(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap of last week’s Voltage is shown, where Effy McAvoy, the team of Akari Kiyoko and Damien Kutcher, and Limmy Monaghan were all seen picking up victories. After this, the camera opens up to the O2 Arena in London, England, where the thousands of fans in attendance are cheering ahead of tonight’s show. The opening pyro shoots out of the stage, before finally the camera fades to the commentary table, which consists of Rich Russillo and Persephone.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! As always I’m Rich Russillo, and with me is Persephone Tsitsipas. Golden Gods is almost here, but before we get there we have a big show planned for you all tonight. One where we’ll find out exactly who will be competing in the EAW World Championship match at Golden Gods!
Persephone: Yes, I’m very excited.
Rich Russillo: That wasn’t very convincing.
Persephone: That’s because I was lying, I just wanted you to stop talking.
(The camera fades towards the stage, and after a moment, ‘Gloria’ by London Symphony Orchestra hits. The crowd explodes with cheers for the Universal Women’s Champion, but as Bea Valentine makes her way out to the stage, she doesn’t appear to be happy. She is holding a microphone in her hand and wearing her Universal Women’s Championship around her waist, but she doesn’t waste any time beginning to walk down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: On her way to the ring is the Universal Women’s Champion, and I’d imagine she isn’t too happy after everything that’s been done by Nikki Kimura lately. First Nikki attacked Bea last week on Voltage, then on Showdown Nikki would take things a step further and attack Cornelius!
Persephone: I don’t really care about any of this. I just hope this doesn’t mean I’ll have to see Nikki more often, because that’s the last thing I need in my life right now.
Rich Russillo: Well I don’t think Bea is just going to let Nikki get away with what she did that easily. Bea has a microphone in her hand right now, so let’s see what she has to say.
(Bea Valentine walks up the steel steps before stepping into the ring, and after this her entrance music begins to fade out. After this, Bea begins to speak.)
Bea Valentine: HERE HE! HEAR HE! Last week your Universal Women’s Champion made herself very clear. I knew that it was only a matter of time before the next challenger to my Championship revealed herself, but what I did not expect was the disrespect that was shown. Nikki Kimura made her way from Showdown to attack me, costing myself and my dearest Ashlynn Quinn a match against Akari Kiyoko and Damien Kutcher. Of course, this is exactly what I should’ve expected as the Universal Women’s Champion. After conquering Caroline at Grand Rampage I understood that I have a target on my back, so instead of living in fear, I chose to send Nikki Kimura an invitation to Voltage, so I could see exactly what it is she expects to gain from her attack. However… On Saturday night, tragedy struck.
(Bea Valentine looks depressed as she says this, and the fans begin to boo as they seem to be aware of exactly what she is talking about. She takes a moment to regain her composure, calming herself down before continuing.)
Bea Valentine: My own loyal Knight Cornelius was violently attacked by Nikki on Showdown, and that is unacceptable. I can accept that you want to send a message against me, as I’m the Elitist holding the Championship you’re after. I’m the one standing at the top of this division, and that means Elitists like yourself will do whatever you feel is necessary to put yourself in contention. However, I will not allow anyone to get away with putting their hands on Cornelius. He did not deserve what happened to him, but if you couldn’t learn from Caroline and what happened to her, so be it. I’ll give you the attention you’re looking for, and I’ll stick to the plan I had before your cowardly attack. Nikki, I’m sure you’re somewhere backstage waiting to attack once again anyway, so I’d like you to come out here and meet me inside of this ring.
(Bea Valentine waits inside of the ring, and after some time, ‘Vroom’ by Hoodie Allen & Connor Price hits. Nikki Kimura begins to make her way out to the stage with a microphone in her hand, and both Elitists stare directly at each other as soon as she walks out. Bea Valentine gestures towards Nikki to enter the ring, and Nikki begins to make her way down the ramp, making her way to join Bea inside of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: It looks like Nikki Kimura will be joining us tonight after all, as she has accepted Bea’s invitation to Voltage! Nikki has definitely made a statement recently, though she may have made a serious enemy in doing so.
Persephone: Ugh, why is Nikki here? Why would Bea call her out? Does she really care about that butler enough for this?
Rich Russillo: I’d imagine so. Even beyond that though, Nikki also attacked Bea last week. I can’t say I’m too surprised that Bea wants to finally meet Nikki face to face.
(Nikki Kimura begins making her way to ringside, and she climbs onto the apron before entering the ring. Her entrance music begins to fade out after that, and Bea Valentine begins to speak once more.)
Bea Valentine: Thank you for joining me tonight, Nikki. I’m sure you understand why you’re out here right now so let’s just get straight to the point. Why? I understand why you’d attack me, but why would you go after Cornelius? Do you really believe that this is what will get you the Universal Women’s Championship? Do you believe that doing the same thing my last challenger did will buy you a victory at my expense? If you do then I’m afraid you’re mistaken, because that’s not how this ends.
(The fans cheer hearing this from Bea Valentine, but the look on Nikki Kimura’s face doesn’t change. Instead, she raises her microphone and finally begins to speak.)
Nikki Kimura: I didn’t do what I did because I thought it’d get me closer to a win against you. I did it because I already believe I have what it takes to get the job done. I brought everything I had to the Grand Rampage match and I had arguably the greatest performance of my career, and when Pain for Pride is this close the last thing I’ll do is allow that type of performance to go to waste. I need to capitalize on that and reach new heights, and the start of that is sending you messages you can’t forget. I know you’re not happy about what I did, but unfortunately Bea, this is just the kind of thing that happens sometimes in this industry. After what happened to me this year I already know myself that not everything about this place is fair, and this time around I don’t intend to be the one that’s pushed to the side and left empty handed. You can call it what you want. You can say I was just looking for attention, but if that’s the case it looks like I got what I wanted.
(Bea Valentine doesn’t appear to be happy hearing this, but Nikki continues.)
Nikki Kimura: This was just a step in the right direction, but I know that ultimately I’ll need to do the work inside of the ring, and after what I did at Grand Rampage I don’t think you need to question whether or not I can do it. This is my chance to walk into a Pain for Pride main event as the Universal Women’s Champion and I’m not going to let go of that kind of opportunity so easily. I’ve been putting in the work all season long. This was the best season I’ve had in my career and after what Silas Mason did I could’ve let all of that go to waste. I could’ve allowed myself to fall down the ladder and ruin everything I’ve been trying to build for myself, but instead I’m looking to make sure I accomplish even more than I ever have before all without him anywhere in sight. That starts with beating you for the Universal Women’s Championship, so it doesn’t matter to me how upset you may be right now. What matters is that we settle this inside of the ring, with that Championship on the line.
(Nikki points at Bea’s Universal Women’s Championship as she says this, and after some time, this finally causes Bea to respond as she begins speaking.)
Bea Valentine: I don’t think you understand. You didn’t just send a message. Sending a message would’ve been coming out here and doing what you are now, which is telling me you want my Championship. Sending a message would’ve been doing what you did last week and making your intentions known at my expense. There was no reason for you to attack Cornelius. He didn’t try to hurt you. All he did was hand you an invitation so you could meet me here inside of this ring. If he wasn’t as tough as he is there’s no telling what could’ve happened to him last night, and you mean to tell me any injury he could’ve suffered would’ve happened solely because you want to become World Champion? Nikki, I don’t intend to be a Champion that runs away from fights. I made it to the top for a reason and I intend to keep this run going for as long as I can, so I’ll gladly take on another challenger. However, you made a mistake doing what you did on Showdown, because the last thing I’ll do after what you did is allow you to walk out of this with my Championship.
Bea Valentine: If you want your match you’ll get it at Golden Gods next week, only I’LL be the one walking out of it with the Universal Women’s Championship!
(This once again causes the crowd to explode with cheers, but Nikki Kimura is quick to begin speaking.)
Nikki Kimura: Why do you think that’s your decision to make? I understand what I did. I hurt someone that obviously means a lot not just to you, but to everyone watching. However, you know as well as I do that in the end this will come down to whoever wants the Universal Women’s Championship more, and I didn’t do what I did just to walk into a World Championship match and throw away the opportunity of a lifetime. Something like this doesn’t come around often, especially not with Pain for Pride on the horizon. This may be the only chance I get to achieve something like this for a very long time, so I’m going to do what I have to do and when the time comes for the two of us to finally face off, I don’t plan to leave that ring empty handed. I’m going to become the Universal Women’s Champion one way or another, so if I were you, I’d stop worrying about what happened to Cornelius. He’ll be fine. The only one that’s in danger right now is you.
Bea Valentine: I’ve been through this already. You’re not the first Elitist that has attacked others to get to me, and as frustrating as it is that this seems to be a consistent thing throughout my Championship reign now, I didn’t win this title for no reason. I won this title because I was good enough to defeat the longest reigning Universal Women’s Champion of all time. I won this title because I had what it took to be the best this division had to offer, and I’m not sure if you’ve realized this, but this would be my first Pain for Pride main event, as well. Don’t think you’ll take that away from me so easily. I am not afraid of you, Nikki.
Nikki Kimura: I don’t need you to be. I didn’t do what I did for the sake of scaring you. I know that Caroline may have hurt Cornelius and Ashlynn, but I’m not Caroline. I’m not the kind of Elitist that’d tie you up somewhere. I just needed to make a statement, and I’ve done that twice now. I get it Bea, you’re in the middle of your first ever World Championship reign. You’re in this position for the first time in your career and that’s great, but now I’m ready to make it there. I’m ready to do exactly what you did at Shock Value, only I’m not going to wait for you to potentially break records first. I’m not going to wait for another two hundred days to become a World Champion. I’m ready to get the job done right now, and if you don’t believe me that’s fine, but just know this. If you still don’t think I’m serious about this after what I did to Cornelius, then just wait until-
Rich Russillo: BEA VALENTINE JUST HIT NIKKI KIMURA WITH HER MICROPHONE!!!
Persephone: I guess she got tired of hearing her speak. Can’t say I blame her.
Rich Russillo: NIKKI WAS JUST DROPPED TO THE MAT AFTER THAT, BUT NIKKI QUICKLY PUSHES HERSELF OFF THE GROUND AND DELIVERS A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN, DRAGGING BEA DOWN TO THE MAT WITH HER! BOTH WOMEN ARE ON THE MAT AND NIKKI TRIES TO PUNCH BEA IN THE FACE, BUT BEA IS ABLE TO TURN IT AROUND, GETTING ON TOP OF HER BEFORE BEGINNING TO PUNCH AWAY AT THE NEXT CHALLENGER FOR THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP! IT LOOKS LIKE BEA IS LOOKING FOR SOME PAYBACK AFTER WHAT NIKKI HAS DONE!
Persephone: Nikki pushes Bea Valentine off of her before turning and kicking Bea in the face, sending Bea rolling out of the ring. Bea rolled to her feet though, and she grabs Nikki by the leg and pulls her out of the ring as well. Nikki lands on her feet as well after that- but she punches Bea in the face! Bea stumbles back, but she runs in and grabs Nikki, sending Nikki back first into the apron.
Rich Russillo: Nikki pushes Bea off of her before hitting Bea with a forearm, and Bea responds with a forearm of her own! Both women go back and forth hitting each other with forearms, and it looks like neither woman is willing to go down easily knowing that the Universal Women’s Championship is what’s going to be on the line! Both women go back and forth trading shots- UNTIL NOW BEA VALENTINE RETURNS THE FAVOR WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN OF HER OWN! Both women continue fighting-
Persephone: But look up the ramp! It looks like security is here to ruin the fun.
(The fans begin to boo, not happy knowing that the fight is being broken up. Security guards rush down the ramp as Bea Valentine and Nikki Kimura continue to punch each other, and once they make it to ringside they pull Bea Valentine off of Nikki Kimura before some of the security guards rush over to Nikki, holding her back so she doesn’t attack Bea.)
Rich Russillo: Security is here to finally break things up, and I have to say it was only a matter of time before this happened! Still, things have definitely gotten heated between these two very quickly, which makes me wonder how this will all end!
Persephone: So Nikki really is Bea’s next challenger then? This sucks.
Rich Russillo: Nikki Kimura is after the Universal Women’s Championship at Golden Gods, and Bea Valentine doesn’t want to let her Championship go that easily, especially not after what Nikki did! Looks like soon enough we’ll see who will make it to the Pain for Pride main event!
(Bea Valentine and Nikki Kimura yell at each other as the security guards drag the two Elitists away from each other. The fans continue to boo during this, but the two Elitists continue to stare towards each other as they are slowly dragged to the back. As this goes on, Voltage begins to fade to ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Golden Gods, the Voltage Supershow where Bea Valentine defends the Universal Women’s Championship against Nikki Kimura.)
(Voltage returns to ringside.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(The arena plunges into darkness minus the crimson lights. “No One Know” by Queens of the Stone Age begins to play. “ABSOLUTE TOP CUNT” plays on the screen before Halsey Neel emerges with her hands outstretched. She then bows and heads towards the ring with Pandora Paisley behind her. Halsey has a focused look on her face, ready for the match ahead of her.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST…REPRESENTING THE BRITISH INVASION…FROM BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND…WEIGHING IN AT 10 STONE AND9 POUNDS…SHE IS ONE-HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… “UPSET QUEEN”…HALLLSEEEYYY NEEELLL!
(She makes her way down to the ring and eventually gets inside. She jumps onto the second turnbuckle and stares at the fans in attendance for a moment, who appear to be more positive knowing the show is in England tonight. Suddenly, “It Follows” by Cane Hill begins to play. Xander Payne emerges onto the stage with a mixed reaction from the crowd. He simply nods before heading straight down to the ring, not wasting any time as he is ready to get back in the ring for the first time since his match against Limmy Monaghan at Grand Rampage.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT…FROM, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA…WEIGHING IN AT 262 POUNDS…HE IS XXAAAAANNNNDEEERRRR PAAAYYNNNEEE!
(Xander rolls underneath the bottom rope and looks right at Halsey Neel. He doesn’t smile, he doesn’t react to the crowd. He just stares at her. She gives an extremely confident look back before moving into her corner. The referee then calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: And there is the bell and we are getting underway in our opening contest of the evening! Payne and Neel begin circling each other in the ring looking for an opening! Neel fires first! She goes for a bicycle kick but Payne steps out of the way! He grabs her from behind for the half-and-half suplex! But Neel is able to lunge forward and get her hand on the top rope! The referee is calling for the break here!
Persephone: Payne is complying with the official. He should just tear her away from the ropes. BECAUSE HALSEY DIDN’T WASTE ANY TIME CAPITALIZING! She gets him with a massive forearm, pushing right past the official to do so! She knocks him back and then grabs him by the side! She tries for a saito suplex…BUT XANDER PLANTS HIMSELF BACK ON THE GROUND!
Rich Russillo: He manages to get her in a headlock here! He is applying as much pressure as he possibly can and it almost seems like he might pop her gourd! However, Neel is able to fight back! She is able to free herself and counter, sending her opponent into the ropes with an irish whip! Off the rebound…SHE KICKS HIS LEG OUT RIGHT FROM UNDERNEATH HIM! He falls face first onto the mat and she nails him with a sliding lariat!
Persephone: Oh damn, Neel just flattened Xander Payne. She’s about to keep bringing the pain to Payne, locking in a sleeper hold! I wonder if he’ll end up taking a nap here. Especially since she is squeezing the life out of him like a constrictor. At least she seems to be taking pleasure in this! There is a smile on her face as Xander’s begins to turn a shade of purple!
Rich Russillo: But that smile begins to fade as Xander Payne begins to bring himself back up onto his feet! He gets back into a standing position with Neel still having the hold applied! HE ELBOWS HER IN THE RIBS HARD! One good hit and the hold is broken! HE THEN TAKES HOLD OF HER AND THROWS HER ACROSS THE RING WITH THE OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY! Neel has a hard landing on the mat but she gets up and stumbles into the corner! Not sure if that’s the place she wants to be here! In comes Payne once again, delivering a nasty chop straight to the chest of his opponent!
Persephone: Oh, he has her cornered here! He grabs her by the head and smashes her face right into the top turnbuckle! She now falls into a seated position in the corner! This is about to be a very bad time for Neel. Payne heads across the ring and then rushes back over! HE LOOKS FOR THE CANNONBALL! BUT NEEL ROLLS OUT OF THE RING RIGHT BEFORE IMPACT CAN BE MADE! Instead, Payne lands right in the corner instead! Neel doesn’t waste a second here, grabbing the leg of Payne and slamming it with all her right into the steel post!
Rich Russillo: That was a cruel but effective maneuver there! She wants to take away Payne’s ability to stand here! It might hurt his ability to hit moves such as Last Sedation! Neel reenters the ring and takes hold of the leg now! She looks for a figure four but he is not about to let that happen! Instead, he delivers a swift kick with his other leg right to her face! Xander Payne now rises back to his feet…AND NEEL TRIES TO TAKE HIM BACK OFF WITH A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!
Persephone: That didn’t work out for her, did it? No, Payne slipped under the arm and caught her! HE THEN DRIVES HER INTO THE MAT WITH LA BOMBE BLUE! There’s the blue thunder bomb and we might be moving into the next match sooner than we thought! Cover!
ONE!
TW-
Rich Russillo: Looks like we’re staying right here Persephone! Neel gets her shoulder up before the two count! Xander smirks and nods to himself! Seems like he might be a little glad it didn’t end right there! He gets back up and you see the damage done to his leg, there is definitely a slight limp! He brings his opponent back up to her feet…AND HE GETS HER UP FOR THE X-PLEX! He sends her up and somehow she’s able to land on her feet! Before Xander has time to react, she gets with the dropkick! He stumbles back from the impact and right into the corner!
Persephone: And now she’s going off! She meets him there and starts driving knees into him! He tries to block them but she eventually wears through his defense! She manages to get a few into his face! She then starts stomping down on his leg, looking to disable it even further! AND THEN SHE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH THE DRAGON SCREW RIGHT OUT OF THE CORNER! She really is intent on hobbling this man. She looks for another submission hold on the leg but once again, Xander Payne is not going to let that happen! He pushes her away once more!
Rich Russillo: Payne tries to get back on his feet but Neel is not having it! SHE LOOKS FOR A BIG BOOT…BUT XANDER CATCHES THE LEG! He rises back to his feet and then gets her with a dragon screw of his own! He then goes to the ropes and builds up some speed! HERE COMES THE BASEMENT CROSSBODY! WAIT! No, Halsey Neel manages to avoid it and then immediately stands up! As Xander Payne goes to stand up she grabs him from behind! SHE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! She looks for the cover!
ONE!
TW-
Persephone: And she doesn’t even make the two count there. Payne kicks out with relative ease there. She really is going to have to step it up. Maybe focus on smashing his head in instead of the leg. THAT’S A START! She climbs on top of her opponent and begins raining down forearms right into Payne’s head! But he catches the arm…AND BRINGS HER IN FOR A HEADBUTT! She stumbles back and into the ropes, giving him time to stand up! Now he knocks her over out onto the floor with a clothesline right over the top rope and onto the floor!
(Xander Payne looks out at the London crowd who all give the same mixed reaction as before.)
Rich Russillo: This London crowd is alive tonight and they are telling Xander exactly what they want to see! AND HERE IT COMES! HE CLIMBS ON OUT TO THE APRON! HE THEN DELIVERS A CANNONBALL RIGHT TO NEEL AS SHE’S STANDING UP! That was a perfectly executed move right there! He then picks her up and sends her right back in the ring! He goes to get back on the apron…AND NEEL IS ABLE TO DROPKICK HIM RIGHT IN THE LEG! That was a desperate counter but an effective one! She goes back out onto the apron with him…AND ROCKS HIM WITH A THRUST KICK!
Persephone: Oh, he is barely able to hang on here! That was a brutal shot! Halsey Neel wants to do even more damage now! SHE GETS HIM IN POSITION FOR THE SNAP SUPLEX! She wants to plant him on the apron! I guess paralyzing your opponent is one way to win a match.
Rich Russillo: BUT XANDER FIGHTS BACK! HE LIFTS HER UP AND DROPS HER BACK INSIDE THE RING FACE-FIRST! He gets back in there himself and gets her with a bell clap! She looks discombobulated now! And that gives him the opportunity he needs! Payne lifts her up onto his shoulders! HE HAS HER IN POSITION FOR THAT INVERTED USHIGOROSHI! BUT SHE LANDS ON HER FEET! SHE THEN GETS HIM WITH THE ROLLING ELBOW IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! This could be a dire situation for Payne now!
Persephone: She takes hold of his arm…AND THEN PULLS HIM FOR THE RIPCORE LARIAT! From there, she gets back on his feet and delivers that snap german! Shit, looks like she’s going for a combination. Xander Payne is left on his knees…AND SHE NAILS HIM WITH A RUNNING BICYCLE KNEE! She just tore through him there! And now she takes hold of his arm, dragging him back up to his feet! A NIGHT AT THE OPERA!
Rich Russillo: But Xander Payne is able to avoid the Ripcord Question Mark Kick! Instead he grabs her wrist…AND PUTS HER IN THE ARM-TRAPPED CROSSFACE! Now this is a brutal submission hold right here! Look at the way he is wrenching back on her head and neck! This is a far cry from where you want to be if you are Halsey Neel! She’s trying to crawl towards the ropes but she might be out of range! She is going to need to think of another way out of this one! And quickly!
Persephone: UGH! I WANTED HALSEY TO TAP, BUT INSTEAD SHE PUSHES HERSELF UP TO A KNEE UNTIL SHE IS FINALLY ABLE TO PUNCH XANDER IN THE FACE WITH HER FREE HAND! Xander lets go of Halsey, and Halsey gets back to her feet as Xander slowly follows behind. Halsey grabs Xander, and she is getting him up onto her shoulders now! She has him in the fireman’s carry position! BUT HE ELBOWS HER IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! He keeps going until she falls down to a knee!
Rich Russillo: Xander Payne escapes danger momentarily! He gets behind her and delivers another massive bell clap from behind! He then picks her up…AND PLANTS HER WITH THE SIT-OUT MICHINOKU DRIVER! He hooks the leg and this is the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: OH! She kicks out right at the two! Welp. I think she might live to regret that. Payne is looking pretty annoyed with Halsey’s tactics in this match! He repositions her in the center of the ring! AND NOW HE BEGINS TO CLIMB THE TOP ROPE! Oh shit, that’s a splash zone I wouldn’t want to be in. Sucks to be Halsey right now, cause she is about to squashed like a bug. HERE COMES THE TOP ROPE DIVING SENTON FROM PAYNE!
Rich Russillo: But Halsey Neel is able to roll out of the way just before impact! Payne hits the ground in a rough way! He’s grasping his back as he backs to his feet! BUT AS HE DOES SHE NEARLY DECAPITATES HIM WITH THE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! And now it’s Halsey’s turn to fly as she makes her up onto the top rope! She clearly wants to do what he couldn’t! AND NOW SHE COMES DOWN ON HIM WITH THE TOP ROPE SENTON!
Persephone: And that is a gamble that doesn’t pay out tonight. Payne brings his knees up and right into the spine of Neel. You can see her now grasping at her back in pain! But that was sort of stupid on Xander’s part. He just hurt his leg even more. He practically is limping back up here as he takes hold of Neel! HE TRIES TO GET HER UP FOR THE RIPTIDE! THE TWISTING BRAINBUSTER IS ABOUT TO CAVE THIS CHICK’S SKULL IN! BUT NO! His leg gives out from underneath him and he drops her!
RIch Russillo: She manages to land on her feet there and she immediately pulls him in for a massive headbutt! From there she gets him up! SHE GETS HIM ALL THE WAY UP! She has him in position for the powerbomb…AND DOWN HE GOES! NEEL WITH THE SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! She goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: But once again, Xander Payne doesn’t want to go away. Instead, he wants to keep us here forever apparently. Neel is not looking happy. She latches onto his injured leg…AND LOCKS IN THE HEEL HOOK! Damn, that has to be excruciating. It’s definitely waking Xander up! But he immediately crawls towards the ropes, dragging Halsey with him. He manages to get all the way to the ropes…AND HE GETS THE ROPE BREAK!
Rich Russillo: Halsey keeps the hold in until the ref gives her the warning! She gives Payne a few moments to recover but descends on him like a vulture! BUT HE SENDS HER OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT ONTO THE APRON! He goes to take her down…BUT SHE GETS HIM WITH AN ENZIGURI! She quickly tries to reenter the ring but her move barely fazes this incensed Payne! HE GETS HER WITH A BIG BOOT IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! He then sends her across the ring with the irish whip! POP-UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
Persephone: NO! NEEL IS ABLE TO COUNTER! SHE GETS HIM THE GUILLOTINE CHOKE NOW! Xander falls down to his knees as she begins squeezing the life out of him! But wait a moment here…he’s standing up! You can see the shock on Neel’s face as Payne is pulling off a superhuman feat here! Sports commission be damned, Payne is currently on something right now. HE LUNGES FORWARD AND DRIVES THEM BOTH INTO THE CORNER TURNBUCKLES! The hold is broken up and he stumbles away to catch his breath!
Rich Russillo: Neel definitely took some damage there but she’s trying to shake it off! She comes back at him, grabbing him from behind for the German suplex! BUT HE REACHES BACK AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH AN AGGRESSIVE SNAPMARE! HE THEN RUNS THE ROPES…BEFORE ROCKING HER WITH A SHINING WIZARD!
Persephone: Oof, that might have been the knockout blow right there. He caved her skull in with that. But Payne isn’t done yet, he picks her up and throws her into the ropes with an irish whip! LAST SEDATION OFF THE REBOUND! BUT NO! NEEL IS ABLE TO COUNTER WITH A MASSIVE FOREARM ON THE WAY DOWN! Payne is stunned momentarily and that gives her enough time to follow up with the bicycle kick! Down goes Payne and she quickly gets him position for the pendulum! SHE SWINGS HIM INTO THE BOTTOM TURNBUCKLE! THEN DELIVERS THAT CURBSTOMP! BACK TO BLACK! Cover and please let this be over.
ONE!
TWO!
TH-
Rich Russillo: That doesn’t seem to be the case here! Xander Payne is able to kick out just before the three count! It was so close and you can see the disbelief in the eyes of Halsey Neel! She immediately crawls right on top of her opponent and begins unleashing palm strikes! She is just being relentless with these, trying to pierce through his defense with whatever she can! She finally relents…AND GOES FOR THE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! Payne is able to roll out of the way!
Persephone: He tries to heft himself back up to his feet but Neel stays on top of him! She takes hold of his arms…AND SHE LOOKS FOR A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! She doesn’t find that shit at all, though. Instead Payne is able to counter and then catch her right on the bridge of the nose with a headbutt! As she’s stunned, Payne runs towards the ropes! HE COMES BACK WITH THE PAYNEMAKER! THE SPRINGBOARD STUNNER ANNIHILATES HALSEY NEEL! Now he goes for the cover…please let this be it.
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-
Rich Russillo: HALSEY NEEL GETS THE SHOULDER UP! That was an impressive kick out right there! I thought that was it myself! Payne does seem frustrated now…he thought it was over too! He brings back up to her feet AND GETS HER WITH THE ROLLING KESAGIRI CHOP! He then pulls her back in and hooks the arms! HE BRINGS HER UP FOR THE KNEELING TIGER BOMB! BUT NEEL IS ABLE TO LAND ON HER FEET IN FRONT OF HIM! SHE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A VICIOUS FISHERMAN’S NECKBREAKER!
Persephone: And now she wants to take this opportunity to finish him! SHE REACHES DOWN AND LIFTS PAYNE UP! It is a lot of weight to carry there. SHE GETS HIM IN POSITION ANYWAYS FOR THAT NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! THE WALL!
Rich Russillo: But Xander Payne drives his knee down into the skull of Neel! She drops him down before she’s able to connect with the maneuver! He quickly scrambles back to a vertical base! Neel of course, comes at him once again! SHE LOOKS FOR A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE BUT HE DUCKS UNDER IT! Xander Payne runs the ropes, building up some speed here! HE LOOKS FOR A LARIAT OF HIS OWN BUT NEEL DOES THE MATRIX EVASION RIGHT UNDER IT! SHE THEN LOOKS FOR THE SPEAR! REALITY KILLED THE VIDEO STAR!
Persephone: Not this time! XANDER INTERCEPTS IT WITH A BOOT! That got her right across the dome there! She half-crawls into the corner and that is precisely what he wanted! HE GETS HER WITH THE SEATED RUNNING KNEE! Damn, that was right in the face again. She might just have been knocked out right there. He drags her back towards the center of the ring and takes hold of her tights…DAWNBREAKER!
Rich Russillo: BUT THE ATTEMPT GOES NOWHERE! AS HE PULLS HER UP SHE SMASHES HIM IN THE FACE WITH AN ELBOW! She then gets him a stiff looking forearm! AND THEN ANOTHER! He’s looking stunned there…BUT THE BACKFIST KNOCKS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT! AND THEN THE LOW SUPERKICK! AND THE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Oh my god, that was a devastating combination right here! Halsey Neel just unleashed absolute fury on Xander!
Persephone: She now picks him up in position for that cradle full nelson! THE QUEEN IS D-
(“I21” by Magnolia Park suddenly begins to play, which catches the attention of both all of the fans in attendance, and the Unified Tag Team Champions. Halsey Neel lets go of her opponent and she looks towards the stage as Pandora Paisley does the same, ready in case Fire and Ice try to make a move.)
Rich Russillo: Is Fire and Ice coming out here? Halsey Neel and Pandora Paisley certainly seem to think so! And they are fully prepared for a fight!
Persephone: The LAST thing I need is for Rex McAllister and Raven to come out here right now. Can’t anyone just stay on their brand!?
Rich Russillo: Well, that’s strange… I don’t see them making their way out here?
Persephone: BUT LOOK!!! FROM BEHIND COMES XANDER PAYNE! THE SNEAKY BASTARD ROLLS UP HALSEY NEEL FOR A SURPRISE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“It Follows” by Cane Hill begins to play as Xander Payne scrambles off of his opponent. He rolls out of the ring, and Halsey Neel immediately gets back to a knee, both frustrated that Xander Payne won the match, and that she was able to get caught off guard in this way. Pandora goes after Xander initially, but seeing him make his way to the ramp, she decides to join Halsey inside of the ring.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER….XAAAANNNDDEEER PAAAYNNNEEE!
Rich Russillo: I can’t believe it! Xander just stole this match from Neel! Don’t get me wrong, that was a competitive match from bell to bell…but really? I have to say, there is something suspicious about that music playing too. You have to think some mind games are going on here!
Persephone: They’re definitely working. The champs look pissed off.
(The camera suddenly cuts to a different part of the arena, within the crowd. It focuses on two happy looking individuals enjoying their popcorn and drinking some sodas. Once the camera gets a closer look of who they are however, the fans begin to loudly cheer. It just so happens to be Rex McAllister and Raven Roberts.)
Rich Russillo: Look at that. The challengers seem to have enjoyed the chaos. It looks like Raven has something to say here.
Raven Roberts: Well, you gave it your best shot Halsey!
Persephone: OH SHIT! THE BRITISH INVASION IS INVADING THE CROWD! They are jumping the barricade and heading straight towards Fire and Ice!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW WE ARE SEEING A BRAWL IN THE AUDIENCE! THESE TWO TEAMS ARE COLLIDING RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW! Things are very quickly getting out of hand!
(The scene is hectic. Halsey Neel and Raven Roberts are trading blows. At one point, Neel takes a beer from a member of the audience and throws it on her. The fight escalates into a straight brawl from there.)
(Rex and Pandora are locked in their own combat. They are fighting right on the stairs, with each of them trying to bash each other on the metal. It isn’t too long before security begins to mobilize in the arena.)
Persephone: Yeah they are! I hope they kill each other tonight!
Rich Russillo: I hate to rain on your parade but here comes security right now! They are dragging the teams away from each other! If this is what we have to look forward to at Fighting Spirit…then it is going to be absolute chaos!
(The camera focuses on the teams, they’re all trying to tear away from their security guards. They are yelling at each other and staring each other down as the camera fades.)
(Commercial for the movie Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. In theaters now.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues forward as we see Effy McAvoy walking down the hallways in a fit of rage following what happened to her last week after her win against Jake Smith. Effy is seen wearing her usual out-of-the-ring attire as her emotions are beyond angry. Swatting away various items like water bottles, empty food trays, and stacks of papers, throwing them out of the way as she yells out…)
Effy McAvoy: WHERE IS SHE!!! WHERE IS BRIDGET?!
(Effy continues walking down the hallway, still slapping and swatting away anything she sees, even noticing a game controller that was nearby, taking it, and smashing it to the ground! She walks further down as she notices a backstage producer on their phone, as Effy goes right in front of them…)
Effy McAvoy: Hey! Do you know where Bridget is?
Backstage Producer 1: Sorry, Effy, I don’t know where she—
(Before the backstage producer could even finish his sentence, Effy smacks the phone out of his hand! The producer has a shocked look on him as Effy then proceeds to slap the producer right across his face! He goes right down as she continues to walk the hallways. As she does, she then stops in front of her and sees a camera, taking it and throwing it down to the ground, stomping on it repeatedly, and letting out a scream as she proceeds to stumble upon another producer who’s currently drinking some coffee.)
Effy McAvoy: Do you know where that dumb bitch who likes to stream a lot is??
Backstage Producer 2: I think you mean Bridget… I’m sorry, Effy, I haven’t seen her—
(Effy takes the coffee and throws it right into the producer’s face as they scream in agony with the hot liquid making contact with their face. They cover their eyes and run out of frame, but Effy doesn’t care, as she has one thing on her mind. She continues to walk down the hallway, looking for Bridget, looking in every direction, screaming at the top of her lungs…)
Effy McAvoy: COME OUT, BRIDGET! I KNOW YOU’RE HERE SOMEWHERE!! LET’S PLAY!!!
(Effy is causing a ruckus and rampages through the hallways in the pursuit of finding the woman who made her intentions clear when it comes to having the next shot at her championship. All of a sudden, she notices an open door backstage, leading to where the official photoshoots take place for EAW Elitists. As the camera zooms in, it spots Bridget Bridget, who is in there taking photos with a professional camera crew. Effy’s eyes widen as she enters the room and shouts toward her…)
Effy McAvoy: You want my title, huh?? How about you try taking it right now!!!
(Bridget hears the voice and quickly backs up a little bit, and as Effy tries to come after her, she’s swarmed by her security guards! They restrain her away from Bridget, who is seen wearing a trendy outfit. She responds to Effy by saying…)
Bridget Bridget: You’re getting a little hot, Effy… Maybe you need to cool down a bit. Can’t you see I’m doing something for my lovely subscribers on OnlyFans??? Maybe if you had a bit of a relaxed mind, you wouldn’t be such an emotional little champion. I’m elevating my career, Effy, and I’m going to do it off your back!
(Bridget has a little smirk on her face, confidence reigning down on her as Effy has a very annoyed demeanor from what she just said. She responds by saying…)
Effy McAvoy: Using me as a stepping stone? Only in your dreams, because as much as you think attacking me to progress your career is going to do something for you, you’re just not that smart, but if you want to take my title so badly, you can have it next week at Golden Gods. I’m ready to fight you. You want to use me so badly, go right at it… I DARE YOU!!
(The crowd in the arena cheered for that challenge being made by Effy to grant Bridget her desired title match for Golden Gods. Bridget’s expression changes as she notices Effy’s determination about the idea of facing off against each other next week, as she responds by saying…)
Bridget Bridget: You seem very… passionate, honey. Oh well, I guess if you’re going to be this hothead, I might as well get some use out of it here. Gosh!! I’m so excited to face you and take home that New Breed title, like, woah!!! I’ll bring some value to that title because, unlike you, who sits under a bridge like the little troll you are, I can show off that title to my lovely fans as they all express how great I would look as a champion. Imagine the content, imagine the views, imagine everything! Something that you can’t comprehend, Effy, which is fine, not everyone gets me. Soon enough, I’ll be winning my first championship thanks to you, so I guess I did do the ring thing by attacking you last week.
(Effy looks even more angry as she responds to Bridget while still being restrained by the security that is there…)
Effy McAvoy: Maybe in your world it’s a success, but come next week, you’ll start to regret it real quickly. You have the chance to take this title from me, but I’m not backing down, especially not from a loser streamer who needs validation for everything she does. You want to progress so badly, and yet you still have time to do a stupid photoshoot for a subscription service for lowlifes. I am THE New Breed Champion, and I won’t let some loser like you take this away from me because right now you may feel like it’s an absolute win on your end, you may feel like it’s a positive, but this time next week, you’ll start to feel the regret settling in when I’m done beating you to a bloody pulp.
(Effy’s eyes are seen with much anger and disdain as she makes it clear to Bridget what her intentions are for next week, as Bridget responds right back by saying…)
Bridget Bridget: Yeah, we’ll see about that, Effy. I’m sure all the money I make from doing these photoshoots is such a waste of time. Maybe if you were relaxed a bit, you could take these same opportunities, but I’m sure at the same time you wouldn’t want to upset your master, would you? HAHAHAHAH!
(Effy has heard enough from Bridget as she fights through the security guards, elbowing one right in the face and punching the other one in the jaw as Effy has a clear path and goes right towards Bridget Bridget!!)
Rich Russillo: EFFY IS GOING RIGHT AT BRIDGET BRIDGET!! SHE’S THROWING RIGHTS AND LEFTS AFTER BEING RESTRAINED BY BRIDGET’S SECURITY!!! EFFY IS THROWING HAYMAKERS TO THE FACE OF BRIDGET AS THESE ARE SOME GNARLY SHOTS BEING THROWN BRIDGET’S WAY!!!
Persephone: That psycho bitch is finally doing something productive, thank God.
Rich Russillo: BRIDGET IS THROWING SHOTS RIGHT BACK TOWARDS EFFY! SHE’S NAILING HER WITH STRAIGHT PUNCHES TO THE CHAMPION’S FACE, AND AN ALL-OUT BRAWL HAS ENSUED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES!!!
Persephone: Maybe that’s some content Bridget can share for her gooner fanbase on OnlyFans.
Rich Russillo: EFFY NOW CLOCKS BRIDGET WITH A HEADBUTT!! BRIDGET LOOKS STUNNED AS EFFY SETS UP FOR SOME TYPE OF MANEUVER IN THE PHOTOSHOOT! IS SHE GOING TO NAIL HER WITH SOMETHING??
Persephone: She’s going to nail this bitch with a wrestling move in a photoshoot? The cameraman had better be ready to capture it.
Rich Russillo: NO! BRIDGET REVERSES IT AS SHE’S GOUGING THE EYES OF EFFY MCAVOY!! EFFY HOLDS HER FACE AS SHE’S MET WITH A BRIDGE KICK!!! EFFY GOES DOWN WITH THAT SUPERKICK FROM BRIDGET BRIDGET!!!
(After that Bridge Kick connects, Bridget grabs hold of the New Breed Championship from Effy’s waist and holds it herself as she tells her…)
Bridget Bridget: Like I said, honey, this championship is just the next step of me becoming an even BIGGER name, and it will be all thanks to you, so when I’m the face of this company, bringing in all the views, I’ll make sure to thank you for that. So hold onto this title for the next remaining days you have left because when I’m the winner of our match, this title will be all mine for the whole world to see…
(Bridget takes one last look at the New Breed Championship before saying…)
Bridget Bridget: Bye-bye now!
(Bridget throws the title right back to Effy, who is lying on the ground as she appears to be leaving the photoshoot set, taking her security with her. Effy is laid out and is looking frustrated that Bridget got the upper hand over her again. She uses her hands to get up from her position as she stares down with even more rage and fury in her eyes as the segment fades off, and we continue here tonight on Sunday Night Voltage.)
(The camera fades back in to the backstage area. It isn’t too long before it finds Solomon and Trixie Stane. Solomon is seated on one of the crates in a mediative pose. Trixie seem to be delivering some sort of speech.)
Trixie Stane: Can you feel it? You are so close to getting everything that you want…everything that you deserve. In a matter of weeks you have a chance to put one of those old dogs down. That is all that stands between you and a shot the EAW World Championship. The Hardcore Championship hardly matters in the face of that. It is…insignificant. I have always known that you were meant for more than it. No, you were meant to be at the top of this business. This is an opportunity that you have bled for. You have made people bled for it. They were sleep to the slaughter…lambs to be sacrificed on your altar. All of this sacrifice, it was not going to leave you with such a meager prize. No my love, you are to become the EAW World Champion. It is not a matter of if…no we are simply counting down the days.
(She puts a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it in anticipation.)
Trixie Stane: You are not to be stopped. Think about all of those who have stood in your way so far. Those who have defied you. Those who would question you. You put them into the dirt. You made all of those unfaithful, heretical nothings into believers. And now…now there is no doubt in my mind that you are going to get what you want.
Solomon Stane: There is none in my either.
Trixie Stane: You have already torn down legends of industry. You have crushed the mediocre. You have cemented yourself as an almighty force. There is no one that can survive your wrath. That is what you have built up to. Your legacy will be that of destruction and rebirth. It is within your grasp. Which now more than ever, you need to be focused. Now, you have your mission. This quest that you are on. But at the end of the day, none of that matters. Not when everything is dangling in front of your face like it is. Because you are the one who got here. Not God. You. I have watched you claw out of a career purgatory for this. You cannot waste it.
Solomon Stane: No, the mission matters more than anything. It is MY work. And that work includes tearing that title from Michael Machina, or whomever might have to at the conclusion of Golden Gods. That does require focus. Which means we should consider what happened at King of the Elite. Learn from it.
Trixie Stane: Yes, that was an unfortunate situation.
Solomon Stane: It was an unforgivable one. That was not the first time that someone used you in order to distract me. You are a known weakness of mine. That puts you in danger. Time and time again, you have been hurt trying to help me. Anytime that happens, my heart breaks. It fills me with such anguish…such fury that I lose control. That is what happened at King of Elite. I was so focused on making TLA suffer for what he did that I got distracted. I was no longer focused on my surroundings. Hell, I barely cared about the crown. An instinct took over…a need to make him pay.
Trixie Stane: I would have been fine. I was fine. I understand why you did it. But there was nothing more important than leaving there as King of Elite. I was not as important as that. Of course people are going to use me to get to you. You cannot let them.
Solomon Stane: That is an herculean task. You are the most important thing to me. The light of my life. When someone puts their hands on you…when someone does you any harm, I must respond in kind. Drake Armstrong was able to take advantage of that.
Trixie Stane: Then perhaps I should not be there at ringside. I want to be there to see this achievement my love. I do. I want to see you standing over Kinkade or Methuselah’s broken body. No, I should be there. If you are concerned about my well-being…then break them before they have the chance to touch me.
???: Oh, is this some lover’s quarrel?
(Akari Kiyoko and Luna Adeline appear out of nowhere. Luna seems to have a smirk on her face. Akari seems to be strictly business, staring down Solomon Stane.)
Akari Kiyoko: What is all of this talk I hear about Fighting Spirit? Should you not be focused on what is directly in front of you Solomon? I understand looking ahead. But you would be foolish to look past me.
Solomon Stane: A gnat beats it wings. Nothing changes for it.
Akari Kiyoko: Is that right? You have a long road between now and Fighting Spirit. There are many unfortunate events that can happen between then and now. Yet, you seem to be so determined that you are making it there. Look at that. This certainty is just…sickening. Why are you planning so far ahead? You might not even make it through tonight.
Trixie Stane: Amusing. Akari, are you not the same individual that my husband decimated in the semi-finals? This sudden confidence doesn’t seem to make much sense. Then again, perhaps you are deluded after last week’s stolen victory over Valentine.
Luna Adeline: Stolen? There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a situation. Perhaps if your husband was more like Akari here, he would still have a Hardcore Championship around his waist.
Solomon Stane: I already grow weary of this. You do not have the slightest idea of what I am willing to do. If you were, then you would understand that the game you are playing here is a dangerous one. If I was either one of you, I would consider treading very, very lightly.
Luna Adeline: Oh really? No, there’s already blood in the water Solomon. Everyone was paying attention to Grand Rampage. Bethany Blue beat you. Now, when you were Hardcore Champion you were intimidating. Now that everyone has watched “The Deliverer” fall, it doesn’t seem like another one isn’t too far behind. Besides, what happened last time you had a shot at the World Championship? You failed. You had the champion dead to rights and you did not deliver. You know why you should be focusing on Akari? Because you cannot afford not to.
Akari Kiyoko: You know that she is right. You are more vulnerable than you have ever been. You are more desperate than you have ever been. But you could imagine walking into Fighting Spirit with a loss such as this? Where would that leave you? It would be like a wounded animal heading straight into the den of a lion. You would not survive. So, believe me when I say that I am not intimidate by you. Tonight will not be a repeat of the semi-finals. No, I am going to defeat you. Because I could use this opportunity. I want to show Bethany Blue just how seriously she should take me. Of course, offer her a preview of her immediate future.
(Solomon Stane finally stands up. He approaches Kiyoko and towers over him. There is a deadly serious look in his eyes.)
Solomon Stane: You should know your place whelp. You should not be worried about what I think. Only about what I do. And things that I am going to do you are going to be sickening.
Akari Kiyoko: No, what I am going to do to you…is just embarrassing. Tonight, we are going to see your prayers go unanswered. Everyone is going to see just how fragile your faith really is.
Solomon Stane: What they will bear witness to is an ass-whooping. An unholy beating that will leave you crawling into your Hardcore Championship match. See, some people need to learn to stay in their lanes. You are far out of yours. I do not know what madness has come over you. I don’t know why you believe for a single moment that you have a chance tonight. My future is bright. Yours is getting darker with every breath that you draw.
Akari Kiyoko: Cute bark. But I don’t think there’s much bite. Solomon, I have everything to gain tonight. You have it all to lose. The moment you take your eyes off me…the moment you get distracted looking past me…is the moment I take you down. All it takes is the blink of an eye.
Solomon Stane: You have my attention Akari. You are not going to enjoy having it. Tonight, you are going to be beaten into a red stain on the mat. They are going to have to scrape you up and put you back together. But all of the kings horses and of his men, couldn’t put your dumb-ass back together again. You are going to be handed to that cold-hearted bitch on a silver platter. You are nothing more than an example that shall be made. So do not give me this bravado. And if you approach me like this ever again…you will be struck down on this very goddamn spot.
(All four of them are now locked in a stare down. The camera fades with this intensity lingering in the air.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Solomon Stane will face the EAW World Champion for the World Championship.)
(The camera comes back from commercial as “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen plays in the background as Bethany Blue rounds the steel steps to take her seat next to the commentary desk. But on the opposite side, Damien Kutcher stands up out of his chair, and he begins trash talking Bethany, who shrugs him off as she takes her seat with the Hardcore Championship.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION… DR. BETHANY BLUE!
(Damien Kutcher takes a seat back down with the two glancing at each other, the animosity already starting to build as the camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(“Catch Me If You Can” by runblebee plays to a negative reaction as Akari Kiyoko makes his way onto the stage area, being flanked by Luna, who realizes that Akari’s attention is directed toward Kutcher and Bethany Blue ringside. Though, she encourages him to focus as the two march down to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Aomori, Japan, weighing in at 180 pounds, accompanied to the ring by Luna Adeline…HE IS THE FLAW OF THE WORLD…AKARI KIYOKO!!
Rich Russillo: Akari Kiyoko has been a prospect with tons of potential on the Voltage brand, and will have a chance to reach said potential when he competes against Bethany Blue and Damien Kutcher for the Hardcore Title.
Persephone: God, I can’t wait to see those three tear each other apart.
Rich Russillo: It’s highly anticipated, but speaking of…
(“The World is Gonna End Tonight” by Dan Romer and Peter Harper plays, and Solomon Stane can be seen already on the stage area, praying while on his knee before Trixie Stane walks right next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder as he rises. The duo then walk down to the ring, focused ahead of tonight’s match.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing from the City of Sin, weighing in at 266 pounds…HE IS YOUR SAVIOR…SOLOMON STANE!
Rich Russillo: Solomon Stane also has a highly anticipated match of his own coming up for the World Championship.
Persephone: Problem is: he doesn’t know his opponent.
Rich Russillo: But that might not matter, given the tear Solomon Stane has been on, and he aims to keep that momentum rolling here against Kiyoko.
(The referee signals for the bell as both competitors stand in opposing corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: So, the bell has rung, and we are officially underway! Akari Kiyoko! Solomon Stane! Both competitors start things off by circling one another, and it’s crucial they remain focused on the other. Not either Damien Kutcher or Bethany Blue at ringside.
Persephone: Yeah, they claim to be here for a “closer view of the action,” but I believe that’s bullshit. Oftentimes, it is.
Rich Russillo: Only time will tell as Solomon Stane and Akari Kiyoko lock up in the center of the ring! Solomon Stane gets the upper hand, using his strength to back Akari into the corner, and shows an absolute lack of respect as he grinds his forearm across Kiyoko’s face before backing away to the middle.
Persephone: Akari already looks to be irritated, and steps from out the corner, circling around Solomon Stane again.
Rich Russillo: Both competitors lock up for a second time, and Akari gets the upper hand with a standing side headlock on Solomon! But Solomon uses his strength again to overpower Akari, and lifts him up for a back suplex- HOWEVER, AKARI BACKFLIPS ONTO HIS FEET, AND LOCKS SOLOMON BACK INTO THE SIDE HEADLOCK AS HE TURNS AROUND!
Persephone: Wow, I thought Akari was dumb for locking up with Solomon once again, and still do. But at least he’s gotten some sort of advantage.
Rich Russillo: Kiyoko wrenches on the hold, tightening his grasp over Solomon- WHO SHOVES AKARI OFF TOWARD THE CORNER, AND AKARI GOES UP AND OVER SOLOMON! SOLOMON HALTS HIS MOMENTUM, PREVENTING HIMSELF FROM COLLIDING WITH THAT TOP TURNBUCKLE STERNUM FIRST, AND ANGRILY TURNS AROUND! MARCHING TOWARD KIYOKO-
Persephone: But walks right into a side headlock takedown. God, can these two hurry up with their technical wrestling phase?
Rich Russillo: Akari has managed to ground Solomon Stane, and wrenches further on the hold. But Solomon uses those long legs of his to escape with a headscissors, wrapping his legs around the head and neck area of Akari. Kiyoko moves to a front neck bridge, and floats over for a JACKKNIFE PIN ON SOLOMON!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: NO! SOLOMON STANE ROLLS FROM OFF HIS BACK, KEEPING HIS HANDS LOCKED AROUND THE WAIST OF KIYOKO, WHO HE DRAGS BACK TO HIS FEET IN POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB! STANE HOISTS HIM UP ONCE RETURNING TO A VERTICAL BASE- BUT AKARI DROPS OFF HIS SHOULDERS!
Rich Russillo: KIYOKO LANDS ON HIS FEET, AND BOTH COMPETITORS ARE QUICK TO TIE-UP AGAIN AFTER A BRIEF STANDOFF! SOLOMON STANE FLIPS THE SWITCH ON AKARI WITH A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK OF HIS OWN, AND KIYOKO GOES TO BOUNCE SOLOMON OFF THE ROPES TO ESCAPE!
Persephone: But Solomon blocks the escape attempt by dropping to a knee, which means I’ll be stuck watching this for a little while longer.
Rich Russillo: Akari powers back to his feet, and grabs hold of Solomon’s hair for leverage! Backing him into the corner as the referee counts for both men to seperate, giving them until five!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
Rich Russillo: Both competitors begin to release their hold over the other- AND SOLOMON SHOVES AKARI BACK! STANE RUSHES TOWARD AKARI, AND SWINGS WITH A RIGHT HAND! BUT AKARI DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND TAGS SOLOMON IN THE RIB CAGE WITH A RIGHT HAND! FOLLOWING IT UP WITH A SLAP ACROSS THE FACE, USING HIS LEFT! AKARI ALTERNATES WITH THE OTHER, AND LANDS A SPINNING BACKFIST RIGHT AFTER IT! KIYOKO EXPLODES WITH A CLOTHESLINE!
Persephone: Somehow, Solomon Stane is still standing, albeit barely as he staggers back into the corner.
Rich Russillo: AKARI KIYOKO CLOSES IN, STAYING ON TOP OF HIS OPPONENT! WHICH IS WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO, GIVEN WHO HES IN THERE WITH! AKARI BEGINS TO CLOBBER SOLOMON WITH MULTIPLE REPEATED CLOTHESLINES IN THE CORNER, AND I THINK STANE IS REELING!
Persephone: Great, so maybe that means were one step closer to this match ending.
Rich Russillo: AKARI DRAGS SOLOMON FROM OUT THE CORNER, AND SCOOPS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDER FOR A LAWN DART INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER! AKARI BEGINS BUILDING MOMENTUM- BUT SOLOMON STANE MANAGES TO SLIP OFF HIS SHOULDER, AND ROLLS OUT THE RING TO ESCAPE! CREATING SEPARATION BETWEEN HIMSELF AND KIYOKO!
Persephone: I didn’t expect Solomon going into retreat mode.
Rich Russillo: No, but Akari Kiyoko has him on the backfoot, and refuses to let up as he walks toward the ropes, going to exit the ring- BUT SOLOMON STANE SAW HIM COMING, AND DRAGS AKARI OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! STANE THEN STUNS AKARI WITH A THROAT THRUST, STAGGERING KIYOKO A BIT!
Persephone: Luna looks worried, and should be as the tide has turned in this match up with Solomon Stane preparing to put belt to ass.
Rich Russillo: Akari was staggering away from Solomon slightly after that throat thrust, but Stane quickly catches up, and turns him around! Directing Akari towards the apron, so he can bounce him FACE FIRST OFF OF IT! BUT AKARI GETS HIS HANDS IN FRONT TO BLOCK IT, AND BATTLES BACK WITH A SHOT TO THE ABDOMEN OF SOLOMON BEFORE SLAMMING HIM FACE FIRST OFF THE APRON!
Persephone: Nevermind. I guess Akari is still in this.
Rich Russillo: AND SOLOMON STANE IS STILL STANDING AFTER THAT HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH THE APRON! THOUGH, AKARI LOOKS TO CHANGE THAT AS HE BLASTS STANE WITH A FOREARM! BUT SOLOMON STANE FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN, AND THIS KNOCKS AKARI DOWN ON THE OUTSIDE! HIGHLIGHTING THE STRENGTH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO!
Persephone: No kidding. Multiple attacks for Akari to even stun Solomon, and one for Solomon to floor Kiyoko. If that’s not a sign you’re outmatched, then I don’t know what is.
Rich Russillo: Solomon pulls Akari back to his feet, and rolls him inside the ring! Solomon slides in afterward, and Akari is already up to a knee, starting to stir. Solomon Stane toys with his food a bit, using his boot to shove Akari’s head!
Persephone: Jeez, can he stop doing that, and end this match?
Rich Russillo: I don’t know, Persephone, I think Akari still has fight within him, and proves that! ATTACKING THE MIDSECTION OF SOLOMON WITH REPEATED RIGHT HANDS AS HE TRIED TO LIFT HIM BACK UP! AKARI GETS BACK TO HIS FEET, AND WHIPS SOLOMON TOWARD THE CORNER! BUT SOLOMON REVERSES, SENDING AKARI INSTEAD, AND CHARGES IN WITH A FLYING BACK ELBOW! SOLOMON THEN GRABS AKARI, AND LAUNCHES HIM TO THE CENTER WITH A RELEASE FALCON ARROW!
Persephone: And Trixie Stane is loving it all. May this love find me some day.
Rich Russillo: Well, you know…
Persephone: Not a chance.
Rich Russillo: :kyrie: …Solomon crawls over toward Akari, and hooks the leg for a cover!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Only gets a two count before Akari rolls out underneath the bottom rope, and to the apron. Akari is stirring on all fours, attempting to shake the cobwebs out of his head. But Solomon Stane won’t allow it as he reaches over the top rope, and drags Akari back to his feet- BUT AKARI DROPS SOLOMON THROAT FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE WITH A HOTSHOT!
Persephone: Solomon Stane is gasping for air as he drops to a knee, and Akari hops back up on the apron.
Rich Russillo: BUT STANE GAINS ENOUGH WHEREWITHAL TO CHARGE AKARI ON THE APRON WITH A SHOULDER THRUST THROUGH THE MIDDLE! STANE WENT TO KNOCK HIM OFF- BUT AKARI SIDE STEPS OUT THE WAY, AND DELIVERS A PENALTY KICK TO THE CHEST!
Persephone: Solomon remains hung out over the middle rope, and Akari is unrelenting with those kicks to the chest.
Rich Russillo: BUT SOLOMON! SOLOMON CATCHES THE BOOT, AND HITS A DRAGON SCREW THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! AKARI DROPS OFF THE APRON, CLUTCHING AT HIS KNEE!
Persephone: Good, now Solomon can let Akari get counted out.
Rich Russillo: Nope, I don’t think it’s going to be that easy, Persephone. Because Solomon Stane has his eyes locked on Akari outside, who is up to a knee, clutching at said knee which got dragon screw’d. Akari struggles back to his feet… BUT SOLOMON RUNS OFF THE ROPES! BUILDING MOMENTUM AS HE STEPS OFF THE MIDDLE FOR A TOPE CON HILO!
Persephone: :roman:
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON STANE ISN’T ONLY SCARY FOR HIS SIZE, AND PROVES IT WITH MOVES LIKE THAT! STANE POPS BACK TO HIS FEET, FIRED UP! AND ROLLS AKARI INSIDE THE RING FOR A COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!
Persephone: See? That was impressive and all, but he would have been much better served letting Akari get counted out.
Rich Russillo: Maybe. But Solomon has Akari on the ropes, and it may not be long before he puts him away, especially if he keeps overwhelming him with moves like that. Akari sits up off the canvas, shaking the cobwebs out of his head. But Solomon grabs a fistful of hair, and drags Akari to his feet.
Persephone: Solomon grabs Akari by the throat, and I think he’s going for his chokeslam thingy.
Rich Russillo: ITS CALLED TRIUMPH OF TRUTH! SOLOMON HOISTED HIM FOR THE SOUTH OF HEAVEN- BUT AKARI LEAPS OUT OF HIS GRASP! AND SOLOMON SPINS AROUND, SWINGING WILDLY WITH A CLOTHESLINE! BUT AKARI DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES- OOH! SOLOMON HALTS HIS MOMENTUM JUST LIKE THAT WITH A RUNNING BACK ELBOW!
Persephone: I hope Akari has a good dental plan.
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON LAYS AKARI FLAT AFTER THAT, AND LEAPS IN THE AIR FOR A SENTON! CRUSHING AKARI WITH ALL HIS WEIGHT, AND GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: AKARI STAYS ALIVE!
Persephone: That appears to please Luna whatever her last name is, but it doesn’t please me.
Rich Russillo: Solomon sits Akari up, and begins cranking his head to the side! This is the vicious nature of Solomon Stane, which makes him a dangerous opponent to be across the ring from. Luna is shouting some words of encouragement for Akari, who powers back to his feet, and breaks Solomon’s grip with a SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE!
Persephone: Damn. I was hoping Solomon would pop his head off that little body, but I guess not.
Rich Russillo: AKARI HAS A CHANCE TO RALLY, AND GET SOME MOMENTUM BACK IN HIS FAVOR AS HE HAMMERS SOLOMON WITH MULTIPLE FOREARM STRIKES TO THE FACE! AKARI LETS OUT A WAR CRY AS SOLOMON IS STUNNED, AND HE SPINS AROUND FOR A DISCUS ELBOW STRIKE!
Persephone: :mjlol:
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON STOPS IT WITH A HEADBUTT! SOLOMON CAUGHT AKARI WITH A HEADBUTT FROM OUTTA NOWHERE, AND SOLOMON PULLS AKARI IN FOR A FOLDING POWERBOMB, STACKING HIM UP! BUT HE DOESNT HOLD IT FOR THE COVER, AND DEADLIFTS AKARI BACK UP INTO POSITION FOR A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! AKARI MOVES INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
Rich Russillo: AKARI POPS THE SHOULDER UP- BUT SOLOMON WILL NOT BE DENIED AS HE USES THE CHANCE TO ROLL AKARI ONTO HIS BELLY, AND HE MOUNTS HIM WITH A CAMEL CLUTCH! SOLOMON REFERS TO THIS AS ATONEMENT! STANE WRENCHES BACK ON THE HOLD, AND AKARI KIYOKO IS IN TROUBLE!
Persephone: TAP! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
Rich Russillo: NO! AKARI KIYOKO APPEARS TO BE GRITTING THROUGH THE PAIN AS HE FREES HIS ARMS! CRAWLING TOWARDS THE ROPES TO ESCAPE! AKARI REACHES OUT! FINGERTIPS AWAY, BUT-
Persephone: DAMMIT!
Rich Russillo: HE GOT THE ROPE! AKARI GOT HIS HAND ON THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT SOLOMON STANE DOESN’T RELENT REGARDLESS! KEEPING THE HOLD APPLIED STILL!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR-
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON BREAKS THE HOLD! BUT DRAGS AKARI BACK TO THE CENTER BY HIS ANKLE, AND STOMPS HIM ON THE BACK! SOFTENING HIM UP AS HE GOES TO APPLY THAT CAMEL CLUTCH AGAIN- BUT AKARI KIYOKO SLIPS OUT BEHIND SOLOMON, AND POPS TO HIS FEET! SOLOMON TURNS AROUND- ROLLING ELBOW! AKARI KIYOKO CAUGHT HIM WITH THE ROLLING ELBOW, AND SOLOMON STANE SPINS AROUND FROM THE IMPACT!
Persephone: Again, Stane’s still standing. Surprisingly. But for how long as Akari runs off the ropes behind him?
Rich Russillo: KOTARO KRUSHER! SOLOMON STANE ROLLS ONTO HIS BACK, AND IS SEEING STARS FROM THAT KOTARO KRUSHER BY AKARI! SPEAKING OF, KIYOKO CANT EVEN CAPITALIZE AS HE LIES PRONE ON THE CANVAS! SAY WHAT YOU WANT ABOUT EITHER MAN, BUT THEY ARE PUTTING ON A CLINIC!
Persephone: Clinic? Please. You’re lucky there’s no commentators out here to do most of the legwork for me, or else I would’ve dozed off already.
Rich Russillo: I… am… not going to touch that one as both men are laid out, and whoever gets to their feet first will have a major advantage over the other!
Persephone: Surely, it’ll be Akari. After all, he hit the move.
Rich Russillo: True, but it’s possible that took whatever Kiyoko had left, given he’s taken quite the punishment from Solomon lately. Especially after that camel clutch put tons of strain on his back.
Persephone: Well, Solomon is the first to show signs of life, crawling towards the ropes, and using them for assistance in getting back to his feet.
Rich Russillo. Meanwhile, Akari stands himself back up in the center of the ring. Although, he’s struggling to stand slightly, and wobbles a bit, favoring his back.
Persephone: Stane uses the ropes to get to a knee, and Akari marches over.
Rich Russillo: Akari lifts Solomon up, and JACKS HIS JAW SEVERELY WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! SOLOMON STANE STAGGERS BACK AGAINST THE ROPES! AKARI HAS AN IDEA POP INTO HIS HEAD AS HE RUNS OFF THE ROPES, AND SMASHES SOLOMON WITH A FOREARM! BUT DOESNT STOP THERE, KEEPING HIS MOMENTUM GOING AS HE RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE SET FOR ANOTHER FOREARM!
Persephone: :yikes:
Rich Russillo: FOREARM AFTER FOREARM AS AKARI KEEPS RUNNING OFF THE ROPES TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM!
Persephone: This is stupid. He’s just going to tire himself out.
Rich Russillo: PERHAPS AKARI IS GETTING A SECOND WIND LATE INTO THIS MATCH UP, AND HE CLOCKS SOLOMON STANE WITH ANOTHER BIG FOREARM! STANE IS STUNNED, AND TURNS AROUND FROM THE IMPACT! LEANED FORWARD UP AGAINST THE ROPES, WHICH MIGHT BE THE ONLY REASON HES STILL STANDING RIGHT NOW AFTER AKARI CONNECTED WITH TEN DIVINE THRONES!
Persephone: Now, Akari grabs Solomon by the back of his tights, and pulls him in.
Rich Russillo: AKARI’S GOING FOR THE BACKDROP SUPLEX! LOOKING TO DUMP SOLOMON RIGHT ON TOP OF HIS HEAD! BUT SOLOMON BLOCKS IT, STANDING HIS GROUND, AND DROPS AN ELBOW ON THE BACK OF AKARI’S NECK! BREAKING THE ATTEMPT FOR THE SUPLEX, AND SOLOMON STANE RUNS TOWARD THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: SUPERKICK! AKARI STOPPED SOLOMON’S MOMENTUM WITH A SUPERKICK, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES FOR A CLOTHESLINE! BUT SOLOMON STANE TRAPS THE ARM, AND HOOKS KIYOKO UP FOR THE GOURDBUSTER GTS! SOLOMON LIFTS HIM UP- BUT AKARI COUNTERS WITH A GUILLOTINE! GUILLOTINE CHOKE BY AKARI, WHO WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND SOLOMON STANE’S WAIST!
Persephone: AT THIS POINT, I DONT CARE WHO WINS! JUST ONE OF YOU TAP! GET PINNED, OR SOMETHING! EITHER WAY, JUST LOSE!
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON STANE REACHES OUT FOR THE ROPES, WHICH AKARI TAKES NOTICE OF, AND HE WRENCHES ON THE HOLD TIGHTER! NOT MAKING IT EASY FOR SOLOMON, WHO MIGHT BE BEGINNING TO FADE! I CAN SEE HIS EYES STARTING TO FLICKER!
Persephone: Check him, ref! CHECK HIM!
Rich Russillo: WAIT! SOLOMON STANE STILL HAS SOME FIGHT LEFT, AND USES THE REMAINING ENERGY TO DRIVE AKARI BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER! AKARI RELEASES THE HOLD, AND SOLOMON DRIVES HIS SHOULDER INTO AKARI’S GUT REPEATEDLY! NO DOUBT KNOCKING THE WIND OUT OF HIS SYSTEM!
Persephone: So close.
Rich Russillo: SOLOMON LIFTS AKARI TO THE TOP ROPE, AND GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT! MIGHT BE GOING FOR AN AVALANCHE VERSION OF THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH! BUT AKARI COUNTERS WITH A ROPE-HUNG CROSS ARMBREAKER!!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-
Rich Russillo: AKARI USED ALMOST THE FULL COUNT OF FIVE BEFORE LETTING GO, AND DROPS TO HIS FEET RINGSIDE BEFORE PULLING HIMSELF ON THE APRON! SOLOMON STAGGERS AWAY FROM THE CORNER, GRABBING AT HIS DAMAGED SHOULDER!
Rich Russillo: MEANWHILE, AKARI SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE, AND POSITIONS HIMSELF IN THE CORNER BEFORE HITTING A ROLLING THUNDER DDT AS SOLOMON TURNS AROUND- NO! SOLOMON CAUGHT HIM OUT OF MID AIR, AND LOOK AT THE PANIC IN THE FACE OF AKARI! SOLOMON HOISTS HIM UP, AND PLANTS HIM WITH THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH!
Persephone: But he isn’t going for the cover… why?
Rich Russillo: I THINK SOLOMON WANTS A SUREFIRE SOLUTION TO PUT AWAY AKARI, AND MARCHES TO THE CORNER! SOLOMON IS GESTURING FOR AKARI TO GET UP! IN FACT, URGING HIM TO! SOLOMON HAS DEVIOUS THOUGHTS IN THE MIND AS AKARI KIYOKO BEGINS TO STIR! SOLOMON SPINS FOR SO IT SHALL BE! THE DISCUS BIG BOOT!
Persephone: FUCK!
Rich Russillo: AKARI SLIDES UNDERNEATH IT, AND GRABS SOLOMON FROM BEHIND! DRIVING HIM STERNUM FIRST INTO THE CORNER FOR AN O’CONNOR ROLL!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo; HEY, WAIT A MINUTE! AKARI KIYOKO DEADLIFTS SOLOMON UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX! BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE FOR THE COVER BY KIYOKO AFTER A CHAOS THEORY!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! SOLOMON STANE MANAGED TO KICKOUT, AND IS ALREADY STIRRING UP TO A KNEE AS AKARI RUNS OFF THE ROPES! BLASTING SOLOMON STANE IN THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD WITH A-KNEE OF DEATH!! KNEE TREMBLER BY AKARI KIYOKO, AND SOLOMON GOES DOWN! AKARI MIGHT HAVE THIS! HE MIGHT HAVE THIS AS HE MARCHES TOWARD THE CORNER!
Persephone: Akari wants Solomon to get up.
Rich Russillo: Referee checks on Solomon in the center as he begins to stir- BUT HEY! BETHANY BLUE JUST WALKED UP THE STEPS, AND WENT ONTO THE APRON! CRACKING KIYOKO IN THE BACK OF HIS SKULL WITH THE HARDCORE TITLE!
(Bethany hops off the apron, and casually takes a seat back in her chair like nothing happened while Damien Kutcher finds amusement more than anything.)
Rich Russillo: AKARI STUMBLES AS SOLOMON SHOVES THE REFEREE OUT THE WAY, AND PULLS AKARI IN FOR SANITY’S SAKE! SPINNING CANADIAN RACK FACEBUSTER! ITS OVER AS SOLOMON STANE GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERES YOUR WINNER… SOLOMON STANE!
(“The World is Gonna End Tonight” by Dan Romer and Peter Harper hits to a mixed reaction from fans as Solomon Stane powers to his feet, and has his hand raised in victory by the referee before snatching it away. Solomon exits the ring, and hugs Trixie on the outside before the duo start backing up the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Well, Akari came close to putting away Solomon Stane there-
Persephone: But close only counts in horseshoes. So, stop being polite, and say it like it is. He lost.
Rich Russillo: True, but the history books will have an asterisk behind said win as he did need an assist from Dr. Bethany Blue on the outside.
(Dr. Bethany Blue stands up out of her seat, and raises the Hardcore Championship with a smug expression on her face before being confronted by Luna, who is irate with Bethany Blue’s actions, costing Akari the match.)
Rich Russillo: Uh-oh. Luna might be barking up the wrong tree.
Persephone: Let her. I want to see what happens.
(Luna and Bethany go back-and-forth arguing with things clearly getting heated-)
Rich Russillo: OOH! FROM BEHIND, DAMIEN KUTCHER! WHO JUST BLINDSIDED BETHANY BLUE!
(Bethany drops to a knee, and Kutcher glances at Luna, who appears annoyed with Damien interrupting.)
Damien Kutcher: (off-mic) Thanks for the help.
(Luna watches on, seething. Meanwhile, Damien grabs a handful of Bethany’s hair.)
Rich Russillo: KUTCHER’S GOING TO WORK AS HE SMASHES BETHANY FACE FIRST OFF OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE COVER!
Perspehone: Jeez, Bethany Blue might need to call a doctor for herself after tonight.
Rich Russillo: KUTCHER BEGINS CLUBBING BLUE ACROSS THE BACK- BUT BETHANY DRIVES HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE APRON! FIGHTING BACK WITH RIGHT HANDS AS KUTCHER DOES HIS BEST TO COVER UP!
(Luna slides in the ring while those two are distracted, and helps Akari up to a knee, trying to get him back into it.)
Rich Russillo: KUTCHER SHOVES BETHANY BACK, AND TWO BEGIN GOING AT IT RINGSIDE! ITS BROKEN OUT INTO A HOCKEY FIGHT! RIGHT HANDS FROM BETHANY, RIGHT HANDS FROM KUTCHER!
Persephone: Hey, wait-
Rich Russillo: AKARI! AKARI COMES FLYING THROUGH WITH A SUICIDE DIVE ONTO BOTH KUTCHER AND BETHANY! NOW, ALL THREE ARE OUT!
Crowd: THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Rich Russillo: CROWD IS RIGHT! THIS IS AWESOME! I CANT WAIT TO SEE THESE THREE TEAR IT UP AGAINST EACH OTHER OVER THAT HARDCORE TITLE!
(Akari, Bethany, and Damien each writhe in pain as multiple referees rush down to the ringside area, checking on them as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show the backstage area of The O2 Arena as two pairs of feet are seen making their way through the hallways. The camera slowly begins to pan up as it’s revealed to be the team of Candice Blair and Selina Reyes, as the crowd inside the arena is heard cheering loudly in response to this. Candice has a light smile on her face, despite what has happened these past couple of weeks, not letting it break her stride, while Selina keeps her usual calm composure with a relatively serious expression on her face. Both of them are headed over to a location as they stop at a door, both of them looking at each other for a good moment before Candice raises her hand to knock.)
???: Come on in!
(Candice slowly opens the door as the camera goes into, showing both the Voltage Commissioner Captain Charisma and the Voltage Consultant Eden Sinclair, both of them present in the Hall of Famer’s office currently as they discuss business with one another. Captain Charisma peers over Eden’s shoulder across his desk, a smile on his face as he sees the people who have entered his office. Both of them stand up and approach Candice and Selina, who are both seemingly unsure of what to anticipate out of this.)
Captain Charisma: Welcome to both of you! I’m glad that you could make the time to come talk to us tonight.
Candice Blair: Well, when you’re called down to the office of the Commissioner, usually you don’t anticipate very good things. 😄
Eden Sinclair: Well, trust me, I think this will be very worth your time, Candice.
Candice Blair: Oh?
(This changes the expression on Candice’s face, as it goes from concern to intrigue as she crosses her arms. Judging by the interaction, she was the one who was called down to Captain Charisma’s office, with Selina joining her for support concerning whatever was going to happen here. Both of them want the best for each other and know that if one of them gets a big break, then it will accomplish the goal that they both set out to do by forming their alliance with each other. While their Grand Rampage endeavors certainly showed a lot of promise, it’s easy to see that both of them want more, and this might be exactly what they want. Captain Charisma and Eden look at one another before nodding their heads in agreement.)
Captain Charisma: Of course. Firstly, we’d like to congratulate you on your performance in the Grand Rampage match two weeks ago. I know a lot of people look at that as a daunting task, especially if this is your first time participating in a match of this caliber, but you went in there and you fought with your heart, and that is something that we can truly admire about you. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that nobody’s work goes unappreciated in a match like that. Even if you lose, we’re always taking notice of things like that, and most importantly, it could certainly impact your trajectory as we get closer and closer to Pain For Pride.
(Captain Charisma pauses, letting the suspense kick in with a smirk on his face, certainly alluding to something massive for Candice after the performance that she had in the Grand Rampage match, which intrigues her even further. It could be several things, but the one thing that is going through her mind right now is what has come of the people who have had star-making Grand Rampage performances and gone on to Pain For Pride to do something even grander that sets her career up for the better. Candice has been waiting for that for quite a bit, and now to even consider the idea that she has gotten close to that certainly excites her.)
Eden Sinclair: A performance like that in a match of that caliber, especially considering it’s your very first time doing so, is something that will get you very far in this company, Candice. This could truly be the start of some great things for you.
(Candice smiles as she nods her head in agreement, certainly not complaining about anything that they’re saying right now about her future, especially considering that it’s in their hands. After some time, she begins to respond to what they said about her.)
Candice Blair: Thank you, it means a lot coming from both of you. You’re right, that was my first Grand Rampage match, and it was a little daunting at first, but once you shake the nerves off, you know that you can make something out of it, even if you don’t come close to winning. I wanted everyone to know that even if you have these preconceived notions about me, I can still make one hell of an impact, and that is what I did, and I’m glad that it was noticed by the right people, to say the very least. :wow: But even then while I could be proud of that and be happy of what I was able to do in that match, it doesn’t change the fact that Pain For Pride is quickly approaching with every week, and to be honest with the two of you, I’m not sure what’s in store for me when it comes to an event of that magnitude.
(After Candice says that, Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair look at each other, smiles on their faces as they’re seemingly on the same wavelength.)
Eden Sinclair: Funny, because that’s exactly what we called you down here to discuss.
(Candice’s eyes light up as she hears this, certainly all the more interested in what could come out of a conversation like this. Captain Charisma nods his head in agreement with what Eden had to say before following that up.)
Captain Charisma: As you may already know, the No Way Out match will be making its return at the Fighting Spirit Marquee Event to determine who will compete against the Universal Women’s Champion at Pain For Pride. Now we took the time to consider a lot of potential candidates to take part in a match of that magnitude, and it’s certainly not easy, but after some thinking, we know for sure who deserves a spot, and that is you. Don’t question in your mind whether or not you’re ready for this, because we both know that you are. After your performance in the Grand Rampage match, it left no question that you’re up to the task. You’ve shown on multiple occasions already that you are, and this confirms our feelings about you.
Eden Sinclair: We do not doubt that, regardless of the competition that is going to be in that match alongside you, you are going to fare exceptionally well alongside the best that this company has to offer in terms of a women’s division. You’re going to make this match your own just like you did at Grand Rampage, and who knows, you might very well luck out and win the entire thing to fight for the Universal Women’s Championship, I’d say that’s a very strong way to win your very first Championship in this company. We know that you’re not going to let us down, Candice, so go out there and give it your best shot; we know that you can.
(Candice and Selina both look at each other. Candice looks extremely happy about what she has just been granted, and Selina looks happy for her as well. Both of them know how much this would mean for their team, and it’s not something that they take for granted whatsoever. Candice gives a smile, quickly nodding her head as she looks to respond to both of them.)
Candice Blair: Thank you so much for entrusting me with this opportunity. Believe me, I don’t think there was any question in my mind whether or not I deserved this, because I know that I do. I’ve been fighting for a very long time, and to say now that I have the opportunity to finally have my moment means a lot to me. I’ve heard so many people over the past couple of years try and tell me that I was never going to cut it, that I was never going to make it to the levels that I promised of myself, but now that I’m there, it’ll be funny to see what type of excuses they’re going to make for it now. I’m not just going to put on a good performance in the No Way Out match, I’m going to tear the house down. I’m going to make it my own, and you’re right, I might very well get a Universal Women’s Championship opportunity out of it.
Captain Charisma: That’s the spirit. That’s all we have for you. Good luck at Fighting Spirit!
(Candice nods her head as both she and Selina turn around and make their way out of Captain Charisma’s office. It’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage, then, begins to fade to a commercial.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where the No Way Out match to determine who will face the Universal Women’s Champion at Pain for Pride will take place.)
(Voltage returns from commercial break, and backstage Octavia can be seen walking through the hallway. She doesn’t look happy after the last few weeks, where at Grand Rampage she did not have the performance she wanted to, and last week her match against Chiyo Gedo which she could’ve used to get back on track ended in a no contest. Despite the frustrated look on her face, someone catches her attention as she hears a familiar voice.)
???: It’s funny seeing you here, Octavia.
(Octavia looks annoyed hearing this, and she quickly turns around.)
Octavia: What do you want?
(She says this to none other than Candice Blair, who has a smirk on her face. She is standing next to Selina Reyes, and Candice begins to speak once more.)
Candice Blair: Oh, nothing. I just finished having a talk with Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair about a major opportunity, and then I saw you and remembered that conversation we had before Grand Rampage! Back then I wondered why you singled me out and tried to play your mind games with me of all people, but heading into Grand Rampage I didn’t let you bother me. I didn’t let you get in my head. I focused and I walked into the match aiming to have a great performance, and after doing exactly that, I now have a shot at main eventing Pain for Pride in a Universal Women’s Championship match! See Octavia I was added to the No Way Out match that’ll be taking place at Fighting Spirit and I intend to give my all to that match, but while I’ll be doing that, what will you be doing?
(Octavia doesn’t say anything in response, and after this Candice looks at Selina.)
Selina Reyes: She was much more talkative a few weeks ago.
Candice Blair: She was, wasn’t she? If I’m not mistaken Octavia, you said that there was no point in me competing in the Grand Rampage match. You said that I shouldn’t even try and that I might as well continue to accompany Selina to her matches and nothing more, but look at us now. You crashed and burned at Grand Rampage and had one of the worst performances of the entire match. It was so bad that even you couldn’t help but admit that you messed up, and while you were busy wasting that opportunity, I shined, and thanks to that I have the opportunity to potentially earn the biggest match of my career and compete in a Pain for Pride main event for the first time. Maybe instead of trying to mess with me you should’ve been focused on making sure you were ready for the Grand Rampage match. Had you fallen flat on your face like you did back there, maybe you wouldn’t have to worry so much about things not going your way lately.
(Octavia doesn’t look happy, and she immediately fires back at Candice as she begins to speak.)
Octavia: Who says I’m worried? Look, I don’t care what you accomplished in the Grand Rampage match. Grand Rampage is behind me now, and all I’m focused on is making sure that my road to Pain for Pride leads me to where I need to be. You got a spot in the No Way Out match, great! Good for you, Candice. Now, what are you expecting to happen once you actually enter the match? Do you really think that you’ll be the one making it to the Pain for Pride main event? Do you really think you’re good enough to win a match like that and fight for the Universal Women’s Championship? I’m not sure if you’ve forgotten, but you didn’t win the Grand Rampage, either. You were thrown over the top rope just like I was, and at Fighting Spirit when you leave the No Way Out match empty handed, you’ll be exactly where I am right now, while I’ll have already moved on.
Candice Blair: How do you know that, Octavia? It’s not like you have any actual opportunities lined up. It’s not like you know what’s next for you. Maybe if you actually defeated Chiyo Gedo last week you could’ve started building the momentum you desperately need, but that didn’t happen, did it? Instead you once again messed things up, so I think if anyone should ask themselves why they’re still trying, it should probably be you.
(Octavia doesn’t like this whatsoever, and walks up to Candice before beginning to speak once more.)
Octavia: You don’t know what you’re talking about, Candice. So what if my last two matches didn’t go my way? Again, I still have my whole career ahead of me. This is only my first season in EAW, and I still have time to turn things around. You don’t have that. You don’t have the chance to keep earning opportunities. You don’t have the chance to keep reaching new heights. You’re not gonna accomplish anything in the No Way Out match, and once you lose that you’ll be lucky to make it to Pain for Pride at all. You need to stop worrying about me, because I know I’m gonna be a star. I know I’ll make it to the top, even if it takes a little longer than I hoped it would. It’s only a matter of time before I get what I want, and if anyone’s going to stop me from doing so, it won’t be you.
Candice Blair: Clearly it doesn’t have to be me. You’ve been screwing up entirely on your own.
Octavia: What does it matter to you anyway? Are you really still hung up on what I may have said a few weeks ago? Clearly I wasn’t entirely wrong. You just happened to be rewarded for your Grand Rampage performance, and that “reward” is going to blow up in your face when the match ends and you didn’t accomplish half of what you wanted to. You’re not as good as you think you are, I hope you know that.
Candice Blair: You can think that, but I at least have a road to Pain for Pride. I know what’s next for me, and that’s not something you can say for yourself, and that’s only the case because you didn’t have it in you to show up when it mattered most. Maybe if you cared more you could’ve made something out of your season, but right now it looks like your first season in EAW will be nothing more than a trainwreck. You did all of this to yourself, Octavia, so don’t get mad at me. You had all of this coming, and seeing how you hoped for me to fail in the Grand Rampage match, I think it’s nice seeing you get what you deserve.
Octavia: You haven’t seen anything yet, Candice. I’m going to turn things around for myself. You just need to stay out of my way.
Candice Blair: Really? What will you do if I don’t?
(Octavia takes another step closer to Candice Blair before beginning to respond.)
Octavia: Then losing the No Way Out match will be the last thing you have to worry about.
(The two stare at each other for a moment, until finally…)
Rich Russillo: CANDICE BLAIR JUST PUNCHED OCTAVIA IN THE FACE! IT LOOKS LIKE THESE TWO HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF EACH OTHER, AS OCTAVIA WAS JUST SENT STUMBLING BACK!
Persephone: Candice kicks Octavia in the gut before starting to punch away at her back, but Octavia is starting to fight back as she wildly throws punches to the ribs, forcing Candice off of her.
Rich Russillo: Candice backs up- BUT BEFORE OCTAVIA COULD DO ANYTHING, SELINA REYES RUSHED IN WITH A BOOT TO OCTAVIA’S FACE! SELINA GRABS OCTAVIA NOW, BEFORE SENDING HER INTO THE WALL! Octavia stumbles away from it as Selina grabs her for a second time, AND NOW SHE SENDS OCTAVIA CRASHING BACK FIRST INTO A PRODUCTION CRATE! Octavia drops to the ground, and Selina Reyes delivers a few stomps to Octavia!
(Selina Reyes drops down and begins to punch Octavia Reyes a few times after this, before finally she gets back up, and she and Candice Blair stare at the fallen Octavia. A couple of security guards rush over after hearing the fight that just broke out, and they separate the two from Octavia to prevent the fight from continuing.)
Persephone: I guess Octavia did ask for that, but she wasn’t exactly wrong either. I think everyone involved in this is terrible.
Rich Russillo: Well one thing is for sure, and that’s that Candice Blair and Octavia definitely aren’t friends after the back and forth they had before Grand Rampage. I suppose it was only a matter of time before Candice got back to Octavia about that, but I didn’t expect this.
(Candice Blair and Selina Reyes finally begin to walk away from the area, while Octavia is shown being tended to by the security guards, beginning to stir after the attack from the two Elitists. Octavia doesn’t look happy whatsoever as she looks in the direction Candice and Selina walked in, and one more shot of the two walking away is shown as Voltage fades away from the backstage area.)
(We have returned to ringside and the camera is focused on the announce table as Rich Russillo welcomes everybody back to Voltage.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Voltage! Now before we go to our next match, allow me to welcome a special guest to the broadcast table. He is a former World Champion. He is Jake Smith!
(The camera shot widens to show Jake sitting at the end of the table next to Persephone wearing a headset.)
Rich Russillo: Jake, thank you for joining us tonight.
Jake Smith: Of course. I wouldn’t miss this next match for the world.
Persephone: You sure you have to be here?
Jake Smith: Uh duh. I don’t have to be here, but I wanna be here. That’s the kind of guy that I am.
Rich Russillo: Alright, then. Let’s send it to the ring with Bella Braxton and the introductions for the next match.
(The camera then cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring with a microphone as she begins the introductions for the next match.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! This next contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“The End” by Lil Uzi Vert (feat. BABYMETAL) starts to play as KASAI enters the arena to cheers from the crowd. KASAI is strictly business as she heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and making her way to the ring! From Amani, Kagoshima, Japan! Weighing 145 pounds. Here is “THE IMMORTAL” KASAI!!!
Rich Russillo: Here comes KASAI as she heads to the ring for singles action and after last week, there is more of a purpose for her to gain as much momentum as she can heading towards Pain for Pride as she has a chance to main event as KASAI will participate in a No Way Out match for Universal Women’s Title match.
Jake Smith: I could care less about her momentum, but as long as she beats the shit out of that asshole, then that’s fine with me.
Persephone: Oh my gawd. This is going to be a long damn night. Alright, let’s just get this horrible match over with. Bring out the other idiot.
(KASAI enters the ring and takes her corner as her music is replaced by “Everybody Knows (Unstoppable)” by Royal Deluxe as Adam Lucas enters the ring to a mostly negative reaction from the crowd. Adam is staring right at the ring as he heads down the entrance ramp.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing her opponent! From New York State! Weighing 238 pounds! Here is “UNSTOPPABLE” ADAM LUCAS!
Jake Smith: Here he is. The biggest asshole in EAW who just doesn’t know when to give it up and move on with his life and realizing that he just sucks.
Persephone: That makes two of you.
Jake Smith: Shut up, bitch!
Rich Russillo: Well, Jake, you and Adam have a Barbed Wire Massacre match at Fighting Spirit, but tonight, Adam and KASAI are going to battle it out for momentum. Who will win? We’re about to find out!
(Adam slides into the ring and takes a neutral corner as his entrance music fades off. The referee checks both competitors before they call for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Here we go and this match is underway. Adam and KASAI are both determined competitors, so I am expecting this to be a hell of a fight. Any words about this match, Jake.
Jake Smith: Adam is an idiot who really needs to get out of my business, so I am hoping KASAI really beats the shit out of him. It will be great to see him get humiliated.
Persephone: If you ask me, this match really doesn’t need to happen. Much like most of the matches around here.
Rich Russillo: As we get back to the match, Adam is looking to lock up. Even with the size disadvantage, KASAI is ready to oblige and naturally, Adam gets KASAI into the side headlock.
Persephone: No size and no brains. That’s no shocker right there.
Jake Smith: If KASAI can cause the damage she did to Methuselah, I have no doubt that she can cause damage to this bastard Adam Lucas.
Rich Russillo: Adam is using his size and power to neutralize and bring KASAI down to the mat, BUT KASAI IS ABLE TO SLIP FREE AND COUNTER INTO A HAMMERLOCK!
Jake Smith: HA! What an idiot. Of course he would fall into that trap.
Persephone: They are both morons. What else is new? Whatever. Adam is back to his feet as he fires off a back elbow to KASAI—
Rich Russillo: KASAI DUCKS THE ELBOW, BUT ADAM GRABS KASAI’S ARM AND COUNTERS WITH A HAMMERLOCK OF HIS OWN!
Jake Smith: That’s about as you are going to get from Adam Lucas. Nothing exciting about him.
Persephone: KASAI throws a back elbow of her own and catches Bethany’s husband in the neck to get free. She faces Adam–
Rich Russillo: KASAI WITH A MULE KICK TO THE CHEST THAT SENDS ADAM STUMBLING BACK TO THE ROPES! Adams comes back off the ropes as KASAI springs back up to her feet AND SHE GRABS ONTO ADAM BEFORE SHE GOES BACK AND TAKES ADAM UP AND OVER WITH A MONKEY FLIP!
Persephone: This is probably the most action that Adam has had with a woman in gawd knows how long.
Jake Smith: Sounds about right.
Rich Russillo: Adam is back to his feet AND KASAI FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A DROPKICK TO THE FACE TAKING ADAM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
Jake Smith: Adam better enjoy this match because it’s only going to get worse from here on out.
Persephone: I never thought I would agree with Jake Smith of all people. This is only going to get worse. Now I need to leave to throw up.
Rich Russillo: You can stay right here and call the match. Adam is down on the mat as KASAI hits the ropes. KASAI comes back and JUMPS UP AND SPINS AROUND BEFORE GOING FOR THE LEG DROP–
Jake Smith: Make sure to drop the leg across his throat!!
Persephone: DAMN IT! SHE MISSED! Bethany’s husband rolled out of the way and KASAI landed ass first on the mat! Can’t these idiots do anything right?
Rich Russillo: I guess not in your world as Adam gets back to his feet. Adam quickly grabs KASAI’s legs and drags her closer to the corner BEFORE FALLING BACK WITH THE SLINGSHOT!
Persephone: HA! She crashed face first into the top turnbuckle! It didn’t improve her looks as she stumbles back from the corner right into the waiting arms of Adam Lucas. How disgusting!!
Jake Smith: You can say that again!
Persephone: Please stop agreeing with me. I can only stand so much of this shit tonight. I might gouge my eyes out.
Rich Russillo: KASAI is in the waistlock BEFORE ADAM LIFTS HER UP IN THE AIR AND DROPS HER ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Jake Smith: Look at him trying to make a statement against me. It isn’t working. He better be careful that I don’t kick his ass after the match because of that stunt he pulled against me last week. Asshole.
Persephone: This frustration between you two is annoying. Almost as annoying as this match. He didn’t bridge off the suplex for the cover! Dumb bastard.
Rich Russillo: KASAI has rolled onto her stomach as Adam quickly gets back to his feet AND DROPS AN ELBOW RIGHT INTO KASAI’S SPINE! KASAI rises up in pain AND ADAM GRABS HER BY THE NECK AND IS TRYING TO APPLY A DRAGON SLEEPER!
Jake Smith: He’s pulling moves out of his ass in order to prove something. He’s getting desperate already and we haven’t even reached Fighting Spirit.
Persephone: Well, you have it covered. I guess that means I can leave and come back after this crappy match is over!
Rich Russillo: Persephone, you are going to stay right here. Right now, Adam is still trying to apply the Dragon Sleeper, BUT KASAI GRABS ADAM AROUND THE NECK AND TAKES HIM OVER WITH A MODIFIED SNAPMARE!!
Persephone: Adam rolls through and gets back to his feet. He heads back to KASAI… WHO WAS PLAYING POSSUM AS SHE GRABS ADAM’S LEGS AND TAKES HIM DOWN TO THE MAT!
Jake Smith: Stupid idiot. I am glad I am out here. Watching Adam make an ass out of himself!
Rich Russillo: Adam is down and KASAI QUICKLY STACKS UP ADAM FOR THE COVER! THE SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
TH–
Jake Smith: Are you sure that wasn’t a three count. That count looked very slow!
Persephone: Of course he kicked out. He learned that annoying ass behavior from that damn wife of his or something.
Rich Russillo: Adam rolls through and gets to the ropes. KASAI is back on her feet AND SHE RUNS RIGHT TO ADAM WHO LIFTS HER UP AND RIGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE!!
Jake Smith: That was a dirty trick! Come on, ref! Disqualify that bastard!!
Persephone: But as everything else goes around here, she manages to land on the apron and save herself. What a surprise!
Rich Russillo: Adam turns around to grab KASAI, BUT KASAI FIRES OFF A KICK AND CATCHES ADAM RIGHT IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD KNOCKING ADAM FOR A LOOP!
Persephone: Adam is more dazed than normal as this KASAI climbs up to the top rope. Oh here we go!
Jake Smith: This would be great if Adam just fucked himself over right now. Come on, KASAI! KICK HIS ASS!!
Rich Russillo: KASAI is on the top rope as Adam turns around AND KASAI JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND CATCHES ADAM WITH A CROSSBODY! ADAM IS DOWN AS THE REFEREE DROPS DOWN FOR THE COVER!
Jake Smith: Where’s the count? Why isn’t the referee counting!?!?
Persephone: Because Bethany’s husband somehow manages to roll through the crossbody and now he is back on his feet–
Rich Russillo: ON HIS FEET WITH KASAI IN HIS GRASP! Adam switches KASAI to move onto his shoulders and backs up to the corner BEFORE RUNNING FULL SPEED TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING AND DRIVES HER INTO THE MAT WITH A RUNNING POWERSLAM!!
Jake Smith: Wasn’t there something illegal done? No. Adam just sucks that badly that he needs as much help as he can. Now he hooks the leg! COME ON REF, DON’T COUNT THAT!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHH–
Persephone: She kicked out. Yay!
Rich Russillo: KASAI KICKED OUT AT TWO! KASAI was knocked for a loop after the powerslam and Adam pulls KASAI back to her feet and whips her to the ropes.
Persephone: She comes back and Adam grabs hold of KASAI, but that bitch looks like she is going to counter with a headscissor takeover.
Jake Smith: He caught it. Good for him. He did something right for once. Good for him. He’s not a total idiot.
Rich Russillo: Adam blocks the headscissors, BUT KASAI COUNTERS THE COUNTER WITH A MODIFIED OCTOPUS SUBMISSION! ADAM IS TRYING TO STAY ON HIS FEET TO PREVENT THE SUBMISSION FOR GETTING LOCKED IN ANY DEEPER!
Jake Smith: Adam should just give it up and accept his fate. He’s a loser now and he’s going to be a loser at Fighting Spirit.
Persephone: Enough about your stupid match in a few weeks. Let’s watch this dumb bastard pass out from this submission… OH COME ON!!
Rich Russillo: ADAM WAS ABLE TO KEEP HIS BALANCE AND STAY ON HIS FEET BEFORE HE FALLS BACK AND COUNTERS INTO A MODIFIED SIDEWALK SLAM AND THAT BREAKS THE SUBMISSION!
Jake Smith: Of course it does. He’d rather pass out before tapping out. How annoying.
Persephone: Not the only thing annoying, but this match is continuing on. Aren’t we just so lucky?
Rich Russillo: Both competitors are down on the mat right now as they are both trying to recover from the respective moves. KASAI is holding her low back in pain as Adam is holding his head and shaking the cobwebs out.
Persephone: He’ll be shaking his head the entire night because there’s nothing up there and it will lead him into a false sense of security.
Jake Smith: I am sitting here and watching this match and wondering why in the hell Captain Charisma even gave Adam Lucas another chance to get a Pain for Pride Main Event match.
Rich Russillo: What do you mean?
Jake Smith: I mean that if the same Adam Lucas here shows up at Fighting Spirit, then the world is about to witness the shortest Barbed Wire Massacre in EAW history.
Persephone: I wouldn’t mind that. The shorter some of these dumbass matches are, the better. Not every match has to be as long as the fucking Titantic movie.
Rich Russillo: Normally, I would discourage your complaining, but it did help because the referee did start a count as both competitors were down. Now both KASAI and Adam are back to their feet and ready to fight.
Jake Smith: Because if he loses, Bethany will make him sleep on the couch tonight. :mjlol:
Persephone: He probably does that anyway. I wouldn’t blame him because Bethany is such a stuck up bitch.
Rich Russillo: Both competitors go right to the center of the ring and they are ready to fight. KASAI IS SHOWING SOME SPIRIT AND TELLING ADAM TO BRING IT ON!
Persephone: Adam is such a glory hog so of course he is going to oblige WITH A RIGHT HAND TO THE FACE! IT DON’T MEAN SHIT UNLESS IT KNOCKS HER TEETH OUT!
Jake Smith: KASAI comes back and punches Adam in the face with a punch of her own. Knock his teeth out. Break his eye socket. Put him out of the picture so I don’t have to waste my time doing it myself.
Rich Russillo: So you are just sitting back and hoping these two beat the hell out of each other, huh?
Jake Smith: KASAI I could care less what happens to her, but I would not complain if Adam Lucas leaves this match with an injury or a broken bone or anything like that.
Persephone: If I get what I want, I would be ok with blood flowing from both these idiots.
Rich Russillo: Adam is getting the upper hand of the punches being thrown in the ring, BUT ADAM TRIES TO GET CREATIVE AND TRIES TO THROW A KICK, BUT KASAI CATCHES IT!
Jake Smith: WHAT AN IDIOT! He looks hilarious hopping around on one foot. Bouncing around like a moron.
Persephone: He doesn’t bounce around for long AS THAT MORON COUNTERS WITH AN ENZUIGIRI AND SENDS KASAI STUMBLING TO THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: KASAI comes back off the ropes AND ADAM PICKS HER UP IN THE AIR AND DRIVES HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH A BACK SHAKING SPINEBUSTER! WHAT POWER BEING SHOWN BY THE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION!
Persephone: But he chooses to leave the ground attack and climb up to the top rope. WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT BASTARD DOING?
Jake Smith: No shocker there. He always tries to do something stupid when the match could be in hand. Fine by me. This is all extra intel for Fighting Spirit.
Rich Russillo: Adam is on the top rope and his eyes are focused on KASAI as she tries to get back on her feet. This could be a tide turning moment in the match if Adam hits this move.
Jake Smith: It will change the tide, but I am thinking in the opposite direction.
Persephone: Well I am at the point that I could give two shits less about this match. I just want the damn thing to be OVER!!
Rich Russillo: Well we are about to find out as KASAI has made it back to her feet AND ADAM LOOKS TO JUMP OFF THE TOP ROPE FOR THE MISSILE DROPKICK, BUT KASAI IS ABLE TO QUICKLY BACK HERSELF INTO THE ROPES! THE FORCE CAUSES ADAM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE AND HE LANDS CROTCH FIRST ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
Jake Smith: BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I didn’t think that would hurt Adam since his balls are in Bethany’s purse, but oh shit that was so damn funny. I love it.
Persephone: Alright that was kind of funny, but KASAI is walking over to Adam as she grabs hold of him and TAKES HIM OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! HOW THE FUCK IS SHE DOING THAT?!?!?
Rich Russillo: KASAI has Adam in the Argentine Backbreaker position and she shows some amazing power and walks as far as she can BEFORE SHE SPINS HIM OUT AND PLANTS HIM WITH THE SITOUT POWERBOMB!
Persephone: That fighter bitch calls it the “Megatsunami” or some shit. I don’t care, but she stacks up Adam for the cover! PLEASE LET THE MATCH BE OVER!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!
Jake Smith: PLEASE TELL ME THAT WAS A THREE COUNT SO I CAN LAUGH IN ADAM’S FACE!
Rich Russillo: Unfortunately the referee is calling it a two count. That was a very close near fall for KASAI as she almost got an upset victory over a former World Champion. KASAI didn’t get as much of a spin as she would like.
Jake Smith: That is some bullshit.
Persephone: This is getting absolutely stupid. I am starting to get pissed off now. JUST KILL EACH OTHER AND END THIS MATCH!
Rich Russillo: KASAI comes off the ropes AND HITS A LEG DROP ACROSS ADAM’S THROAT! Now she drags Adam back to his feet BEFORE HITTING HIM WITH THE BACKSTABBER!
Jake Smith: Come on, KASAI. But this asshole down and make him wish he kept his damn mouth shut.
Persephone: Adam is of course getting back to his feet but that KASAI cuts him off by grabbing him by the neck AND PLANTING HIM WITH THE SPIKE DDT! I HOPE IT BROKE HIS NECK!
Rich Russillo: KASAI wants to win the match, not cripple Adam Lucas. Be that as it may, Adam is down and KASAI drags him closer to the corner before she climbs up to the top rope in the hopes of finishing this match once and for all!
Persephone: She is going to try and do something stupid. I just know it. For my sanity, it better end the match.
Jake Smith: Captain Charisma, I hope you are watching and realizing that you made a big mistake giving Adam another damn shot.
Rich Russillo: KASAI is on the top rope as Adam is still down. KASAI decides to go for broke AND SHE FLIPS BACK! KASAI IS LOOKING FOR KITSUNE’S BLESSING V2! MOONSAULT STOMP ON THE WAY–
Persephone: ADAM ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! SON OF A BITCH!! KASAI LANDED AWKWARDLY AND STUMBLES BACK! I KNEW THAT THIS SHIT WOULD HAPPEN!
Jake Smith: I AM SO SICK OF SEEING ADAM ALWAYS FINDING A WAY OUT! IT’S BULLSHIT!
Persephone: Adam is back on his feet as KASAI regains her composure after looking like an idiot. She runs in–
Rich Russillo: AND ADAM LUCAS WITH THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK CATCHING KASAI RIGHT IN THE FACE! KASAI IS DOWN AND HER WORLD WAS JUST ROCKED!
Persephone: She is still down and Adam Lucas RUNS FULL SPEED TO THAT BITCH AND THE BASTARD HITS “WOKE”! What a stupid name for a punt kick. I hate it.
Rich Russillo: KASAI might have been knocked unconscious after that punt kick and Adam rolls him over for the cover! This has got to be it!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: She kicked out. Damn it.
Rich Russillo: HOLY CRAP! THAT WAS CLOSE! KASAI BARELY GOT HER SHOULDER OFF THE MAT! THAT MIGHT HAVE TAKEN KASAI’S LAST BIT OF ENERGY AS SHE IS NOT MOVING!
Jake Smith: That was way too fucking close for my liking. I’m done with this shit.
(THUD!)
Persephone: Well thank the world for small favors as that small bastard has finally left the announce table.
Rich Russillo: BUT HE IS HEADING RIGHT TO THE RING! THE REFEREE IS WITH KASAI AND CHECKING TO SEE IF SHE’S CONSCIOUS! ADAM HAS NO IDEA THAT JAKE IS COMING AS HE IS WAITING TO END THIS MATCH—
Persephone: LITTLE JAKE JUST GRABBED ADAM’S ANKLE! BAHAHAHAHA! Now Adam notices Jake AND IS YELLING AT JAKE!
Rich Russillo: Adam wants to know why the hell Jake is at ringside. This could be an unfortunate case of turnabout being fair play considering what happened last week during Jake’s match.
Persephone: They are both idiots. Just fire them both.
Rich Russillo: Adam and Jake are still jaw jacking with each other AS JAKE TAKES A SWIPE AT ADAM AND ADAM IS THROUGH THE ROPES AND GRABBING JAKE BY THE HAIR TO BRING HIM INTO THE RING!
Persephone: This is one of the saddest fights I have ever seen in my life!
Rich Russillo: Adam is so close to bringing Jake into the ring AND JAKE WITH A THUMB TO THE EYE BEFORE HITTING A KICK TO THE FACE!
Persephone: You get what you deserve!
Rich Russillo: Adam is back in the ring as Jake is watching with a smile on his face. Adam is on his knees as KASAI has made it back to her feet. She has no idea what has happened as she walks over to Adam AND HITS THE “URAI’S CURSE” SKULL KICK! BOOT RIGHT TO THE HEAD AS KASAI DRAGS ADAM AWAY FROM THE ROPES AND HOOKS THE LEG! JAKE HAS JUST COST ADAM THIS MATCH! COME ON!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“The End” starts playing again as KASAI rolls off of Adam. She takes a moment to catch her breath on the mat as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… KASAI!!
Rich Russillo: What a huge victory for KASAI! In most cases, I would call this match an upset, but given the situation surrounding this match, I think it would be safe to say that the result would be expected.
Persephone: If it was expected, why in the hell did it take so long for the match to end. It’s bullshit.
(KASAI is back on her feet as Adam is starting to recover. The referee raises KASAI’s arm in victory as Jake is standing at ringside laughing almost hysterically as KASAI leaves the ring and heads up the entrance ramp, extremely happy with her victory.)
Rich Russillo: Either way, outside of the last few moments of the match, this match was a great showcase of two of Voltage’s best and it led to KASAI picking up a huge victory here tonight.
Persephone: Do you know what I enjoy? The fact that the match is over and I can move on with my life.
Rich Russillo: We gotta give Adam all the credit in the world for this match and he no doubt would have had the match won if it wasn’t for the interference of Jake Smith, but nothing can be done now as KASAI leaves Voltage with a huge victory. Congrats once again to KASAI on the victory.
(KASAI heads backstage as Jake slides into the ring and watches a recovering Adam Lucas as he antagonizes Adam.)
Persephone: Why can’t this bastard just leave. Adam has enough trouble in life being married to Bethany of all people. He has no brains and is a horrible judge of character.
Rich Russillo: Jake isn’t much better as he is poking fun at Adam for losing the match thanks to Jake—
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! BETHANY’S HUSBAND JUST PUNCHED JAKE RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Rich Russillo: Jake stumbles back as Adam is back to his feet BEFORE ADAM HITS A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN AND NOW THE FIGHT IS ON! THESE TWO ARE JUST PUNCHING THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER!
Persephone: YES! FINALLY SOMETHING INTERESTING! NOW THEY JUST NEED TO KILL EACH OTHER SO WE DON’T HAVE TO SEE THEM AGAIN! YAY!
Rich Russillo: Normally I would disagree with you, but with how much these two hate each other, I wouldn’t be surprised if these two did kill each other.
Persephone: Look at the fists fly and I love it! Let’s see some blood!
Rich Russillo: Adam has managed to get the advantage in this fight as he gets to his feet as he goes to bring Jake back to his feet with a handful of hair–
Persephone: LOW BLOW! BAHAHAHAHA! NO BABIES IN THE LUCAS FAMILY ANYTIME SOON!
Rich Russillo: JAKE WITH A LOW BLOW AS ADAM FALLS TO HIS KNEES AND JAKE IS BACK TO HIS FEET… WAIT A SECOND! WHAT THE HELL?
Persephone: WHERE IN THE HELL DID THAT PSYCHO BITCH COME FROM? CAROLINE IS ON THE APRON AND SHE HAS A TURNBUCKLE PAD IN HER HAND!
Rich Russillo: IT’S A DOUBLE TEAM! THE TURNBUCKLE IS EXPOSED AND JAKE IS DRAGGING ADAM BY THE HAIR OVER TO THE CORNER! ADAM IS NOW ON HIS FEET–
Persephone: AND LITTLE JAKE IS BASHING ADAM’S FACE AGAINST THE STEEL TURNBUCKLE! HE ISN’T STOPPING, BUT IT’S ABOUT FUCKING TIME THAT THE SHORT IDIOT DID SOMETHING RIGHT!
Rich Russillo: JAKE HAS SNAPPED! JAKE ISN’T STOPPING! HE IS STILL BASHING ADAM’S FACE INTO THE EXPOSED STEEL!
Persephone: OHHHHH YES!! LOOK AT THAT BASTARD’S FACE! HE’S BLEEDING! I LOVE BLOOD! PERSEPHONE WANTS MORE! MORE! MORRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!
Rich Russillo: ADAM IS BUSTED OPEN THANKS TO JAKE SMITH AND CAROLINE IS LOOKING ON AND SMILING AT THE CHAOS GOING DOWN! THE BLOOD IS FLOWING FROM ADAM’S FACE!
Persephone: AND IT NEEDS TO KEEP FLOWING! ADAM WAS TRYING TO BLOCK AS MUCH AS HE COULD, BUT THE POOR BASTARD HAS BEEN KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS! HE’S OUT COLD AND HE IS WEARING THE BEAUTIFUL CRIMSON MASK!
(Adam has stopped moving as Jake just tosses him down to the mat. Jake has such an evil grin on his face as he leaves the ring with Caroline and they head up the entrance ramp. At the same time, a few of the medic staff have entered the ring to check on Adam.)
Rich Russillo: What in the hell is wrong with Jake? Has all this reached the point to do this to Adam? I hope he is proud of himself for what he did.
Persephone: I won’t say that I am proud of that little bastard, but this is the best thing he has done for gawd knows how long.
Rich Russillo: Well I hope Jake knows what he has done because at Fighting Spirit in Barbed Wire Massacre, we will get a war. We will get blood. Hell, we might also get one step further. We might see death.
(The final shot shows Jake and Caroline standing at the top of the entrance ramp looking at the damage they caused before cutting to Adam, who is still being checked on by the medic staff before the camera cuts elsewhere….)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show the backstage area of The O2 Arena, as backstage correspondent Sofia Clarke is seen seated in an interview room with a smile. The camera begins to pan closer to her, as she takes a moment to let the London crowd quiet down before then beginning to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage, everyone, and we hope that you’re enjoying the show. As you all already know, we are on the road to Pain For Pride. And we are in store for some star-studded matches to cap off the season. Naturally, some Elitists are going to want their share, and are amplified in their determination to make that happen. One person who seemingly echoes those sentiments is joining me tonight as my guest for this interview. Please join me in welcoming at this time, Limmy Monaghan!
(A roar is heard from the crowd inside the arena, as the shot goes over to show Limmy Monaghan making his way into the scene, taking a seat across from Sofia with a light smile on his face while he does so. After the scene begins to settle down, Sofia then continues with what she has to say from there.)
Sofia Clarke: Limmy, thank you for taking the time to join us here tonight.
Limmy Monaghan: Of course.
Sofia Clarke: Usually around this time, people like to reflect on how their season has gone so far. Whether that be their highs or their lows, they look back on those to see how they anticipate their Pain For Pride going. I’m sure you’ve been through this before multiple times during your storied career, and this is no exception. Though I’m sure we can both agree that you’ve been through quite the journey this season, in particular.
(Sofia gives a small chuckle, but Limmy doesn’t quite reciprocate the same energy. He slowly nods his head, thinking to himself for a moment with a straight face. After some time, he begins to speak in response to what she said.)
Limmy Monaghan: I’ll be the first one to admit if nobody has already, this season hasn’t gone how I intended it to whatsoever. While most would sit here and be satisfied with that, not imagining much else out of themselves, it’s not something that I’m very thrilled about whatsoever. Of course, you could attribute that to a lot of things, and I could be the type of person to make excuses out of it and say that a whole lot of what occurred was completely out of control, but that doesn’t change the cold, hard facts. And the hard facts are that I walked into this season on a new brand with the utmost intentions of becoming a two-time World Champion. No matter the struggle, no matter what I had to go through to get there, I made a promise that I would get from point A to point B, and there have been occasions where I have gotten extremely close to that. But one way or another, I haven’t, and no matter which way I put it, no matter how I try and spin it, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s very unlikely that I’m going to end the season having lived up to my goal, my promise. That doesn’t sit right with me.
Limmy Monaghan: And is it something that people will use against me? Absolutely. They’re going to hang it above my head because that’s just how this business is; they’ll use anything to try and bring you down. But trust me when I say that I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, especially recently, it hasn’t broken my stride even one bit. No matter what I go through, no matter the struggles that I have to endure in my journey toward the promised land, the only time I show signs of weakness is when I quit. When I let them, when I let all the voices that don’t matter get into my head and let that affect my psyche, when I finally tap out, is when I prove them right, and that’s not something that I’m going to give them the luxury of doing. So no matter what you want to say, no matter which way you want to spin it, what doesn’t change is the fact that I’m still here. I’m still fighting, and if you want to do something about it, then you can say it to my face and you can challenge me, because I’m not going anywhere.
(The crowd inside the arena once again cheers as Limmy has a look of determination on his face as he makes his statement. Sofia continues to smile, listening to what he has to say before beginning to speak herself.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, if there’s one thing that we can’t deny, Limmy, it’s the fact that you certainly stand on what you say and what you do. There’s one thing that you said during all of that, and that is the fact that as we near the end of the season, it’s more uncertain what you’re going to do at the event. And while it may not be becoming a two-time World Champion like you promised to, you’re certainly going to make the best of it. Do you have anything in mind for the journey that is ahead? Of course, there’s only a handful of weeks until Fighting Spirit comes up, and then after that it’s full speed ahead toward Pain For Pride and what that has to offer, surely that has to be weighing on your mind, correct?
Limmy Monaghan: It does, and it’s funny, you expect yourself to be past the idea of uncertainty when it comes to your Pain For Pride trajectory this far into your career and with the status that I’m at currently, but it seems like the idea of uncertainty comes at every level. I could name a lot of people who are on my level, if not higher, who don’t even know what they’re doing at the event, and I suppose that’s just something that comes with the process. The last thing that I’m going to do, though, is be dejected by that idea. I know that in a perfect reality, I’d be walking into the Marquee Event as a World Champion, ready to defend my title against any challenger who decides to step up to the plate, but that wasn’t in the cards for me. This entire season up to this point has been all about setting a standard, and not just that, reaching a standard, too. I know a lot of people have had something to say about me being the Ace and I can be candid in saying that I haven’t lived up to the standard that Jamie O’Hara has set just yet, and while people are going to be so quick to use that against me and try and weaponize that to bring me down, it’s not like the season is over.
Limmy Monaghan: It’s not like things are done just yet, and while people may have given up at this juncture if they were in my position, that’s certainly not the case for me. No matter how you spin it, no matter which way you look at it, it doesn’t change the fact that, regardless of where I stand, I am going to be at Pain For Pride, and that is something that I have my complete attention toward right now. I understand that even if things don’t play out like how I truly intended them to, there will always be chances for me to get what I am looking for. That’s what I’m focused on right now, not any of the outside noise, not what anyone else has to say, but what I can truly take out of this season, even if things aren’t going to plan, that’s okay. One of the best traits that you can have as an Elitist in this company is the trait of adaptability, being able to adapt to any situation that is placed in front of you, and I’d like to think that I’ve honed that well over the past couple of years. This is no exception.
Sofia Clarke: Do you have any last words for everyone before we close off this interview, Limmy?
(Limmy ponders the question for a moment, before nodding his head, looking up to Sofia, and continuing with what he has to say.)
Limmy Monaghan: It may not have gone the way that I wanted it to. This season may not have been the year where I rose to the very top and became the Elitist that everyone anticipated me becoming, and while people think that might eat me alive, it’s not, it doesn’t. I may not become the World Champion that I wanted to be, but all is not lost. Once again, I have a complete focus on Pain For Pride and what is to come for me, and let’s just say that I have something… or someone… in mind.
(Limmy gives a smile as he stands up from where he’s seated, making his way out of the scene. The camera then transitions over to Sofia as she smiles.)
Sofia Clarke: Certainly a bold proclamation from Limmy Monaghan and one hell of a cliffhanger to leave us off on. That’s all for now, back to you guys.
(Sofia smiles as the camera pans out, with that being the last shot seen as Sunday Night Voltage then begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, and after some time, ‘Apostle’s Warning’ by Mobb Deep hits. This causes the crowd to explode with cheers, as the fans appear to be excited to see the EAW World Champion, who begins making his way out to the stage with a focused look on his face. Michael Machina is holding a microphone in his hand as he takes a moment and glances towards the fans in attendance, before turning away and beginning to make his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
Rich Russillo: the EAW World Champion is on his way to the ring, and it looks like Michael Machina is ready to address everything that’s on his plate. I have to say, he doesn’t have the easiest road to Pain for Pride, that’s for sure.
Persephone: So if I’m not mistaken, he has a Championship match set for Golden Gods, Fighting Spirit, and then if he gets through both of those he has a match at Pain for Pride to also worry about?
Rich Russillo: That’s right.
Persephone: Great. Between three title matches I don’t want to see.
(Michael Machina makes his way down the ramp before sliding into the ring, and soon after this, his entrance music begins to fade out. Michael Machina wastes no time after this, beginning to speak.)
Michael Machina: At Pain for Pride either Jake Smith or Adam Lucas are gonna be fighting for this here EAW World Championship, and I started last week ready to go up against one of them once again, but now it looks like I have a whole lot more to prepare for, because Jake and Adam aren’t the only people that have their eyes on my title. I’ve said it a hundred times now but I’m not the type of Elitist that wants to back away from a fight, and because of that I walked out here already knowing that I’ll already have a Pain for Pride match set even if I decide to take a backseat for the next month, and instead of getting complacent I called out whoever wanted a fight. I called out whoever wanted a shot at my title, and that turned out to be Solomon Stane. Solomon Stane accepted the challenge, and now I’ll be facing him at Fighting Spirit, but that’s not all. It’s not just Jake or Adam I have to think about. It’s not just Solomon Stane I have to think about. I now have to watch two Elitists who I already defended my title against face each other in a few minutes, and at Golden Gods I’m gonna be facing one of them with my Championship on the line once again. I have a challenge in front of me for Golden Gods. I have a challenge in front of me for Fighting Spirit. I have a challenge in front of me for Pain for Pride, and guess what? I’m still not backing down. I’m gonna be ready for every single one of you, and I’m gonna walk out of every single one of those matches with this Championship.
(The crowd explodes with cheers once again hearing this from the Champion, and Michael Machina continues.)
Michael Machina: All I’m getting right now is exactly what I asked for. Daryl Kinkade, Methuselah, Solomon Stane, Jake Smith, Adam Lucas, I see all of you and I know you want my title. I know you want a Pain for Pride main event that ends with you raising this title over your heads, but each and every single one of you by now should already understand that it’s not gonna be that easy taking me down. I’m the man holding this title for a reason and four of you already understand what that reason is, because I wasn’t scared of defending this Championship against you before. It didn’t matter what the situation was, or if I was surrounded by an exploding cell or an electric steel cage. It didn’t matter how many people were in the match. What mattered was whether or not I could get the job done, and I did it every single time. If you think I can’t do it again, don’t be surprised when all five of you end this season empty handed-
(‘Stop Breathing’ by Playboi Carti hits, causing extremely loud boos to come from the fans, who aren’t thrilled to see Jake Smith. Jake Smith begins to make his way out, and he doesn’t look impressed hearing Michael Machina. Michael Machina just shakes his head, and Jake begins making his way down the ramp with a microphone in his hand, heading to the ring.)
Persephone: Well I want to go home now.
Rich Russillo: Are you sure you don’t want to hear what Jake has to say?
Persephone: When has anyone ever wanted to hear what Jake has to say? Just from the look on his face I can tell it’s something stupid.
(Jake Smith makes his way down the ramp and heads up the steel steps. Jake stands on the apron and stares at Michael Machina, before finally he enters the ring.)
Jake Smith: You’re a fucking idiot if you think you or anyone else is walking out of Pain for Pride with MY Championship. I don’t care what happens in any of your title defenses. When your competition is the likes of Daryl Kinkade or Solomon Stane then sure, maybe you can get past them. Your Pain for Pride match is an entirely different story though, because you have a REAL threat coming your way and this time you’re not gonna be able to be bailed out.
Michael Machina: Bailed out? Do you think we all forgot what you pulled in the High Voltage match? I’m not afraid of any of you Jake, but the last person I’d ever be scared of is a bitch like you that already proved that he can’t actually get the job done on his own. You had your shot and trust me, I won’t mind if you’re the one I have to face at Pain for Pride, but did you forget? For you to even get there, you’ll have to make it past the same man you’ve been ducking all season long.
Jake Smith: Ducking??? If anyone’s been ducking anyone, it’s YOU! You’ve been coming out here accepting fights from anybody, yet I try to get another EAW World Championship match, which I deserve, and Captain Charisma keeps protecting you because he knows that the next time the two of us cross paths, you’re done for. You don’t even need to think about my match against Adam. You actually don’t need to bother thinking about Adam at all, because if it wasn’t already clear after the thousands of chances he’s gotten, he’s not World Championship material! He’s not good enough to touch that title, and that failure isn’t gonna beat me in a match like Barbed Wire Massacre, the same match I won at the start of the season in the main event of Bloodsport. The only Elitist you need to be worried about is me, because I’M the one that’s gonna be taking your title-
(Before Jake could finish speaking, ‘Everybody Knows (Unstoppable)’ by Royal Deluxe hits.)
Jake Smith: :francis:
(The boos continue as Adam Lucas begins to make his way out to the stage with a microphone in his hand. As Adam walks out, he is staring directly at Jake Smith, his Fighting Spirit opponent. Adam’s head appears to be bandaged following the events that took place earlier in the night. He ignores the reception from the crowd, focused on what’s ahead of him as he begins making his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
Persephone: This just keeps getting worse. After Fighting Spirit I don’t want to ever see Adam Lucas and Jake Smith in the same ring again.
Rich Russillo: Do you ever want to see Adam or Jake?
Persephone: No, not really.
Rich Russillo: Right. Well, it looks like Adam has his sights set on Jake Smith, who he will have to face and defeat at Fighting Spirit if he wants to finally meet the EAW World Champion one on one at Pain for Pride. After Jake got involved in Adam’s match against KASAI earlier in the night, I have to say I’m not surprised to see Adam out here.
(Adam Lucas makes his way up the steel steps, and as he enters the ring, Jake Smith begins to speak.)
Jake Smith: You know I wasn’t finished, right? If you really interrupted me just to promise that you’ll beat me for the thousandth time, you might as well turn around, go back home and stay there. Don’t even show up to Fighting Spirit, because we both know you’re just gonna get embarrassed just like you’ve been getting embarrassed all season.
Adam Lucas: Do you really think I was just going to sit back and let you run your mouth after what you did earlier?
Jake Smith: Right, like you didn’t screw me over against Effy. Don’t be mad you lost another match, it’s been happening to you all season long, anyway. You should be used to this by now!
(The fans boo, and it takes a moment, but Adam eventually begins to speak once again.)
Adam Lucas: I know I shouldn’t be surprised you got yourself involved in my match against KASAI Jake, but I hope you realize that you’re not accomplishing anything but making what I do to you at Fighting Spirit a hundred times worse. To be honest, you’ll be lucky if I don’t decide to end you right now after what you did. Costing me the match was one thing, but you bashed my head into that steel expecting to keep me down, and yet here I am standing right in front of you. If that’s the best you’ve got, then Fighting Spirit is going to be the worst night of your career.
(The two Elitists stare at each other as there’s clear tension inside of the ring, but after a moment Adam continues.)
Adam Lucas: Truth is, we could’ve been over this a long time ago. In fact, if you weren’t the manchild that you are, we could’ve been out of each other’s way by Territorial Invasion. All you needed to do was stop being a coward, but you were never able to do that. You could never just be a man for one single night. You could never do your job for just one match. You just had to keep doing things your way, doing everything in your power to piss me off as if anything about that benefits you, and Jake it’s thanks to this that you’re once again about to compete in a match that, despite your threats, you clearly want nothing to do with. There’s nothing you can do to get out of this Jake, so stop thinking about Pain for Pride. Stop thinking about the EAW World Championship. Stop thinking about Michael Machina or anyone else coming after that title, because I’m getting rid of you once and for all and once Barbed Wire Massacre is over, becoming a three-time World Champion won’t even be an option for you.
(There’s a staredown between the two men for a moment, before finally Adam turns his attention towards Michael Machina.)
Adam Lucas: I should be holding that Championship by now Machina, but don’t worry. I’m taking care of this Jake Smith problem soon enough, and after that Michael, I’ll be coming after that EAW World Championship at Pain for Pride. It doesn’t matter to me whether or not you’re able to do your part. If you’re unable to defeat Daryl, Methuselah or Solomon, that’s on you. Just know that I’ll be the one walking out of Pain for Pride as Champion, and if you’re forced to watch it all from the sidelines, so be it.
Jake Smith: Like you did when you were handcuffed and basically removed from your last title match?
Adam Lucas: Shut up already, Jake. You did everything you could to remove me from that match and where did it get you? It didn’t get you the EAW World Championship, and that’s exactly what caused you to turn to the Grand Rampage in the first place, only to try and back out of it once you learned that I’d be in it too. You wanted another shot and Captain Charisma wouldn’t give it to you, and you settled for Grand Rampage only to once again expose a fact everyone already knows, which is that you’re afraid of me. You don’t want to face me head on. You don’t want to get in the ring and ACTUALLY fight me, which is why you’d rather celebrate me losing the Grand Rampage match than being the one who actually took me out of it. You’d rather hope I fail than actually defeat me on your own, but that’s not gonna happen at Fighting Spirit. Now it’s all on you, and you’re not gonna accomplish a damn thing.
(Michael Machina just shakes his head, before beginning to speak.)
Michael Machina: Don’t you two get tired of going through the exact same thing on a weekly basis all year long? You two faced me in a triple threat back at Shock Value and in the entire month leading up to the match all you two could talk about is why one of you is destined to become World Champion while the other is a failure that’s lucky to keep getting put in positions like this, but in case you two forgot, I beat BOTH of you at Shock Value. The whole EAW World Championship part of this conversation should already be done, because you two can do whatever you want to each other in Barbed Wire Massacre, but it WILL be me one of you face at Pain for Pride, and when that happens I’m going to tear you apart exactly like I did in High Voltage.
Jake Smith: Oh, brother. Between Adam Lucas pretending he’s not a complete joke that constantly fumbles every single opportunity he’s ever given and you pretending that you even deserve to be holding the EAW World Championship right now, it’s almost sad seeing the state the World title picture is in right now. Machina, you didn’t tear me apart in High Voltage. Maybe you tore Adam apart, but had that match at Shock Value just been the two of us you wouldn’t have been the one that left the show as Champion. Now at Pain for Pride you’re not gonna have the benefit of having Adam to capitalize on, because the better wrestler is gonna be facing you right where he belongs, which is in the main event of the biggest show of the year. Your reign is coming to an end real soon Machina, and I’m gonna be the reason Voltage FINALLY has a real World Champion again.
Michael Machina: And who’s that supposed to be? You? You can try to steal my title again, you can go around calling yourself the EAW World Champion, but your actual reign with the title told everyone everything they needed to know, which is that you don’t have it in you to be a real Champion. For someone with a Hall of Fame career you find new ways to outdo yourself when it comes to being one of the most pathetic Elitists Voltage has to offer, so if you’re the one I’m meeting in a Pain for Pride main event you don’t need to worry about winning this title. You need to worry about making sure the match isn’t one of the most one-sided Pain for Pride main events this place has ever seen.
(The fans begin cheering hearing these words from Michael Machina, but Adam Lucas quickly begins to speak up.)
Adam Lucas: That’s not going to happen, because Jake isn’t the one that’ll be facing you at Pain for Pride. Get it through your head Michael, I’ve been after that title for way too long now to let it slip by because of Jake Smith of all people. I’m going to do my job at Fighting Spirit. I’m gonna do exactly what I promised to do, and that’s make sure that Jake is no longer around to keep screwing me out of the World Championship. He’s the one that was always in the way. He’s the one that’s always screwing me over, and since you clearly forgot how things played out in High Voltage, HE’S the one that got himself pinned because he would rather have Caroline handcuff me to the ropes and make me watch him lose than actually face me himself. It’s about time I end this problem, and once that problem is over, there will be nothing stopping me from taking that Championship and winning once again in a Pain for Pride main event. Trust me. Things are gonna end very differently at Pain for Pride.
Michael Machina: I guess we’ll have to see about that, then. Go ahead, beat Jake. Earn your spot at Pain for Pride. I’ll be there, and I’ll make sure that I shut your hopes of becoming a two-time World Champion down.
???: Don’t get ahead of yourself.
(The fans begin to boo as they recognized the voice of the former Hardcore Champion, Solomon Stane. Solomon Stane is holding a microphone in his hand, and he begins to make his way out, staring towards the EAW World Champion. Solomon walks down the ramp before climbing up onto the apron, and Solomon has a calm look on his face despite the presence of three Elitists all inside of the ring. While on the apron, he begins to speak once more.)
Solomon Stane: Should you make it past this Golden Gods show and face me at Fighting Spirit with the EAW World Championship on the line, you will not have the pleasure of making it to the main event of Pain for Pride. Your journey as Champion ends far before that.
(The boos continue as Solomon enters the ring, walking past Jake Smith and Adam Lucas and right up to Michael Machina. After this, he begins speaking once more, only now he turns his attention towards the two men competing in Barbed Wire Massacre.)
Solomon Stane: This goes for the two of you as well. You two are both looking for retribution, and part of that appears to be doing what you failed to at Shock Value and defeating Michael Machina for the EAW World Championship, but it won’t be Michael Machina who you face at Pain for Pride. The Lord put me on this path for a reason, and I will not come up short. At Pain for Pride one of you men will meet me in the main event, and the EAW World Championship will be on the line. You’ll have the opportunity you’re looking for. You’ll have the Championship match you wanted all year long, but whether it’s Adam Lucas or Jake Smith facing me in the main event, this match will accomplish nothing more for the two of you. You’ll be leaving Pain for Pride with nothing, because when this season comes to an end, the man that’ll be seen holding the World Championship is m-
(Michael Machina grabs Solomon by the arm, turning Solomon towards him, which causes a loud reaction to come from the crowd. There’s a staredown between the two as neither Adam Lucas nor Jake Smith look amused, and after some time Machina begins to speak.)
Michael Machina: I accepted your challenge for a reason. I’m not scared of you, and before you go thinking you’ll be seeing either of them at Pain for Pride you better remember who you’ll be facing at Fighting Spirit.
Solomon Stane: You’re right. I will be fighting for the EAW World Champion, but who’s to say that you’ll even be the man holding the Championship when that night comes? How do I know it won’t be Daryl Kinkade or Methuselah? You insist on spreading this idea that you’re not only willing, but capable of taking on anyone and everyone that challenges you, and thanks to this I don’t even think you’ve realized exactly what kind of situation you’ve been placed in. This isn’t as simple as you making it to Fighting Spirit. You may be the Champion here, but it’s you who’ll be fighting to earn a match against me, and should you make it past Golden Gods, I’ll be waiting. I’ll be ready. I’ll be more than prepared for what’s to come, and the end of your reign as Champion will be upon us. You’re in no position to make any promises, Machina. Failure is in your very near future, and the only question is exactly how soon that future is. I’ll be patiently watching your match against either Kinkade or Methuselah, but when that match ends, regardless of the result, regardless of who your opponent was, Fighting Spirit will be the end of an EAW World Championship reign. Should it be yours, just know there’ll be no need for you to be surprised. I told you a long time ago that it would happen.
Adam Lucas: So what exactly are you expecting here? For the rest of us to just sit back and expect defeat because you don’t think we can win? I didn’t come all this way just to lose so let’s just make this clear. I couldn’t care less if it’s Michael Machina I face at Pain for Pride. What matters to me is the title, so if it’s you I need to beat Solomon, guess what? I’ll do what I need to do. I’ll defeat you. I’ll make it past you at Pain for Pride and I’ll become the EAW World Champion, so if you’re ready to hold that title for a month, go ahead. Make sure to do your best against Machina.
Jake Smith: What are we doing here? Why are we pretending Solomon Stane can win World Championship matches, and Adam, why are you treating Fighting Spirit like some guaranteed win? Don’t you think you’d have had an easier season if beating me was something you were actually capable of?
Adam Lucas: I’ll deal with you at Fighting Spirit, Jake. I’m ready to end you once and for all, so you don’t need to worry.
Solomon Stane: For what it’s worth, I’ll be paying close attention to the match between the two of you, as well. I don’t say what I do because I intend to overlook my future opponents. I say it because I intend to be prepared for the matches I’ll be entering, and regardless of how childish the feud between the two of you throughout the season has been, I know that one of you will be competing in Pain for Pride’s EAW World Championship match. I will take you down when the time is right, but until then feel free to keep arguing amongst yourselves.
Jake Smith: Solomon, you’re not anything special. I don’t care that everyone suddenly thinks you’re the greatest Elitist out there because you finally managed to touch a singles Championship. You’re in the ring with a Hall of Famer right now and I’m too good to let you of all people think you can make it past me in a Pain for Pride main event of all things. You’d be lucky to even compete in a spot like that. You shouldn’t even be fighting for World Championships at all, but the “Champion” is a dumbass handing title matches out to just anybody.
Michael Machina: If the alternative is being like you and running away from every single title defense then I’ll gladly keep handing out matches. What matters in the end is the outcome of those matches anyway, so you don’t need to care about the fact that Solomon got a World Championship match. You need to be worried about two things right now, and that’s whether or not Solomon can actually win at Fighting Spirit, and whether or not YOU can win at Fighting Spirit.
Solomon Stane: And while Jake is doing that, the last thing you should be doing is arguing with Elitists you might not even have the opportunity to face. You should be watching out for the match that’s to come in a few moments, because that match could decide what’s to come of your Championship reign long before either myself or the winner of the Barbed Wire Massacre could enter the picture.
(Michael Machina and Solomon Stane once again stare at each other, until Machina glances towards Jake Smith and Adam Lucas. Before another word could be said however, ‘Kamikaze’ by RedHook hits. While this usually brings about a negative reaction, the England crowd once again sends cheers towards Daryl Kinkade, who begins to make his way out to the stage with a microphone in his hand. Daryl looks ready for his upcoming match against Methuselah, and he begins to finally walk down the ramp.)
Persephone: This just keeps getting worse. He literally had a match, why does Daryl have a microphone in his hand?
Rich Russillo: To be fair, the future of the EAW World Championship is being discussed right now, and Daryl is one of the two men that could potentially end Michael Machina’s Championship reign before any of the other men in the ring could even have the chance. I can’t say it’s surprising that he’d want to-
(Before Daryl could even make it to the bottom of the ramp however, ‘Praise Gawd’ by Kanye West hits. This surprises the fans in attendance, and even Daryl turns towards Methuselah, who slowly makes his way out to the stage with a microphone in his hand while Daryl is still on the ramp. Methuselah is holding a microphone in his hand, and he doesn’t look impressed as he stares at Daryl Kinkade. After a few seconds his entrance music begins to fade out, and he begins to speak.)
Methuselah: If you intended to walk out here and plead your nonexistent case for a future reign as World Champion, put down the microphone and prepare for failure to once again come your way.
(Methuselah begins to walk down the ramp after this, walking past Daryl Kinkade, who doesn’t appear to be happy after being interrupted by Methuselah. Methuselah walks up the steel steps and enters the ring, and he walks up to Michael Machina before beginning to speak.)
Methuselah: Don’t allow yourself to be concerned with any of the other people inside of the ring right now. Solomon Stane, Jake Smith and Adam Lucas no longer have anything to do with you. They no longer have a role in your season. Golden Gods is what matters right now, because that is where you will lose the EAW Championshi-
(Before Methuselah could finish, Daryl Kinkade slides into the ring, getting in between Methuselah and Michael Machina. Daryl stares at Methuselah, before quickly beginning to speak.)
Daryl Kinkade: You’re the last person I’ll allow myself to be disrespected by, Methuselah. You’re lucky to have even received this opportunity tonight, but this is exactly what your entire season has looked like, isn’t it, bruv? You’ve been in the World Championship picture from the moment this season started, and I don’t believe there is anyone that has failed in this setting more than you have. No, you won’t be dethroning Michael Machina at Golden Gods. You won’t even have the chance to face him there, because you once again are going to be forced to watch another opportunity you didn’t deserve in the first place slip through your fingers. I’ve been ready to become a World Champion for too long now, and now’s the time for me to get the job done. You won’t stop me, Methuselah. You won’t prevent me from making it to Golden Gods and facing Machina, so if I were you I’d consider taking a step back. Your days of holding World Championships are clearly over.
(Methuselah and Daryl Kinkade stare at each other, while the other Elitists inside of the ring watch on.)
Methuselah: Between Grand Rampage and this moment, what changed?
Daryl Kinkade: Excuse me?
Methuselah: Victory is not an option for you tonight, but if you’re to declare that I’ll never hold a World Championship again you must have a reason for this beyond the same arrogance that has cost you just about every single important match you’ve had this entire season. What would Kinkade versus Machine at Golden Gods accomplish that wasn’t possible in the same matchup not months ago, but only a few short weeks ago? You’re no different than you were heading into your match against the Machine. You believed that you were destined to become World Champion thanks to the events of a match that ultimately ended in a no contest, and this assumption led to you being pinned in the center of the ring and once again missing out on holding a World Championship. Now you’ve made a mistake that’ll do far more damage to you and your career than anything you could’ve done to Machine, because you made the mistake of believing that my existence could be used for your own personal gain.
Daryl Kinkade: I didn’t make a mistake, because doing what I did led to a contendership match for the EAW World Championship. It may have only been a few weeks since Grand Rampage, but I’m hungrier than ever now. I want that title more than ever, and now more than ever I understand that there’s no coming back if I lose here. The World Championship spot is taken at Golden Gods. It’s taken at Fighting Spirit and the Pain for Pride match is basically set. There is nothing I can do to win the EAW World Championship this season if I don’t win this match, and I’m not going to lose to you of all people. That match is mine, and soon enough that Championship will be mine, so if you think you can just brush past me and disrespect me, I clearly had a point in laying you out last week. You deserved every bit of what you got, and soon enough it’s gonna get much worse for you-
Jake Smith: Will you two shut up already?
(Daryl turns towards Jake, who continues to speak after this.)
Jake Smith: What? Nobody cares about you for whatever reason thinking your hundredth World Championship match will end any better than your first.
Daryl Kinkade: Is it any different from us being forced to watch you and Adam face each other a hundred times?
Adam Lucas: That wouldn’t have happened had Jake stopped being a bitch, but clearly he’s not capable of doing that. That’s not anything you need to be concerned about, Daryl. You just worry about being the one that makes it to Pain for Pride, because the sentiment is the same for you and Methuselah that it was for Solomon and Machina. Should I meet either of you at Pain for Pride I will be coming out on top.
Daryl Kinkade: No you won’t, because you’re just like Methuselah. Both you and Jake, you’ve gotten opportunity after opportunity and I’m sure after Pain for Pride when you both have fumbled your opportunities you’ll only keep getting them handed to you, because this place clearly just favors you guys. I’m going to end this season with the EAW World Championship, and to do that I’ll have to beat Methuselah, beat Michael Machina, beat Solomon Stane AND beat the Barbed Wire Massacre winner. I have the toughest task of anyone in this ring, and yet I’ll win because I’m good enough to do it.
Methuselah: None of this will happen. You’re not an Elitist that’s capable of living up to the promises that you make. You contribute so little to this company because of your inability to deliver on the same threats you make on a weekly basis, and despite your inability, you continue to make foolish decisions such as attacking me and throwing yourself into an unwinnable situation. You are going to fail tonight, and when you leave another Pain for Pride with nothing to your name, you’ll have to live with the fact that you had all the chances necessary to change your fate and you were unable to do it. You are who you’ve always been, and as you are now, there is absolutely no chance of you preventing me from facing the Machine and capturing the EAW Championship. There is nothing you can do to stop me, and it doesn’t matter to me whether or not you accept this now. You won’t have a choice when the night is over, and Daryl, the end is coming very soon.
(The fans boo as Daryl and Methuselah stare at each other once more, but slowly, Solomon Stane walks up to Methuselah.)
Solomon Stane: You forget, this is not only about winning the EAW World Championship. This does not end at Golden Gods. This ends once the season is over, so even if you do make it past Daryl Kinkade and defeat Michael Machina to become World Champion once more, you’ll have to face an Elitist that has come to know you very well throughout this season. The EAW World Championship will be mine heading into Pain for Pride and it will still be in my possession when the night comes to an end, so don’t get comfortable. I’ll be waiting to see who challenges me at Fighting Spirit, and should it be you, then I’ll gladly revisit our history and bring it to an end with the most important victory yet.
Methuselah: Do you think you’re the only Elitist in this match I have history with? Every single man here has stood across the ring from me at one point this season and every single one of them would love to end their season with a victory over me with World Championship stakes. I’m not questioning what it is you want out of your upcoming match. I’m not even questioning whether or not you’ll be capable of performing once the time comes, because I already have the answer I need. You can’t do it.
Adam Lucas: Maybe he can’t, but I can. I hope you don’t think I forgot what you had to do to win our last match.
(Methuselah turns towards Adam Lucas, but before he could speak, Daryl Kinkade begins to speak up.)
Daryl Kinkade: That almost sounds like another excuse to me.
Adam Lucas: You’re one to talk, Daryl.
Jake Smith: You two can both go to Hell. I don’t know why everyone has forgotten this, but I literally started this season pinning Methuselah in Barbed Wire Massacre! Why would I be worried about facing him again at Pain for Pride? Why would I be afraid of facing ADAM of all people in Barbed Wire Massacre? I’m not scared of any of you, and I don’t need to be! I’m the best wrestler not just in this ring but in the entirety of EAW, and NONE of you will stop me from taking what’s rightfully mine-
Solomon Stane: That Championship was hardly yours to begin with. The moment you were unable to keep playing dead and finding other ways to sneak out of matches you were unable to keep holding onto that Championship, and that makes me wonder whether or not you’ll be able to succeed once running away once again is not an option. If the Jake Smith we’ve seen throughout this season faces Adam Lucas, you don’t even need to think about Pain for Pride, because you will be nowhere near the main event.
Jake Smith: And who are you to talk? You were a nobody until this season. Don’t think you’re special just because you finally found a bit of success. You haven’t reached the top yet. You haven’t seen everything there is to see, and you have a LONG way to go before you’ll ever be anywhere near as good as me.
Adam Lucas: Jake, you keep running your mouth, and as long as this continues I just hope you’re not surprised by what happens to you at Fighting Spirit. You shouldn’t be shocked, because this is exactly what I plan to put an end to. I’m shutting you up once and for all, and maybe after that I can finally go just one week without you here to tear this entire show down.
(Adam Lucas and Jake Smith stare at each other, before Methuselah begins speaking once more.)
Methuselah: The back and forth is unnecessary. None of you will put an end to me. None of you will stop me from ending the season as the EAW Champion. If you were capable of doing so I would not be here, standing in the same ring as the rest of you. I’m not here to keep speaking to you all about a future that has already been written. I’m here to end Daryl Kinkade’s World Championship desires.
(Methuselah removes his entrance jacket after saying this, seemingly prepared for his match against Daryl Kinkade. Daryl and Methuselah stare at each other, while Solomon Stane looks at all of the potential challengers for the EAW World Championship. However, after some time, the Champion begins to speak once more.)
Michael Machina: I don’t know about everyone else, but I’ll be sticking around to watch this one.
(This catches the attention of both Methuselah and Daryl Kinkade.)
Daryl Kinkade: And why’s that?
Michael Machina: I let the five of you go at each other and say whatever you needed to say, and clearly there’s a misconception here, and I’d like to make sure that misconception doesn’t carry over to my matches against you. All of you think it’s a foregone conclusion you’re gonna be ending the season with this Championship around your waist, and trust me I’m not stupid. I get you’ve all been working for this. Solomon Stane is a former Hardcore Champion and a 2025 King of Elite finalist. Jake Smith is the previous EAW World Champion, regardless of how shitty his reign was. Adam Lucas was the runner up in the Grand Rampage match, and both Methuselah and Daryl Kinkade have to earn their shot at me at a time where they need this kind of opportunity. That’s fine. I get it. I know what I’m up against, and I’m NOT backing down. I welcomed any and all challengers for a reason and that’s because I WANT a fight. I want the toughest challenges I can get. I want the hardest opponents I can get. You’re not gonna scare the man holding this title, because I let all of you speak and not once have I heard you take a second to consider what YOU’RE up against.
Michael Machina: You’re right, Solomon. This isn’t just about winning the World title. This is about ending the season with the title and coming out of a Pain for Pride main event with the top Championship. I know what I’m getting myself into. I know what I’m dealing with, and maybe if I was one of the last few people to hold the title this would be a problem, but me? I know what I need to do, so I’ll gladly stick around just so you understand that I’m not about to walk into any of these matches without being ready for what’s to come. Golden Gods, Fighting Spirit, Pain for Pride. Those are the three events where I’m defending this Championship, and I’m not leaving any of those shows empty handed.
Methuselah: Is that what you think?
Michael Machina: Yeah, it is. You couldn’t stop me in the Chairman’s Lair. Daryl couldn’t stop me on his big day. Adam and Jake couldn’t beat me in the same match, and trust me Solomon, you’ll have your day at Fighting Spirit. You guys have a long few months ahead of you, so you better get ready. I’m not taking my foot off the gas, and if you can’t keep up that’s not my problem.
(Michael Machina slams the microphone down after this as the fans cheer, and he makes his way out of the ring, waiting at ringside for the match between Daryl Kinkade and Methuselah to begin. He leans against the commentary table as he patiently watches, and as the remaining Elitists inside of the ring stare at each other, Solomon begins to speak.)
Solomon Stane: I’ll also stay to watch. I intend to be prepared for Fighting Spirit regardless of who the Champion is walking into it, so if the two of you think you’ll be the one who faces me, now’s your chance to prove you have what it takes.
(Solomon Stane leaves the ring after this, and Adam Lucas and Jake Smith stare at each other after this. Neither of them say a word to each other, both looking at each other in disgust. They both exit the ring, but they both choose to stick around at ringside, also wanting to see what happens with this contendership match. Daryl Kinkade doesn’t look happy to see this, but Methuselah appears to be focused on his opponent, not taking his eyes off of Kinkade as he backs into the corner of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: We’ll be seeing many different matches over the final months of this season with EAW World Championship stakes, and I have to say I’m very excited to see everything that’s to come. We may even see a new World Champion, but it’s not like it’d come easily. Not when Michael Machina is this focused.
Persephone: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the only thing I’m looking forward to is Jake Smith versus Adam Lucas. The only downside to Barbed Wire Massacre is that it forces me to pay attention to horrible wrestlers.
Rich Russillo: That’s definitely going to be a brutal match, but I think every upcoming match will be exciting, and besides the match coming up in a few minutes and the match between Jake and Adam, we literally have no idea what those matches will actually be! A lot will happen in the coming weeks, all for the sake of main eventing Pain for Pride!
(Michael Machina, Solomon Stane, Adam Lucas and Jake Smith are all seen at ringside, staring at Daryl Kinkade and Methuselah. Daryl Kinkade is turning his attention away from the others and back to Methuselah, while Methuselah is still staring at Daryl, ready for this contendership match. The two men wait for the bell, as Voltage fades to the final commercial break of the night.)
(Promotional ad for Pain for Pride, where the EAW World Champion will face the winner of Fighting Spirit’s Barbed Wire Massacre.)
(Voltage returns from commercial break, and without wasting any time, the referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Our main event of the evening is officially underway as Methuselah and Daryl Kinkade exit their respective corners, keeping their eyes locked onto one another, knowing what this match means, which is another crack at Michael Machina’s World Title. For this, they’ll need to keep that same focus, and not toward the men scattered on the outside.
Persephone: Seriously, why are they even here?
Rich Russillo: Perhaps to get a closer look at the action.
Persephone: …right. We saw what happened earlier with Bethany Blue trying to get a “closer look at the action,” so what makes you think this time will be different?
Rich Russillo: We’ll have to take their word for it? 😅
Persephone: Sure, because Jake Smith is known for being a trustworthy fellow.
Rich Russillo: For now, let’s focus on the in-ring action as both men circle each other before initiating a collar and elbow tie-up in the center! Daryl Kinkade manages to get the upper hand on Methuselah, and backs him into the corner. Daryl Kinkade keeps him pinned there, and the referee intervenes with a five count.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
Rich Russillo: Referee doesn’t want to see things end in such a manner, and gets between both Daryl Kinkade and Methuselah, separating the two men. At first, it looks like we’ll get a clean break- BUT DARYL TAKES A WILD SWING, AND METHUSELAH SAW IT COMING! DUCKING UNDERNEATH! DARYL FINDS HIMSELF IN THE CORNER, AND METHUSELAH CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST!
Persephone: Ouch. I heard that from here.
Rich Russillo: BUT THAT ONLY SEEMED TO FIRE UP DARYL KINKADE, WHO SHOVES METHUSELAH BACK!
(Methuselah has a grin on his face, not phased from Daryl’s shove, and still feels he’s firmly in control of the situation.)
Rich Russillo: Methuselah is oozing confidence-
Persephone: Can you blame him?
Rich Russillo: Given what we know the man is capable of, I guess not. But both competitors circle around for a second time, and initiate another collar and elbow tie-up! Methuselah gets the upper hand with a standing side headlock, and wrenches on the hold! Looking to grind Daryl down early on here.
Persephone: Gee, some riveting stuff early on!
Rich Russillo: I’m shocked. Usually, you find this stuff boring.
Persephone: I do! But the boss is in there, so this is EXCITING!
Rich Russillo: Okay… well, Methuselah drops to a knee in that side headlock, dragging Daryl down to one as well, and he continues tightening his hold over Kinkade. BUT DARYL POWERS BACK TO HIS FEET, AND BOUNCES METHUSELAH OFF THE ROPES TO ESCAPE! METHUSELAH REBOUNDED BACK FOR A SHOULDER TACKLE, WHICH FLOORS KINKADE!
Persephone: Daryl lies there as Methuselah runs off the ropes-
Rich Russillo: BUT KINKADE ROLLS ONTO HIS BELLY, FORCING METHUSELAH TO HURDLE OVER HIM! AND THE CHAIRMAN REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES A SECOND TIME AS DARYL POPS TO HIS FEET FOR A LEAPFROG! KINKADE TURNS AROUND- BUT FINDS THAT METHUSELAH HANGED ONTO THE TOP ROPE, PREVENTING HIMSELF FROM REBOUNDING BACK!
(Methuselah wags his finger, taunting Daryl Kinkade-)
Rich Russillo: WAIT! METHUSELAH CHARGES AT DARYL, HOPING TO CATCH HIM OFF GUARD! BUT KINKADE HALTS HIS MOMENTUM WITH A DROPKICK! METHUSELAH DIDN’T SEE THAT ONE COMING AS HE SCRAMBLES BACK TO HIS FEET, AND RUNS RIGHT INTO AN ARM DRAG! METHUSELAH GETS BACK UP, AND RUNS INTO ANOTHER!
Persephone: Normally, I’d say it’s pretty stupid to run into the same move twice. But it’s Methuselah, he’s got this!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH RUSHES TOWARD DARYL AGAIN, AND ALMOST GOT CAUGHT WITH ANOTHER ARM DRAG! BUT METHUSELAH HAD IT SCOUTED, AND BLOCKS IT! STANDING HIS GROUND, AND PULLS DARYL BACK UP BEFORE SENDING HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
(Methuselah staggers to the center, but doesn’t realize that Daryl landed on his feet, and slides back into the ring, catching Methuselah off guard as he turns around.)
Rich Russillo: Both men are at a standstill, and I don’t think Methuselah was expecting Daryl to be back in the ring so quickly, as evident by his reaction.
Persephone: Regardless, I don’t think Methuselah is going to let that bother him very much either.
Rich Russillo: No, it takes a lot for someone or something to truly rattle Methuselah in-ring, given how long he’s been doing this, and how many accomplishments he has also.
Persephone: Both competitors circle each other again, and another collar and elbow tie-up takes place in the center of the ring! WOO! Who’s going to get the upper hand with this one?!
Rich Russillo: Well, that would be Daryl Kinkade, who pulls The Chairman into a standing side headlock! Giving him a taste of his own medicine, and Daryl Kinkade wrenches on the hold. Methuselah takes a page from Daryl’s back, and bounces him off the ropes to escape!
Persephone: METHUSELAH SWINGS WILDLY WITH A CLOTHESLINE! GO, BOSS!
Rich Russillo: DARYL ROLLS UNDERNEATH IT, AND GRABS METHUSELAH IN ANOTHER STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK! METHUSELAH TRIED TO ESCAPE IT WITH A BACK SUPLEX- BUT DARYL BACKFLIPS ONTO HIS FEET, AND TURNS HIM AROUND! PLACING HIM IN ANOTHER BEFORE A SIDE HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN! GROUNDING METHUSELAH!
Persephone: BUT METHUSELAH ROLLS DARYL ONTO HIS SHOULDERS FOR AN IMPROMPTU COVER! PLEASE, LET THIS BE IT!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT, AND BOTH COMPETITORS SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET! METHUSELAH GOES FOR THE CLOTHESLINE AGAIN ON DARYL, WHO DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, AND HOOKS HIS ARMS FOR A BACKSLIDE!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: NOT EVEN A ONE COUNT AS METHUSELAH ROLLS THROUGH TO ALL FOURS, AND DARYL KINKADE PULLS HIM UP INTO POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB! BUT STARTS TO HOOK BOTH ARMS, POSSIBLY GOING FOR THE HIDEOUS TRUTH! KNOWING IT’LL TAKE SOME HEAVY ARTILLERY TO DROP METHUSELAH IN THIS CONTEST!
Persephone: BUT DARYL KINKADE IS UNABLE TO GET BOTH ARMS HOOKED BEFORE METHUSELAH TWIRLS OUT OF IT, AND SMASHES KINKADE IN THE JAW WITH A FOREARM!
Rich Russillo: DARYL STAGGERS AWAY, AND METHUSELAH RUNS RIGHT TOWARD HIM! GOING FOR THE SPEAR AS HE TURNS AROUND-
Persephone: BUT MY WISH CANNOT BE FULFILLED AS DARYL KINKADE SIDE STEPS OUT THE WAY!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH ALMOST COLLIDED FACE FIRST WITH THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE! BUT HALTS HIS MOMENTUM AT THE LAST MINUTE!
(Methuselah stands himself upright in a corner, growing slightly irritated with Daryl Kinkade already before turning around to face him. Daryl taunts Methuselah from the center of the ring, and both men circle each other once again.)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! Looks like we’ll see another collar and el- NO! METHUSELAH FAKED DARYL OUT THERE, AND CAUGHT HIM WITH A KICK TO THE GUT INSTEAD! DARYL DOUBLES OVER IN PAIN, AND METHUSELAH CONNECTS WITH A HARD RIGHT HAND BEFORE BACKING HIM AGAINST THE ROPES FOR AN IRISH WHIP!
Persephone: BUT DARYL DOESNT COME REBOUNDING BACK AS HE SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE!
(Daryl taunts Methuselah to come join him on the outside.)
Rich Russillo: I THINK DARYL WANTS METHUSELAH OUT THERE TOO, AND METHUSELAH DOESNT TURN DOWN THE CHALLENGE! SLIDING OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE HIMSELF, BUT DARYL KINKADE SLIDES BACK IN AS HE DOES SO! OUTSMARTING METHUSELAH THERE, WHO TRIED RE-ENTERING THE RING! BUT DARYL CATCHES HIM WITH A WRECKING BALL DROPKICK TO THE FACE RIGHT THROUGH THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Persephone: He caught Methuselah flush, which causes him to stagger slightly before doubling over ringside.
Rich Russillo: Methuselah works to shake the cobwebs out of his head before standing himself back upright. MEANWHILE, DARYL SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE- FORCING METHUSELAH TO RUSH OUT THE WAY! HOWEVER, DARYL KINKADE WAS READY, AND CAUGHT HIMSELF ON THE APRON!
Persephone: METHUSELAH TAKES A SWIPE AT DARYL KINKADE’S LEGS! BUT KINKADE HAD IT SCOUTED AS WELL, AND LEAPS OVER THE CHAIRMAN’S ARM!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH TURNS AROUND, AND GETS BLASTED WITH A SUPERKICK FROM THE APRON BY DARYL! METHUSELAH STAGGERS AWAY, AND DARYL DROPS OFF THE APRON BEFORE GRABBING HOLD OF METHUSELAH! ROLLING HIM BACK INSIDE THE RING!
Persephone: God, my voice needs a break. I don’t know how either you or James do it.
Rich Russillo: You’ll get used to it.
Persephone: No, I think that’s enough for tonight. I’m sure Methuselah can sense my support from here.
Rich Russillo: Fair enough. Methuselah is sprawled out, and Daryl hops up on the apron! DARYL HAS METHUSELAH IN HIS SIGHTS, AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE! CRASHING DOWN ONTO METHUSELAH WITH A SHOOTING STAR PRESS- NO! METHUSELAH GOT THE KNEES UP, AND ROLLS DARYL UP INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO)!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! DARYL KINKADE KICKS OUT, BUT NO DOUBT GOT THE WIND KNOCKED OUT OF HIM AS HE CRAWLS TOWARD THE CORNER, AND SEATS HIMSELF THERE!
Persephone: Methuselah’s got a devilish grin on his face, and he smells blood in the water. Marching toward Daryl in the corner…
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH TARGETS THE ABDOMEN WITH REPEATED STOMPS IN THE CORNER, SINKING DARYL DOWN FURTHER! METHSUELAH DRAGS HIM BACK TO HIS FEET, AND LEANS DARYL UP AGAINST THE ROPES FOR AN IRISH WHIP! …KITCHEN SINK BY METHUSELAH!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH CONTINUES TARGETING THAT GUT, AND IT DOESNT TAKE ROCKET SCIENCE TO FIGURE OUT WHY! HE IS SOFTENING DARYL UP FOR THE SPEAR, USING THAT SHOOTING STAR PRESS COUNTER AS HIS OPENING!
Persephone: Methuselah is an extremely smart competitor, and businessman.
Rich Russillo: Methuselah drags Daryl up to his feet, and sends him STERNUM FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! DARYL KINKADE HIT HARD, AND CRUMPLES DOWN TO THE MAT! FAVORING HIS CHEST AREA!
Persephone: Methuselah is picking apart Kinkade, and it won’t be long before this match is over with… fingers crossed.
Rich Russillo: Methuselah lifts Daryl back to his feet- BUT YOU MIGHT HAVE SPOKEN TOO SOON WITH THIS MATCH BEING CLOSE TO OVER WITH AS DARYL SCORES WITH A HARD SHOT TO METHUSELAH’S ABDOMEN! AND EXPLODES WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! DARYL FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A FOREARM, AND WHIPS METHUSELAH TOWARD THE ROPES!
Persephone: Daryl goes for a hip toss- but Methuselah blocks it!
Rich Russillo: YES, METHUSELAH STANDS HIS GROUND, AND TAGS DARYL WITH A HARD SHOT TO THE ABDOMEN! BEFORE HE COUNTERS WITH A HIP TOSS OF HIS OWN! DARYL IS QUICKLY BACK TO HIS FEET, AND WANDERS INTO A SUPLEX ATTEMPT BY METHSUELAH- BUT DARYL FLOATS OVER BEHIND THE CHAIRMAN, AND WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND THE WAIST FOR A REAR WAISTLOCK!
Persephone: :lupe:
Rich Russillo: BUT METHUSELAH SPINS AROUND, GRABBING IN DARYL IN A FRONT FACELOCK IN THE PROCESS! AND HE HITS IT! HELLFIRE IMPALER DDT BY METHUSELAH! METHUSELAH SHOOTS THE HALF FOR A COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! DARYL POPS THE SHOULDER UP, AND ROLLS AWAY FROM METHUSELAH, SEATING HIMSELF IN THE CORNER!
Persephone: Methuselah closes in on Daryl in the corner, and plays similar beats to earlier! Targeting Daryl’s midsection with repeated stomps!
Rich Russillo: Methuselah drags Daryl back to his feet- AND DARYL SWINGS WILDLY WITH A RIGHT HAND! NOTHING PRETTY, BUT EFFECTIVE BY DARYL KINKADE! PLACING METHUSELAH ON THE BACK FOOT AS HE STAGGERS AWAY! METHUSELAH SLOWLY TURNS AROUND TO FACE DARYL KINKADE, WHO SHOOTS OUT THE CORNER!
Persephone: But Methuselah side steps whatever Darul had planned there!
Rich Russillo: AND DARYL HALTS HIS MOMENTUM IN THE CORNER BEFORE HE COLLIDED STERNUM FIRST WITH THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! NOW, METHUSELAH RUSHES IN- ONLY TO GET CAUGHT WITH A BACK KICK FROM DARYL! METHUSELAH DOUBLES OVER, AND DARYL SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE IN THE CORNER WITH A SUNSET FLIP!
Persephone: But Methuselah maintains his balance, and reaches down!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH DRAGS DARYL BACK TO HIS FEET, AND GOES TO PLANT HIM WITH THE METH KNELL! THAT BRAINBUSTER DDT- BUT HES UNABLE TO HOIST DARYL UP, WHO BLOCKS IT! HOLDING HIS WEIGHT DOWN ON METHUSELAH! BEFORE SHIFTING THE MOMENTUM WITH A SNAP SUPLEX INTO THE CORNER!
Persephone: :yikes: Methuselah hit hard.
Rich Russillo: AND DARYL KINKADE QUICKLY MOUNTS METHUSELAH AS HE ROLLS FROM OUT THE CORNER, AND IS FIRING OFF WITH REPEATED RIGHT HANDS TO THE SKULL! METHUSELAH DOES HIS BEST TO COVER UP, BUT METHUSELAH IS DOING HIS BEST TO COVER UP!
Persephone: Methuselah shoves Daryl off from on top of him!
Rich Russillo: BUT DARYL KINKADE IS UNRELENTING, AND WONT BE DENIED AS HE PULLS METHUSELAH BACK TO HIS FEET! DARYL WENT FOR THE PUMPHANDLE PILEDRIVER! BUT METHUSELAH COUNTERS WITH A HIP TOSS!
Persephone: No! Daryl front flips onto his feet.
Rich Russillo: AND LEAPS IN THE AIR! TAGGING METHUSELAH ON THE SIDE OF HIS EAR WITH A JUMPING ENZIGURI- NO! METHUSELAH DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND DARYL HITS FACE FIRST ON THE CANVAS!
Persephone: Methuselah reaches down-
Rich Russillo: BUT DARYL SLITHERS OUT THROUGH THE LEGS OF METHUSELAH, SLIPPING BEHIND HIM! METHUSELAH SPINS AROUND, AND BACKS UP TOWARD THE ROPES AS DARYL KINKADE CHARGES HIM! BUT METHUSELAH SENDS DARYL UP AND OVER HIS SHOULDER!
Persephone: But Daryl catches himself on the apron.
Rich Russillo: UNBEKNOWNST TO METHUSELAH, WHO STAGGERS TO THE CENTER BEFORE SPINNING AROUND, AND CHARGING AT DARYL FOR A SHOULDER THRUST THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! BUT KINKADE SIDE STEPS OUT THE WAY, AND PENALTY KICKS METHUSELAH IN THE CHEST WHILE HIS TORSO WAS STUCK OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH STAGGERS BACK SLIGHTLY BEFORE DOUBLING OVER, AND DARYL GOES TO SPRING OFF THE TOP ROPE- BUT METHUSELAH GRABS HIM IN A FIREMANS CARRY WHILE HE WAS HOLDING HIS BALANCE!
Persephone: Methuselah walks to the center of the ring with Daryl Kinkade on his shoulders-
Rich Russillo: BUT DARYL DROPS OFF HIS SHOULDERS, AND HAS METHUSELAH IN A FRONT FACELOCK- MONKE FLIP! DARYL KINKADE SPIKES METHUSELAH WITH THE FRONT FLIP DDT, AND DARYL TURNS METHUSELAH OVER! BUT DOESNT GO FOR THE COVER! INSTEAD, OPTING TO ROLL OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Persephone: Pardon me, but uh… is he stupid?
Rich Russillo: DARYL KINKADE WANTS TO DO FURTHER DAMAGE TO METHUSELAH, AND IF WERE BEING HONEST, LIKELY HAS TO! THE MONKE FLIP WAS NOT GOING TO BE ENOUGH, AND DARYL CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE- BUT METHUSELAH RUSHES HIM! CROTCHING DARYL ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
Persephone: Jeez, he’ll be having no kids running around soon, and I think that’s a good thing as no one wants to hear a bunch of brats running around going “bruv!” all the time. Seriously, what does that even me?
Rich Russillo: Ask him yourself.
Persephone: A conversation with Daryl Kinkade? I’ll get right on that… never.
Rich Russillo: Methuselah climbs to the middle rope, and hooks Daryl up for a superplex- BUT DARYL HANGS ONTO THE TOP ROPE! BLOCKING THE ATTEMPT FROM METHUSELAH, AND BATTLES BACK WITH A SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE! DARYL CLUBS DOWN REPEATEDLY ACROSS THE BACK OF METHUSELAH, AND FLOATS OVER FOR A SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!
Rich Russillo: BUT METHUSELAH HANGS ONTO THE TOP ROPE FOR DEAR LIFE AS DARYL DOES HIS BEST TO PEEL HIM OFF THE MIDDLE! BUT DARYL REALIZES HIS PLAN WASNT WORKING, AND REACHES THROUGH THE LEGS! GRABBING METHUSELAH’S HEAD FOR A CHEEKY NANDOS KICK!
Persephone: A what?
Rich Russillo: DARYL GRABS METHUSELAH AGAIN, AND THIS TIME, SUCCESSFULLY PEELS HIM OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE FOR A RUNNING SITOUT POWERBOMB! DARYL HOLDS IT FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! METHUSELAH GOT THE SHOULDER UP! I THINK THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME DARYL WENT FOR A COVER ON METHUSELAH THROUGHOUT THIS MATCH, BUT SHOWS THE NUMBER HES DONE ON WEARING THE CHAIRMAN DOWN OVER TIME!
Persephone: Daryl signals the beginning of the end, and I sure hope so as he drags Methuselah back to his feet.
Rich Russillo: DARYL HOOKS HIM UP FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIE, GOING TO CROSS THE LEGS! BUT METHUSELAH FIGHTS HIM OFF WITH A SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE, AND SHIFTS THE MOMENTUM ON DARYL WITH A BRAINBUSTER DDT! METH KNELL PLANTS HIM, AND METHUSELAH HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRRE-
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! Methuselah rises to a knee, and drags Daryl up to his- SCORING WITH A RIGHT HAND! BUT DARYL FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! BOTH MEN RETURN TO THEIR FEET, AND METHUSELAH LANDS WITH A RIGHT HAND! DARYL KINKADE ISSUES ONE IN RESPONSE!
Persephone: They’re struggling to stand, and one man might go down sooner rather than later. I got a hunch on who it might be… and it ain’t The Chairman.
Rich Russillo: WELL, DONT COUNT DARYL OUT JUST YET AS METHUSELAH SWINGS WILDLY WITH A CLOTHESLINE! DARYL DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND METHUSELAH BOUNCES STERNUM FIRST OFF THE ROPES INTO A REBOUND GERMAN SUPLEX!
Persephone: Methuselah rolls through to all fours-
Rich Russillo: DARYL USES THE ROPES TO PULL HIMSELF BACK UP TO A VERTICAL BASE, AND HE LEAPS IN THE AIR FOR A DOUBLE STOMP ONTO BOTH METHUSELAH’S HANDS! METHUSELAH JOLTS UP TO BOTH KNEES IN PAIN, AND DARYL STRIKES HIM WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK!
Persephone: Methsuelah collapes back down to all fours, and Daryl pulls him up again for The Ugly Truth of whatever.
Rich Russillo: HE CALLS IT THE HIDEOUS TRUTH, AND IF HE HITS THIS, ITS OVER! BUT METHUSELAH COUNTERS THE STORMBREAKER ATTEMPT WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX ON DARYL, WHO STILL HAS BOTH ARMS HOOKED! BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE BY METHSUELAH!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: NO! NOT GOING TO BE THAT EASY AS DARYL KINKADE ROLLS OFF HIS BACK, KEEPING BOTH ARMS OF METHUSELAH HOOKED, AND DRAGS HIM TO HIS FEET AGAIN FOR THE HIDEOUS TRUTH TO FINALLY CONNECT!
Persephone: But Methuselah still manages to counter by twirling out of it!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH SWINGS WILDLY WITH A CLOTHESLINE! BUT DARYL HAD HIM SCOUTED FROM EARLIER, AND WRESTLES METHUSELAH DOWN FOR A CROSSFACE! SHUT UP, BRUV!
Persephone: Please don’t tell me Methuselah is going to tap out to THIS!
Rich Russillo: NO! METHUSELAH ROLLS ONTO HIS BACK, HOOKING THE LEG WHILE IN THAT CROSSFACE!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHH-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! DARYL SIMULTANEOUSLY RELEASES THE HOLD, AND BOTH COMPETITORS ARE BACK TO THEIR FEET! DARYL DUCKS UNDERNEATH A CLOTHESLINE, AND BOTH COMPETITORS RUN OFF OPPOSITE SET OF ROPES-
Persephone: SPEAR!
Rich Russillo: METHUSELAH CAUGHT HIM WITH THE SPEAR, AND CRAWLS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE’S YOUR WINNER…METHUSELAH!!
(Methuselah releases the cover as “Praise Gawd” by Kanye West blares throughout the arena. Daryl Kinkade rolls out the ring as Methuselah gets his hand raised with Jake, Adam, and Solomon watching on from outside.)
Rich Russillo: He’s done it! Methuselah has earned himself a crack at Michael Machina’s championship!
Persephone: *pretends to be shocked*
Rich Russillo: Great effort by Daryl Kinkade here tonight as well, but one mistake, and Methuselah managed to capitalize!
(Methuselah turns the ringside area, as Michael Machina can be seen making his way up onto the apron with the EAW World Championship over his shoulder, before finally entering the ring.
Rich Russillo: Looks like the EAW World Champion is going to join Methuselah in the ring after his big victory!
Persephone: Oh, brother. What does this meathead want? Right when the show was about to be over as well!
(Michael ignores his potential challengers on the outside, paying sole attention to Methuselah inside as he enters the ring, a focused look on his face, knowing what’s to come. Both men stand face-to-face, and Machina raises the title high, showing no fear against Methuselah.)
Rich Russillo: It’s set! Michael Machina! Methuselah! These two are going to run it back one more time at Golden Gods, and I cant wait! Same goes for the EAW Universe in attendance as we conclude another successful edition of Voltage! Goodnight, everybody!
(Methuselah looks up to the EAW World Championship while Machina stares a hole into him with Solomon, Jake, and Adam watching from the outside as Voltage fades to black.)
(EAW Logo Buzzes.)
