(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap of last week’s event is shown, before the camera goes to show a beautiful shot of the sunny Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo. The crowd in Costa Rica is live and in living color as many of them are seen in lounges chairs enjoying some food and drinks, cheering loudly as the camera pans around. It then goes over to the commentary desk where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich, and Persephone are seen standing by.)
Rich Russillo: We are hot off the heels of a successful Shock Value Marquee Event, welcoming you all to another jampacked episode of… Sunday Night Voltage!
Persephone: And we are straight to Grand Rampage, one of the most least exciting Marquee Events of all time. :/
Thadd Blazevich: Quiet yourself, bro! It’s one of the most EXCITING Marquee Events, and we are on the road to it starting tonight! So let’s not waste anytime! Let’s get to it, bro!
(The camera begins to transition over towards the entrance way, before finally, ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney hits. The crowd explodes with cheers hearing this for the first time in a month, and before long, both Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair begin making their way out with smiles on their faces. They wave towards the cheering fans, and they both can be seen holding microphones in their hands. The two begin to make their way towards the ring, meeting with some of the cheering fans in attendance as they make their first entrance back.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Please welcome Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair!
Rich Russillo: It’s been a while, but our Commissioner and his assistant are back on Voltage! It was an interesting month without them, and now I’m sure these two have their own thoughts on TLA and Chris Elite’s work as general managers, especially knowing that we’re coming off of Shock Value.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s not often that we get a marquee event that these two had absolutely nothing to do with, dude. Just so happens, that was a pretty insane event, both for good and bad reasons. I wonder what they’ll have to say.
Persephone: Well, they’re probably going to need to address the elephant in the room at some point.
(Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair approach the ringside area, and the two walk up the steel steps before entering the ring. The two stand in the middle of the ring as Captain Charisma’s entrance music fades out, and the two take in the cheers from the crowd for a moment, until finally Captain Charisma begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen… Welcome BACK to Sunday Night Voltage!
(This causes more loud cheers to come from the fans in attendance, and the Commissioner continues.)
Captain Charisma: I’m glad to be able to say that again. It’s a shame that Eden and I weren’t able to be part of Voltage for the past month, but you know what? I think things turned out well. We took a risk by putting a general manager spot on the line at King of Elite, but ultimately it looks like TLA and Chris Elite were both good options for the role, because during their time as co-general managers they continued to give you all the thrilling shows that Voltage is known for, which of course includes our final Voltage-exclusive event of the year, Shock Value! Every year Shock Value turns out to be one of the most exciting events of the year, and thankfully, it seems our absence did not prevent that from once again being the case.
(Captain Charisma smiles, and Eden nods her head in agreement before beginning to speak.)
Eden Sinclair: The Voltage roster brought their best at Shock Value and that won’t go unappreciated. We’ve always cared about putting on the greatest show possible, and with Pain for Pride getting closer and closer, we can’t afford to take our foot off of the gas. I’m glad to see that we were able to continue having such great shows even with us not around to make it happen, and I thank TLA and Chris Elite for using their general manager roles to put on these shows. Captain Charisma and I were watching Shock Value just like we were for every single Voltage heading towards it, so we saw how much effort went into these shows. It was good to see how great of an event Shock Value turned out to be, however… Now that we’re here I believe it’s time that we talk about what occurred at Shock Value, as unfortunately, this was far from an event without controversy.
(After Eden Sinclair says this, the fans begin to quiet down, and there is a more somber feeling across the resort knowing what occurred at Shock Value. Neither Eden nor Captain Charisma seem to even know where to start regarding what happened at Shock Value, but eventually, Captain Charisma begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: That’s right… First things first, we’d like to extend our condolences to Adam Lucas and Dr. Bethany Blue. Voltage has always been known as a brand where anything could happen, but we’re not without our limits, and the last thing we’d ever want is for something like this to happen on our show for any reason. Adam and Bethany both have years of experience on our brand and could be considered Voltage mainstays at this point, so I don’t think I need to explain how unfortunate it is seeing the events that unfolded since Shock Value. If you hadn’t already heard, it has been revealed that Dr. Bethany Blue was pregnant during her match against Adam Lucas. After the violent events that occurred during the match, including an attack by the former 24/7 Contract holder after cashing in his contract, Bethany suffered a miscarriage, which is part of the reason she is not here tonight.
Eden Sinclair: In matches where anything goes and all bets are off, it’s understood that anything might happen. However, we have no intention of overlooking what occurred last week, and we never intend to let something like this happen again. It was awful. We are deeply ashamed of the fact that this happened at all, and we’re also sorry that all of you had to witness such a terrible mess at Shock Value knowing the tragedy that came out of it. Captain Charisma already explained that Bethany is not here, but as for Adam, I can tell you all that he has not yet arrived at the resort, but we’ve already received word that he will be here at some point tonight. Hopefully we are able to hear from him later in the night, but again, this is a difficult time for both him and Bethany, and I’d like to respect that.
(Eden Sinclair sighs, before doing her best to move on from the sensitive topic as she continues.)
Eden Sinclair: Well, as we look towards the future, we’re on the road to Grand Rampage, and now that we’re back, one thing is for sure and it’s that we want to get right back to giving you all the greatest shows possible.
Captain Charisma: We sure do. We have an excellent show prepared for you all tonight, and a lot for us to take care of after Shock Value. We have a new number one contender, a situation regarding a separate number one contendership match, certain injuries following Shock Value, everything regarding Grand Rampage and of course… around 7,631 different complaints from Drake Armstrong. Pain for Pride is only a few months away and Grand Rampage is on the horizon, so now is the time for us to get back on track and continue to give you all the amazing shows that you deserve. Trust me, from here on out, things are only going to get better-
(‘Burn In My Light’ by Mercy Drive hits.)
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair turn towards the entrance way, and neither of them are happy with the interruption, knowing who it is coming from. The boos are extremely loud, managing to overpower the music knowing who is on their way out. Before long they would be revealed, as the new Hardcore Champion, Kai Rabeaux would be seen walking out. He is holding a microphone in his hand, and he is wearing his Championship around his waist.)
Rich Russillo: Unbelievable. If there was ever an inappropriate time for Kai Rabeaux to make an interruption, it’s right now. Kai Rabeaux walked away from Shock Value as the new Hardcore Champion as we know, but I can’t say it feels right seeing him with that title knowing what occurred as a result of his victory.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, dude. There’s crossing the line, then there’s what Kai did at Shock Value. Seriously, this isn’t cool, and Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair don’t look too happy to see Kai right now, either.
Persephone: To be fair, I’m actually surprised. I almost didn’t think Kai would be willing to show his face again now that he’s a baby killer.
(Kai climbs onto the apron and enters the ring as his entrance music fades out. Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair both stare at Kai, baffled by him interrupting them at such a time. However, Kai doesn’t even approach them once in the ring, instead walking to the ropes on the other side of the ring and staring towards the timekeeper’s area. After a moment, it becomes clear that he is specifically staring at the Voltage announcer, Bella Braxton.)
Kai Rabeaux: What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to welcome your *new* Hardcore Champion?
(This only causes the boos to grow louder once more, as Bella refuses to respond to Kai, not pleased to hear his words either knowing what he did. A smirk forms on Kai’s face, and he just turns away from Bella, only to be met with the stares of both Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair.)
Eden Sinclair: Really? Are you actually doing this right now?
Kai Rabeaux: I don’t know what you’re talking about. The two of you speak about Shock Value and how significant of an event it was both in controversy and in excitement, yet you fail to address the most important moment that occurred across the entire night. Your Overlord did everything he promised. I warned Hans Grayson that he was going to fall, and in the end he found himself laid out at my feet. I said from the moment I won the 24/7 Contract that it was only a matter of time before a Championship fell into my hands, and the Hardcore Championship is now mine. Tell me, what could possibly be more important right now than the coronation of the man who will go down as the greatest Hardcore Champion of all time?
(Kai unhooks his Championship, turning towards the crowd and raising the title in the air as the loud boos continue. After this, he places the Championship on his shoulder, but noting both the boos and the reactions from both the crowd and Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair, Kai understands he has a lot more to address, which he does as he begins to speak once more.)
Kai Rabeaux: Of course, I can understand why my victory was not the sole topic of discussion. I’m aware of the controversy surrounding my Hardcore Championship win, and I know that this has been sitting in your minds ever since the news of Bethany’s miscarriage was revealed. I can see that every single one of you is upset. I see the hatred in your eyes, and I can tell that you all want answers regarding my actions. You’re hoping for me to give you some kind of response, one that’ll make you feel better about the horrible scene you were forced to witness last week.
(After this, Kai just shakes his head, continuing to stare at the crowd.)
Kai Rabeaux: However, I’m not sure what kind of response you are expecting, because I have nothing to apologize for.
(This just leaves the people in attendance in disbelief, and Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair are speechless hearing this from the Hardcore Champion. However, Kai is not finished yet, as he continues to speak.)
Kai Rabeaux: Did the widespread idea of me being this wicked, malicious “baby killer” already blind you all to the fact that I found out about Bethany’s pregnancy at the same time as the rest of you? There is a reason all of this was even able to happen, and it’s because instead of staying home so she can actually become a mother, Bethany chose to prioritize her wrestling career and put herself in harm’s way without any concern for the condition she may have been in. She put her Championship before her future child and in turn gave me the perfect opportunity to cash in on her. She did this to herself, but I don’t even blame her, because clearly, she didn’t even know. Adam didn’t know. Nobody seemed to know that Bethany was pregnant, or at least, nobody thought she was in any condition to stay out of the ring, which means that as far as I am concerned, I merely did what my 24/7 Contract permitted me to do. I picked my opportunity carefully, and I did what I needed to do to become Champion. Whatever consequences may have come from those actions are for Bethany and Adam to deal with. Not me.
(The boos continue, and Kai Rabeaux turns, looking to exit the ring. However, once he turns, he sees Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair standing right in front of him, blocking his path. The two look disgusted with what they just heard, and it takes a moment as they’re forced to process Kai’s words, but eventually, Captain Charisma begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Kai, do you even hear yourself right now? Do you know what’s been going on ever since the news was revealed of Bethany’s miscarriage? This isn’t just a matter of you making one small mistake you can just move on from without any problem. You crossed the line, Kai. What you did went way too far, and the consequences for that go far beyond what happens in the ring. You know what kind of state Texas is, and now thanks to your actions Eden and I are having to deal with a ton of annoying paperwork because if the people there get their way, you’re being *banned* from ever competing there again.
(This leaves the fans surprised hearing that things have already escalated to that extent. Captain Charisma continues.)
Captain Charisma: We’re still trying to have it sorted out. This isn’t the first time we’ve had to deal with Elitists getting banned and stuff like that, but never before has it happened thanks to something like this. Not only have you potentially harmed your own career, but you caused damage that you can never take back. All of this, and the only thing you have to say for yourself is that it wasn’t your fault?
(Kai just sighs, tired of having to hear the complaints as he responds.)
Kai Rabeaux: Would you prefer that I take unnecessary blame for something that had nothing to do with me? I don’t care that one state is trying to ban me. You’ll figure it out, and nothing will change. I won a Championship. That’s it.
Eden Sinclair: No, no you don’t get to just say “that’s it” after what you did! There’s no telling when Bethany is going to be back because she’s having to deal with the fact that she had a miscarriage, because she was attacked in the stomach with a weapon by *you*. This business is dangerous and that’s something that everyone who steps into this company has to prepare for, but when Bethany and Adam agreed to face each other at Shock Value, you were never part of it. THAT had nothing to do with you, but you forced yourself into it just so you could become Champion only for you to make as big of a mess as possible. Do you know how much this means to either of them? Do you have the slightest idea what you took away from Bethany and Adam with that attack? I know how special it can be to become a mother, and the last thing anyone should have to experience is having their child ripped away from them like that. Maybe it doesn’t matter to you because all you care about is having that title on your shoulder, but I’m not going to sit here and listen to you make excuses for what you did to Bethany when that only happened because you CHOSE to get involved at Shock Value.
Eden Sinclair: You’re not free of all blame because you didn’t know about her pregnancy yet, especially not when you can’t even be bothered to take it seriously despite the fact that at the end of the day, you’re the one who’s gonna have to spend the rest of the season sharing a brand with the people you did this to.
(Those last words cause cheers to come from the crowd, while Kai stares at Eden, unsure of what she’s getting at. However, Captain Charisma would soon add in.)
Captain Charisma: Remember what I said, Kai. Adam Lucas will be here later tonight. You better hope he doesn’t get his hands on you.
(The cheers continue, and after these words, Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair turn and begin to exit the ring, having had enough of Kai Rabeaux. The camera cuts back to the Hardcore Champion, and the smirk he previously had is now gone, as he’s forced to think about the fact that Adam Lucas will be back later tonight, and what may happen once he does arrive.)
Rich Russillo: Wow. Kai Rabeaux is going to need to be really careful going forward, because Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair said it all. He has undoubtedly made some serious enemies, and his response tonight definitely didn’t help his case. We also heard some crazy things already about the circumstances that have unfolded.
Thadd Blazevich: I know, right? What do you mean Kai Rabeaux is banned from the state of Texas? This is crazy bro, then there’s the whole Adam Lucas thing. Things might get really nasty later, man. There’s no telling what’s gonna happen once Adam gets to the resort, but I’ll tell you one thing, I’d hate to be Kai Rabeaux right now, bro.
Persephone: Why? He’s a mediocre wrestler, but he is still Champion at the end of the day, so things are still going his way right now. All he has to do is make it to the end of the season without getting killed by Adam Lucas. That can’t be too hard, right?
(Captain Charisma and Eden Sinclair continue to walk up the ramp, with Eden just shaking her head after the argument that was just held with Kai. As the two take their leave, Kai Rabeaux just watches on, before turning away, still thinking about later tonight and what’s to come. From there, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)
(Commercial for Daredevil: Born Again season 2, premiering on Tuesday night only on Disney+.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse hits as Jay Jerry Johnson steps out onto the stage. He pauses for a second, looking out at the crowd, then nods to himself and heads down the ramp with a steady pace, locked in for the match ahead.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 223 pounds…HE IS THE ARTIST… JAY! JERRY! JOHNSON!!
Thadd Blazevich: Big match ahead for Jay tonight, bro. You can see it in his face, he knows what this means.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, he’s coming in with momentum after last week, but this is a different kind of challenge for him. He’s going to have to stay sharp from the opening bell.
Thadd Blazevich: No doubt about it. He’s locked in right now, and if he keeps that same energy, he might just walk out with another big win.
(‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas hits as Saori Aizen steps out onto the stage. Her expression is serious as she looks toward the ring. She takes a breath, then walks down the ramp with purpose, focused on the match ahead.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing from Osaka, Japan, weighing in at 130 pounds… SHE IS THE REAPER… SAORI AIZEN!
Rich Russillo: You can tell she’s not in the best mood after Shock Value. She looks focused, but there’s frustration there too.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, and that can go one of two ways, bro. Either it throws you off, or it pushes you to be even more dangerous in the ring.
Persephone: Good. Maybe she’ll actually hurt someone this time other than herself.
(The referee signals for the bell as both competitors stand in opposing corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Thadd Blazevich: There’s the bell, and it’s on like Donkey Kong between both Saori Aizen and Jay Jerry Johnson, bro.
Persephone: Please, never say that again.
Thadd Blazevich: Which part?
Persephone: You know exactly which part.
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t know, bro. You’ll have to be more specific. :mjgrin:
Persephone: The part where you talk like it’s still 2007. Try it again and I’m muting your mic myself.
Thadd Blazevich: Noted.
Rich Russillo: Settle down, you two. Now isn’t the time. Our focus should be on Saori Aizen and Jay Jerry Johnson as they circle each other to start off, both keeping their distance, both clearly feeling things out early on. You can see it in their movement too, neither one rushing in just yet, and that’s probably because of what they went through at Shock Value. Both of them are still carrying those battle scars, and it’s obvious neither is entering this at a hundred percent.
Rich Russillo: But that’s the nature of Voltage. You don’t get time to sit back and recover, you’re expected to show up and perform regardless, and that’s exactly what both of them are doing here tonight. Still pushing through, still stepping into the ring, and both looking to build some momentum coming out of last week.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, and Jay Jerry Johnson already has a bit of that on his side after picking up a big win over Damon Lazarus. That’s something you can’t overlook heading into a match like this.
Thadd Blazevich: Meanwhile, Saori’s situation is a lot different, bro. Her match didn’t even reach a proper conclusion, all three women were laid out and couldn’t keep going. So now she’s coming into this looking to make up for that, trying to get a result she couldn’t get last week.
Rich Russillo: Jay and Saori meet in the middle for a collar and elbow tie up, and Saori quickly takes control with a standing side headlock. She wrenches on the hold and brings Jay down with a side headlock takedown, but Jay uses those long legs of his to wrap around her head and escape with a headscissors.
Thadd Blazevich: Saori kicks out of it and both competitors scramble back to their feet. It’s a standoff early on, but they don’t stay still for long as they start circling each other again. Another collar and elbow tie up, and this time Jay spins Saori around into a rear waistlock.
Rich Russillo: Jay reaches under the arm and turns her around into a side headlock takedown, returning the favor. Saori doesn’t stay there long though, she uses her legs to catch Jay and escape with a headscissors of her own. Jay kicks out, and once again both competitors are right back to their feet in another early standoff, neither able to keep control for long.
Persephone: Yeah, yeah, they can wrestle. Wake me up when one of them actually does something worth caring about.
Rich Russillo: The two circle each other for a third time, and Jay Jerry Johnson steps in looking for a Greco Roman knuckle lock in the center of the ring. Saori accepts it for now, locking hands as they go shoulder to shoulder, both trying to gain the advantage. It doesn’t take long though, Saori shifts her grip and wrings the arm of Jay, taking control of the wrist.
Thadd Blazevich: She adds more torque to it and brings Jay down to a knee, but he powers right back up. Jay starts to move around, then drops into a front roll and bridges on his neck before getting back to his feet, reversing it with an arm wringer of his own on Saori.
Rich Russillo: Now it’s Jay pulling on the arm, really cranking it before he snaps her down with an over the shoulder arm breaker. He keeps hold of the wristlock as Saori stumbles a bit, clearly feeling that one in her arm.
Thadd Blazevich: Saori makes her way toward the ropes and grabs the top one with her free hand, flipping forward to try and relieve some of that pressure. Jay transitions right into a standing side headlock, but Saori backs him into the ropes and sends him off. Jay comes running back—
Rich Russillo: —AND SAORI CATCHES HIM WITH AN ARM DRAG! BOTH COMPETITORS RUSH BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND JAY TURNS IT RIGHT BACK AROUND ON HER, CATCHING SAORI WITH AN ARM DRAG OF HIS OWN AS SHE RAN RIGHT INTO IT!
Thadd Blazevich: SAORI ROLLS ONTO BOTH KNEES AND JAY CHARGES RIGHT AT HER, BUT SHE SWEEPS THE BACK OF HIS LEGS OUT FROM UNDER HIM AND DROPS INTO A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: ONLY A ONE COUNT AS JAY KICKS OUT! He rolls onto both knees and tries to sweep Saori’s legs out from under her, but she FLIPS BACK INTO A HANDSPRING TO AVOID IT! Great awareness there, AND SHE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A FRONT DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE CHEST AS JAY RISES TO A KNEE!
Thadd Blazevich: Saori pops right back up to her feet as Jay rolls toward the corner, still down on a knee and holding his chest after that shot. Saori steps in closer now, measuring him, and there’s a bit of a grin on her face as she watches him try to recover. Jay’s looking around, trying to reset and figure out his next move.
Rich Russillo: Saori seems to have it figured out already. Her speed and athleticism are going to be key here, especially with Jay still feeling the effects of that dropkick.
Persephone: Yeah, good. At least something’s happening now. Keep it like that and maybe I won’t check out completely.
Thadd Blazevich: Jay exits the corner and starts circling Saori again before they lock up for another collar and elbow tie up! Jay uses his strength to push her back toward the corner, but Saori grabs onto his tights for leverage and turns it around at the last second! She backs him into the corner instead and LIGHTS HIM UP WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! THAT ONE ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE ARENA!
Persephone: Finally.
Rich Russillo: Jay doubles over for a moment after that shot, but Saori doesn’t waste any time lining him up again for ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! Jay pushes past her and staggers toward another corner, keeping himself near the ropes as he tries to recover. Saori stays right on him though, not giving him space— BUT JAY TURNS AROUND AND FIRES BACK WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP OF HIS OWN! HE MAY HAVE BAITED HER IN THERE!
Thadd Blazevich: SAORI STAGGERS BACK FROM THE IMPACT, AND JAY FOLLOWS IT UP BY DRIVING HER BACK INTO THE CORNER WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! NOW IT’S SAORI IN TROUBLE AS JAY STEPS IN CLOSE AND LANDS A THIRD CHOP THAT STUNS HER BEFORE SENDING HER OFF WITH AN IRISH WHIP TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: Saori goes up and over, twisting in the air and landing on her feet behind him before she hits a FRONT HANDSPRING TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! She spins around and motions for Jay to come at her, and he does just that, charging right out of the corner— SAORI SIDE STEPS IT AND JAY GOES RUNNING TOWARD THE CORNER! Saori chases after him, but JAY FLIPS BACK OFF THE TOP ROPE TO AVOID HER IN THE CORNER!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY HITS THE ROPES, BUILDING MOMENTUM, AND SAORI TRIES TO CUT HIM OFF WITH A CLOTHESLINE BUT HE DUCKS UNDER IT! He rebounds off the ropes again and goes for a clothesline of his own, BUT SAORI DUCKS THAT ONE TOO! Now both competitors are running off opposite sides— AND THEY COLLIDE IN THE CENTER WITH CROSSBODIES AT THE SAME TIME! BOTH OF THEM HAD THE EXACT SAME IDEA!
Persephone: :mjlol2: Watching those two crash into each other like dummies might be the highlight of this match so far.
Rich Russillo: Saori and Jay are both down after that, rolling around and feeling the impact of that double crossbody before they start to push themselves back up. It’s Saori who gets there first, just barely, and she wastes no time stepping in and BLASTING JAY WITH A FOREARM STRIKE!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay gets rocked by it, but he fires right back with a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT SNAPS HER HEAD BACK! Saori answers with ANOTHER FOREARM! BUT JAY COMES BACK WITH A SECOND STIFF EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! FOREARM FROM SAORI! UPPERCUT FROM JAY! AND HE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH ANOTHER… AND ANOTHER!
Rich Russillo: JAY STARTS LETTING THEM GO NOW, A FLURRY OF UPPERCUTS THAT ARE STARTING TO WEAR SAORI DOWN—BUT OUT OF NOWHERE, “THUNDERCLAP NOVA!” SAORI FIRES BACK WITH THAT VICIOUS ELBOW STRIKE!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE PUT EVERYTHING INTO THAT ONE, DROPPING JAY DOWN ONTO HIS SIDE! You can tell he didn’t see that coming at all as he scrambles away, crawling toward the ropes just to get some space. He grabs onto the middle rope and starts pulling himself up to a knee—
Rich Russillo: BUT SAORI DOESN’T LET UP! SHE RUSHES RIGHT BACK IN AND STARTS DRIVING ELBOWS INTO JAY OVER AND OVER! THE REFEREE HAS TO STEP IN AND PULL HER BACK AS JAY SLUMPS AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE, TRYING TO COVER UP!
Persephone: Saori’s thinking the same thing I am at this point, it’s time to wrap this shit up.
Thadd Blazevich: The aggression has definitely picked up for her, bro, and she’s stalking Jay as he uses the ropes to slowly pull himself back up— BUT SAORI CHARGES IN WITH A RUNNING BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD! SENDING HIM TUMBLING OUT OF THE RING THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Rich Russillo: Jay’s trying to shake it off as he drops to a knee on the outside, still looking out of it, while Saori steps out onto the apron. She glances back for a moment— ASAI MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE! SHE WIPES JAY OUT AT RINGSIDE! SAORI LANDS ON HER FEET BUT STUMBLES BACK INTO THE BARRICADE FROM THE IMPACT, THEN IMMEDIATELY PUSHES OFF AND HEADS RIGHT BACK TOWARD HIM!
Thadd Blazevich: She grabs Jay and rolls him back into the ring, not wasting any time at all, and she hooks the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! JAY GETS THE SHOULDER UP! But Saori stays on him, rolling him right onto his stomach— AND SHE LOCKS IN THE “COFFIN OF THE IRON MOUNTAIN!” OMOPLATA CROSSFACE APPLIED!
Persephone: TAAAAP! TAAAAP!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY’S REACHING OUT FOR THE ROPES, AND HE’S CLOSE, BUT SAORI IS REALLY CRANKING BACK ON THAT HOLD! SHE’S TRYING TO END THIS RIGHT HERE!
Rich Russillo: BUT JAY REFUSES TO GIVE UP! HE’S DRAGGING HIMSELF TOWARDS THE ROPES, SCRATCHING AND CLAWING WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS LEFT!
Persephone: No… no… DAMMIT!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT SAORI ISN’T LETTING GO! SHE’S KEEPING THAT HOLD LOCKED IN! THE REFEREE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO STEP IN AND START A COUNT!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-
Rich Russillo: Saori finally lets go at the last possible second, using every bit of that five count to her advantage! You can see the damage already done as Jay rolls slightly, clutching at his arm, but Saori doesn’t give him any time to recover, and immediately presses her knee into the side of Jay’s jaw, pinning him down while holding onto the ropes for extra leverage, really grinding it in!
Thadd Blazevich: And again the referee has to step in and count!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-
Thadd Blazevich: Same thing again, bro. Saori waits until the very last second before breaking it up, making sure she gets everything out of it before backing off. She’s being smart here, pushing the limits but not crossing the line!
Persephone: She should cross the line. At least then this would be over already.
Rich Russillo: Saori pulls Jay back up to his feet now, and you can tell he’s still feeling the effects of that submission and those follow up shots. She directs him toward the corner and sends him in FACE FIRST into the turnbuckles!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay stumbles out of the corner, holding his face and chest, and Saori is right there waiting on him—
Rich Russillo: —AND SHE LIGHTS HIM UP WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! You can hear that one ring out as Jay doubles over and leans against the ropes, trying to create some distance!
Rich Russillo: But Saori grabs him by the back of the head and THROWS HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay manages to land on his feet, but he’s stumbling, barely keeping himself up as he makes it to the barricade and leans against it. He’s trying to regroup, but Saori is already on her way out after him— AND SHE DELIVERS ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP RIGHT ACROSS THE CHEST! You can see the marks starting to form now, his chest is already turning red from all this damage!
Rich Russillo: Jay tries to move away again, but Saori grabs him from behind and drags him over to the announce table, and SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST OFF THE TOP OF IT! That impact drops him down to a knee immediately! Saori pulls him right back up, leaning him against the table, and SHE CHOPS HIM AGAIN! No hesitation at all, just staying on the attack!
Thadd Blazevich: Now she drags him over to the barricade and leans him up against it, and THERE’S ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! She’s just picking him apart out here before rolling him back inside the ring to keep this match going!
Persephone: Why? Why does she hate me?
Rich Russillo: Jay pulls himself up in the corner as Saori lines him up, charging in with a RUNNING PUMP KICK TO THE CORNER! THAT CONNECTS FLUSH! SAORI PULLS JAY OUT OF THE CORNER AND HE DROPS TO BOTH KNEES, CLEARLY DAZED— AND HE GETS CAUGHT WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST! THAT ONE ECHOES AND YOU CAN SEE HIM TEETER AFTER IT!
Thadd Blazevich: Saori follows it up with ANOTHER SHOOT KICK, but that one seems to fire Jay up instead of putting him down! He’s starting to fight through it now, and Saori sees it, trying to shut that down with another kick— BUT IT’S STILL NOT ENOUGH! JAY PUSHES UP TO HIS FEET, GRITTING THROUGH THE PAIN AS SAORI KEEPS FIRING OFF SHOOT KICKS TO THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: OOH! HUGE FOREARM FROM JAY JERRY JOHNSON! THAT STOPS HER IN HER TRACKS! SAORI FIRES BACK WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN! BUT JAY ANSWERS RIGHT BACK! FOREARM FROM SAORI! FOREARM FROM JAY! AND NOW JAY STARTS LETTING THEM GO, A FLURRY OF FOREARMS DRIVING SAORI BACK AGAINST THE ROPES!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY HITS THE OPPOSITE SET OF ROPES AND CHARGES BACK IN, SAORI LOOKING A LITTLE GROGGY— BUT SHE SIDE STEPS AND GOES FOR A REBOUND GERMAN SUPLEX! TRYING TO USE HIS MOMENTUM AGAINST HIM!
Rich Russillo: BUT JAY LANDS ON HIS FEET WITH A BACKFLIP! SAORI DOESN’T SEE IT, SHE’S GETTING BACK UP— AND SHE GETS CAUGHT WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! THAT DROPS HER! BOTH COMPETITORS HIT THE MAT HARD, BUT THAT ONE FROM JAY LOOKED LIKE IT TOOK EVERYTHING HE HAD LEFT!
Persephone: Cmon, ref. Count them!
Thadd Blazevich: Both of them are down, but they’re starting to move again. Saori pulls herself up to all fours using the ropes, trying to get her bearings, but Jay’s already on her. He hooks her arms over the middle rope, lining her up— AND STARTS FIRING OFF SHOOT KICKS TO THE CHEST! ONE AFTER ANOTHER! AND HE KEEPS GOING! JAY IS LETTING EVERYTHING OUT RIGHT NOW, REALLY LAYING INTO THOSE KICKS BEFORE THE REFEREE STEPS IN AND FORCES HIM BACK!
Rich Russillo: Jay turns his attention back to Saori, who’s still leaned up against the middle rope, and he spins around looking for the “DRAGONSLAYER!” THAT SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK— BUT SAORI ROLLS OUT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID IT!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY DOESN’T HESITATE THOUGH! HE HITS THE ROPES AND BUILDS UP SPEED— SUICIDE DIVE TO THE OUTSIDE! HE TAKES SAORI DOWN AT RINGSIDE WITH THAT ONE! Jay gets back up and grabs her, throwing her BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER OF THE BARRICADE! THAT IMPACT ECHOES! He rushes in right after—
Rich Russillo: —BUT SAORI CATCHES HIM WITH A SUPERKICK! RIGHT ON THE MONEY! JAY IS STUMBLING NOW, HE’S ON SPAGHETTI LEGS AFTER THAT SHOT! SAORI TURNS HER BACK AND CLIMBS UP ONTO THE BARRICADE, LOOKING FOR A MOONSAULT— BUT JAY CATCHES HER ON HIS SHOULDER! “YKHM LAST LOVE!” EMERALD FLOWSION ON THE OUTSIDE! HE JUST DROVE HER DOWN HARD!
Thadd Blazevich: And Jay rolls her back into the ring right after, trying to capitalize off that huge counter!
Persephone: Hopefully, it’s nearing the beginning of the end.
Rich Russillo: Jay climbs up to the top rope as Saori slowly works her way up to a knee, still trying to recover and unaware of what’s behind her— OR MAYBE SHE IS! SAORI SPINS AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND AND SWIPES AT JAY’S LEG, CROTCHING HIM ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! That stops him in his tracks, and Saori wastes no time climbing up after him, meeting him on the top rope now! SHE’S SETTING UP FOR AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY STOPS IT! HE HOOKS HER UP INSTEAD! JAY’S GOT CONTROL HERE— HE’S SETTING HER UP FOR “HEAVEN’S FEEL!” He steadies himself on the middle rope, keeping his balance— AND HE LEAPS OFF WITH THE DEADEYE FROM UP TOP! AVALANCHE “HEAVEN’S FEEL” CONNECTS! SAORI GOT SPIKED HARD INTO THE MAT!
Rich Russillo: THAT COULD BE IT! JAY SCRAMBLES INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE’S YOUR WINNER… JAY JERRY JOHNSON!
(Jay rushes back to his feet as ‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse blares throughout the arena, getting his hand raised in victory as the crowd cheers. He catches his breath for a moment, then nods out to the crowd, standing tall.)
Rich Russillo: WOW! I can’t say I expected this match to end like that! Saori Aizen had Jay in a dangerous spot, but somehow Jay was able to completely blindside Saori with perhaps one of his most unique Heaven’s Feels to date!
Thadd Blazevich: That was a tough one, bro. Saori brought it for sure, but Jay found a way in the end. That was a totally hard fought match, and honestly it could’ve gone either way.
Persephone: Cool. It’s over. Thank God.
Rich Russillo: Congratulations to Jay Jerry Johnson!
(Jay celebrates up the ramp as Saori sits up in the ring, holding the back of her head. She pounds the mat, staring at Jay in anger knowing that she faced a loss in that match. With a final shot of the frustrated Saori, the scene begins to fade.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues as we see Sofia Clarke standing by with a dark blue dress. Despite the show taking place on a beach in Costa Rica, she still looks as professional as one can be, as she has some shades on while she stands outside a tent close to the crowd area. She looks to the camera with a smirk on her face as she begins to speak…)
Sofia Clarke: I hope everyone is enjoying Sunday Night Voltage so far… or should I say… Sunny Day Voltage! We’re hot off the heels of a great opening match between Jay Jerry Johnson and Saori Aizen, and despite how great it was, we still have many more great matches coming to you here tonight. Speaking of great, that is the word you can use to describe how incredible Showdown’s Reasonable Doubt was last night, and the many matches we saw on that show. One of those matches in particular involved one of our Voltage roster members, and right now, we’re looking to get a word with Sayuri-
(Before Sofia could say anything else, she noticed Sayuri walking out of another tent that was nearby as she urged the camera to change its view and follow her!)
Sofia Clarke: Sayuri!!
(Sayuri turns around as she raises an eyebrow in the direction of Sofia. She is wearing her casual attire here tonight, considering she does not have a match, and after a moment, she answers by saying…)
Sayuri Himura: Yes?
Sofia Clarke: I’m sorry for bothering you, but is it okay if we can conduct this interview? I know Reasonable Doubt was last night, but I think everyone wants to hear your thoughts.
(Sayuri gives a light smile to Sofia as she nods her head.
Sayuri Himura: Of course.
Sofia Clarke: Excellent, again, thank you for taking the time to do this. For context, you had a match against Clayton Golde at the Marquee Event for the New Breed Championship, and needless to say, it ended with a result that wasn’t the one that you were hoping for, especially considering what Clayton did to retain his title.
(Sayuri hears Sofia loud and clear as she responds to her question by telling her…)
Sayuri Himura: It’s a very disappointing loss for me, Sofia Clarke, not because of the mere fact that I lost the match, but because of how I lost the match. Clayton Golde was an unhonorable man, and I acknowledged immediately that he was never going to uphold the honor that I brought to this ring, but I am a fool for allowing myself to fall for such treachery. He is still the Champion of the New Breed division, and it is embarrassing to me because he does not represent the true honor of what it means to be a warrior or what it means to be a Champion. Purchasing an apartment building and evicting innocent people in the process… that is not someone who should be representing what it means to be a Champion, especially in the realm of a title like being a presentation of the new warriors that have entered into this promotion.
(Sayuri pauses and continues to speak as she says…)
Sayuri Himura: It happened disgustingly, Sofia Clarke, with him not only bringing out thumbtacks but also pulling on my tights to secure his Championship. I am confident in saying that he felt everything that I brought to this match, and I was so close to winning my first title in this company, but Clayton Golde decided his path. He reared his ugly head and showed me his code, filled with nothing but disgrace and disrespect. I cannot deny that there is still a lot more work that needs to be done, and I cannot deny that I am not ready for it just yet. Taking away the title was how I was going to shut him up, to take away the one prized possession that helps fuel his disgusting rhetoric. So to tell you, Sofia Clarke… I’m not particularly happy that he managed to stoop to his usual lows against me to remain the New Breed Champion.
(Sofia nods along, agreeing with everything that Sayuri had said about Clayton. She responds to her by saying…)
Sofia Clarke: I understand what you’re saying, Sayuri. It’s definitely a loss that hurts just a little bit more than any normal one, especially as someone who, at the very least, is an instigator like Clayton Golde.
(Sayuri hears this from Sofia and responds to her as she tells her…)
Sayuri Himura: It’s not ideal for sure, losing in the fashion I did at Reasonable Doubt is not the greatest feeling ever… but I don’t plan on letting this eat me up, or getting to me mentally. Clayton Golde can live with the win he got over me, but I can assure you, whenever his time as Champion comes to an end, it will be a satisfying conclusion for everyone involved. He knows that he can never beat me with no tricks or dirty tactics involved, as he did during our match, and so I’m putting all behind me and not letting it affect me in my Elite Answers Wrestling journey. Coming to America, I wanted to face the very best this sport has to offer, to better myself as not just a performer but as a warrior as well. I have had some great challenges thus far, and I know that with more and more challenges that will come my way, it will only make me stronger.
(Sofia nods her head in agreement again as she responds to Sayuri.)
Sofia Clarke: That’s a good point of view, Sayuri, because others would find it daunting having to build themselves back up after some devastating defeats. But to me at least, you welcome all the challenges that will come your way here, not just in EAW but here on Voltage as well.
(Sayuri responds to what Sofia says…)
Sayuri Himura: You are absolutely on point, Sofia Clarke. This season is not over, as we still have a couple more months left until we reach the end of Pain for Pride. Everyone has goals and aspirations of wanting to make every season of theirs impactful. That need of wanting to make a season full of expectations be fully met and capitalized when it’s all said and done, and I am no exception, Sofia Clarke. I still intend to do everything I set out to do here in this promotion and here on this brand. As I said, I’m not going to let this defeat infect my mind. As much as the circumstances around my loss are greatly disappointing, I just cannot let that get to me.
(Sayuri pauses for a moment, recollecting her thoughts once more before continuing to speak to Sofia and everyone else who’s watching this interview…)
Sayuri Himura: As I said, I intend to do everything I set out to do, and for me to do that… I need to close my eyes, take a step back, and get myself back on track. The back-and-forths between Clayton Golde and I…was again, something I said was tiring. I didn’t want to play games anymore with a man like him, and what Clayton Golde brought out of me over the last couple of weeks… I didn’t like that whatsoever. I didn’t like how he approached our match, and the things not only he did but also what I did in order to combat him. So now I want to take the time to get back to doing things the way I planned to do when I first arrived here in EAW, and it’s those challenges as I mentioned. Every opponent I face, I know, will make me better and better, to be the very best this company has to offer. My spirit is being tested against the greater challenges of what this promotion has to offer, achieving that level of success that I know I can reach.
Sofia Clarke: That’s quite interesting to say the least, Sofia. I think I can speak for everyone and say that you do have that potential to reach those highs, as you mentioned, even with the loss you had at Reasonable Doubt.
(Sayuri responds to Sofia by saying…)
Sayuri Himura: I greatly appreciate that, and I suppose not having to deal with someone like Clayton Golde weekly anymore is relieving in some sense. His behavior is something I don’t tolerate right now as I look to get back on track with what I set out to do when coming here. Going forward, I’m going to be taking the steps towards my destiny that I meant to take without it being tainted by someone like him again.
(Sofia nods as she replies to Sayuri’s answer by saying…)
Sofia Clarke: Couldn’t agree with you more! Best of luck to you, Sayuri.
Sayuri Himura: ソフィアさん、ありがとう。
(Sayuri shakes hands with Sofia before leaving the camera and the scene. The camera focuses back on Sofia as she says…)
Sofia Clarke: Some great words shared from Sayuri just now, as we head closer and closer towards the end of this season and the three major events left on the calendar.
(Sofia smiles at the camera before the segment fades off as Sunday Night Voltage continues.)
(A commercial is shown for Duolingo.)
(The camera returns to ringside, and before long, ‘All Of The Lights (Interlude)’ by Kanye West hits, immediately bringing about loud boos from the crowd. The camera pans towards the entrance way, where Jon Kelton can be seen storming out following his loss to Miku Sakai at Shock Value. Kelton is holding a microphone in his hand, and it is clear that he is frustrated following the loss as he walks to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Jon Kelton is here following Shock Value, where he suffered a loss against Miku Sakai. I can imagine how much these major losses must be bothering him approaching Grand Rampage. We’re getting closer to the end of the season.
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton’s gonna have to think of a big way to bounce back, bro. I don’t blame bro for being frustrated, but he said himself that he’d become a World Champ one way or another. He’s running outta opportunities to achieve that.
Persephone: To be fair, does anyone actually think he’s ever touching a World Championship, anyway? I don’t really know how he managed to win any title, to be honest.
(Kelton approaches the ringside area before long, but as soon as he begins walking up the steel steps, he begins to speak.)
Jon Kelton: Cut the music. Cut it!
(The music immediately fades out as Jon Kelton enters the ring, leaving only the loud boos from the fans. Kelton walks into the center of the ring, quickly continuing to speak.)
Jon Kelton: Do you think that I am here just so that I can have my time wasted? So that I can be disrespected and have my own abilities cast aside? No. I know what happened at Shock Value, and it wasn’t the outcome that was supposed to happen. Somehow, Miku Sakai was able to get the better of me. Somehow she was able to get by and just barely escape with a win, and trust me, I’m not delusional. I can see how my season has played out. I can see the opportunities that have passed me by, and that’s exactly why I’m out here right now. I am out here because I’m done letting this happen. I am out here because this season is coming to a close with Pain for Pride only a few months away, and there’s no way in hell that I allow myself to waste the small bit of time that I have left this season to capture the Championship that I set out to. People like Minerva, like Miku, they think they had the last laugh, but no. This isn’t over, and it won’t be over until I come back out here and I raise my first World Championship over my head.
(The fans begin to boo, and Jon Kelton just shakes his head, brushing off their hostile reaction before continuing.)
Jon Kelton: I said a long time ago that I wasn’t going to stop until I got what I deserved. What, did you think that a few setbacks would put a stop to that? Don’t be stupid. I know what I’m doing. I’m the most dangerous man on this roster and I’m beyond capable of taking the EAW World Championship for myself. The only thing I’ve been missing is the path to a Championship match. I didn’t ask to waste my time facing Minerva at King of Elite, she attacked me. I didn’t want to spend Shock Value against Miku Sakai, she decided to put herself in my way. Time is running out and the more I allow myself to get caught up in these nonsensical, petty matches, the worse I’m going to make for myself. Thankfully, this is the perfect time of the season for me to get back on track, and set everything right with one match.
(After saying this, a calmer look appears on the face of Jon Kelton, who actually lets out a brief smirk before he continues.)
Jon Kelton: This is it. This is where everything changes, and by the time this is over, everything that has happened for the last three months will be put behind me. I don’t care who else decides to throw their names into the match, or who else has World Championship dreams heading into Pain for Pride. Anyone planning in the way might as well step aside now, because I’m entering the Grand Rampage match, and I plan to win.
(This surprises the fans in attendance as a loud reaction comes from the crowd.)
Jon Kelton: Don’t think that I’ve lost sight of my goal. I know what’s important here, and this is the pathway I needed to get to-
(Before Kelton could finish his sentence however, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie would hit. This leaves the fans even further surprised, and Jon Kelton annoyed. Kelton turns towards the entrance way, while Minerva begins to walk out with a microphone in her hand. Minerva has a smirk on her face as she stares at Jon Kelton, beginning to walk down the ramp and towards the ring as Kelton just watched on, not pleased whatsoever.)
Rich Russillo: Well I didn’t expect this! Jon Kelton, a former National Elite Champion just declared entry into the Grand Rampage, but now he’s being interrupted by Minerva, who is coming off of a victory against Diamond Dixon at Shock Value.
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton must be getting some terrible flashbacks right now, dudes. Remember, these two faced each other at King of Elite, in a match that Minerva ended up winning.
Persephone: Yeah, and I remember her completely destroying Jon Kelton’s face to do it. It’s a shame he didn’t stay like that.
(Minerva walks up the steel steps before entering the ring. As her entrance music fades out, she walks up to Jon Kelton, maintaining the smirk on her face as she begins to speak.)
Minerva: Jon, do you remember what occurred at King of Elite?
Jon Kelton: Yeah, I remember.
Minerva: Good. You were brutalized that night, and it was because of your own hubris. Your ego put you in a fight you could not possibly win, and in turn you ended your night unconscious, with your entire face covered with your own blood. It was the expected result, but there was never going to be an upset as long as I was involved. Everything I warned you would happen proceeded to happen because you were foolish enough to brush off the words that came your way, so I’d like to take this time just to see if you’ve learned a single thing since King of Elite by letting you know something very important. You have serious World Championship winning aspirations, and I can see that. You threw your name into the Grand Rampage for the sake of finally achieving what you’ve been unable to throughout your entire career, but Jon, that was a mistake.
(After saying this, Minerva puts a hand on Jon Kelton’s shoulder.)
Minerva: You will not win the Grand Rampage, because I am also entering the match, as is the entirety of ToXXXin.
(This receives another loud reaction, and Jon Kelton just pushes Minerva’s hand off of him, only growing further frustrated. Jon Kelton stares at Minerva for a moment, noticeably heated before finally beginning to respond.)
Jon Kelton: Do you think I care that you’re entering the Grand Rampage match?
(Minerva doesn’t bother responding to these words, but Kelton wasn’t finished yet, and he took a step forward before continuing, staring at Minerva still with an angered look on his face.)
Jon Kelton: Minerva, do you know why you won at King of Elite? It wasn’t because you “brutalized” me. That’s the narrative you’ve been pushing since then, but like I said, I remember what happened that night. I had you beat and I could have ended that match, but I was bloodthirsty. I didn’t just want to beat you. I wanted to make you pay for everything you did, and thanks to that I gave you one small opening to attack. An opening that you just happened to capitalize on. I have learned, and I learned that at Grand Rampage, you can enter the match, you can send the entirety of ToXXXin after me, you can do whatever you want and it won’t stop me from winning, because I’m not making the same mistake twice.
(Minerva raises an eyebrow hearing these words from Kelton, taking a moment before beginning to speak.)
Minerva: Hm. I’m not so sure about that, Jon. I get it, you want to finally hold a World Championship, but what does that change? What makes this occasion so different from all of your other opportunities? You can say that you’ve learned from King of Elite, but you’re already making the same mistakes just by assuming that Grand Rampage will be in any way similar to our singles match. This isn’t about you anymore. I decided to enter the Grand Rampage match for a very simple reason, and it’s the fact that it is one of the very, very few things I still have yet to accomplish in this company. There is nothing in this industry that I am incapable of and winning this match is no exception, and you won’t get in the way of that. You were never even close to being capable of stopping me, and you haven’t come far enough to make a difference now.
Minerva: I won’t tell you to back out of this match. You wouldn’t listen even if I did tell you to, anyway. You can do as you please at Grand Rampage, I just want you to know that it isn’t going to matter in the end, and you won’t walk away from this with the victory. There is no telling whether or not we even cross paths in the match. You could find yourself eliminated before I’ve even entered the ring, or you could get lucky and end up one of the latest entrants. The result won’t change. I will win this match, even if it means I need to dump you over the top rope myself.
(These words are said with a much more cold tone, as the smirk on Minerva’s face drops. There is a very brief staredown between the two, until Jon Kelton finally begins to speak once again.)
Jon Kelton: Yeah, good luck with that. I can see it already. I’m not the one getting overconfident here, that’s you. You think this match is just destined to be yours since nobody’s been able to stop you yet, but this is where all that changes, because now this isn’t about respect and disrespect. This isn’t about random attacks or us calling each other out. You’re trying to threaten my chances of becoming World Champion, and I-
Minerva: You’re not becoming World Champion, Jon. Not as long as your only chance of doing so is through a victory in this year’s Grand Rampage.
Jon Kelton: That’s not for you to decide.
Minerva: Yes Jon, it is. As long as I am in the Grand Rampage match it is, because quite frankly you’re not the only one unconcerned with who finds themselves in this match. I’ve decided to set my sights on this match, and I am willing to destroy anyone who tries to prevent me from winning and heading towards another Pain for Pride main event. As I said, you cannot stop me, which is why this was a mistake on your part. You made the mistake of putting yourself in another unwinnable battle. Another match that I am going to win at your expense.
(There is a staredown between the two Elitists after this, as tensions appear to be running high between the former King of Elite opponents. However, this staredown would only end up being interrupted, as suddenly, ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica hit.)
Rich Russillo: WOAH, WAIT A SECOND! I can’t say I was expecting this!
Thadd Blazevich: We know who that music belongs to, bro! The same dude that took the electric chair and smiled at Shock Value! What’s he doing here!?
(Before long, Damon Lazarus would slowly begin walking out to the entrance way, which neither Minerva nor Jon Kelton seemed to anticipate. The two stared towards the “stage”, where Damon Lazarus remained as he stared at the two Elitists with a microphone in his hand. After some time his entrance music would begin to fade out, and Damon would slowly raise his microphone, finally beginning to speak.)
Damon Lazarus: Neither of you have the right idea.
(Minerva and Jon Kelton remain silent, waiting to see what Damon has to say. Damon slowly takes a few steps forward, continuing to speak in the meantime.)
Damon Lazarus: I could only sit in the back and listen to the two of you go back and forth over whose desire for glory triumphs the other for so long before I felt it necessary to walk out here and set this straight myself, because neither of you seem to understand the battlefield that you’re in just yet. Both of you are veterans. Jon Kelton started his career in this company long before a majority of the entire EAW roster and Minerva in her own right has been here for closer to a decade, and yet you two are both behaving as if you’re rookies just getting your first taste of what this industry has to offer. Not once have either of you considered the possibilities the Grand Rampage match provides despite both of you being present to witness the match year after year and even participating in it yourselves. The Grand Rampage is a road that has already been laid out, but not for either of you.
(Damon stops, taking a moment before he begins to speak once more, turning his attention back towards the events at Shock Value.)
Damon Lazarus: For the last few months I’ve been walking my own path, but the destination was never one mere match against Jay Jerry Johnson. I told him what was happening from the very beginning. It wasn’t personal. He was just weak, and he’s not the only one. This company is filled with weak wastes of space and many of them will show their faces around this time of the year in hopes of winning the Grand Rampage. Some of them already have. However, this is not going to end how any of them would like, because I said where my road will take me, and the Grand Rampage match is now part of that journey. Jon, Minerva, you had years to get it done. Years to add the Grand Rampage to your resume, and yet here you are, still finding the need to bicker over a match neither of you will win. The Grand Rampage match already has its winner, and you’re staring directly at him.
(This statement causes a loud reaction to come from the crowd, with the fans surprised to see Damon Lazarus entering the Grand Rampage match so soon into his run in EAW. Hearing all of this, Minerva begins to respond, having heard enough from Damon.)
Minerva: I’m sure you understand that you’re not the first to make such a statement. I know that you’ve been in this business for quite a while, but do you know what you’re doing volunteering to enter the ring with me?
(This question doesn’t get much of a reaction out of Damon, who remains where he is, maintaining the same eerily calm on his face as he responds.)
Damon Lazarus: Minerva, I know that you are where you are for a reason, but you entered the Grand Rampage expecting the entire field to bend to your will the way an opponent such as Diamond Dixon or even the man standing next to you would, and that is where you were mistaken.
Jon Kelton: Alright, I get it. You’re entering the Grand Rampage match, now what? Do you really think you’re about to just swoop in and take my-
Damon Lazarus: I’m not taking *anything* from you, because this match was never yours to begin with. This company will not wait around for you to finally cling to one of the many chances you’ve been given to take the next step, nor will anyone hold your hand and drag you to the finish line. The Grand Rampage will end with a feeling you’ve grown very used to. Failure, and the bitter taste of watching an opponent succeed where you could not.
(Damon Lazarus stops speaking after that, as he just stares at the two Grand Rampage participants inside of the ring. Minerva remains calm, not angered by Damon’s words. Kelton however was furious, having been interrupted by two people who had once again decided to cross paths with him.)
Rich Russillo: Wow! Just when I thought this couldn’t get any more shocking, we have ourselves three huge names in the Grand Rampage! All three Elitists have been controversial, and even hated members of the roster throughout the season, but one thing can’t be denied. They are all big threats, especially in a match like this.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, I can’t wait! I was already hype for the Grand Rampage match, but somehow this just keeps getting better and better! I can already tell that this match is gonna be awesome just from these three names entering it. This is gonna be a hard-fought win for whoever takes the Grand Rampage, that’s for sure.
Persephone: Well if Damon Lazarus is entering a Grand Rampage he better have the energy he had towards the end of that electric chair match. The last thing I need is to see this guy start applying headlocks in a Grand Rampage.
(There is one more shot of the three Elitists confirmed to enter the Grand Rampage match, as all three appear focused ahead of the match in their own unique ways. With this final showing of the staredown between the three, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where Minerva, Jon Kelton, and Damon Lazarus enter the Grand Rampage match.)
(The camera returns to ringside.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING IS A SINGLE MATCH SET FOR ONE-FALL!
(‘‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown begins to blast as Cosmo Goldworthy struts onto the sandy stage. He has a bit more of a focused look tonight following his loss at Shock Value, knowing that he just barely missed out on a Hardcore Championship match. He heads down to the ring with confidence, with Diamond Dixon following closely behind.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST…ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY DIAMOND DIXON…FROM THE GOLDEN STATE…WEIGHING IN AT 220 POUNDS…HE IS COSMO “MONEY MO” GOLDWOOORTTHHYY!
Rich Russillo: And here comes the ever-confident Goldworthy! He has to be carrying a chip on his shoulder after having his win stolen by Diego Montana last weekend!
(‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ by Marqus Clae plays now as NICK confidently emerges from the back, staring at Cosmo knowing that this is their chance to finally put everything between them to rest. He reaches down and picks up some of the sand run through his fingers before tossing it to the side. He then marches down with a smirk.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS OPPONENT…FROM DETROIT, MICHIGAN…WEIGHING IN AT 215 POUNDS…HE IS “EL CASTIGADOR”…NIIIICCCCKKKKK!
Thadd Blazevich: And you have to think that NICK is a dude on a mission tonight! Bro got pinned at Shock Value during that triple threat match! He needs to seriously regain some momentum tonight!
(The two elitists stare each other down. Both of them talk a fair bit of trash before the referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: And there’s the bell and this one is now officially underway! And coming in hot is Cosmo Goldworthy as he tries to take down his opponent with the pump kick right off the bat! But NICK is able to avoid, instead slipping behind Goldworthy! He grabs him and tries to get him off his feet for the German suplex! Goldworthy doesn’t want to cooperate though, instead reaching towards the ropes and grabbing onto them! The referee is calling for the break…and as soon NICK lets up Goldworthy slams an elbow right into his jaw!
Persephone: And now he throws him into the ropes with an Irish whip! Off the rebound, Cosmo Goldworthy catches his opponent with a shoulder tackle! Before he can stand back up, NICK is locked inside a crossface! Fast thinking there from Goldworthy!
Thadd Blazevich: And bro is applying this with absolute malice! Look at how he’s bending that neck back, trying to tear his head off almost! But NICK is able to maneuver himself here…twisting his body just enough to get his foot on the bottom rope! And we’re already at our second rope break of the night dude! NICK gets back up to his feet but Goldworthy comes right back at him! He swings a fist but his opponent catches his arm! HE THEN STRIKES COSMO WITH A BIG RIGHT HOOK!
Rich Russillo: That one hits with enough force to send Cosmo staggering back! And now NICK follows that up with a running lariat! He nearly takes his opponent’s head off with that one! He keeps the offense up here! He reaches down and takes hold of Goldworthy’s arm! HE THEN LOCKS IN THE ARMBAR! Look like we might see a battle of submissions here tonight! NICK is definitely returning his opponent’s effects to maim him, almost looking to tear that arm of the socket!
Persephone: But Cosmo Goldworthy doesn’t love that. Not one bit. He rolls on top of his opponent to try to alleviate some of that pressure! He grabs his trapped arm with his free one and tries to hoist NICK up into the air! But NICK knows where this could be going and releases the hold! Instead he tries to take down the leg! But Goldworthy is once again able to get to the ropes! The ref calls for another break here!
Thadd Blazevich: These two are really taking advantage of those ropes early in this one! NICK allows Goldworthy time to get to his feet…AND THEN HE COMES AT HIM WITH THE CLINCH! HE DRAGS HIM TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING DUDE AND BEGINS BARAGGING HIM WITH KNEES! Or at least he tries to bro! Goldworthy is able to break free from it! He then leaps up and catches NICK underneath the chin with a big leaping knee!
Rich Russillo: And that definitely stuns NICK for the time being! Goldworthy keeps the pressure on, grabbing the leg of his opponent…AND LAUNCHING HIM WITH A MASSIVE EXPLODER SUPLEX! He sends NICK some distance there…maybe a bit too far! It looks like NICK is sent rolling right out of the ring with that one! But he isn’t out there alone for long! COSMO EXPLODES OUT OF THE RING WITH THE SUICIDE DIVE! HE COME CRASHING DOWN ON TOP OF NICK, SLAMMING HIM INTO THE BARRICADE IN THE PROCESS!
Persephone: Damn, things are not looking for NICK here. Goldworthy just crushed him there. Goldworthy then smashes his face on the barricade for good measure before rolling him inside the ring! And now he wants to follow that up with one more big piece of offense! HE LIFTS NICK UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS FOR THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
Thadd Blazevich: But that doesn’t work against NICK bro! He slides off his opponent’s shoulders and gets behind him! HE THEN BRINGS A STIFF LARIAT RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF GOLDWORTHY’S HEAD! It immediately takes Goldworthy off his feet! He then tries to stand back up but that’s what NICK needed there dude! HE LIFTS HIM UP FROM BEHIND AND TAKES HIM BACK DOWN WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! NICK looks for the first cover of the match!
ONE!
TW-
Rich Russillo: And Cosmo Goldworthy was able to kick out of that one! But as soon as that happens, NICK is there with the submission hold! He goes for a rear-naked choke this time, wrapping his arms around his opponent like a snake! He’s trying to squeeze the life out of him now! This could be a dire situation for Goldworthy if he does not find a way out quickly! He tries to crawl towards the ropes but NICK is a lot of weight there! He might not be able to get the rope break this time around!
Persephone: Instead…he tries to get back onto his feet! And holy crap he’s actually managing to do it! Goldworthy is standing up with NICK on his back! HE THEN RAMS HIMSELF BACKWARDS AND CRUSHES NICK INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! The hold is broken!
Thadd Blazevich: And now bro Cosmo starts laying into NICK with some punches! He’s unleashing a flurry of blows here! NICK tries to block them but Goldworthy just keeps finding some holes here! NICK eventually blocks and fires back with a massive uppercut! HE THEN TRIES FOR A RUNNING FOREARM SMASH BUT GOLDWORTHY DUCKS UNDERNEATH! GOLDWORTHY THEN LEAPS UP ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE DUDE! HE COMES BACK DOWN ON NICK WITH A GNARLY DIVING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! HE LOOKS FOR A COVER!
ONE!
TW-
Rich Russillo: BUT HE GETS THE SHOULDER UP! NICK is able to kick out of that brutal move before the two count! Cosmo Goldworthy doesn’t seem all that surprised, instead focusing back up on the offense! He brings his opponent back to a vertical base and gets him with a brutal kick to the stomach! HE THEN TRIES TO BRING DOWN HIS LEG FOR AN AXE KICK!
Persephone: But NICK is able to avoid it at the last possible moment! He tries to apply another choke here but Goldworthy shakes him off and sends him rolling backwards! Goldworthy then charges at him looking for a charging back elbow! NICK catches him from behind instead! HE LOOKS FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Thadd Blazevich: But that doesn’t work for Goldworthy! He reaches up and grabs the arm…HE TAKES NICK DOWN WITH AN ARM DRAG! As NICK tries to scramble to his feet…GOLDWORTHY NAILS BRO WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! DUDE STUMBLES FORWARD AND RIGHT INTO A URANAGE! Vicious combo there by Goldworthy! And it looks like bro is eyeing that top rope now!
Rich Russillo: Indeed he is! Cosmo Goldworthy is ready to put this one away! He waits until NICK is crawling on his hands and knees! HE THEN LEAPS DOWN TO PLUNGE HIS FEET INTO HIS SPINE! HERE COMES THE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP ALWAYS KNOWN AS THE HOLLOW POINT!
Persephone: But somehow he misses that shot! NICK manages to roll out of the way before it can make contact! He scrambles back to his feet along with Goldworthy! Goldworthy of course, reapproaches his opponent looking to keep this offense up! BUT NICK WHIPS OUT A NASTY BACKFIST!
Thadd Blazevich: And that one absolutely rocks Goldworthy dude! He’s completely stunned for a moment here! AND THAT GIVES NICK JUST ENOUGH TIME TO TAKE HIM DOWN WITH SCOOP SLAM! NICK then rolls on top of Goldworthy and begins raining down fists! He’s going wild with it, trying t smash his opponent into a million pieces bro! BUT HE STOPS ONLY TO ATTEMPT THE GUILLOTINE CHOKE!
Rich Russillo: Goldworthy is quick to escape this time! He shoves NICK away before the choke can even be applied! He gets back to his feet but NICK stays on top of him, looking for some more punches here! Goldworthy catches him with a big right hand of his own though! He then follows that up with a beautiful question mark kick! NICK stumbles back from the impact…AND GOLDWORTHY TRIES TO CLOSE THE DISTANCE WITH THE TORNADO KICK! READY TO DIE!
Persephone: But that doesn’t land! NICK manages to avoid it and gets right behind his opponent! HE GETS HIM WITH THE HALF-NELSON SUPLEX! He then rolls Goldworthy back up to his feet! NICK lifts him high up into the air…AND THEN SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH THE SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! NICK LOOKS FOR THE COVER AND THIS MIGHT BE OVER!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: It’s far from over apparently bro! Cosmo Goldworthy kicks out of that right at the two! NICK seems a bit frustrated at that but isn’t about to let that stop him! Once again, he wants to apply the submission right off the bat! He looks for another rear naked choke but his opponent wisely sticks out a leg and gets it on the ropes! The referee calls for the break and NICK has to give Goldworthy some breathing room bro!
Rich Russillo: But as soon as he can be, NICK tries to take down Goldworthy once again. But once again, Goldworthy was lying in wait! He shoves him away! NICK lunges for him again but this time, Goldworthy catches the arm…AND HE LIFTS HIM UP FOR THE DOUBLE CHICKENWING FACEBUSTER! But NICK is able to get his arms free and escapes! He turns back around…AND RIGHT INTO A BOOT TO THE STOMACH! THAT’S FOLLOWED BY AN IMPLANT DDT! NICK’s face is smashed right into the floor! Goldworthy goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: And unfortunately, that was only a two count! NICK is very much still in this match! The only question is for how long? Cosmo Goldworthy looks to finish him off here! He hooks his arms and drags him back up to his feet! HE THEN LOOKS FOR THE ESCTASY OF GOLD! HERE COMES THE TIGER SUPLEX 85’!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT NICK MANAGES TO GET ONTO HIS FEET INSTEAD! LOOKS LIKE HE HAS NO INTENTION OF GOING DOWN QUITE YET! HE BLASTS GOLDWORTHY WITH SOME HARD FOREARM SMASHES! HE THEN LIFTS BRO UP AND SPIKES HIM INTO THE MAT WITH THE URANAGE! Talk about some defiance there! And now NICK is looking for some additional punishment here! He grabs Goldworthy’s arms and rolls him onto his stomach! HE GETS HIM IN POSITION FOR STOMP THE STUPID OUT!
Rich Russillo: BUT GOLDWORTHY ROLLS FORWARD AND FREES HIMSELF BEFORE IT CAN BE HIT! NICK is sent rolling forward as well! He tries to scramble back up to his feet but Goldworthy is there! HE LIFTS HIM UP AND DROPS HIM BACK WITH A BACK SUPLEX! NICK’s back and head smash into the mat below! Goldworthy doesn’t let up there though! Instead, he drags him back to his feet and gets him into position for the Unprettier! MONEY TALKS!
Persephone: But not yet! As Goldworthy goes for it, NICK frees his arms and picks up Goldworthy from behind! HE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX…BUT THEN HE ROLLS BACK TO HIS FEET! HE GETS HIM WITH THE DRAGON SUPLEX AFTER THAT BUT DOESN’T PIN! NO! HE ROLLS THEM BOTH BACK UP TO FINISH THE COMBINATION! 3 THE HARD WAY! STRAIGHT JACKET SUPLEX! HE GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-
Thadd Blazevich: AND BRO GETS THE SHOULDER UP! GOLDWORTHY STAYS IN THIS! NICK looks frustrated now! He thought that he had just pulled this one off! He now drags his opponent back to his feet and drives him into the corner! HE THEN JUST BEGINS UNLOADING KNEES DUDE! HE JUST DRIVES THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN INTO HIS FACE AND UPPER BODY! Goldworthy eventually frees himself with a massive shove!
Rich Russillo: But NICK is like an animal! He gets right back and charges once again! GOLDWORTHY REPLIES WITH A DROPKICK, CATCHING HIS OPPONENT SQUARE IN THE CHEST! NICK staggers back from that impact! Goldworthy follows that up with an irish whip, sending him across the ring! Off the rebound…HE GETS HIM WITH THE SPINNING BACK ELBOW! I swear I might have just seen a tooth come flying right out of NICK’s head!
Persephone: NICK doesn’t even know where he is at the moment! But at least he’s about to find the mat! HIS OPPONENT LIFTS HIM UP AND KNOCKS HIM DOWN WITH THE TIGER SUPLEX 85’! ECSTASY OF GOLD! HE LOOKS FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT NO BRO! NICK MANAGES TO KICK OUT OF IT! RIGHT BEFORE THE THREE COUNT! It looks like this one is going to continue here dudes! Cosmo Goldworthy though doesn’t seem to be all that excited about it! Instead, he heads over to the outside apron and begins demanding that NICK gets back up to his feet! I think we all know what’s about to happen next here!
Rich Russillo: And things are looking dire for NICK at the moment! As he rises back to his feet, Cosmo Goldworthy dives over the top rope and rolls! HERE COMES THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT…GOLD RUSH!
Persephone: BUT NICK MANAGES TO INTERCEPT WITH A SHORT RUNNING KNEE TO THE GUT INSTEAD! He might have just shattered some of his opponent’s ribs there! He then takes hold of him and launches him across the ring with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! He sent him flying!
Thadd Blazevich: AND HIS OPPONENT CLIMBS BACK TO HIS FEET, NICK RUSHES FORWARD AND DRIVES A KNEE RIGHT INTO HIS RIBS! He then deadlifts him off the ground bro and drives him down with a massive gut wrench Powerbomb! But he doesn’t stop there dude…he stands back up, carrying Goldoworthy with him! HE THEN SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A SECOND GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB! A gnarly combination there!
Rich Russillo: And now he looks for a finale here! He wants to put Cosmo Goldworthy away! NICK slowly drags his opponent up to his feet and then hoists him up onto his shoulders! This is a bad spot to be in here ladies and gentlemen! This can only end one way now! NICK LOOKS FOR THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! BITCH MADE INCOMING!
Persephone: BUT GOLDWORTHY STARTS TO REPEATEDLY ELBOW NICK IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, UNFORTUNATELY PREVENTING THE MATCH FROM ENDING ONCE AGAIN! HE CONTINUES UNTIL NICK HAS TROUBLE HOLDING ONTO HIM, UNTIL FINALLY HE IS FORCED TO LET GO, DROPPING COSMO BACK TO HIS FEET AS COSMO STUMBLES BACK!
Thadd Blazevich: AND I THINK THIS IS LOOKING LIKE THE WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR NICK, BRO! HE BUILDS UP SOME SPEED UTILIZING THE ROPES! AND HE TAKES HIS OPPONENT DOWN WITH THE SPEAR! COLDEST WINTER CONNECTS! And now Goldworthy looks for the cover dude and this one is over!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘‘RUNITUP” by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown blares throughout the arena with some boos. Goldworthy rolls off his opponent with a grin, and Diamond Dixon claps seeing Cosmo pick up the victory. She enters the ring as Cosmo returns to his feet, raising his hand.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…COSMO GOLLLLDDDWOOORRTHHHYYY!
Rich Russillo: And what a win for Cosmo Goldworthy! That was a hard fought back and forth between two great elitists! In the end, Goldworthy was able to find an opening to take down NICK and secure the win!
Thadd Blazevich: That was definitely a hard fought match there, and you can see NICK slowly pulling himself to a seated position near the ropes, but… Hey dude, wait a second. Look!
(NICK is staring at the screen while holding his midsection in pain. He has a frustrated look on his face as a replay showcasing the last few moments of the match is shown on the screen. It shows Cosmo hitting his finishing move before going for the pin, but that’s not all. Moments before the three count, NICK had actually managed to get his foot on the bottom rope.)
Persephone: Sucks to be that guy.
Rich Russillo: I can’t believe it! NICK had his foot on the ropes before the three count! That should have been a rope break but the referee didn’t see it!
Thadd Blazevich: NICK is speaking to the ref, but it looks like it’s too late! Cosmo is the winner, but dude, that sucks for NICK.
(Cosmo and Diamond look at the screenplay and wave it off like it’s nothing, knowing that at the end of the day, Cosmo still picked up the victory. NICK looks frustrated in the ring and continues to argue with the referee, who apologizes but can’t do anything to change the result. During this, the camera fades.)
(The camera cuts to a roped off section of the beach, serving as the makeshift backstage area. Cody Maverick gets a warm reaction from the crowd as he picks up a bottle of water from a nearby table.)
???: Hey, Cody!
(Cody pauses, glancing over his shoulder at the voice before turning around fully. He comes face to face with Hans Grayson as the crowd reacts again, Hans stepping forward to meet him, the two exchanging a quick dap out of respect.)
Hans Grayson: Mind if we talk?
Cody Maverick: Depends. I’ve got an important match later on tonight, involving Miku, Chris Elite, and… you, come to think of it. So, listen, if your goal is to get in my head—
(Hans puts his hand up to stop him.)
Hans Grayson: Look, Cody— no, this isn’t about that. We’ve already said what needed to be said coming into this. I’m not here for all that again. I’m just here to ask… dude, how’s your eye?
(Cody lets out a small chuckle at that, shaking his head slightly as he looks down for a moment before responding.)
Cody Maverick: Straight to it, huh. You’re not the first to come by asking questions, you know. Been getting those same looks all week like “how the hell is this guy still standing?” like people are waiting for me to just not show up tonight.
Hans Grayson: I mean…
Cody Maverick: Come on, Hans, it’s Voltage. You know how this goes. People get hurt, people get back up, and the show keeps moving whether you like it or not.
Hans Grayson: Yeah, but… not always like that. The eye is serious, man. That’s not something you just shake off.
Cody Maverick: What are you, a doctor now?
(Hans raises his hands slightly, motioning for Cody to ease up.)
Hans Grayson: Hey. I get it. After Shock Value, I’d be on edge too. I’m not trying to press you, I’m just saying what it looks like. That’s all.
(Cody exhales, some of that edge fading as he takes a second before removing his sunglasses. His eye is healing, but still red. Hans winces a little when he sees it, the damage still clear even a week later.)
Cody Maverick: Son of a bitch looks terrible, doesn’t it? Looks worse than it feels, I’ll give it that.
Hans Grayson: Yeah… I’d say so.
(Hans shifts slightly, still looking at it.)
Hans Grayson: You sure you’re good to go tonight?
Cody Maverick: I’ll be fine. It’s not pretty, but it’s not enough to keep me out of the ring. Not now.
(Cody puts the sunglasses back on.)
Cody Maverick: I’ve dealt with worse. I’ll deal with this too. Vision’s not perfect, but it’s good enough, and that’s all I need.
(Hans raises an eyebrow at that.)
Hans Grayson: …really? You’ve dealt with worse?
Cody Maverick: I got thrown into an electric eel pit right after that, so yeah. I think I’ve had worse in the same match.
Hans Grayson: Yeah, alright… fair.
Cody Maverick: You ever had those things taking chunks out of you? It feels terrible. Don’t even get me started on the nails Drake put in my head… that’s a whole different kind of pain right there. Every time I think about it, I can still feel it.
Hans Grayson: I’ll take your word for it. Thumbtacks and bricks were enough for me last week… but that wasn’t even the half of it.
(Cody looks him over now, returning the check.)
Cody Maverick: Yeah, I saw that. You didn’t exactly walk out clean either.
Hans Grayson: No… not really.
(Hans rolls his shoulder slightly, then runs his tongue along his teeth for a second.)
Hans Grayson: Shock collar going off every time I hit the ropes, chain wrapped around my neck, getting dragged with it… barbed wire across my mouth, felt like it tore me up… then the tacks, then getting dropped on bricks. You start losing track of what hurts more at that point, it all just blends together.
Cody Maverick: Yeah. That’ll do it.
Hans Grayson: Still feeling it, too. Every step, every breath, it’s there. Even talking right now, I can feel it in my jaw, my neck, everywhere.
Cody Maverick: And you’re still here.
Hans Grayson: Same as you.
Cody Maverick: Fair enough. Guess neither of us is big on following doctor’s orders.
Hans Grayson: I guess not. So, does that make us idiots or…?
Cody Maverick: It’s debatable. Probably a little of that. Definitely too prideful for our own good, though.
Hans Grayson: Yeah… sounds about right.
(A short pause passes between them as the tone settles.)
Hans Grayson: But with where we’re both at right now, we need a match like tonight. That Fatal 4 Way might not have anything on the line, but it still matters.
Cody Maverick: Yeah. It does.
(Cody leans back against the table, taking a quick sip from his water before lowering the bottle.)
Cody Maverick: Not really trying to sit on what happened last week. Not after how it went. Not after coming that close.
(Cody raises his hand slightly, pinching his fingers close together to show just how close.)
Cody Maverick: Not after knowing how close I really was to putting Drake down.
Hans Grayson: I figured. You had him.
(Cody scoffs lightly.)
Cody Maverick: I know. That’s the part that bothers me. I had him… and it still slipped. That’s not something you just forget about, especially not with how it went down.
(Cody shakes his head slowly.)
Cody Maverick: I can live with losing. It happens. But losing like that? Knowing exactly what he did and how he did it… that’s what sticks with you.
Hans Grayson: Yeah… I get that.
(Hans nods, more serious now.)
Hans Grayson: Different match, same feeling. You walk away thinking about everything, even when you know you gave it everything you had and it still wasn’t enough.
Cody Maverick: Exactly.
(A short pause settles in.)
Hans Grayson: For what it’s worth… I was rooting for you out there.
(Cody looks at him.)
Hans Grayson: After everything Drake’s done, I wanted to see him finally get what was coming to him. At this point, I’d take anything bad happening to him, anything that wipes that look off his face.
Cody Maverick: Yeah…
(Cody exhales.)
Cody Maverick: Didn’t go that way. Feels like lately, the wrong people keep getting what they want, and nobody’s really stepping up to stop it.
Hans Grayson: You’re not wrong.
(Hans shakes his head.)
Hans Grayson: Drake… Kai… same thing. They always find a way.
Cody Maverick: Kai didn’t “find a way,” he waited.
(Cody folds his arms.)
Cody Maverick: Picked his moment, took it when everything lined up. That’s what guys like that do. They don’t rush, they just sit back until it’s perfect.
Hans Grayson: Don’t remind me.
(Hans exhales, frustration showing more now.)
Hans Grayson: I keep going back to it. If I handled my business, maybe that never happens. Maybe he’s not even in a position to cash in. That’s on me.
Cody Maverick: Or he just finds another opening anyway.
(Hans pauses, then nods slightly.)
Hans Grayson: Maybe. I didn’t think he was as big of a problem as Drake before all that. Thought I had him figured out. Clearly I was wrong.
Cody Maverick: Happens.
(Cody shrugs.)
Cody Maverick: Guys like that, you can’t underestimate them. Not once. You give them anything, they take everything. They wait for you to slip… and that’s it.
(Cody looks at him.)
Cody Maverick: You’ve gotta expect the worst from them every time.
Hans Grayson: Yeah…
(Hans nods.)
Hans Grayson: Learned that the hard way.
Cody Maverick: Most people do.
(A short pause follows, both of them thinking for a moment.)
Cody Maverick: But nothing changes until somebody actually stops them. Not for one night either.
Hans Grayson: No.
Cody Maverick: For good.
(Hans nods, focused.)
Hans Grayson: Then maybe that starts tonight.
Cody Maverick: Maybe.
(Cody pushes off the table and steps forward slightly.)
Cody Maverick: But I’m not walking in there thinking about anything other than getting back on track. Doesn’t matter who’s in there with me, I’m going through them if I have to.
Hans Grayson: Same here.
Hans Grayson: I’m not taking another loss after coming back. Not happening. I didn’t come back just to fall short again.
Cody Maverick: Good.
(A short pause. The tone tightens.)
Cody Maverick: Just understand something.
(Cody adjusts his sunglasses.)
Cody Maverick: I respect you. I do. But when that bell rings, that doesn’t matter.
Hans Grayson: It shouldn’t. I don’t want it to.
Cody Maverick: Good.
(A brief pause.)
Cody Maverick: Because I’m not taking it easy on you.
Hans Grayson: Wouldn’t expect you to. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
(The two nod one last time. The respect is still there, but now it’s fully competitive. Hans turns and walks off, while Cody lingers for a second before heading the other way. The camera lingers briefly before fading elsewhere.)
(A commercial is shown for Taco Bell.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues from Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo in Costa Rica! The closed-off section of the beach that serves as the backstage area sees Eden Sinclair standing by a tent, going through notes and whatnot on a clipboard. She looks to be going through a checklist of some kind, as you can hear her mumble it out as she reads through it. All of a sudden, she hears someone calling out of her…)
???: HEY MAMACITA!
(Instantly, an annoyed look on Eden’s face says it all, knowing full well who that could be as she turns her head and the camera pans over to reveal none other than Diego Montana! He appears to be drinking some matcha as he usually does, wearing casual attire for the beach. He has more confidence and arrogance than normal, given how Shock Value had gone for him last week, as he begins speaking to Eden and says…)
Diego Montana: How you been, girl? I know you let the reins of this place get taken over by Chris and TLA, but hey, it’s hella nice to see you around here, and I mean, we are having a good time here, you heard?
(An annoyed Eden responds to Diego by saying…)
Eden Sinclair: Glad to see you haven’t changed a bit, Diego…
(Diego responds to this comment from Eden as he tells her…)
Diego Montana: Why would I change myself, Eden? I mean, shit, look what happened last week, I’m the new number one contender to that Hardcore Championship. I beat those two losers last week to earn that shot, and I did that just being me, you heard? Like, there’s a reason everyone calls me the “Highkey New Breeder.” Why they say I’m the Hardest Ese ever. They know that when the lights are down, when the pressure is high… Diego Montana delivers, and that’s what I did at Shock Value, beating those two perros in the ring.
Eden Sinclair: Well… congratulations on your victory at Shock Value.
Diego Monatana: Appreciate it, but now I’m going to be the winner of that Hardcore title held by Kai Rabeaux. That championship that got my name on it, you heard, and once I win that, I’m going to be celebrating like crazy! With some matcha and some Dubai chocolate, listening to all the hits on the radio, it’s going to be fire you heard, and hey… Babygirl, I’m going to be the Hardcore Champ. You better get on this before someone else does!
(This gets a disgusted reaction from Eden, who just widens her eyes and shakes her head. She responds to him by saying…)
Eden Sinclair: Yeah… No thanks, Diego…
(Eden Sinclair proceeds to leave the scene as Diego begins shouting…)
Diego Montana: Come on, Mamacita! Wouldn’t you wanna be with the soon-to-be Hardcore Champ! That title is going to look–
???: Yeah, I’m going to have to stop you right there.
(Diego turns around and sees Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy standing as they, too, look quite annoyed with Diego Montana. Diamond was the one who initially spoke as she continued with what she was saying…)
Diamond Dixon: Are you really that confident that you’re going to win that Hardcore Championship?
(Diego has a confused look on his face as he responds to Diamond by saying…)
Diego Montana: Why wouldn’t I be?
(An annoyed Cosmo chimes in and responds to Diego and tells him…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Well, because you stole that victory from me last week… Makes me think the chances of you winning that Hardcore Championship match are slim to none.
(Diego is taken aback at what Cosmo just said as he responds by saying…)
Diego Montana: Now wait just a min–
(Before Diego could do anything else, again Cosmo interrupts, telling Diego…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah, I wasn’t done talking. The way Shock Value went for me and Diamond isn’t exactly the most thrilling thing in the world. We had our eyes on accomplishing what we wanted that night, with me getting that ultimate opportunity by beating you and NICK, the guy who was about to get pinned by me.
(Diamond adds on to what Cosmo was saying and begins to speak…)
Diamond Dixon: AND my High Voltage match against Minerva, even after everything that I went through in that match, giving it my all, it was Minerva with her arm raised high. It’s safe to say I’m not thrilled with the result that took place at Shock Value either. In fact, you should consider yourself lucky, Diego, lucky that you were able to walk away with a major opportunity from this show… all thanks to what Cosmo did by nailing the Gold Rush and knocking off NICK’s head in the process. You were lucky those electric floors were in place, otherwise… You wouldn’t be the number one contender, let alone already be gloating about winning that title.
(Diego hears what both Diamond and Cosmo had to say about him, and responds by saying…)
Diego Montana: If I cared enough about the losses you both suffered, I would play the world’s smallest violin for the two of you, but I don’t really care, so you ain’t getting that! Diamond, you can say Cosmo got his win stolen from me all you want… But the facts are the facts… I took advantage… I saw my opportunity, and I got it. Cosmo shoulda been more aware you heard… It was just the hardest ese ever, and sometimes you gotta use your head in situations like that, you heard, but you two losers know nothing like that if you both didn’t get the result you wanted.
(Cosmo hears this from Diego Montana, who looks even more annoyed than before at the response he got from him. Cosmo replies to Diego by saying to him…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: All you did was throw me out of the ring and steal what was essentially my win. I’m tired of getting screwed with guys like you, Diego, because no matter how much you want to tell yourself… You haven’t earned being that number one contender, and the moment that match happens between you and Kai… you ain’t going to be on the other side with that championship, I can tell you that much.
(Diego hears this and does a brush-off gesture and responds to Cosmo by saying…)
Diego Montana: It doesn’t matter, perro! I’m the number one contender and you ain’t, that’s just how life goes, and soon enough you’re gonna be calling me champion, you heard!
(Diego then starts to leave, as the camera follows him, as Diamond and Cosmo look rather annoyed at that whole interaction between them and Diego. Diego begins whistling, looking rather joyous as he takes more sips of his matcha, making his way down the closed beach section here in Costa Rica. He begins to say to himself…)
Diego Montana: They don’t know anything, they got no idea how to be the highkey–
(All of a sudden, Diego gets clobbered from his side! He goes down holding his jaw as the camera pans over to reveal none other than the new Hardcore Champion, Kai Rabeaux! Kai continues the assault on Diego as he stomps him out in the closed section on the beach!)
Kai Rabeaux: YOU’RE MY CHALLENGER? YOU’RE MY FIRST DEFENSE, HUH??
(Kai grabs a hold of Diego and throws him into a nearby production crate! Diego smacks hard onto that crate as Kai gets in a mounted position and is throwing rights and lefts towards Diego’s head!)
Rich Russillo: THE ASSAULT FROM KAI RABEAUX!! HE MUST HAVE BEEN HEARING WHAT DIEGO WAS SAYING BEFORE THAT HE WAS GOING TO WIN THAT TITLE OFF HIM!! HE LAYS IN MORE AND MORE PUNCHES TO THE HEAD OF MONTANA!!
Thadd Blazevich: DIEGO BROSKI SHOULDN’T BE RUNNING HIS MOUTH, BUT I THINK KAI BRO LOOKS VERY PISSED OFF AS MORE PUNCHES RAIN DOWN ON DIEGO BRO.
Persephone: Thank GOD! Diego is so cringe, so it’s nice to see him get his jaw rearranged.
(Kai Rabeaux then takes the Hardcore title off his waist and holds it with his left hand! He begins to speak to an unconscious Diego Montana and tells him…)
Kai Rabeaux: Diego Montana… Even in your silly little dreams, you won’t be able to take this title away from my hands. This title is reserved for those who have the eyes of a killer, and you don’t have any of that whatsoever.
(Kai takes a deep breath before continuing and saying…)
Kai Rabeaux: You’re a piss-poor contender for what is about to become the greatest champion reign in EAW history.
(Kai says this as soon as officials start swarming the area, as Kai is separated from Diego Montana. Kai has a smirk on his face before voluntarily leaving the scene! Doctors come rushing in to check on Diego Montana, who is still lying out and not conscious. The segment would soon fade off as we transition elsewhere in the arena here on Sunday Night Voltage.)
(Following the previous events, the camera returns to ringside, fading back to show the Voltage Commissioner, Captain Charisma inside of the ring. Captain Charisma is holding a microphone in his hand, and the fans cheer for the Commissioner as he responds to them with a smile. As the fans slowly begin to calm down, Captain Charisma begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen, I told you all earlier that Eden and I had a lot to handle, and right now I am here for exactly that reason. Shock Value was filled with controversy and it won’t be easy to get through everything that occurred at the event, but right now I believe this is a good opportunity to take care of a problem that actually has Grand Rampage implications. Eden and I may not have been the ones in charge of what took place at Shock Value, but we witnessed everything that occurred at the event, and one thing we did not anticipate at an event usually made to see decisive endings that can’t be ruined through count outs or disqualifications was for a number one contendership triple threat match to end without a winner.
(After this, Captain Charisma turns towards the entrance way, taking a few steps closer towards the ropes before he continues.)
Captain Charisma: Saori, Ashlynn, Eris, I’d like the three of you to join me in the ring. You’ll want to hear what I have to say.
(Before long, the three women all begin to walk out. Saori Aizen, Eris Morti and Ashlynn Quinn all appear, with both Ashlynn and Eris dressed in their gear ahead of their match coming up, while Saori was already in action earlier tonight. The three women all begin to make their way down the ramp, holding microphones of their own. While unsure of what Captain Charisma is going to announce, none of them seem to be concerned with the potential announcement just yet.)
Rich Russillo: The three women that were in the Specialists Championship contendership match are out here tonight, and it’s honestly a wonder that any of them were capable of getting in the ring tonight after everything that happened between them at the end of that 100 Cattle Prods match.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, that was wild. I’m glad to see that they’re all okay, but bro, I’m curious what Captain Charisma is gonna do about the whole no contest situation. I mean, the fact that none of them is the number one contender right now is a problem, isn’t it?
Persephone: Not for me. I don’t care about any of these three holding a Championship. None of them are any good without a weapon in their hands, anyway.
(The three women enter the ring, joining Captain Charisma there as they wait to see what will be said. Ashlynn glances towards Eris knowing that the two will be in action soon as tag team partners, while Saori stares directly at Captain Charisma, beginning to speak before he gets the chance to continue.)
Saori Aizen: What’s the meaning of this?
(Captain Charisma just smiles, before beginning to respond.)
Captain Charisma: Well, I can see that the three of you must’ve enjoyed tearing each other apart at Shock Value, but maybe a little too much seeing as the three of you ended up putting yourselves in a position where the referee was forced to call the match, leaving us without an opponent for Auburn Ware at Grand Rampage. Thankfully the three of you were able to recover since then, with you facing Jay Jerry Johnson earlier in the night, and Ashlynn and Eris teaming up in a match right after this-
Ashlynn Quinn: Which we’re going to win, don’t forget! Unlike Saori did earlier, ya know… teehee!
(Ashlynn says this with a confident look on her face, and Eris just nods. Saori, meanwhile, isn’t amused whatsoever. Captain Charisma continues to speak, not bothered by this interruption thanks to what he’s prepared to say.)
Captain Charisma: Well, before you two can get to that match I believed it was only right that you knew what was to come of all three of your efforts at Shock Value. The three of you were granted a major opportunity with that number one contendership match which I respected seeing as TLA and Chris Elite had such a great idea to make things exciting for Shock Value, and it impressed me seeing that each of you ended up giving that match your all, even if it may have been a bit too much in the end. I’m glad to see the Voltage roster bring this sort of effort to the table even when I’m not the one in charge, so I think it’s only right that your performance at Shock Value gets you somewhere. With that being said, I have decided that at Grand Rampage…
Captain Charisma: *All* of you will face Auburn Ware for the Specialists Championship!
Rich Russillo: WOW!
Thadd Blazevich: A fatal four way for the title!? Awesome!
(The fans cheer loudly for Captain Charisma’s announcement, beyond excited hearing that all three Elitists will compete in the Specialists Championship match at Grand Rampage. Captain Charisma grins hearing the loud response from the crowd, but the three women are all just looking at each other, almost as if they’re seeing what their now future opponents are thinking. After the fans begin to relax and the excitement dies down, Saori turns towards the Commissioner, beginning to speak once more.)
Saori Aizen: I understand that you feel the need to capitalize on our match at Shock Value. I know all too well the excitement our battle had, as our enjoyment of our time as foes is precisely what prevented any of us from leaving that match as the victory. For one brief, crucial moment we cared about destroying each other more than we cared about ending the match standing tall, and now you wish to grant us the chance to go to war once more… But do you understand exactly what you are doing? I have already missed out on the opportunity to become Specialists Champion thanks to the ridiculous circumstances matches like this may provide, and the last thing I will do is allow my past to follow me into the future. I intend to become Champion no matter who I must hurt to get there, or what state they will find themselves in by the time it is over. I ask you this as the Commissioner of this brand, who I’m sure would prefer to have as much of his roster available as possible on the road towards Pain for Pride. Do you really feel that this is the greatest method for us to resolve this matter, after what we have already done to each other?
(Saori Aizen doesn’t appear to be amused as she says this, staring at Captain Charisma knowing that the prior circumstance in reference is the triple threat she had against Mia Santoro and her enemy ARIA for the Specialists Championship, which ended in Mia’s successful defense thanks to the hatred between Saori and ARIA. Saori waited for a response from the Commissioner, but before she could receive one, Eris would begin to speak.)
Eris Morti: What’s wrong, Saori? A rematch doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
(Saori looks towards Eris, who has a faint smirk on her face as she stares back at Saori.)
Eris Morti: To be honest, I feel conflicted about this turn of events. Admittedly, for us all to be granted the Championship match we fought tooth and nail for so easily is quite disappointing. I wanted your paths towards that Championship to be as difficult as possible so that you’d entertain me, and Shock Value impressed me for that very reason. To have the stakes of such a fight so easily removed almost feels like a slap in the face, but I suppose I can make this work. Only one of us can bring an end to this as the new Specialists Champion, and a no contest at Grand Rampage wouldn’t bring us any closer towards that result. Now the very opportunity you’ve been hoping for is dangling directly over your heads, and a loss this late in the season may very well remove you from the Championship picture entirely heading towards Pain for Pride. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it partner?
(Morti’s eyes dart towards Ashlynn Quinn as she says this, as the smirk on her face widens. Ashlynn doesn’t immediately respond to her words. She brought everything she had towards Shock Value for the sake of proving that she’s every bit as great as she says, but ultimately, like Saori and Eris she got caught up in the heat of the moment. Now the stakes are even higher, and while she’s only one match away from becoming a two-time Champion, there is now even more to lose. Not only that, but the person taunting her now is the person she will have to team up with in only a few moments.)
Ashlynn Quinn: You know what? I told both of you what I was gonna do at Shock Value, and I did it, didn’t I? You two thought there was even a chance I wouldn’t be able to keep up with you because I don’t carry myself the same way that you two do, but if I wasn’t able to get my hands dirty we wouldn’t all be in this mess, now would we? You didn’t realize what was hiding behind this pretty face, and ‘cause of that you didn’t know what I’m willing to do to become Champion again. I said heading to Shock Value that I was glad that you both put me in a spot where I was able to show you everything I really had, but I didn’t want all of that to be for nothing, and I definitely don’t want to miss out on becoming Champion entirely because I wasted Shock Value getting all bloody with you two. I already showed you two that it’s not enough for me to just be the most beautiful Elitist on the EAW roster. I proved that I can handle whatever either of you throw at me, no matter the time or the place.
(Ashlynn and Eris stare at each other for a moment, before the former New Breed Champion turns towards Saori.)
Ashlynn Quinn: I already told you what winning the Specialists Championship means to me back before Shock Value, and now you know that I am apparently willing to get blown up with you if it means stopping you from taking *my* win. So Saori, sweetie, you’re gonna have to step to the back of the line for me. This is my time to become Champion.
(Saori raises her eyebrows hearing this, staring at Ashlynn for a moment before taking a step forward, finally beginning to respond.)
Saori Aizen: Really? Ashlynn Quinn… For one night you have chosen to embrace chaos, and that much may mean a lot to you, but if you truly believe this is enough for you to feel empowered to crush my own pursuit of what is mine, you still have much to learn.
Ashlynn Quinn: And what’s that?
Saori Aizen: If you truly care to listen, then I will give you but one warning, doll. Shock Value may have brought me a sense of enjoyment, but I will not leave this season empty. If you wish to stand in the way of my success then you will only continue to suffer, only this time you won’t have the benefit of an explosion wiping us both out.
(Saori turns towards Eris after this, walking directly up to Eris while pointing at her, poking at her while doing so. Eris would soon find herself backed against the turnbuckles as the two stare at each other, neither voluntarily backing down.)
Saori Aizen: And you… Don’t think of yourself as an exception to my wrath. A glutton for punishment you may be, but you know who I am and you know that I’m willing to achieve victory by any means. I’m sure you understand the weight these words hold with the Specialists Championship I have fought for since the early stages of the season now on the line once more.
(Eris just nods.)
Eris Morti: Of course. It’d just infuriate you to watch me hold that Championship instead, much like it would my partner over there. It’d be the worst case scenario I’m sure, but you must know that your threats don’t concern me. I heard enough of them ahead of Shock Value, and the fact that we are here right now should tell you how meaningful that was, doesn’t it?
(Saori doesn’t respond to this.)
Eris Morti: If either of you wish to avoid your nightmare becoming a reality you’ll need to abandon your promises, and allow your actions to speak for you.
(This time, it is Saori that begins to let out a grin, even beginning to laugh.)
Saori Aizen: Trust me. That is the last thing you want.
(Immediately after this, Ashlynn grabs Saori by the shoulder, turning her around.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Come on. Don’t you think we’ve heard enough of this by now? I definitely believe you, Saori. I saw just how dangerous you can be firsthand, but I’m not afraid of you. I’m not afraid of either of you. Eris, we made a good team before Shock Value. We don’t need to get in each other’s way just because we’re facing each other at Grand Rampage! We can have ourselves a nice win tonight, then at Grand Rampage the best woman will win, which whether Auburn Ware and the two of you like it or not, is me.
(After this, she turns towards Saori, who had been giving Ashlynn almost a cold stare after being grabbed by her.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Buuuut, if you girls really want to do this whole dance again and get it over with, then you already saw what I’m willing to do. I know how you operate now and I have better things to do than argue all night, so we don’t have to keep talking if you don’t want to.
(These words cause the crowd reaction to rise, noting the look on the faces of all three women.)
Ashlynn Quinn: If we need to do this the same way we did heading to Shock Value, then I’ll-
(However, before things could heat up and the anticipated brawl could even begin, ‘Bad Blood’ by Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar hits. This causes the fans in attendance to loudly cheer, having been completely caught off guard by this. The three challengers for the Specialists Championship turn towards the entrance way.)
Rich Russillo: Well I can’t say I was expecting this! Just one night after a successful Championship defense at Reasonable Doubt, it appears that Auburn Ware is looking to greet the Sunday Night Voltage crowd, as well as her new set of challengers!
Thadd Blazevich: This has been one hell of a reign for Auburn, dude. It’s not often a Champ has to go from a triple threat to a fatal four way!
Persephone: I guess. I don’t see why she needed to show up here, though. I did not ask to see her at all.
(Sure enough, Auburn Ware walks out, holding a microphone in her hand and carrying her Specialists Championship on her shoulder. Auburn stares at her three new challengers while on her way to the ring, and she just slowly nods her head, approaching the ringside area before finally walking up the steel steps and entering the ring. ‘Bad Blood’ begins to fade out after this, and Auburn stands in front of her three opponents, beginning to speak.)
Auburn Ware: I don’t mean to interrupt the business between the three of you, but as the Champion you all are coming after I thought it’d be fine if I came out here and gave my own thoughts on the matter. To be honest, Reasonable Doubt was tough. Cynthia Valice gave it everything she had and gave a pretty good reminder that she’s going to have a good future here, and Grace De Luca unfortunately proved to be as much of an annoyance as always. That match was important to me as my second marquee live event ever as a Champion here, and it could’ve fallen apart at any moment. A triple threat is tough knowing that I don’t have to be involved at all with the match ending decision, so obviously a fatal four way with three opponents, one of them being a former Champion in her own right, is just going to be an even bigger challenge. With that said…
(Auburn steps forward, continuing to stare at her three opponents with a focused look on her face.)
Auburn Ware: I did what I promised at Reasonable Doubt, and I don’t think one more opponent is going to stop me from doing the same at Grand Rampage.
(Auburn smiles, and the fans cheer after these words. Ashlynn, Eris and Saori remain silent, choosing not to respond to Auburn’s words following the Champion’s declaration. After the fans quiet down, Auburn continues.)
Auburn Ware: No matter how much of a challenge it was, I was capable of defeating two opponents at once and overcoming the unpredictability of a triple threat. It was never going to be easy, but I didn’t win this Championship expecting things to get any easier. I’m fine with defending my Championship in a fatal four way. I’m more than happy to put my title on the line against the three of you, but I don’t intend to lose this Championship just yet, and everything I’ve experienced so far has just helped me prepare for matches exactly like this one. I have been tested time and time again, and I am ready for more. Being the face of this division means a lot to me, so you all can challenge me for this title and I’m sure you’re going to give me what may just be my toughest Championship defense yet, but I don’t think any of you are going to make good on your promises just yet.
(The cheers continue, and the Champion continues, looking at her challengers with a focused look on her face as she speaks once more.)
Auburn Ware: I always expect my opponents to bring their best, and this shouldn’t be any different when this Championship is on the line. Still, you three aren’t the only ones who want to hold this title, and I’ve already proven to be capable of toppling the challenges that appear in front of me. You three are going to leave Grand Rampage empty handed, because at Grand Rampage I’m going to bring everything I have to make sure I accomplish what I did against BOA at King of Elite, and against both Grace De Luca and Cynthia Valice at Reasonable Doubt. When this is over, this Championship is staying right here.
(Auburn pats the Championship on her shoulder, and the fans cheer for her as she stares at her three Grand Rampage opponents. Before long, ‘Bad Blood’ begins to play once more, leaving the fans excited for the upcoming Championship match as the staredown continues between the four opponents.)
Rich Russillo: Well if there was any way for the Champion to set the record straight, it was like that! We heard the back and forth between these three, but Auburn has been an incredible Champion, and she has no intentions of allowing that reign to end just yet.
Thadd Blazevich: You’re right, bro. This is gonna be an awesome fatal four way, but don’t get me wrong, anyone can end up winning this match, man. It definitely won’t be easy for any of them.
Persephone: Yeah, but what are the odds we get an actually interesting Champion out of this? The chances are looking low, but whatever. Let’s just move on. We have another boring match to get to, anyway.
(After some time, Auburn Ware finally begins to exit the ring. She walks down the steel steps, but while at ringside, she turns back towards her challengers, keeping a close eye on them as she appears ready for Grand Rampage. Eris Morti, Ashlynn Quinn and Saori Aizen watch on, all with their own separate thoughts on what occurred tonight. With this, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where Auburn Ware defends the Specialists Championship against Aahlynn Quinn, Saori Aizen and Eris Morti.)
(The camera returns to ringside, showing Eris Morti and Ashlynn Quinn still in the ring after the previous segment, waiting for their opponents. Ashlynn looks focused knowing everything happening currently, while Eris appears composed despite the circumstances.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: ALREADY IN THE RING… THE TEAM OF ASHLYNN QUINN AND ERIS MORTI!!!
Rich Russillo: We have quite the tag team match on our hands tonight, and it should definitely be an interesting one given the circumstances, especially knowing that these two will once again be opponents at Grand Rampage.
(“Burn in My Light” by Mercy Drive begins to play as Kai Rabeaux comes walking down to the ring with his Hardcore Championship on his shoulder. The crowd booing him but without a care for them, he begins to raise his title in the air-)
(Only for “Until It Sleeps” by Metallica to cut it off, as Damon Lazarus walks out to grab him by the shoulder and pull him back, out of his way as he walks down the ramp.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off mic) What do you think you’re doing?
Damon Lazarus: (off mic) Focus on the match ahead of you kid.
Bella Braxton: AND ON THEIR WAY TO THE RING…THE TEAM OF THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION KAI RABEAUX AND DAMON LAZARUS!
Rich Russillo: This team doesn’t have that same issue, but two individuals like these? Despite their… Similarities… There’s always the chance they won’t get along, either.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: The tag team match has started, and it’s Ashlynn Quinn and Eris Morti versus Damon Lazarus and the Hardcore Champion Kai Rabeaux! A very different clash of styles here, with varying levels of sanity; this should make for an interesting matchup.
Thadd Blazevich: That might be an understatement; with the people in this ring, things could blow up at any minute. This match is going to come down to who can stay calm and actually secure the win for their team.
Persephone: Not going to lie, that would be a better alternative than sitting through an entire tag team match with no stipulation. But one can hope it happens sooner rather than later.
Rich Russillo: And it looks like Eris Morti and Damon Lazarus are starting things off for their respective teams, circling each other cautiously in the center of the ring.
Thadd Blazevich: You’ve got speed versus power right here. Eris is quick, unpredictable, hard to pin down but Damon? He’s a mountain of a man that can be seen, and if he gets his hands on you, you’re not going anywhere. We have seen it, he makes most matches look like a mismatch.
Persephone: Great. So either we watch someone run around for 15 minutes or someone get squashed in 15 seconds. Compiling stuff already.
Rich Russillo: THEY LOCK UP! Collar-and-elbow tie-up in the center! Eris trying to maneuver around, slipping to the side, she’s already trying to outpace him!
Thadd Blazevich: But Damon just muscles her right back in! Look at that strength! He cinches in a tight side headlock, wrenching down and grounding Eris immediately!
Persephone: Yeah, that’s about how I expected that to go.
Rich Russillo: Eris trying to pry her way free, hands fighting at the grip but Damon just drags her down to the mat, keeping that headlock locked in tight!
Thadd Blazevich: This is smart from Damon Lazarus. Slow the pace down, neutralize the speed advantage, and force Eris to fight his kind of match. Eris doesn’t seem to have a choice in the matter either!
Rich Russillo: Eris trying to shift her weight, rolling her hips she manages to get a knee under her trying to push up—
Thadd Blazevich: But Damon just drops his weight again! Keeping her grounded! That size difference is becoming a real factor early on!
Persephone: This is basically watching someone get pinned under a couch. Well in Damon’s case, someone getting pinned underneath a full stocked fridge.
Rich Russillo: Eris finally slips her arm through trying to create space she twists out— BUT DAMON SNATCHES HER RIGHT BACK INTO ANOTHER HEADLOCK!
Thadd Blazevich: Every time she tries to escape, he just clamps right back down! Damon always shows his veteran instincts no matter what and it’s working at full effect.
Rich Russillo: Eris thinking quickly now she rolls backward, trying to force a pinning predicament—
Thadd Blazevich: Damon rolls through it effortlessly! Back to his feet and he yanks Eris up with him!
Persephone: And right back into another hold, I’m guessing?
Rich Russillo: CLOSE! DAMON TRANSITIONS, WRAPPING AROUND GROUNDING HER AGAIN WITH A FRONT FACELOCK THIS TIME!
Thadd Blazevich: He’s cutting off every escape route! Eris can’t get any rhythm going here!
Rich Russillo: Eris trying to fight up again, using her speed to slip to the side, she shoots behind Damon—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON JUST REACHES BACK! GRABS HER AND THROWS HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH RAW POWER!
Persephone: Yeah, speed doesn’t mean much when you get swatted like a fly 99% of the time. Eris should get out of there before she gets hurt.
Rich Russillo: I don’t think quit is in her vocabulary, Eris rolls through quickly though! Back to her feet she’s not staying down for long!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s her advantage in this match! She can’t match the strength Damon is putting out, so she’s got to keep moving!
Rich Russillo: Eris darts in with a quick kick to the thigh! ANOTHER KICK! Trying to chop the big man down! Damon barely budging, he steps forward looking for a CLOTHESLINE—
Thadd Blazevich: ERIS DUCKS AND GOES FOR THE WAIST AGAIN— NO! DAMON SPRAWLS AND JUST FORCES HER BACK DOWN INTO THE MAT!
Persephone: And we’re back to square one. Fantastic.
Rich Russillo: Damon transitions again! Another grounded hold, controlling Eris right in the center of the ring! He is dictating the pace completely right now!
Thadd Blazevich: But Eris is still fighting, still searching for an opening. You can see it in the way she’s moving, constantly adjusting!
(Backstage, the Specialists Champion Auburn Ware sits on a crate watching the match unfold. Obviously keeping her eyes on Eris as she struggles against Damon.)
Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus continuing to keep Eris Morti grounded here, just smothering her in the center of the ring! Every time she tries to create space, he drags her right back down!
Thadd Blazevich: This is exactly what Damon wants: slow it down, wear her out, and take away that speed advantage completely!
Persephone: At this point she might as well just take a nap, it’d be more productive then this match has been so far.
Rich Russillo: But Eris isn’t done yet, you can see her shifting as she’s trying to create an opening— AND SHE DRIVES AN ELBOW UP INTO THE BRIDGE OF DAMON’S NOSE!
Thadd Blazevich: That’ll do it! Damon loosens his grip! ANOTHER ELBOW! RIGHT ON THE MARK! Damon finally forced to release the hold, stumbling back!
Persephone: About time she did something useful.
Rich Russillo: Eris scrambles up to her feet Damon taking his attention off his nose for a second—
Thadd Blazevich: ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! THAT CONNECTS CLEAN!
Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus STAGGERS and drops down completely on the ground! That might be the opening Eris needed to actually get something going in this match!
Persephone: Wow, she actually knocked him down. I’m almost impressed.
Rich Russillo: Eris wasting no time she jumps on him! MOUNTED STRIKES! LEFTS AND RIGHTS RAINING DOWN ON DAMON!
Thadd Blazevich: She’s picking up the pace now! This is where Eris thrives! Fast, aggressive, relentless, not letting Damon get a second of air! Damon tries to cover up, but Eris keeps firing! Forcing him onto his back!
Persephone: I’m glad we’re moving past this technical shit, now we can finally get this match moving.
Rich Russillo: Eris finally pulls him up, dragging Damon toward the corner, she’s got him right where she wants him! Cut the ring in half and bring in a fresh partner! ERIS TAGS IN ASHLYNN QUINN!
(TAG!)
Persephone: Oh smart idea, I’m sure Ashlynn will do great against Damon like Eris did. Or maybe she is just planning for her partner to get her ass kicked.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn immediately gets into the ring, FULL SPRINT TOWARD THE CORNER WHERE ERIS IS HOLDING DAMON—
Thadd Blazevich: RUNNING BACK ELBOW SMASH INTO DAMON LAZARUS! That impact rocks Damon against the turnbuckles! He’s in serious trouble right now!
(Ashlynn celebrates as Damon is down on the mat in the corner, she looks at the camera and begins to taunt.)
Ashlynn Quinn (off mic): See that Auburn, that’s what a REAL Champion looks like! I took Damon down and you’re going to be next.
(Auburn watches this backstage, and suddenly gets up and walks away from the screen.)
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn Quinn looking very pleased with herself right now, taunting the Specialists Champion and now standing over Damon Lazarus and now taunting him!
Thadd Blazevich: That confidence can be dangerous, but it can also backfire if you give your opponent time to recover! Especially someone as dangerous as Lazarus.
Persephone: Or it can just be annoying. Which, in her case, feels a lot more accurate.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn now stomping away at Damon in the corner! Repeated boots to the chest, keeping the big man grounded and under her control!
Thadd Blazevich: She’s trying to keep him down before he can build any momentum again! Which is the only thing she can do, cause if they let them get up it could mean trouble.
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN BACKS UP MEASURING HER SHOT AND CHARGES IN! RUNNING KNEE STRIKE RIGHT TO THE FACE! Damon’s head snaps back against the turnbuckles!
Persephone: Okay, that one actually looked good. I’ll give her that. She might actually be keeping this behemoth of a man down.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn dragging Damon out of the corner now—hooks the leg!
ONE!
Thadd Blazevich: Only one! That’s going to take a lot more to put Damon Lazarus away! Damon starting to stir, trying to push himself up—
(SLAP!)
Persephone: Oh, she just slapped him. That’s fucking stupid. Why would she do that?
Rich Russillo: That might’ve been a mistake! Damon slowly turns his head…you can see the look in his eyes he is NOT happy! DAMON EXPLODES UP WITH A RIGHT HAND AND ANOTHER! HE’S FIRING BACK ON ASHLYNN!
Thadd Blazevich: Those are heavy shots! Ashlynn gets rocked as Damon forces his way back to his feet!
Rich Russillo: DAMON GRABS HER IRISH WHIP TO THE ROPES! CLOTHESLINE! TURNS HER INSIDE OUT! ASHYLNN STUMBLES BACK UP AND DAMON HITS ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE! SHE GOES DOWN AGAIN!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s the power difference on full display, Quinn should have never flipped that switch! Ashlynn trying to get up one more time, still dazed—
Thadd Blazevich: DAMON LIFTS HER AND DRIVES HER DOWN WITH A SCOOP POWERSLAM! Damon Lazarus is fired up now, you can see the rage in his eyes!
Persephone: Took him long enough, we saw this sadistic edge at Shock Value and we are about to see it again.
Rich Russillo: You do NOT want to anger a man like Damon and Ashlynn just learned that the hard way! Damon heads into the corner now, stalking Ashlynn as she struggles to get back up, he’s measuring her!
Thadd Blazevich: He’s going for that punt kick! GOING TO KICK THE HEAD OFF OF ASHLYNN QUINN! DAMON CHARGES IN—
(TAG!)
Persephone: OH COME ON! THAT was the best part and Kai ruined it!
Rich Russillo: KAI RABEAUX TAGS HIMSELF IN! Damon doesn’t even realize it at first! I think Kai wants to save Ashlynn from a very gruesome fate!
(Damon looks at Kai as he steps into the ring, an intense glare that Kai didn’t reflect. He was calm, patting Damon on the chest. Damon looks annoyed that Kai tagged himself in now of all times, but for now, he chooses to head to the apron.)
Rich Russillo: Kai Rabeaux is in the ring now, and we know these two have been in a relationship, but we also know how things went since the road to King of Elite. Since then Kai has won the Hardcore Championship, while Ashlynn has been looking to prove just how good she is, while potentially becoming the Specialists Champion! I wonder, how will they approach each other as opponents?
Thadd Blazevich: Eris Morti is watching intently on the apron, as is Damon Lazarus, who I don’t think was thrilled by that tag. I think both of ‘em want to make sure there’s no funny business here.
Rich Russillo: Well right now, it seems Kai and Ashlynn are going to go about this without any surprises. Ashlynn and Kai quickly lock up in the middle of the ring, AND KAI TAKES CONTROL WITH A HEADLOCK, BUT ASHLYNN IS QUICK TO RUSH TO THE ROPES, USING THEM TO BOUNCE KAI OFF OF HER! Kai grabs onto the ropes to prevent the rebound though, forcing Ashlynn to run in!
Thadd Blazevich: Kai avoids her attack, sending Ashlynn out to the ropes and out onto the apron! Ashlynn looks prepped and ready though as Kai steps away, dude! ASHLYNN ROLLS BACK INTO THE RING FOR THE TREND SETTER-
Persephone: BUT SHE GETS CAUGHT BY KAI! Kai pushes her legs back to roll Ashlynn back to her feet, and Kai goes for a kick but Ashlynn ducks under it.
Rich Russillo: These two seem to be working through their circumstances well enough, as both parties look determined to bring the victory to their team!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn goes for a snapmare on Kai- BUT KAI FOLLOWS THAT UP BY TURNING AND SWEEPING ASHLYNN’S LEGS, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH AN ELBOW DROP! Kai now with a quick cover on Ashlynn-
ONE!
Persephone: But for some reason, that still wasn’t enough to get the job done. Then again, when’s the last time moves like these actually finished anyone off?
Thadd Blazevich: FOLLOWING UP WITH A GROUNDED HEADLOCK! Kai slows things down a bit, and I guess I can’t blame bro for not getting too aggressive knowing that it’s Ashlynn he’s in the ring with. He did say he didn’t want to go and make things complicated now that he’s Champ.
Persephone: Yeah but how much does his words actually matter? Did we not see what happened tonight?
Thadd Blazevich: Fair point. Well, Kai still has Ashlynn in that grounded headlock, and Ashlynn’s teammate over there is waiting to see if Ashlynn can get out of this. You think Damon will appreciate the way Kai’s working right now?
Rich Russillo: I don’t think that’s what’s important right now. Ashlynn slowly tries to will herself up, possibly looking for a tag- BUT KAI TURNS HER AROUND FOR A FRONT FACELOCK! KAI NOW LIFTING ASHLYNN UP FOR WHAT MAY BE A SUPLEX- BUT ASHLYNN IS ABLE TO SLIP OUT OF IT- ONLY FOR KAI TO BE PREPARED, TURNING AND CATCHING ASHLYNN WITH A CLOTHESLINE!
Thadd Blazevich: Kai grabs Ashlynn and sends her into the ropes, AND NOW OFF THE REBOUND HE GOES FOR THE SUPERKICK, BUT ASHLYNN IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDER IT BY SLIDING UNDER KAI!
Rich Russillo: That was a creative counter by Ashlynn right there! Kai seemed to get the better of Ashlynn for a bit, but Ashlynn was able to find an opening!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn backpedals into the ropes after that, BEFORE DROPPING KAI MOMENTARILY WITH A SLING BLADE! Kai is quick to stumble back to his feet and into the corner, and now Ashlynn goes to charge in-
Persephone: And Kai was able to get out of the way- BEFORE QUICKLY GOING FOR REDLINED!
Rich Russillo: WHICH ASHLYNN IS JUST BARELY ABLE TO AVOID!! Her knowing Kai so well definitely helped her out there, as Kai barely gave Ashlynn any time to react right there!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn rushes in, AND SHE SENDS KAI OUT OF THE RING! Kai stumbles out to ringside, and Ashlynn looks pretty proud of herself right there! She takes a moment to recover as Kai collects himself. He doesn’t seem too bothered by the way things are going right now, but now Ashlynn-
Rich Russillo: Hey wait a second, what’s going on here??
(As the display continues in the ring, from the ramp the crowd reacts as the Specialists Champion Auburn Ware steps down to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Wait a second, look on the stage! That’s Auburn Ware! The Specialists Champion is making her way out here!
Persephone: Oh great, more people. Just what this needed.
Thadd Blazevich: Auburn slowly walking down the ramp, eyes locked on the ring, looks like she wants a closer look at this match, not just satisfied with watching it backstage. But hold on, bro… She’s not even looking at Eris or Ashlynn, her challengers at Grand Rampage.
(Auburn Ware stopped in her tracks, staring at Damon Lazarus. The world around her seemed to pause as she looked at the man on the apron, not moving whatsoever. He just stares back at her, with his usual cold glare.)
Rich Russillo: AUBURN LOCKS EYES WITH DAMON LAZARUS. Damon’s staring right back at her, neither of them moving. I don’t know what happened, does Damon have some sort of spell over her?
Rich Russillo: I’m not sure, the entire arena feels frozen in this moment, Auburn stepping closer to the apron completely locked in on Damon, who I think might’ve caught her off guard as she intended to take a look at her Grand Rampage opponents!
Persephone: Oh brother. We’re doing this now? This is just dragging on an already long ass match!
Thadd Blazevich: Damon hasn’t even stepped in yet, but his presence alone just halted everything for her!
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile Ashlynn Quinn has been completely caught off guard, yelling at Auburn trying to see what’s going on! Meanwhile, Kai Rabeaux has slowly made his way back into the ring, seemingly unnoticed entirely. This match has completely turned towards Auburn! WAIT A MINUTE FROM BEHIND!
Persephone: FINALLY! SAORI AIZEN JUST ATTACKED AUBURN WARE FROM BEHIND! GET HER ASS PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
Thadd Blazevich: She blindsided her on the outside! Auburn goes crashing into the apron! Chaos breaking out at ringside now! Auburn tries to fight back, but Saori is all over her! This is also a challenger for the Championship and she is taking the opportunity!
(Soari drags Auburn by the hair, pulling her any direction that she can but Auburn isn’t surrendering! She pushes herself forward and INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! JAMMING SOARI’S BACK INTO THE EDGE!)
Soari Aizen (off mic): URGH! You-
(Soari continues to clutch at her hair, then THROWS knees into the face of Auburn! Knee after knee lands to the bridge of the nose of Auburn knocking her down, giving Soari full control over the Champion. She laughs manically, picking her back up and then-)
Persephone: AUBURN CRASHING FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST! THE CHAMPION IS DOWN A BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE! THIS IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING THAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR!
Rich Russillo: And look inside the ring, Eris is distracted on the apron looking at the fight breaking out! Ashlynn turned halfway toward the outside, before turning around—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT WAIT, LOOK AT KAI! HE SEES AN OPENING, AND I THINK HE’S GONNA TAKE IT! KAI RABEAUX STEPS IN AND CHARGES FORWARD— ‘BLADE OF BABYLON’! ELBOW STRAIGHT TO ASHLYNN QUINN!
Rich Russillo: HE CAUGHT HER COMPLETELY OFF GUARD! HERE I SOMEHOW THOUGHT KAI HAD ANY RESPECT FOR ANYBODY BUT HIMSELF! HE DIDN’T EVEN HESITATE TO CAPITALIZE ON THAT DISTRACTION, TOWARDS ASHLYNN QUINN OF ALL PEOPLE!
Persephone: HAHAHA! You don’t win matches with hugs and kisses, now pin her ass!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…THE “HARDCORE CHAMPION” KAI RABEAUX AND DAMON LAZAURUS!
(“Burn In My Light” begins to play once again as Eris enters the ring too late. Kai rolls out of the ring, wasting no time retrieving his Hardcore Championship as he doesn’t even bother letting the referee raise his hand. Damon Lazarus chooses not to concern himself with everything that happened tonight, just shaking his head. Eris looks at Ashlynn who is laid out on the mat, no doubt heart broken, but she just scoffs kicking her in the arm.)
Persephone: And just like that… it’s over. Thank God. Not going to lie, I didn’t know Kai had it in him. But considering recent events, I shouldn’t have counted him out.
Rich Russillo: Kai Rabeaux steals it for his team! Damon Lazarus and Kai Rabeaux pick up the victory, capitalizing off the distraction! That is still happening on the outside!
(Soari was done beating up Champion, grabbing the Championship as she taunted it. It was then she looked into the ring and saw Eris. Staring back at her. They stood there for a moment, glaring at each other. Soari smiled and waved tauntingly, as the scene fades to black.)
(Highlights are shown from their Electrified TLC Match at Shock Value where ToXXXin defended their Tag Team Championships against ARIA and Candice Blair, as well as TLA and Chris Elite. The weapons were electrified, so every hit was more dangerous. Ladders sparked, chairs shocked, and tables went off on impact. The match was chaotic from start to finish, but Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes pushed through it. In the end, Daniella was left alone to climb the ladder and grab the titles. After the match, Daniella celebrated with Selina while everyone else was laid out, with Candice Blair needing medical attention at ringside.)
(The recap fades.)
(The camera cuts backstage, panning down from the sky to a roped off section of the beach. Selina Reyes and Daniella Atlas stand side by side with the Unified Tag Team Championships draped over their shoulders. For a moment, they look at each other, a quiet understanding between them, before both turn their attention toward the camera. The crowd can be heard loudly booing in the background. Selina remains still, her expression calm, almost unreadable. Daniella stands upright, composed as ever.)
Selina Reyes: You saw what happened. Three teams, each willing to put themselves through electrified hell for one thing: that being these Unified Tag Team Titles. The very titles we won back at King of Elite against two decorated elitists themselves, Fire & Ice. Raven Roberts and Rex McAllistar, a team that seemed almost unbeatable since Pain for Pride 18, defending against any and all comers from… where to start? Hans Grayson and Drake Armstrong, our current Cash in the Vault holder and EAW World Champion. Showtime, one member being a recent finalist in the King of Elite tournament. Just to name a few.
(She pauses briefly, letting that resume sink in.)
Selina Reyes: That’s the level we stepped into… and took from. Not a fluke, not a surprise… we walked into that situation knowing exactly what we were doing, and we took something people thought couldn’t be taken.
Daniella Atlas: Which makes it all the more telling when… despite being the “inexperienced” team in that situation, Selina and I were the ones who walked in and took everything from them. Not by chance, not by some fleeting moment… but by design.
(She adjusts the title on her shoulder, unbothered.)
Daniella Atlas: We made a statement at their expense, and in doing so, proved Minerva right in choosing us from the very beginning. It was never circumstance, it was never fortune…
(She looks directly into the camera.)
Daniella Atlas: It was inevitable. Because from the moment we aligned, there was always a direction. A purpose. We were not thrown together, we were chosen… and we delivered exactly what was expected. We understood the responsibility that came with that, and more importantly, we understood what it would take to fulfill it.
Selina Reyes: And then came Shock Value.
(She tilts her head slightly.)
Selina Reyes: Where people thought maybe that would be the night it falls apart. Three teams, electrified weapons, no control over what happens once things start breaking down… you start hearing people talk numbers, chances, odds… thirty-three percent for the champions, maybe even less with everything stacked against us…
(She gives a faint, almost dismissive look, shaking her head slightly.)
Selina Reyes: And still… same result.
Daniella Atlas: The environment changed. The opposition changed. The stakes remained the same… and so did the outcome.
(She looks directly into the camera.)
Daniella Atlas: Because what people fail to understand is that chaos does not expose weakness in us… it reveals it in everyone else.
(Selina taps the faceplate of her title.)
Selina Reyes: Chaos doesn’t change anything for us… it just makes everything clearer. It doesn’t matter who you put in front of us, it doesn’t matter what kind of match you put us in, it doesn’t matter how much you try to stack it.
(A short pause.)
Selina Reyes: You’re still getting the same exact ending. People broken down, opportunities slipping away… and us holding onto what’s ours.
Daniella Atlas: Bodies laid out. Wreckage everywhere. And us… standing above it. Champions.
(Selina nods once.)
Selina Reyes: That match was supposed to take something out of us. Instead, it just proved something… that we’re not going anywhere. If anything, it proved that the worse you try to make things for us, the better we respond.
Daniella Atlas: Non, not now… not later. This is only the beginning of what this team is meant to become. What we have already done is impressive, yes… but it is far from the limit. We are still evolving, still refining, still becoming something greater with every step we take.
(Selina glances toward Daniella briefly.)
Selina Reyes: We didn’t just win these titles. We changed what this division looks like. We forced people to look at us differently, to understand that this isn’t temporary… this is the direction things are heading in now.
(She looks back to the camera.)
Selina Reyes: And now everyone else has to deal with that.
Daniella Atlas: And that is where things become… interesting. Because now, the question is no longer if we belong here… it is who is even capable of standing across from us without breaking under the pressure.
(Selina crosses her arms.)
Selina Reyes: And right now… that answer isn’t clear. Nobody’s stepped forward and made it obvious. Nobody’s proven they’re ready for what comes with this.
(She shrugs slightly.)
Selina Reyes: So we’ll make it simple.
Daniella Atlas: Like Minerva, we have declared for the Grand Rampage match. We are not limiting ourselves, we are not confining our reach to one division, one opportunity… we are expanding it. We are making sure that our presence is felt everywhere, not just here.
(She gestures lightly with her hand.)
Daniella Atlas: But even with that… we do not neglect what we hold. These championships are not secondary, they are not something we carry lightly… they are a statement.
Selina Reyes: These titles still matter. And if anything… they matter more now. Because now everyone knows what it takes to try and get them… and what happens when you fail.
(She taps the championship again.)
Selina Reyes: You can push yourself as far as you want, go through everything you think it takes… and it still won’t be enough.
Daniella Atlas: Candice Blair learned that the hard way. All that fight, all that effort, and in the end… she wasn’t walking out on her own. That is what happens when you step into this with us and you are not ready for what it actually takes. And the worst part is… she is not the exception.
(A brief pause.)
Selina Reyes: She’s just the most recent example.
(Selina’s tone stays calm, but more direct.)
Selina Reyes: So, keep that in mind… because here’s what we’re doing. We’re not waiting around for someone to be handed a shot, we’re not sitting back while people argue over who deserves it.
(She looks directly into the camera.)
Selina Reyes: If you want it… come take it.
(Selina slowly lifts her championship off her shoulder, holding it up toward the camera so the faceplate fills the frame for a moment.)
Selina Reyes: This is what you’re chasing.
(She lowers it slightly, eyes still locked forward.)
Daniella Atlas: Voltage. Showdown. Dynasty… it makes no difference to us. We are not bound to one place, we are not limited by brand… we are above that.
Selina Reyes: Any team. From anywhere.
Selina Rey: If you think you’re ready…
(She tilts her head slightly.)
Selina Reyes: Step up.
Daniella Atlas: Name the time. Name the place. We will meet you there, and we will do exactly what we’ve already shown we’re capable of… we will prove you wrong, decisively.
(She pauses briefly.)
Selina Reyes: Just understand this before you do.
(She narrows her eyes slightly.)
Selina Reyes: This isn’t an opportunity for you… it’s a reality check. The kind that doesn’t leave you wondering what went wrong… you’ll know exactly why.
Daniella Atlas: One that will be delivered with precision. Every movement calculated, every moment controlled… exactly how it has been since we started this.
Selina Reyes: And if you’re not ready for that…
(She gives a slight shrug.)
Selina Reyes: Then don’t bother stepping up.
(A short pause.)
Daniella Atlas: But we will not wait forever. Our time is not something that will be wasted while others hesitate.
Selina Reyes: You’ve got until next week.
Daniella Atlas: That is more than enough time to decide whether or not you truly believe in yourselves… and whether or not you’re willing to deal with the consequences of that decision.
Selina Reyes: Because if you do…
(She taps the title one more time.)
Selina Reyes: Come take your shot.
Daniella Atlas: And if you don’t…
(She gives a faint, cold look.)
Daniella Atlas: Then stay exactly where you belong.
(Selina finishes calmly.)
Selina Reyes: Watching.
(The two stand side by side, completely composed, titles resting on their shoulders as the noise of the crowd continues in the background. Neither reacts, both locked in. The presence alone says enough. The camera lingers for a moment longer than usual before fading out.)
(Commercial for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show a pan around shot of the scenery here at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo. After a moment, ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac begins to blast through the speakers of the makeshift arena. The crowd cheers loudly as the camera goes to the stage, revealing TLA as he’s seen making his way out from the backstage area. He has a light smile on his face, taking a moment to hype the crowd up, before then beginning to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… LA PANTERA SEXUAL… T… L… A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: With February coming to a close, it marks the end of the month of TLA and Chris Elite and their run as General Managers of Sunday Night Voltage. They certainly made their impact on this brand during that time, but the one thing that they did for themselves was add the two of them to the Unified Tag Team Championship match at Shock Value, hoping to not to leave February empty-handed.
Thadd Blazevich: But as we saw last week, it didn’t exactly go to plan, bro. A miscommunication near the end of the match would end up having Chris send TLA through an electrified table, which was enough for ToXXXin to be able to take advantage and retain their Championships. Needless to say, TLA was not exactly happy by the end of it, and he still doesn’t look happy tonight. I think he’s here to address that, bro.
Persephone: Personally, I found what happened last week insanely fucking funny. Pretty deserving of a consequence for two people who did nothing but bullshit around as General Managers, given the opportunity instead of doing ANYTHING productive. The only thing that would make this better is if they both retire right here.
(TLA makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters the ring. He makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ begins to come to a close. As he heads toward the center of the ring, he takes a moment before beginning to speak.)
TLA: Orale, Costa Rica! ¿Qué pasó?! We out here in La Playa tonight, getting our sun on and shit, good vibez all around fr. And I don’t mean to step on that or nothin’, but I got something to get off mi pecho in dis ring and it ain’t gonna be very nice imma be honest. Now, as you know, yo boi was feastin’ to get some Tag Title gold around his waist. Me and the vato, Chris Elite, were looking to fuck up the competition and climb dat ladder, ending our time as General Managers on a high. But as you might have seen, it didn’t end up going that way. Shit wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and I ain’t gonna lie to you and say I’m not mad about it, cuz I am. And is it so wrong to say that it ain’t my fault either? :lupe:
(TLA shrugs his shoulders, the crowd murmuring as they listen to him speak. After a good moment, he raises his microphone and continues.)
TLA: I mean, I hate to be that ese, but the opportunity was right there to become los campeones. If just one thing were different about it, then we would’ve climbed up and taken those titles for ourselves. But it ain’t happened because of a miscommunication. Chris kicked my ass right into that damn electrified table, and that was enough for Daniella to retain the titles for ToXXXin. Now this ain’t me tryna put all the blame on Chris, but I’m not estupido. The homie wasn’t on his A-game, and while most of the time a vato can look past that, when it starts affecting mi dinero, that’s when I gotta put the foot down, you know what I mean? We promised everyone that we was gonna bring that fuego to Shock Value, and it just wasn’t there. And while I been tryna bring the finest lucha to all y’all watching the product, losing out on yet another opportunity… It just ain’t sitting right with me, holmes.
(TLA takes a moment as he begins to pace around slowly, thinking to himself before he goes on.)
TLA: Now I know this probably ain’t the end for La Pantera Sexual fr. There’s still a lot more out there for me to sink my teeth into, and when the time comes, you boutta see just how much of a hustler I can be. But I spent the entire week telling people how Chris Elite wasn’t gonna be dead weight to TLA, how they was dealing with the biggest vatos in this company, two Hall of Fame talents that couldn’t be fucked with. But after what I saw… I don’t know, man. Even a homie like me gotta start second-guessing.
(TLA pauses, but before he can go on, ‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke begins to blast through the speakers of the arena. The camera then goes from the ring to the stage to show Chris Elite as he quickly makes his way out. He’s visibly confused as he can’t believe what he’s hearing right now from TLA, taking a good moment to process it on the stage before then beginning to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Rich Russillo: If there’s one thing I didn’t expect, it was TLA basically pinning the blame on Chris for what happened at Shock Value, and I don’t think Chris can believe it either. Especially after they were General Managers for a month, surely some grace could be afforded for a loss like that, right?
Persephone: I don’t give a fuck. This is good entertainment, I need them to FIGHT. Tear each other apart for what the other did! This is a lot better than what they were doing before.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s certainly an interesting situation, but even more so, it’s going to be interesting to see how Chris responds to this. We know that he’s never been the most… patient person, bro. So to hear this from someone that he considers a bro is definitely not something that is going to sit well with him. So I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see.
(Chris makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he makes his way into the ring. He immediately storms over and takes a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Invincible’ begins to come to a close as he turns around and approaches TLA, thinking for a moment before beginning to speak.)
Chris Elite: :comeagain: You good, bro? Because it sounded like, for a moment, you were pinning the blame on me. Look, I know I fucked up, I’m not going to deny that. But you of all people should know that I didn’t mean to do that; it was completely unintentional. I didn’t go out of my way to cost us the match, that’s some stupid shit. If it were anyone else, I would’ve already thrown hands, but I fuck with you, man. The last thing I need is for us to have problems because of something that I didn’t mean to do.
(Chris genuinely looks serious as he says this, TLA only crossing his arms and allowing him to continue his explanation.)
Chris Elite: We both know that there’s always a second opportunity, another chance. When I won the Tag Titles with Jake, I had to restart the whole damn match to make sure that we got it. We’ve both had our fair share of losses in the past to know that sometimes shit just doesn’t go to plan, but that’s okay, because we can get back out there and try again. I know you’re not going anywhere, and you know damn sure that Chris Elite has gone too far to go back now himself. So I just need you to understand, man.
(The crowd once again starts to murmur as the tension is starting to build up between the two. TLA takes a moment to think to himself before looking up at Chris, raising his microphone as he looks to respond to him.)
TLA: I sure hope so, homie. Look, you a vato, I ain’t never deny that. I fuck with you, Chris, that’s why we did shit so well as General Managers. But I was really hoping that we could end this on a high note, you feel me? Get those titles and have something that we can be proud of. But no matter what you say, it ain’t change the fact that shit was annoying. Lo siento, holmes.
(Chris looks bewildered by what he’s hearing right now. He takes a moment to shake his head in disbelief, but he slowly begins to respond to TLA regardless.)
Chris Elte: You know what? I get it, bro. I understand completely. Neither of us is happy about leaving Shock Value and ending our General Manager run empty-handed. I just want you to know that there’s no heat here, I fuck with you still. If you’d allow me the chance, I’d just like to make sure that we part on decent terms.
(Chris holds his hand out, knowing that there’s no way that he’s going to convince him to be cool with what happened at Shock Value, and just hoping that they can end it on that. TLA looks down at his hand, and after a moment, nods his head as he accepts the handshake.)
TLA: Iight. We cool.
Chris Elite: Iight… Preciate it.
(Chris slowly lets go of his hand, before beginning to take a couple of steps backward, keeping his eyes on TLA. Then, finally, he turns around and begins to make his way out of the ring. TLA thinks to himself for a moment before raising his microphone.)
TLA: One last thing, homie.
Chris Elite: Wha-
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA JUST RUSHED FORWARD AND BLINDSIDED CHRIS ELITE!
Persephone: HAHA! YES! MY DREAMS CAME TRUE! THIS IS GREAT! BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF HIM, TLA! DO IT! He grabs a hold of him and drags him toward the center of the ring!
Rich Russillo: BEFORE SPIKING HIM DOWN ON THE HEAD WITH A MEXICAN DESTROYER! What has gotten into TLA?!
(TLA makes his way up to his feet, a straight look on his face as the crowd is in shock about what they’re seeing. After a good moment, he makes his way over and picks up a microphone, looking down at Chris.)
TLA: Bueno suerte in your match, holmes.
(TLA drops the microphone back down as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ begins to play through the speakers, the Hall of Famer turning around and making his way back out of the ring. Chris is completely unconscious at the center of the ring, as the very last shot seen is TLA making his way up the ramp without a second glance as Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Commercial for Chainsaw Man, which will release its final chapter this week.)
(We have returned from commercial break and we hear “Invincible” by Pop Smoke playing in the background as Chris Elite is in the ring and back on his feet. He looks extremely pissed off considering what happened before the break as we hear the commentary team begin to speak.)
Rich Russillo: Welcome back to Voltage and as you can see Chris Elite is back on his feet after being attacked by TLA before the break.
Persephone: Sucks to suck. But Elite doesn’t get much of a chance to recover or brood about this because his match is coming up next. Let’s send it to the ring already and get this over with.
(Chris is trying to get himself focused as his music is replaced by “Lowlife Princess” by BIBI as Miku Sakai enters the arena to loud boos from the crowd. She looks content and annoyed as she heads to the ring and Bella Braxton begins the introductions for the next match.
Bella Braxton: The following contest is a FATAL FOUR WAY MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: Making her way to the ring! From Fukui, Japan! Weighing 110 pounds! Here is the “ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE” MIKU SAKAI!
Rich Russillo: Here comes Miku Sakai heading to the ring for a four way match and from the look on her face, Miku looks pretty content right now
Persephone: Bitch can get over it.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Miku is in a good mood after defeating Jon Kelton last week at Shock Value. In her mind, Kelton is out of her mind and she is looking to keep her momentum going with a victory here in this match.
(Miku enters the ring and takes a neutral corner and her music fades off and ‘Kostas’ by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher starts playing as Cody Maverick enters the arena to cheers from the crowd as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: From Las Vegas, Nevada! Weighing 235 pounds! Here is the 2026 KING OF ELITE! THE “SIN CITY SUPERSTAR” CODY MAVERICK!
Thadd Blazevich: Here comes Cody Maverick and he no doubt has to still be feeling some of the effects of the Electric Eel Deathmatch at Shock Value and losing to Drake Armstrong.
Persephone: Ohh. Poor baby. I wonder how his eye is doing? Maybe he’s blind.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, you are so concerned about his eye. If there is anything going on with Cody Maverick, he is doing whatever he can to mask it and hide it from his opposition. Will he be able to hide it long enough to get the win here tonight?
(Cody enters the ring and takes another corner as his music is quickly replaced by “The Leaving Song Pt. II” by AFI starts playing and the crowd goes wild for Hans Grayson. He is holding his Cash in the Vault briefcase securely in his grasp as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And the final participant! From Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada! Weighing 219 pounds! Here is MR. CASH IN THE VAULT! “THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON” HANS GRAYSON!
Persephone: This guy is the biggest coward I have ever met! He had a chance to become World Champion last week and he didn’t do it!! What a big wuss!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, he was still feeling horrible after his match against Kai Rabeaux at Shock Value and even though Drake was half dead after his match wouldn’t have met Hans was going to be successful.
Rich Russillo: Hans was defeated by Kai Rabeaux in a dangerous Shock Collar match last week and he is also looking to get back on track and start building momentum with a win here tonight. Four way match on tap. Who will win? We are about to find out!
(Hans hands his briefcase to the timekeeper before entering the ring. He takes the final corner as his entrance music fades off. The referee quickly checks all four competitors before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! This fatal four way match is underway. None of the competitors have made a move yet as we have a four way staredown.
Thadd Blazevich: Now, dudes and dudettes, I think it would be good of us to remind everybody that this match will be contested under sudden death rules.
Persephone: You know that when you say sudden death rules, it kills my heart a little bit because your definition of sudden death is much different than what mine would be.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, we know what your definition would be. But unfortunately for you, that was all last week. For this match, it means the first pinfall or submission ends the match.
Rich Russillo: We have our first bit of action AS MIKU SAKAI RUNS OVER AND ATTACKS THE ALREADY WEAKENED CHRIS ELITE! SHE IS JUST POUNDING AND BEATING UP ON SOMEONE WHO TOOK SOME DAMAGE BEFORE THE MATCH!
Persephone: About time one of these dumb fucks used their brains for once in their life. If it ends the match quickly, then I am completely fine with it.
Rich Russillo: Hans and Cody decide to interject themselves into the match by beating up on Miku Sakai!
Persephone: Why? She was trying to end the match quickly and then these idiots decided to team up on her. I hate these morons.
Thadd Blazevich: Miku is pulled off of Chris and both Hans and Cody pull her back to her feet AND DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES MIKU OVER THE TOP ROPE AND SHE HITS THE FLOOR!
Rich Russillo: Well that is one way to take a person out of the equation as it is just the gentlemen left in the ring. Chris isn’t looking one hundred percent still trying to shake off what TLA did earlier.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody decides to take advantage and go for Chris Elite, BUT HANS SNEAKS UP FROM BEHIND AND ROLLS UP CODY WITH A SCHOOLBOY TO TRY AND STEAL THE MATCH!
Persephone: But this idiot couldn’t even get a count started. If you are going to be sneaky, then you need to do it right.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody rolls back onto his feet and is wondering what the hell is going on. No need to get offended right now. It’s all the course of business.
Rich Russillo: Hans and Cody have a brief staredown, BUT HERE COMES CHRIS ELITE WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN TAKING HANS AND CODY DOWN!
Persephone: Yippee! He did something right. Good gawd! Give the dumbass a cookie or something.
Rich Russillo: Chris isn’t in a good mood as he grabs Cody AND JUST STARTS THROWING PUNCHES TOWARDS CODY’S FACE! CODY IS BLOCKING THE PUNCHES AS BEST AS HE CAN!
Persephone: He is trying to look fierce, but he looks more like he is throwing a temper tantrum. Hopefully he punches Cody’s lights out.
Thadd Blazevich: AND HERE COMES HANS GRAYSON WITH A MODIFIED PELE KICK CATCHING ELITE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD-
Rich Russillo: NOT ONLY THAT, WHEN HE CAME DOWN, HANS UNINTENTIONALLY DROVE HIS KNEE INTO CODY! A LITTLE TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL THERE!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans has the advantage in the match right now AS MIKU SAKAI IS BACK IN THE RING AND SHE TAKES HANS OVER WITH A HEADSCISSOR TAKEOVER! HANS SENT HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING!
Persephone: Miku is like 87 pounds soaking wet with a brick in her pocket and she did that. I guess the laws of physics don’t mean shit around here.
Thadd Blazevich: I think you are complaining just for the sake of complaining, bro. Just enjoy the match!
Rich Russillo: You just get used to it after a while and learn to tune out her whining. As we see Hans has pulled himself into the corner AND MIKU COMES IN WITH A MONKEY FLIP TO TAKE HANS UP AND BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
Persephone: You guys are assholes! First off, I do not whine. Second off, I am giving expert analytical commentary for all the people who appreciate me.
Rich Russillo: So you are talking to yourself?
Persephone: FUCK YOU!
Thadd Blazevich: As we get back to the match, Hans is slowly recovering and trying to get back to his feet AND IS MET WITH A DISCUS PUNCH BY CODY MAVERICK! Miku is up as well AS SHE IS GRABBED BY THE ARM AND TAKEN DOWN WITH A HIP TOSS!
Rich Russillo: It’s going to be hard for anybody to keep the advantage for very long in this sort of match, but right now, it’s Cody Maverick with the advantage UNTIL CHRIS ELITE COMES IN WITH THE “BOZO SILENCER”!
Thadd Blazevich: WHAT A SHOT TO THE FACE! That could have loosened a few of Cody’s teeth as Chris ducks the Cody clothesline. Cody hits the ropes–
Persephone: He jumps onto the second rope and comes back with a springboard crossbody. Whoop de do. But Cody is down and Elite hooks the leg. About time we got a pin.
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
Thadd Blazevich: CODY KICKS OUT! Near fall for Chris Elite as he quickly gets back to his feet and brings Cody up with him, BUT CODY IS THERE WITH PUNCHES TO THE MIDSECTION!
Rich Russillo: Those boxing style punches going right towards the ribs forcing Elite to let Cody go. Cody is back up on his feet as he grabs Elite and whips him to the ropes. Elite with the rebound AND CODY PICKS HIM UP AND DRIVES ELITE DOWN WITH THE TILT-A-WHIRL POWERSLAM!
Persephone: Yeah yeah. Good for him to do something as Cody tries to go for the cover–
Rich Russillo: MIKU SAKAI COMES IN WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK TO CODY’S HEAD STOPPING HIM FROM GETTING THE COVER! Cody falls back as Miku now mounts Elite AND JUST STARTS CHOKING HIM!
Persephone: Most action this bald fuck has seen in a long time. Guess he didn’t get any discounts at the Poon Palace for his time being TLA’s assistant.
Thadd Blazevich: That remains to be seen, bro as the referee is telling Miku to stop choking Chris Elite as Elite is trying to fight Miku off–
Rich Russillo: HE GOT THE “SNOOZE”! HE WAS ABLE TO CATCH MIKU RIGHT ON THE JAW WITH THAT UPPERCUT AND THAT SENT MIKU FLYING OFF OF HIM AS HE TRIES TO GET TO HIS FEET–
Thadd Blazevich: Hans Grayson comes up from behind with the full nelson BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP AND OVER WITH THE DRAGON SUPLEX! ELITE CRASHES HARD ON THE BACK OF HIS HEAD AS HANS BRIDGES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
Persephone: Cody comes back and breaks up the cover! What a shock!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is coming back after the dropkick to his head as he grabs Hans and pulls him to his feet AND DELIVERS A JAB! THEN ANOTHER! THEN ONE MORE FOR GOOD MEASURE, BRO!
Rich Russillo: Hans is dazed as Cody FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A DISCUS LARIAT ALMOST TAKING HANS OUT OF HIS BOOTS! Hans is down as Cody runs to the ropes–
Persephone: This big glob of stupidity leaves his feet and jumps onto the second rope. I hope the dumbass breaks his neck.
Rich Russillo: You don’t get your wish AS CODY HIS A BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT! PLEASE! DON’T! DIE!
Persephone: I wish he would but this idiot goes for the cover.
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHH—
Thadd Blazevich: MIKU SAKAI WITH “CAT SCRATCH FEVER”! MIKU JUST RAKED CODY’S EYES, BRO! MIKU PLAYING EXTREMELY DIRTY RIGHT NOW!
Rich Russillo: That’s the Miku Sakai mantra. Win by any means necessary as Miku’s cheap trick breaks up the count. Cody is holding his eyes in pain as Miku uses his hair to bring him back to his feet.
Thadd Blazevich: Miku hits the ropes and comes back BEFORE LEAVING HER FEET AND WRAPPING HER LEGS AROUND CODY’S WAIST! She grabs his head AND BRINGS HIM DOWN WITH THE WHEELBARROW BULLDOG, BRO!
Persephone: Yeah yeah. Cody kisses the mat which has been nothing new these days as Miku once again grabs Cody by the hair like the bitch she is BEFORE ROLLING UP CODY! BITCH FINALLY DID SOMETHING!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT A SECOND! MIKU HAS HER FEET ON THE ROPE FOR EXTRA LEVERAGE! OH DUDE, THAT IS NOT COOL! MIKU IS GONNA STEAL IT!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE–
Rich Russillo: CHRIS ELITE COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A FROG SPLASH AND HE LANDS ON TOP OF MIKU AND CODY! MIKU WAS TURNED INTO A VOLTAGE ELITIST SANDWICH CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT EXCHANGE!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The little bug got squished! That is the funniest thing ever. Do it again!
Rich Russillo: Cody didn’t fare any better as he had two Elitists squashed on top of him as he was on the bottom of that pile.
Persephone: Sounds like Cody gets the same amount of action that Chris Elite gets. BAHAHAHAHA!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, so not cool. Either way, Elite pulls Miku back to her feet AND TAKES HER UP AND OVER WITH THE BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX–
Rich Russillo: THEN HE CHANGES RIGHT INTO A NECKBREAKER! THAT’S THE “FUSION DANCE” BY CHRIS ELITE! UGLY LANDING BY MIKU AS CHRIS ROLLS INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE–
Thadd Blazevich: HANS GRAYSON COMES IN AND BREAKS UP THE COVER! That was a very close near fall with Elite almost picking up the win there.
Persephone: How in the hell could this dumb bastard get the crap beat out of him and almost win the match? I hate this place.
Thadd Blazevich: Hans grabs Chris Elite and whips him to the corner. Hans comes running in BUT HE IS MET WITH AN ELBOW RIGHT TO THE JAW!
Rich Russillo: Hans was knocked back after that shot as Elite climbs himself back up to the high rent district that is the top rope.
Persephone: I hate it when these fucks decide to get flashy. Just stay on the mat and beat the fuck out of each other. Matches get done faster that way.
Rich Russillo: Looks like Chris Elite is looking to go for a moonsault BUT HERE COMES HANS WITH A CLUBBING SHOT TO HIS BACK HALTING HIM IN HIS TRACKS!
Persephone: Now Hans decides to be a showoff as he climbs up to the second rope and gets himself and Elite into an Electric Chair position. Hmmm… if they both break their necks, then I would be completely fine with that.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, these two are in a very dangerous position right now AND HERE COMES CODY MAVERICK COMING UP AND HE HAS HANS LOCKED UP IN A POWERBOMB POSITION!
Rich Russillo: Cody is trying to pull both Chris and Hans out of the corner in a show of power, BUT LOOK AT THE CORNER NOW!
Thadd Blazevich: MIKU SAKAI! MIKU HAS CLIMBED UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND SHE GRABS HOLD OF ELITE’S HEAD, BRO!
Persephone: All four of them are in a very dangerous position. Wouldn’t it be great if all four get injured and then they are all out of action and we won’t have to see them for a long time? It would be amazing!
Thadd Blazevich: Of course you would think that, bro, but Cody is starting to pull everyone off the turnbuckles AS MIKU LAUNCHES HERSELF OFF THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: POWERBOMB BLOCKBUSTER TOWER OF DOOM COMBO! I don’t think that Miku and Cody were intending to do that double team together but they did, but Miku did take some damage when she landed off the blockbuster.
Persephone: None of them are moving right now and I am loving every second of it. Call it off, ref! They are all stupid and decided to risk everything in order to show off. Count them all out.
Rich Russillo: Look! CODY IS STARTING TO MOVE! It makes sense because he took the least amount of damage off of that Tower of Doom.
Persephone: Damn! Here I am hoping that they all died.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody has made his way over to the closest competitor, which is Hans, and he just falls on top of him for the lateral press cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: HANS GOT THE SHOULDER UP! NEAR FALL FOR CODY MAVERICK AS THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN TOO MUCH TIME IN BETWEEN THE TOWER OF DOOM AND THE COVER!
Thadd Blazevich: It gave Hans plenty of time to recover, so Cody decides to try another cover, but this time on Chris Elite who started this match with some damage–
Persephone: Miku stops that in its tracks. Of course this bitch likes to stick her nose where it doesn’t belong at the absolute worst possible time.
Thadd Blazevich: Well right now, Miku is just pulling Cody around by the hair AND CODY THROWS A FOOT BACK AND CAUGHT MIKU IN THE SHOULDER!
Rich Russillo: Miku lets go of Cody and Cody gets back to his feet. Cody grabs Miku before she turns around AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH THE SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
Persephone: Woohoo. That is like the most exciting move of the match… and this match had a Tower of Doom.
Rich Russillo: Cody hits the ropes to build some momentum as he stops right before hitting Miku–
Cody Maverick: (off-mic) CO! DY! MAVERICK! YEAH!
Persephone: Oh my gawd! That was so stupid!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody leaves his feet AND HITS THE JUMPING ELBOW DROP RIGHT INTO THE HEART OF MIKU SAKAI!
Rich Russillo: Direct hit off the elbow as he brings Miku back to her feet and positions her on the top rope. Cody is looking to finish Miku off right here–
Thadd Blazevich: “MONEYMAKER”! HOLY CRAP WHAT A DDT! MIKU WAS SPIKED RIGHT ON THE TOP OF HER HEAD! SHE COULD BE KNOCKED OUT!
Persephone: It would be better if she was unconscious and had a broken neck, but it is what it is.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody rolls over Miku and hooks the leg for the cover–
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: “FLAMING PUNCH”!
Persephone: OH WHAT THE HELL!! CAN’T THIS CRAP END YET?
Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON WITH HIS SUPERMAN PUNCH RIGHT IN THE BACK OF CODY’S HEAD, EFFECTIVELY BREAKING UP THE COVER!
Persephone: That has to be the stupidest name I have ever heard in my life. Sounds like some Pokemon attack name bullshit.
Thadd Blazevich: Complain about it all you want, but it was certainly effective as it could have taken Cody Maverick out of the equation.
Rich Russillo: Miku is barely moving as is Cody as Hans decides to take advantage of the situation to roll Cody over and go for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Thadd Blazevich: CODY KICKS OUT! THAT WAS A VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL SO HANS DECIDES TO RUSH OVER TO MIKU AND TRIES FOR THE COVER THERE!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Persephone: Wow. She kicked out. Certainly doesn’t surprise me.
Thadd Blazevich: Miku kicks out once again at two and Mr. Cash in the Vault was a second away from winning the match twice.
Rich Russillo: Hans then decides to go after Chris Elite and brings him back to his feet, BUT CHRIS WAS PLAYING POSSUM!!
Persephone: Normally we just think that Chris Elite is playing dumb and he is usually not playing if you get what I mean.
Rich Russillo: Chris Elite grabs Hans by the head AND JUMPS IN THE AIR BEFORE PLANTING HANS WITH THE DDT! HANS LANDS RIGHT ON HIS HEAD!
Persephone: I swear these idiots don’t realize that the head is the safest part of their bodies because they are all lacking fucking brains.
Thadd Blazevich: Elite is back on his feet AND CODY MAVERICK FROM OUT OF NOWHERE WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX TURNING CHRIS ELITE INSIDE OUT!
Rich Russillo: Elite is trying to get to his feet as Cody is in position for what could finish Chris Elite off. Now Chris Elite is back on his feet AND CODY GOES FOR THE “LIGHTS OUT”–
Thadd Blazevich: MIKU STOPS CODY WITH A KNEE TO THE FACE! CODY KNOCKED LOOPY BUT HE IS STILL ON HIS FEET AS HE RUNS TOWARDS THE ROPES–
Persephone: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?
Thadd Blazevich: ELITE AND MIKU UNINTENTIONALLY WORKING TOGETHER AS THEY BOTH PULL THE TOP ROPE DOWN SENDING CODY OVER THE TOP AND TUMBLING OUT TO THE FLOOR!
Rich Russillo: Chris Elite falls into the corner in exhaustion AS MIKU SAKAI COMES IN WITH A MONKEY FLIP ATTEMPT–
Persephone: Yawn. Wake me up when it’s over.
Rich Russillo: Elite blocks the monkey flip attempt and walks Miku over to the ropes. Miku is sitting on the ropes, BUT SHE IS ABLE TO GET HER LEGS AROUND ELITE’S NECK AND FLIPS BACK!
Persephone: I bet they both like it. Couple of creepy fucks if you ask me.
Thadd Blazevich: Miku is trying to take Elite out of the ring with a headscissor takeover, BUT ELITE SHOVES HER OFF AND SHE FALLS TO THE FLOOR!
Rich Russillo: Miku is trying to recover as Chris Elite hits the ropes AND LAUNCHES HIMSELF THROUGH WITH A SUICIDE DIVE TAKING MIKU DOWN AND NOW THE FISTS ARE FLYING!
Thadd Blazevich: As they are fighting, Cody Maverick is starting to get to his feet as he is still on the outside as well.
Persephone: Let’s end the match now. Everyone else is on the outside! Yay!
Rich Russillo: It is not for long AS HANS GRAYSON LAUNCHES HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A TOPE CON HILO AND HE LANDS RIGHT ON TOP OF CODY AND THEY ARE NOW FIGHTING ON THE OUTSIDE!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I think it’s obvious to see that everything with this match has completely broken down as everyone is just brawling.
Persephone: This is absolutely perfect. Let them fight! Let them just kill each other.
Rich Russillo: The referee is outside the ring now trying to get them all to stop fighting outside and to get back into the ring on the inside to end this match.
Persephone: They aren’t listening, duh. I would ignore the referee if they were ruining my fun too.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, these four are just beating the hell out of each other right now and the referee has lost complete control of the match–
Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE JUST GOT SHOVED OUT OF THE WAY THE FOUR! THE REFEREE DOESN’T LOOK HAPPY RIGHT NOW! HELL, THE REFEREE LOOKS PISSED!
Referee: Oh for gawd’s sake! Forget it! RING THE BELL! RING THE BELL!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(The crowd is booing loudly after calling for the bell as all four competitors are still fighting outside the ring. The referee quickly runs over to Bella Braxton and explains everything before Bella announces the final decision of the match.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has informed me that they have thrown this match out and therefore this match is a NO CONTEST!
(The crowd boos even louder as they do not like that ruling at all.)
Crowd: LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!
Persephone: Bitch bitch bitch! That’s all they ever do.
Rich Russillo: After seeing these four just beat the holy hell out of each other, the referee felt like they were left with no choice but to just throw this match out.
Thadd Blazevich: These four just went all out, dude. Now where in the world is security to separate these four.
Persephone: Why? I say let these four kill each other. Let it be Shock Value all over again. Bring on the blood and pain.
Rich Russillo: I don’t know what caused all of this to happen, but the fans are certainly not complaining as Chris and Miku are brawling while Hans Grayson–
Thadd Blazevich: GOT A SIN CITY STUNNER FOR HIS TROUBLE BY CODY MAVERICK! HANS IS DOWN ON THE MAT AND CODY IS JUST PUNCHING A DOWNED HANS RIGHT IN THE FACE! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ABOUT, BRO?
Persephone: Who cares? About time this Sin City Bastard finally showed some personality.
(As the fighting is still going on, EAW officials are rushing out as fast as they can to break up all this chaos.)
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: Here come the EAW officials to break up all this fighting going on at ringside.
Persephone: I guess the coffee break is over. At the worst possible time.
(The officials are pulling the four apart and they are all wanting to keep fighting, but Hans is still trying to get his bearings after getting hit with Cody’s stunner.)
Thadd Blazevich: Look at these four trying to get free and continue beating the hell out of each other, bro. It’s a mad house.
Persephone: Best kind of house whenever there’s bloodshed and violence. We need more of it around here.
Rich Russillo: Be that as it may, I don’t know about any of you, but I would not be surprised if this won’t be the last time we see these four fighting each other in some capacity.
(The final shot shows officials still doing whatever they can to keep the four apart from each other as the competitors are fighting and trying to get free as the camera shot cuts elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where Kai Rabeaux defends the Hardcore Championship against Diego Montana.)
(The tune of “Pride and Arrogance” by Takeru Kanazaki begins blasting on the beach of Costa Rica, as the fans having a good time all of a sudden have no choice but to turn their cheers to jeers. The lights in the venue became as golden as the sand, and soon after the sight of championship gold would follow, as the lights shine bright on the prestigious EAW World Championship sitting nicely on the shoulder of Drake Armstrong, dressed in a royal blue three-piece suit, with a watch around his wrist and dress shoes on his feet to match.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome at this time: the EAW World Champion… DRAKE ARMSTROONGG!!
Crowd: 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
Rich Russillo: Shock Value marked yet another controversial night for the EAW World Champion… which is a pretty common thing when it comes to Drake Armstrong, but with all eyes on him, it seems the champion is not too keen on what the people think about him as long as it leads him to glory and riches.
Persephone: Yeah, as if he wasn’t literally born into that shit. Anyhow, in a night of many headlines… one of them being the death of a fetus… Drake Armstrong was one of those to take center stage after a pretty *electric* match with Cody Maverick.
Thadd Blazevich: Haha! I get it. Electric, because it was an Electric Eel Deathmatch.
Persephone: Thank you! I am a woman of great puns, finally somebody appreciates that. That said, the match was quite the brutal affair… Cody Maverick bit off more than he could chew, and guess what? He ended up without a functioning eye and seven mini-lobotomies. :mjlol:
Thadd Blazevich: Brutality has really been a theme following around the reign of Drake Armstrong, bro has really adapted to the environment of Voltage and you cannot deny the EAW World Champion, the heart of Voltage whether we all like it or not, is doing things in the name of this brand and fighting through any bloody means to keep the championship. That said, I know Cody Mav will come right back because he’s just that tough; he’s proven that much! He took on the challenge, and he fought to the very end no matter how much pain his body was in!
Rich Russillo: Yep, but let’s not forget yet another headline… because for the second defense in a row, Hans Grayson came out after the match, seemingly taunting the champion with the Cash In The Vault briefcase, reminding him who has all the cards in their feud!
Persephone: Yeah, well Hans Grayson turned out to be spineless and decided to not cash in, which was quite clearly his plan at first, but I guess message delivered, and message sent?
Thadd Blazevich: Armstrong DEFINITELY got the message loud and clear, bro! You can tell the champ is getting more and more paranoid and would like to get Hans away from him, and you gotta wonder if this is just a cautionary tale?
(Armstrong enters the ring, he leans on the ropes… and raises his EAW Championship in the air, as the crowd boos on. He laughs at the reaction, before going to ask for a microphone from the timekeepers.)
(“Pride and Arrogance” fades, and Armstrong lets the audience’s noise simmer for a bit until they give him respect and allow him to speak.)
(He waits, and he waits… until he’s left without a choice.)
Drake Armstrong: Are you done?!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Drake Armstrong: Very well. Have it your way. I have many things to address, and I will not let some peasants stand in the way of that with their obnoxious jeers, for I do not have all the time in the world. I would like to give the princeling his due; he fought. He absolutely fought. He fought to his very limit. Cody Maverick stepped up to the plate and showed there is indeed talent in this junior, but the misfortune? Is that Cody Maverick’s limit was not enough to dethrone me… and it never will be. Which is how the order of life goes. The princeling needs to take his lessons like a man, and understand the concept of HIERARCHY. He is beneath me. He cannot step up to me. He can fight, and fight, and fight, but his defeat is perpetual. If he dares come for me again, *I will take more than his eye.*
(Drake breathes audibly into the microphone, not out of exhaustion, but frustration. He takes a second to blink, and continues…)
Drake Armstrong: But the princeling is not the biggest problem. At least not anymore. The biggest problem is The Fireheart. Hans Grayson himself. The spotlight chaser. The attention hogger. The man who opened the door for the princeling to challenge me at Shock Value to begin with. The man who WANTED to cash in to end Shock Value… yet could not pull the trigger. The man who COULD NOT defeat Kai Rabeaux in the Shock Value opener. No surprise he did not aim for the king’s head. On this topic… CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW HARDCORE CHAMPION, KAI RABEAUX!!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Drake Armstrong: Kai Rabeaux has taken the right lessons to make it in this sport and the world as a whole. He learned the motto… **BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. NO MERCY.** And it all paid off. Whatever personal gripes any of you have currently… you simply do not understand the foundations of what it means to be great. Remain bottom dwellers, peasants. At last, Voltage is truly, fully emboldened by gold and in the vision of Armstrong. All that remains… is ridding this kingdom of Hans Grayson… and all shall prosper.
Drake Armstrong: Ridding this kingdom of Hans Grayson is a NECESSITY. Because I am *sick.* I am not currently happy solely because of the Hans Grayson situation. I am sick of the harassment, and I am sincerely debating if I should file a restraining order against him! Perhaps I should get my lawyers to sort that out right this second so he becomes somebody else’s problem! I should be enjoying my time as champion, I should BASK in glory after successfully defending this championship, yet time and time again Hans Grayson must show his face to upstage me. Time and time again he attempts to ruin EVERYTHING. I should be enjoying my time as champion after defeating the princeling! Frankly, I am due for a vacation, but the problems keep on piling up, do they not? I leave Adam Lucas in a pool of his own blood… and Hans Grayson does not give me a second to breathe… even going as far as making THREATS. I have Cody Maverick in the main event of Voltage, and Hans Grayson smacks me across the head with the briefcase, and those two clowns TLA & Chris Elite hand him a championship opportunity! THANK GOD THEY’RE GONE FROM POWER!! GOOD RIDDANCE!
Drake Armstrong: Hans Grayson must needlessly remind me at all times he will make my life hell if he must. I suggest he focuses on himself so he can get past the likes of Kai first, but Hans is not going to listen… this is clearly personal to him. All over self-inflicted wounds. How outrageous. King of Elite was MEANT to be a night of celebrations! But that was ruined. Shock Value no different! No more of this. I will not stand for these antics. HANS GRAYSON, COME ON OUT—
(“Thoughts of a Dying Atheist” by Muse starts playing to many people’s surprise, Drake Armstrong included. The champion raises an eyebrow, having just called out Hans Grayson, but instead… Jay Jerry Johnson walks out on the stage, ring gear and entrance jacket on, raising his collar, with a serious look on his face, gazing towards the EAW World Championship.)
Thadd Blazevich: Uhh, surprise?
Persephone: Wrong blondie is here. I was actually looking forward to a little more Hans and Drake drama, but I guess we cannot have nice things. Jay Jerry Johnson is here for some reason and he is not taking his eyes off Armstrong’s championship.
Rich Russillo: Jay Jerry Johnson has made his intentions clear for the past couple of months — he wants the EAW World Championship no matter what, and after leaving Damon Lazarus behind following months of animosity, it seems he’s back on track… and he’s taking his shot.
(Jay Jerry Johnson enters the ring through the middle ropes. He grabs a hold of a microphone, and stares down the champion for a brief second, before speaking his peace…)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Armstrong. We meet again.
Drake Armstrong: I suppose we do. Anyhow, I asked for Hans Grayson, so would you kindly make your way out of here, and allow the Fireheart to give me some words to sway me from unleashing hell on the problem he is?
Jay Jerry Johnson: No can do. Leave Hans Grayson in the backseat of your thoughtscape for now. *I want my shot.*
Drake Armstrong: … “No can do.”
Jay Jerry Johnson: Funny. Playing hard to get, mhm? Well, I have some frustrations of my own to address. Pests of my own to have dealt with. For the entirety of this year, I had my career derailed and that is thanks to nobody else but Damon Lazarus. Having put that to rest at Shock Value, I must resume what I started when I challenged Adam Lucas both on Super Voltage and Road To Redemption. Different champion, same goal. This is simple, I want my shot, and you’ll give me one. With Damon behind me, leaving him to burn in the electric chair, to drown in disappointment, to force him to come face-to-face with his insecurities and that midlife crisis of his, I am done wasting any more time. I want to take the season by storm in this final stretch, and to do so I must take that title from you and win my first World Championship in EAW.
Drake Armstrong: Seriously?
Jay Jerry Johnson: Does it sound like I’m joking?
Drake Armstrong. Pfft. Excuse the “disrespect”, but I cannot help but feel quite baffled you would dare interrupt me at a time like this. It’s as you said, you had your shots, multiple of course, and you lost. You faced me one-on-one quite recently… and you lost. If you want this championship, then you will have to earn it, so go ahead and declare for the Grand Rampage match, because I have no intentions of handing you a shot at my championship.
Jay Jerry Johnson: What you want does not matter, Drake. I thought you’d learn that by now. You’re correct, I lost out on a few opportunities. Some my fault, others not, but without a distraction and a personal bounty on my head, I am ready to showcase the improvements I made inside the squared circle and make my dreams come true. I was doubted many years ago. Severely doubted. Thought of as somebody who would never make it. Phased out in the span of a few months. Needless to say, by Pain For Pride I had challenged for my first championship multiple times, and I ended the season with the Interwire Championship around my waist, finally making a name for myself. Since then, I have only proven I am here to stay, and my streak will not come to an end. I am here for greatness, and I will achieve it no matter what.
Drake Armstrong: I suggest you stop living in the past if evolution is what you desire. Your bare minimum feats of the past, that feel-good story of yours? It’s unachievable at the top of the mountain… especially when your fate is in my hands. You best backtrack, Jay… you saw how I left Adam Lucas. You saw the condition Cody Maverick finds himself in. You’re not being brave nor convicted. You’re being a stupid fool. Not only am I not interested in defending my title versus you, but I am also showing you mercy by sparing you of that same fate they suffered. Now, scram. Scram, because I have more important business to attend to.
Jay Jerry Johnson: You aren’t going anywhere, Drake. I know what I’m capable of, and I know my ceiling reaches to the heavens. Your opinion is not absolute. You hold no control in this matter. The world doesn’t belong to you, merely the championship—but it’s one you can lose at any moment. Just one moment where you lose your focus, and you are done for. I dedicated this season to becoming my best self and I have worked my hardest towards this simple yet deep down complicated goal. Where I see my best self is at the top, World Championship in hand, the best technical wrestler alive, the man to beat, the man with the biggest bounty on his head. And that’s something you won’t deny me of, Drake Armstrong. I know you think you built a dictatorship of sorts, but the fate of others will never rest in your hands, and if challenging you is what I have on my mind at this current time? Then I will get just that. You can’t stop me. Take your mind off Hans Grayson, because I am your new main focus.
Drake Armstrong: … This is pathetic. PATHETIC. I dealt with the same story with Cody Maverick… how did it end? And at least the princeling is following in his King’s footsteps… you? You’re lost, and my championship is not the key to your salvation. If anything, this is the path to despair, and that is if you even make it out alive are you to step in the ring with me… because walking away unchanged? Hmph. That’s an impossibility. Your best choice, like I said… is to scram. Don’t go digging your own grave, don’t die an absolute fool. You’re already a jester in front of me, and you cannot even provide me entertainment like a jester is meant to do. What in the world makes you so delusional to think you are ever going to stand a chance at taking my head?
Jay Jerry Johnson: I don’t need to take your head. Only your title.
Drake Armstrong: Oh, you fool. This title does not leave me unless it does so along with my last breath. You are not made for this.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Fine—
**CLATTER!!**
Rich Russillo: OH!! JAY JERRY JOHNSON JUST DECKED DRAKE ARMSTRONG ACROSS THE NOSE WITH THE MICROPHONE!!
Thadd Blazevich: BROSKI IS NOT PLAYING AROUND!! HE WANTS HIS SHOT AND HE’S DONE WITH THE CHAMP OVERLOOKING HIM, SO JAY IS SEEKING THE HARD WAY TO CONVINCE ARMSTRONG!!
Persephone: Well, you can tell Armstrong got quite offended by that… he strikes back at Johnson…
Rich Russillo: But it misses! JAY JERRY JOHNSON CATCHES DRAKE ARMSTRONG’S ARM, AND THEN THE OTHER INTO A STRAIGHT JACKET—
Thadd Blazevich: AND TAKES HIM UP FOR A POWERBOMB, THE CHAMPION IS DROPPED BACK FIRST ON THE MATT AND THE TITLE FALLS ON THE MAT WITH HIM! BUT HE’S NOT DONE!! JAY TAKES ARMSTRONG BACK UP—
Rich Russillo: **HEAVEN’S FEEL!!!** THE BACK-TO-BELLY PILEDRIVER CONNECTS, AND THE MESSAGE HAS BEEN *SENT!!*
(With Armstrong laid out, Jay Jerry Johnson gets back up to his feet, picking up the dropped EAW World Championship in this process. He places the sole of his boot over Drake Armstrong’s chest… and raises the belt high up in the air as the crowd cheers him on.)
Thadd Blazevich: Well… is this a sign of things to come in the future?
Persephone: Can we be realistic here??
Rich Russillo: Who knows… one thing is for certain, Jay Jerry Johnson is motivated to get his hands on the EAW World Championship, and he sent the champion a massive message as he stands tall tonight!
(Jay looks at the championship he’s holding up to the sky, not letting his eyes off it still. The World Championship could possibly not be a dream anymore, but a reality… and Jay has made it clear he’ll do whatever it takes to get there. With Jay making an instant statement, Voltage fades away somewhere else…)
(Suddenly, following the events between Jay Jerry Johnson and Drake Armstrong, the camera abruptly cut to a separate area of the Margaritaville Beach Resort. Rather than the closed off area that has been used for interviews throughout the night, it is in a separate area for the fans to both enter and exit the location. There are a few bystanders in the area who seem both confused and shocked by something, and the confusion isn’t helped by the fact that tons of security guards can be seen rushing towards a specific area.)
(As the camera continued to chase the security guards, the scene began to look more and more chaotic. There were flipped over tables, chairs all over the place, food and drinks spilled, and more. The area was a wreck, and it didn’t appear to be the doing of any fans who may have been too messy. Instead it looked like the result of a rampage, and that’s exactly what it was. The camera follows the security guards to whatever location they are rushing to, only to find something far more shocking once the source for the confusion is revealed.)
???: WHERE THE FUCK IS HE???? WHERE’S KAI!?
???: I DON’T KNOW MAN, I SWEAR! I’M JUST DOING MY JOB!
???: HEY, WHAT’S GOING ON HERE!?
???: GET AWAY FROM HIM! WE SAW WHAT YOU DID EARLIER! YOU NEED TO LEAVE!
(Security guards rush over towards one of the merchandise stands, which seems to have been completely wrecked by this point. There are T-shirts all over the ground by the stand, but the biggest story is between the individuals in the scene, as Adam Lucas can be seen holding the worker against the stand. There are a few fans right by the stand in complete disbelief over what they’re seeing, with some holding their phones and recording the scene. Security guards are pulling Adam away from the worker, but without hesitation, Adam swings and punches one of the security guards.)
Adam Lucas: GET OFF OF ME!
Security Guard: KAI ISN’T HERE, ADAM! YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE! YOU ARE MAKING A MESS OUT OF THE RESORT AND DISTURBING THE PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE!
(More of the security guards begin to pull Adam away from the merchandise stand worker, but Adam continues to fight against them, and it doesn’t take much to figure out why. Adam Lucas is hellbent on getting his revenge on Kai Rabeaux, but the fact that he arrived at the resort late hurt those plans. The reason Adam was at this section of the resort was because he had already been to the closed off area for the Elitists and other employees, and much to his dismay, Kai Rabeaux was nowhere to be found. Adam’s patience had run out before even arriving at the resort, and now, he was desperate to find Kai by any means necessary, starting a destructive path leading him to the scene between him and the worker at the merchandise stand.)
(Adam continued to fight against the security guards, but eventually the numbers would catch up to him, causing them to eventually grab Adam and begin to pull him away.)
Adam Lucas: JUST TELL ME WHERE HE IS! I’LL BE OUT OF YOUR WAY AS SOON AS I KNOW WHERE THE HELL HE IS! JUST TELL ME SO WE CAN BE DONE WITH THIS SHIT!
(The security guards continue to grab Adam, trying their best to restrain him despite his struggling. However, despite everything Adam Lucas had done throughout the last two seasons to become one of the more hated members of the Voltage roster, some of the fans present to witness the altercation couldn’t help but feel bad knowing what caused this. Soon enough, one of them begins to speak out, noticeably shaken by everything that has unfolded in front of him.)
Fan: Wait, I- I think I saw him not that long ago! He had a suitcase in his hand! He was going- um, I think that way!
(Adam quickly turns towards the fan, and after this, the look on his face shifts from fury to pure desperation. The fan wasn’t pointing towards the direction of the normal exit. Instead he was pointing in the opposite direction, back towards the entrance into the crowd. Adam immediately knew what this meant, realizing that Kai wasn’t exiting the resort through traditional means. Immediately Adam sends his head into one of the security guards holding him, and following the headbutt, he uses his free arm to knock the other security guard restraining him stumbling with a punch to the jaw. Adam immediately begins to run away from the area, trying to get away from the security guards as even more of them flood into the area.)
(As Adam ran away, the camera was able to catch workers rushing over towards the area that was set up for the EAW staff and roster members in the background. As they enter the area one thing is clear, which is that much like the fan entrance, the area had been wrecked by Adam Lucas on his search for Kai Rabeaux. Also in the area however was Captain Charisma, who was speaking to one of the officials present for the prior incident.)
(Before long Adam is able to make it to the crowd area, wasting no time running through the crowd. Adam pushes past chairs of fans who were preparing to leave as the show came to an end, and he doesn’t let any of the thousands of remaining fans slow him down one bit. Adam by this point was able to escape the security guards, who seemed not to follow him from this point onwards as he made it to the opposite end of the crowd, leaving it entirely as he approached the ocean right next to the beach tonight’s show was set up on. Adam Lucas frantically looked around, hoping he hadn’t come all this way for nothing, until finally he saw something that caught his eye.)
(A speedboat, far away from the setup for tonight’s show.)
Adam Lucas: There you are…
(That wasn’t all, either. There were other people on the beach enjoying their time there, but what caught his eye was a man walking dragging a suitcase, just as the fan said. A man who perfectly matched the description of the one he was looking for.)
(Adam Lucas immediately began to run in that direction, unbeknownst to the Hardcore Champion who walked towards the speedboat, seemingly confident that he wouldn’t be bothered here. Little did he know Adam Lucas was right on his tail, slowly gaining on Kai with every second.)
(Before he knew it, Adam Lucas was able to get what he wanted.)
(He had caught up to Kai Rabeaux, and Adam wasted no time reaching his arm out to Kai, ready to finally give Kai everything he deserved.)
(CRACK!)
(With this, Adam Lucas fell onto the sand, and Kai Rabeaux jumped onto the speedboat. Kai Rabeaux was able to make his escape, and Adam Lucas didn’t even know it, because his face was in the sand, and he hadn’t moved a muscle after falling onto the sand. Before Adam could even wake back up, Kai Rabeaux’s speedboat had already sped away from the beach. Unfortunately for Adam this would not be the end of his misfortune, as instead his troubles had only just begun.)
(CRACK!)
(CRACK!)
(CRACK!)
(What dropped Adam was a shot to the head with a lead pipe, a shot hard enough to floor the unsuspecting former World Champion. The shots only continued after Kai Rabeaux had left the area, as it soon appeared that the attack was not merely to buy Kai time to escape, and was actually far more personal than that. This idea is one that’d soon be confirmed, as yelling could be heard between the lead pipe shots.)
???: WHAT MAKES YOU FUCKING SPECIAL, HUH??
(CRACK!)
(CRACK!)
(CRACK!)
???: YOU LOSE A TITLE MATCH AND YOUR BABY DIES, BIG FUCKING DEAL! WHY DO YOU DESERVE ALL THE ATTENTION?? WHY ARE YOU THE ONE ALL OVER THE NEWS?? WHY ARE YOU THE ONE EVERYONE’S WORRYING ABOUT??? YOU THINK PEOPLE ACTUALLY GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOU???? YOU’RE JUST A LOSER! YOU DIDN’T DO SHIT AT SHOCK VALUE LIKE I DID! YOU DIDN’T WIN YOUR MATCH! YOU DIDN’T WIN THE HARDCORE TITLE! YOU COULDN’T EVEN BEAT YOUR STUPID ASS WIFE, WHY ARE YOU STILL WASTING OUR TIME????
(The bystanders on the beach had run away from the area, terrified by the horrific sight as the lead pipe shots only continued, causing blood to pour from the back of Adam Lucas’ head. The person responsible for the attack wasn’t yet shown on the camera, but their identity was already clear to those watching from the voice alone.)
???: YOU AND BETHANY!!! YOUR LOSER ASS RELATIONSHIP FALLS APART AND EVERYONE’S CRYING FOR YOU LIKE YOU DIDN’T DESERVE IT, BUT I WIN AT SHOCK VALUE AND EVERYONE’S BUSY TALKING ABOUT *YOU*!!!! DO YOU THINK I FORGOT ABOUT WHAT YOU DID??? YOU THINK I FORGOT ABOUT HOW YOU SCREWED ME OUT OF A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION??? WHY SHOULD ANYONE FEEL BAD FOR YOU, HUH?? YOU’RE NOT SPECIAL, I AM!
(The individual attacking Adam eventually pulls Adam’s head off of the sand, staring at his unconscious face. The camera slowly pans around. This reveals the wound on the back of Adam’s head as blood continues to pour from it, but that is not all. As the camera pans around, the face of the attacker is shown, and it is none other than one person.)
(Miku Sakai.)
(Miku was holding Adam’s face up, forcing him to stare directly at the person that attacked him, despite his current inability to even process anything that’s happening to him.)
Miku Sakai: I should already be World Champion right now and instead here I am having to deal with dumb bitches like Jon Kelton, BUT AT LEAST I WON! I did what I said I’d do, but what about you, huh? You cost me the EAW World Championship with that stupid little syringe, AND WHERE DID THAT GET YOU?
(After saying this, Miku shoves Adam backwards, causing him to land back first back onto the sand.)
Miku Sakai: YOU SCREWED ME OVER, AND NOW WHAT!? YOU LOST YOUR TITLE! YOU RUINED YOUR STUPID RELATIONSHIP! YOU LOST YOUR BABY! YOU’RE THE BIGGEST LOSER ON THE PLANET, SO WHY IS IT STILL ALL ABOUT YOU, YOUR UGLY ASS WIFE AND YOUR DEAD FUCKING BABY!????
(After saying this, Miku Sakai raises the lead pipe once more, all while staring directly at Adam Lucas’ face.)
(CRACK!)
(Immediately after this, blood now begins to pour from Adam’s forehead. Miku doesn’t show any signs of being satisfied though, as she raises the lead pipe once more.)
(However, while it may have been too late to prevent her from inflicting any damage, Miku would be stopped before things could get any worse.)
(Captain Charisma had finally located Adam Lucas, and by proxy Miku Sakai, thanks to the security guards that had been abandoned by Adam earlier. Those security guards were now here, and one of them had managed to grab the lead pipe and pull it away from Miku Sakai before she could continue trying to bash Adam’s head in. Even more security guards flooded into the area, almost forming an entire crowd full of them so that no chances were taken following the failed attempt to restrain Adam Lucas. Without wasting any time, the security guards grabbed Miku Sakai, who just continued screaming and yelling, especially towards Adam Lucas who remained motionless in the sand.)
(Captain Charisma stared at the scene that had unfolded, and he wasn’t even sure what to think at this point. He knew that Adam Lucas was arriving to the resort and that whatever happened to Kai Rabeaux likely would’ve been deserved given Kai’s own actions, but he didn’t anticipate everything that happened tonight, both in regards to the rampage from Adam, and now the sudden attack from Miku Sakai. All he could do was call the medical personnel into the area, as Miku Sakai continued to be pulled away.)
(By this point, any remaining civilians in the area were being forced to leave the area. Despite being dragged away from the scene, Miku Sakai appeared remorseless for what she did, instead staring at Adam with a furious look on her eyes. The camera returns to Adam one final time as the medical personnel arrive. Adam was still unconscious and motionless, and the only thing that changed was the amount of blood left in the sand as it continued pouring from his head. This would be the final shot witnessed, as the camera would soon fade to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
