(EAW intro plays.)
(Friday Night Dynasty comes live on air. Several shots of the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia is shown off before the shot transitions inside, showcasing the packed atmosphere. Pyro goes off, and after a few more shots of the fans, the camera fades onto the commentary team for the show!)
Stew-O: WE ARE HERE! THE WAIT IS OVER, AND THE ANTICIPATION IS THROUGH THE ROOF! Welcome everyone to the go-home edition of Dynasty for Territorial Invasion! I’m Stew-O, and as always, I am joined by Flannery McCoy and Jake Me—
Jake Mercer: WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! GO DYNASTY!!! I BELIEVE IN FIRE & ICE!!!! COMMANDER ADAMS SHALL LEAD US TO VICTORY!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Flannery McCoy: :roman:
Jake Mercer: What..? Show some brand pride, Flannery, damn!
Flannery McCoy: I will, but I’m not going to go crazy over it like you! :wtf:
Stew-O: Either way, everyone is excited, whether they show it off or not, and right now, we’re kicking things off with something major!
(Friday Night Dynasty then transitions over from the commentary desk to the ring, where the camera is focused on Dynasty General Manager Tyrone Montgomery, who is standing by while the crowd cheers loudly for him. He has a microphone in his hand along with a leather binder, as he stands in front of a table with two chairs across from one another. As the rowdy Philadelphia crowd begins to quiet down, Tyrone then begins to speak with a smile on his face.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Welcome everyone to a SPECIAL go-home edition of Friday Night Dynasty! We are coming to you LIVE from the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where we are just a week away from our FIRST tri-branded Marquee Event of the season, Territorial Invasion. Now, there is a lot to look forward to, especially when it comes to Dynasty sweeping the competition in the name of brand supremacy. :mjgrin: But right now, we’re focused completely on the top stars here on Dynasty, and more importantly, our top title. So let’s talk about the World Heavyweight Championship.
(The crowd once again roars in response to this as Tyrone gives a small smile. He pauses for a brief moment before continuing with what he has to say.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Cy Henderson has been EAW World Heavyweight Champion since last season, beating Joso to win the title at Grand Rampage. Since then, he has been on a tear, beating every single person who would step in his way and showing why he is at the center of this very brand. He’s looking to continue this momentum, having recently completed his first title defense of the season against Methuselah at Reckless Wiring, and now moving on to a challenge unlike anyone he has ever seen before. A top-tier challenger who we will be welcoming out to the ring at this time to sign the contract and make this match official, please welcome Michael Machina!
(‘Apostle’s Warning’ by Mobb Deep begins to play through the speakers of the arena as the crowd has a mixed reaction of cheers and boos. The camera then goes over from the ring to the stage as Michael Machina is seen making his way out from the backstage area. He has a serious expression on his face as he takes a brief scan around, jumping in place before shouting as he makes his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Stew-O: Here comes the challenger. Michael Machina has made it known that he’s after the World Heavyweight Championship from the beginning of the season, and his win against Drake King and Limmy Monaghan at Reckless Wiring put him at the very front of the line to allow him to call his shot. He knows that he hasn’t faced anyone like Cy Henderson, but at the same time, Cy has never faced an opponent like Michael Machina.
Flannery McCoy: Both of these competitors are going to be in for one hell of a fight, but one thing’s for certain: it’s that Machina believes that he’s ready for it. Being a former World Champion himself, he knows that he needs to take his game to a whole other level if he wants to be able to become a two-time World Champion, and I guess we’re going to be able to see if he’s going to manifest that into reality.
Jake Mercer: Oh yeah, my body is ready! Michael Machina is coming, and all the DAWGS are out! Who knows, if Cy isn’t careful, then we might just be seeing a NEW face of Dynasty tonight, that’s a dangerous thought.
(Machina makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He glances over at Tyrone while making his way over to his seat, sitting down as he takes the microphone from the table. ‘Apostle’s Warning’ begins to come to a close as, before Tyrone can say anything else, Machina speaks.)
Michael Machina: I don’t want to waste any time. I’ve already wasted enough of it feeling like I’ve gone in circles with Cy Henderson over the most minuscule things. If he doesn’t think that I’m ready for the World Heavyweight Championship, so be it. Just know that he’s going to be making his way down to this ring to sign his life away, and that’s how Territorial Invasion is going to go. So, how about he makes his way out here and we get this over with?
(Machina lowers his microphone as he turns his head toward the stage, and it’s not long before he gets what he asked for as ‘Saint Pablo’ by Kanye West begins to play through the speakers of the arena. The camera goes over to show the World Heavyweight Champion as Cy Henderson is seen beginning to make his way out from the backstage area. He has a stern expression on his face as he takes a good moment to scan around at the crowd here tonight. He takes a deep breath before beginning to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Stew-O: And here comes the Champion, and Cy Henderson looks as motivated as ever to continue his World Heavyweight Championship reign past Territorial Invasion, but the only way that he can truly do that is by making sure that he beats Michael Machina. Again, this is a challenge that he has never seen before, but at the same time, I don’t think that this is something that Cy can’t handle as well.
Flannery McCoy: Cy has made a Hall of Fame career out of silencing critics and beating the best of the best; it’s what’s gotten him into this position in the first place. He knows exactly what he’s getting himself into, and I’m sure that he’s just as prepared for this match as he is for any other one. The pressure is beginning to mount, and while I’m certain it’s not going to be an easy road, it’s something that he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure that he conquers.
Jake Mercer: The GREATEST OF ALL TIME versus the DAWG, only one of them is going to be able to come out on top, and if I had to bet, both of them are going to go through HELL in order to make sure that it’s them. Oh man, I just can’t wait!
(Cy makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He doesn’t take his eyes off of Machina, who’s calmly at his seat, before he makes his way over and takes a seat across from him. ‘Saint Pablo’ then begins to come to a close as Cy reaches out and takes a microphone of his own, then begins to speak himself as he adjusts his title over his shoulder.)
Cy Henderson: You know what, Mike? For once… I agree with you. I’m tired of the back-and-forth as well. I’m tired of the posturing, the cheap shots, the same conversation being had a thousand different ways. Because the truth is, we’re not going to convince each other of anything. You’re not going to talk me off my stance, and I’m sure as hell not talking you off yours. And maybe that’s something I can commend you for, and that’s standing your ground no matter what’s said against you. But do you know what the difference is between you and me in this current situation?
(Cy gestures to his title, which Machina glances over at with a stern expression on his face.)
Cy Henderson: There’s the difference. I don’t just stand my ground because I say I belong here; I don’t cling to something I used to be to prove I still matter, even though I’d have more than enough reasons to do such a thing. The proof isn’t in a story I retell, hoping people believe it. The proof is right here, over my shoulder, and it’s the World Heavyweight Championship. My ground is solid, Mike, but yours? It’s shaking beneath your feet. You can believe all you want, but belief without proof? It’s nothing more than hope dressed up as confidence.
(Machina sits up straight, definitely not taking kindly to what the Champion had to say to him, before he raises his microphone and looks to respond.)
Michael Machina: Shaky ground? You’re dead wrong, Cy. You’re looking at the man who’s more ready for this match than he’s ever been for anything in his damn life. From the moment you signed your name across from mine, Cy, you made a death wish. If you think for even one solitary second that isn’t the case, you’re fooling yourself. You said it yourself, though, if I walk into Territorial Invasion and fail? Maybe my entire foundation crumbles, I get nothing, I lose everything, but that’s the thing. I don’t plan on failing, not this time, not when the biggest prize is right in front of me for the taking.
Cy Henderson: Plans don’t win matches, execution does. Belief doesn’t carry you when the lights are at their brightest, and every bone in your body is screaming for you to quit. I’ve been there before, but the thing is that I’ve walked out with this every time. That’s the difference, and maybe that’s not what you fail to see, maybe that’s what you’ve forced yourself to ignore time after time again because you don’t want to admit it to yourself.
Michael Machina: And that belief is what’s going to make it all the sweeter when I put you down. Because you’re looking at the one man who isn’t going to crumble in that spot. The one man who isn’t going to hesitate. You’re staring at inevitability, Cy.
(Machina pauses as he takes the leather binder, which has been placed on the table, pulling it over as he opens it up and takes out the pen. He doesn’t waste any time signing his name on the contract before slamming it shut, sliding it across the table toward Cy. The two stare each other down, as the tension in the arena is beginning to reach its boiling point.)
Michael Machina: Your turn, Champ.
(Cy doesn’t hesitate, he immediately picks up the pen and opens back up the binder, singing his half of the contract. The crowd roars as the Champion pushes the binder back toward Tyrone Montgomery, with the match for Territorial Invasion being made official.)
Tyrone Montgomery: There you have it! Cy Henderson versus Michael Machina for the World Heavyweight Championship is official for Territorial Invasion-
(But before Tyrone can fully wrap things up, Machina suddenly stands up. He grabs the edge of the table, flipping it onto his side! The loud crash gets the crowd rowdy, as Cy immediately tenses up, standing up onto his feet as his title drops to his side, raising his fists up and getting ready for a fight, as he has a ready look on his face. But instead of lunging… Machina smirks, he backs up toward the ropes with his eyes locked on Cy as he raises his microphone again.)
Michael Machina: Don’t worry, Champ… I’m not gonna fight you now. Not tonight. But next week? Territorial Invasion? That’s when you’re going to find out that everything I’ve said… every single word… wasn’t just talk. I’ll see you there.
(Machina drops his microphone down to the ground as ‘Apostle’s Warning’ begins to play up again. The challenger slides himself out of the ring while Tyrone tries to calm things down. Cy stands tall inside the ropes, gripping the World Heavyweight Championship tight as the two opponents glare at one another from a distance. It’s the very last shot seen as Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade elsewhere from there.)
(A commercial plays for EAW 2K26, showcasing the Legends Edition, featuring Cy Henderson.)
(https://i.imgur.com/PoJZ34U.png)
(The scene pans to the office, as Tyrone Montgomery can be seen with his arms crossed as he’s leaned against the office desk. Kirk Redwood, Grace De Luca & David Gideon Smith each stand in front of Tyrone with differing expressions & moods, as Tyrone allows for a brief sigh to be heard before speaking.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Great, glad that you’re all here. I’m sure we all know how Territorial Invasion is inching closer & closer as the days go by, and I am VERY excited to see how Dynasty’s own roster does once the event rolls around. This is all about making sure that we are prepared to shine out there as the best brand possible, I’m sure you’ve become aware of the narrative as this becomes the norm on an annual basis. Anyhow…
(Tyrone brings his glance over to Gideon, as he nods to him with a grin.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Congratulations, David. You’re officially apart of the team for ‘Team Vynasty” after beating Grace De Luca last week. This is a big opportunity for an elitist of your talents who has been frequenting the competitive nature of this brand for sometime now, you’ve battled with elitists of every level of the totem pole & then some. You’ve definitely earned your spot on the team, strong performances.
(Grace scoffs, rolling her eyes as her arms remain crossed while glancing away from Kirk & David.)
Grace De Luca: Yeah, whatever. One day where you’re on it and this is what you’re rewarded with. Tch, I guess so…
(Grace shakes her head, glancing upward & away from the rest of them while Tyrone raises an eyebrow.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Well, I’m sure we can all be upset for a specific number of reasons, but I have been largely open to collaboration with Captain Charisma because we do have a shared focus in mind. I understand how brand warfare has always worked, it’s every person for themselves at the end of the day & that hasn’t changed—however, there’s more to it than just reducing the match to every opponent for themselves after two brands are completely gone.
Tyrone Montgomery: You see, I want to ensure that we’re able to take down Showdown without any doubts, ‘cause—well, we don’t like ‘em to say the least. :mjgrin: Not exactly the biggest surprise there, but you know what I mean, right? Now although that does become priority, at the end of the day we want ourselves to the last brand standing so that you three can let loose & go after one another as well.
(While Grace keeps her gaze diverted from the two men, Kirk & David exchange glances across the room, as a chuckle from David soon emerges while Kirk looks toward Tyrone.)
Kirk Redwood: Well, you know that I’ll do my best & bring all that I’ve got. I always do, I’m there to put in the beating toward anybody that I’m expected to be given in return. I’ll step in there and look to eliminate everyone possible, as long as we can work together & get that done before focusing on each other. I’m gonna try, but that’s gonna be a bit more challenging when I’ve got to deal with these two headaches. Don’t think there’s much disagreement to be made here.
(A much louder scoff can be heard arising from Grace De Luca, as she looks toward Kirk with a squint of her eyes as she shakes her head.)
Grace De Luca: Excuse me? Who do you think you are referring to me as a headache…? I was actually incurring a GENUINE headache after having to stand here side by side with you two absolute clowns, I am already repulsed by the thought of remaining close to you both. As far as I’m concerned, I can say the exact same thing. I’m not enthused by having to sully up to brand royalty like this, but I simply have to do what I do & focus on what matters. Winning from here, to get rid of you two & be given my shot.
Kirk Redwood: That’s just fine, we all want that, but once we get rid of the other brands & should it come down to ourselves, you will already know that I won’t hesitate to get my own job done.
Grace De Luca: Obviously, I know we’ll be looking for that win, but I frankly think that’s it’s been extremely demeaning & rude to see that people aren’t taking me seriously here!
(Kirk exhales sharply as he glances off.)
Kirk Redwood: I wonder why…
(Before Grace could retort, David raises a brief hand, with a slight chuckle as he speaks.)
David Gideon Smith: I find just about everyone rather irksome in this matter at hand, but all I care about is winning. As you all do, yet all of your energy is exhausted on annoyances when I am simply focused on what remains all the more important. This is all that could matter at the end of the day, and I am certain there will be no disagreement with that assessment as we are all looking to be the last person standing once this is all said & done.
(The three elitists look toward one another, as slight nods can be seen amongst them.)
Grace De Luca: Not wrong, but I will make sure that none of you will be underestimating me.
Kirk Redwood: I sure won’t, I’m stepping into the ring and understanding exactly how much it’s gonna take.
David Gideon Smith: Then you know, none of this for the either of you is all simple as how it appears.
(David grins, shaking his head.)
David Gideon Smith: Soon enough, we’ll all see.
(The tension remains largely strong amongst each elitist, as Tyrone stands himself upward and exhales while looking toward the three.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Alright, let’s maintain all of this for the match to come, sounds good? Keep this same energy for working together to get those brands out of the equation, to give us that sweet brand glory—before taking your own glory out there against each other. I think that’s all fine…
(The three keep their glances toward one another, as Grace sighs with a nod as she is the first to leave the office. Kirk soon follows, before David sports a small grin as he exits last, the friction remaining present for Dynasty as the scene cuts away.)
(‘cult leader’ by KiNG MALA begins to blare through the speakers as the crowd immediately boos as soon as Mia Santoro comes out. The Specialists Championship is glistening on her shoulder as she embraces the spotlight and crowd reception.)
Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME…THE EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION… ‘THE OBSESSION’…MIA SANTORO!!!!
Jake Mercer: Mia Santoro has requested the time to speak tonight. After everything that has transpired over the past couple of weeks, she feels like she needs to come out and remind the people who the Specialists Champion is!
Stew-O: Now, Mia Santoro has felt like the attention has not been on her! Since the beginning of the season, we have seen Holly Arrow and KASAI have issues with each other! Most people thought after Reckless Wiring with Holly’s victory, KASAI would have backed off, but KASAI has made it known that her quest to reclaim the Specialists Champion was not over.
Flannery McCoy: Instead of Mia Santoro expecting a one-on-one match, this will result to her defending her title against the woman who won the number one contendership at Reckless Wiring and KASAI, a former Specialists Champion that lost her title at last year’s Territorial Invasion.
(‘cult leader’ dies down as Mia Santoro is in the middle of the ring, twirling her microphone before speaking.)
Mia Santoro: You know? I’m pretty tired. I am pretty tired of how Holly Arrow and KASAI have been trying to take my spotlight and make things about him. I am the champion. I have been running shit since Pain for Pride. I run this whole Specialists division. Not just that – this whole damn SHOW belongs to me! I am THE star of the Dynasty brand! Why am I being treated as an afterthought? Why am I not the focal point of this entire match? That’s something that doesn’t make sense to me. Nothing about this whole situation makes sense to me. None of these women deserve to be in the same ring as me.
???: I don’t deserve to be in the same ring as YOU?
(The fans pop at KASAI’s voice as she’s revealed to be on top of the ramp. She begins to make her way down the ramp, so that she could defend herself against Mia Santoro.)
KASAI: You are so delusional and arrogant that it’s not even funny!
(Mia Santoro begins to laugh in amusement as KASAI gets inside the ring and stares across Mia.)
KASAI: You think that I’m funny? I hope that you keep that energy up once I take that Specialists Championship away from you. You have no idea about the woman that you’ll be staring across the ring. You can poke fun of me for my lows, just like last week when you mentioned that I lost the Specialists Championship in a Triple Threat at the same event last year. But since then, I have built a career where it’s only inevitable that I would be considered one of the best. Mia, you proved people wrong at Pain for Pride. You weren’t the favorite, but you did well to not only win the title, but defeat Effy McAvoy at Reckless Wiring. Yet, there’s a question that I can’t help myself asking – how come Fire & Ice decided to pick Effy over you as their teammate for Brand Warfare?
(KASAI lets the question as the fans react in “oohs” around the arena. Mia Santoro’s eyes widen in anger as KASAI smirks, clearly striking a chord with the Specialists Champion.)
KASAI: Obviously, something’s amiss when it comes to that. Don’t get me wrong – that doesn’t mean that you aren’t talented; but, there are more Elitists that have more upside and the more that you scream and demand for respect, the less that you’re going to get.
(At this point, Mia Santoro’s blood begins to boil. She walks closer, looking to get closer to KASAI’s face.)
???: Hold up! Hold up!
(The camera pans to Holly Arrow, who is making her way down the ramp and to the ring. She already has a microphone in her hand.)
Holly Arrow: Now, I’ve had my issues with KASAI for weeks, but this might be the first time that I share her sentiments about you, Mia.
KASAI: THANK YOU! SOMEONE THAT SEES IT!
Holly Arrow: BUT, you are just as bad, KASAI because it’s no doubt that you thought that you were hoping to establish yourself as the best female talent here when you got drafted to Dynasty. Yet, you didn’t account for one person and that was me.
(The crowd pops for that, but KASAI scuffs, not believing a word that Holly Arrow says.)
KASAI: You’re nothing more than a one trick pony. You had all the time in the world to get better.
Holly Arrow: I acknowledge that. At the very least, I not only agree with you, but I agree with Mia Santoro in that it’s not how long it takes to reach the top, but you make it at all, period.
Mia Santoro: Fork found in the kitchen.
Holly Arrow: Don’t flatter yourself – that’s the only form of credit that I’ll give to a bitch like yourself.
(The crowd goes “ooh” again as Mia Santoro doesn’t take being called a “bitch” lightly. The word is enough to fire her up.)
Mia Santoro: You don’t want to mess with me, Holly. You may have survived Reckless Wiring, but you aren’t going to survive this match. I have busted my ass for way too long to get to thise stage of my career. I am not going to let you or Pennywise the clown over here take this championship away from me.
KASAI: Wow, really original, Mia. You think that your words strike a chord with me? It’s nothing more than noise coming from you. As much as I would have loved to see you and Holly duke it out for the Specialists Championship, I was not going to allow myself to be ignored. I was not going to allow myself to be left out the card because Dynasty management had nothing for me. I had the drive and hunger to get myself on this card. I have the drive and hunger to do what I can to take that Specialists Championship away from you. This match isn’t just about the championship. This match is about survivors who have enough grit to outlive each other. And, there is no one who has more grit than me.
Holly Arrow: Last season was one of the worst seasons of my career. I have fully acknowledged that. Now, there aren’t many words to describe how much this match means to me. No one has been able to experience what I have experienced. It’s been a long, tough road to be on. I have had my endless collection of failures and ridicules. While it may have taken a toll on me at some point, I have also used it to light a fire underneath my ass. That is what keeps me going when things don’t seem to be going my way. This match means the world to me and none of you have a single clue of how much it does. I want to go into this match and give everything I have for this sport. I want to hold the Specialists Champion and be proud of myself for the first time in a long time. Reckless Wiring was a step in the right direction, but Territorial Invasion is going to be the destination where I can look back and feel a sense of pride for myself. As you said, KASAI, the Specialists Championship is not just the workhorse championship, but a symbol of everything that I have been through to get to this point of my career. I am the rightful number one contender for the Specialists Championship, so I hope that you can get used to your spot as number two.
KASAI: You think that you’ll be the right person to win, but that’s going to be me!
(KASAI gets close to Holly Arrow’s face when she sees that. Holly glares at KASAI’s face in return.)
Mia Santoro: Oh that’s cute! Two losers fighting to see who gets to be pinned by the best thing to happen to the Specialists Championship! While the two of you are fighting who is bigger of a loser, I am going to be focused on disposing of the both of you. I don’t give a fuck which of you I have to pin. I’ll pin the both of you at the same time, if needed to be! This isn’t just my show and division! This is MY company! You two have been taking the spotlight for yourselves, thinking that you have something to offer, but you offer nothing more than a successful title defense for me to assert my dominance! You guys’ purpose is to give me the spotlight that I rightfully deserve! You all should be counting your blessings that you’re going to be facing a star like myself because none of you are worthy of being in the same ring as me! You two are nothing more than –
Jake Mercer: AND, IT SEEMS LIKE HOLLY ARROW AND KASAI HAD ENOUGH WITH MIA SANTORO’S RANT! AT THE SAME TIME, THE TWO WOMEN SLAM THEIR MICS TO THE SKULL OF THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! MIA DROPS TO THE GROUND!
Stew-O: KASAI TURNS HOLLY ARROW AROUND! NOW, THESE TWO CHALLENGERS ARE EXCHANGING PUNCHES TO EACH OTHER! KASAI MANAGES TO CONNECT WITH A LOW SUPERKICK THAT TAKES HOLLY BACK! KASAI BACKS AWAY BEFORE RUNNING TOWARDS HOLLY AND GOING FOR THE SKULL KICK THAT SHE CALLS ‘URAI’S CURSE!’
Flannery McCoy: BUT, HOLLY ARROW MANAGES TO DUCK THE SKULL KICK! INSTEAD, HOLLY NAILS A ‘VICTORIA’ – THE POP UP KNEE STRIKE THAT KNOCKS KASAI TO A KNEE! THEN, HOLLY BEGINS TO PICK UP KASAI AS SHE LOOKS TO CONNECT WITH ‘PSIONIC CROSSBOW’ – A LIFTING SINGLE UNDERHOOK DDT! BUT, KASAI JUMPS AND ESCAPES THE MOVE!
Jake Mercer: MIA SANTORO NAILS A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE THAT TAKES BOTH OF HER CHALLENGERS DOWN! SHE RAISES THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP ABOVE HER HEAD! RIGHT NOW, MIA STANDS TALL OVER HOLLY ARROW AND KASAI, BUT COULD IT BE THE SAME RESULT AT TERRITORIAL INVASION!
(The crowd is heated as Mia Santoro basks in the spotlight. The title high above her head as everyone gets a reminder of who the champion is and who the spotlight belongs too. This is her show. Her division. Her company. The scene fades elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, where Mia Santoro defends the EAW Specialists Championship in a triple threat bout against KASAI and Holly Arrow!)
(‘Faneto’ by Chief Keef plays, netting a HUGE response from the fans! The already-loud cheers heighten further as SOSA Henderson himself steps on out. While most of the EAW Universe have been conflicted with his return coming at the expense of Brian Daniels, he’s on home soil, and with that, his people are more than happy to greet him.)
Stephie Love: EAW Universe, please welcome at this time, Philadelphia’s very own… SOOOOSAAA HEEEENDEEERSOOOOOON!
(SOSA takes the time to soak up the applause, even if he isn’t actively yearning for it. With a nonchalant stride he heads down the ramp, then enters the ring. He walks off to the side to beckon for a microphone. He gets it, and ‘Faneto’ fades off.)
(SOSA smirks.)
SOSA Henderson: Well… it’s nice to feel like folks aren’t wanting to come by and get me in the neck all ‘cause I decided to beat up their favorite vanilla wafer next to Rex McAllister. However, while I always will have love for my own city, I ain’t really here to do the usual hometown kid schtick. Nah, nah, nah… I’m here for business. And I’m sure Brian Daniels himself appreciates that fact, because he’s been pretty damn angry with me for the past few weeks.
(Despite the serious circumstance, SOSA shrugs.)
SOSA Henderson: In fact? It’s been too much crying and too much complaining from him. He wants to act as if it’s this big, grand sin that I decided to come back and disrupt that match of his, and why? He wants to act as if I got a target on him, as if I have some grudge or I’m jealous; hell, the boy himself sometimes sounds like he doesn’t even know, but like I said, it makes no difference to me. I have never and will never owe anyone any kind of explanation, regardless of who they are or what their worth in this promotion might be. I do things MY way, and if that means I step on some toes, then oh well. I’m not some naive boy. I have my thoughts, my motivations, and I am fully aware of what I am doing at all times. The funny thing though is that Brian could’ve been well content with letting what happened past, but instead, he didn’t, and know here he is, poised to get knocked out by me yet again.
SOSA Henderson: It’s… honestly sad. Real sad, if you ask me! I mean, maybe he could’ve been in Brand Warfare, or in some other match that could be just as lit, but instead, he wants to act like some scorned fanboy and come after me. Even though I said it wasn’t anything personal, he decided to take things a step further, and now? Now, shit has gotten very real between us. It’s cool, though! I like real! I like when things get this messy, ‘cause that means I don’t gotta dress shit up for anyone. And most importantly? The person who wants to step to me acting all crazy won’t be able to back out. When they lose to me, they gotta accept the fact that they did it to themselves, and there’s nothing they can do about it! They have to admit they were the ones who were acting crazy, they were the ones who wanted to be extra, and THEY were the ones who ended up looking foolish by the end of the night.
SOSA Henderson: But aye—I’m not gonna stand here and pretend that it’s some kind of crying shame. The more fools line up, the more I’m gonna knock them down. Brian is just gonna be the first of many for this season, but he did it to himself, so he gets no mercy from me. All he had to do was understand it was nothing deep with me! But as always, Elitists wanna be emotional and stupid, so it is what it is. I’m not gonna let that trip me up, especially when I’m already looking past him.
(He grins.)
SOSA Henderson: Because after I handle all of this with Brian? I’m gonna be looking to move on to some gold, and then? Imma be right back where I wanna be.
(Some of the fans cheer. However, everyone explodes once ‘Dragonborn’ by Jeremy Soule blares out! Brian Daniels storms out, having a microphone in hand. However, SOSA is not amused by this.)
SOSA Henderson: Really? We doing this again? You gonna try and talk tough, or are you just here to pull u–
Brain Daniels: SOSA, if there is one thing you should be doing now that you’re back, it’s SHUTTING THE HELL UP!
(SOSA blinks, raising a brow before mockingly drawing his head back, clutching his imaginary pearls. However, the fans can sense that things are tense. Brian is serious as can be, and when he enters the ring, he doesn’t bother keeping any distance between himself and Henderson.)
Brian Daniels: Look, you can spin this all you want to try and make yourself seem cool, but no one is buying it. This has been an annoying charade for too long, and I think I’m going to be the one who can actually end it. These games, these jabs, these attacks? I’ve had enough. So, next week, I’m going to ensure that you don’t walk out of Washington D.C. with the victory. You’ve caused enough trouble, and it’s about time you pay for it.
(SOSA shakes his head, laughing.)
SOSA Henderson: YoU’vE cAuSeD eNoUgh TrOuBlE!! Brian, bro, quit sounding like a little bitch. 💀💀 I don’t give a FUCK if you’re mad at me or not! It makes no difference to me, because regardless of what you have to say, the outcome isn’t gonna change! You aren’t going to be doing anything worth a damn aside from losing to me next weekend, and hey, I don’t wanna wish you the worst or anything… I just wish you could quit it with the whining and huffing and puffing. I mean, you’re the same dude who wants to be a world champion, yet what kind of show would this be if it allowed Charmin soft-ass dudes like you to take the helm? Let alone a tired-ass Charmin, at that.
(Brian’s eyes narrow, but SOSA continues.)
SOSA Henderson: Look: people got their opinions of me. I get that there are some folks out there who aren’t even entirely bought in to the idea that I’m highly motivated, because I know I dip when things get a little rough. I can admit that. However, I can also admit to always coming back better than ever. While Viz can kick fucking rocks and suck my dick, I was tag team champ with ‘im, and we running shit. I came back after that whole thing fell to the wayside, and I was helping elevate this brand. When things didn’t work out, I came back to Showdown, and guess what? I helped make that brand make history last year at Territorial Invasion.
(SOSA grins, getting closer to Brian.)
SOSA Henderson: But you? What have you truly done, Brian? Got yourself a couple of cute wins here and there, showed you ain’t no flake, showed you’re in it for the long haul… but are you really? Because you can stay mad all you want, but I came back and made headlines. I got you up in arms over me! But the streets ain’t checking for Brian Daniels like that, man! They’re not. At most, you’re a respected hall of famer, but worst..? You’re a dude who doesn’t know when to quit while you’re ahead.
(Brian shakes his head. A dry, humorless laugh leaves him. He looks back up at SOSA and pauses for a moment before issuing out his response.)
Brian Daniels: So, let me get this straight: the fact that you don’t quit is supposed to be treated like this hallmark story of resilience, yet the fact that I don’t quit… it doesn’t matter? I’m someone that doesn’t know when to quit for my own good? I’m some kind of fool for wanting to make sure I can be proud of the later years of my career, and for having the absolute gaul to believe I can rectify that and become a champion…? I don’t know, SOSA. I’m not liking that one bit, because it goes to show you’re nothing more than a spineless hypocrite who wants to save face when he knows his back is up against the wall.
Crowd: :lupe: !!
(SOSA’s smirk lessens.)
SOSA Henderson: Oh yeah?
(Brian gives a solid nod, and a step forward.)
Brian Daniels: Yeah. And that makes you pathetic. It isn’t fun when people can put the mirror up to you, but guess what, SOSA? It’s happening. I’m not backing down at all when it comes to you. You did this to yourself, though, and come Territorial Invasion? You’re gonna have no one to blame but yourself for falling back into the miserable rot you’re used to.
(SOSA’s jaw clenches. He steps forward as well, both men staring holes into the other.)
SOSA Henderson: Be careful making shit you can’t cash, bitch. I’m not going to let you get off the hook easily.
Brian Daniels: Oh, so now you’re upset, huh? Guess that means you can stop being like a little bitch. :troll:
Crowd: :damn:
(SOSA inhales sharply—)
Stew-O: AND A SHOVE BY HENDERSON BEFORE HE GOES FOR A SUPERKICK TO STRIKE BRIAN CLEAN IN THE HEAD—
Jake Mercer: NO! BRIAN CAUGHT TO LEG AND NOW, HE ROLLS HIM UP AND DOWN TO THE MAT! THE CROSSFACE! HE’S LOCKING IT IN!
Flannery McCoy: AND IT IS IN! ‘THE FOURTH SEAL’ IS IN TIGHTLY! SOSA IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF IT, BUT BRIAN HAS HIM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!
(SOSA fights and fights… but he starts to fade. Brian, satisfied with his measure of revenge, lets go. SOSA coughs, hand shooting to his throat as he tries to gather his bearings. However, the submission leaves him hurt and exhausted.)
Stew-O: All that talk caught up to SOSA! Brian with the massive message sent to him ahead of Territorial Invasion! Can he replicate it next weekend!? We will have to wait and see!
(The final shot shows Brian leaving the ring, not smiling whatsoever, as he is tired of the games with SOSA. Henderson lifts his head up, watching him walk away as he continues to cough.)
(Dynasty fades to commercials.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, where Brian Daniels and SOSA Henderson square off!)
(Back from commercials, Team Dynasty stands together in the ring. Rex McAllister, Raven Roberts, Milli Banks, Effy McAvoy and Limmy Monaghan are united, even though there are still a few bruises and welts healing from all of the interbrand fighting in the lead-up to the pivotal weekend.)
Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Friday Night Dynasty! Team Dynasty, representing Brand Warfare are all out here, and despite the pushback from Showdown and Voltage, they do not seem deterred in the slightest.
Jake Mercer: As they shouldn’t! We got a strong team representing us, and while the other shows want to do what they want to do, even take over our show to launch their attacks, all five aren’t shaken up in the slightest.
Flannery McCoy: They definitely are prepared for what’s to come next weekend, especially when all five have experience in this sort of match. Brand Warfare is no joke, but it’s all about making sure at least one of them survives and makes it to the end. The question is, who will it be—or will it even have to come down to that?
(Fire & Ice look to each other and nod before speaking.)
Raven Roberts: It’s been a long road to Territorial Invasion, but the finish line is in sight. Of course the usual festivities have happened, and the other teams started fighting back. Last week was certainly the worst it’s been for us by far, but we know that the others aren’t stunted from any of that.
(Raven looks to Effy, Milli and Limmy, who all nod.)
Rex McAllister: It helps to have people who are used to this by now. However, it also goes to show that everyone is still ready for a fight. Some say the way we’ve approached things have been more aggressive than people would’ve thought from us, but when it comes to Territorial Invasion, and Brand Warfare for that matter? You need to set the pace from early on. Raven and I, along with Limmy, Milli and Effy, don’t try to create problems, but we’re not stupid either. We know how things go, and while some of the other Elitists can be upset about how we’ve done things, the simple fact of the matter is that they’re upset we were able to pull the trigger first.
Raven Roberts: That’s what it comes down to. Who’s to say that Voltage or Showdown wouldn’t have come after us first? Who’s to say that the captains would’ve wanted to play nice?
(Raven shrugs.)
Raven Roberts: In this sport, you have to stay a step ahead. However, speaking of the captains, we do have a conversation coming up since one of them invited us, so maybe Rex and I will be able to hear for ourselves what they have to think. Either way? We can keep things calm then, but next weekend, all of that is being thrown out the window. We want to win, and we know the other teams do as well. But we’re not going to let that happen.
(Raven gives a nod, resolute as ever. Limmy steps up and speaks.)
Limmy Monaghan: We won’t. I know I am going to do my part. I have the most confidence in our abilities, and I’m determined to do everything I can to help this team out. Winning is the priority, and I’m not going to back down — as I’m sure the ladies here feel the same way.
Milli Banks: You got it! There’s no quitting on our end. I said it before that I want to be back to form, and while this match is going to be tough, I’m going to do all I can to make sure I don’t drag us down.
Effy McAvoy: And I feel the same way. This season has gone the way I thought it would so far, but it’s still young as well. I am expected to do the best I can, and I don’t want to disappoint. This opportunity is something that not everyone gets to do twice, especially in back to back years like Limmy and I. At least we’re familiar with working together, and with this sort of match awaiting me… I know I can do better than I did last year and help us win.
(Raven and Rex are more than happy with their words.)
Rex McAllister: Gotta love the enthusiasm—because we are the best team heading into that match. Everyone can say what they want, and even try to do their worst. However, we’re not going to quit. We’re not going to back down. We’re coming for everything, and next week? Dynasty is going to win.
Milli Banks: Period!
Limmy Monaghan: We’re going to win, no matter what.
Effy McAvoy: And we’re going to show everyone else exactly what we’re made of.
(All five grin at each other while the fans cheer.)
Crowd: DY-NAS-TY! DY-NAS-TY! DY-NAS-TY!
Stew-O: Team Dynasty is ready to go! Will they be able to bring home the win and all of the glory that comes with it next week at Territorial Invasion? We’ll find out!
(Dynasty fades to commercials.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, highlighting the flagship Brand Warfare match!)
(The Friday Night Dynasty video feed fades into the same massive estate that the EAW Universe got to witness before; one look at the eccentric decorations and other idiosyncrasies immediately let the audience know that the mansion belonged to none other than the Chairman of EAW, Methuselah. The video feed fades into the mansion, where the Dynasty War Games team were having a meeting in Methuselah’s practice ring after a training session. BRAE and Drake look tired, and that doesn’t appear to just be because of the training session; frustration and irritation were evident on their faces.)
Drake King: It doesn’t matter how much of this RIDICULOUS training we do, we were caught off guard last week at the main event!
BRAE: If we can’t deal with the champion and challenger in a team together, we’ll need to do some more work before War Games to make sure we can be unified.
Drake King: My problem isn’t unity with you, it’s unity with–
Methuselah: Salachya, I must be mishearing. It sounds like you are trying to shift the onus of responsibility away from yourselves when it was the grave act of flagrant disobedience that condemned that match to hellfire in the first place. FINISH HIM. Such was the commandment of Commander Adams unto you, Drake, in reference to CYCLONE. The Cyclone exists in cycles; the Hermetic Principle of Rhythm is ubiquitous, yet none embody it more than CYCLONE.
Methuselah: I selected you and you specifically to fight him for a reason; you disobeyed me when you did not tag yourself back into the match, just as you, BRAE, disobeyed by not tagging yourself back out. Walk with me.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you committed an act of sabotage upon my ship.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you may as well have spat upon my face.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you found yourself thrown into disarray after having strayed from the path I laid out.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you were rendered incapable of effectively defending thineselves.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you were rendered incapable of defending YOUR COMMANDER.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you RELINQUISHED valuable momentum to the enemies upon our own Dynastic Motherland.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you have soiled my brand’s good name.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you have poisoned our water supply, burned our crops, and delivered a plague unto our houses!
Methuselah: THEREF-
Drake King: Too WEAK? Are you kidding me? You call yourself the Commander, right? Shouldn’t the Commander have been able to expect an ambush this close to War Games? Where was the man that’s supposed to be steering the ship, huh? All of that master building and divine designing didn’t mean anything when, predictably, the other teams showed up and did whatever they wanted on our brand. And hey, this is still YOUR company, right? You’re telling me the great Methuselah wouldn’t have been able to tell what’s going on in his own show?
Methuselah: OVER FOR THOU. Once upon a time, Drake King had the opportunity to be in the captain’s seat himself; prithee, would you happen to know where I could find that man? The pudgy replacement I have here is apparently too soft to be able to handle multiple opponents.
Drake King: I’m too soft? The only reason I’m not the World Heavyweight Champion right now is because Cy plotted against me to get Joso into the Pain for Pride main event. What’s your excuse other than just being soft yourself? Does the great Commander Adams really need protecting from the other teams? Maybe I did too much of a number on you at Pain for Pride…
Methuselah: Spare me the ramblings of a perpetual malcontent; if I just wanted to hear you prattle off excuses, there are far more videos on the EAW network. One would merely need to tune into any of your videos and there is a 50% chance of seeing you devolve into a blubbering-
BRAE: Alright, that’s enough.
(Both of them turn to look at the young Interwire Champion.)
Methuselah: Pardon?
BRAE: Am I the only one that realizes we’re… a week away from War Games, and the two of you are hashing out whatever issues you both have with each other while the other teams are plotting on our defeat? I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I know all about the two of you and why there’s so much hatred going in both directions, but what I think I can safely assume is that we all at least want to WIN at War Games.
BRAE: Getting into a big argument about what happened at the main event of Dynasty isn’t going to do anything for anyone. It doesn’t help us, that’s for sure; if it helps anyone, it’s going to help the other teams when they see us get into an argument and appear disjointed for them to pick on. They’re going to try to do whatever they can to tear us apart, whether that’s turning us against each other or trying to kill us in that ring. We have nowhere to go once we’re in those steel walls.
BRAE: So, we need to get our act together. You don’t need to like each other, but you do need to cooperate for at least one more week. Let’s win War Games, then you guys can do whatever you want. Just because I’m the Interwire Champion doesn’t mean I’m not looking to push myself and rake in some even bigger wins than that. I want this win more than anything in the world right now, and that means I need both of you two to pull it together for me.
(They all fell silent. That same cold, loathing expression came across the face of Methuselah.)
Methuselah: You…………
(He looked away for a second before continuing.)
Methuselah: You are absolutely correct, young champion. In spite of the disobedience showed last week, we needn’t hash this out right now. I don’t even need to delve into the punishments that I had in mind… not yet, in any case! Prithee, make your way to the dining room; I have received a message from my staff that food is ready for consumption.
BRAE: Thank you.
(Drake King is still silent, narrowing his eyes at Methuselah but saying nothing as he heads to the dining room. This time, the entire dinner session is spent in silence as none of them speak up, instead scarfing down their food quickly. Methuselah was the first to finish his plate, and he left down a different corridor than usual as he exited the room, snapping to prompt a housekeeping staff member to take his plate. Drake’s gaze shifted to BRAE as they both finished their own meals before heading back to bed. Upon the two of them getting in their respective beds, though…)
Drake King: You know that wasn’t a good idea, right?
BRAE: What do you mean?
Drake King: When you said you weren’t going to pretend you knew that much about the hatred we have for each other, you were right. You spoke back, you pushed back, and most of all you took charge from a man that loves nothing more than to be in control and take charge of other people.
BRAE: …
Drake King: Watch your back .I wouldn’t be surprised if Methuselah has it out for you now, too, just like he does for me. Or did you forget what we talked about the last time we were in this bedroom? That isn’t a man you can trust.
BRAE: Drake, with all due respect… I think I know what I’m doing, as the Interwire Champion. Your worries are appreciated, but I’m going to do what I think is right; I am my own man, after all, I don’t need to follow Methuselah’s orders or yours.
Drake King: You…
(Drake sits up in his bed, looking angry at BRAE for the first time since this debacle started; however, a deeply exhausted expression can be seen on the face of Drake King, who looks so drained by having to deal with Methuselah that he can barely muster a word to launch back at the Interwire Champion at all. All he does is glare at BRAE before shaking his head and falling back down onto his pillow, turning away from BRAE and falling asleep almost immediately.)
BRAE: …
(BRAE senses that there won’t be any more arguing tonight, so he slumps over and goes to sleep himself. The video feed fades away from the bedroom and fades to black… only to reappear in an unfamiliar room. A war room, filled to the brim with antiques from historic wars of the past, could be seen, with none other than the Dynasty War Games team captain, Methuselah, looking down at a table with a board on it. On the table, one could see quite a few figurines, two of which the camera zooms into to reveal that they look exactly like Drake King and the Interwire Champion, BRAE. Methuselah, with his arms crossed behind his back, glowers down at the pieces before a smirk appears on his face. He stares at the pieces in silence before the video feed fades to black on his smirk.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
