is to be off your game in a match as important as this one. I know you’ve been Specialists Champion as long as you have for a reason, but seeing the state that you’re in right now… It’s going to take a lot to prove that your eye is on the ball.

(There’s a long, awkward pause as Saori glares at ARIA. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, but as she opens her mouth to reply… ARIA shakes her head.)

ARIA: No, no. I don’t really care for what you have to say either. You can save it. In case you need a reminder, we have a long history and plenty of time to hash it out; it’s just that we’re not going to be doing it alone… along with that, AKIZA and Airi can join the fun as well. Good luck, Champ.

(ARIA chuckles to herself as she turns around and leaves the locker room, leaving a frozen Saori Aizen there to fester in her thoughts. She stares into the distance, doing everything that she can to stop herself from an outburst, before she storms off in the opposite direction. It’s the very last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage fades to elsewhere.)

(Commercial for Friday Night Dynasty.)

(We have returned from commercial break as we see Bella Braxton in the ring with a microphone ready to begin the introductions for the first match of the evening.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen!! Our opening contest is a TORNADO RULES TAG TEAM MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(“Vordt of the Boreal Valley” by Motoi Sakuraba starts to play as Igon Mordren enters the arena to the sound of loud boos from the crowd. He really doesn’t care what they think as he heads to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! From Belgrade, Serbia. Weighing 266 pounds. Here is “THE WARDEN” IGON MORDREN!

Rich Russillo: Here comes Igon for this tag team match on Voltage and to say the least, Igon is in a very bad mood. Especially with what went down the last few weeks.

Persephone: You mean there’s something different between his bad mood and his regular mood? Could have fooled me.

Thadd Blazevich: Well there certainly is a difference whenever Reylin comes into the conversation. These two flat out don’t like each other and it all started at Territorial Invasion. This might be a long match for Igon considering….

(Igon gets in the ring and takes a corner as his entrance music is replaced by ‘SAME SH!T’ by Isaiah Rashad. Seconds later, Reylin Aloali’i enters the arena to a very mixed reaction from the crowd. Reylin stares down the ramp at his “partner” not saying a word as he heads to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing his tag team partner! From Adaleide, South Australia. Weighing 250 pounds. Here is “TOP GUN” REYLIN ALOALI’I

Persephone: Well speaking of Reylin, here comes the other half of this double decker moron combo. This is going to be a disaster and I am all for it.

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin lost to Cosmo a few weeks ago and then attacked Igon after his victory over Raven. Then last week Reylin was left down again by Igon. Dude, this is going to be very ugly.

Rich Russillo: Well personal feelings aside, these two just have to be civil long enough to win this match. That’s a lot to ask for, but possibly not unheard of considering their opposition.

(Reylin enters the ring and ignores Igon as his music is replaced by “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll. Diamond Dixon then enters the arena looking around the arena before heading right to the ring, maintaining her confidence in spite of the situation she’s in, which is bound to be annoying.)

Bella Braxton: Now introducing their opponents! First! From Houston, Texas. Weighing 176 pounds. Here is “THE CROWN JEWEL” DIAMOND DIXON!!

Persephone: This match just gets even more exciting. Wake me when it’s over.

Rich Russillo: Well, Diamond isn’t happy because last week she lost to Drake Armstrong via disqualification after a miscue by Miku Sakai.

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, but Diamond beat the holy hell out of her after the match. Turnabout is fair play, dude. Things might be getting worse in just a few moments.

(Diamond enters the ring and takes a corner as her music is replaced by “Life is Short, O Brave Girl” by Hanabie. Seconds later, Miku Sakai enters the arena with the Hardcore Title on her shoulder and the crowd boos loudly as she heads to the ring. She rolls her eyes seeing Diamond, but doesn’t let her ruin her mood as she heads down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: Her tag team partner! From Fukui, Japan. Weighing 110 pounds. Here is THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION! “THE AUDACITY” MIKU SAKAI!

Persephone: Here comes more chaos and another pain in my ass.

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Miku Sakai didn’t see that coming last week. First, she hit the wrong target and then she gets knocked out by Diamond.

Rich Russillo: Miku better be careful before her inevitable title match with Diamond. That’s in the future, but tonight they have to work tegether in tag team action. Which chaotic team will win? We are about to find out.

(Miku enters the ring and hands her title to the referee before the referee checks all four competitors before calling for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, here we go with the opening contest of Voltage is underway. Dude, is it just me or can we already feel the tension between the teams.

Rich Russillo: It isn’t just you, Thadd. But before we get into that, allow me to remind everyone that this tag match will be under Tornado rules meaning that there will be no tags. All four competitors will be in the ring at the same time.

Thadd Blazevich: No tags, but you have to believe that something is going to go down in this match.

Persephone: Honestly, I am just hoping that the teams both implode and start beating the hell out of each other so this match ends as quickly as possible.

Thadd Blazevich: AND THE HARDCORE CHAMPION ISN’T GOING TO WASTE A SECOND AS SHE JUMPS RIGHT FOR THE BIGGEST PERSON IN THE MATCH! MIKU IS ON IGON’S BACK!

Rich Russillo: Meanwhile, Diamond and Reylin pair off and battle it out by throwing hands at each other while Igon is trying to get Miku off of his back but he is struggling a little.

Persephone: How in the hell is he struggling. He’s over double her size and weight so it shouldn’t be that hard for him to get a little pest off of him.

Rich Russillo: But you can’t ignore the tenacity that the Hardcore Champion has to take the fight right to the biggest person in the match.

Persephone: Oh, I certainly can ignore it.

Thadd Blazevich: Meanwhile, Igon does manage to grab Miku’s neck AND TRIES FOR A SNAPMARE–

Rich Russillo: BUT MIKU GRABS HOLD OF HIS HEAD AT THE LAST SECOND TRIES TO COUNTER WITH A SNAPMARE OF HER OWN–

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU SNUCK IN A THUMB TO THE EYE, BUT IGON WAS STILL ABLE TO BLOCK THE SNAPMARE ENOUGH TO JUST LAND ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD!

Persephone: So the idiot just DDT’d himself? What a moron!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku is on her feet and she immediately starts pounding on Igon’s back to try and keep him down, bro.

Rich Russillo: Yeah that isn’t going to work as Igon GRABS MIKU AND TURNS HER INSIDE OUT INTO A TILT A WHIRL BACKBREAKER!

Persephone: She was tossed around like she was nothing. That was hilarious.

Rich Russillo: Miku is down at the moment AS DIAMOND THROWS A FOREARM AND THAT SENDS REYLIN STUMBLING BACK AND RIGHT INTO IGON!

Persephone: Igon looks like he thought that Reylin did it on purpose. It must be a shame for this team to have half a brain between them.

Thadd Blazevich: Igon already doesn’t like Reylin AND IGON SHOVES REYLIN AND REYLIN FALLS RIGHT INTO DIAMOND WHO ROLLS REYLIN UP FOR A QUICK COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: Near fall for Diamond and she about stole the match there as Reylin rolls back to his feet AND DIAMOND CATCHES HIM IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH A BIG BOOT!

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin is down as he rolls out of the ring, BUT IGON IS RIGHT THERE WITH A BIG BOOT OF HIS OWN TO DIAMOND’S FACE AND SHE HITS THE MAT HARD!

Persephone: At this rate, it looks like diamonds won’t be forever.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond is down and Igon now has his attention on the powerhouse Diamond as he brings her back to her feet and whips her to the ropes, BUT SHE HOOKS HER ARMS ON THE ROPES AND STOPS HERSELF!

Rich Russillo: Igon goes to Diamond to try and get her off the ropes, but the referee is backing him up for a second–

(BAM!)

Thadd Blazevich: BRO! LOW BLOW BY MIKU!!

Persephone: Even this bitch can’t screw that up considering she has done it so often. How did the referee miss that? Then again, she is very small so anybody could miss her.

Rich Russillo: Well, the referee did miss that and it was certainly a direct hit as Igon groans in pain as he leans over AND IS MET WITH A DROPKICK BY DIAMOND THAT TAKES HIM DOWN!

Persephone: Mr. Complainer is down… AND NOW BOTH DIAMOND AND MIKU GO FOR THE COVER? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

Thadd Blazevich: IGON KICKS OUT! BUT LOOK AT THE LADIES! THEY ARE JUST GLARING AT EACH OTHER!

Rich Russillo: Both women were wanting to get the cover on Igon and now they are glaring because the other tried to steal the spotlight from the other.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond points at her head referencing what Miku tried to do last week meaning Miku trying to clobber Diamond with the Hardcore title.

Persephone: Oh, here comes the implosion. Come on and beat the hell out of each other.

Thadd Blazevich: Both ladies are back onto their feet as they hit opposite sides of the ropes–

Rich Russillo: REYLIN GRABS DIAMOND BY THE ANKLES AND PULLS HER DOWN AND OUT OF THE RING! Diamond tries for a clothesline, but Reylin ducks the shot as he grabs Diamond by the arm AND WHIPS HER RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS!

Persephone: Not bad. I thought it was nice to hear the thud her head made when it hit the steps. Don’t bother if anything got knocked loose in her head because there is nothing up there to hurt.

Rich Russillo: Well that is your opinion, but Reylin takes Diamond out of the equation for the time being as he rolls into the ring AND GOES FOR A SUPERKICK ON MIKU–

Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! THE IDIOT MISSED! Not hard considering the target is very small.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku easily avoids the superkick AND THE KICK IS GOING STRAIGHT FOR IGON–

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN IS ABLE TO CHANGE COURSE AT THE LAST SECOND SO HIS FOOT GOES RIGHT BY IGON’S HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, that would have been a horrible miscue right there, but luckily Reylin stopped it just in the nick of time.

Persephone: I think he should have kicked him in the face, but that’s just my opinion.

Thadd Blazevich: Igon looks ready to kick his head off AS MIKU TRIES FOR A SUNSET FLIP ON REYLIN! BRO, THAT IS NOT GOING TO WORK–

Rich Russillo: IGON JUST SHOVES REYLIN BACK AND IT WAS ENOUGH TO HELP MIKU HIT A MODIFIED SUNSET FLIP BOMB! IT WASN’T PRETTY, BUT IT GOT THE JOB DONE!

Persephone: I was just told that was a 2.9 on the Richter Scale but somehow Little Mini Miss stacks him up for the cover.

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!

Rich Russillo: REYLIN KICKS OUT AT TWO!

Persephone: Like she was going to keep that big behemoth down. Get serious, old man.

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin is quickly back to his feet AND MIKU IS BITING! BRO, SHE’S ACTING LIKE A HORROR MOVIE ZOMBIE TRYING TO EAT REYLIN’S FLESH!

Rich Russillo: I am not sure how legal that is but it is effective UNTIL REYLIN GRABS HER AND PLANTS HER WITH A BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Miku was planted hard into the mat!

Persephone: Do it again! The most tolerable thing in this match so far.

Thadd Blazevich: Of course Persephone is going to root for the most violent thing in the match that she can.

Rich Russillo: Right now, Miku is down in the middle of the ring and you have to believe this is the position that Miku does NOT want to be in right now.

Persephone:Oh come on! That one was too easy, Rich. You did that on purpose.

Rich Russillo: I mean that Miku doesn’t want to be in a two on one situation as the smallest competitor in the match by a huge margin. With the current situation, this could be the beginning of the end for Miku and Diamond’s chances of winning.

Persephone: You say that like it’s a bad thing.

Thadd Blazevich: Well it’s not, bro. Right now, Reylin grabs Miku and just LAUNCHES HER INTO THE CORNER WITH EASE! Now Reylin is putting the boots to Miku in the corner.

Rich Russillo: Look at this! Now Igon is also putting the boots to her as well. Look at them actually acting civil for once.

Thadd Blazevich: REYLIN MOVES IGON OUT OF THE WAY AND IGON DOESN’T LIKE THAT AT ALL! Igon wonders what the hell is going on as Reylin backs up AND RUNS FULL SPEED TO THE CORNER–

Rich Russillo: NOBODY HOME FOR HIP ATTACK! AS MIKU DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY AND REYLIN CRASHES RIGHT INTO THE CORNER! DAMN HE CRASHES HARD AND FALLS TO THE MAT!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku tries to get away BUT IGON IS RIGHT THERE WITH A BIG BOOT AND THAT TAKES MIKU RIGHT DOWN TO THE MAT AND HE GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRR—

Persephone: How in the hell did she kick out? Still not surprised, though.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku was able to roll her shoulder up just enough to break the count as Igon tries to get back to his feet—

Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND! DIAMOND IS BACK ON HER FEET AND SHE IS ABLE TO PULL IGON OUT OF THE RING TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!

Persephone: How very exciting. He’s on his feet, too. Great job.

Rich Russillo: Igon is on his feet AND HE GOES FOR A BIG BOOT ON DIAMOND–

Persephone: The moron misses.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond gets out of the way AND IGON JUST BOOTED THE RING POST! THAT CERTAINLY DIDN’T FEEL GOOD, BRO!

Rich Russillo: Igon is trying to shake out the horrible feeling of kicking the ring post AS DIAMOND GETS IGON OFF OF HIS FEET ENOUGH TO DRIVE HIM INTO THE FLOOR WITH A SPINEBUSTER!

Thadd Blazevich: BRO, THIS DIAMOND DIXON IS A POWERHOUSE AS IGON IS OVER 260 POUNDS AND DIAMOND WAS ABLE TO LIFT HIM OFF HIS FEET!

Persephone: It wasn’t as impressive as you are making it out to be.

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, it is something that Miku should watch out for. Either way, Diamond is back in the ring as REYLIN HITS A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT RIGHT INTO THE JAW!!

Rich Russillo: Diamond was knocked into the ropes AS REYLIN RUNS IN A CLOTHESLINES DIAMOND OVER THE TOP ROPE–

Persephone: Of course she somehow finds a way to stay on the apron. This match has been exciting as a bowl of Bran Flakes.

Rich Russillo: Needing some fiber in your diet or something, Persephone?

Persephone: Shut the hell up!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Reylin has a facelock on Diamond as HE GOES FOR A SUPLEX ON DIAMOND AND DIAMOND IS IN THE AIR FOR A DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX–

Rich Russillo: MIKU JUMPS ON REYLIN’S BACK AND SHE HITS “CAT SCRATCH FEVER” ON REYLIN! REYLIN IS TEMPORARILY BLINDED THANKS TO THOSE NAILS OF HERS!

Persephone: Did these two bitches actually work together? Let me check my weather app to see if hell froze over.

Thadd Blazevich: We don’t question it, bro. We should just be happy that it happened. That forces Reylin to lose his grip on Diamond and she comes down and lands on her feet as Miku gets off his back

Persephone: This bitch shoves Reylin back and keeps shoving him back until he is in the corner. Look at that. He didn’t bend the turnbuckles.

Thadd Blazevich: Don’t start, dude. But Diamond musters up more strength to get Reylin on the top turnbuckle–

Rich Russillo: REYLIN WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE, BUT DIAMOND COMES BACK WITH A SLAP TO REYLIN’S FACE! What in the hell does she think she is going to do?

Persephone: It’s probably going to be very stupid. Mark my words.

Rich Russillo: Diamond grabs hold of Reylin and tries to lift Reylin off of the turnbuckle. Come on, Diamond. You did get Igon up for a spinebuster, but this is a different story.

Persephone: She is going to throw her back out or something. I told you this was going to be very stupid. I love being right.

Thadd Blazevich: I think you might be eating your words BECAUSE DIAMOND ACTUALLY GETS REYLIN OFF OF THE TOP ROPE AND OVER HER HEAD FOR THE GORILLA PRESS–

Rich Russillo: AND DROPS HIM WITH THE GORILLA PRESS SLAM! REYLIN WASN’T IN THE AIR FOR LONG BUT IT WAS EFFECTIVE! HOLY SHIT THIS DIAMOND HAS A VERY SCARY LEVEL OF POWER!

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin is trying to get back to his feet as Diamond has moved back into the corner and is crouched and ready to hit a high impact move. Now Reylin is back on his feet AND DIAMOND COMES IN AND RUNS FULL SPEED FOR A SPEAR–

Persephone: OH COME ON!! THAT WAS GOING TO BE HILARIOUS!

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin moved out of the way AND DIAMOND ABOUT HITS THE SPEAR BUT ON HER TAG TEAM PARTNER MIKU–

Rich Russillo: BUT SHE IS ABLE TO PUT ON THE BREAKS AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND AND NOT CRASH INTO MIKU!

Persephone: Damn. That would have been hilarious seeing Miku getting torn in half. Damn bitch ruined everything.

Rich Russillo: Miku and Diamond are glaring at each other AS REYLIN COMES FROM BEHIND AND SHOVES DIAMOND INTO MIKU! THEY CRACK HEADS AND THAT SENDS MIKU THROUGH THE ROPES AND ONTO THE APRON!

Persephone: Meeting of the empty minds.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond holds her head as Reylin whips Diamond to the ropes. Diamond comes back off the rebound AND REYLIN LIFTS DIAMOND IN THE AIR AND DROPS HER WITH “GOD’S WILL”!

Rich Russillo: POP UP POWERBOMB BY REYLIN AS HE STACKS DIAMOND UP FOR THE COVER! WILL REYLIN WIN IT FOR HIS TEAM?

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU! MIKU SAKAI IS BACK IN THE RING AND SHE HITS A RUNNING KNEE INTO THE SIDE OF REYLIN’S HEAD!

Persephone: Wait a second? Did this selfish bitch actually help someone out? I think that I am losing my mind.

Thadd Blazevich: No, dude. That was a gnarly knee to save the match for her and Diamond. Sometimes the thought of losing takes precedence over whatever issues two people have.

Rich Russillo: Go figure. Diamond and Reylin are recovering on the mat as Miku turns around AND SHE RUNS INTO A KNIFE EDGE CHOP FROM IGON! OH MY GAWD!! THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT!

Persephone: Gunshot? More like the shot went right through her nonexistant chest. It could have broken all of her ribs and I really hope it did.

Rich Russillo: Miku’s eyes are bugging out of her head as Igon sends her into the corner AND JUST FIRES OFF ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP!! MIKU JUST FALLS INTO A SEATED POSTION IN THE CORNER!

Persephone: Miku was 47 when the whiny guy just chopped the life out of her.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku might be too stunned and numb to move as he easily pulls her back to her feet as he whips Miku to the ropes. Miku comes back off the ropes AND IGON TURNS HER IN FOR ANOTHER TILT A WHIRL BACKBREAKER–

Rich Russillo: LOOK AT THIS! MIKU COUNTERS INTO A MODIFIED FLYING HEADSCISSORS! IGON WAS JUST TAKEN HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING!

Thadd Blazevich: Great counter by Miku as Igon is now sitting in the corner AS MIKU RUNS FULL SPEED TO THE CORNER AS SHE LEAVES HER FEET AND HITS THE “MUSTACHE RIDE”!

Persephone: I hate this bitch, but seeing her do a bronco buster to a man who hates this type of shit is satisfying because he hates the blood and gore that I adore.

Thadd Blazevich: You really can’t put words to describe this moment we are having right now watching this as Miku rolls back and gets back to her feet.

Rich Russillo: Miku goes back BUT IGON WITH A KICK TO THE GUT THAT SENDS HER BACK! Igon is back on his feet AND HE JUST CLOBBERS HER WITH A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE!

Persephone: Damn. Her head is still attached to her shoulders. But she was turned inside out, which is kind of funny.

Rich Russillo: Miku rolls back to her feet AS IGON COMES RUNNING IN AND HITS A DROPKICK TO MIKU!

Persephone: Who knew an old dinosaur like that could hit a dropkick. Something new! Big shocker as he goes for a cover.

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU BARELY ROLLS THE SHOULDER UP! OH THAT WAS CLOSE!

Rich Russillo: But all that did was make Igon mad as he pulls Miku back to her feet and just PULLS HER UP IN THE AIR FOR A POWERBOMB–

Thadd Blazevich: SPEAR! DIAMOND DIXON HITS HER TARGET THIS TIME AND IT WAS A DIRECT HIT ON IGON! Igon falls back AND MIKU FALLS RIGHT ON TOP OF HIM AND THEY BOTH GO FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!

Rich Russillo: REYLIN COMES IN TO BREAK UP THE COVER–

Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND AND MIKU MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AND REYLIN HITS HIS PARTNER! HORRIBLE MISCUE, BRO!! THAT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!

Persephone: But I am glad it did. That was funny.

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin just realized what he did as Igon eyes are going wide as he uses the ropes to pull himself into a seated position as Reylin is still on his knees–

Rich Russillo: IGON JUST KICKED REYLIN IN THE HEAD AND NOW THINGS HAVE JUST BROKEN DOWN BETWEEN THESE TWO!!

Persephone: YES!! FINALLY GOT MY IMPLOSION!

Rich Russillo: I think Diamond is more interested in watching these two fight right now, BEFORE MIKU SHOVES DIAMOND AND IS TELLING HER OFF FOR TRYING TO STEAL HER COVER AGAIN!

Persephone: Ohhhh. This is going to be good–

Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN AND NOW THE LADIES ARE FIGHTING, DUDE! THIS MATCH HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DOWN!!

Rich Russillo: The four people in the ring have pretty much said “fuck this match” and have decided to fight each other.

Persephone: I share the same sentiment…now why is that idiot referee trying to get in the middle of all this?

Thadd Blazevich: That’s their job, bro, and it isn’t having much help considering they are all ignoring the referee.

Rich Russillo: The hatred for each other has reached a boiling point in this match and civility has gone out the window, but bless the ref’s heart for trying.

(The referee has had little effect in trying to restore order in this match and has finally decided to give up trying.)

Referee: THAT’S IT! RING THE BELL! RING THE BELL!

(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)

(The referee has just called for the bell as bedlam has erupted between the two teams, which has caused the crowd to react at the sudden stop of the match. Bella Braxton walks over to the edge of the ring as the referee explains their decision before Bella Braxton announces the final decision.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has informed me that due to the actions of both teams, they are officially ruling this match… A NO CONTEST!

(The crowd boos at the match decision while others are cheering for the fights going on in the ring as the referee is still trying to break them up.)

Rich Russillo: Well considering the animosity between both teams, the way this match ended should have come to nobody’s surprise.

Persephone: Who cares? This is exactly how I wanted the match to end. Quickly, both teams imploded, and now they are beating the hell out of each other. It’s a great day.

Thadd Blazevich: Well, it isn’t a great day for the four in the ring right now, bro. They are just completely trying to beat the hell out of each other.

(Seconds later, we see EAW Officials and security rushing down the ramp and getting into the ring to break up the two fights going on. The four competitors are still trying to break free and keep mauling each other as the crowd is chanting.)

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

Persephone: Normally I hate this sheep mentality from these moronic fans, but let them fight. Let them kill each other so more spots will open up and the shows will end quicker.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, if they are this intense now, imagine how things are going to be when they have their official matches.

Rich Russillo: It is safe to say that things are only heating up between Reylin and Igon along with Diamond and the Hardcore Champion Miku Sakai. This will NOT be the last time we will see these four try and beat the hell out of each other.

(The final shot shows all four competitors still being held back by all the security and officials, but they are still trying to break free and fight some more as the camera shot fades elsewhere.)

(Commercial for Dragon Ball Super: Beerus.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns…)

(And everything is completely dark.)

(We’re taken into someone’s perspective, their eyes slowly fluttering open, almost as if they’re being pulled out of consciousness. As the eyes begin to wander around, they notice where they are, but most importantly… they notice that they’re not alone.)

Belial: Tsk… This is unnecessary trouble for me to go through in order to make sure that you understand, Caroline.

(Caroline’s eyes meet Belial, who is standing next to her with his arms crossed. She tries to move, but she’s in too much of a weakened state in order to do anything of substance, something that Belial completely ignores, knowing that regardless of her state, she’s not capable of doing anything to him in the first place.)

Belial: Take a look at what he subjected himself to. The choice that he made for himself… because of you.

(Belial exhales, rubbing his temple.)

Belial: All this knowing that you will not spare him when the time comes, his sacrifices ultimately in vain despite his undying passion for you.

(Caroline takes a deep breath in order to quell her anguish with this situation. Belial studies her, waiting for a response, but ultimately she refuses. He gives her a disappointed look.)

Belial: No matter. It’s not going to make much of a difference anyhow. You can participate in my activities… you may watch him pay the price for the decisions that he’s made.

(Caroline finally glances down, realizing that the two of them are in a transparent enclosure above the air, overlooking the desert that Jake Smith was last seen in, and the scene isn’t much different. Jake is stranded in the desert, he’s visibly disheveled and drenched in sweat. As sand blows into his face he continues to make the walk. Every so often he stumbles along, but the look on his face tells all, he’s persistent in the face of this adversity…)

(… for it’s the path that he chose to take.)

(The idea of this brings disdain to Belial, knowing that he gave Jake the choice more than once to walk away and save himself, but the caveat that came with that ended up being too strong for him. Being forced to live the rest of his existence without Caroline was an idea that he could not live with, so he decided that he would continue the battle, on the smallest chance that he could give him back. Belial would not tell him a truth, whether he was saying anything remotely close to reality, it was something that he would suspend disbelief for just a little longer, all to the chagrin of Caroline, who continued to watch.)

Belial: Is this something that you enjoy? Watching him suffer? Watching him go through all this pain? Isn’t that what was inevitable for him and the rest of existence in the first place? The process was merely sped up for him.

Caroline: …

Belial: Oh yes, I forgot. He’s suffering for *you.* He believes that there’s a way that he can save you, but you and I know that’s not the case. You and I know that I would never allow that to happen, no matter if he disagrees…

(Belial turns around to look at Caroline.)

Belial: … and no matter if *you* disagree. But you wouldn’t disagree, right? You know it to be the truth just as well as I do, something is just restraining you from it… and it’s something that I just can’t understand.

(Caroline turns to Belial, a blank expression on her face, one that refuses to be read to prevent Belial’s satisfaction, unfortunately, he doesn’t really care.)

Belial: No matter. Look over, he has reached the next phase.

(Jake stops as he glances upward… realizing that he’s in the face of a huge mountain, one that extends upward and is as far as the eye can see.)

Belial: Now, Jake has a choice. He can either choose to climb up, unknowing of whether or not he will make it over… or if there is a precipice. Or he can work himself around it… unknowing of whether or not there is an end. What will he choose?

(Caroline looks down, her eyes refusing to hide the worry that crosses them. Jake takes a moment to ponder his options, knowing full and well that he has them, before taking a deep breath… and starting his climb.)

Belial: Bold move. Let’s see if he will live to regret such a thing.

(Belial makes a simple gesture of his hand, and rain begins to pour down. In fact, it begins to increase to an almost monsoon-like amount. Jake grits his teeth as he realizes what’s happening, and continues to push.)

Belial: Tsk…

(Belial swipes again, and that rain begins to freeze into snow, almost hail, as it pelts at Jake. His vision begins to blur as he tries to push forward, but it doesn’t stop him. He doesn’t collapse down, because if there’s one thing that Jake Smith certainly is not… it’s a quitter.)

(Belial shakes his head, as the snow begins to subside… but the wind begins to increase. It turns into a full on sandstorm, and at this point, Caroline breaks her silence.)

Caroline: Why can’t you just stop and leave him be…

(Belial almost laughs at this, but he restrains himself for a moment.)

Belial: I don’t understand why you care so much for a… human. Might I remind you of all the abuse that you suffered at Jake’s hands?

(Caroline’s expression freezes, as it’s almost like she’s thinking through this.)

Belial: Who’s fault is it that he’s being put through this in the first place? It is not me who simply plucked the two of you out of your plane of existence and dragged you down here for your own enjoyment, no… it is because of you and your own unhappiness. But you decide to try and pushback? Have the slightest of apprehension because of what he’s doing for you? How about you focus on what he *didn’t* do for you?

(Belial shakes his head, sighing as he ponders to himself the absurdity of it all. He turns, expecting Caroline to answer, as it appears that she has been listening to him this entire time.)

Belial: Well? Does that make any sense to you. Because it certainly makes sense to me…

(Caroline huffs, as she finally decides to turn her back on him, choosing not to look at him or even watch what is going on right now. This does not settle him in the slightest, in fact, it brings him annoyance.)

Belial: You are putting me through a great amount of trouble for this mortal being. Might you understand that there are better things that we could be doing with our time right now?

(Belial grabs her by the arm, yanking her around. Caroline tries to break herself free, but with his hand wrapped firmly around her wrist, it’s to no effect.)

Belial: Watch him. See what you have put him through. This was YOUR decision. This was to satisfy you so you could continue to serve me without issue. Why is this something that you choose to be stuck on?

(Caroline doesn’t respond, instead choosing to bring her head away, not trying to watch Jake suffer any further. Belial scoffs at the audacity of expecting it to be that easy, as he forces her head forward. Jake is by no means having a pleasant time, he continues to drag himself upward, scaling the mountain, while also considering to himself in his mind whether or not there is an ending to this… and a part of him not liking the answer regardless.)

Belial: Do you know what’s perhaps the most absurd about this? He’s suffering for you. You could choose to banish him yourself and spare his pathetic life, but you kept your mouth shut and used your silence as an answer to all of this. What sense does any of that make? Unless… you wish for him to stay with you, and you refuse to part with him through these treacherous means…

(Belial ponders on this before shaking her head.)

Belial: No matter. Not like any of this made a difference to begin with.

(Belial, in his frustration, pushes Caroline backward, sending her into a cage. Caroline gets up and tries to lunge forward, but the door immediately shuts on her, as it quickly begins to rise up. Fire spews out from underneath, as she’s suspended upward. Belial sighs.)

Belial: If you are not going to answer the very least that you can do is think about your decisions. Maybe time will finally give you perspective on all of this. Maybe it won’t… I can’t tell.

(Belial steps forward as he disappears into the fire. Caroline’s eyes wander back to Jake, as the elements continue to shift, putting him through insurmountable odds, but it doesn’t make a difference. Jake continues to push through in spite of everything, for some odd reason, one that he has never felt before, feeling that losing is not an option not for his own gain… but for someone else’s. It was unusual, uncanny… perhaps he will never understand even if he does make it to the end.)

(It’s the very last shot seen before the camera fades to black.)

(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

(‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY plays to cheers as Sayuri Himura walks onto the stage, removing her face mask with a smirk. However, her entrance is interrupted by ‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown, drawing loud boos from the crowd as Cosmo Goldworthy struts onto the stage. Cosmo passes Sayuri with a smug grin before making his way down the ramp, with Sayuri following behind him.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! At a combined weight of 345 pounds… THE TEAM OF SAYURI HIMURA AND COSMO GOLDWORTHY!!

Thadd Blazevich: Well, this is an interesting team, dude! Sayuri Himura and Cosmo Goldworthy couldn’t be more different, but both have something to prove tonight!

Rich Russillo: Especially Cosmo, who we learned last week will be competing at Wicked Games for a spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber! He’s looking to keep that momentum going after his victory over Reylin!

Thadd Blazevich: And don’t forget Sayuri, bro! We saw her watching Saori Aizen’s Specialists Championship defense last week, so you gotta wonder what’s on her mind!

(“So Far So Fake” by Pierce the Veil plays to loud cheers as Candice Blair walks onto the stage, smiling as she looks out at the crowd. She makes her way down the ramp, showing her appreciation for the fans along the way. As Candice reaches ringside, “God Shattering Star” by Takashi Baba begins playing, bringing out ARIA to another round of cheers. ARIA heads down the ramp with a determined look on her face, joining Candice at ringside. The two exchange a fist bump before heading into the ring together.)

Bella Braxton: And their opponents! At a combined weight of 260 pounds… THE TEAM OF CANDICE BLAIR AND ARIA!!

Rich Russillo: Speaking of the Specialists Championship, we now know ARIA will be part of a Wicked Games fatal four way for the Specialists Championship. There certainly is no shortage of Elitists after that title!

Thadd Blazevich: For sure, dude! But tonight, Candice and ARIA have a chance to pick up a big tag team victory, and these two look ready to go!

Persephone: Wow, four people who want to win matches. Riveting stuff, guys.

(The referee signals to the bell as both Cosmo and ARIA start things off.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: Alright, the bell has rung, and it’s Cosmo Goldworthy and ARIA starting things off for their respective teams! Both competitors begin circling one another before meeting in the center of the ring with a collar and elbow tie-up! As expected, Cosmo has the strength advantage here, AND HE USES IT TO BACK ARIA AGAINST THE ROPES!

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, and Cosmo keeps her pinned against those ropes until the referee steps in, demanding a clean break between the two! Goldworthy starts to separate from ARIA— BUT AT THE LAST SECOND, HE GIVES HER A SHOVE! Talk about a complete lack of respect, dude! Cosmo backs toward the center of the ring like he did nothing wrong!

Rich Russillo: But look at ARIA! She’s keeping a level head despite that little stunt from Cosmo! ARIA isn’t about to let Goldworthy get under her skin this early, and she begins circling him once again before the two engage in another collar and elbow tie-up! THIS TIME, ARIA SLIPS BEHIND COSMO AND LOCKS IN A REAR WAISTLOCK! But Goldworthy manages to pry her hands apart, escaping the hold before TWISTING ARIA’S ARM INTO AN ARM WRINGER! Cosmo gains control of the wrist and transitions into a wristlock, applying pressure as he looks to keep ARIA under control!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARIA REVERSES WITH AN ARM WRINGER OF HER OWN! AND SHE FOLLOWS THAT UP BY TAKING GOLDWORTHY DOWN WITH A SIDE HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN! Cosmo quickly counters by catching ARIA in a headscissors— BUT ARIA KICKS FREE AND SCRAMBLES RIGHT BACK TO HER FEET! COSMO GETS BACK UP AS WELL, ONLY TO RUN STRAIGHT INTO ANOTHER SIDE HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN FROM ARIA!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo immediately tries to escape with that headscissors again, BUT ARIA MOVES HER HEAD OUT OF REACH THIS TIME! She keeps Goldworthy trapped on the canvas, WRENCHING ON THAT SIDE HEADLOCK TO APPLY EVEN MORE PRESSURE! Cosmo has the strength advantage, but ARIA has managed to keep him grounded for the time being!

Persephone: Yeah, and I’ll be successfully put to sleep in a few minutes if I have to sit through any more of this pure wrestle slop.

Rich Russillo: Pure wrestle what now? :comeagain:

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo powers his way back to his feet and tries to bounce ARIA off the ropes to escape— BUT ARIA DROPS TO ONE KNEE, STOPPING HIM IN HIS TRACKS! ARIA blocks that escape attempt, keeping the side headlock firmly applied as she drags Goldworthy down to one knee with her! But Cosmo isn’t giving up that easily! He fights his way upright again and makes another attempt to shove ARIA toward the ropes!

Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA DROPS TO ONE KNEE AGAIN, REFUSING TO LET COSMO BREAK FREE! Goldworthy has to fight his way back up for a third time, AND THIS TIME, HE FINALLY MANAGES TO BOUNCE ARIA OFF THE ROPES! Cosmo escapes that side headlock— BUT ARIA COMES REBOUNDING BACK WITH A JUMPING SHOULDER TACKLE!! ARIA USES THAT MOMENTUM TO MAKE UP FOR THE STRENGTH DISADVANTAGE, KNOCKING GOLDWORTHY RIGHT OFF HIS FEET!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA immediately takes off into the ropes again, prompting Cosmo to roll onto his stomach as she approaches— BUT ARIA SIMPLY DROPS DOWN AND CATCHES HIM IN ANOTHER GROUNDED SIDE HEADLOCK! Dude, ARIA had that one scouted! She’s making Cosmo work for every little bit of offense here, forcing Goldworthy to fight from underneath once again! Cosmo starts powering his way back to his feet, DRIVING FOREARMS INTO ARIA’S RIB CAGE TO LOOSEN HER GRIP! Those shots are starting to do the trick, and COSMO TRIES TO HOIST ARIA UP FOR A BACK SUPLEX!

Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA BACKFLIPS OUT OF IT AND LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND COSMO! Goldworthy spins around and BLASTS ARIA WITH A HARD FOREARM TO THE FACE! That shot catches ARIA flush, leaving her visibly staggered! Cosmo turns and heads toward the ropes, looking to build some momentum— BUT BEFORE HE CAN REBOUND, ARIA RUSHES IN AND CATCHES HIM WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN! GOLDWORTHY IS STUNNED AGAINST THOSE ROPES, AND NOW ARIA LOOKS TO TAKE OFF INTO THE OPPOSITE SET!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT COSMO FIRES BACK WITH A RUNNING FOREARM SMASH BEFORE ARIA CAN EVEN REBOUND! ARIA gets rocked by that shot, leaving her leaning against the ropes as Goldworthy races toward the opposite side of the ring! ARIA comes stumbling forward, AND COSMO SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE— BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! SHE AVOIDS THE CLOTHESLINE AND CATCHES GOLDWORTHY WITH A SPINNING BACK KICK TO THE GUT!

Rich Russillo: COSMO DOUBLES OVER FROM THAT KICK, AND ARIA IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS UP WITH A PUNT KICK TO THE CHEST! THAT JOLTS GOLDWORTHY RIGHT BACK UPRIGHT— AND ARIA CATCHES HIM WITH A STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI!! WHAT A COMBINATION FROM ARIA, STRINGING THOSE STRIKES TOGETHER AND LEAVING COSMO REELING!

Persephone: Wow, a whole three kicks in a row. I can see why you two are losing your minds over this.

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA brings Cosmo back to his feet and secures a front facelock, guiding Goldworthy toward her corner before reaching out to tag Candice on the apron!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: Candice is officially in the match, and SHE CLUBS COSMO ACROSS THE BACK WITH A FOREARM! That shot jolts Goldworthy upright in pain— BUT COSMO FIRES BACK WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS CANDICE’S CHEST! CANDICE ANSWERS WITH A FLURRY OF PUNCHES TO THE FACE, FORCING COSMO BACK AGAINST THE ROPES! Candice grabs hold of his arm and sends him across the ring with an Irish whip— BUT COSMO HOOKS BOTH ARMS OVER THE TOP ROPE, STOPPING HIMSELF FROM REBOUNDING!

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO LUNGES TOWARD CANDICE— BUT SHE SIDESTEPS HIM! Both competitors spin around to face each other, AND CANDICE SWINGS WILDLY FOR THE GOLD RUSH!! SHE WENT FOR THAT DISCUS CLOTHESLINE— BUT COSMO DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND CATCHES HER WITH A HARD FOREARM TO THE FACE!

Rich Russillo: Candice is rocked by that forearm— BUT SHE SHOVES COSMO BACK! GOLDWORTHY SHOVES HER RIGHT BACK, AND CANDICE RESPONDS WITH ANOTHER SHOVE! COSMO FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! Things are getting heated between these two— AND CANDICE SLAPS COSMO RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE!! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE FIRED UP, AND NEITHER ONE IS WILLING TO BACK DOWN!

(Candice and Cosmo stand face to face, staring daggers at one another as the tension continues to build. However, Cosmo eventually begins to calm himself down, slowly backing away from Candice before making his way toward his corner, where he decides to tag Sayuri on the apron!)

(TAG!)

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo makes the tag to Sayuri, who enters the match for the first time! Sayuri approaches Candice, and the two shake hands in a show of respect before separating! They begin circling one another before LOCKING UP IN A COLLAR AND ELBOW TIE-UP IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! Sayuri quickly slips behind Candice and secures a rear waistlock— BUT CANDICE COUNTERS WITH A STANDING SWITCH, TAKING CONTROL WITH A REAR WAISTLOCK OF HER OWN!

Rich Russillo: Sayuri manages to escape with an arm wringer, gaining control of Candice’s wrist— BUT CANDICE REVERSES WITH AN ARM WRINGER OF HER OWN! Candice maintains that wrist control before DRIVING HER SHOULDER INTO SAYURI’S! That forces Himura down to one knee momentarily, but Candice pulls her back up while keeping the wristlock applied— AND DRIVES HER SHOULDER INTO SAYURI’S ONCE AGAIN!

Thadd Blazevich: Sayuri drops to one knee for a second time, but she starts powering her way back to her feet! HIMURA REVERSES WITH AN ARM WRINGER OF HER OWN BEFORE PULLING CANDICE INTO A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK! Sayuri cranks on that hold, trying to keep Candice under control— BUT CANDICE MANAGES TO BOUNCE HER OFF THE ROPES TO ESCAPE! SAYURI COMES REBOUNDING BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, KNOCKING CANDICE DOWN TO THE CANVAS— BUT CANDICE IMMEDIATELY KIPS BACK UP TO HER FEET!

(Candice stands face to face with Sayuri, looking completely unfazed by the shoulder tackle. She gestures for Himura to try again, prompting Sayuri to turn and run toward the ropes!)

Rich Russillo: Sayuri takes off into the ropes and comes rebounding toward Candice— BUT CANDICE LEAPFROGS RIGHT OVER HER HEAD! Candice turns around and ducks down as Sayuri rebounds off the opposite ropes for a second time— BUT SAYURI CATCHES HER WITH A PUNT KICK RIGHT TO THE CHEST!! THAT KICK JOLTS CANDICE UPRIGHT, AND YOU COULD HEAR THE IMPACT FROM HERE! Candice is reeling after that shot, AND SAYURI WINDS BACK BEFORE CRACKING HER ACROSS THE CHEST WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

Thadd Blazevich: THAT CHOP PACKED ENOUGH FORCE TO SPIN CANDICE AROUND! Himura takes advantage of the opening and GOES TO LIFT CANDICE FOR A BACK SUPLEX— BUT CANDICE BACKFLIPS OUT OF IT! SHE LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND SAYURI, WHO SPINS AROUND RIGHT INTO A KICK TO THE GUT! Sayuri doubles over slightly as Candice grabs hold of her and attempts an Irish whip into the corner— NO! SAYURI REVERSES IT, SENDING CANDICE INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD! AND HIMURA IMMEDIATELY RUSHES IN AFTER HER!

Rich Russillo: BUT CANDICE MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AS SAYURI GOES FOR A RUNNING JUMPING BACK ELBOW IN THE CORNER! Himura misses her target, and now Candice comes racing toward her— BUT SAYURI GETS HER BOOT UP, CATCHING CANDICE IN THE FACE! That kick turns Candice around, leaving her staggering away from the corner! AND SAYURI BURSTS OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A ONE-HANDED BULLDOG!! HIMURA DRIVES CANDICE FACE FIRST INTO THE CANVAS BEFORE CRAWLING INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! CANDICE STAYS IN IT!

Persephone: I’d hope so after she just got hit with… a bulldog. Has that move even finished anybody since the 80s?

Rich Russillo: Sayuri brings Candice back to her feet and secures a front facelock, keeping her under control as she backs toward her team’s corner!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: Cosmo tags Sayuri on the back and steps into the ring, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPENING WITH A KICK TO CANDICE’S RIB CAGE! That shot sends Candice staggering toward another corner, AND COSMO SUDDENLY CHARGES TOWARD ARIA ON THE APRON! GOLDWORTHY BLASTS HER WITH A RUNNING FOREARM, KNOCKING ARIA RIGHT OFF THE APRON WITH A CHEAP SHOT!

Thadd Blazevich: The crowd certainly doesn’t appreciate that one, dude, but Cosmo couldn’t care less! Goldworthy turns his attention back toward Candice, who’s still recovering in the corner, and closes in with A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! Candice definitely felt that one, and Cosmo grabs hold of her before bringing her toward the center of the ring— WHERE HE CRACKS HER WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

Rich Russillo: Candice staggers backward against the ropes after that second chop, and Cosmo grabs her arm for an Irish whip! CANDICE COMES REBOUNDING BACK WITH A JUMPING CROSSBODY— BUT COSMO CATCHES HER IN MID AIR! GOLDWORTHY HAS CANDICE IN HIS ARMS, AND HE STARTS WALKING AROUND THE RING WITH HER, SHOWING OFF HIS STRENGTH BEFORE LAUNCHING HER ACROSS THE CANVAS WITH A FALLAWAY SLAM!! COSMO KIPS RIGHT BACK UP TO HIS FEET, AND LISTEN TO HIM SOAK IN THOSE BOOS FROM THE CROWD!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo’s just showing off at this point, bro. He’s got the strength advantage, and he wants everybody in this arena to know it.

Persephone: Yeah, congrats. You can toss around a woman half your size. Big shock.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo pulls Candice back to her feet and looks to scoop her up for a body slam— BUT CANDICE SLIPS OUT AND LANDS BEHIND GOLDWORTHY! SHE IMMEDIATELY WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND HIS WAIST, SECURING A REAR WAISTLOCK! BUT COSMO COUNTERS WITH A STANDING SWITCH, TAKING CONTROL WITH A REAR WAISTLOCK OF HIS OWN! CANDICE FIRES BACK WITH A BACK ELBOW, BREAKING COSMO’S GRIP AND LEAVING HIM STUNNED! Candice takes advantage of that opening and runs toward the ropes!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: ARIA TAGS CANDICE ON THE BACK AS SHE HITS THE ROPES! CANDICE COMES REBOUNDING TOWARD COSMO, DUCKING UNDERNEATH A BACK ELBOW ATTEMPT FROM GOLDWORTHY! Candice grabs hold of Cosmo’s other arm while ducking and performs an Irish whip! CANDICE DROPS DOWN AS COSMO COMES REBOUNDING BACK, FORCING HIM TO HURDLE OVER HER— RIGHT INTO A SPINNING WHEEL KICK FROM ARIA!! WHAT A MOVE BY ARIA, USING SOMETHING WE’D NORMALLY EXPECT TO SEE FROM HER PARTNER!

Thadd Blazevich: AND HERE COMES SAYURI, RUSHING INTO THE RING TO HELP COSMO— BUT CANDICE CATCHES HER WITH A DROPKICK! SAYURI GETS KNOCKED RIGHT OFF HER FEET, AND THE FORCE OF THAT DROPKICK SENDS HER ROLLING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE AND OUT TO THE FLOOR!

Rich Russillo: Candice makes her way back out onto the apron, leaving ARIA alone with Cosmo! ARIA PULLS GOLDWORTHY BACK TO HIS FEET AND SECURES A FRONT FACELOCK! She begins guiding him toward her corner, keeping him under control before reaching out to make another tag!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: Candice steps back into the ring, and now both women grab hold of Cosmo for A DOUBLE IRISH WHIP INTO THE ROPES! GOLDWORTHY COMES REBOUNDING BACK— RIGHT INTO A DOUBLE BACK ELBOW FROM ARIA AND CANDICE!! COSMO GOES DOWN, AND CANDICE IMMEDIATELY DROPS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! ONLY A TWO COUNT AS COSMO GOLDWORTHY STILL HAS ENOUGH WHEREWITHAL TO GET THE SHOULDER UP! Candice wastes little time bringing Cosmo back to his feet, guiding him toward her team’s corner before SLAMMING HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Goldworthy is left stunned in the corner, and Candice takes advantage of that opening to tag ARIA back into the match!

(TAG!)

Thadd Blazevich: We’ve seen some frequent tags between Candice and ARIA so far, dude, and it’s a great example of the chemistry these two have built together! They’re keeping each other fresh while making Cosmo work! ARIA steps into the ring and brings Goldworthy toward the center, TAKING HIM OVER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! AND ARIA FLOATS RIGHT OVER INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHH—

Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! COSMO GOLDWORTHY STAYS IN IT!

Persephone: Okay, but can he not? Ugh.

Rich Russillo: ARIA pulls Cosmo up to one knee before turning and running toward the ropes, LOOKING TO TAKE HIS HEAD OFF WITH A CLOTHESLINE— BUT COSMO DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! Goldworthy avoids the clothesline and takes off into the ropes himself, while ARIA continues running toward the opposite side of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO COMES REBOUNDING BACK AND SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN— BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! BOTH COMPETITORS KEEP RUNNING, BOUNCING OFF OPPOSITE SETS OF ROPES ONCE AGAIN— AND THIS TIME, THEY CRASH INTO EACH OTHER WITH SIMULTANEOUS CLOTHESLINES!! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, AND BOTH ARIA AND COSMO GO DOWN!

Persephone: Fingers crossed they stay down.

Rich Russillo: Both competitors are struggling to recover after that collision, but Cosmo begins crawling toward his team’s corner while ARIA slowly pushes herself up to one knee! Goldworthy manages to reach out— AND HE MAKES THE TAG TO SAYURI!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: SAYURI RUSHES INTO THE RING AND IMMEDIATELY TAKES ARIA DOWN WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! ARIA SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET— ONLY TO GET DROPPED AGAIN WITH A BACK ELBOW! ARIA GETS UP FOR A THIRD TIME AND THROWS A KICK TOWARD SAYURI’S GUT— BUT HIMURA CATCHES THE BOOT! SAYURI THROWS ARIA’S LEG DOWN BEFORE CRACKING HER ACROSS THE CHEST WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! THAT SHOT SPINS ARIA AROUND, AND SAYURI HOOKS BOTH ARMS FROM BEHIND, LOOKING FOR THE DRAGON SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: SAYURI’S LOOKING FOR TSUKUYOMI!! BUT ARIA STARTS DRIVING ELBOWS BACK INTO HER FACE! ARIA MANAGES TO BREAK FREE, STAGGERING TOWARD THE CORNER WHILE SAYURI REMAINS STUNNED! ARIA SUDDENLY BURSTS OUT OF THE CORNER— BUT SAYURI CATCHES HER WITH A HURRICANRANA!! ARIA GETS SENT FLYING, ROLLING THROUGH ONTO ALL FOURS! AND HERE COMES CANDICE, RUSHING INTO THE RING! CANDICE TAKES A SWING AT SAYURI— BUT HIMURA DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND SLIPS BEHIND HER! SAYURI HOOKS BOTH ARMS, AND SHE PLANTS CANDICE WITH A SNAP TSUKUYOMI!!

Rich Russillo: WHAT A COUNTER BY SAYURI! Candice rolls underneath the bottom rope and out to the floor following that Dragon Suplex, while Himura makes her way toward the corner to tag Cosmo back into the match!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: The tag is made, but Sayuri remains in the ring, standing near the corner as she watches ARIA slowly begin to recover! ARIA struggles up to one knee in the center of the ring, AND SAYURI HAS HER LINED UP! HIMURA CHARGES FORWARD, LOOKING FOR THE SAYONARA KNEE LIFT— BUT ARIA CATCHES THE KNEE! ARIA MANAGES TO STOP SAYURI IN HER TRACKS BEFORE SCOOPING HER ONTO HER SHOULDERS IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY! SAYURI STARTS THRASHING AROUND, TRYING TO BREAK FREE— AND SHE SLIPS OUT BEHIND ARIA!

Thadd Blazevich: SAYURI’S TRYING TO HOOK BOTH ARMS AGAIN! SHE WANTS ANOTHER TSUKUYOMI— BUT HERE COMES COSMO! GOLDWORTHY SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE, LOOKING FOR THE GOLD RUSH!! BUCKSHOT LARIAT— BUT WAIT! HE JUST HIT HIS OWN PARTNER!! :damn:

Persephone: :gladbron:

Rich Russillo: ARIA MOVED OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND, AND COSMO JUST TURNED SAYURI INSIDE OUT WITH THAT LARIAT!! GOLDWORTHY ACCIDENTALLY TOOK OUT HIS OWN PARTNER!

Persephone: Best part of the match so far!

(Cosmo stands frozen for a moment, staring down at Sayuri in shock as she slowly rolls underneath the bottom rope. Goldworthy starts following her toward the ropes, clearly concerned about what just happened, but he barely has a chance to react before ARIA comes up behind him!)

Rich Russillo: FROM BEHIND! ARIA GRABS COSMO AND SENDS HIM INTO THE ROPES BEFORE ROLLING HIM UP WITH AN O’CONNOR ROLL!! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRR—

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!! COSMO MANAGES TO ESCAPE AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!

(Cosmo kicks out with enough force to launch ARIA forward while he quickly rises to one knee. The referee turns his attention toward Cosmo to check on him, leaving his back turned to ARIA, whose head slips through the middle rope from the force of the kickout.)

(CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: OH, WHAT THE HELL?! SAORI!! SAORI JUST CRACKED ARIA IN THE SKULL WITH THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP!! THE REFEREE HAD HIS BACK TURNED, AND HE DIDN’T SEE A THING!

(Saori casually rests the Specialists Championship over her shoulder, a smug smirk spreading across her face as she begins walking toward the entrance ramp. Upon reaching the end of the ramp, she turns around to watch the ring, where ARIA has collapsed onto the canvas. ARIA slowly begins stirring, struggling to regain her bearings after being struck in the head.)

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! SAORI JUST SMASHED ARIA WITH THAT CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE REFEREE MISSED THE WHOLE THING! Cosmo gets back to his feet and pushes past the referee, making his way toward the corner as he watches ARIA struggle to recover! ARIA doesn’t even know where she is right now, and Goldworthy’s got her lined up! ARIA SLOWLY GETS BACK TO HER FEET— AND COSMO CHARGES!! COLDEST WINTER!!!

Rich Russillo: COLDEST WINTER CONNECTS!! COSMO JUST CUT ARIA IN HALF WITH THAT SPEAR!! GOLDWORTHY DROPS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS… COSMO GOLDWORTHY AND SAYURI HIMURA!

(Saori slowly backs up the ramp, applauding as ‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown plays in the background. Meanwhile, the referee raises Cosmo’s hand in victory, and Goldworthy wears a smug grin, clearly having no problem with how he won the match.)

Rich Russillo: Cosmo Goldworthy and Sayuri Himura pick up the victory, but that was all thanks to Saori Aizen! ARIA had Cosmo rolled up moments earlier, and the Specialists Champion made sure she wouldn’t get another chance!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, that was a cheap shot if I’ve ever seen one! ARIA never even saw Saori coming, and Cosmo took full advantage with Coldest Winter! I don’t think ARIA’s gonna be too happy when she finds out what happened!

Persephone: Well, I enjoyed watching ARIA get smacked in the head with a championship. Can we get more of that and less of the actual wrestling?

(Sayuri slides back into the ring and immediately pulls Cosmo’s raised arm down, confronting him as the two begin arguing off-mic. Sayuri gestures toward Saori on the stage, clearly unhappy with the way they won the match, while Cosmo argues back. The two continue exchanging words as the camera fades elsewhere.)

(Commercial for the upcoming series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners II.)

(Voltage returns to the tune of “The Best Damn Thing” by Avril Lavigne echoing throughout Arena Vienna’s soundscape. Accompanied by a loud ovation from the European audience, Avril Williams walks out on the ramp, joined by her tag team partner, Carmen Sánchez, with bright expressions draped over their faces.)

Persephone: Last week was kinda entertaining.

Thadd Blazevich: Really??

Persephone: Yeah, when Selina Reyes got pinned by Avril Williams and Minerva went all like “you lost to AVRIL???”

Thadd Blazevich: Ah. That kinda entertaining.

Rich Russillo: Well, while these things happened, I’d like to focus on the rise of Avril Williams and Carmen Sánchez for a brief moment. A few weeks ago, the two answered La Farmacia’s open challenge and made themselves up next for a shot at their titles, and since then they’ve proven their worth as challengers by picking up a huge victory over ToXXXin!

Thadd Blazevich: That’s right! Both of these two have really proven their worth! Carmen, you could call a prodigy—

Persephone: More like a nepo baby.

Thadd Blazevich: —I guess. Anyhow, bros, she’s been in her fair share of title opportunities already, and has no doubt put on breakout performance after breakout performance!

Persephone: And Avril is trying to revive the culture of a bygone era. Please fire her…

Rich Russillo: Welp, she does have a brand deal! That said, Avril’s been impressive herself. She is more than her skater reputation and fame, she is a tested competitor already, and it seems these two girls are more united than evert!

(Carmen proceeds to pose on the turnbuckle before entering the ring, while Avril takes a moment to acknowledge the crowd, placing a foot on the bottom rope. The song fades out, as the two are given microphones.)

(Avril paces around for a bit. Carmen shoots her a smile of assurance, and Avril’s eyes glimmer with confidence.)

Avril Williams: What’s good, Vienna!!

(The crowd voices their excitement and anticipation over the two fan favorites — Avril replies with a thumbs up!)

Avril Williams: That enthusiasm is really shared, Vienna. Your energy is EXACTLY how we’ve been feeling!

Carmen Sánchez: Every day of these past few weeks has been full of hype, smiles, rainbows, the whole she-bang! Buuuut, we don’t wanna get caught up in this teenage fever, because our happiness has also translated to putting in the work. After all, we’re fish on land if we don’t prepare for a challenge as tough as the champs… and I think we both learned a few lessons from past outings…

Avril Williams: Sure have… although you’ve got the short end of the stick with the champions you faced, didn’t you, Carmen?

(Avril chuckles.)

Carmen Sánchez: Yeahh… But facing the worst Voltage has to offer has only toughened me up; my resolve has grown stronger, and my hope isn’t gone. And in spite of the horrible people in this place, there’s still people like you and Cynthia to keep me on my feet whenever things get tough.

Avril Williams: Oh, Carmen— that means a lot, and your positive impact on me, likewise, is not something I won’t go out of my way to appreciate.

Carmen Sánchez: You’re the kindest. 🥹The clock has been ticking on the road to Wicked Games, and while there’s definitely anxiety at play… I am just so thrilled. Now, I truly feel like things are coming together, like we have a genuine shot, like we are truly threats to the champions and can walk out of Wicked Games victorious, and newly-crowned champions. Ever since we accepted the open challenge, we’ve asserted ourselves to a different mentality in preparation for the big title match… and last week gave validity to this feeling.

Avril Williams: That’s right. Defeating ToXXXin, the former champions themselves, was not an easy task, but we were confident nonetheless and we managed to prevail even against such a well-oiled machine. Even the champions were impressed, but I have to wonder if this respect isn’t also… anxiety…?

Carmen Sánchez: Hmmm… They are realizing that underestimating us is a critical error?

Avril Williams: Exactly.

Carmen Sánchez: Well… That’s their problem to handle!

(Carmen chuckles—it’s infectious enough to make Avril smile amused too.)

Avril Williams: We just have to stay prepared until the big day comes. We have to give it our all—together—for the sake of earning the–

(“Human Graduation” by mercuro abruptly cuts Avril off, Dynasty’s Haruka Kashimashi and Jamie Valdez emerge on the ramp, with microphones in their hands. They quickly signal to cut the music, before addressing their unexpected interests.)

(But… Carmen is quick before any of them would get a word in.)

Carmen Sánchez: Hate to put a stop to your excitement… but I think you got off at the wrong stop, girls.

Haruka Kashimashi: I believe that is not the case.

Carmen Sánchez: Aw, seriously?! You mean to tell me you came on Voltage off your own volition?!

Avril Williams: What do you want?

(Jamie Valdez audibly lets out a chuckle.)

Jamie Valdez: It should be obvious. We’re cutting in line.

Carmen Sánchez: Pardon?

Jamie Valdez: Look baby, it doesn’t really matter to me that you answered an open challenge and whatever, or that you picked up some wins, it really doesn’t! Haruka and I wanna rise up the ranks, and since I’m willing to make her proposal work, I don’t wanna waste any time. We wanna challenge for the tag titles.

Carmen Sánchez: ¡¿Qué demonios?!

Avril Williams: That’s ridiculous! You don’t just… get to come out and demand things simply because you want them! We answered the open challenge, we’re the official challengers.

Haruka Kashimashi: 川で溺れて死んでくれればいいのに。そうすれば、その馬鹿げた愚痴も止まるだろうに……

Avril Williams: What!?

(Haruka sighs.)

Haruka Kashimashi: Off your high horse, girls. It’s irrelevant if this is unfair; we live in an unfair world. We want a shot. No further negotiations.

Carmen Sánchez: There’s no negotiations! This has nothing to do with you, if anybody’s on a high horse it’s you two.

Jamie Valdez: Womp, womp! Look, we don’t really care how you two feel about it. We’re not here just so we can coddle you and make you feel better about this, we’re here so we can tell you two what’s going on. We want the titles. If I’m gonna do this I’m gonna do it right, which means us getting the gold and me not wasting my time on this team going absolutely nowhere. If you have a problem with that, that’s too bad, because we’re really not taking no for an answer.

Carmen Sánchez: Now we’re talking a little crazy. Let’s tone it down a little… I get it, though. You two want an opportunity of your own. Avril and I have been in that position, too. In fact, wanting the chance to step up and get a shot is exactly why we’re here right now.

Avril Williams: Right, the difference being that we didn’t interrupt another team to tell them we should be getting a shot over ‘em. You see what the problem is here, right?

(Jamie just rolls her eyes, while Haruka speaks.)

Haruka Kashimashi: The problem is that the two of you are treating this as if it were some sort of joke. For the two of you to speak so casually to us it’s as if you think those championships are guaranteed to fall into your hands, as if you haven’t already had a generous amount of opportunities, all of which ending with your defeat. Enough of the games.

Carmen Sánchez: You know what? I agree. Enough of the games. Go home!

(Haruka exhales sharply…)

Haruka Kashimashi: Fine…

(Having made their way down to ringside, Haruka and Jamie enter the ring.)

Haruka Kashimashi: You wish to be courageous fighters? You wish to prove your worth? Then what better way is there to test your skills when the stakes are highest—than to put your opportunity on the line against us?

(Avril’s eyes furrow in confusion at the nerve, Carmen, meanwhile, seems to genuinely contemplate the offer…)

(But not long after…)

Carmen Sánchez: I’ve thought about it.

Jamie Valdez: So?

Carmen Sánchez: No, obviously! I mean, maybeee if you asked nicely…

Haruka Kashimashi: Sanchez… why force our hand?

Carmen Sánchez: Hey, look, first off, I can tell you’re not putting the proper accent on the “á”, and that really bothers me. Second, we have no reason not to stand our ground!

Avril Williams: Look, we welcome the fight, we definitely do! But we’re not just going to do exactly as you wish, you know? With all due respect, go to the back of the line, actually PROVE you can work together… then *earn* your shot.

Jamie Valdez: Earn? You speak so highly of the idea of having “earned” that shot of yours, but all you had done was answer an open challenge.

Avril Williams: Aaaannndddd we did go on to beat the former champions, so…

Haruka Kashimashi: That result would have changed anything? Even if you lost, you would waltz in no differently, awaiting your promised opportunity. You simply have gained confidence.

Carmen Sánchez: Eh, I don’t think we’re lacking in confidence anyhow. I am often called an annoying brat, you know.

Haruka Kashimashi: Rightfully so…

Carmen Sánchez: My point exactly!

Avril Williams: I think you guys just need to go back to where you came from, and maybe down the line… if you somehow manage to make this weird partnership work… :mjlol: We may resume this conversation once WE are champions.

(Avril makes the point clear, she drops the microphone to the mat, and a tense face-off commences, with neither pair ready to budge.)

???: Ladies, ladies!

(But, it was only a matter of time until the champions came out.)

(Titles held firmly over their shoulders, TLA and Bethany reveal themselves on the ramp, with TLA having the microphone already up to mouth level. Jamie & Haruka along with Carmen & Avril move their sights towards the ramp.)

TLA: La Farmacia been the talk of the town I see. We preciate dat, but y’all gotta calm down a little. Everybody wants a shot at the Campeonados. Everybody wants they culo beat just like we did to Silas World in da Poon Palace. Y’all might think it’s ez shit, but it ain’t, and you boutta realize it with da swiftness once we make an example outta you.

Dr. Bethany Blue: I suppose it’s a testament to our greatness, isn’t it, TLA? For us to attract so many eager—often delusional—challengers, from all walks of life, from all brands, it’s what it means to be premier champs. What can I say, your fighting does feel rather validating.

(Bethany nods cockily.)

TLA: Ay, La Doctora, you wanna know something crazy? Jamie and Haruka ain’t even earn a shot.

Dr. Bethany Blue: They can hardly consider themselves a tag team right now, honestly.

TLA: But they confident doe.

Dr. Bethany Blue: They are *extremely* confident. It’s quite annoying, huh? Just makes me wanna put them in their place.

TLA: You and me both, amiga. But shit, none of dat matters, it don’t change the fact that we ain’t scared of nada. We certainly ain’t running from some good lucha either. We wanna be happy, spread dat positivity shit, but Carmen out here saying that we’re talented wrestlers. That’s really it??? Homie, we’re the MOST talented luchadors out in dis bich, lil luchadora, and either I get that into yo cabeza the hard way with some of the greatest lucha you ever seen, or I put a word in with the Lucha council and get u gone. :ufdup:

(Carmen’s eyes widen, partially confused, mostly ready to take on the challenge.)

Dr. Bethany Blue: So, about this dispute…

TLA: ¡Mis disculpas! Mb, totally forgot about this mess.

Dr. Bethany Blue: That’s fine. Look, Haruka, Jamie, I don’t know what the hell you two got in common besides being annoying and treading on territory far beyond your depth, but if you think you got what it takes to take these championships away…?

TLA: Then we putting that to the test!

(The crowd “ooh’s”.)

TLA: Yall be feasting for an opportunity badly, so bad that it got me feastin’ for one too, but I’m already da campeon, so no opportunity for me fr. But I’m still tryna feast on some real lucha shit. Bethany tryna feast too.

Dr. Bethany Blue: We’ll take BOTH of you on.

(Mic drop. The champions send their message emphatically, and that’s all the business they need to attend to before they take their leave.)

(Meanwhile inside of the ring, Avril and Carmen don’t look pleased whatsoever, in juxtaposition to Jamie and Haruka, who successfully forced their way into the matter.)

(The final shot captures the challengers and their respective tensions, as Voltage fades out.)

(Promotional for Wicked Games, where the Unified Tag Team Championships are defended in a tag team triple threat match.)

(The camera returns to ringside following the commercial. TLA and Carmen Sánchez are already in the ring, with Dr. Bethany Blue, Avril Williams, Jamie Valdez and Haruka Kashimashi all choosing to remain at ringside.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Thadd Blazevich: Bros, just listen to this crowd! The atmosphere is electric as the bell rings, and that means it’s officially time for TLA versus Carmen Sánchez! Two fan favorites, two high-flying luchadors going head-to-head! And with Bethany, Avril, Jamie, and Haruka all watching from ringside, there’s plenty of attention on this one! I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been looking forward to this match!

Persephone: I can barely contain my excitement. 😐

Thadd Blazevich: Somehow… I get the feeling you’re being sarcastic, bro.

Persephone: Really? Whatever gave you that idea?

Thadd Blazevich: Just a hunch, dude. Anyway, you can be miserable all you want, but I’m gonna enjoy this match!

Persephone: 🙄

(Both TLA and Carmen meet in the center of the ring, shaking hands as a sign of respect before separating and beginning to circle each other.)

Rich Russillo: That’s what you love to see! A nice show of sportsmanship to start things off as TLA and Carmen Sánchez circle the ring, sizing each other up before meeting in the middle with a collar and elbow tie-up! Naturally, TLA has the advantage in size and strength, and he uses it to back Carmen into the corner! TLA keeps her pinned against the turnbuckles, prompting the referee to step in and begin a five count, warning both competitors to separate or risk disqualification!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!

(TLA begins releasing the tie-up, with both competitors raising their hands to show they’re breaking cleanly. TLA then backs away toward the center of the ring, gesturing for Carmen to come forward and meet him again.)

Thadd Blazevich: TLA is making use of that size and strength advantage early on, but this is nothing Carmen hasn’t dealt with before. She’s used to being the smaller competitor in the ring, bro.

Persephone: Yeah, the girl stopped growing at eight.

Rich Russillo: Carmen steps out of the corner, and she and TLA begin circling each other once again before meeting in the center of the ring for another collar and elbow tie-up! TLA quickly gains control, barring the arm before transitioning into a wristlock! TLA APPLIES PRESSURE TO THE WRIST, FORCING CARMEN DOWN TO ONE KNEE! But Sánchez manages to fight through the pain and work her way back to a vertical base! Carmen tries walking it off, BUT TLA TORQUES ON THE WRIST EVEN HARDER, FORCING HER TO DOUBLE OVER SLIGHTLY!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT CARMEN COUNTERS WITH AN ARM WRINGER, REVERSING INTO A WRISTLOCK OF HER OWN! Now it’s Sánchez applying the pressure, but TLA rolls forward to relieve some of it! He moves onto all fours before SPRINGING RIGHT BACK TO HIS FEET WITH A HEADSPRING! Beautiful agility from TLA, who follows up with an arm wringer of his own to regain control of the wrist! AND TLA GIVES THAT ARM A NASTY YANK, DROPPING CARMEN DOWN TO BOTH KNEES! Dude, he might be trying to rip that shoulder right out of its socket!

Persephone: Good. Maybe that means this match will end sooner.

Rich Russillo: Carmen powers her way back to her feet while trapped in the wristlock, spinning around before rolling through into a seated position on the canvas— AND KIPPING RIGHT BACK UP TO HER FEET! Sánchez reverses the hold with an arm wringer of her own before transitioning into a hammerlock! BUT TLA REACHES BACK AROUND CARMEN’S HEAD WITH HIS FREE ARM, SPINNING OUT OF THE HAMMERLOCK AND CATCHING HER IN A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK WITH THE OTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA wrings Carmen’s arm before slipping behind her and securing a rear wristlock, TRANSITIONING INTO A RELEASE REAR WAISTLOCK TAKEDOWN! TLA throws Carmen down onto the canvas, leaving her lying prone! He reaches down to pull her back up— BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM BY SURPRISE WITH AN ARM DRAG! SÁNCHEZ TWISTS AROUND ON THE MAT TO TAKE TLA OVER, AND TLA ROLLS THROUGH THE ARM DRAG AS CARMEN SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE UP, AND WE’VE GOT OURSELVES A STALEMATE!

(TLA and Carmen stand across the ring from one another as the crowd cheers, appreciating the quick exchange between the two. Both competitors briefly glance toward their respective partners at ringside before turning their attention back to each other and beginning to circle the ring once again.)

Rich Russillo: Carmen and TLA lock hands in the center of the ring for a test of strength, going shoulder to shoulder as they try to overpower one another! TLA positions his leg behind Carmen’s, looking to muscle her down to the canvas as Sánchez begins bending backward— BUT CARMEN STARTS FIGHTING BACK! SHE POWERS HER WAY UPRIGHT IN THE KNUCKLE LOCK BEFORE CATCHING TLA WITH A MONKEY FLIP, SENDING HIM OVER HER!

Thadd Blazevich: BOTH COMPETITORS HAVE THEIR SHOULDERS DOWN! Their hands are still locked together as the referee slides into position and starts counting!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: NO! TLA AND CARMEN BOTH RAISE THEIR SHOULDERS OFF THE MAT! Neither competitor is letting go of that knuckle lock, and they both drop their shoulders right back down for another count!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ANOTHER KICKOUT! Carmen and TLA each lift their opposite shoulders this time, keeping their hands locked together before lowering them back onto the canvas! Neither one is willing to give an inch here, and the referee goes for a third count!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: WHOA! WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT! BOTH COMPETITORS BRIDGE OFF THE MAT AT THE SAME TIME! Carmen and TLA stare back at one another with determination before lowering themselves back down! TLA ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET, PULLING CARMEN UP WITH HIM WHILE MAINTAINING THE KNUCKLE LOCK! AND TLA USES THAT GRIP TO TAKE CARMEN OVER WITH AN ARM DRAG, FINALLY BREAKING THE HOLD! Sánchez rolls through to her feet, and TLA quickly gets back to his— BUT CARMEN GOES FLYING RIGHT PAST HIM!

Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND COMES BACK WITH A HURRICANRANA! BUT TLA ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET! TLA IMMEDIATELY HITS THE ROPES HIMSELF AS CARMEN GETS BACK UP, AND HE CATCHES HER WITH A HURRICANRANA OF HIS OWN! BUT CARMEN CARTWHEELS OUT OF IT AND LANDS RIGHT ON HER FEET! TLA SCRAMBLES BACK UP, AND CARMEN GOES FOR A DROPKICK!

Rich Russillo: BUT TLA SIDESTEPS THE DROPKICK! Carmen quickly pops back to her feet, AND NOW TLA GOES FOR A DROPKICK OF HIS OWN— BUT CARMEN MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! TLA springs right back up, and BOTH COMPETITORS LEAP INTO THE AIR FOR A DROPKICK AT THE EXACT SAME TIME! NEITHER ONE CONNECTS! THEY WERE BOTH THINKING THE SAME THING!

(Carmen headsprings back to her feet while TLA rises to one knee, and Sánchez playfully pats him on the head before backing into the corner with a grin. TLA looks up at her with a slight smirk before standing and nodding in acknowledgment, backing into the opposite corner as he accepts that Carmen got the better of him in that exchange.)

Persephone: I don’t know what TLA’s smiling about. He just got made to look like a fool.

Thadd Blazevich: TLA and Carmen begin circling each other again before closing the distance with another collar and elbow tie-up in the center of the ring! But TLA quickly gains the upper hand, TAKING CARMEN INTO A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK! TLA drops to one knee, bringing Sánchez down with him as he cranks on that hold!

Rich Russillo: Carmen powers her way back to her feet and tries to bounce TLA off the ropes to escape— BUT TLA DROPS TO ONE KNEE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! That stops Carmen in her tracks, allowing TLA to keep the side headlock firmly applied! Sánchez fights her way upright once again, THIS TIME DRIVING FOREARMS INTO TLA’S RIB CAGE! Those shots begin loosening his grip, and Carmen finally manages to shove TLA off into the ropes, breaking free of the hold!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA rebounds off the ropes, AND CARMEN LEAPFROGS RIGHT OVER HIS HEAD! But TLA puts on the brakes behind her as Sánchez takes off into the ropes herself— AND TLA DROPS DOWN, FORCING CARMEN TO HURDLE OVER HIM! TLA quickly pops back to his feet as Carmen comes rebounding off the opposite ropes, AND NOW IT’S TLA WITH A LEAPFROG OF HIS OWN! TLA immediately drops onto his back, LOOKING FOR A REVERSE MONKEY FLIP— BUT CARMEN DIVES THROUGH HIS LEGS AND CARTWHEELS BACK ONTO HER FEET! TLA ROLLS BACK THROUGH TO HIS—

Rich Russillo: BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A RUNNING HURRICANRANA!! TLA gets taken right back down, scrambling toward the corner before using the ropes to pull himself up! Carmen has him in her sights, AND SHE RACES TOWARD TLA FOR A RUNNING MONKEY FLIP IN THE CORNER— BUT TLA BLOCKS IT! TLA HOLDS CARMEN IN PLACE BEFORE SPINNING AROUND AND SETTING HER ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!! The pace of this match is really starting to pick up now as TLA climbs onto the middle rope, looking to follow up!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A HEADBUTT! THAT KNOCKS TLA RIGHT OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE! TLA DROPS BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH HIS BACK TURNED TO CARMEN, CLEARLY STUNNED AS HE STRUGGLES TO STAY ON HIS FEET— AND CARMEN LEAPS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH AN ASTRO SCISSORS!! DUDE, WHAT A MOVE BY CARMEN SÁNCHEZ!

Persephone: Eh, it was alright.

Rich Russillo: TLA rolls through to one knee, trying to shake the cobwebs loose as he staggers toward the ropes! Carmen closes in and grabs hold of him, looking for an Irish whip— BUT TLA REVERSES IT, SENDING CARMEN INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! SÁNCHEZ COMES REBOUNDING BACK— RIGHT INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!! TLA CATCHES CARMEN AND DRIVES HER DOWN ACROSS HIS KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: You can see the pain written all over Carmen’s face as she favors her back following that backbreaker! TLA pulls Sánchez back to her feet, BUT CARMEN STARTS FIGHTING BACK WITH A SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE! TLA QUICKLY SHUTS THAT DOWN WITH A KNEE TO THE ABDOMEN, FOLLOWED BY A CLUBBING BLOW ACROSS THE BACK THAT JOLTS CARMEN UPRIGHT IN PAIN!

Rich Russillo: TLA backs Carmen against the ropes, keeping hold of the back of her head before SENDING SÁNCHEZ SLIDING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING! BUT CARMEN ROLLS THROUGH AND LANDS RIGHT ON HER FEET AT RINGSIDE! TLA CAN’T BELIEVE IT AS HE LOOKS ON FROM INSIDE THE RING, AND NOW HE’S LOOKING TO SLINGSHOT HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO CARMEN!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT CARMEN SEES IT COMING AND SLIDES RIGHT BACK INTO THE RING! TLA IS FORCED TO LAND ON HIS FEET AT RINGSIDE BEFORE QUICKLY HOPPING UP ONTO THE APRON— BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK! TLA FALLS FACE FIRST ONTO THE APRON, AND HE’S ON WOBBLY LEGS AS HE STUMBLES OFF, FINALLY COLLAPSING TO THE FLOOR!

Rich Russillo: Bethany is encouraging TLA to get back up, but he might not have enough time to recover as Carmen is already getting herself into position! SÁNCHEZ RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND COMES SLIDING THROUGH WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE SPLASH— OOH! OH NO! TLA GOT BOTH KNEES UP!! CARMEN CRASHES RIGHT INTO THOSE KNEES, AND THAT HAD TO KNOCK THE WIND RIGHT OUT OF HER!

Thadd Blazevich: Carmen rolls onto all fours near the end of the ramp, coughing and struggling to catch her breath after that counter! TLA takes advantage and pulls Sánchez back up, HOISTING HER ONTO HIS SHOULDERS IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY— BUT CARMEN POPS UP OFF HIS SHOULDERS AND COUNTERS WITH A HURRICANRANA!! SÁNCHEZ SENDS TLA FLYING HEAD FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE AT THE END OF THE RAMP!! DUDE, WHAT A COUNTER! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE DOWN AT RINGSIDE!

Rich Russillo: Yeah, and with both competitors down at ringside, the referee has started his count!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!

Rich Russillo: Carmen is starting to stir! Sánchez rolls onto all fours, trying to gather herself after that exchange!

Persephone: C’mon, you stupid referee! Count faster!

Referee: SIX!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA is dragging himself up to all fours as well! Both competitors are starting to crawl toward the ring, desperately trying to beat this count as their partners watch on from ringside!

Referee: SEVEN! EIGHT!

Rich Russillo: TLA and Carmen reach the apron, using it to pull themselves back to their feet! They’re standing side by side now, and you can see the wear and tear written all over their faces! BUT DO THEY HAVE ENOUGH LEFT TO BEAT THE COUNT?!

Referee: NINE!

Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE IS AT NINE!

Referee: …TE—

Thadd Blazevich: YES!

Persephone: NO!

Rich Russillo: TLA AND CARMEN BEAT THE COUNT!! BOTH COMPETITORS ROLL BACK INTO THE RING JUST IN TIME! TLA and Carmen rise to all fours, staring across at one another as they struggle to see who can get back to their feet first! Sánchez manages to stand before TLA, who has only made it to one knee— AND CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE RIB CAGE AS HE TRIES TO STAND!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA doubles over slightly, immediately favoring those ribs as Carmen approaches and grabs hold of him— BUT TLA SHOVES HER AWAY! Sánchez stumbles backward into the ropes and comes rebounding toward him, BUT TLA DUCKS DOWN EARLY, LOOKING TO SEND CARMEN OVER WITH A BACK BODY DROP!

Rich Russillo: BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A WELL-PLACED PUNT KICK TO THE CHEST! THAT KICK JOLTS TLA UPRIGHT! TLA struggles to keep his balance as Sánchez turns toward the ropes, SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A MOONSAULT— BUT TLA CATCHES HER! TLA MANAGES TO CATCH CARMEN ON HIS SHOULDER— BUT SÁNCHEZ SPINS OUT OF HIS GRASP AND PLANTS HIM WITH A SATELLITE DDT!!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA remains sitting up after that DDT, but dude, the lights are on and nobody’s home! He’s completely out of it as he groggily tries to get back to his feet! Meanwhile, Carmen uses the ropes to pull herself upright, watching TLA struggle to stand before TAKING OFF INTO THE ROPES FOR A TILT-A-WHIRL HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!! TLA GETS TAKEN RIGHT BACK DOWN! BUT HE’S QUICKLY UP AGAIN, ALMOST MOVING ON INSTINCT AT THIS POINT AS HE STRUGGLES TO KEEP HIMSELF STANDING!

Rich Russillo: CARMEN MARCHES RIGHT TOWARD TLA AND HAMMERS HIM WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE! Sánchez backs TLA against the ropes and grabs his arm, looking for an Irish whip— NO! TLA REVERSES IT, SENDING CARMEN INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! TLA SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT CARMEN DUCKS UNDERNEATH! SÁNCHEZ CONTINUES INTO THE OPPOSITE ROPES AND COMES REBOUNDING BACK WITH “TROMPO”!!

Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN CATCHES TLA BY SURPRISE WITH THAT TWISTING RUNNING CROSSBODY!! SÁNCHEZ TAKES HIM DOWN AND STAYS RIGHT ON TOP FOR THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP AS TLA STARTS KICKING HIS FEET, TRYING TO BREAK FREE! THIS COULD BE IT!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! TLA NARROWLY GETS THE SHOULDER UP AFTER BEING CAUGHT BY SURPRISE! TLA starts working his way back to his feet— BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A LEG KICK! TLA hobbles toward the ropes, immediately favoring that leg as Sánchez grabs hold of him and sends him across the ring with an Irish whip! Carmen looks to catch him on the rebound with a dropkick— BUT TLA HOOKS BOTH ARMS OVER THE TOP ROPE, STOPPING HIMSELF IN HIS TRACKS! CARMEN MISSES THE DROPKICK AND LANDS HARD ON HER BACK! Sánchez quickly sits up— ONLY TO GET BLASTED WITH A SLIDING FOREARM FROM TLA!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA isn’t giving Carmen any time to recover either! HE PULLS SÁNCHEZ BACK TO HER FEET AND HOISTS HER UP FOR AN USHIGOROSHI!! USHIGOROSHI BY TLA! CARMEN GETS DRIVEN DOWN ACROSS HIS KNEE, AND TLA IMMEDIATELY DROPS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: SHOULDER UP! CARMEN SÁNCHEZ GETS THE SHOULDER UP! TLA sits up following that near fall, taking a moment to think about his next move. But he notices Carmen trying to crawl away and quickly puts a stop to that! TLA GRABS SÁNCHEZ FROM BEHIND AND ATTEMPTS TO DEADLIFT HER OFF THE MAT FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX! BUT HE ONLY MANAGES TO GET HER HALFWAY UP— BEFORE CARMEN COUNTERS WITH A WHEELBARROW RANA!! SÁNCHEZ SENDS TLA FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Rich Russillo: TLA IS HUNG UP ON THE MIDDLE ROPE! AND CARMEN HAS HIM IN THE PERFECT POSITION FOR SOMETHING WE’VE SEEN HER DO PLENTY OF TIMES BEFORE!

Persephone: Yes, hit your move or whatever it’s called and let’s take this one home!

Rich Russillo: CARMEN RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND COMES BACK LOOKING FOR THE TIGER FEINT KICK— BUT TLA DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! TLA SLIPS OUT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND ONTO THE APRON, AVOIDING THE KICK ENTIRELY! Carmen spins back around inside the ring and RUSHES TOWARD TLA ON THE APRON— BUT TLA CATCHES HER WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE! THAT SHOT SENDS CARMEN STAGGERING BACKWARD, GIVING TLA AN OPENING TO SPRINGBOARD OFF THE TOP ROPE— NO!

Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN DUCKS UNDERNEATH WHATEVER TLA HAD PLANNED! TLA GOES FLYING RIGHT OVER HER, BUT MANAGES TO ROLL THROUGH THE LANDING AND POP BACK TO HIS FEET ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING!

Rich Russillo: Carmen marches toward TLA— BUT TLA SUDDENLY LUNGES FORWARD WITH A SUNSET FLIP! CARMEN MANAGES TO ROLL BACK THROUGH TO HER FEET, AND SHE CRACKS TLA ACROSS THE SKULL WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA rolls over onto his stomach after that kick, crawling away from Carmen and toward the corner, where he uses the ropes to help himself back to his feet! But Carmen is right there to meet him, LIFTING TLA UP ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Sánchez begins climbing the ropes herself, looking to take TLA down with a hurricanrana— BUT TLA BLOCKS IT! HE MANAGES TO HOLD CARMEN UPSIDE DOWN BEFORE USING HIS STRENGTH TO MUSCLE HER UP INTO A POWERBOMB POSITION! AND TLA STANDS UP ON THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH CARMEN HOISTED HIGH ABOVE HIM!

Rich Russillo: BUT CARMEN COUNTERS WITH A HURRICANRANA!!

(TLA rolls onto one knee, still feeling the effects of that hurricanrana as Carmen crawls toward him. Sánchez presses her forehead against his, and the two stare intensely into each other’s eyes, neither willing to give an inch after everything they’ve put each other through—)

Rich Russillo: HEY, WHAT THE HELL?!

Thadd Blazevich: JAMIE JUST ATTACKED BETHANY BLUE FROM BEHIND, SENDING HER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! AND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING, HARUKA JUST SHOVED AVRIL FACE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!! JAMIE AND HARUKA HAVE JUST LAUNCHED AN AMBUSH ON BOTH WOMEN AT RINGSIDE!

Persephone: Hey, wrong competitors! You’re supposed to attack the two INSIDE the ring first!

(Bethany crawls around the steel steps, clutching her injured shoulder as Jamie follows closely behind. Jamie grabs a handful of Bethany’s hair and roughly pulls her back to her feet. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the ring, Haruka grabs hold of Avril and SLAMS HER FACE FIRST ONTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE COVER!)

Rich Russillo: AVRIL JUST WENT FACE FIRST INTO OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE! HARUKA IS ALL OVER HER— BUT AVRIL FIGHTS BACK, DRIVING HARUKA BACK FIRST INTO THE RING APRON! AVRIL STARTS HAMMERING AWAY WITH LEFTS AND RIGHTS, FORCING HARUKA TO COVER UP AS SHE TRIES TO PROTECT HERSELF! BUT KASHIMASHI STARTS GOUGING AT AVRIL’S EYES!! HARUKA’S DIGGING HER FINGERS INTO THOSE EYES, FORCING AVRIL TO BACK AWAY!

Thadd Blazevich: AND LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING! BETHANY BLUE IS STARTING TO FIGHT BACK AS WELL! SHE’S DRIVING SHOTS INTO JAMIE’S RIB CAGE, TRYING TO BREAK FREE! AND NOW BETHANY AND JAMIE ARE TRADING LEFTS AND RIGHTS! THESE TWO ARE ABSOLUTELY DUKING IT OUT AT RINGSIDE! THINGS HAVE COMPLETELY BROKEN DOWN OUT HERE!

(Back inside the ring, TLA and Carmen have turned their attention toward the chaos unfolding outside. Both look visibly concerned for their respective partners before exchanging a quick glance with one another. Without saying a word, they nod in agreement before scrambling to their feet and running toward opposite sets of ropes!)

Rich Russillo: WAIT A MINUTE! TLA AND CARMEN ARE ON THE MOVE! TLA GOES FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A TOPE CON HILO, WIPING OUT BOTH JAMIE AND BETHANY BLUE!! AND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE, CARMEN SÁNCHEZ DOES THE EXACT SAME THING!! A SECOND TOPE CON HILO FROM CARMEN, TAKING OUT HARUKA AND AVRIL!! BOTH COMPETITORS JUST THREW THEMSELVES INTO THE CHAOS AT RINGSIDE!

(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)

Thadd Blazevich: THE REFEREE IS CALLING FOR THE BELL! THERE’S NO WAY THIS MATCH CAN CONTINUE WITH EVERYTHING THAT’S HAPPENING OUT HERE! AND TLA AND CARMEN AREN’T EVEN THINKING ABOUT THE MATCH ANYMORE! THEY’RE GOING RIGHT AFTER JAMIE AND HARUKA, UNLOADING WITH WILD LEFTS AND RIGHTS AS BOTH WOMEN TRY TO GET AWAY! JAMIE AND HARUKA CAME OUT HERE LOOKING TO CAUSE TROUBLE, BUT NOW THEY’RE THE ONES TRYING TO ESCAPE!

(Jamie and Haruka manage to break away from the attack, scrambling over the barricade near the corner of the ringside area. Both hurry up the stairwell to escape as TLA and Carmen watch them retreat, making sure they’re gone before turning their attention back to their partners. TLA helps Bethany to her feet while Carmen does the same for Avril, and the four stand together at ringside as the crowd erupts into cheers.)

Rich Russillo: What a shame that things had to end this way! TLA and Carmen Sánchez were putting on a fantastic match, but Jamie and Haruka decided to ruin it by attacking their partners at ringside! The referee had no choice but to throw this match out!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I was loving that match, too! But Jamie and Haruka picked a fight with the wrong people tonight! TLA and Carmen weren’t about to stand around and let their partners get attacked, and those two made sure Jamie and Haruka got the message!

Persephone: So nobody wins, and we don’t have to watch them wrestle anymore? Sounds like a win to me.

(The camera shows TLA, Bethany, Carmen, and Avril standing together at ringside as Jamie and Haruka continue retreating through the crowd. With the fans cheering them on, Voltage fades away from ringside.)

(Commercial for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, now out digitally.)

(Sunday Night Voltage continues, as we hear ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’ by Kiss begin to blast through the P. A System. Cynthia Valice makes her way out, getting a positive reaction from the crowd here tonight in Vienna. She’s wearing her ring attire as she has a match coming up in just a couple of moments, while looking to be extra motivated tonight, making her way down the ramp and towards the ring.)

Bella Braxton: PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME… CYNTHIA VALICE!!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is making her way out here, ladies and gentlemen, and judging by what we saw last week… post-Territorial Invasion left a lot to be desired for her. She felt like she was left looking on the outside while her friends, Avril and Carmen, look to challenge La Farmacia for the Unified Tag Team Championships! It’s a feeling that most would feel being in her situation. But, of course, both of them told Cynthia that perhaps she can put her name into a match at Wicked Games to decide who’ll be a participant in the Extreme Elimination Chamber!

Thad Blazevich: An opportunity like that would be great for Cynthia, and she does look extra motivated here tonight… Perhaps she has more on her mind about this potential opportunity that her friends suggested she should take.

Persephone: Listening to Avril and Carmen for advice? She was better off speaking to a water hose and a plant. If Cynthia wants to go anywhere in her career, she should start making her own decisions like any other person would and stop being an idiot!

Thadd Blazevich: Come on, bro, you’re just hating on friendships now! Avril and Carmen have been supportive of Cynthia and vice versa. I would rather take advice from them than you any day of the week, broski!

Persephone: Oh fuck off, prick.

Thadd Blazevich: Just speaking the truth, bro.

Rich Russillo: Anyways… let’s see what Cynthia has to say!

(Cynthia continues making her way down to the ring, even high-fiving a couple of fans who were ringside! She climbs over the steps and enters through the ropes, getting tossed a microphone by a ringside official. She has a determined look in her eyes as, soon enough, her music begins to fade out. The crowd continues to cheer her as she begins to speak to everyone.)

Cynthia Valice: How is everyone doing tonight?!

(The crowd cheers in response as Cynthia has a smirk on her face while continuing to speak.)

Cynthia Valice: That’s great to hear! I have my match with Eris coming up in just a few moments, but I wanted to get something off my chest, and it has something to do with an opportunity coming up in a couple of weeks at Wicked Games. As you guys may be aware, there’s going to be a match at the event where the winner will become a participant in the EAW World Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber at Road To Redemption. Now, I’ve already made my intentions clear, but after speaking to Captain Charisma further about my feelings these past couple of weeks… I can confirm to you guys that I will be a part of that match at Wicked Games!

(The crowd is ecstatic over this announcement as Cynthia confirms her addition to the match. She has a happy and motivated expression on her face as she continues with her monologue.)

Cynthia Valice: Let me just say, I am very excited to be a part of this match. Especially factoring in the huge opportunity that comes with it… It really isn’t every day that you can say that you’re getting the chance to contend for the top prize here on this brand. And considering that I even have the slightest chance of making it into the Extreme Elimination Chamber… I’m amped up. I know how much of a big match this is, and someone like Cosmo Goldworthy may be feeling the same way I am at this moment. We all have our eyes on being one of the people competing in the Chamber for the World Championship, so I won’t take this opportunity for granted or ignore that I have to get past Wicked Games first. I will do my best to be the woman that has her hand raised in victory, and hopefully myself, Carmen, and Avril are all champions together!

(Before Cynthia could say anything else, ‘Tears’ by Sabrina Carpenter begins to play as out comes Ashlynn Quinn, who also gets a great reaction from the crowd! She begins making her way down to the ring, as Cynthia is a little surprised to hear her music.)

Rich Russillo: Wow! I didn’t expect Ashlynn to come out here, but nonetheless, the former New Breed Champion is making her presence felt, and perhaps she has something on her mind pertaining to Cynthia.

Thadd Blazevich: Maybe, Rich… Should be interesting regardless.

(Ashlynn makes her way down to the ring as she picks up a microphone from the ring steps. She climbs up them and enters through the ropes. The camera focuses on her flashy outfit as her music begins to fade out, and as she looks at Cynthia, she begins to speak.)

Ashlynn Quinn: SOOOOO sorry for coming out here to interrupt you, Cynthia, but since you were talking about being a part of the Wicked Games match, with whoever wins being a participant in the Extreme Elimination Chamber… I’m here to also reveal that I will also be a part of that match too!!!

(The crowd cheers in response to Ashlynn also announcing her inclusion in the match. Cynthia looks impressed with that, as Ashlynn continues.)

Ashlynn Quinn: Now look… while I am VERY happy to see you get a chance like this… I very much plan on winning this match and meeting my pookums… my babe… my handsome Hans inside that Extreme Elimination Chamber. I want to be in that ring with him, and in order for me to do so… you’re unfortunately going to have to be the one on the outside looking in while I advance to Road to Redemption. It’s nothing personal, sis; I just have the same intentions of winning this match just as much as you do.

(Cynthia does a little shrug before she responds to Ashlynn by saying…)

Cynthia Valice: I can acknowledge you have the same level of determination to win this match as I do; in fact, I can very much understand it. But respectfully, this is a match I need to win. I don’t want to be left behind while my friends go on to challenge and possibly win the Unified Tag Team Championships. I am very focused on getting through to Wicked Games and advancing to Road to Redemption, but that’s not the point… The point is I know that both of us will try our hardest when the time comes in order to achieve what we want coming out of this.

Ashlynn Quinn: Likewise, Cynth.

(Before Ashlynn could say anything else, ‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown begins to play as Cosmo Goldworthy makes his way out to the stage, holding onto a microphone and not wasting any time as he quickly signals for his music to fade away. He begins to speak to both Cynthia and Ashlynn whilst making his way down the ramp.)

Cosmo Goldworthy: I know I didn’t just hear the both of you talk about winning this match when everyone knows who the real winner is going to be. I was the first one added to this match when Captain Charisma called me to his office, and like I said before… This match is mine for the taking. I didn’t just accept this opportunity to not seize it… Nah, I plan on getting through the two of you and getting myself a spot inside that Extreme Elimination Chamber. If anyone got a real shot of becoming a world champion, it’s Money Mo.

(Cosmo makes his way down the ramp as he slides into the ring, continuing to speak to both of them.)

Cosmo Goldworthy: I’m not letting either of you take this away from me, and I don’t even know why both of you are even excited about this, because, again, the only one who’s going to be making it to the chamber is me… while you two… just aren’t going to cut it competing for the top championship of this brand.

(Ashlynn and Cynthia do not look pleased with what Cosmo just said to both of them as Ashlynn responds to him by saying…)

Ashlynn Quinn: UGH! As if! What makes you think you’re any different, Cosmo? You’re in the same boat as us, yet you believe you’re the one making it to the chamber! Absolutely NAWT!!! I already told you my reason, but also don’t forget that the opportunity itself is big. And while you want to underestimate me and Cynthia’s chances, this isn’t your match to take, Cosmo. If anyone is winning this match, it’s me, PERIODT!

Cynthia Valice: I almost agreed with everything you said there, Ashlynn… except that last part I just don’t see. I’m going to make sure I’m the one that gets my arm raised, with all due respect. I’m allowed to be excited to be a part of this, and I don’t care if you think I shouldn’t be, Cosmo.

Cosmo Goldworthy: You both can be confident as you like… it isn’t going to change what the result is going to be when Wicked Games comes to an end. I vow to myself and to the whole world that I will be the one that wins at Wicked Games.

(Cosmo drops the microphone as his music begins to play and he begins to leave the ring.)

Rich Russillo: What a statement made by these three competitors, all vying for their shot at being a participant in the Extreme Elimination Chamber Match for the EAW World Championship. Cosmo, Ashlynn, and Cynthia all have made some valid points, but only one of them gets to advance to Road to Redemption,

Thadd Blazevich: We’ll find out that answer once Wicked Games comes around!

Persephone: Yeah, of course we will, you stupid moron!

(The final shot sees Cosmo making his way to the back, before transitioning to the backstage area… focusing on Sayuri Himura and Candice Blair who are watching on a monitor. Sayuri and Candice competed against one another earlier in the night in a tag team match as they’re still wearing their ring gear, seemingly paying close attention to what just unfolded. After a moment, Sayuri looks towards Candice, beginning to speak after the earlier events.)

Sayuri Himura: I apologize for what transpired earlier, during our match. It doesn’t surprise me Cosmo, as dishonorable as he is, would see no shame in that kind of victory. That is not what I wanted however, and I regret that our match was tainted by outside factors. If it were up to me, Saori Aizen never would have been a factor.

(Candice isn’t quick to respond, just giving an almost dismissive shrug, still not thrilled by the earlier loss.)

Candice Blair: Well, it’s too late for that now. Saori did what she did, but she did it because she knows that as long as ARIA is up next for a title match, she’s in danger. She’s afraid, and she’s gonna get what’s coming to her soon enough.

(Hearing this, Sayuri nods, before she stops and begins to think.)

Sayuri Himura: But… What about you?

Candice Blair: Hm?

Sayuri Himura: I suppose I’m just quite surprised, given all of your ambition. Why didn’t you go out there and stake your claim as well?

(Candice hears this from Sayuri, looking a little off guard with the question thrown her way, as after a few moments of thinking, she responds by saying…)

Candice Blair: I have to admit… I did think about doing that, and I did think about the Specialists Championship as well and maybe having a stake in that. But I didn’t want to get in ARIA’s way of pursuing that championship too. She has every right to go after that title, and I don’t want to be someone who’s standing in the way of doing so. I don’t know… I just felt like I didn’t want to be a shadow over one of my closest friends’ pursuits. After everything she has been through, she deserves it.

(Candice doesn’t say another word, still thinking about it with several thoughts popping into her head. Sayuri responds to her after a moment as she says…)

Sayuri Himura: Let me ask you this, Candice… and again, I say this with no disrespect intended towards you… Do you believe you don’t? I mean, ARIA would understand; after all, if you were to make that claim yourself. You have been looking for the correct opportunity just as she has, so why don’t you believe you deserve it?

(Candice has no answer to this question, not being able to form the answer Sayuri was looking for. She adds to this by saying to her…)

Sayuri Himura: Perhaps you may be afraid of something. The fear that looms over your head when chances like this come up and no matter what happens… it just doesn’t go the way you wanted it to go. What you’re fearing is being runner-up in a big title match, being the bridesmaid but never the bride, as they say.

(Candice is a little taken aback by what Sayuri just said as she quickly responds to her by saying…)

Candice Blair: Now hold on… let’s not go there, Sayuri. I am not afraid of being runner-up in title matches… I was just one of the sole survivors for Brand Warfare, and while yes, I have had chances not go my way, that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to force myself to keep going. I’m not going to give myself the idea that I’m afraid of this, that I’m afraid of failing again after so many tries. I–

(Candice is on the defensive about what Sayuri said. Quickly, she puts her hands up, trying to ease the tension she may have been feeling as she said that, as Sayuri responds to her.)

Sayuri Himura: Relax, Candice… I feel the same way towards myself. I have those same fears that you may have when it comes to title matches and just coming up shorter than I expected. I wasn’t trying to insult you… I was merely asking, as again, that is something I am dealing with myself. Because while I may not have been here as long as you have, being a newer elitist… I still have expectations, high standards that needed to be met and… I failed in doing that. I failed in my pursuit of even getting a title match, and that fear has been developing more and more. Failure can often be a lesson in patience, but I’m afraid that if I get more and more opportunities that end up not going my direction… I don’t know what things will look like for me. Because, as a competitor, I don’t know when to quit, and perhaps after one too many chances, someone else can make that decision for me. It’s… unsettling…

(Both Candice and Sayuri wander in silence, with the fear that was brought up by Sayuri that both women may be experiencing. But, before either of them can say anything else, we hear a voice call out to both of them.)

???: Excuse me, do you both have a second to chat with me?

(Sayuri and Candice turn around and see that it’s Eden Sinclair standing by as she approaches the two of them, beginning to speak.)

Eden Sinclair: I know both of you have been wondering what your next step is going to be from here, and I’m here to give you a solution. I’m going to tell you both that there could be opportunities waiting for you as we head towards Road to Redemption. At that event, there’s going to be a Universal Women’s Championship Chamber match, and when speaking to Captain Charisma about deciding who gets into it… we decided that we’re going to give both of you the chance to qualify for it at Wicked Games. Does that sound fair to you both?

Sayuri Himura: Yes, it is.

Candice Blair: That’s fine with me.

Eden Sinclair: Alright, that settles that. Good luck to you both on that endeavour.

(Eden soon turns around and leaves them, as the final shot sees Sayuri and Candice looking at each other, both with fierce determination written all over. After a moment, Voltage fades out and transitions elsewhere in the arena.)

(Commercial for Showdown’s upcoming event, The Last Stand.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to ringside, where Cynthia Valice is already standing in the ring. Cynthia takes a moment to stretch and prepare herself as Bella Braxton raises her microphone.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST! ALREADY IN THE RING! FROM KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI! WEIGHING IN AT 134 POUNDS… CYNTHIA VALICE!!!!!

(Cynthia raises her arms with a smile, acknowledging the crowd before turning her attention toward the entrance ramp.)

Rich Russillo: As we now know, Cynthia Valice will be entering that Wicked Games match to qualify for a spot in the EAW Championship Chamber. Cynthia has made it clear that she needs to turn things around, and tonight presents an opportunity to do exactly that against a very dangerous opponent.

Persephone: Or she’s gonna make herself a victim.

Thadd Blazevich: Valice has heart, bro. Don’t go counting her out! She’s the type who will surprise you and she’s shown more than once that she is perfectly capable of competing with top tier talent around here!

(“Burn Victim” by Methwitch hits the speakers as Eris Morti emerges onto the stage, wearing an unsettling smile. She slowly makes her way down the ramp, seemingly unbothered by the reaction from the crowd.)

Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT! FROM PARTS UNKNOWN! WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS… THE CURSE… ERIS MORTI!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, after what Raven Roberts did to Eris last week, I’m surprised she’s walking out here looking so pleased with herself!

(Eris climbs onto the apron and slips between the ropes, turning toward Cynthia with a slight grin as her entrance music fades.)

Persephone: She’s probably excited about getting hit in the head again. Freak.

Rich Russillo: Eris took some brutal damage last week but she’s shown repeatedly how resilient she is! She may be feeling the attack from the Bird of Prey, but I’ll be surprised if she shows it!

(“Ghost Myself” by DIAMANTÉ hits the speakers.)

Rich Russillo: And speaking of Raven Roberts, it looks like she’s joining us!

Persephone: Seriously? Can’t this bitch stay out of my sight for like one week? It’s bad enough she got drafted back here.

(Raven Roberts emerges from the backstage area, walking quickly down the ramp with her eyes fixed on Eris. She takes up a position near the barricade as Eris notices her presence and smiles as the music fades.)

Thadd Blazevich: Seems like Raven intends to keep an eye on this one, bro! She’s stopping at ringside and the referee is telling her to stay back!

(Raven puts her hands up and leans back against the barricade, motioning for the ref to get things started. The official checks both competitors and then calls for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: There’s the bell, and Cynthia Valice comes straight out of her corner with her hands raised! She’s determined to put frustrating team losses behind her, and you can see that urgency already. Eris Morti circles her, looking almost amused, but Cynthia closes the distance and forces the opening collar-and-elbow tie-up.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Cynthia promised she wasn’t going to spend another week feeling sorry for herself. She needs a result, and she’s showing Eris right away that she isn’t afraid of getting physical.

Persephone: Eris has the lower center of gravity and she’s using it, driving Cynthia toward the ropes. The referee’s going in for a count, but Eris breaks the hold before casually patting Cynthia on the cheek. Wonderful, we’ve already started the irritating psychological games that keep me here longer than I need to be.

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA SHOVES HER BACK! Eris throws a chop, Cynthia ducks underneath and takes the waist, but Eris grabs the wrist to peel her off! Cynthia switches to a drop toe hold and floats into a front facelock!

Persephone: Cynthia’s trying to control Thick-zilla. she’s keeping hold of Eris’ head and making her carry the pressure. Eris plants her knees, though, and forces both women upright.

Thadd Blazevich: Eris goes for a judo throw, bro, but Cynthia widens her stance and blocks it! SNAP SUPLEX BY CYNTHIA, AND SHE ROLLS STRAIGHT INTO A COVER!

Referee: ONNNNNEE—

Rich Russillo: Eris kicks out quickly, but Cynthia maintains the pressure with a headlock! Eris pushes against her hip, shoots her into the ropes, and catches Cynthia returning with a hard European uppercut!

Persephone: Cynthia backs up, and Eris follows with a knife-edge chop that sounds like a gunshot! Another chop puts Cynthia in the corner.

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia catches the next chop and fires back with a forearm, dude! Eris answers with a headbutt, grabs the arm and twists it, and Cynthia has to drop to a knee to keep her shoulder from getting pulled apart!

Rich Russillo: Eris transitions into a standing wristlock, but Cynthia rolls forward, turns through the pressure and reverses! She tries the butterfly suplex, Eris blocks, and Cynthia changes levels for an O’Connor roll!

Referee: ONNNNEEEEE!!! T—

Persephone: Eris gets free and Cynthia immediately reaches for her again. She might be nervous before the bell, but her decisions are quick tonight. I’m guessing Eris is about to test whether they stay quick when somebody starts hitting her.

Rich Russillo: Eris swings a short-arm lariat, Cynthia ducks, hits the ropes, AND TAKES ERIS DOWN WITH A SPRINGBOARD SHOULDER TACKLE! Cynthia lands on her feet and looks almost surprised herself before charging back toward Morti!

Thadd Blazevich: DON’T RUSH IT, DUDE! Eris hooks the arm as Cynthia reaches for her, drags her down into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR, and now that left shoulder’s being torqued in a nasty direction!

Persephone: Cynthia’s already trying to turn toward her trapped arm to release the pressure! Eris adjusts her grip and digs her weight onto the shoulder. No smile now, just control!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia crawls forward and finally hooks the bottom rope! The referee counts!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! LET GO!!

Rich Russillo: and Eris releases before disqualification! She takes her time standing while Cynthia checks that arm.

Thadd Blazevich: Smart attack by Eris, bro. Cynthia uses a lot of suplexes and technical attempts and a compromised shoulder takes a lot of that away!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia rises near the ropes, catches Eris stepping in with a kick to the thigh, then another! She’s testing the leg rather than trying to lift Morti immediately with the injured shoulder. She hooks around the waist for a belly-to-belly, but Eris jams a knee into her ribs and counters with an EXPLODER SUPLEX!

Persephone: Eris rolls across, hooks the far leg, and Cynthia gets a shoulder free before two. The way Morti changed from the arm to the ribs is important. She isn’t wasting time trying the same attack until it stops working.

Rich Russillo: Eris hauls Cynthia toward the corner and delivers two shoulder thrusts! She steps back for a running face wash, BUT CYNTHIA GETS OUT OF THE WAY! Eris catches the turnbuckle with her boot, and Cynthia capitalizes with a TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!

Thadd Blazevich: A great show of power, dude! Cynthia is fighting to make a statement here tonight! She has to pull Eris into position using that sore arm, but she’s got the momentum on her side in this one!

Persephone: Yeah but that plucky little underdog story goes up in smoke if she can’t keep control! She grabs Eris by the head— BUT ERIS RISES WITH A HEADBUTT TO VALICE! CYNTHIA IS KNOCKED BACKWARDS!

(At ringside, Raven Roberts stands beside the barricade, watching without speaking. Eris notices her, smiles briefly, then turns her attention back to Cynthia.)

Rich Russillo: Eris just acknowledged Raven at ringside, and there’s plenty of curiosity behind that look after what happened on Voltage last week. Raven threw her off the stage into electrical equipment, and tonight she’s standing there without offering a word. The two are locked in each other— AND LOOK! Cynthia takes advantage, grabbing Eris from behind for a GERMAN SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Cynthia keeps her grip! She rolls them both up, gets Eris standing and delivers a SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX! She’s going for Three Steps Forward!

Persephone: Eris tries to hook her foot behind Cynthia’s on the third attempt, but Cynthia drives a hammer fist into her side and gets her over anyway! THIRD GERMAN WITH THE BRIDGE!

Referee: ONNNNEEEE!! TWOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: ERIS KICKS OUT, BRO! That was much closer than Morti wanted!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia can’t quite believe that didn’t finish it, but she doesn’t stop working! She grabs Eris’ leg, tries to turn her over into a single-leg Boston crab, and Eris twists underneath, kicking her off with the free leg!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia charges back in, dude, and Eris meets her with a DISCUS ELBOW! Cynthia stumbles into the ropes, Eris catches her on the rebound with a SAITO SUPLEX, AND SHE HOOKS THE LEG!

Referee: ONNNNNNEEEE! TWOOOOOO!

Persephone: Valice kicks out! That elbow changed everything because Cynthia walked straight into it. She has to remember she can’t run blind into every problem. Eris is very happy to let her come forward if it means getting a free shot at her jaw.

Rich Russillo: Eris brings Cynthia upright and folds her down with a neckbreaker, but she’s not going for the cover this time! She wraps an arm around Cynthia’s throat and pulls her backward into a DRAGON SLEEPER!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia’s in trouble here, bro! She tries grabbing the wrist, can’t get it free, and now she’s getting her feet underneath her so she can force Eris toward that corner!

Persephone: Eris keeps the hold as Cynthia backs them into the turnbuckles! Once, twice, Cynthia drives her in, and the second collision weakens the grip. Rolls through and gets Eris’ shoulders down somehow!

Referee: ONEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: Eris releases the hold to escape the pin! She scrambles up and lands a PUMP KICK! Cynthia’s knocked sideways, and Eris pulls her into a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Eris is getting sharper as this goes on, but Cynthia isn’t disappearing. She’s fighting through, finding counters, and keeping her hands moving even when she’s hurt.

Rich Russillo: Eris grabs Cynthia’s injured arm again, stamps down on the wrist, and applies an STF! Cynthia is trapped near the center, and Morti is really wrenching back on the neck! Trying to keep the damage building!

Thadd Blazevich: The arm’s hurting, the neck’s hurting, and now that knees also twisted up as part of the STF, and now she’s got to drag herself across the canvas, bro!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia gets her free knee underneath her, moves a few inches, and reaches out! But not enough! She’s clawing to get there! Pushing inch by inch! Reaches one more time and finally reaches the bottom rope!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Persephone: Eris holds on until four again, of course. There’s no point protesting; she knows exactly how long she’s allowed. Cynthia needs something explosive now, because she’s being worn down one hold at a time.

Rich Russillo: Eris goes to drag Cynthia up, but Cynthia throws an elbow into her stomach! Another elbow! Cynthia hooks the waist and delivers a BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! Eris rolls through, and Cynthia rebounds! She’s quick to her feet and catches Eris with a BICYCLE KNEE! VALICE SHOWING HEART!

Thadd Blazevich: That’s it, dude, make Eris react to you! Cynthia follows up with a SNAP SUPLEX and stays close enough to prevent Morti from rolling out of reach!

Persephone: But this is nowhere near enough to end this match, much to my suffering! Valice is aware too! She knows she can’t let that frustrate her, not after everything she said this week. She’s still got Eris in a vulnerable position, so she needs to build on it.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia attempts a stalling suplex, and SHE’S HOLDING ERIS VERTICAL! WHAT POWER! That’s impressive strength even without punishment to her shoulder! DOWN GOES ERIS, AND CYNTHIA COVERS AGAIN!

Referee: ONNNNEEEEEEE!!! TWWWOOOOOO!!! TT—

Thadd Blazevich: NOT ENOUGH, BRO! Eris throws that shoulder up, and Cynthia’s starting to feel just how hard it is to put someone like Morti away!

Persephone: Eris is rubbing her ribs, though, and Cynthia should notice that. Morti isn’t invulnerable just because she enjoys getting hurt. The real question is whether Cynthia can exploit the damage faster than Eris can dish it back.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia reaches for Eris, but Morti SLAPS HER ACROSS THE FACE! Cynthia pauses, then responds with a forearm! Eris hits an open-hand chop, Cynthia answers with another forearm, AND NOW BOTH WOMEN ARE TRADING SHOTS!

Thadd Blazevich: BRO, ERIS IS LAUGHING! Cynthia fires another forearm and Eris practically invites the next one before cracking her with a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!

Persephone: This is what makes Morti so dangerous. She’s taking shots that would discourage another wrestler, and she seems more excited with every exchange. Cynthia’s still standing, but taking that invitation is not automatically a good idea.

Rich Russillo: Eris swings a ripcord lariat! CYNTHIA DUCKS! Cynthia catches a waistlock, attempts the German, but Eris drops her weight and rolls forward, forcing Cynthia to release the grip!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris comes back with a spinning knife-edge chop, dude, and Cynthia staggers backward! Morti hooks the head and drops her with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Persephone: Cynthia’s still breathing hard from that exchange, and Eris is already pulling her back up. That could be Morti’s mistake if she starts enjoying the resistance more than she cares about the result. The physicality is catching up to both of them, but Morti’s got plenty of her own experience managing this kind of punishment.

Rich Russillo: Eris positions Cynthia for the Dagger, that sheer-drop brainbuster! Cynthia blocks the lift, drives a knee into Eris’ ribs, and lands behind her! She turns Morti around and plants her with a BUTTERFLY DDT! Cynthia works her way upright and goes for SHY FLASH! ERIS DUCKS THE SPINNING HEEL KICK! Morti catches her from behind and plants her with a LEG-TRAP BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris goes straight back to that weakened shoulder, bro! Cynthia lands hard and Eris capitalizes! Taking a grip on that shoulder and wrenching the joint again! Making sure the damage builds and lingers!

Persephone: Look at how Eris is controlling where Cynthia lands on these slams. She’s not just looking for spectacular throws; she’s trying to target what’s already damaged. Cynthia needs to keep her feet underneath her and stop giving Eris clean lifts.

Rich Russillo: Eris traps Cynthia in the corner and drives three knees into the ribs! The referee orders her back, and she takes two steps before rushing for a running face wash! CYNTHIA EVADES AGAIN!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Cynthia has that move scouted now! Eris hits the turnbuckles, Cynthia catches her coming back with a gut check, AND NOW SHE SWINGS HER INTO A BLACK HOLE SLAM!

Persephone: Cynthia catches her breath for a moment but she can’t let up! Cynthia’s got to be getting frustrated, but that’s a massive combination and Eris hasn’t down for long throughout this match tonight.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia pushes herself up first, but Eris surprises her with a CHOP BLOCK to the leg! Cynthia drops to a knee, Eris hits the ropes and follows with a PENALTY KICK ACROSS THE CHEST!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, that one echoed around the building! Eris forces Cynthia’s shoulders to the mat!

Referee: ONNNEEEEEEEE!

Rich Russillo: Just forcing Cynthia to power up with that shoulder! Eris knows exactly what she’s doing with that! And now she’s dragging Cynthia toward the middle again! And she plants a kick to the side of Valice’s knee!

Persephone: Eris now switching to the leg because Cynthia keeps trying to regain control through her base. If she can’t plant that foot, she can’t generate the same force for her suplexes.

Rich Russillo: Eris pulls Cynthia up to her feet now! Holding her by the leg! Eris attempts a dragon screw— OH! But Cynthia hops on the other foot and catches her by the head! CYNTHIA DRIVES HER DOWN WITH A DDT! Both women are down, and the referee checking on both of them!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia’s got a chance to breathe once again, dude, but she has to get moving before Eris does. Morti’s been targeting her limbs, yet Valice keeps finding little windows to change the momentum. Both women are stirring at the moment, and Cynthia reaches for the ropes first!

Persephone: The old hag is still watching at ringside, and her eyes are focused on Morti climbing to her feet right now. Cuntven must think she looks cool or something standing there all stoic like but really it just shows how boring she is.

Rich Russillo: ERIS IS UP AND CHARGES CYNTHIA NEAR THE ROPES! Cynthia ducks a lariat, rebounds and finally CONNECTS WITH SHY FLASH! The spinning heel kick knocks Eris to her knees, and Cynthia quickly tries to set up another lift!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Eris is wobbling, but she’s still dangerous! Cynthia grabs her around the waist, Eris fires elbows backward, and now she’s trying to twist into a guillotine choke!

Persephone: Cynthia shoves her off before the grip closes, but Eris answers with a huge DISCUS LARIAT! Cynthia turns inside out, and Morti drops on top of her! AND NOW RAINING SHOTS TO THE FACE! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Rich Russillo: ERIS IS LAUGHING AS SHE PUNISHES CYNTHIA! She looks out at Raven with a smile on her face! Making sure she sees it! She gets Cynthia up and hoists her across the shoulders for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! DOWN GOES CYNTHIA! ERIS WITH THE COVER!

Referee: OOONNNEEEEEE!! TTWWWOOOOOO!! THHRREE—

Thadd Blazevich: She kicks out again! Bro, what is it going to take? Cynthia’s taken a ton of punishment, but every time Morti gets close, she finds enough to lift a shoulder!

Rich Russillo: Resilience should be praised but she can’t keep getting caught! The human body has limitations!

Persephone: Eris looks delighted by that kickout, which is somehow worse than getting angry. Cynthia’s promised to be the best version of herself tonight, and Morti is making her earn every second she stays alive in this match.

Rich Russillo: Eris grabs Cynthia and goes for a powerbomb! Cynthia punches her way free, lands behind her and SHOVES ERIS INTO THE ROPES! Morti rebounds, and Cynthia catches her with a BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia isn’t stopping, dude! She hauls Eris up for a second attempt at the Black Hole Slam, but Morti drives an elbow into her jaw and slips free!

Persephone: Eris gets behind Cynthia and attempts a dragon suplex, but Cynthia hooks the leg and prevents the throw. She breaks the grip with her hands and spins around into a hard bicycle knee! Eris stumbles straight back into the corner!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA RUSHES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! She steps back, catches Eris with a second, then brings her out of the corner for a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia is heating up now, bro! Time to see if she can take this into the next gear and walk away with the victory!

Persephone: Morti’s taking longer to get up each time, and Cynthia should be reading that. It’s been a competitive fight, even if Eris probably thinks the escalating punishment is the best possible entertainment.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia heads toward Eris once more, but Morti catches her with a HEADBUTT! Cutting off that momentum! Eris grabs a waistlock, pulls Cynthia away from the ropes and dumps her with a HALF-AND-HALF SUPLEX! CYNTHIA LANDS HARD!

Persephone: Eris isn’t wasting time. She rises, shakes out her arms and measures Cynthia for another attack. Cynthia’s getting to her feet, but she’s barely steady enough to defend herself.

Rich Russillo: Eris comes forward with an elbow! But Cynthia sidesteps! She moves behind and tries a German suplex! She goes to lift— OH NO! The injured arm gives out! Morti slips free and rams a knee into Cynthia’s stomach!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris drives her toward the corner, bro, and there’s another shoulder thrust! Cynthia braces against the ropes, but Morti grabs the back of her head and sends her FACE-FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!

Persephone: That was a horrible collision, and Cynthia’s slumping against the pads. The referee’s checking whether she’s all right. But Eris is stalking from behind! Lining things up! Could be looking for The Meteor here!

Rich Russillo: TALON!!!

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN JUST SLID INTO THE RING CAUGHT ERIS WITH THE CLAYMORE KICK, BRO! THE REFEREE WAS CHECKING CYNTHIA AND DIDN’T SEE A THING! ERIS IS DOWN AND OUT!

Persephone: Eris has collapsed, and the hag’s already back outside! Cynthia’s still facing the turnbuckles trying to clear her head. She has absolutely no idea what just happened behind her!

Rich Russillo: The referee finally turns around, AND CYNTHIA SEES ERIS DOWN! Cynthia lunges forward, and uses all the power she has left to pull Eris up to her feet! Valice gets Morti across her shoulders, AND DELIVERS FALLING COURAGE! THE ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS!

Thadd Blazevich: SHE HOOKS BOTH LEGS, DUDE!

Referee: ONNNNEEEEEE! TTTWWWOOOOOO! THREEEEEEE!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… CYNTHIA VALICE!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia Valice has done it! But I don’t think she realizes it wasn’t the kind of win she wanted!

(“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by Kiss hits the speakers as Cynthia remains on her knees for a moment, looking exhausted. The referee helps her to her feet and raises her arm. A huge smile forms on her face, and she raises both arms in celebration, seemingly unaware of Raven’s involvement. She eventually makes her way out of the ring and begins heading up the ramp, leaving Raven at ringside.)

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Cynthia wrestled a hell of a match tonight! She was taking everything Eris threw at her and kept answering with something of her own, but yeah, there’s no denying that Talon played a part in the decision.

Persephone: Far as I’m concerned, Cynthia hit the last move. I’m not letting that dusty dick sheathe claim credit for someone else’s win.

(Cynthia disappears behind the curtain and the music fades. The camera turns back to the ring as Eris begins to stir and looks around. Raven now slides into the ring and stands a few feet from Eris, yelling at her.)

Raven Roberts: (Off mic) GET UP, BITCH! COME ON!

Rich Russillo: Roberts looks ready for a fight right now, demanding Eris get to her feet! Ready to continue what she did last week!

(Eris looks up at Raven, and an eerie but calm smile forms on her face. She begins to slowly slide her way into a retreat, almost like a snake slithering away.)

Thadd Blazevich: Raven looks almost confused by this act now, bro! Eris is retreating… but I can’t say she looks afraid of the Hall of Famer.

Persephone: Who would be?

(Eris slowly slides out onto the ringside floor, never taking her eyes off Raven. She uses the apron to rise to her feet, then begins backing away. A quiet chuckle follows, growing into loud, uncontrollable, maniacal laughter.)

Eris Morti: (Off mic) Ha… ha… aahaha… HA… HAHA… AHAHAHAHA!!!!

(Raven’s expression shifts from confusion to visible unease as Eris continues retreating, laughing without once breaking eye contact.)

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, WHAT THE HELL?! Eris just got kicked in the head and lost her match, and now she’s laughing like this is the greatest thing that’s happened to her all week!

Persephone: Probably got a look at Raven’s fashion sense and thought it was a comedy show.

Rich Russillo: Raven Roberts got her revenge tonight, but this certainly isn’t the reaction she expected from Eris Morti! There’s no attack, no shouting, not even an attempt to get back into the ring! Eris is simply walking away, staring at Raven and laughing!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven wanted to send a message by costing Eris this match, bro, and she absolutely did that! But judging by that expression on Raven’s face, I don’t think she likes the message Eris is sending back!

(With Eris’ maniacal laughter still echoing through the arena, Raven remains standing in the ring, watching her disappear toward the backstage area. Voltage fades away from ringside.)

(Commercial for the ongoing NBA preseason. Football isn’t real so watch an actual sport.)

(As Voltage began to return from commercial break, it wouldn’t be long before a wave of jeers began to echo around the Arena Vienna as the familiar tune of ‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki began to burst through the PA System. The highly detestable Drake Armstrong would make his way through the curtains, and this visceral hatred wasn’t solely from the audience, as he too came out with a negative expression. Though he contained it well, it was clear from the get go that Drake Armstrong was hardly happy, nor satisfied with just the one assault on Bronson Daniels last week; as much as he was able to lash out at The Heartbeat, leaving him bloodied, it wasn’t enough and Drake knew that. Though he had completely lost his head last week, he kept it screwed on tonight. Whether enraged or not, his demeanor was as calm and slow as ever.)

(Making his way down to the ring, fitted in his tailored suit, he already came prepared with an EAW-branded microphone, the Voltage yellow contrasting with the navy blue that coated his body. Step, step, step; up onto the apron, and into the squared circle, Drake waited for his theme song to fade out.)

(He slowly stepped around the canvas, behaviour that contrasted how truly brutal and violent he was inside, with everybody wondering how a man this evil could have mannerisms so gentle…)

(And then, he raised the microphone.)

Drake Armstrong: It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anybody that Bronson Daniels’ churlish behaviour has begun to tire me out. Maybe I could have anticipated his actions a lot more than I did — this isn’t out of the ordinary for him as he is far too stubborn and insists he is always in the right — though it doesn’t change the fact that it’s become tiresome. It really shouldn’t be a surprise that Bronson Daniels has made the enemies that he has. It really shouldn’t be a surprise that Bronson Daniels has the history that he does. He is a meddling, insubordinate, leech of a human being that is far too obsessed with playing the moral game with each and every one of his opponents. He wants to be the hero of this land so badly that he completely overlooks what people such as myself are capable of, and time after time after time again it has resulted in the most traumatic events in his entire life. Did he expect Methuselah to roll over easily? Did he expect Jon Kelton to be a pushover? Did he expect Donovan Duke to be happy with Bronson hogging the spotlight? Of course they wouldn’t be! It only makes sense that he has the history that he does, and last week should be a sign that it isn’t going to be any different with Your Immaculacy.

Drake Armstrong: When I felt the reverberation of that pipe clashing against flesh and bone, the satisfaction deep inside me grew and grew for this was all Bronson’s doing. He truly believed he could take the moral highground, he truly believed that he could walk away from me after all he has done and he truly believed that he could treat me like a piece of gum at the bottom of his boot; the same way he treated Jon Kelton, the same way he treated every other fool that has had the displeasure of being part of his pathetic, draining life — last week was just one of many examples that I intend to make at his expense. I sure hope he remembers the sound of his head crashing against metal crates, I sure hope he remembers the sound of lead bruising his body, because what it felt like is nothing in comparison to what I plan on doing next. Bronson Daniels has done this to himself, and only himself.

(Drake paused — a bubbling rage beneath him that no doubt takes strength to keep at bay, as we saw it erupt last week. His calm demeanor may very well just be a facade when it comes to this situation with Bronson Daniels, with Drake slowing down his verbiage just to keep that anger under lock and key.)

Drake Armstrong: I know Bronson well enough. I know that what I did to him will not be the end of it, perhaps it will just be the beginning. His blood is on my hands and he is a man so desperate for attention that he will only continue to buzz around my ear until I force him to quit. This is a man that doesn’t deserve–

(Though Drake would soon be cut off, by a familiar voice…)

???: Doesn’t deserve what, Drake?

(It couldn’t be anybody else. Bronson Daniels would walk through the curtains at the top of the tight entranceway, with the entire crowd in Vienna, Austria coming off their feet at the sight of his appearance. Even with his forehead bandaged up due to the bloody assault at the hands of Drake Armstrong, he still acts defiant in the face of his attacker, and doesn’t plan on giving up. Bronson makes his way down the ramp, Drake Armstrong’s eyes rolling — perhaps Drake expected him to be out here, though being interrupted sure isn’t a good feeling. The former World Heavyweight and Answers World Champion climbs up onto the apron, slipping through the ropes. He, too, kept his inner rage under lock and key. As much as he wants to strike Drake down…)

Bronson Daniels: What don’t I deserve?

(…He raised the microphone once more.)

Bronson Daniels: There’s a lot of things I feel I don’t deserve, one of which being the attack on me last week. I get it, I shouldn’t be too surprised, it’s EAW and I’ve been through it time and time again — that’s just how professional wrestling is and maintaining my presence in this sport that I love is more or less just an unspoken agreement to be put in those situations, but the fact of the matter is your delusions being pawned off on me is ridiculous. Again, I’ve dealt with this countless times and maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’m well within my right to come out here and get defensive after a glorified man child lashes out at the world and makes a victim out of me. I’m going to taste my blood countless more times just as I’ve already tasted it countless times over the years and each time is just going to be yet another reminder that this world is plagued with people who feel entitled to everybody dropping to their knees and having the world handed to them. I don’t owe you anything, Drake, never will, and until you get that through your head you’re never going to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and like what you see.

Bronson Daniels: But you’re right. You’re right that I’m not going to leave you alone. You’re right that now, I am going to be that constant pest buzzing around your ear just begging for you to try and swat me down because I’ve never been the type of person to take attacks like that lightly. Contrary to your belief, and contrary to everybody else’s beliefs that have put me in similar situations, I didn’t start this. I’ve been involved in a lot of trouble but I’m no troublemaker, you started this and if you don’t like the consequences then maybe you need to start reassessing your own behaviour instead of worrying about how “ChUrLiSh” I am. Ever since you came to Voltage this has been a persistent theme in YOUR career. Don’t you dare mention the likes of Methuselah, Jon Kelton and Donovan Duke to paint a narrative that I’ve been a problem when I can do the exact same thing with you. I don’t exactly think that Hans Grayson was making your life a living hell and going out of his way to rob any shred of enjoyment and power you could have felt as World Champion just because he wanted to; that was a direct consequence of your actions and your desire to mess with people, get under everybody’s skin, and force everybody to enact out this power fantasy of yours that you’re far too desperate to carry on with. I’m sick of it and all of these people here are sick of it too.

(He took a step back; every word spoken with conviction, it was evident that having to wait a week to be put into this situation has only given him time to reflect and truly come to the conclusion that he has. The annoyance on Drake Armstrong’s face was evident, though, as he burnt a hole through Bronson Daniels with sharp glances and disgusted expressions, practically forcing himself to listen to what Bronson Daniels is saying with every shred of his being wanting to interrupt him at any second just as Bronson had done to him. Though alas, he bit his tongue, and allowed The Heartbeat to explain himself and vent out all of his frustrations.)

Bronson Daniels: This thing between us, you and I both know that it’s been going on for far too long — ever since the beginning of last season — and you’re not the only one that’s tired. Allow me to rephrase something you’ve said; do you think I’m going to roll over easily? Do you think I’m going to let you make an example out of me, especially considering what your message actually is? I’m ready to put an end to this, and if you want me to roll over and get out of your way, then so be it. Why don’t you come make me?

(A snarl creeps up on Drake’s expression, shaking his head with a deep sigh escaping his lips. That pent up rage was seeping out every way that it possibly could.)

Drake Armstrong: Absolute, utter filth! You WILL learn your place, Daniels! This is exactly what I was talking about, this moral high ground and this annoying buzzing, your obsession with being “in the right” at anyone’s expense is exactly what has gotten you in this position, and exactly why so many people hate you as much as I do. I have absolutely no intentions of fighting you here, because why would I feed into your deluded, idiotic hero story when we can simply do this on my terms?

(A groan would leave Bronson’s lips.)

Bronson Daniels: Why am I not surprised?

Drake Armstrong: Do NOT interrupt me. If you truly want to put an end to this, if you truly want to clash with Your Immaculacy, tonight is not the place for it. Perhaps… Wicked Games is the battleground we need.

(Though that groan would quickly be silenced. Gritting his teeth, Bronson nodded.)

Bronson Daniels: You’re on.

(Thud. Bronson dropped the mic, having gotten exactly what he wanted. He turned around, making his way to the ropes…)

Drake Armstrong: Exactly what I wanted to hear…

(He said, quietly, before… THUD! Drake Armstrong, too, dropped his microphone; charging towards Bronson Daniels… but The Heartbeat had already anticipated it! With his fingers already wrapped around the top rope, he lowered his centre of gravity and pulled down on the steel cable ropes, using Drake’s own momentum against him to send him crashing to the outside!)

(Drake rolled to the ramp, as Bronson bounced back to his feet and stepped backwards, knowing this small action would damage Drake’s ego immensely! Drake’s eyes practically popped out of his head, once again he couldn’t get the better of Bronson Daniels!)

(Vienna rose to their feet, as The Heartbeat stood alone in the centre of the ring! Smoke practically pouring out of Drake’s ears, the frustrated King erupted, though Bronson stood his ground!)

(Slowly, Voltage began to fade elsewhere…)

(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Drake Armstrong faces Bronson Daniels.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, where Jay Jerry Johnson can be seen seated at ringside near the commentary table. However, notably absent was Daniella Atlas, who was also meant to appear at ringside for tonight’s main event.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, Jay Jerry Johnson is here with us– though he actually isn’t meant to be our only guest. Daniella Atlas is supposed to be here too. :lupe:

Thadd Blazevich: I’m a lil concerned for her, bro. Getting laid out in that brawl must’ve sucked, but at this point I’m starting to think things might be pretty bad for her. I mean, why isn’t she here??

Persephone: Who knows, who cares.

Rich Russillo: I guess we’ll have to see what’s going on with Daniella in due time, but for now it’s time for our main event.

(The camera pans to Bella Braxton.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a tag team match… scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!

(‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica hits, bringing loud boos out from the crowd as Damon Lazarus begins to slowly walk out to the stage, keeping his composure as he approaches the top of the ramp. Damon stops, turning to the entranceway as ‘Going Under’ by Evanescence replaces his music. Auburn Ware begins to walk out, trying to keep her composure given the circumstances so she can just get the match over with. Without any more hesitation, the two make their way down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… at a combined weight of 404 pounds… the team of DAMON LAZARUS AND AUBURN WARE!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: You really never know what to expect with these two. Given what Damon set up last week it’s hard to believe they’ll actually work together tonight, but we heard what was said throughout the week and we saw what they achieved at War Games. Somehow, these two working together has already been proven to be possible.

Thadd Blazevich: Their dynamic is something else, dude. I don’t even know what to say with everything that’s happened between them, but tonight they have a serious challenge as they’re up against another duo that you could say has a bit of history.

Persephone: This match sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Hopefully they don’t wait too long.

(‘The Promised Consort’ by Shoi Miyazawa follows, bringing out more boos as Kai Rabeaux walks out. Kai doesn’t wait, just shaking his head as he begins to walk down the ramp, keeping his confident, composed demeanor. ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI follows, and this causes the fans to cheer. Hans Grayson walks out, and he raises his EAW World Championship in the air. While Kai brushes off Jay’s presence at ringside, Hans stares directly at him as he walks down the ramp, before finally shifting his attention to his opponents on his way to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: And their opponents… at a combined weight of 449 pounds… THE TEAM OF KAI RABEAUX, AND THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION, HANS GRAYSON!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Ironically, Hans and Kai also won War Games, just last year. Hans and Kai aren’t friends, though. Far from it. I’d argue Kai and Hans’ dynamic is more clearcut than Damon and Auburn’s. These two don’t like each other, and at Wicked Games they’ll be facing off with a World Championship on the line.

Thadd Blazevich: It’s not just them either, dude. These two are gonna have to not get distracted by Triple J, and I don’t know what’s going on with Daniella, but she could always make a late arrival or something, right?

Persephone: I hope not.

Rich Russillo: Well, we’ll have to see how this goes. This could get out of control very quickly.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Rich Russillo: There’s the bell! The main event is underway. Jay Jerry Johnson is here at ringside, but strangely it seems the same cannot be said for Daniella Atlas, who was scheduled to be here. I understand a lot happened at the beginning of the show, but I’m sort of surprised to see her remain absent given Hans, Kai and Jay are here. Still, this match is on, and it seems Hans Grayson will be starting this one off against Damon Lazarus. Both men had slowly circled the ring as soon as the match began, and now there’s the lock up to kick this one off!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans Grayson is able to get Damon Lazarus in a headlock to get this one going, but Damon moves to the side, bouncing Hans off of the ropes! Hans rebounds and ducks under a swing, rebounding off the second pair of ropes– BEFORE RUNNING RIGHT INTO A SHOULDER BLOCK! Hans drops down and immediately sits back up holding his head, and now Damon drops down before quickly applying a rear chinlock, trapping the World Champ! Damon is a big dude, it won’t be easy to get out of this!

Persephone: Which is really annoying. Damon is too big to wrestle like this. How is anyone supposed to get out of his stupid holds?

Rich Russillo: Well, I think we’re about to find out right now! Hans is using everything he has to slowly get himself to his side, pushing himself up to a knee before pulling Damon’s leg out from under him, floating over for a quick cover!

OOONNNNEE!!

TTTWWWW–

Rich Russillo: DAMON KICKS OUT, BUT THANKS TO THAT HANS WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE THE CHINLOCK! Both Elitists rush back to their feet, AND NOW HANS CATCHES DAMON WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! Damon stumbles as Hans gets back up, AND DAMON SWINGS– BUT HANS DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE LANDING A PELE KICK, CAUSING HIM TO STUMBLE BACKWARDS INTO HIS OWN CORNER!

Thadd Blazevich: Damon shakes off the cobwebs, and now the Champ takes the opportunity to go running the ropes! Hans runs in towards Damon– BUT DAMON CATCHES HANS, BEFORE BIEL TOSSING HIM INTO THE CORNER! Damon now with a kick to the midsection, and Damon just begins to repeatedly stomp away at Hans, dropping him to a seated position! Damon extends his hand out to Auburn, and it seems he’s looking for the tag, bro!

Persephone: Ugh, and look at the emo crybaby. She just accepts the tag. Doesn’t she hate Damon? What’s going on?

Rich Russillo: With everything Auburn has been through with Damon I am sure part of her still has to think about even trying to work with him, but we know by now that their dynamic is far from the norm. Auburn gets in the ring and lands a few more stomps to the midsection of Hans, keeping him trapped in the corner, which is the smart move even if Kai isn’t exactly the ideal teammate for Hans anyway. Auburn continues the stomps, until finally Hans is able to push her off!

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn runs off the ropes while Hans finds his way back to his feet– AND NOW THERE’S THE THESZ PRESS BY AUBURN!! AUBURN TAKES HANS DOWN, BEFORE BEGINNING TO THROW LEFTS AND RIGHTS AT THE CHAMP!! That’s a real hot start for Auburn bro, as she’s taking the fight straight to the EAW World Champion! Hans pushes Auburn off of him as both Elitists get back up, AND HE SWINGS AT AUBURN! Auburn ducks, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!

Persephone: And the Babykiller just shakes his head, looking at Hans like the disappointment of a Champion that he is.

Rich Russillo: Hans stumbled a bit closer to the ropes. Auburn takes the opportunity to head in– but Hans moves and sends Auburn into the ropes! Auburn bounces off and looks to attack, BUT HANS DUCKED AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE, CONNECTING WITH A STYLIN’ DDT TO DROP AUBURN!! HANS WITH A COVER!!

OOONNNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWW–

Rich Russillo: But Auburn is still fresh, and thanks to that she’s able to kick out! Hans sits up, and he just looks over at Kai, letting out a sigh before he pushes himself up.

Thadd Blazevich: Hans walks over to Kai, and those two are sharing a few words. It seems Hans is begrudgingly trying to actually work alongside this dude, just like they did a year ago! Kai is refusing the tag though for now from the looks of it. I guess we shoulda known it would be like that.

Persephone: Hans just shakes his head, turning before dragging Auburn up–

Rich Russillo: And Auburn lands a few punches to the ribs, before landing a shot to the jaw that makes Hans stumble back! Hans is able to land a forearm in return, though! Auburn sends one back, and Hans turns and lands a spinning back kick, before turning and sending another kick up to her face! Hans throws a big boot at Auburn to finish the job, sending her into the ropes– AND AS SHE BOUNCES OFF SHE RUNS IN, LANDING A DROPKICK ON THE CHAMPION! Auburn goes to get back up, and she quickly rushes in before tagging back to Damon Lazarus!

(*TAG!*)

(*TAG!*)

Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus makes his way into the ring, and he drags Hans back up to his feet–

Thadd Blazevich: ONLY FOR KAI RABEAUX TO GET IN THE RING, CATCHING DAMON WITH A SUPERKICK! KAI CHOSE TO WAIT TO TAG HIMSELF IN, AND YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE THE GUY, BUT THAT WAS A SMART MOVE, BRO! Damon drops to a knee, and now Kai pulls him up BEFORE LANDING A URANAGE BACKBREAKER! That had to be rough on the leg given Damon’s size, but I think Damon got the worst of that!

Persephone: Ugh, now look at this guy. He’s taunting away, yapping to Auburn about how he just dropped Damon.

Rich Russillo: Kai drags Damon back up, AND DAMON SURPRISES KAI WITH AN UPPERCUT– BUT KAI FIGHTS BACK WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Damon takes a step back and Kai swings, BUT DAMON DUCKS BEFORE LIFTING KAI UP, CONNECTING WITH AN OLYMPIC SLAM!! Kai goes down, and now once again there’s a cover!

OOOONNNNEE!!!

TTTTWWWOOOO!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT KAI IS OUTTA THAT ONE!! Something tells me Damon isn’t that bothered, though! Damon is back to his feet, and bro just shakes his head before stomping on Kai’s shoulder!

Persephone: Damon lands another stomp on Kai’s wrist, before delivering one to the left ankle. Damon is just picking Kai apart right now, going for one to the right ankle–

Rich Russillo: Wait, no! Kai moves his leg out of the way as he sits up, AND KAI LANDS A PUNCH TO THE STOMACH! Kai uses the opportunity to start trying to push herself up, AND HE ELBOWS DAMON IN THE STOMACH WHILE DAMON TRIED TO GO BACK IN! Kai gets up, stumbling a bit still after the olympic slam, AND DAMON UPPERCUTS KAI! KAI HITS DAMON WITH A RIGHT HAND IN RESPONSE! BOTH MEN NOW GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH EACH OTHER– UNTIL DAMON SUDDENLY GOES FOR CTE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: CLOSE!! THAT WAS REAL CLOSE, BUT KAI IS ABLE TO SHOVE DAMON OFF! Damon turns– AND KAI LANDS A BIG BOOT!! Damon drops to a knee after that one, AND NOW KAI FRANTICALLY BACKPEDALS! He tags Hans into the match, but bro isn’t getting out of the ring just yet!

Persephone: Yeah. It looks like he’s charging something up. I guess he doesn’t want to pass up the opportunity that he has. Kai bursts out of the corner while Damon raises his head, RUNNING IN FOR THE BLADE OF BABYLON!!!

Rich Russillo: MELLOTRON SCRATCH!!!! KAI IS BROUGHT DOWN BY DAMON! KAI TRIED TO CAPITALIZE ON DAMON’S POSITION BEFORE HE LEFT THE RING, BUT THAT BACKFIRED PRETTY BADLY! Damon Lazarus may have just wiped Kai out of this one at least for the time being, and now he gets up and turns around–

Thadd Blazevich: RIGHT INTO A FLAMING PUNCH!!!! HANS JUST CAUGHT DAMON OFF GUARD WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH, AND I GUESS THERE WAS A BENEFIT TO THAT AFTER ALL!! DAMON LAZARUS IS DOWN AFTER THE FLAMING PUNCH, AND THERE’S HANS WITH THE COVER!!!

OOOONNNNNNEEEEE!!!!

TTTTTTWWWWOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHRRR–

Rich Russillo: BUT DAMON LAZARUS IS ABLE TO KICK OUT!! Damon and Auburn are two of the three War Games winners. Even for the EAW World Champion, taking them down won’t be a simple task. Hans seems to recognize that as he pushes himself up, and with Kai at ringside still reeling after the Mellotron Scratch, Hans is gonna have to take matters into his own hands for the time being.

Thadd Blazevich: Damon Lazarus uses the ropes to start pulling himself up, and Hans now uses the ropes to send Damon into the turnbuckles! Damon is in the corner and Hans takes the opportunity to run in– BEFORE HITTING DAMON WITH A JUMPING KNEE! Awesome move by the Champ right there bro, AND HE PULLS DAMON OUTTA THE CORNER WITH THAT CLASSIC BULLDOG! Hans Grayson is looking to keep the momentum going, as bro heads out to the apron looking to end this!

Persephone: Hans Grayson is calling for Damon to get up! FINALLY, it’s about time we finally make it to the end of– OH COME ON!

Rich Russillo: AUBURN TAKES ADVANTAGE OF HANS BEING ON THE APRON! She made her way over before grabbing onto Hans’ ankle, and now Hans frantically kicks Auburn off of him while Damon slowly pushes himself back up! Hans is able to shove Auburn off of him, BEFORE TAKING HER OUT WITH A JUMPING KNEE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN GOES DOWN, AND NOW HANS JUMPS BACK ONTO THE APRON! BRO WASTES NO TIME FLIPPING OVER AND INTO THE RING, GOING FOR THE BURNING SHOT LARIA–

Rich Russillo: MELLOTRON SCRATCH!!!

Thadd Blazevich: MY BAD BRO, I GUESS I SPOKE TOO SOON! AUBURN’S INTERFERENCE GAVE DAMON A BIT OF TIME TO RECOVER, AND THANKS TO THAT DAMON LANDED A SECOND MELLOTRON SCRATCH!! DAMON NOW HOOKING THE LEGS!!!

OOOOONNNNEE!!!

TTTTWWWOOOOOOOO!!

TTTHHRREEEEEEEEEE–

Persephone: UGH, COME ON!! Hans was able to get the shoulder up. This is just getting annoying at this point. Damon gets up, AND HE JUST STOMPS ON HANS’ BAD ARM! Please keep that up.

Rich Russillo: Damon looks ready to do exactly that. He extends Hans’ arm before stepping on his hand, AND THAT ALLOWS HIM TO DELIVER A FEW MORE STOMPS TO THE ARM, ALL WHILE HANS CAN’T MOVE! Jay Jerry Johnson is keeping an eye on this one, meanwhile Damon Lazarus waits for Auburn Ware to slowly drag herself back onto the apron, just nodding as he makes his way over for the tag. Auburn gets tagged in, meanwhile Hans could probably use a tag back to Kai Rabeaux.

(Before he leaves the ring, Damon grabs Auburn by the shoulder, immediately catching her attention as he calmly speaks, though maintaining a sharp, stern tone.)

Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) His arm. You know what to do.

(Auburn looks at Damon, already knowing that he wants her to continue targeting Hans’ surgically repaired arm. Despite all of her conflicted feelings, Auburn knows that this is a test, and she cannot afford to fail.)

Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson begins pushing himself back up, finally getting to all fours–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AUBURN RUNS IN, KICKING THE BAD ARM OUT FROM UNDER HANS!!! Hans clutches his arm in pain as he gets to a knee, AND AUBURN GRABS HIM BEFORE SENDING HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST! Hans falls backwards, and bros, Auburn is just being ruthless right now!

Persephone: Great. Why does Hans even wrestle at this point? It’s like he has the biggest target possible on him.

Rich Russillo: Well I don’t think he wants to give his Championship up that easily, BUT AUBURN ISN’T LETTING UP, AS SHE PULLS HANS OUT OF THE CORNER BY HIS ARM BEFORE DROPPING HER ELBOW DOWN ONTO IT! Hans screams in pain–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AUBURN TAKES A PAGE OUT OF DAMON’S BOOK, STOMPING ON HANS’ HAND– ONLY SHE INSTEAD FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A KNEE DROP ONTO THE ARM! YIKES BRO!!!

Rich Russillo: This has been a brutal display by Auburn Ware, AND AUBURN USES THIS WINDOW TO APPLY AN ARMBAR!!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans is really in some trouble right now, meanwhile Kai is dragging himself up near his team’s corner, clearly annoyed. Can’t say I’m too shocked after what happened to bro when he encountered Auburn and Damon backstage recently!

Rich Russillo: Yeah, but that’s not the big problem here. What’s important is that Auburn is being ruthless right now, just trying to destroy the arm! Hans pushes himself onto a knee trying to get up– BUT AUBURN WISELY RELEASES THE ARMBAR WITH HER LEGS, ALL WHILE HOLDING ONTO HIS ARM AND BEGINNING TO JUST DELIVER REPEATED ELBOWS ONTO IT! Hans is being kept down onto a knee like this and now she’s trying to apply a crossface–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS IS FINALLY ABLE TO BREAK FREE FROM AUBURN’S GRASP, LANDING A KICK TO THE SIDE OF HER HEAD BEFORE STUMBLING BACK! Hans falls into his corner holding his arm– AND KAI TAGS HIMSELF IN! Auburn didn’t see it ‘cause she’s still holding the side of her head, so she gets up and rushes Hans while he’s still reeling!

Persephone: BUT HANS GETS OUT OF THE WAY! AUBURN HITS THE TURNBUCKLES AS KAI GETS IN, AND NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES! I THINK HE’S ABOUT TO LIVE UP TO HIS PROMISE OF WIPING AUBURN OUT WITH ONE BLOW!!!

Rich Russillo: BLADE OF BABYLON!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: NO! AUBURN GETS OUT OF THE WAY! SHE MANAGED TO DUCK THE BLADE OF BABYLON– AND NOW KAI EATS A KICK TO THE GUT AS SOON AS HE TURNS TOWARDS HER! Auburn now running the ropes, AND SHE JUMPS UP BEFORE GOING FOR A HURRICANRANA–

Rich Russillo: BUT KAI ISN’T TAKEN DOWN!! HE HOLDS ONTO AUBURN, POWERING HER UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS BEFORE PLANTING HER WITH A HIGH ANGLE POWERBOMB!! Auburn goes down, and now Kai just shakes his head in disgust, turning towards Damon before throwing a few words at him!

(Jay Jerry Johnson watches on, slowly shaking his head as he begins to get out of his seat.)

Thadd Blazevich: Kai Rabeaux might’ve just dropped Auburn Ware on her neck, and I don’t think he’s done yet, bros! Kai drags Auburn up off of the mat before setting her up, AND HE LANDS A SECOND POWERBOMB!! KAI IS TRYING TO DESTROY AUBURN RIGHT NOW, AND DUDE JUST PUSHES AUBURN OVER TO HER FEET– PUTTING HER IN POSITION TO GET TURNED INSIDE OUT WITH REDLINED!!!

Rich Russillo: AUBURN WAS CAUGHT WITH THAT VICIOUS LARIAT, AND KAI RABEAUX JUST HAS A GRIN ON HIS FACE AS HE KNOWS HE MIGHT’VE JUST GOT HIMSELF SOME PAYBACK FOR THE DISRESPECT! KAI TOSSES AUBURN INTO THE ROPES, LETTING HER USE THEM TO TRY DRAGGING HERSELF UP– BEFORE RUNNING THE ROPES AND CONNECTING WITH SHRINE!!! SHRINE DROPS AUBURN ONTO THE MAT, AND NOW KAI FINALLY DROPS DOWN FOR THE COVER! KAI AND HANS MIGHT BE LEAVING THIS ONE AS THE WINNER!

OOOOONNNNEEEEEEE!!!!

TTTTTTWWWWOOOOO!!!

TTTTHHHRRREEEEEEEE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: NO!!! DAMON LAZARUS BROKE IT UP, SHOVING KAI OFF OF AUBURN!

Persephone: You can’t be serious.

Rich Russillo: I can’t say I was expecting that! It looked like the match might’ve been over, but it seems like Damon couldn’t let that happen! Remember, entering the ring when you’re not the legal competitor is not allowed! Damon is on thin ice right now, and thanks to that the referee is yelling at him, all while Kai himself isn’t amused!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai pushes himself back to his feet, walking over to Damon as he’s clearly pissed off! Bro looks ready to go, but the ref is trying to separate the two–

(*CRACK!*)

Rich Russillo: WOAH, WAIT A SECOND!! WHAT THE HELL!?!?

Thadd Blazevich: JAY JERRY JOHNSON PULLED THE RECOVERING HANS GRAYSON OFF OF THE APRON, BEFORE DROPPING BRO WITH A SHOT FROM HIS OWN CHAMPIONSHIP!!! DUDE, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO TRIPLE J!?!!

Persephone: What do you think? He’s been stuck here watching a bunch of people he doesn’t like fight. I think it’s kinda obvious he’s kinda tired of it.

Rich Russillo: Maybe so, but it seems the referee finally turned around, after Jay had already moved away from the area! The ref notices that Hans isn’t anywhere to be seen on the apron, meanwhile Kai doesn’t look too amused himself– as somehow, he and Hans had actually been working pretty well tonight!

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, but in all the confusion Jay has made his way to the other side of the ring, AND HE DRAGS DAMON LAZARUS OUT OF THE RING!! DAMON LANDS OUT AT RINGSIDE, AND NOW TRIPLE J HITS HIM IN THE FACE WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP AS WELL!!!! BRO, TRIPLE J JUST TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE REF’S BLINDSPOTS AND WIPED OUT TWO OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS MATCH, AND THEY’RE NOT EVEN ON THE SAME TEAM!

Persephone: Well, we know Jay and Damon have had beef for like the entire year. Still, talk about a cheap shot. Not that I mind.

Rich Russillo: Jay discards the Championship before walking away from Damon, quickly returning to his seat as the referee finally turns his attention to Jay, seemingly trying to make sure he didn’t stick his nose in the match– which we know he did! Kai has made his way over to the ropes, and he’s yelling at Jay, telling him to stay out of his business!

Thadd Blazevich: Honestly, I can’t even blame dude! Kai’s a real bad bro, but things are getting out of hand thanks to Jay, and–

Rich Russillo: WAIT, HOLD ON!!!

Thadd Blazevich: WOAH!! KAI HAD HIS BACK TURNED AS HE WAS ARGUING WITH JAY, AND THANKS TO THAT AUBURN WAS ABLE TO PULL BRO INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN!!!!

OOONNNEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!

TTTTHHRREEEEE!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners… DAMON LAZARUS, AND AUBURN WARE!!!!

(The fans are surprised as Auburn Ware immediately rolls out of the ring. Kai Rabeaux rolls up to his knees, just stunned as Auburn immediately heads over to Damon Lazarus, dropping down to check on him after seeing him laid out at ringside. Kai stares at Auburn and Damon for a moment, but what causes his anger to rise is when he spots Jay Jerry Johnson making his way back over to Hans.)

Rich Russillo: OH!! AND NOW KAI IS RIGHT AFTER JAY JERRY JOHNSON!! KAI JUST SLID OUT OF THE RING, RAMMING JAY INTO THE BARRICADE JUST AS JAY WAS HEADING TO HANS!! KAI IS ALL OVER JAY JERRY JOHNSON RIGHT NOW, LOOKING FOR SOME PAYBACK AFTER JAY JUST COST KAI A MATCH I’M SURE HE DIDN’T WANT TO LOSE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is checking on Damon Lazarus, while Kai Rabeaux grabs Triple J, SENDING HIM TO THE CORNER OF THE BARRICADE!! This has gotten out of hand real quick, bros! I can understand why, though.

Persephone: Kai is laying punches in on Jay, meanwhile Hans is starting to stir. Seriously, this is ridiculous. If Jay was gonna get involved, he could’ve at least done it right.

(Auburn Ware helps Damon Lazarus up, stopping as both Elitists get to a knee. She uses the apron to help her pull Damon up after this. For a moment, the two Elitists lock eyes following this. There’s no words between them, but when Damon gives a small nod, it seems to be enough to tell Auburn everything she needs to hear. She lets out a sigh, seemingly relieved after Damon’s approval.)

Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson uses the apron to pull himself up while Jay and Kai trade blows right by him, AND NOW HANS JUST RUNS IN, LANDING A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE TO SEND JAY, KAI AND HIMSELF ALL OVER THE BARRICADE!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans starts pushing himself up on all fours– BUT KAI GRABS HIS HEAD AND SLAMS HIS FACE ON THE MAT! Kai starts shoving fans aside so bro can use the chairs to push himself up, stumbling off UNTIL TRIPLE J RUNS IN AND FOREARMS KAI IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Hans follows behind, TURNING JAY AROUND AND PUNCHING HIM IN THE JAW!!

Persephone: JAY RUNS INTO HANS AND RAMS HIM INTO THE STEPS, MEANWHILE KAI STEALS ONE OF THE FANS’ CHAIRS BEFORE HITTING JAY IN THE BACK WITH ONE!! Jay stumbles off and Kai goes for another shot, BUT JAY CATCHES THE CHAIR BEFORE KICKING KAI AWAY!!!

Rich Russillo: Those two keep fighting as security guards begin running out into the crowd, meanwhile it seems it’s a job well done for Auburn and Damon, who leave Voltage with the victory!

(Auburn turns after letting out her sigh, beginning to finally head back–)

Rich Russillo: WAIT, NO WAY! DAMON TURNED AUBURN AROUND!!

Thadd Blazevich: CTE!!!

(The fans are stunned. Security guards are in the crowd trying to break the three brawling Elitists’ brawl up. Meanwhile, Auburn Ware is laid out on the ringside floor, motionless as Damon Lazarus is on a knee, staring at him with an unreadable expression. Damon drags Auburn’s head up by her hair, before beginning to speak to the unconscious Auburn Ware.)

Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Never leave yourself open to an attack. I taught you better than that.

(Damon Lazarus lets go of Auburn Ware, letting her face hit the floor. He looks down at Auburn, before just smacking her backside and getting back up, beginning to walk away.)

Rich Russillo: This has been insane. Hans, Kai and Jay are trying to fend off the security guards, throwing them away from them, meanwhile Damon Lazarus just floored Auburn Ware! We know he clearly has had some sort of plan for Auburn. It’s looking like everything he’s done tonight might’ve been part of that, including laying her out.

Thadd Blazevich: I think “test” is a lil more appropriate, bro. This whole thing has just been strange, but all this chaos is almost hard to keep up with! This was a wild main event!

Persephone: Yeah, whatever. Thank God it’s over.

(As Damon Lazarus is shown walking away, heading up the ramp as the camera pans to Auburn Ware, showing a shot of her as she remains unconscious following the CTE. After this, the camera cuts to the chaos in the crowd, as Kai Rabeaux, Jay Jerry Johnson and Hans Grayson struggle in the hands of the security guards. They’re trying to break free however they can, throwing elbows, fists and kicks at each other and the guards, but the numbers catch up to them, pulling the three men through the crowd. With this final sight, Voltage fades to black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)