(EAW intro plays.)
(Highlights are shown of last week’s Voltage as always, giving a recap of the show before the video package ends. After this the camera fades to the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. The fans in attendance cheer loudly, and pyro shoots from the stage as always. The camera pans around the crowd, before finally fading over to the commentary table where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, WELCOME BACK to Sunday Night Voltage! We’re getting closer and closer to Fighting Spirit, as tonight we learn who will join Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy in the tag team tournament finals.
Thadd Blazevich: Four teams walk into Fighting Spirit, but only one walks out with a title match at Pain for Pride! That’s gonna be awesome, but you know what else will be awesome? The Specialists Championship match we got coming tonight! Carmen wasn’t waiting, she wanted that match ASAP, and she’s got it!
Persephone: Yeah, so it better not be boring like everything else on this show usually is.
(“Pride and Arrogance” by Takeru Kanazaki echoes throughout the OVO Hydro Arena to a massively loud & negative reception. Storming out on stage seconds later is Drake Armstrong, in a dark navy blue three-piece suit and the EAW World Champion over his shoulder, further met by the Scottish audience with jeers, boos, thumbs down, along with profanities that he quietly brushes off, as something else is clearly resting on his mind instead.)
Persephone: With the way Drake Armstrong is looking, at this point it’s like he arrives in cycles. Somebody comes out to challenge him, he cowardly refuses, then when he has a challenger, he’s out here ready to rant a storm for having to do his job as champion, like clockwork. The worst part of it all? He always manages to win in the end. Maybe this time around things can change…
Rich Russillo: Inching closer and closer to Pain For Pride, a World Championship change at Fighting Spirit would truly shake Voltage to its core… and if there’s any challengers who would suddenly turn the picture upside down, it really would be either Bronson Daniels or Jon Kelton!
Thadd Blazevich: They often say the final stop is the hardest, because that’s when comfort sets in, and doubts spawn in. We’ve seen it happen three years ago, albeit under controversial fashion, when Drake King defeated Myles at Fighting Spirit to win the EAW World Championship… and with Captain Charisma making that triple threat official, then bro, we really can’t count out that possibility!
Persephone: Ah yes, challengers such as Bronson who needs ten title shots just to win one, and Kelton who needs a hundred to win zero… Definitely the means to make that type of impact…
(Drake quickly climbs up the steps and enters the ring through the middle rope. Somebody from his private crew quickly hands him a microphone before even having to ask for it, and Drake takes no time boasting—instead, the temperature in the room feels a whole lot different.)
Drake Armstrong: Cut the music!
(“Pride and Arrogance” fades out into a sudden haze, and the full brunt of Glasgow’s displeasure is heard, except Drake is unwilling to entertain them, simply opting to speak regardless of their overbearing noise.)
Drake Armstrong: I have put up with much malarkey thus far…
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Drake Armstrong: I have allowed acts beyond even severe punishment to idly happen, even if at my own expense…!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Drake Armstrong: I have done genuine **charity** for this brand!!!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Drake Armstrong: And all that has been reciprocated to me—
(The boos grow louder and louder with each sentence Drake utters, his body language conveying more and more anger that his voice would otherwise not, but only to a limit.)
Drake Armstrong: ***SILENCE!!!!!***
(With a demanding shout, Armstrong—red in the face, one blue vein pulsing out of his temple—demands the stage, but that only causes Glasgow to get louder.)
(He takes a few steps back and forth in the ring, breathing in and out to calm himself, while the Scottish crowd keeps raining down their displeasure onto him.)
Drake Armstrong: Have it your way, peasants! I must speak my peace!! This Fighting Spirit championship match is absolutely fortuitous for *both* of these unworthy challengers! And I CANNOT allow such a ludicrous blockade to be placed amidst my road to Pain For Pride!! A three-way dance, it entails not strategy, but chaos, and my rightful placement as the very king of Voltage and the undisputed EAW World Champion could unjustly be seized without my involvement! Without my command! That… is an outrageous deck to stack against YOUR Immaculacy! …And what it only tells me… is that I do not share agreement with somebody else regarding my stature and influence upon this brand…
(Drake looks up, his focused eyes meeting the camera.)
Drake Armstrong: Mr. Matthieu Daniels… perhaps if there once was plausible deniability, you have now shown your hand without an ounce of shame. Your no-shows amidst Shock Value’s rampant chaos told a vast story, because to this day none of the four culprits behind that senseless incident have yet faced disciplinary action! Lackwits are running amok on MY show, and despite my raised concerns, consequences never come. Mr. Daniels… the position of Voltage commissioner is one of uttermost importance, and for as long as I am around, I will not let my brand ROT under careless leadership. Regardless of your lacking commitment to Sunday Night Voltage’s transition into the Armstrongian vision, the very least I expect is some rightful reinforcement, and a hint of logic behind your decisions—or lack thereof.
Drake Armstrong: This senseless situation regarding Fighting Spirit, it is my final straw, and you may not use your downright authoritarian power to make me “suck it up.” This endless turmoil, going completely against my wishes with—frankly—almost exquisite consistency, it forces my hand. Mr. Matthieu Daniels, Ms. Eden Sinclair, the brand of Voltage—I WILL SEE YOU IN COURT!!!
(The crowd loudly rejects that extreme idea without hesitation, unafraid to let Drake Armstrong know just what they think of it, however their energy quickly shifts at a moment’s notice once the tune of “Run Into Flowers” by M83 graces their ears, right into a positive wave of cheers.)
(The man they once booed until he won them over massively at Reckless Wiring three years ago—Bronson Daniels—walks out on the stage, with a microphone in hand and a radiant smile on his face.)
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
(He nods along, while signaling to cut the music short. The ovation only gets louder which actually keeps Bronson from talking, but he isn’t one to shut up the crowd, instead just waiting for the moment the noise even slightly drowns itself out, while Armstrong rolls his eyes inside the ring, leaning on the ropes, face-first across the stage.)
Bronson Daniels: Wow, Glasgow, thank you.
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Bronson Daniels: I guess we’ve come far. Last time I walked out there, y’all didn’t love me that much, and I can’t blame you all things considered, but eventually you guys really embraced me on that night, just like you are right now. Thank you so much, I appreciate—
Drake Armstrong: Are you done entertaining these pathetic sycophants? You unwisely decided to interrupt me, and now you are wasting time *gloating?*
(Bronson shows an amused, slightly cocky smirk while walking down the aisle after Drake’s abrupt comment.)
Bronson Daniels: Well, I let you finish your idea before making my way out here, even if it was pretty ear-grating; but you’re right, Drake, I did “interrupt” you, and I actually am here to talk to *you.* I appreciate the love coming from this crowd and the great memories we made together, but I don’t wanna be stuck going down memory lane, nor do I wanna keep hearing your copious weeping.
(Now, at the bottom of the ramp, Bronson stands in place for a second, eyeing Drake.)
Bronson Daniels: We got some unfinished business, Drake… and one way or another, something tells me I wouldn’t have let the season end without handling it, even if Jon wouldn’t have negligently called his shot. As a matter of fact, with stakes like these on the line, something tells me your outrage isn’t a result of laziness or complacency, but instead, fear…
(The crowd “ooh’s” as Bronson climbs up on the apron, forcing Drake to take some steps back.)
Bronson Daniels: You see, it’s poetic we’re in this building, ‘cause it’s in this exact same building that I conquered the Dome of Death and became the World Heavyweight Champion despite all the adversity placed in front of me. These same fans, they cheered on the defending champion, hometown hero, until I made myself undeniable and fought so hard they had no choice but to respect my undying conviction and to then celebrate with me once that epic contest had come to a close. So, Armstrong, let this atmosphere remind you just what it means to step in the ring with me.
(Drake snickers.)
Drake Armstrong: Bronson Daniels… those are quite fancy words… unfortunately, I don’t recall you *ever* beating me in that ring.
Bronson Daniels: Yeah? Well, I vividly recall knocking your ass out at Bloodsport. I’d definitely call that one a damn good beating.
(Bronson enters the ring, while Drake sharply exhales…)
Bronson Daniels: The truth is? Your chances hang in the balance come Fighting Spirit, and that’s the true reason you’re looking for an out, aren’t you? Unfortunately, a privileged upbringing doesn’t grant you everything you want a hundred percent of the time, and it’s quite preposterous to see you even act like this, knowing you had no such problems back when you were still trying to tear a rift in Elysium.
Drake Armstrong: Then, Bronson, perhaps… if your qualms stem from this, then you would be better off solely dealing with the man who deceived you for months and who actually stabbed that knife in your back and then twisted it. You Elysian fools imploding was an inevitability—I merely sped up that process and made it a swift execution… it was but an act of—
Bronson Daniels: —Mercy? Yeah, I’m not the one to try this sort of flattery on. You got what you wanted back then, hell, you got even more than that because I don’t reckon your grand plan involved the grueling injury that put me on the shelf for months. But there’s a clear reason why you had to get rid of Elysium—get rid of me—on your journey to the EAW World Title. Let’s look back at Territorial Invasion, you forfeited the Two Falls of Terror match and banked on Elysium’s implosion while you were off dealing with “better things.” If your plan failed then, then you know what would’ve happened? I would have won the EAW World Championship… and everything you had planned? Well, for lack of a better term, it was *fucked.*
Drake Armstrong: But alas, Bronson Daniels, every consequent event aligned perfectly as I dictated…
Bronson Daniels: …Which is why the prospect of Fighting Spirit pisses you off, doesn’t it? ‘Cause it was a blindside, it wasn’t part of some massive picture, some perfect plan, and you find yourself cornered without any control. You can’t convince me to back outta this one no matter how hard you try, because at Fighting Spirit, I’ll also get my hands on Jon, I’ll expose this charade of yours, and then after that twofer? I’ll headline Pain For Pride with the EAW World Championship. You could only run for so long, Drake. Now that you got something to lose, and no concrete plan to escape out of a mess you played a hand in creating—I’m creeping up… breathing down your neck… You enjoyed these luxuries while I was working my ass off to return in the ring, you’ve gone along, survived by the skin of your teeth, but at Fighting Spirit, I’m gonna be the difference maker that puts you down, so, Drake…?
(Bronson tilts his head ever so slightly, pointing at Armstrong, or more specifically, the championship sitting comfortably on his shoulder.)
Bronson Daniels: Whether you like it or not, there’s no way out of this. You can keep putting everybody on blast, making empty threats, complaining about the tiniest inconveniences… or… instead, while you still got some time left, you can at least try and come up with some contingency pl—
(Before Bronson could finish his sentence, ‘All of the Lights (Interlude)’ by Kanye West hits. As one could expect, all of the fans in attendance begin to boo, even further frustrated that Jon Kelton would choose to appear now after such strong words from Daniels. As Kelton walks out, he is visibly annoyed. He’s holding a microphone in his hand already, and he doesn’t even take his eyes off of the two men inside of the ring as he walks down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Well I think it was only a matter of time before Jon Kelton made his presence felt, seeing as this all started with him calling Drake Armstrong out to begin with. From the looks of it, Drake isn’t the only one unhappy with how things turned out.
Persephone: Well yeah, obviously. This was yet another opportunity for Kelton to do the one thing he’s been failing to do literally his entire career, and now it’s become a lot more difficult. Honestly he probably wasn’t going to win anyway so I don’t care, but I really don’t need to see Elysium lore in the World Championship picture again.
Thadd Blazevich: Come on, Kelton has a great chance in this type of match, bro. Love him or hate him he has already shown how dangerous he can be. Triple threats are both awesome and tough for this exact reason. It’s hard to tell what’ll happen.
(Jon Kelton climbs onto the apron, and as his entrance music fades out, he just stares at the two men inside of the ring. The loud boos can be heard still flooding the crowd, and Jon Kelton can’t help but chuckle as he shakes his head. Kelton finally enters the ring after this, turning towards Bronson Daniels as he begins to speak.)
Jon Kelton: Do you genuinely believe that you belong in this match?
(This question brings more boos from the fans, and Bronson doesn’t look amused, knowing that once again this conversation is being brought back.)
Jon Kelton: Who are you trying to convince? Us? The people cheering for you? Or is it yourself?
Bronson Daniels: Are you really doing this right no—
Jon Kelton: No, just listen for once. Take some time to actually think about what has been going on in the last few months. Your removal in the Extreme Elimination Chamber didn’t come at the hands of someone who wasn’t in the match. It cannot be said that you were screwed over in any way. I just dismantled you, and left you so broken that the idea of you even getting back in the ring became an afterthought, let alone ever coming close to the EAW World Championship. Since then I have been here and I have been fighting for the sake of my rightful opportunity. Fighting for the chance to make the climb to the same position I’ve spent my career looking towards, only for that opportunity to now be shared with a man who returned only weeks ago. A man who already had the opportunity to fight for a World Championship when he had the spot anyone entering the Grand Rampage would kill for, and willingly gave it up just to mess with me. In what world do you belong anywhere near this match?
Bronson Daniels: The same can be said for you, Jon. You keep trying to leave out the fact that I was an official entrant in the Grand Rampage just as you were in the Extreme Elimination Chamber because you wish to play victim. You want to push the idea that you’re in some way being screwed over, and trust me, I can see why. We can keep doing this as long as we want, but your failures are your own. You already tried to blame me for what happened in the Two Falls of Terror. How do you intend to blame me for everything that happened while I wasn’t even here, knowing that you had all the time in the world to take that Championship before I got back and you still couldn’t do it?
(While the fans cheer for these words, Kelton just shakes his head, not impressed by Bronson’s comments whatsoever. He takes a few steps forwards to walk towards Bronson, before responding.)
Jon Kelton: This is not just about “blame”. This is about a triple threat that makes nonsense. Logic is being thrown out the window for the sake of catering to you, but it won’t work, because I am still the man who took you out of action in the first place… And there is nothing, *nothing* you can do to keep me away from *that*.
(As Kelton says this he points towards the EAW World Championship, which causes Drake Armstrong’s eyebrows to raise. Jon Kelton turns towards Drake, continuing.)
Jon Kelton: That championship is mine. Accept that while you can, because I don’t care if winning it means taking you out, or taking Bronson out a second time.
(Bronson Daniels stares at Jon Kelton, still thinking about his words as well as what Jon had done to him back at Road to Redemption. However, Drake Armstrong on the other hand just appears appalled by Kelton’s threat.)
Drake Armstrong: How disgusting. From traitor to human nature to traitor to your superior. Perhaps at one point I’d wish to commend you for playing your part appropriately, and for driving a knife through the back of your Elysian comrade who you once felt compelled to sacrifice your own future as a potential World Champion for. However… I feel that this time has passed. You played your role. You served me well, and since then you’ve fallen back where you belong. At the very bottom of the ladder, far away from those with the ability to take the future into their own hands, and even further from this championship.
(The boos are even louder than before, but Drake Armstrong turns away from Jon Kelton, actually looking at Bronson before he continues.)
Drake Armstrong: Is this really what you are willing to accept? To have your name so dreadfully tarnished that even one as lowly as Jon Kelton feels as if he holds your life in the palm of your hands? You returned for the sake of retribution, did you not? Does your retribution really come in the form of another loss? Another night of meeting the same fate as Jon Kelton? Another night of falling right alongside your former brother in arms?
(Bronson immediately steps towards Drake, walking right past Jon Kelton.)
Bronson Daniels: I didn’t just return for retribution. I returned because this is who I am. I returned because no matter what Jon thinks he can throw at me, no matter what injuries he attempts to leave me with, there is nothing that can keep me away from this ring, and nothing that can keep me away from that championship.
(Hearing this, Kelton just laughs.)
Jon Kelton: Really? Is that so?
Bronson Daniels: Yeah, it is.
Jon Kelton: If that is genuinely what you think, you’re a lost cause. I’m not going to help you, either. You had every opportunity to step back, but even with all your talk that you’re not just here for “retribution”, you couldn’t help but come crawling back to me the first chance you got.
Drake Armstrong: Precisely! Jon Kelton, as pitiful as he is, has spent months trying to finally salvage the rest of his season and turn it towards his favor, only to have his plan ruined by the returning, loathsome Bronson Daniels. By all means, the two of you have every right to wish to finally put an end to the feud that has served as poison for both of your careers. However, I have no business having my own time wasted allowing that poison to spread to my championship reign. Neither of you have earned the right to challenge me. Neither of you belong near the championship picture. This match exists only as an attack on my reign as champion, an attack that’ll prove once again unsuccessful as I end Fighting Spirit with my hand raised… Right before I make sure Matthieu Daniels, Eden Sinclair and everyone else responsible for what I’ve had to endure this year suffers the necessary legal repercussions.
Bronson Daniels: Just give it a rest, Drake. Threatening to sue, complaining about this match happening, you know as well as I do that there’s no point. Trust me, I’ve been watching. Adam Lucas, Cody Maverick, my current tag team partner ARIA, most recently Jay Jerry Johnson, you’ve already faced enough obstacles and you’ve found a way to keep going. This is not about whether or not either of us “belong” in the championship picture. This is about your own inability to adapt to the circumstances in front of you. You’re not confident that you can make it out of this match with that championship, and that’s fine, but there’s no need to waste everyone’s time. Not when they already know that Fighting Spirit is ending with a *new* EAW World Champion.
(The crowd explodes with cheers, only for that reaction to be quickly cut off as Jon Kelton begins to speak.)
Jon Kelton: And that ending will have absolutely nothing to do with you, Bronson. Not unless it’s you at the receiving end of the pinfall when I get what I finally deserve.
(Jon turns towards Drake Armstrong.)
Jon Kelton: Just know that you have been lucky. Very, very lucky. All year long I have been occupied with other matters. Minerva picking a fight with me. Miku Sakai crying over an interview because her career is so miserable she had nothing else going on. Grand Rampage was supposed to be where the timer began regardless of whether or not you even made it to Pain for Pride as champion but Bronson ruined that just like he’s trying to ruin this, but now? Ultimately that timer has only sped up. Everyone has been trying to keep me away from that championship, but now I am closer than ever to it and it’s too late to take that back. I tried to point out the obvious. I tried to make it clear that this should be Jon Kelton versus Drake Armstrong, but now look, Drake. This time around, you get to be the one that falls right alongside everyone’s hero.
(There is tension inside of the ring between the three men as this is said. There is no love lost between any of them, but it takes a while before finally, Drake Armstrong says only a few words.)
Drake Armstrong: You are a fool.
Jon Kelton: No, I’m not. I just plan to take what I deserve without anyone around to ruin it for me, which is why…
Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL!?
Thadd Blazevich: WELL I GUESS IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME, BRO! JON KELTON JUST TURNED AROUND, DROPPING BRONSON WITH A SHOT TO THE FACE WITH A MICROPHONE!!!
Rich Russillo: JON TURNS TO DRAKE AFTER THIS AND SWINGS AT HIM—BUT DRAKE DUCKS UNDER IT! DRAKE AND KELTON ARE BASICALLY HAVING A HOCKEY FIGHT NOW, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THINGS HAVE OFFICIALLY BOILED OVER! KELTON AND DRAKE ARE GOING AT IT AND IT SEEMS LIKE KELTON MAY HAVE TAKEN THE UPPER HAND AS HE BACKS DRAKE AGAINST THE ROPES—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRONSON PULLS KELTON AWAY FROM DRAKE, BEFORE DROPPING HIM WITH A HUGE FOREARM! KELTON STUMBLES BACK UP AND BACKPEDALS INTO THE CORNER, AND NOW BRONSON FLIES IN WITH A LEAPING FOREARM BEFORE BEGINNING TO JUST WAIL AWAY AT KELTON!
Persephone: DRAKE ARMSTRONG TRIES TO GET INVOLVED LIKE AN IDIOT, BUT HE GETS HIT WITH A BACK ELBOW FROM BRONSON! DRAKE RESPONDS WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION BEFORE THROWING BRONSON OUT OF THE CORNER, AND NOW DRAKE GOES FOR KELTON WITH KICKS TO THE MIDSECTION!
Rich Russillo: KELTON IS ABLE TO CATCH THE BOOT AFTER A FEW OF THEM THOUGH, AND THAT BRIEF MOMENT ALLOWS BRONSON TO SURPRISE DRAKE WITH A DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! DRAKE IS KNOCKED AWAY, AND KELTON WASTES NO TIME JUMPING AT BRONSON WITH AN ELBOW! KELTON BEGINS TO JUST RAIN DOWN STRIKES ON HIS FORMER TEAMMATE—BUT WAIT, LOOK!
Thadd Blazevich: BRONSON IS ABLE TO PULL KELTON OVER HIM WITH A SNAPMARE! BOTH MEN GET BACK UP AND BRONSON DUCKS UNDER A SWING, RUNNING THE ROPES!
Persephone: AND HE DROPS KELTON WITH “MICKEY I KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF”!!! Finally, I was waiting for them to get it over with. Bronson gets some revenge on Kelton I guess, and now—
(***CRACK!***)
Rich Russillo: OH, NO!!
Thadd Blazevich: BEFORE BRONSON COULD EVEN TAKE A SEC TO THINK, BRO TURNED RIGHT INTO A SHOT TO THE FACE WITH THE EAW CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Persephone: Oh. I guess it’s not over.
(The fans are loudly booing as Drake Armstrong stands over Bronson Daniels, holding his EAW World Championship after smashing it into his face. Drake stares at the fallen Jon Kelton after this, and he just shakes his head before beginning to drag him up.)
Rich Russillo: Oh no… What is he doing?
Thadd Blazevich: It looks like dude is trying to send some sort of message. He dragged Kelton back to his feet, AND NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE..
Rich Russillo: GIVING KELTON EXACTLY WHAT HE GAVE BRONSON, A SHOT TO THE FACE WITH HIS CHAMPIONSHIP!!! BOTH FORMER MEMBERS OF ELYSIUM ARE DOWN!!!
(The boos only grow louder, as Drake Armstrong takes Jon Kelton and just throws him on top of Bronson Daniels. After this, Drake walks over and just stands over his two challengers, raising his championship up high as the fans in attendance continue to shower the champion with boos.)
Rich Russillo: Well I can see now what the message was, and no matter how we feel about him, I won’t deny that it’s a message to be taken seriously. Drake Armstrong has already defended that title various times, and he’s looking to add Fighting Spirit to the list.
Thadd Blazevich: Well in case anyone had any doubts, I think it’s lookin’ pretty clear that the triple threat at Fighting Spirit is gonna be insane.
(There is a final shot shown of Drake Armstrong raising his championship over Bronson Daniels and Jon Kelton, before Voltage finally fades away from ringside.)
(After a rather explosive opening segment, Voltage faded to an unknown area backstage. The EAW Specialists Champion, Auburn Ware, has secluded herself from all the drama in a quiet spot and has spent most of the day just reading. With books six and seven of Sarah J. Maas’ ‘A Court of Thorn and Roses’ series expected to be released in October and January respectively, Auburn has decided the best way to shut out the noise is to lose herself in a story and reread ACOTAR. Books have always meant the world to the champ. They have always been her escape from reality. Her moveset pays homage to some of the books she has read and enjoyed over the years. Needless to say, reading has been the perfect reprieve for Auburn. With her title on the line later tonight against Carmen Sanchez and whatever is going on with Saori Aizen and Damon Lazarus happening right in front of her eyes, Auburn certainly isn’t herself. She’s subdued and sad, and unsure of absolutely everything. Her heart feels heavy and her feelings are hurt.)
(She reads another page, but has to stifle a sigh. Despite being lost in her own world, in her safe bubble so to speak, thoughts continue to creep into her head. Then, the hair on the back of her neck stands up because she feels something.)
???: I thought you knew better than to avoid me.
(Auburn closes her eyes. That voice? It does something to her and it’s low, threatening, and calculating. Auburn clenches her book hard in her hands and looks across from her to see Damon Lazarus in the shadows.)
Auburn Ware: Why are you here…?
(Within the shadows, a very subtle silhouette of Damon remains prominent, the only serviceable indication of his presence seen through the formidable glint in his eyes. His arms are crossed, while leaning against the wall as he is looking directly toward Auburn.)
Damon Lazarus: Why would I not be… After all… You are the reason why I have been able to move forward in this tournament. With every sizable indication of where all of this was meant to lead, you seemed to deliver in a manner that you never quite understood—but that is just fine. There is more than enough deliverance to succeed in giving this much of an effort, even when you are unaware of exactly why that is the case.
(Damon spoke in admiration of how the tournament match on Voltage seemingly played out, yet his words came across in a manner that Auburn could not quite decipher for her own mind to unravel. The ability to read the line between true honesty & ambiguous deceit became another ordeal for the Specialists Champion, as Auburn could only shake her own head while glancing off for a moment.)
Auburn Ware: I… Just, just go away… I, I really can’t deal with this right now…
Damon Lazarus: Auburn, you did the right thing. To take heed as you needed, and servicing yourself in the manner that victory didn’t become your sole objective, all you felt throughout that timeframe being the visceral experience needed… Yeah, safe to say that became a mere glimpse of what is possible from you—Which, ain’t what you’d like to hear, I know. Nevertheless, although said actions cost you that match, I don’t exactly have any particular room to complain in that nature…
(A loud and irritated sigh escaped from Auburn and she snapped her book shut, standing up. She glared at Damon, tired of the on-going situation between them, and the situation brewing with Damon and Saori. A bitter, uncharacteristic laugh escaped from her and she finally just shrugged her shoulders.)
Auburn Ware: Okay. If you like it, I LOVE it.
(There was nothing but sarcasm in her tone, and she didn’t care to hide it.)
Auburn Ware: I’m very happy that my actions are allowing you to spend more unsolicited time with Saori. You seem rather captivated by her, which is why I don’t understand why you’re approaching me. I made my feelings clear last week when I decided I was simply going to focus on myself, and that’s why I haven’t bothered you. Yet here you are, showing up when all I want to do is just get ready to defend my championship. What do you want from me, Damon? Or did you get what you wanted already and you’re moving on? If that’s what you came to tell me then fucking spare me. I don’t care.
(Auburn was obviously lying, as her heart felt ripped in two. It was clear from the moment she laid eyes on Damon Lazarus weeks ago, she was smitten, and had allowed him inside her head. She thought about him constantly even though in her mind, it wasn’t reciprocated, and the last thing she wanted to do was to get emotional in front of him.)
Damon Lazarus: …Is that all that you’re led to believe, Auburn?
(Damon’s silhouette dissipates for a moment as he stops himself from leaning on the wall, standing upright as his gaze finds itself sternly on Auburn with clear intent behind his expression.)
Damon Lazarus: I should remind you, that my purpose above all else was to emerge victorious in any endeavor I find myself competing within. If I should fancy emerging from this tournament as a victor, then why shouldn’t I…? As long as I am a fixture, I will proceed as I must, the same would have applied alongside any tag team partner that I was forced to familiarize myself with… Saori, is no different…
(His eyes steadily squint as he exemplifies his focus all the more, reinforcing his goals clearly toward Auburn as he lowers his head slightly, his gaze growing stronger in accuracy pertaining to the motives at play.)
Damon Lazarus: Yes… I am vested with, methods, that I am willing to take above all else… I will cross the lengths no other professional wrestler is willing to go, from an interpersonal level beyond every measure—it is exactly why I am still in this dance, and you will understand that every single move I have ever made is considered with reasonable effect. As I must cooperate with Saori, then I will fulfill the necessary commitment in order to do so. As long as we find ourselves on the same page, I’ll do exactly what I have to…
(Auburn looked away from Damon and nodded her head. She returned to the spot she had been seated in, opened her book, and started reading the pages of it again.)
Auburn Ware: Uh-huh. Well congratulations, I guess.
(Much to Damon’s dismay, Auburn flicked her hand at him in a dismissive manner, like she was done with him. When she continued to focus on her book instead of him, Damon took a deep breath. He moved out of the darkness and close to Auburn, and his piercing gaze caught the slightest tremble of her hand. He smelled her fear, saw through her bravado, and quite frankly, it pissed him off. Auburn let out a little cry as his hand tightly gripped her arm and pulled her up. He drew her close, Auburn bumping his chest, and he looked down at her face.)
(Auburn’s eyes were wide with fear, despite the lust that coursed through her the second his hand was on her arm. Her heart started pounding and she bit down on her bottom lip to suppress the moan that was threatening to escape. She despised her body’s reaction to his roughness. She had come to crave his hands on her in any capacity, and when he snatched her book from her, snapped it shut, and slammed it across her backside with every bit of force he had, Auburn gasped in shock mixed with pain, and her knees buckled.)
(Damon kept her upright, his fingers digging into her small arm hard enough that it would leave recognizable marks—as he raised the book and spanked her again. This time she did moan and Damon let out a foreboding chuckle.)
Damon Lazarus: Say, ‘thank you’.
(Auburn shook her head, not wanting to give in, and that further drew Damon’s ire. His grip tightened, eliciting another little noise from Auburn’s lips, and he tossed the book across the floor to keep himself from hauling her over his knee. This woman pissed him off—while indicating excitement all at the same time.)
Auburn Ware: I—I don’t have anything to thank you for…
(Damon’s eyes squint greatly with anger that struggles to remain mediated, as he takes matters into his own hands to a greater extent—as he takes a firm, harsh hold of her other arm, and reels her arm behind her back, as he clutches her hands together behind her own back with his large palm, keeping her sizably restrained as his other palm finds itself motioning the secular strands of hair away from Auburn’s temple, his glare imposing itself all the more upon her.)
Damon Lazarus: You have, everything to thank me for… Did you really think it was that simple…? That you could simply stay here, read your heart away & not acknowledge the truth when it’s standing right in front of you….? You’ve familiarized yourself with this dance, everything that has happened & will CONTINUE to happen, is done for your sake… Whether you like it or not…
(Auburn struggled against him, despite it being futile. Damon was far too strong; something that scared her and something that was enticing her. She knew full well he was capable of hurting her – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Hell, he had already done damage to her mentally and emotionally, but it was the physicality she yearned for. However, his gentle touch along her hair caused something else entirely to erupt inside of her, and she pushed herself against him. Bright, curious eyes glanced up at Damon and she pressed her head against his hand.)
Auburn Ware: I-I don’t understand how you being friendly with Saori.. is a benefit to me at all! She is USING you to get to me—and you are enjoying it! I poured my heart out to you the other week and you said nothing in return, and now that I’m trying to just mind my own business, read and focus on Carmen, you’re here. I’m not very good at hiding my feelings, Saori is pushing herself toward you because of what it is doing to me… I don’t even know if you care about how this is making me feel. I feel stupid for w-wanting…
(Auburn’s voice trailed off as Damon stroked her head like he would a pet. She didn’t want to admit again that she wanted him because he did nothing with the information.)
Damon Lazarus: You know, you smell real’ damn nice… Always do… Yet, I can’t help but figure out a lingering fragrance to your presence… It’s on the tip of my tongue… Oh, I’ve figured it out.
(His palm coils around her hands more tightly, as a small smirk arises from his gaze, imposing this twisted superiority complex over Auburn with relative ease, at the behest of her resistance.)
Damon Lazarus: ‘Reeks of naivety. Your precious little feelings, they only need to understand one simple thing: I know EXACTLY what I’m doing. You don’t even know what you’re saying anymore, and it’s evident in how you can’t even look me in the eye without cowering like a sick puppy… Should you persist in the manner that you have, should any of your actions result in the lack of betterment, you will truly understand the severity of it. Right now, you’re better off heeding your cute little emotions…
(Auburn’s face fell, then twisted into a frown. Damon let go of her hands and Auburn shoved him as hard as she could in the chest before rubbing the feeling back into her wrists. Damon moved barely an inch at Auburn’s shove, but the smirk was back on his face.)
Auburn Ware: I AM NOT NAIVE! I’m so sick of people saying that! If you just want to be cruel to me, then you can LEAVE, Damon! I haven’t done anything wrong in any of this, and I’m sorry that I am not some super bitch like Saori, but whatever! YoU kNoW wHaT yOu’Re DoInG. Maybe you do. Maybe you’re just screwing around with me to see how far you can get. What is it that you have kept saying to me? I’m ‘not ready’. Not ready for what????
(Auburn, feeling defiant, lifted her chin in the air and shot him a brutal look. There was a spark of something in it that Damon had never seen from her before and he tilted his head to the side, wanting more of whatever that look had been. He knew how to hide his feelings and his emotions, which is why his face remained impassive much to Auburn’s disgust. Damon would always have the advantage over her and they both knew it, which is why Auburn felt herself starting to spiral once again.)
Auburn Ware: You know what?? Fuck it! You NEVER give me a straight answer anyway. If you don’t want me, then fine. Whatever. I’ll get over it…
(Auburn looked at the ground.)
Auburn Ware: (mumbling so Damon can’t hear) I’ll figure out how…
(Damon’s gaze remains fixated down upon her, acknowledging the tenacity she has developed in this current moment due to his insistence to poke & prod at her from every imaginable wavelength. His exhale comes about deeply, as he glances upon his palms for a brief moment.)
Damon Lazarus: The sooner you refrain from trying to conspire with your own mind about what I’m up to, the better off you will ultimately be… After all, should your bleeding heart quell itself of whatever this rudimentary exercise of futility is… Maybe, just maybe… You’ll get around to understanding. I am not a man who distances himself from his own ambitions, no matter how manipulative, or how desperate, any respective party becomes… Now then…
(He takes a brief hold of her chin, maintaining the firmness behind his touch as he glares upon her further.)
Damon Lazarus: Keep your lips shut & listen. You won’t intrude on any further matters from here, and in turn, you keep yourself occupied with your title defense & everything from then on…
(Auburn tries to open her mouth to speak—but Damon raises his finger against her lips, and to Auburn’s underlying dismay & embarrassment—she seemingly obeys, her eyes wide in a submissive refrain she can’t seem to help, even after her tangent.)
Damon Lazarus: I will do what needs to be done, and if I am compelled to break a couple hearts along the way just to see my vision of the future come to be… So be it.
(Damon does not break his gaze from Auburn’s until he is sure his words have sunk in. After a moment, he releases her and she steps away from him, eager to put distance between them. Damon gives her one last warning look before leaving her be, and once he leaves, Auburn’s shoulders sag.)
(The look on her face is unreadable and uncharacteristic for her, but her eyes narrow in the direction Damon had gone, and slowly, the scene fades away.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Drake Armstrong defends the EAW World Championship against Bronson Daniels and Jon Kelton.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns as the camera focuses on Bella Braxton standing by. She has a microphone in hand and a smile on her face as she begins to speak.)
Bella Braxton: The following is a semifinals match in the TAG TEAM TURMOIL TOURNAMENT! And it is a tag team match scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse begins to play through the speakers of the arena as the camera goes over to show Jay Jerry Johnson as he makes his way out from the backstage area. He has a confident expression on his face as he pops his collar, all while his theme transitions into ‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke, with Chris Elite quickly following out behind him. The two of them look toward one another, not exactly the perfect team yet, but certainly closer than they anticipated to success, as they begin to make their way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… the team of CHRIS ELITE AND JAY JERRY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: We know that upon the reveal that these two would be teaming up, it was known immediately that Chris Elite and Jay Jerry Johnson would not be sunshine and rainbows when it came to their cohesion in this tournament. But considering their first round match was a victory thanks to Minerva walking out on Jon Kelton before it could even begin, I’d say they got too far to quit now.
Thadd Blazevich: But they’re up against a team who we can’t really say has any issues teaming with one another, and that’s going to pose a challenge for the two of them heading into this one. But we know how much both of them are wanting to end their season with a bang, so if they want to have a Championship match at Pain For Pride, then getting past this hurdle is necessary, bro.
Persephone: This might be the most underachieving team of all time, and you want me to say that they even have a chance of reaching the finals? Get the fuck out of here with that shit.
(‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas then begins to follow that up as the crowd boos loudly for Saori Aizen as she makes her way out to the stage. As she poses with a serious expression on her face, her theme is overtaken by ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica which begins to follow that. Damon Lazarus is seen sauntering out behind her, a serious expression as he stares directly at the ring, after a moment, the two then begin to make their way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents… the team of DAMON LAZARUS AND SAORI AIZEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: As for the two of them, they won their match last week after Auburn Ware’s massive breakdown, attacking Saori and leaving her partner Carmen out to dry to get pinned by Damon. Auburn is certainly going to have to answer for that when it comes to her Specialists Title defense later tonight, but we also saw just before this her tense confrontation with Damon Lazarus…
Thadd Blazevich: It wasn’t pretty, bro! Auburn isn’t happy that Damon is getting close with Saori, but he retorted that he has to, for a pretty valid reason that he does not want to participate in this tournament just to come up short. Needless to say, she did not look so happy once the conversation was all said and done, and you can’t help but wonder if that’s going to factor into this match tonight.
Persephone: I sure hope it does, because judging by the competitors, this is shaping up to be the most boring match on the card. So let’s hope something ACTUALLY entertaining happens or else you might see me fall asleep on commentary. And personally I get eight hours, so this is going to mess up my sleep schedule.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: The bell has rung and here we go! The first of THREE semifinals matches in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament is officially underway! Damon Lazarus is starting off for his team and Jay Jerry Johnson is starting off for his, and these two certainly have their history dating back to Damon’s debut with the company.
Thadd Blazevich: Their Shock Value match was one to behold, and Damon is certainly going to be hungry to get his lick back on him after that one, bro! But they’re quick to approach the center of the ring as they engage in a collar-and-elbow tie up. It devolves into a test of strength as Damon presses Jay against the ropes, forcing the referee to step in and break them up.
Persephone: But Damon doesn’t go quietly, as he shoves Jay directly in the chest! A mocking gesture by the old head, who we know hasn’t shied away from being a conniving bitch, especially after the snuff film that we saw before this match.
Rich Russillo: And you have to wonder how Auburn Ware is feeling about this match right now. Regardless, that’s not what Damon should have his eyes on, as Jay quickly lunges forward and grabs him by the head, pulling him into a side headlock and dragging him toward the center of the ring!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay drops himself down to a knee, trying to shift his weight and keep him down on the ground, but Damon is quick to lift him up as he drops him back down onto the canvas with a Back Suplex! Jay clutches his back and immediately drags himself up to a seated position, and you can tell that he’s not amused by that.
Persephone: Damon is going to force Jay to play at his painfully slow pace, making for one hell of a boring match if I do say so myself. Jay tries to make his way back up to his feet, but Damon immediately steps forward and drives a knee directly into his abdomen to take the wind out of his sails!
Rich Russillo: Jay doubles over, as Damon is quick to grab him by the wrist and send him toward the opposite corner, before rushing forward, going for a Clothesline to the head- But Jay manages to bring his boot up and connect right against the side of his face to force him backward! Damon stumbles toward the center of the ring, as Jay rushes toward him!
Thadd Blazevich: ONLY FOR DAMON TO GRAB A HOLD OF HIM AND CONNECT WITH THE SCOOP POWERSLAM! Mellotron Scratch connects as he hooks the leg and goes for the pin on Jay!
OOONNNEEE-
Persephone: But Jay kicks out, quickly rolling himself away like a little bitch and falling against the turnbuckle padding-
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: And Chris Elite takes the chance to tag himself in, realizing the match is not going in their favor so far! Both of them are clearly annoyed about the circumstances, but I don’t think either of them fancy being each other’s tag team partners in the first place.
Thadd Blazevich: As long as it means winning the Tag Championships, bro! Chris enters into the ring, and Damon is standing firm at the center of the ring, gesturing to lock up. Chris doesn’t look too amused, but obliges as he makes his way over, the two of them engaging- Only for Chris to nail him with a boot to the abdomen!
Persephone: Damon doubles over, and Chris is wasting zero time beginning to unload on him with repeated punches to the back, dropping Damon down to a kneeling position! Chris is not at all interested in formalities unlike Jay, and is just focused on winning this match, finally a smart person. Chris grabs him by the wrist and sends him toward the ropes, before connecting with a Back Elbow that takes him down to the ground!
Rich Russillo: Chris then quickly rushes over as Damon rolls onto his stomach for the dropdown, Chris jumps over though as he rebounds off of the ropes, ONLY FOR DAMON TO MAKE HIS WAY BACK UP TO HIS FEET AS HE GOES UNDER FOR A BACK BODY DROP- But Chris manages to flip over and land on his feet behind him! Damon turns around, ONLY TO BE MET WITH A SUPERKICK FLUSH AGAINST HIS FACE BY CHRIS ELITE!
Thadd Blazevich: Damon staggers back against the corner…
(TAG!)
Persephone: As he does the smart thing and tags himself out to the more physically capable partner. Chris quickly rushes toward Saori Aizen on the apron, but Saori manages to bring her leg up and connects with a kick to the face that forces him back! Chris tries to recover, ONLY FOR SAORI TO LAUNCH OFF OF THE ROPES AND CONNECT WITH A SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK DIRECTLY TO THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: Chris is sent flying backward as he quickly rolls himself under the bottom rope and out of the ring, taking a moment to recover at the ringside area. But Saori isn’t going to let him stay out there for too long, as she rushes toward the edge of the ring, LAUNCHING THROUGH AND TAKING CHRIS DOWN TO THE GROUND WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!
Thadd Blazevich: Chris is taken down and Saori is quick to grab a hold of him again, throwing him under the bottom rope and back into the ring. Saori then makes her way back inside as she approaches Chris!
Persephone: But Chris grabs a hold of her by the head and pulls her down to the ground, right into an inside cradle pin!
OOONNNEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: Saori is caught off guard but she manages to kick out, as both of them scramble back up to their feet! She quickly goes for a Clothesline to the face- But Chris manages to duck under that as he slips behind her, grabbing a hold of her by the waist, BEFORE LIFTING HER INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX-
Thadd Blazevich: But before she can do that, Saori manages to connect with a harsh back elbow directly to the face! She quickly turns around, before bringing her leg up and nailing Chris with a roundhouse kick directly to the side of the head! Chris is stunned as Saori takes advantage of this, GRABBING HIM AND GOING FOR A GERMAN OF HER OWN!
Persephone: But Chris, being the much bigger person, manages to shift his weight down onto the ground! He uses his hands to try and pry her grip away, but Saori transitions as she hooks the arms, LIFTING HIM UP AND DROPPING HIM DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! Saori then turns around and runs to the ropes and back!
Rich Russillo: ONLY FOR CHRIS TO POP UP AND CONNECT WITH A HUGE OPEN YA MATA! Bicycle Knee Strike connects directly to the jaw which takes Saori down flat to the ground, and Chris is quick to scramble over as he hooks the leg and goes for the pin!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOOO!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: But Saori manages to kick out before three! Chris has managed to claw his way back into this after Saori unloads on him upon being tagged in, but it looks like he’s looking to keep the momentum going! He grabs a hold of her and drags her toward the corner, taking her head and slamming it against the top turnbuckle!
(TAG!)
Persephone: Reaching out and tagging his pasty white tag team partner. Jay quickly enters into the ring as he turns around, rushing toward Saori and quickly driving a knee directly into her abdomen!
Rich Russillo: Jay then grabs a hold of her and brings her toward the center of the ring, quickly driving a back elbow directly into her face to stun her! Saori tries to fight back, but Jay manages to catch her with a right hook to stop her in her tracks! BEFORE REARING BACK AND GOING FOR A HARD LARIAT TO THE FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: But Saori manages to duck under that and avoid the Knockout Artist combo! She quickly rushes toward the ropes as Jay turns around, ONLY TO BE MET WITH A HURRICANRANA TO TAKE HIM DOWN TO THE GROUND! Saori quickly gets back up to her feet as Jay tries to rise back up, only to be met with a swift Penalty Kick directly to the chest to stop whatever he had in mind!
Persephone: Saori turns around and reaches toward her corner, looking to tag out to Damon Lazarus, but Jay manages to stumble up and grab a hold of her by the ankle, stopping what she had in mind! Saori hobbles in the air, but quickly manages to spin around and connect with an Enzuigiri to the side of the head to take him down! And now Saori turns around!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: As now Damon Lazarus is tagged in! He quickly enters the ring, and immediately meets a recovering Jay Jerry Johnson with a Clothesline directly to the face! Jay is dropped onto his back as he tries to scramble back up, only to be met with a second Clothesline to drop him back down! Jay is continuing to persist though as he stumbles back up and tries to send a strike of his own!
Thadd Blazevich: But Damon manages to duck under that as Jay rebounds off of the ropes, ONLY TO BE MET WITH MELLOTRON SCRATCH! The Scoop Powerslam takes Jay down again!
Persephone: What type of idiot gets hit with the same signature move twice?! He better not fall for it again, as Damon grabs a hold of him by the head and drags him up, bringing him up onto the ropes, LOOKING TO FOLLOW THAT UP WITH BLACKEST EYES!
Rich Russillo: BUT CHRIS ELITE ON THE OUTSIDE SNATCHES JAY BY THE ANKLE AND PULLS HIM AWAY FROM DAMON! Chris saves his partner just in the nick of time while Damon looks visibly frustrated inside of the ring, the two of them talking it over…
Thadd Blazevich: BUT SAORI AIZEN JUST LAUNCHED HERSELF OFF THE APRON AND ONTO THE SHOULDERS OF CHRIS AS HE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A HURRICANRANA! Damon quickly makes his way over as he reaches through the ropes, grabbing Jay by the head-
Persephone: BUT JAY COUNTERS WITH A HOTSHOT AS DAMON’S THROAT IS CRUSHED AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE! He staggers back toward the center of the ring, giving Jay the chance to make his way back inside.
Rich Russillo: AS HE SPINS AROUND AND CONNECTS WITH DRAGONSLAYER! The Roundhouse Kick completely drops Damon down to the ground, and Jay is quick to hook the leg and go for the pin attempt!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRR-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON MANAGES TO GET THE SHOULDER UP! Jay was two steps away going to make sure that something like that doesn’t happen again.
Persephone: Jay is rising up to his feet though, and imagine how pathetic that would be for Damon if he lost to him AGAIN. He’s lying in wait as Damon staggers up, clutching his head in pain as he tries to make sense of his surroundings…
Rich Russillo: BUT HE DOESN’T HAVE LONG AS JAY GRABS A HOLD OF HIM AND GOES FOR PRETTY VISITOR!
Thadd Blazevich: But Damon saw it coming! A move that he’s very familiar with as he knees Jay in the spine and turns himself around, LOOKING TO COUNTER IT WITH DAMNATION!
Persephone: But Jay manages to turn that around as he grabs a hold of the waist of Damon and rams him directly into the corner!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: As this gives the opportunity for Chris Elite to recover on the apron and tag himself in! Jay grabs a hold of the head of Damon and takes him down to a seated position with a Snapmare, as Chris enters into the ring and immediately rushes toward the other side, going for a kick directly to the chest of Damon Lazarus!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON MANAGES TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AS HE SENDS CHRIS COLLIDING DIRECTLY INTO JAY! Jay is taken down to the ground and sent out of the ring as Chris stumbles against the ropes, trying to recover as he turns himself around!
Persephone: ONLY FOR DAMON LAZARUS TO LEAP INTO THE AIR AND TAKE HIM DOWN WITH A CTE!
Rich Russillo: Damon isn’t going for the pin yet, though! He’s grabbed a hold of Jay and dragged him toward his corner, and it seems like he’s taking the opportunity while he has it!
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: To make sure that the job is finished for good, bro! Saori Aizen is tagged in and she immediately begins to scale herself up to the top turnbuckle! Setting herself up!
Persephone: LEAPING OFF AND GOING FOR HORIZON OF THE CAPTIVATING SKANDHA!
Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK! Chris Elite! He barely manages to stumble around the ring and up the apron as he connects with a strike directly to the face of Saori Aizen to leave her stunned! She tries to balance herself on the top rope and reposition, but her chance to close out this match has already been halted!
Thadd Blazevich: Damon connects with a strike to send Chris off of the apron, but the damage has already been done! Saori tries to position herself back on the top rope and see to the move, but she doesn’t see that Jay has already made her way back up to his feet as he rushes forward and connects with a strike directly to her spine!
Persephone: Jay now beginning to make his way up the turnbuckles, not the smartest move, but we’ll see how this plays out, I guess. He continues to connect with repeated shots to make sure that Saori is stunned, before he then grabs a hold of her from around the waist, setting her up! AS HE LIFTS HER OFF OF THE TURNBUCKLE AND TAKES HER DOWN TO THE GROUND WITH A BACK SUPERPLEX!
Rich Russillo: Saori bounces off of the canvas hard and you can see her clutching her back in pain! And now Jay is making his way back up to his feet, and you can see that he has a chance to shift the momentum here. Saori tries to make her way back up, but Jay quickly grabs a hold of her from behind, PUMPHANDLE-
Thadd Blazevich: But Saori manages to bring her leg up just in time and knee Jay in the face! He tried to go for YKHM Last Love but that failed! Jay staggers back, as Saori is quick to connect with a kick directly to the chest! She then turns around and runs toward the ropes, but Jay is quick to rush forward as he connects with a knee directly to the abdomen!
Persephone: And Jay is not done as he keeps a hold of the arm, bringing Saori toward the center of the ring, BEFORE LIFTING HER UP AND TAKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND WITH A BACKDROP SUPLEX! Wow, she’s really against the ropes right now.
Rich Russillo: And it’s not good, as Jay is signaling to try and end this match right now, Saori using the ropes to try and make her way back up to her feet, and I don’t think she realizes what’s coming her way right now!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay now goes under, and he’s lifting Saori up, I think we know what he’s trying to go for here!
Persephone: HE’S TRYING TO PLANT HER RIGHT ON HER FUCKING HEAD WITH HEAVEN’S FEEL!
Rich Russillo: But Saori manages to wiggle herself free! She rolls through as she pins Jay’s shoulders down to the mat! The referee quickly slides down and starts the count, she’s trying to steal this match!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: But Jay manages to kick out! He quickly tries to scramble up to his feet, realizing the situation that he’s in!
Persephone: BUT SAORI MANAGES TO CATCH HIM BEFORE HE CAN WITH RAIMEI HAKKE!
Rich Russillo: THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE CONNECTS AGAINST THE FACE OF JAY AND KNOCKS HIM OUT COLD! And now Saori quickly turns around, stumbling with the last bit of energy that she has left toward her corner, reaching out!
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: As Damon Lazarus is tagged into this match!
(Saori collapses down and rolls herself under the bottom rope and out of the ring, as Damon slowly enters into the ring, glaring at Jay as he falls back into the corner, waiting patiently for him to get back into position.)
Persephone: And it seems like we know what he’s going to go for here, he’s going to try and take off Jay’s fucking head with the Punt Kick. And personally? If he dies, he dies.
(But before Damon can even get him into position, suddenly…)
(CRACK!)
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD! SAORI AIZEN JUST GOT TAKEN OUT AT RINGSIDE!
(The crowd gets loud as Damon pauses, slowly rearing his head toward the scene unfolding at the ringside area, and he’s caught by surprise by the person who he finds…)
(None other than Auburn Ware, who has struck Saori Aizen with the Specialists Championship, and is now grabbing her by the head and repeatedly bashing her brains in with repeated strikes.)
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN IS BEATING INTO SAORI RIGHT NOW AND DAMON LAZARUS IS BEWILDERED INSIDE OF THE RING, NOT KNOWING HOW TO TAKE THIS!
Persephone: BUT THIS DUMBASS KNOWS THAT HE HAS TO FOCUS ON THE MATCH, AS HE QUICKLY TURNS BACK AROUND AND LOOKS TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE PUNT-
Rich Russillo: BUT HE DOESN’T REALIZE THAT JAY HAS COME UP BEHIND HIM AND ROLLED HIM UP WITH A SCHOOL BOY PIN!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Thadd Blazevich: HE’S DONE IT! THANKS TO AUBURN WARE, CHRIS ELITE AND JAY JERRY JOHNSON ARE HEADED TO THE FINALS!
(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ begins to play through the speakers of the arena as Jay Jerry Johnson quickly sits up, an almost shocked look on his face after what he just pulled off, as he makes his way back up to his feet. Chris Elite is seen making his way back in, looking impressed by what he’s seen, shrugging his shoulders as the referee makes his way over and raises both of their hands in the air.)
Bella Braxton: Here are your winners… the team of CHRIS ELITE AND JAY JERRY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!
(Meanwhile, Damon Lazarus has other things to worry about. He immediately rolls himself out of the ring, rounding the corner and confronting the fight that is going on between Auburn and Saori. By now, Saori has gotten her wits about her, managing to send punches of her own back to the Champion, but this has spilled out of control, and it could’ve gotten a whole lot worse if it wasn’t for Damon grabbing Auburn roughly by the scruff of her neck and ripping her away from Saori.)
(Damon has a shocked expression on his face after what just occurred, pointing a finger toward Auburn as he gets up close and personal.)
Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) What the hell have you done?!
(Auburn doesn’t care though, as she immediately shoves him away from her, forcing his grip off. Not backing down, she glares at him.)
Auburn Ware: (Off-Mic) How’s that for betterment?
(Auburn turns around and quickly storms off, not giving Damon even a moment to respond. His eyes continue to glare at her, never leaving as he walks her away. After a moment, his face begins to scrunch, with the anger beginning to sink in as he rubs his face. He shakes his head aggressively before turning around in the opposite direction and making his way toward Saori.)
(Jay and Chris see this, and considering it’s not their problem, pay no mind to it, because they have a one way trip to the finals now. The last shot seen is the two of them on opposite turnbuckle pads, continuing to celebrate their victory.)
(However that celebration is cut short.)
(“Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll hits. The mood instantly shifts as annoyance washes over both men while Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy step out onto the stage with microphones in hand.)
Rich Russillo: Well, here come the self proclaimed hosts of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament.
Thadd Blazevich: And whether people like it or not, bro, Diamond and Cosmo have every reason to feel confident right now. They already secured their place in the finals, and now Chris Elite and Jay Jerry Johnson just became the first team to join them.
Persephone: Wow. Four annoying people in one segment. What a treat.
(Diamond and Cosmo continue down the ramp before entering the ring while “Nice To Meet Yah” begins to fade out. Cosmo looks around the arena with a grin before speaking.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: First off, congratulations. Seriously. Y’all actually pulled it off tonight.
Diamond Dixon: Chris Elite and Jay Jerry Johnson are officially heading to Fighting Spirit, and honestly? I know that probably shocks some people considering the fact neither one of y’all even likes the other.
Cosmo Goldworthy: That’s really the funniest part to me. Everybody backstage knows y’all barely tolerate each other, but somehow y’all still managed to make it this far. So credit where it’s due, I guess.
Diamond Dixon: But now comes the hard part. Winning one match together is one thing. Walking into the finals against actual teams that got chemistry, trust, and experience together? That’s different.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Especially against me and Diamond. We’re not one of these random teams Captain Charisma threw together just to fill out a bracket. We actually chose to team together. We built this from the ground up. We put the work in while everybody else got thrown into awkward partnerships and forced to figure it out on the fly.
Diamond Dixon: Meanwhile every time we see y’all, it looks like one bad conversation away from falling apart.
(The crowd boos loudly while Jay smirks to himself and Chris shakes his head.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Like seriously, look at the difference here. Me and Diamond got a straight shot to the finals because we already proved we’re the best team in this whole tournament. Meanwhile y’all had to scratch and claw your way here while barely keeping it together.
Diamond Dixon: And somehow, y’all still think you’re gonna beat us?
(Chris Elite raises a finger while backing toward the corner, where a ringside stagehand passes him a microphone through the middle rope. Diamond and Cosmo watch with curiosity while Jay looks interested in hearing what Chris has to say.)
Chris Elite: Aight, lemme stop y’all right there.
(Chris walks back toward the center of the ring and steps toward Diamond and Cosmo slightly while the crowd cheers. He gestures back toward Jay while speaking.)
Chris Elite: Everybody keeps talking about how we don’t like each other like that’s supposed to mean something. Like it’s some huge breaking news. We know we don’t like each other. Congratulations. Y’all cracked the code.
(Jay taps the microphone he grabbed for himself, the sound echoing through the arena briefly before he begins speaking.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Nobody is pretending we are best friends. That was never the point in the first place. The point is that the winning has still been done regardless.
Chris Elite: Exactly. We don’t gotta go out for milkshakes after the show. We don’t gotta suddenly become brothers. We don’t gotta fake smiles and act like we been locked in for years. We just gotta win matches.
Jay Jerry Johnson: And that is exactly what has been happening. Whether people like it or not.
Chris Elite: See, that’s the difference between us and a lotta people in this tournament. Everybody else is too busy worrying about feelings and chemistry and all that extra shit. Me and Jay understand opportunities like this don’t just keep falling into your lap forever.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Especially opportunities tied directly to Pain for Pride.
Chris Elite: Facts. You think I’m finna throw this away because me and Jay ain’t cool with each other? Hell nah. I fought too hard and been doing this too long to let something like that stop me now.
Jay Jerry Johnson: And from my perspective, Chris’s personal issues with me are not something I particularly care about anyway. The work is functioning. The team is functioning. The victories are stacking up. That is all that matters to me.
(The crowd cheers while Chris nods his head.)
Chris Elite: See? That’s what I’m talking about. We ain’t gotta like each other to understand what’s at stake here.
Jay Jerry Johnson: The goal is winning this tournament. Everything else is secondary.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Alright. Cool speech. Real motivational. Almost got me emotional listening to all that.
Diamond Dixon: Almost.
Cosmo Goldworthy: But y’all still missing the point completely. This tournament ain’t about surviving. It ain’t about grinding through dysfunction. It’s about being the best team in the division.
Diamond Dixon: Which is us.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Every team in this tournament got flaws. Every single one of them. But nobody got flaws bigger than two people who can barely stand being around each other.
Chris Elite: Yet we still here though.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Funny how that works.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Sure. But surviving isn’t the same thing as winning the whole thing.
Diamond Dixon: Exactly. Fighting Spirit is where all this finally catches up to y’all. Because eventually, not trusting your partner becomes a problem.
Chris Elite: Trust?
(Chris lets out a laugh and rubs his chin.)
Chris Elite: Y’all really think trust is what got us here? Nah. Respect got us here.
Jay Jerry Johnson: The abilities being brought to the table by each of us are respected. That is enough for this to work.
Chris Elite: I know Jay can hoop when it matters. He knows I can hoop when it matters too. That’s why we still standing and everybody else is going home.
Jay Jerry Johnson: And honestly, that should probably concern the two of you more than anything else.
Diamond Dixon: Oh brother.
Jay Jerry Johnson: No, seriously. Think about it. If two people who do not even like each other can still make it this far and continue winning matches, imagine what happens when the focus becomes completely centered on the same goal.
Chris Elite: That’s the scary part.
(The crowd reacts loudly while Diamond folds her arms.)
Diamond Dixon: Or maybe the scary part is standing across the ring from two people who actually know how to function as a team.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Because while y’all are still trying to prove something to each other, me and Diamond already know exactly who we are. We already know what we bring to the table.
Diamond Dixon: We already know we’re going to Pain for Pride to fight for the Unified Tag Team Championships.
Cosmo Goldworthy: And honestly? We got no problem saying this. Chris. Jay. Y’all are good. Better than people expected honestly.
Diamond Dixon: But y’all still not better than us.
Jay Jerry Johnson: We will see about that soon enough.
Chris Elite: Cause from where I’m standing? It sounds like y’all trying real hard to convince yourselves we can’t beat you.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah. We just telling the truth.
Chris Elite: Then here’s another truth for you. At Fighting Spirit, we ain’t showing up just happy to be there. We ain’t showing up to make the numbers look good. We showing up to win the whole damn thing.
Jay Jerry Johnson: So honestly, the “hosts of the tournament” gimmick might as well be wrapped up now.
Chris Elite: Cause the winning team already in this ring.
(The crowd erupts while Diamond and Cosmo look at one another before laughing.)
Diamond Dixon: Aww. They finally got on the same page.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Beautiful moment right here.
Diamond Dixon: It really is. But unfortunately for y’all, being on the same page still ain’t enough.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Especially not against us.
Diamond Dixon: Still, enjoy this little moment while y’all can. Celebrate all you want. Y’all earned that much tonight.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Cause there’s still two more teams left to advance, and once Fighting Spirit gets here? Reality gonna hit both of y’all hard as hell.
Diamond Dixon: Your road ends there.
Cosmo Goldworthy: And me and Diamond move one step closer to becoming Unified Tag Team Champions.
(Diamond and Cosmo lower their microphones while Chris and Jay continue jawing back off-mic, stepping forward as Diamond and Cosmo begin backing away and exiting the ring while “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll starts playing again.)
Rich Russillo: Well, there’s your first official finals confrontation right there, and I’d say tensions are already running pretty high between these teams.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, bro. Chris and Jay might not like each other much, but one thing’s for sure, they believe they can win this whole thing together.
Persephone: Cool. Can all four of them lose somehow?
(Diamond and Cosmo slowly backpedal up the ramp, continuing to talk trash off-mic while Chris and Jay stare them down from inside the ring as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues on as the camera reveals Hans Grayson standing around in a specific area in the backstage of the arena. The crowd goes crazy for his appearance as he prepares for his Tag Team Turmoil tournament match later tonight, where he teams with Cody Maverick. Hans is seen in his ring attire, doing simple stretches and whatnot, until all of sudden he would be interrupted by a voice… )
???: Heyy Hans!
(Hans seems a bit surprised as he turns around with the camera panning over to reveal Ashlynn Quinn. She doesn’t get the greatest reaction from the crowd here in Glasgow, Scotland, instead rather mixed. Despite that, Ashlynn has a smile across her face as she seems to be wearing a cute outfit since she isn’t wrestling on Voltage. Hans seems a little confused as to why Ashlynn would approach him as he responds back by saying…)
Hans Grayson: Umm… Hi Ashlynn, what’s up?
(The smile on Ashlynn’s face widens, as she begins to respond.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Look… I’m probably the last person you ever thought would say this to you and BELIEVE ME I don’t blame you for that one bit since I used to think you were a total stupid incel, but I might’ve been wrong. I wanted to say… Thanks for stepping in last week when that annoying uggo Drake was attacking me. I mean, I don’t even know what happened. We were all fighting on the outside and we barely lost, and next thing I knew he was just stomping on me saying it was my fault! It probably would’ve gotten much worse if you weren’t there to stop him, so thank you for doing that when you didn’t have to.
(Hans actually looks pretty surprised from what Ashlynn just said to him, as this was something he didn’t really expect to hear whatsoever. Hans slowly nods, beginning to respond to Ashlynn.)
Hans Grayson: You know, I didn’t really expect to hear that, not going to lie to you. You have always come across a certain way, and when I did what I did last week I didn’t really expect any sort of thank you or whatever, but hey it’s no problem. Drake himself is a horrible human being, the worst of the worst. I have known that guy for quite a while now which I’m sure you know all about. Whether it was our time on Showdown, Dynasty and now here on Voltage… We have always been intersected with one another, whether it was by choice or by circumstance. Ever since I came back from my injury the last thing I was going to do was give Drake of all people a second to breathe, a second to stop and smell the roses of being at the top. I won’t ever let him take a second to think he’s the one in control, especially taking his frustrations out on other people.. Even if that someone is you Ashlynn, it just wasn’t right for me to see him do that towards you… so I had to do what I felt was right.
(Ashlynn hears this from Hans and nods in, expressing agreement to what Hans just said as she responds.)
Ashlynn Quinn: And I am so glad you did, because that UGGO Drake really has been a thorn in not just your way… but mine as well. Like they really decided to partner me up with the biggest scummiest, most evil person on the ENTIRE planet! Like he didn’t even care about the tournament to begin with, yet instead of accepting that we lost he decided to take that out on me, like UGH! What a complete weirdo! As much as you hate him Hans after what he did to you… if there anyone else that loathes him just as much as you… it would be me. Like, not just because what he did to me last week was again such a scummy thing to do but what he did last year during the leadup to Territorial Invasion, and I think you already know what I’m referring to.
(Hans just sighs, as he knows exactly what she is referring to, and it is something that Hans doesn’t exactly feel entirely bad about.)
Hans Grayson: Yeah I do.
Ashlynn Quinn: Me and Kai-Kai… our entire relationship was strained the moment that uggo decided to intervene in order for you guys to “stay focus” and win your War Games match. He got inside his head, filling his head with nothing but garbage and no matter what happened afterwards… It was the beginning of the end. Soon enough that other uggo NICK had gotten involved because I accidentally cost him his New Breed Title match and before you know it… it was all over between me and Kai… and sure so many factors played into it… but it all can be traced back to the stupid lies Drake Armstrong put into Kai’s brain and the nonsense that stayed with him even after winning War Games for Voltage. He ruined everything for me so.. To even say I loathe him MIGHTTTT be understating how much I want to gouge his stupid ugly eyes out.
(Hans hears this from Ashlynn, as it looks like he is a bit unsure about what she said, as while she has valid reasons to not like Drake, Hans has his issues with Kai Rabeaux as well, and he definitely isn’t going to spare any tears for Kai of all people.)
Hans Grayson: Well Ashlynn.. You do have every right to hate Drake for how he got involved with your relationship with Young Kai Rabeaux and what he did to you last week. Drake is a scummy person as you mentioned but… Kai is very much just as bad as Drake was. You can say your relationship was strained when you had gotten involved but Kai could have easily done things during your time together to cleanse his wrong doings so to speak. He didn’t because he’s just as terrible as him, and yet Ashlynn… you still had something with him. You were with a man that was objectively a narcissistic dick. He wasn’t exactly a saint compared to Drake. Kai can say he wasn’t aligned with Drake when he attacked me, that he had other motives but he took what was an issue that I had with Drake and made it about him. He only really cared about himself, Ashlynn.
(Ashlynn hears this from Hans, and while she doesn’t exactly like what’s being said she also can’t ignore the recent history she had with Kai herself, when Kai didn’t even hesitate to capitalize on a distraction to pin her in their tag team match against each other.)
Ashlynn Quinn: I know… I KNOW! Kai-Kai wasn’t a good person to you. There was still something about him but clearly he had other priorities in his mind, or that he didn’t think my help was just useful for him. Now look at what that… That manchild is doing, getting his ass kicked around by Adam Lucas over what he did to his wife and their now unborn child. Ugh… he just pushed me away for his own success even though I was willing to do whatever it took to see him at the top, and he threw it all away. All I wanted was to try and do what I thought was the right thing, yet somehow people just end up… distancing themselves from me. I can thank Drake for being the one to let the ship sink, to sabotage a whole relationship. I’ll forever hate that man just like you do, Hans.
(Hans nods along before beginning to speak once more.)
Hans Grayson: I might not see whatever you saw in Kai to begin with, but if there is one thing we can agree on… it’s how much of a jack-ass Drake Armstrong is. He’s holding onto that world title, grabbing it as tightly as he can because he knows at any moment his time on top of the mountain can very easily be taken down thanks to the Cash in the Vault briefcase. So again when I looked back and saw what he was doing to you, I couldn’t just ignore it. I couldn’t let him blame someone else for his own failures… I had to get involved somehow, and again it’s no problem for me doing that Ashlynn.
(Hearing this brings a smile back to Ashlynn’s face.)
Ashlynn Quinn: I’m glad you were there to help me out… Even after the words we exchanged before our match. I know you really didn’t need to do that after everything I said, but I really am happy you did. Drake is a total creep, and he deserves the worst every day of the week.
(Hans lets out a smile hearing this, in full agreement with that as he responds.)
Hans Grayson: Couldn’t agree more.
(A backstage producer then sneaks up towards Hans, cutting off the conversation between the two.)
Producer: Hans, you’re up next.
(Hans looks at him, before just nodding his head. The backstage producer walks away, and Hans just turns back towards Ashlynn.)
Hans Grayson: Alright, I gotta go for my match, but it was actually quite nice talking to you.
Ashlynn Quinn: Likewise… good luck.
(Hans nods at Ashlynn wishing her good luck in his Tag Team Turmoil match as he walks off and leaves the scene. Soon enough the camera pans over to Ashlynn Quin who is seen, the smile still on her face as she watches on. The segment from there begins to fade out, transitioning away from the backstage area.)
(Commercial for ‘PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL’ airing Tuesday night on Disney+.)
(The camera returns to ringside.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING IS A TAG TEAM MATCH SET FOR ONE-FALL!
(‘COMO CAPO’ by Clave Especial ft. Fuerza Regida begins to play and the crowd boos before Diego Montana even struts out onto the stage. He looks confident as ever, already beginning the smack talk as he heads down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST…FROM ARLINGTON, TEXAS…WEIGHING IN AT 199 POUNDS…HE IS THE “HARDEST ESE EVER”…DIIIIIEEEGGOOOO MOONNNTTTAAANNNAA!
Rich Russillo: And this is a man that oozes confidence always! Montana is coming here tonight to impress his ‘situationship’ and get another win in this Tag Team Turmoil tournament!
(‘Lowlife Princess’ by BIBI plays and the boos just continue. Miku Sakai comes marching out to the ring looking focused. As she gets down to the ramp, Montana tries to put his arm around her and she dodges it to get in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS TAG TEAM PARTNER…FROM FUKUI, JAPAN…WEIGHING IN AT 110 POUNDS…SHE IS THE “ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE”…MMMMIKKKKUUU SAAAKAAAIII!
Thadd Blazevich: And Miku Sakai does not have time for games! Diego Montana stole her glory last week bro but all she wants is to get another win on the board! Can these two co-exist once more?
(The Leaving Song Pt. II by AFI begins to blast throughout the arena and the crowd begins to cheer as Hans Grayson walks out to the stage. He looks at his opponents with pure focus, ready to get the job done once again as he waits at the ramp for his teammate, even if it is reluctant.)
Bella Braxton: AND THEIR OPPONENTS…FIRST…FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA…WEIGHING IN AT 219 POUNDS…HE IS “THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON”…HHAAAANNNSSS GRRRRAAAAYYYYSSSOOOON!
Persephone: You know, I don’t think these two are going to last another week with each other. Things were tense last week even with Grayson and Maverick working together to secure a win.
(‘Kostas’ by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher now plays and the fans keep cheering as Cody Maverick comes out onto the stage hyping them up. He gets them going before he makes his way down to the ramp, not paying much attention to Hans Grayson as he just focuses on his opponents.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS PARTNER…FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA…WEIGHING IN AT 235 POUNDS…HE IS THE KING OF ELITE…”THE SIN CITY SUPERSTAR”…COOOODDDDYYY MMAAAVVVEEERRRICCCKKKKKKK!
Rich Russillo: Persephone, these two were able to put their differences aside last week! I think these are both men who know an opportunity is on the line!
(Cody Maverick gets to the ring and looks at Hans with another tense look. The two just look away after a moment, deciding to just worry about winning for now. The referee settles both teams in their corners and then calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell and it looks like this one is now officially underway! And it looks Diego Montana has volunteered to kick this one off…against Hans Grayson! Montana has a grin on his face as he approaches Hans with his hand extended with a possible sign of respect for his opponent! Hans accepts…AND BLOCKS THE CHEAP SHOT FROM MONTANA! HE SAW THAT COMING FROM A MILE AWAY! HE TAKES MONTANA DOWN WITH AN ARMDRAG!
Thadd Blazevich: That didn’t work at all for Montana here bro! He scrambles back to his feet but Grayson is able to stay on him! He traps his opponent in the corner and gets him with a lariat! Followed by two more for a brutal series here! He looks for another but Montana is able to duck under it and escape!
Persephone: But not for long! Hans Grayson comes in from behind…AND LIFTS HIM UP FOR A SAITO SUPLEX! MONTANA THOUGH IS ABLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND LANDS ON HIS FEET! AND HE IMMEDIATELY PUTS HIS OPPONENT IN THE HEADLOCK!
Rich Russillo: He’s definitely applying a lot of pressure with this one! And you can see him bragging to his so-called ‘situationship’ Miku Sakai! But Hans Grayson is able to get out of this and sends Montana to the ropes with an Irish whip! He looks for a clothesline off the rebound but Montana is able to duck underneath it! HE LEAPS UP ONTO THE ROPES AND LOOKS FOR THE SPRINGBOARD DDT!
Thadd Blazevich: But Grayson is able to catch him bro, refusing to be taken down! HE TAKES DOWN MONTANA WITH A SUPLEX! From there, Grayson looks to keep the offense going! He grabs the legs of his opponent and is trying to get him in the Sharpshooter! BUT MONTANA IS ABLE TO ESCAPE WITH A SWIFT KICK TO THE FACE! He scrambles back to his feet and as Grayson reproaches…MONTANA TAKES HIM DOWN WITH THE CROSSFACE!
Persephone: And Montana was somehow able to get that in. He’s applying a lot of pressure at the moment, desperately trying to grind down Grayson! But Grayson grabs hold of Montana’s fingers and begins prying them from his face! HE’S ABLE TO GET FREE!
Rich Russillo: And soon enough Hans Grayson is back on his feet and so is Diego Montana! Grayson stomps towards him to keep up the fighting…but Montana steps back towards his own corner and tags in Miku Sakai!
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: And look at that dude, Miku Sakai is now the legal competitor in this match! She enters the ring and stares down Hans Grayson…BEFORE DARTING FORWARD AND CATCHING HIM WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK TO THE CHEST! It sends him stumbling back right into the corner dude! AND NOW SHE KEEPS COMING WITH A RUNNING KNEE IN THE CORNER!
Persephone: BUT HANS IS BARELY ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! He keeps up the pressure…firing off with a massive knife-edge chop to Sakai! HE THEN SCOOPS HER UP AND SPINS HER AROUND TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING! SPINNING MICHINOKU DRIVER II!
Rich Russillo: But Miku Sakai is able to slip off Grayson’s shoulders and gets behind him! HE TURNS AROUND AND SHE LEAPS UP INTO THE WHEELBARROW…STRAIGHT INTO A BULLDOG! Sakai rolls then rolls Grayson onto his back and looks for the first cover!
ONE!
TW-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRO IS ABLE TO KICK OUT! It doesn’t even make it to the two count! There’s a lot of fight left in him bro! Sakai gets back on her feet and then heads out to the apron! She lines up her shot…AND GOES FOR THE SLINGSHOT SUMMERSAULT SENTON! BUT GRAYSON ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY BRO! He gets back to his feet and stumbles towards the corner!
TAG!
Persephone: And look at that, the King of the Elite is the legal man! And Maverick comes in hot! He delivers some swift body punches to Miku Sakai…AND THEN TAKES HER DOWN WITH A SPINNING SCOOP SLAM!
Rich Russillo: And that’s all he needed to get these fans off their feet! Maverick is coming in here looking absolutely electric! He looks for some more offense but it looks like Miku Sakai is rolling…and rolling…all the way to the outside of the ring! A great escape there that perhaps might give her a bit of a breather! BUT MAVERICK HEADS OVER TO THE ROPES…
Thadd Blazevich: AND BRO GETS CHEAP-SHOTTED BY MONTANA WITH A SUPERKICK AS HE TRIES! The referee is immediately on Montana here and telling him to stay in the corner! Meanwhile, Miku Sakai takes advantage! SHE USES THE ROPES TO CHOKE OUT MAVERICK BEHIND THE REFEREE’S BACK! These two are truly a dastardly duo and that spot of teamwork there might just turn the tide!
Persephone: And the referee turns around just as Sakai releases Maverick! She then slithers back in the ring and hopes to capitalize on the opening she just made! She runs the ropes and builds up some speed! ON HER WAY BACK SHE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A RUNNING BLOCKBUSTER!
Rich Russillo: The back of Maverick’s head is driven straight into the ground there! Sakai has a smile on her face now! She brings him back up to his feet and hooks the arms…SHE’S TRYING TO HIM IN POSITION FOR THE VERTEBREAKER! STARFALL IS COMING!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT MAVERICK IS ABLE TO TWIST OUT OF IT DUDE! He lands on his feet…AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH THE RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP! He then looks out at the EAW Universe! HE SHOUTS HIS NAME AND THE FANS ECHO! HE THEN COMES DOWN WITH A MASSIVE JUMPING ELBOW DROP STRAIGHT TO THE CHEST OF SAKAI! Maverick now looks for the cover!
ONE!
TW-
Persephone: And she’s able to get that shoulder up. This one is still going it seems! But apparently all that did was fire Maverick up more! He gets back to his feet and keeps hyping up the fans! He lets Sakai get back up onto her feet…AND LOOKS FOR A DISCUS PUNCH!
Rich Russillo: BUT SHE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! SHE THEN LEAPS UP AND TAKES HIM WITH THE JUMPING SNAPMARE! That might just be what she needed there! Miku Sakai heads back towards the corner to tag in a very, very eager Diego Montana!
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: AND HERE COMES MONTANA! He rushes in quickly to give a few big stomps to Maverick! And now he forces him up to a vertical base bro! Montana boots him in the stomach! HE THEN HOOKS HIS ARMS AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! But Montana keeps hold of his opponent and drags the dude back up…AND HE LOOKS FOR ANOTHER ONE!
Persephone: But Maverick stays planted here! He then drives Montana straight into the corner, slamming him into them! AND NOW HE’S LAYING INTO HIM WITH SOME BODY BLOWS…JUST UNLEASHING A FLURRY HERE! AND NOW HE’S CLIMBING UP TOP! HE’S RAINING DOWN FISTS ON MONTANA WITH THE FANS COUNTING ALONG!
Rich Russillo: BUT MONTANA EVENTUALLY ESCAPES, SLIPPING THROUGH HIS LEGS! He then delivers a superkick to the back of Maverick’s legs, dropping him down and trapping him in the corner! He heads to the opposite corner…THEN BUILDS UP SOME SPEED! HE COMES RUSHING IN WITH A DROPKICK STRAIGHT TO MAVERICK’S FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: And that one hits at full force bro! Maverick collapses out of the corner and it seems like everything is coming up Diego at the moment! And now he looks up to up the ante here dudes! Montana climbs up to the top rope and it looks like he’s taunting the fans! He also seems to be looking right at the Sakai! HE WINKS AT HER BEFORE LEAPING OFF FOR THE FROG SPLASH! LATIN LOVER SPLASH!
Miku Sakai: (off-mic) DUMBASS!
Rich Russillo: AND MAVERICK ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY OUT OF THAT ONE! Montana gets a face full of mat here and Sakai doesn’t look very impressed at all! Maverick scrambles up to his feet and takes hold of Montana! HE BRINGS HIM TO THE CORNER AND MAKES THE TAG TO HANS!
TAG!
Persephone: And just like that Hans Grayson is back in the ring! Maverick picks up Diego Montana and holds him in the air for the powerbomb! HE LEAPS UP ONTO THE ROPES AND GETS HIS OPPONENT WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK RIGHT INTO THE POWERBOMB! Montana could be done for here as Hans hooks the leg for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: AND SIKAI COMES TO THE RESCUE WITH A BIG STOMP ON THE BACK OF GRAYSON’S HEAD! Here comes Drake Maverick though and he sends her out of the ring with a clothesline! Hans keeps his focus on Montana, hoisting him back up to his feet…AND BEGINS PEPPERING HIM WITH ELBOWS TO THE FACE! He just keeps going as Montana is looking staggered!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW HANS BRINGS MONTANA OVER TO THE CORNER AND PLACES HIM UP ONTO THE TOP ROPE! He climbs up after him and keeps laying into him! It seems like Montana truly has no place to go here ladies and gentlemen! This could be the end here! HE LIFTS HIM AND GETS INTO POSITION FOR THE FIRE FLY! THE MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP ROPE!
Persephone: BUT MONTANA SLAMS HIS ELBOW RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF HANS GRAYSON’S HEAD! He manages to get dropped back down…AND HE THEN SHOVES GRAYSON OFF THE TOP ROPE! Damn, he lands in an awful way folks. Meanwhile, Montana readjusts himself…AND THEN COMES CRASHING DOWN WITH THE LATIN LOVER SPLASH! IT CONNECTS THIS TIME AND HE GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS GRAYSON IS ABLE TO KICK OUT HERE! You can see the realization on Montana’s face! He thought that he had just taken that one! He looks over his corner now, hoping to bring Miku Sakai back into the action…but she’s still down on the outside! Instead bro has to keep on going! He takes a few steps back…AND LOOKS TO TAKE GRAYSON DOWN WITH A SUPERKICK BRO! BUT GRAYSON DROPS DOWN AND IT HITS THE REFEREE INSTEAD!
Persephone: Montana looks stunned…AND HE GETS A GRIN ON HIS FACE! He rushes to the outside and grabs a steel chair! HE’S GOING TO WACK HIS OPPONENT WITH IT!
Rich Russillo: BUT IN COMES MAVERICK WHO SNATCHES IT OUT OF HIS HANDS AND THROWS IT OUT OF THE RING! AND MIKU SAKAI COMES BACK IN AND STARTS BRAWLING WITH MAVERICK! GRAYSON GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND NOW CHAOS HAS ERUPTED! ALL FOUR COMPETITORS ARE TRYING TO TEAR ONE ANOTHER APART!
Thadd Blazevich: AND THE REFEREE FINALLY GETS BACK TO HIS FEET TO BREAK UP ALL THIS CHAOS! He manages to get the non-legal competitors back out of the ring…AND MONTANA THEN TAKES DOWN GRAYON WITH THE ROLLING FLAT-LINER!
Rich Russillo: And that one had some desperation behind it! Montana is hoping that will keep him down for the time being! He looks back towards the top rope…AND HE RUSHES TOWARDS IT AND LEAPS UP! AND HE COMES FLYING BACK WITH THAT METROPLEX CITY BOY! THE MOONSAULT!
Persephone: BUT GRAYSON GETS HIS KNEES UP AND THEY PLUNGE RIGHT INTO MONTANA’S MIDSECTION! He bounces off and rolls…OUT OF THE RING! Montana might have just operated completely off instinct there!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans Grayson slowly gets back to his feet here! That onslaught of offense from Montana definitely seems to have taken it out of him! But he sees his opponent getting up on the outside…AND HE CHARGES TOWARDS THE ROPES! GRAYSON COMES DOWN WITH THE TOPE CON HILO ON MONTANA BRO!
Rich Russillo: And just like that Montana isn’t doing so hot! Hans Grayson picks him back up and throws him inside the ring! He’s about to head back inside…WHEN MIKU SAKAI COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK! She then heads back inside the ring and helps Montana to the corner!
TAG!
Persephone: And just like that, Miku Sakai is back in this one! She waits inside the ring as Hans Grayson reenters! She then leaps off the ropes and tries to catch him with the springboard forearm! HANS GRAYSON IS ABLE TO EVADE IT! HE THEN GRABS HER LEGS AND TRIES FOR THE SHARPSHOOTER!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT SAKAI IS ABLE TO CRAWL TOWARDS THE ROPES AND SECURE THE BREAK! The referee separates the two and his attention seems to focus on Sakai right now…AND MONTANA TRIES TO SUCKER PUNCH GRAYSON…BUT HE’S DROPPED BY A PELE KICK INSTEAD!
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai immediately looks to take advantage…SHE LOOKS FOR THE MONKEY FLIP ON GRAYSON…AND SHE GETS IT BUT HE LANDS ON HIS FEET! HE USES THE MOMENTUM TO GET TO THE CORNER FOR THE TAG!
TAG!
Persephone: AND HERE COMES DRAKE MAVERICK! HE SPRINGS OVER THE ROPES AND COMES STRAIGHT AT SAKAI! He takes her down with a big right hand…and then sends her into the ropes with an irish whip! OFF THE REBOUND HE NEARLY TAKES HER HEAD OFF WITH THE CLOTHESLINE!
Thadd Blazevich: And things are not looking for the team of Montana and Sakai here dudes! And now Maverick heads to the corner and watches Sakai get back to her feet! HE THEN RUSHES FORWARD AND LOOKS FOR THE LIGHTS OUT!
Rich Russillo: BUT MIKU SAKAI INTERCEPTS THE SUPERMAN PUNCH BY LEAPING UP HIGH WITH THE JUMPING HIP ATTACK! AND SHE FALLS RIGHT ON TOP OF HIM FOR THE COVER! IS MIKU SAKAI ABOUT TO STEAL THIS?
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: BUT NO! MAVERICK IS ABLE TO GET THE SHOULDER UP! This match still continues! Miku Sakai doesn’t love that at all but she knows that she needs to stay locked in here! She makes her way up onto the top rope…and watches Maverick slowly get back to his feet! AS HE DOES SHE LEAPS DOWN FOR THAT WALK OF SHAME! HERE COMES THAT DIVING CORKSCREW CUTTER!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HE DOESN’T LET IT GO THROUGH BRO! HE CATCHES HIM INSTEAD AND OBLITERATES HER WITH THE WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX! But he’s not finishing with that! HE PICKS HER BACK UP AND DRAGS HER TO THE CORNER…HE DRAPES HER LEGS…AND SPIKES HER DOWN FOR THE MONEYMAKER! He comes for the cover dude and this is it!
ONE!
TWO!
T-
Rich Russillo: BUT DIEGO MONTANA GRABS MAVERICK’S SAKAI’S LEG AND PLACES IT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE ROPE BREAK! Cody Maverick spots the grinning Montana and stares him down! BUT HANS GRAYSON IS MORE THAN HAPPY TO TAKE CARE OF HIM! HE CHASES HIM AROUND THE RING!
Persephone: Maverick brings his opponent to his feet and sends her into the ropes with an irish whip! HE LOOKS FOR THE DEEP END OFF THE REBOUND BUT HIS OPPONENT DRIVES AN ELBOW DOWN INTO HIS HEAD! SHE THEN CREATES SOME DISTANCE WITH THE FLYING HEADSCISSORS!
Thadd Blazevich: And now Miku Sakai is looking to rally! Maverick finds himself in the corner now…AND SHE COMES IN WITH A RUNNING KNEE! It drops him back down to a seated position! Bro, I think we all know what could happen to someone in this position! She builds up a charging speed and looks for the Mustache Ride!
Rich Russillo: AND SHE GETS ALL OF IT! THE BRONCO BUSTER HAS CONNECTED AND THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END! And now she heads back to the corner and makes the tag to Diego Montana!
TAG!
Persephone: And it looks like these two are going for a combination here! Diego Montana holds Maverick in position for the german suplex! MIKU SAKAI LOOKS FOR A SPRINGBOARD FOREARM BUT MAVERICK MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! SHE HITS MONTANA INSTEAD!
Thadd Blazevich: And now bro immediately heads back towards the corner to make the tag in for Hans Grayson!
TAG!
Rich Russillo: AND HANS GRAYSON WASTES NO TIME AT ALL! HE SEES MONTANA RISES TO HIS FEET AND HE CHARGES RIGHT AT HIM! HE LOOKS FOR THE SUPERMAN PUNCH…BUT MONTANA PULLS THE REFEREE RIGHT INTO THE FLAMING PUNCH!
Persephone: AND NOW LOOK AT THIS! THE REFEREE IS DOWN FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THIS MATCH! DIEGO SEES AN OPPORTUNITY, AND HE RUSHES IN TO TRY AND LOW BLOW HANS!
Rich Russillo: BUT HANS CAUGHT THE LEG OF DIEGO, BEFORE SPINNING DIEGO AROUND! HANS SWINGS AT DIEGO-
Persephone: BUT DIEGO DUCKS UNDER IT WHILE MIKU GETS IN THE RING, SURPRISING HANS WITH A FOREARM! CODY MAVERICK JUMPS BACK INSIDE THE RING AND HE’S NOT ABOUT TO WASTE THIS CHANCE! HE RUSHES AT MONTANA LOOKING FOR THE LIGHTS OUT!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT MONTANA GETS OUT OF THE WAY, CAUSING HANS TO GET TAKEN OUT BY THE SUPERMAN PUNCH!!!! HANS GOES DOWN, AND CODY LOOKS ANNOYED THAT THIS JUST HAPPENED CAUSE BRO, HANS IS THE LEGAL MAN!! CODY ACCIDENTALLY JUST WIPED OUT HIS OWN PARTNER- AND NOW DIEGO MONTANA TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A LOW BLOW! THE SIN CITY’S SUPERSTARS STONES ARE CRACKED!
Rich Russillo: He rolls out of the ring and it looks like the field advantage belongs to his opponents! Diego Montana brings Grayson back up to his feet…AND HOLDS HIM INTO POSITION FOR MIKU SAKAI! SHE COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH THE WALK OF SHAME! THE DIVING CORKSCREW CUTTER NEARLY RIPS GRAYSON’S HEAD OFF!
Persephone: And look at the smile on the face of Diego Montana as he helps the referee get back to his feet! HE LIFTS UP HANS GRAYSON ABOVE HIS HEAD…AND THEN DRIVES HIM STRAIGHT INTO THE MAT WITH THE LATINO INFERNO! The Storm Breaker connects and this one is good as over!
Thadd Blazevich: I cannot believe this is going to end like this! Diego Montana crawls onto his opponent and hooks the leg! He’s even raising his arm in the air as he does it!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘COMO CAPO’ by Clave Especial ft. Fuerza Regida blasts throughout the arena as the crowd roars with displeasure. Diego Montana immediately stands up to celebrate the win. Beyond excited knowing that for the second week in a row, he got a major victory. Meanwhile, Miku Sakai looks conflicted, as she’s pleased about the victory… But not who she’s sharing it with.)
Persephone: THERE’S NO WAY HAHAHAHAHA. Everything just backfired on Hans Grayson and Cody Maverick! Diego Montana and Miku Sakai are able to secure the win!
Rich Russillo: Both teams were working very well together tonight! But all it took was a single mistake at the end and Montana was able to capitalize on it! I just hope that Hans Grayson understands that it was just a mistake!
(While Diego Montana and Miku Sakai remain in the ring, Hans Grayson is seen approaching Cody Maverick at ringside. Hans looks rough after everything.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) What was that? Huh?
Cody Maverick: (off-mic) You really doing this? You know as well as I do that wasn’t intentional.
Hans Grayson (off-mic): Do I? I want to believe you, but you’ve been making it pretty difficult lately.
Cody Maverick: (off-mic) You know what you can do for me right now Hans? You can get the hell out of my face. We lost. It’s over.
(He goes to walk away but Grayson turns him back around aggressively. You can see the tension begin to build in Cody Maverick’s face.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Don’t walk a-
Rich Russillo: AND CODY MAVERICK UNLEASHES A MASSIVE HOOK TO HANS GRAYSON! AND NOW THESE TWO ARE EXCHANGING BLOWS HERE! ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOOSE HERE ON VOLTAGE!
Thadd Blazevich: AND BRO THIS FIGHT IS SPILLING OUT INTO THE EAW UNIVERSE! All of the fans are cheering, clearly loving this! And security is coming out to separate the two…but IT’S NOT ENOUGH! THEY JUST SHOVE SECURITY RIGHT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO KEEP UP THE FIGHT!
Persephone: I have a strange feeling that these two still don’t like each other after everything from before Grand Rampage.
Rich Russillo: APPARENTLY! AND NOW ALL THAT IS EXPLODING HERE! SECURITY IS FINALLY ABLE TO GET A HANDLE ON THESE TWO ELITISTS! I can’t believe what just happened here folks!
(Hans Grayson and Cody Maverick are shown smack-talking each other as security holds them back. They’re slowly pulled away from each other, until eventually the shot fades back to the ring, where Diego Montana and Miku Sakai are still seen.)
(Diego continues celebrating on the middle rope, showing off to different members of the crowd while Miku watches with both hands planted on her hips. Diego eventually steps down and walks over before suddenly wrapping Miku in an involuntary hug, hopping up and down excitedly before she even has the chance to react!)
Persephone: Okay, I know this doesn’t happen often for him, but at least act like you’ve been here before.
Thadd Blazevich: Hey, let the man celebrate, bro. He just punched his ticket to the finals of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament!
Persephone: Yeah, and it would help if he didn’t react like this every single week!
(Diego finally lets go of Miku, who stands there frozen stiff for a moment, clearly not knowing what to make of what just happened and even less thrilled about it as her fists slowly clench. Meanwhile, Diego remains completely oblivious as he walks toward the right side of the ring and reaches through the middle rope for a microphone being handed to him by a ringside stagehand.)
Diego Montana: LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WE DID IT AGAIN, BABY! DIEKU STAYS WINNING! ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER DUBYA FOR THE HARDEST ESE EVER AND MY BEAUTIFUL TSUNDERE QUEEN!
(The crowd gives a negative reaction while Diego paces around excitedly.)
Diego Montana: Nah, but deadass though, everybody doubted us AGAIN! Every single week it’s the same thing with y’all bozos. “Oh Diego and Miku can’t work together.” “Oh they too dysfunctional.” “Oh Diego too weird.” SHUT UP! LOOK AT THE SCOREBOARD, CARNAL! WE IN THE FINALS NOW!
(Miku rolls her eyes while Diego points toward her proudly.)
Diego Montana: And lemme say this right now, my pookums really stepped up tonight too! We went in there against two supposed golden boys of EAW, two dudes everybody always got excuses for, and what happened? THEY FELL APART! THEY CRUMBLED UNDER PRESSURE! THEY COULDN’T HANDLE THE HEAT OF DIEKU, BABY!
Persephone: “Dieku” sounds like a disease.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, I think Diego might actually believe they’re soulmates.
Diego Montana: Everybody wanna laugh at us, but we’re the ones standing tall at the end! Hans and Cody imploded right in front of everybody because unlike ME, those dudes can’t handle pressure! They got too much drama, too much sadness, too much emotional damage and bullshit weighing them down! Meanwhile me? I stay locked in, baby! I stay handsome! I stay winning!
(Miku snatches the microphone from Diego’s hand suddenly.)
Miku Sakai: OH MY GOD, WOULD YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP FOR FIVE SECONDS?! YOU SOUND LIKE A FUCKING CHILD AFTER EATING TEN POUNDS OF CANDY!
(The crowd laughs while Diego places a hand over his heart dramatically.)
Diego Montana: Damn, mama. You wound me.
Miku Sakai: GOOD. MAYBE NEXT TIME IT’LL SHUT YOU UP. JESUS CHRIST. LOOK, WE WON. COOL. GREAT. AMAZING. FANTASTIC. WHATEVER. THE ONLY REASON THOSE TWO LOSERS EVEN LOST IS BECAUSE THEY STARTED CRYING AND FIGHTING EACH OTHER LIKE THE EMOTIONAL DORKS THEY ARE!
Diego Montana: But we still won though!
Miku Sakai: YEAH, WE WON! I KNOW THAT, DUMBASS! I WAS THERE!
(Miku pushes Diego’s face away while he continues grinning.)
Miku Sakai: The point is that everybody keeps acting like this team is some joke when clearly it’s working. Somehow. Against all logic and all fucking reason, it’s working. I don’t know if the world is ending or if everyone else in this tournament just sucks THAT badly, but here we are.
Diego Montana: Love always wins, baby.
Miku Sakai: LOVE MY ASS. THIS ISN’T LOVE. THIS IS ME BEING CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED TO DEAL WITH A HUMAN SEX CRIME FOR A FEW WEEKS!
(The crowd erupts in laughter while Diego strokes his mustache confidently.)
Diego Montana: Yet you are still standing beside me though.
Miku Sakai: BECAUSE WE KEEP WINNING, YOU FREAK!
(Miku sighs loudly before pointing around the arena.)
Miku Sakai: And honestly? Maybe everybody else here just pisses me off more. Cody and Hans are supposed to be these big heroes everybody roots for, but the second things got difficult they folded like cheap fucking lawn chairs. THAT’S the competition around here? THESE are the people I’m supposed to believe are better than me?
Diego Montana: Talk yo shit, queen!
Miku Sakai: DON’T CALL ME THAT.
Diego Montana: My apologies, empress.
Miku Sakai: I HATE YOU SO MUCH.
(Diego laughs while Miku shakes her head in disgust.)
Miku Sakai: But he’s right about one thing. We ARE in the finals now, and none of you idiots can change that. Everybody wanted us gone early because nobody takes this team seriously, but guess what? We’re still here while everybody else keeps choking and falling apart around us.
Diego Montana: THAT’S WHAT I BEEN SAYING!
Miku Sakai: SHUT UP!
(Diego immediately quiets down, nodding obediently.)
Miku Sakai: Thank you. God. Anyway, I still hate tag teams, I still hate most of the people in this company, and I ESPECIALLY hate this idiot standing next to me half the time, but clearly something is working here. So until it stops working? I guess we keep going.
Diego Montana: Together forever.
Miku Sakai: Don’t push it.
(Diego grins before suddenly leaning in, puckering his lips and trying to kiss Miku on the cheek. The crowd reacts loudly as Miku slowly turns her head toward him with pure disgust.)
(SMACK!)
Persephone: FINALLY!
(Diego stumbles sideways dramatically after the slap while Miku points a finger directly in his face.)
Miku Sakai: DON’T YOU EVER FUCKING TOUCH ME AGAIN UNLESS YOU’RE TRYING TO TAG ME IN, YOU PERVERT!
(Diego holds his reddened cheek as Miku looks seconds away from killing him while the crowd continues reacting loudly. Diego actually begins to smile after a moment, but both quickly turn their attention toward the stage as Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy make their way out once again with microphones in hand while “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll plays in the background.)
Persephone: Oh great. These two again.
(“Nice To Meet Yah” begins to fade out as Diamond and Cosmo continue down the ramp, already starting to speak while making their way toward the ring.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Man… THIS is one of the teams we gotta face in the finals? We really watched dude get slapped in front of the whole world and start smiling about it right after. Crazy.
Diamond Dixon: I’m actually crying laughing right now because what the hell even is this team? One of y’all acts like a middle schooler that just discovered girls for the first time, and the other sounds one bad day away from catching a felony charge.
Cosmo Goldworthy: But ay, congratulations I guess. Y’all made it to the finals. That’s cute and all, but let’s be honest here… y’all should probably thank Hans and Cody for self destructing, because otherwise? I really don’t think y’all belong anywhere near this spot.
Diamond Dixon: Exactly. Like no disrespect or whatever, but this whole thing feels less like y’all earned it and more like everybody else around you just lost their minds first.
(Looking to defend “his woman,” Diego quickly snatches the microphone from Miku and leans forward against the ropes, shouting directly at Diamond and Cosmo as they stand at the end of the ramp.)
Diego Montana: NAH, SEE THAT’S Y’ALL’S PROBLEM RIGHT THERE! EVERYBODY KEEPS TRYING TO ACT LIKE THIS SOME FLUKE OR SOME ACCIDENT WHEN REALLY? DIEKU JUST DIFFERENT, BABY! WE KEEP WINNING FOR A REASON!
(Diego backs toward the center of the ring beside Miku, looking over at her for approval while she only shakes her head in annoyance. Diamond glances toward Cosmo with amusement before the two make their way up the steps and enter the ring, standing across from them.)
Diamond Dixon: Aww, look at you standing up for Miku like that. That’s so cute.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Bro really got slapped across the face five seconds ago and still acting like this a fairytale romance or something. I almost respect the dedication.
Diego Montana: Yeah, well—
(Everyone’s attention shifts toward the stage as “Invincible” by Pop Smoke hits, bringing Chris Elite out with a microphone already in hand. He stands there with both hands on his hips while waiting for Jay Jerry Johnson, whose theme, “Thoughts of a Dying Atheist” by Muse, begins playing next as he joins Chris on the stage with a microphone of his own. The two glance at each other before nodding toward the ring and marching down the ramp together, sliding inside.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Alright, enough. The two of us already had to listen to these two talk our ears off earlier tonight, and somehow they’ve managed to become even more annoying since then.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Oh, look who finally showed up. The other finalists.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Trust me, listening to Diego scream about “Dieku” for ten minutes was not exactly how I planned on spending the rest of my night.
Diego Montana: AYE DON’T HATE THE MOVEMENT JUST BECAUSE YOU AIN’T PART OF IT, CARNAL! DIEKU GOT THE STREETS IN A CHOKEHOLD RIGHT NOW!
Jay Jerry Johnson: The only thing in a chokehold right now is Miku’s sanity.
(The camera pans towards Miku after this comment, as Miku does in fact look as if she’s at the end of her rope. She just sighs, before beginning to speak.)
Miku Sakai: Look, you all can just shut the fuck up, alright?? All that matters is that whether you all like it or not, we made it to the finals of this tournament and seeing as the rest of you fucking suck, I don’t see what’s stopping us from winning. Chris and Jay have been getting opportunities and screwing them up nonstop for like a year now, and Cosmo and Diamond… Have you two done literally anything? Ever? Unlike all of you I am ACTUALLY talented, and Diego? He’s… here. And he listens, I guess.
(Diego reaches his hand out for a high five after this, but Miku just ignores it. This just makes Cosmo chuckle once more.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah, seriously though, this is really what the finals came down to? One team that barely tolerates each other and another that looks one argument away from a restraining order?
Diego Montana: BRO SHE LOVES ME! SHE JUST GOT A HARD TIME EXPRESSING IT SOMETIMES!
Miku Sakai: NO. I DON’T. We’re going to win this stupid tournament, and the Unified Tag Team Championships, and that’s IT!
Jay Jerry Johnson: Right. Sure.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Meanwhile me and Diamond are the only actual team standing here.
(Cosmo just shakes his head, before Diamond steps forward, following up.)
Diamond Dixon: Look, I get that the jokes are funny and all but this is still about the Unified Tag Team Championships, and we need to start being for real here. When Cosmo and I won our shot to compete at Fighting Spirit the last thing we thought we were gonna have to do is beat a team hanging on by a thread like Miku and Diego. Chris and Jay been talking every week like they don’t even want to be here, but you two? Let’s just call it like it is. Cosmo already has enough history with Diego to wanna kick his ass, but he might not even get a chance before Miku does.
Jay Jerry Johnson: You keep saying that like it automatically means you already won the tournament.
Cosmo Goldworthy: It means we don’t got cracks in our foundation like everybody else here does.
Chris Elite: Right right, I get. I don’t fuck with Jay so we’re gonna keep pretending we haven’t already spent the last few weeks working together. Cool. I think y’all need to start actually using your heads, because we already made it to the finals of the tournament and you didn’t see us argue. You didn’t see us fight and you definitely didn’t see us slap the shit out of each other every chance we got. This is about getting a good shot at Pain for Pride, we’re not giving that up. The only team whose “cracks” are gonna get to them is the pair of dumbasses right here.
(Hearing this, an offended look appears on the face of Diego Montana.)
Diego Montana: CRACKS?! NAH, THIS RIGHT HERE IS PASSION, BABY! THIS IS REAL! THIS IS ELECTRIC! YOU CAN’T TEACH THIS TYPE OF CHEMISTRY!
Jay Jerry Johnson: I really wish you’d stop yelling every sentence.
Diego Montana: My fault, twin. I’m just fired up tonight!
Miku Sakai: Diego, shut the fuck up already.
(Miku just shakes her head, before turning towards the others.)
Miku Sakai: Can you all just shut up already??? You all keep running your mouths saying the same thing over and over, but we didn’t just beat anybody, you know! Voltage’s two golden boys, Mr. Cash in the Vault and King of Elite themselves couldn’t even stay on the same page long enough to make it to the end of the match. Why are you all doing all this talking about US not being on the same page when every team we’ve faced has completely fallen apart???
Cosmo Goldworthy: Because you clearly don’t want to be around the guy any longer than you have to. Not that I blame you, but I’m clearly not wrong, am I?
Miku Sakai: No, but that clearly doesn’t matter when everyone else fucking sucks and I don’t want to lose.
(Diego just nods his head, before Jay Jerry Johnson begins to speak.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Disagreement’s aside, Miku isn’t wrong about this. Stability clearly isn’t everything considering all three teams standing here still made the finals regardless. It will take far more to win this than hoping for the other teams to implode.
Chris Elite: Exactly. Instead of talking about who’s friends and who’s not we need to start talking about who actually has what it takes to win this match, ‘cause it sure as hell isn’t Miku Sakai and Diego Montana. We earned our way here and sure, I don’t like Jay and we’re not gonna pretend we’re cool once this is all over either, but I’ve been in the ring with him enough to know what he can do just like he knows what I can. We earned our way here, and we’re going all the way.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Difference is me and Diamond earned our way here clean. The rest of y’all got here through teams falling apart and other people handing you the win.
Diego Montana: A dub is a dub, carnal! Don’t start moving the goalposts now just cause Dieku keep winning!
Diamond Dixon: Nobody’s moving the goalposts. We’re hosting this tournament because we already earned our ticket to Fighting Spirit in a match against a team who, like them or not, weren’t at each other’s throats before the match could even start. We were never gonna lose so we decided to sit back and watch, so we can see what you all are made of. You had your flashes. You might put up a fight, but why would I expect any of you to get the job done when none of you have actually been tested?
(There is a mixed reaction for these words, and Jay turns towards Diamond before beginning to respond.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Whether people like how any of us got here or not really doesn’t matter anymore. We’re all in the same spot now.
Cosmo Goldworthy: And once Fighting Spirit gets here, reality’s gonna catch up to both your teams real fast.
(Chris Elite walks up to Cosmo Goldworthy.)
Chris Elite: Nah, that’s not what’s gonna happen. Maybe ARIA and Candice couldn’t beat y’all, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. What matters is winning this tournament, and it’s gonna be us getting the job done. Not you, and definitely not a team with Diego’s dumbass in it.
(Diego shakes his head, quickly firing back.)
Diego Montana: See, that’s what everybody said before every match we had, but look where we at now! Finals, baby!
Jay Jerry Johnson: Which means maybe people should stop pretending these teams are flukes just because they don’t fit the ideal version of what a team is supposed to look like.
Diamond Dixon: Sure. Maybe that’s what it means…
(Diamond looks towards Cosmo, who smirks before speaking up.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Or maybe it just means the luck runs out eventually.
Diego Montana: Luck? Please! We don’t need luck, carnal. I can see it already by the looks on all your faces, nobody out here is really taking me seriously. Which is cool! Laugh it up now, bozos! But me and Miku are winning this whole damn tournament whether y’all like it or not. We already beat the Hardcore Champion, Mr. Cash in the Vault, and King of Elite, and next? We beating the rest of you too on our way to Pain for Pride to become the NEW Tag Team Champions!
(Diego folds his arms with complete confidence as ‘COMO CAPO’ by Clave Especial ft. Fuerza Regida continues playing in the background. The competitors keep staring one another down from across the ring, tensions running high as the camera slowly fades elsewhere.)
(The camera transitions over to the backstage area, where Candice Blair and ARIA are seen backstage ahead of ARIA’s upcoming match in the tag team turmoil tournament. Despite the fact that the two had been split up thanks to the tournament and forced to face each other, with ARIA’s team coming out victorious, the two still remained friends and didn’t want the circumstances to hurt anything for them. As a result, the two are seen speaking to each other as they walk through the hallways.)
Candice Blair: Trust me, it’s fine. As long as this tournament went down it was going to come down to one of us, anyway. There’s not really anything we could do about that.
(ARIA just sighs, before nodding her head.)
ARIA: I know, though it’s unfortunate we even had to end up in this position to begin with. Had we defeated Cosmo and Diamond at Grand Rampage we would’ve already had our ticket to Fighting Spirit, and our team would’ve been just fine.
Candice Blair: You’re right, but that’s in the past now. Besides, you’re not doing too bad for yourself, are you? You and Bronson made it to the semifinals, and as long as you win tonight you’re going to be going to Fighting Spirit, anyway. It’s a shame I won’t be meeting you there, but to be honest this whole tournament was a mess for us from the very beginning. I’m not at a time in my career where I can trust people so easily. I don’t have any problem with NICK and I’d much rather him than most of the other people I could’ve ended up paired with, but the chemistry we built as a team was something that takes time. I can’t just expect to build that overnight, y’know?
(ARIA nods in agreement, and Candice continues.)
Candice Blair: So, no matter what happens tonight, I’ll have your back. I’ll be there for you when you and Bronson make it to the finals and win the tournament, and who knows? Maybe next season once this is all over, and we can put this whole mess behind us, we can make sure that you and I are the ones going for those Championships.
(Hearing this brings a smile to ARIA’s face.)
ARIA: That’d be nice. Winning the Unified Tag Team Championships wasn’t what I had pictured when this season began, let alone holding them with two different partners, but becoming a two-time Tag Team Champion sounds like quite the future for me, especially if that means getting to hold those Championships with my friend. Still, none of that happens without first making it through this tournament, and I don’t intend to be knocked out of the tournament prematurely. I won’t allow last week to have been for nothing, so you can trust that I will give tonight’s match everything I have.
Candice Blair: That’s good. Hopefully, Bronson will be able to say the same.
(The two were actually headed to Bronson’s locker room right now, as ARIA planned to speak to him ahead of their match. As they turned the corner, ARIA began to speak once more.)
ARIA: Things went well last week. Bronson isn’t as wicked as many of the others on this brand, but there was no telling where his heart may have been directly following his return to the ring. Still, I’d say he delivered.
Candice Blair: True, but he did go and get himself into a World Championship match right after, and you saw what happened earlier tonight.
ARIA: I know, which is why I intend to speak to him now. I’ve seen the kind of competitor that Bronson is, so I don’t doubt that he can last even in two matches on the same night. All that matters is making sure his heart is still in this tournament.
(Finally, the two make it to Bronson’s locker room. Without even thinking about it, ARIA casually begins to open the door, not even realizing it as she is still lost in her conversation with Candice.)
ARIA: As long as we remain on the same page I’m certain we will win tonight. Both of our opponents tonight are incredibly skilled, but we- OH!
(Immediately ARIA turns away, her eyes wide after being completely blindsided by what she just saw, even if it is her fault for not knocking in the first place.)
Bronson Daniels: ????
(Bronson Daniels and the Universal Women’s Champion Milli Banks were both in the locker room, but what ARIA did not expect was to see Milli sitting on Bronson’s lap. The two were kissing and their hands were all over each other, which is not a surprise given they expected to be alone. The crowd reaction rose seeing the two making out, but the kissing obviously stopped as soon as the door suddenly opened. Both Bronson and Milli were caught off guard by the sudden interruption by ARIA, who was now on the other side of the door trying to let out an apology.)
ARIA: L-listen. I… I-I am so, sorry.
(Milli just sighed and climbed off of Bronson, rolling her eyes as Bronson got out of his seat.)
ARIA: I w-wasn’t thinking, I di-didn’t realize that you two were-
Milli Banks: Don’t worry about it, it’s fine. Bitches can never knock, damn.
(Bronson and Milli walked up to the door as ARIA slowly turned back to them, though both she and Candice were now embarrassed by what just happened.)
Candice Blair: We’re sorry about that. We intended to come and speak with you before your match, Bronson. I also just wanted to wish you and ARIA good luck, since you two are only one match away from Fighting Spirit and potentially a Unified Tag Team Championship match.
Bronson Daniels: Well I appreciate that, even though this… Definitely was not the best time.
(ARIA sighs.)
ARIA: It won’t happen again. I just wanted to speak to you for a moment just to see where your head is before our match, since I understand you have a lot on your plate at the moment and for some, a randomized tag team tournament may not be their biggest priority when in the position that you are in. I saw what happened to you earlier, and with everything going on I can understand why your focus may be on the EAW World Championship and your old enemies, but this is a major opportunity as well and it is not something that I would like to pass up. I don’t have any other Championship matches lined up for me at Fighting Spirit, so I’d like to make the most of this.
Candice Blair: ARIA has worked hard for an opportunity like this, and it’s not that either of us doesn’t trust you, we just don’t want things to go sideways thanks to your attention being elsewhere.
(Bronson looks at the two for a moment and considers where they’re coming from, knowing that he did get taken out earlier in the night by Drake Armstrong after being hit in the face by Drake’s Championship.)
Bronson Daniels: Don’t worry, I understand. I had more than enough time to recover from what happened earlier, and I’d like to think that I’ve already made my thoughts known regarding this tournament. I get that I set my sights on Drake Armstrong and Jon Kelton, but that doesn’t mean things suddenly changed. We worked well last week, so there’s no point in messing that up now when it could be the opportunity to have a pretty special night at Fighting Spirit. I don’t intend to just leave you on your own without a teammate, so you don’t need to worry about me forgetting about the tournament. Having two matches there isn’t anything I wouldn’t be able to handle.
Candice Blair: You say that, but it isn’t anything to scoff at, either.
Bronson Daniels: Which is why I know I’ll need to be on my A-game.
ARIA: Well I am glad that is the case, because both the Doctor and Pantera alike are quite the challengers, and I am certain neither of them are willing to leave tonight empty handed, either. You asked for my trust as I have yours, and last week I’d like to think we both proved worthy of each other’s trust. However, I believe that there is no better opportunity to put that to the test than right now.
(Bronson nods, before beginning to respond.)
Bronson Daniels: I know, and you’re right. I have my history with Bethany. The night everything fell apart for Elysium in the first place was a night where Bethany was one of my opponents, and I think we all know just how tough TLA is. That’s not the type of match I can just walk into without being at the top of my game. That’s just not who I am, and I don’t plan to abandon that now. To be honest I still have a bit of unfinished business when it comes to the Unified Tag Team Championships, anyway. It’s one of the only things I have yet to accomplish in this company, and I’m sure you already know what happened to my last teammate. Needless to say, I don’t need to throw this away. I might have a World Championship match coming up, but this match is still important to me and it is still something I intend to give my all to.
Bronson Daniels: I know you and Candice wanted to go for the titles on your own and that can’t happen right now, so I won’t go and make things even worse for you guys. Tonight, we’re going to beat Bethany and TLA. That’s what I am here tonight to do, not to get involved in some big mess along with Jon and Drake. I get that they want to try and drag me into their games, but it’ll take a lot more than that to take me out of this tournament.
(ARIA appears satisfied with this response, responding with a grin on her face.)
ARIA: Perfect. Win we shall, and at Fighting Spirit we will earn a shot at the Unified Tag Team Championships.
(After this, ARIA and Candice look towards each other for a brief moment, before beginning to step away.)
ARIA: Now, we won’t take anymore of your time. You two are clearly busy… So we’ll be on our way now. I will see you once it’s time for our match.
Bronson Daniels: Right… I’ll see you then.
(ARIA and Candice walk away from the area, as Bronson just turns towards Milli. Milli just looks at Bronson following that interruption, before Bronson just shrugs his shoulders and closes the door to the locker room. From there, Voltage fades away from the backstage area.)
(A commercial is shown for Christian Mingle)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues as we see Sofia Clarke standing by! She is wearing a dark dress for the evening as she gives a nice smile toward the camera, standing in front of yellow Voltage graphics on a large LED board inside an interview set replicating a ring. After a moment, she begins to speak to everyone in the arena and to those watching at home.)
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! We have had an action-packed show so far, including some exciting matches in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, and the night is far from over! As we still have two more matches to round out the field and see who will advance to the finals at Fighting Spirit, with a Specialists Championship match as Auburn Ware defends the title against Carmen Sanchez! However, let’s circle back to the tournament, specifically, what happened last week as our first round matchups came to a close. In particular, while the team of TLA and Dr. Bethany Blue advanced, their opponents on the other hand ended up not being able to work with each other, getting into an altercation by the time it was all said and done. Tonight, I am here with one of them to get their thoughts, please welcome at this time… Sayuri Himura!
(Sayuri enters the frame as she gets a positive reaction from the fans in Glasgow, Scotland here tonight! She is wearing casual attire for the evening considering she has no match tonight on Voltage, with a neutral face on and her hands in her pockets. After the scene settles in, Sofia tells her…)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for taking the time to do this, Sayuri.
(Sayuri manages to bring out a light smile as she nods to Sofia, responding to her.)
Sayuri Himura: It’s a pleasure, Sofia.
Sofia Clarke: As we all know… you had an altercation between yourself and your partner for the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, Eris Morti, after TLA and Bethany managed to get the victory at your expense. Eris attacked you after the match, which you ended up seeing coming and used the opportunity to take her out. In your opinion, can you explain what happened last week and what transpired?
(Sayuri hears this loud and clear from Sofia, as she answers her question by saying…)
Sayuri Himura: I tried, I really did. I warned Eris Morti exactly what would happen if she disobeyed my order, and she found out firsthand when she tried to attack me. In simple terms, I tried to make things work with her. There is no denying that we are two personalities who will never get along, and our tension with one another is well documented dating back to our arrival in this company. It was going to be a challenge to cooperate with her, but I was not going to let petty issues interfere with my progression in this sport. Regardless, I was going to do my best to fulfill my duty as an Elitist, to uphold my honor and my skills to conquer this tournament and head into Pain For Pride with a title opportunity, even if said opportunity was accomplished standing by the side of someone I considered an enemy.
Sofia Clarke: Very interesting…
(Sayuri continues on from what she was saying, telling Sofia… )
Sayuri Himura: However… I knew it was a matter of time until things escalated the way that it did. Eris Morti and I had a conversation, and even though she agreed, I sensed the worst almost immediately. I knew if things fell apart, if things didn’t go our way, the reality that I would have to face is that it would be something that was unacceptable for her. So that’s why I was ready, she attacked me, and I responded back. It’s disappointing that my intentions of winning this tournament were not met, but at the same time, that did not mean that I was going to be oblivious to what Eris Morti was planning to do once the match concluded. I know her all too well, even with her allegiance, she tried her best to get into my head, saying I wasted her time and that my journey would be for nothing. She doesn’t realize herself that she is far from ready for what would happen should she decide to keep messing with me during my time here in Elite Answers Wrestling.
(Sofia nods in agreement as she begins to ask another question to Sayuri. )
Sofia Clarke: Very good points all around, Sayuri. Now, I have another question I want to ask you–
???: That won’t be necessary, Sofia.
(The camera pans over to reveal Eris Morti standing by, as she gets a very mixed reaction from the crowd in attendance watching from the titantron. She walks into the interview set, staring right at Sayuri, who looks like she’s ready to fight. But Eris tells her… )
Eris Morti: Relax, Sayuri… I’m only here to talk. I was just walking by and I couldn’t help but overhear what you were saying about me. What is it… I’m not ready for what is going to happen if I continue to “mess with your head”? Funny. Let me ask you something, Sayuri… What *would* happen if I don’t stop messing with you. What if I continue to get inside your head with the things that I have said about you since our debuts? What will you actually do? Because it doesn’t seem like you’re willing to back up any of your words, they’re just threats to try and make me back off. I know you more than you think, and I know that you taking action on any of this is not in your DNA, because you’ve tried your hardest to convince me you’re not that kind of person. And you know what? Foolish me for trying to give that a chance. You were very adamant on winning this tournament and competing for the Tag Titles, and I even let you take the lead in our match last week. But that didn’t work out, did it? And I don’t think this should come as much of a surprise, but once the match was over… I had no real reason to keep playing nice with you. You were the one who ended up losing, so why should I even listen to any of what you’re saying right now?
(Sayuri hears what Eris had to say, and she doesn’t look pleased by the claims that she is making toward her. After a moment, she responds by saying… )
Sayuri Himura: This isn’t about threats, Eris Morti. This is about everything that you’ve proven yourself to be, and despite what I have done to you, your desperation to latch onto every word that I say and try and invalidate it. What do I have to prove to you is the question that I should be asking, because I have already beaten you. You had a lot to say to me at my home, in my ring, and when our match didn’t go the way that you hoped it would… You decided to take it upon yourself to attack me in hopes of getting something out of it. But you don’t realize that it was your fault. Your foolishness that led you to where you are now, and your blasphemous claims against me only led to you laying flat on your back when it was all said and done. I left you embarrassed, and I’m not afraid to say that because it’s exactly what you deserve, and it’s exactly what I told you would happen if you so chose to walk down the path that I knew you would walk down. That in itself should have been more than enough reason for you to start being more cautious rather than seeking conflict. I was never threatening you, Eris Morti, I was simply telling you a truth that you are not willing to accept.
(Eris looks at Sayuri, before responding to her by saying… )
Eris Morti: Simple truth? Sayuri, you’re saying this like I needed to win that match. In case it wasn’t made clear, you were the only one who claimed that she needed this opportunity, and that you needed to fight for the Tag Championships even if your partner was me. I merely indulged in the chaos that would come in a tournament like this, and with something like that I’m not entirely surprised that you expected me to try and stoke the fire just a little bit. Stab you right in the back and make it known that the two of us working together was *always* going to be a temporary thing. I never lied to you about that now, did I? Now, the one mistake I truly did make was letting you leave last week unharmed… but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a consistent pattern. No, no… not at all.
(Sayuri listened carefully to what Eris said, as she responds to her by saying… )
Sayuri Himura: Just like you said, your threats are not going to intimidate me, Eris Morti. I showed you that you are not going to surprise me again, and that stays much the same if you decide to pursue this issue further, which is not in your best interest. It will be a consistent pattern, and if you continue to try and make an enemy out of me, then you will get beaten again, and again, and that is not a claim that is merely baseless. We have been through this same song and dance before, and you saw exactly how it panned out for you, and I was surprised initially that you decided to try again, but it seems as though your erratic nature is something that you thrive in. I am not going to try and convince you of anything, because I know that you are not going to listen, I am merely going to give you some advice: Be more cautious around me… if you know what’s good for you.
(Sayuri and Eris stare each other down for a couple of moments as the tension in the air is boiling. After a long while, Eris then opens her mouth and says to Sayuri… )
Eris Morti: If anyone should be cautious it will be you, Sayuri… You need to watch yourself very… very carefully.
(Eris looks at both Sayuri and Sofia before walking out of the scene. Sayuri looks on as Sofia chimes back in and says…)
Sofia Clarke: Well, thank you for taking the time to do this, Sayuri… Best in luck with whatever is next for you.
Sayuri Himura: It appears I have a good idea of what that is already, Sofia.
(Sayuri walks away from the interview set as well as the camera then pans over solely to Sofia Clarke, as she continues talking… )
Sofia Clarke: Some very interesting development between Sayuri and Eris just moments ago, you can feel the heavy tension between those two Elitists. Sending it back to you guys.
(The scene would then fade off as Sunday Night Voltage transitions back to the ring…)
(‘Duel’ by JINJER hits, causing loud boos to come from the crowd. The camera pans towards the stage, where the three members of ToXXXin can be seen beginning to make their way out to the stage. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes wear their Unified Tag Team Championships as they stand alongside Minerva, and the three women together begin to walk down the ramp, all holding microphones in their hands as they head to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Well we have seen a lot go down in the past week when it comes to these three women, and honestly I don’t even know where to start. From Selina and Daniella’s chase for the Universal Women’s Championship to Minerva’s brief duration in the tag team turmoil tournament, ToXXXin has had quite the past seven days.
Thadd Blazevich: Agreed, and I can see why. Fighting Spirit is coming up, but that’s not all. Pain for Pride is on the horizon, and nobody wants to miss out on that. The Tag Champs have a target on their back, meanwhile all of ToXXXin have their eyes on the Universal Women’s Champ!
Persephone: I know, it’s stupid. Those two holding the tag titles is bad enough. I can’t imagine having to see one of them as a World Champion.
(The three members of ToXXXin make it down to ringside. They walk up the steel steps and enter the ring, before finally their entrance music begins to fade out. There are smirks on the faces of the three women as the crowd continues to boo, until finally, the Grand Rampage winner speaks.)
Minerva: I understand that there are many questions on all of your minds at the moment regarding the three of us, but sure enough, there is nothing that needs to be said that shouldn’t have already been understood. I know that for the majority, the tag team turmoil tournament was a necessity. They felt they had no choice but to compete in it because it may be their best opportunity to compete at Pain for Pride. For some, it is either learn to co-exist with an enemy or risk missing out on a Championship match at Pain for Pride, but the same does not apply to me. I already had a path to Pain for Pride, and that path may already force me to cross paths with either Daniella or Selina. I am after the Universal Women’s Championship. For what reason would I drag Jon Kelton of all people to a match for Daniella and Selina’s Unified Tag Team Championships?
(Minerva shakes her head, and a grin forms on her face as she slightly turns, pointing towards Daniella and Selina.)
Minerva: Daniella and Selina will remain the Unified Tag Team Champions as this season reaches its end, and that will be the case no matter how that tournament progresses. As for the Universal Women’s Championship however… Fighting Spirit is shaping up to be very interesting, isn’t it? Daniella and Selina want the Universal Women’s Championship, but they aren’t alone. Showdown’s Caroline would also like a shot at the Championship, and it would seem that Milli Banks has not turned down this challenge. A fatal four way appears to be on the horizon, but do any of you truly expect this to get in the way of ToXXXin’s plans?
(Minerva stops as the boos continue, and Daniella Atlas then begins to speak.)
Daniella Atlas: We heard what Caroline had to say on Friday night, and if us appearing on her own brand to witness the mess between her and Milli was not enough to allow the message to be clear, allow us to say it right now. We do not care if you intend to get involved in this, Caroline. We did not stake our claims to the Universal Women’s Championship with any fear of whatever you may have to think about our presence. We did so without any concern of what you may have to offer, because no matter what you may think you are capable of there is but one thing that can be guaranteed, and it is that you do not have what it takes to overcome ToXXXin. Try as you might, but you will enter Pain for Pride with nothing, and the main event for the Universal Women’s Championship will be contested between only the women inside of this ring.
(These words bring loud boos from the fans in attendance, but the members of ToXXXin aren’t bothered by this.)
Selina Reyes: Milli Banks, your time is coming to an end. You held the Universal Women’s Championship since Road to Redemption, and I will not ignore this. You’ve defeated everyone that has crossed your path, but that comes to an end now. At Fighting Spirit, it doesn’t matter how many people line themselves up to fall alongside you. Caroline decided to make the mistake of choosing now to set her sights on your Championship and for that reason she is bound to walk out of Fighting Spirit in defeat. We have already run the tag team division all year long. Now is the time for us to take the next step, and climb to the top of the entire women’s division. Your time is coming to an end, and it is about time that you accept-
(Suddenly, ‘you are stronger’ by lyn inaizumi hits. This causes the crowd to explode, as the eyes of the three members of ToXXXin dart towards the stage. The Universal Women’s Champion Milli Banks can be seen beginning to walk out following her chaotic appearances on both Dynasty and Showdown, and despite not being too happy, she remains composed as she walks down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, it seems the Universal Women’s Champion and newly crowned HALL OF FAMER herself will be joining us tonight, and we know she had quite the week after what occurred both on Showdown and Dynasty.
Thadd Blazevich: I know, dude. It’s been a wild last few days all around, and it looks like we’re not letting up! Milli’s got a mic in her hands, and I’m sure she has something to get off her chest after already getting attacked by one of her challengers on Dynasty.
Persephone: Yeah, but that wasn’t ToXXXin, that was Caroline. Couldn’t she have just left it at appearing on Showdown? I really don’t need this right now.
(Milli Banks enters the ring, walking directly up to the members of ToXXXin as her entrance music fades out. This only causes the cheers to grow louder as the Universal Women’s Champion shows no fear even with the numbers against her. She looks at the three members, before finally beginning to speak.)
Milli Banks: Listen, I don’t know what you three have going on right now but I already have had enough of the games. Caroline thought she could just come to my brand and attack me from behind and expect everything to be cool like I’d have any problem giving her the same energy. I know how you three work, and I know that if there’s anyone who wouldn’t have any problem getting into this mess and getting their hands dirty whenever they see fit, it’s you. That’s why I’m here to give you a warning that, if you’re smart, you’ll actually listen to. Don’t do this. Don’t try and wait to attack me from behind. If you want a fight all you need to do is say so, ‘cause I’m not scared of any of you in this division. You can come at me whenever you want, you can feel however you want about Fighting Spirit, but I’m not gonna wait for you to attack me from behind just so you can feel good about yourselves.
(This brings loud cheers from the fans, and Milli takes a few steps closer towards the members of ToXXXin.)
Milli Banks: You don’t hold this Championship twice without being capable of learning from your mistakes, and you can go ahead and ask Minerva herself that. I’m gonna be ready next time one of you wanna be cute and think you can just catch me off guard, so don’t even do it. You’re better off waiting for Fighting Spirit so we can do this the right way and I can beat your asses before I get Minerva at Pain for Pride, unless you’d prefer I go ahead and do it right now.
(Minerva just smirks after this comment, as Selina Reyes goes to respond.)
Selina Reyes: Milli, do you even understand how foolish you sound? We have yet to do anything to you. You’re paranoid because of what Caroline has already done, and in your paranoia you have decided to put yourself in the path of the three most dangerous women in this entire company. You are outnumbered and yet you are here challenging us. Don’t worry, Milli. Your time is coming, and at Fighting Spirit-
Milli Banks: I get it. You think you’ll take the Universal Women’s Championship, trust me I’ve been hearing it since I won this title and it still has yet to be true. Your best bet is doing everything you can to make sure I don’t enter Pain for Pride anywhere close to one hundred percent, because you’re not taking this title from me, and unless you leave me physically incapable of competing next month, I won’t be planning on letting anything stop me from beating Minerva.
Selina Reyes: That’s it though, Milli. This is not about what we “think”. We already thought we were the most dominant force around and that was already proven true. This is now just a matter of doing what we’ve already been doing all year long.
Daniella Atlas: And you won’t stop that, Milli. Try as you might, time is running out. Caroline was focused on sending a message, which is why she attempted to leave us with a warning as she attacked you. Her warning was a weightless one however, as she is not the one you need to be concerned about. She is not the one who possesses the power to rip that Championship out of your hands. She can do as she pleases, but as it stands she only serves as a distraction compared to the other two challengers in your sight. You say you are ready, but as it stands I do not see it. Instead, I see a Championship reign that is on the verge of coming to an end.
(There is tension between Milli Banks and the Unified Tag Team Champions as Milli stares at the two, not backing down despite the difference in numbers. She begins to respond after a moment.)
Milli Banks: Like I said, you can think what you want. You can take your shot, but I’m not leaving Fighting Spirit without this Championship.
Daniella Atlas: I suppose we’ll just have to see about that, but do be careful Milli, we are not Caroline. We will do much worse than she ever could.
(Milli Banks prepares herself, waiting for one of the three members of ToXXXin to strike following that threat. However, before anything could happen, ‘Living Dead Girl’ by Rob Zombie began playing. Caroline would begin walking out holding her own microphone, and she maintained her usual cold demeanor, though it was clear she was not pleased by the sight of any of the women inside of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: I think we knew to expect this following Milli’s arrival. It seems Caroline has some words of her own, and I don’t blame her. Things have certainly gotten hectic very quickly.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s right dude, and with a fatal four way brewing, there’s really no telling what’s gonna happen! Things are definitely heated, and I’d say all of these women gotta be very careful or things may get out of hand quick.
Persephone: See, this is why I didn’t want Milli here. I knew this was going to happen, and this creep is the last person I needed to see tonight.
(Caroline slowly walks up the steel steps before entering the ring. She stands in the corner of the ring, giving her enough distance to stare at both Milli Banks and the ToXXXin trio, before finally beginning to speak.)
Caroline: I told Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes that should they choose to pursue the Universal Women’s Championship, they’ll suffer the same fate that Milli did on Friday night. That sentiment remains, but I did not say it for the sake of merely scaring any of you. An empty threat means nothing to me. The opportunity to become World Champion for the first time in my career is on the line, and there is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do to finally make use of that opportunity after already having chances to become Champion ripped away from me this year. Milli was taken out on Friday night and the next night she paid a visit to Showdown for the sake of retribution, and it doesn’t concern me what was on her mind, or either of your minds when that happened. You’ll have Fighting Spirit to attempt to stop me from becoming Champion, but right now your arrogance means nothing to me.
(The members of ToXXXin do not appear to be too impressed by these words, but they do not respond.)
Caroline: For the last few months my ambition has been cast aside, and I am not pleased knowing what has come as a result of this. This opportunity allows me to fix that, and take a step forward that I have yet to take in my career thus far. When I challenged Milli I did not anticipate the Unified Tag Team Champions choosing to get involved while in the process of waiting for challengers both before and at Pain for Pride, but I am willing to take on whatever comes my way on the path towards becoming Champion.
(Daniella Atlas just begins to chuckle.)
Daniella Atlas: Are you sure about this, Caroline? You had the opportunity to back out of this and instead you chose to further pursue the Championship knowing that the road has only become more difficult. Have you not once considered that perhaps, this is just not your time?
Caroline: If I wasn’t certain about my decision, do you really believe I would be here right now? It doesn’t matter if the path has become more difficult. The same could be said for the two of you, anyway. This would be easier for you if you could just outnumber Milli Banks, and leave the Universal Women’s Championship in the hands of whichever member of ToXXXin turns out to be the better woman. It would be all but guaranteed that the Championship fell into your hands, and as you said yourselves, the Championship match at Pain for Pride would be fought between only the members of ToXXXin. You no longer have that luxury. That Championship is mine alone to obtain.
(Hearing this, Milli rolls her eyes.)
Milli Banks: You can keep running your mouth, but you of all people should know by now it’s not going to be that simple come Fighting Spirit. If I had a problem taking on all of you at once I wouldn’t be coming out asking for you to step up. You wanted this and I’m here giving it to you, because when it comes down to it I’m not the type of Champion that’s scared of being tested. I’ve been through tough matches, I’ve been injured and I came back from everything I went through just to win this again. I’m not about to let it go so easily, especially not when Pain for Pride’s right around the corner and the opportunity to defend a title in a Pain for Pride main event for the first time is right in front of me.
Caroline: I said nothing about whether or not this would be simple. I just intend to get it done, no matter what it takes.
(Selina Reyes walks towards Caroline, seemingly annoyed by this comment as she begins to speak.)
Selina Reyes: Who are you to decide what the future holds for us? You are putting yourself in no position to succeed, Caroline. I hope the two of you haven’t forgotten that you’ve chosen to do this on our brand. This brand has already faced months of history consisting of ToXXXin standing at the very top of the mountain. We understand what high level competition is, but you are not ready for what we have to offer. Nobody i-
(Before Selina could finish her sentence, ‘Legendary’ by Skillet hit. This caused the fans to cheer loudly, completely caught off guard by this as the members of ToXXXin looked towards the stage, not expecting this whatsoever.)
Persephone: Huh????? What is this!? I thought we were talking about the Universal Women’s Championship here!?
Rich Russillo: Well this is a surprise! We know exactly who this music belongs to, and that is none other than Showdown’s Ryan Joseph Wilson! Ryan Wilson is a very talented competitor, but what is he doing here now?
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t know, but RJ-Dub might’ve just stopped things from getting outta hand! I think the numbers are looking pretty even now, not that anyone outside of ToXXXin are actually friends.
(The fans continue to cheer, surprised by the appearance of Ryan Joseph Wilson, who walks down the ramp as the five women inside of the ring wait, curious as to what he is here for. Ryan is holding a microphone in his hands, and as he jumps onto the apron, his entrance music begins to fade out, allowing him to speak as he enters the ring.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Listen, I know that I am interrupting something right now, but there’s one thing that’s not wrong, and it’s the fact that ToXXXin for the last few months has dominated this brand, if not this company. They’ve obtained the Unified Tag Team Championships. They won the Grand Rampage, and you know what? I can see why they’d want to set their sights on a World Championship even before Pain for Pride. However, I’m not here to weigh in on what’ll happen in the Universal Women’s Championship match. I am here because ToXXXin seems to think that they’re invincible, and in that delusion they decided that they’d allow anyone across all three brands to step up and fight them for their Unified Tag Team Championships.
(Ryan Wilson walks up to the members of ToXXXin, continuing as he points towards the Championships in Daniella and Selina’s possession.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Well I don’t know about everyone else back there, but I’m more than willing to step up to the plate.
(These words receive loud cheers from the fans. Milli Banks remains on guard, waiting to see what the three members of ToXXXin will do, while Caroline appears unimpressed by Ryan’s sudden appearance tonight. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes looked at each other for a moment, before turning back to Ryan.)
Selina Reyes: You say this, but you seem to be on your own.
Ryan Joseph Wilson: I know, and that’s because I wasn’t interested in waiting until the season was over to call my shot. You said you wanted a fight and I’m offering you one. I’m going to find a partner, and after that we’ll face you and *defeat* you for the Unified Tag Team Championships. That is, unless… You’d rather go back on that open challenge so you can keep those titles safe for Pain for Pride.
(Selina isn’t amused by this comment, leaving Daniella to respond.)
Daniella Atlas: Ryan, don’t be a fool. We have no intention of taking back our challenge. If you wish to offer yourself up be my guest, though I do pity whoever is naive enough to join you in defeat. We accept your challenge.
(This causes a loud reaction from the fans, who are happy to see that the Unified Tag Team Championships will be defended one more time before Pain for Pride.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Good. Then we’ll see you soon, and if I were you, I’d make sure I was ready. I’m sure the last thing you want is to lose two different Championship matches right before Pain for Pride.
(The cheers continue, as ‘Legendary’ begins to play once more. ToXXXin remains on one side of the ring, standing across from the Universal Women’s Champion Milli Banks, Caroline and Ryan Wilson. There is a staredown in the middle of the ring, following the major announcement as well as the heated back and forth.)
Rich Russillo: Well there you have it! We now have a Unified Tag Team Championship match on the horizon, as Ryan Wilson intends to find a partner to take on ToXXXin! The Champions now have a lot on their plate, as at Fighting Spirit they will take on Caroline and Milli Banks in a fatal four way for the Universal Women’s Championship!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s right dude, and let’s not forget the Pain for Pride implications here! The winner of the tag title match will face the winner of the tag team turmoil tournament finals at Pain for Pride, while the Universal Women’s Champion after Fighting Spirit will have Minerva coming after them at Pain for Pride! Things are definitely heating up, and I can’t wait to see what happens!
(One last shot is shown of the staredown. Minerva still seems to be amused, not bothered by the turn of events that has occurred tonight. Daniella and Selina both appear ready for Fighting Spirit, as do their opponents at the event, and Ryan Wilson, who now has a Championship match coming on a separate date. From there, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Milli Banks defends the Universal Women’s Championship against Selina Reyes, Daniella Atlas and Caroline.)
(We have returned from commercial break as we see Bella Braxton standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand as she is ready to begin the introductions for the next match.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: And it is for the ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP!
(‘Rompe’ by Daddy Yankee starts playing as Carmen Sanchez enters the arena to a positive reaction from the crowd. She is determined to make her mark in this match as she heads right to the ring, focused as she can be knowing everything that is on the line for her.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and making her way to the ring is the CHALLENGER!! From Reno, Nevada! Weighing 102 pounds. Here is “EL TIGRE” CARMEN SANCHEZ!!
Rich Russillo: Here comes a very determined challenger making her way to the ring for this title match. A match that Carmen convinced Captain Charisma that couldn’t wait a moment longer.
Persephone: Watch that come back and bite her in the ass.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen earned a shot at the Specialists Title and the rivalry has brewed thanks to last week where Carmen thinks that Auburn’s lack of focus cost them their spot in the Tag Team Turmoil tournament. Will Carmen take advantage and win the Specialists Title, bro?
(Carmen enters the ring and takes her corner as her music is replaced by “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar. Seconds later, Specialists Champion Auburn Ware enters the arena to cheers from the crowd. She has the title around her waist as she heads to the ring, and she doesn’t look to be in the greatest mood after everything that’s occurred, but she does her best to maintain her focus on her match.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing her opponent! From Bulawayo, Zimbabwe! Weighing 119 pounds! Here is the reigning ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! “THE PRODIGY” AUBURN WARE!
Persephone: Oh goody goody! Here comes another bitter bitch heading to the ring. This is going to be good.
Thadd Blazevich: Well Auburn has already made her presence felt tonight. After her and Damon had a little chat earlier in the night, she was pissed, bro. She came out to the ring and attacked Saori Aizen during her and Damon’s tournament match. The distraction cost Saori and Damon the match and their spot in the tournament.
Rich Russillo: Auburn looks ready for a fight tonight. The question is will she keep her cool and her focus long enough to retain her title or will Carmen become the new champion? We are about to find out.
(Auburn enters the ring and takes her corner as her entrance music fades off. Auburn hands the referee the title before they present it to both champion and challenger. The referee holds the title in the air before handing it to Bella Braxton and calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! The Specialists Championship is on the line as both ladies come up towards the center of the ring–
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS ON CARMEN AND SHE IS JUST POUNDING LEFTS AND RIGHTS INTO THE SKULL OF HER CHALLENGER! AUBURN IS NOT PLAYING AROUND IN THIS MATCH, BRO!
Persephone: If this is how the match starts, we are going to need a hell of a lot more violence in order for this match to be boring.
Thadd Blazevich: Auburn isn’t in a good mood as the referee is warning her to open those fists before they start a count.
Rich Russillo: The referee reaches a count of four and didn’t look like she was going to stop because she is angry, so the referee pulls Auburn off of Carmen–
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! AUBURN NEARLY SWUNG AT THE REFEREE! THAT WAS HILARIOUS!
Rich Russillo: The referee is warning Auburn to control her temper or else she will be disqualified. Auburn is talking to the referee AS CARMEN COMES UP FROM BEHIND AND JUMPS ON AUBURN’S SHOULDERS–
Persephone: BITCH HITS A VICTORY ROLL AND THE SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!! I HOPE THIS ENDS THE MATCH IN RECORD TIME!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN ROLLS BACK AND REVERSES THE PIN! NOW CARMEN’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: NOW CARMEN REVERSES THE PIN AND AUBURN’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN AGAIN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN KICKS OUT AT TWO!! Both women were a count away from leaving this match with the Specialists Championship. Dude, what I am surprised about is the intensity that Auburn is bringing in this match.
Persephone: Oh who cares about that. The match is still going which means I hate them both.
Thadd Blazevich: Both women are back to their feet as CARMEN COMES BACK WITH A DROPKICK TO AUBURN’S FACE! Auburn stumbles to the ropes AND CARMEN HITS A HIGH KICK TO THE FACE THANKS TO THE ROPES–
Rich Russillo: AUBURN GOES SAILING OVER THE TOP ROPE! HER FACE BOUNCES OFF THE APRON AND SHE HITS THE FLOOR!
Persephone: As amusing as it was to watch her face crash against the apron, the bitch is still on her feet so why the hell should I care?
Rich Russillo: The Champ is staggered on her feet as Carmen hits the ropes from the far side before coming back through the ropes AND LAUNCHING HERSELF THROUGH THE ROPES!
Persephone: THE BITCH HITS A SUICIDE DIVE AND TAKES THEM BOTH ONTO THE FLOOR! OH HOW TOTALLY EXCITING!
Thadd Blazevich: The Challenger taking advantage in this match with the title on the line as she takes it to Auburn Ware. Carmen showing some intensity in this match as she picks up Auburn and WHIPS HER INTO THE APRON–
Rich Russillo: AUBURN GOES SPINE FIRST INTO THE APRON AS SHE DROPS TO HER KNEES ON THE APRON!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen wants to really show Auburn that her focus cost them the tournament in the best way possible in her mind and that’s by taking the Specialists Championship away from her.
Persephone: Yeah. That’s so exciting. Such a vindictive bitch.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen rolls Auburn back into the ring before following suit. She is back to her feet as she once again runs to the ropes to build some momentum–
Rich Russillo: SHE LEAVES HER FEET AND JUMPS ONTO THE SECOND ROPE AND FLIPS BACK FOR THE LIONSAULT–
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! BITCH GOT COUNTERED LIKE IT WAS NOTHING!
Rich Russillo: AUBURN GOT THE KNEES UP AND DROVE THEM RIGHT INTO THE RIBS OF CARMEN AND CARMEN HOLDS HER RIBS IN PAIN AS AUBURN ROLLS TO THE ROPES TO GET BACK TO HER FEET!
Persephone: Wow. Something more exciting than before but still extremely boring. Is this match over yet?
Thadd Blazevich: Not by a longshot, Persephone. Bro, Auburn gets back to her feet as she runs over to Carmen AND SHE LEAVES HER FEET–
Rich Russillo: AUBURN WITH THE STANDING SOMERSAULT LEG DROP RIGHT ACROSS THE THROAT OF THE CHALLENGER AS SHE QUICKLY TRANSITIONS INTO A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHH–
Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN KICKS OUT! A NEAR FALL FOR THE CHAMPION! Auburn pulls her to her feet and whips her to the ropes. Carmen rebounds off the ropes AND SHE IS MET WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK FROM THE CHAMPION TAKING CARMEN DOWN!
Persephone: Wow. That was so flashy. It might have impressed me if I was enjoying this match.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen is on the mat and Auburn decides to change the pace of the match as she applies a grounded full nelson. The submission is applied and Auburn is starting to wrench back and turn that full nelson almost into a modified camel clutch.
Rich Russillo: You have to get innovative especially with a title on the line. The referee is right there to make sure that Carmen doesn’t wanna give up this match.
Persephone: Good gawd. These idiots never give up matches like this. They put themselves and us through all this misery for a long ass time to the point where I wanna start drinking?
Rich Russillo: START drinking?
Persephone: Shut the hell up before I knock you out.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, as we get back to the match, we see Carmen starting to fight back. Carmen is trying to get back to her feet, but Auburn is starting to weigh her down and prevent her from countering–
Rich Russillo: BUT INSTEAD CARMEN ROLLS FORWARD AND BRINGS AUBURN WITH HER AND COUNTERS INTO A MODIFIED ROLL UP! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN AND CARMEN COULD STEAL IT HERE!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE–
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN KICKS OUT AT TWO! BRO, VERY SMART STRATEGY BY CARMEN! She didn’t get the win there, but she did force Auburn to release the full nelson.
Persephone: Even a broken clock can be right twice a day. Unless it’s digital. Then the clock is dead.
Thadd Blazevich: That was deep, bro.
Rich Russillo: Carmen is actually the first to her feet as she hits the ropes to build speed and momentum. She comes off the rebound as Auburn grabs her around the waist. Legs around the head AND AWAY SHE GOES!!
Persephone: WHY IS SHE SPINNING SO DAMN MUCH?!! BITCH IS GOING TO MAKE ME DIZZY!
Rich Russillo: Imagine how Auburn feels AS CARMEN HAS THE WHIRLYBIRD HEADSCISSORS THAT TAKES AUBURN HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING AND HER MIND INTO ANOTHER DIMENSION!
Persephone: That could describe all of this damn company if you ask me.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen is back to her feet as she grabs Auburn by the head and RUNS TO THE CORNER BRO! CARMEN LOOKING FOR A BULLDOG–
Rich Russillo: AUBURN GETS FREE AND CARMEN KEEPS GOING UNTIL SHE LANDS RIGHT INTO THE RING POST!!
Thadd Blazevich: BRO, THAT WAS NOT A GOOD LANDING! ONE LEG WENT LEFT AND ONE LEG WENT RIGHT AND THE RING POST MET HER IN THE MIDDLE!!
Persephone: Not the first time I am sure. But it is refreshing to see a bitch in pain.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen falls back to the mat as her legs are still sitting on the ropes. Now Auburn has a chance to get some momentum back and she is climbing to the top rope, Bro.
Rich Russillo: Auburn choosing to go to the high rent district for what could change the momentum or possibly end the match right here.
Persephone: Gosh I hope so, but it’s a high flying move so I highly doubt it.
Rich Russillo: Auburn has herself in position AS SHE LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND HITS THE FROG SPLASH BUT CHANGES IT INTO AN ELBOW DROP! “TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW” BY THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION AS SHE GRABS BOTH LEGS OFF THE ROPE AND HOOKS THEM BOTH FOR THE COVER!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: SEE!?! WHAT DID I TELL YOU!?!?!?!
Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN KICKS OUT AT TWO! DUDE, THAT WAS A VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL FOR THE CHAMPION AS SHE, AS WELL AS THE CROWD, THOUGHT SHE HAD IT THERE!
Rich Russillo: What a match this has been for the Specialists Championship. Auburn brings Carmen back to feet and pushes her back into the corner. Auburn with a couple of forearms BEFORE SHE DOES A HANDSTAND AND DRIVES HER BOOT INTO CARMEN’S THROAT!
Thadd Blazevich: “UGLY LOVE” BY AUBURN WARE! BEAUTIFUL MOVE, BRO, BUT THAT IS AN ILLEGAL MOVE AND THE REFEREE IS TELLING HER TO STOP CHOKING HER IN THE CORNER!!
Persephone: Oh please. Like anybody really listens to these referees in the first place.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, the referee has warned Auburn and is forced to start a count. The referee reaches four and Auburn flips back and prevents herself from being disqualified on five.
Rich Russillo: Auburn with the facelock as she manages to lift up Carmen and sits her right on the top turnbuckle before she backs up AND USES THE MIDDLE ROPE FOR THE HANDSTAND!
Persephone: Isn’t that just so pretty? The battle of the little mini pixies.
Rich Russillo: Auburn is trying for the “TOWER OF DAWN” BUT CARMEN IS ABLE TO BLOCK IT!! SHE GETS HER HEAD FREE AND LOCKS AUBURN’S LEGS IN HER ARMS AND DROPS OFF THE TURNBUCKLES FOR A MODIFIED BOSTON CRAB!!
Persephone: Get her away from the ropes, stupid, or else it will be a quick move.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Carmen must have heard what you said because she drags Auburn to the center of the ring and the submission is locked in tight.
Rich Russillo: A lot of pressure being applied on Auburn’s lower back as the referee is checking to see if Auburn wants to give up this match.
Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is more than just refusing, SHE IS TRYING TO FIGHT BACK! SHE IS TRYING TO DRAG HERSELF TOWARDS THE ROPES AND FORCE A BREAK TO GET FREE OF THE BOSTON CRAB WITH THE TITLE ON THE LINE!!
Persephone: It’s this damn stubbornness that leads to injuries… actually I am all for it. Keep fighting, but not for too long because you all bore me with this crap.
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, AUBURN IS SCRATCHING AND CLAWING AND DOING WHATEVER SHE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE CAN GET TO THE ROPES BECAUSE IF SHE GIVES UP OR PASSES OUT, SHE LOSES THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP TONIGHT ON VOLTAGE!!
Rich Russillo: Carmen was taking a gamble in getting her title shot earlier than expected, but it could pay off in just a few moments, BUT SHE MIGHT NEED TO HURRY BECAUSE AUBURN IS ONLY A FEW FEET AWAY FROM THE ROPES!
Persephone: I told you this was going to happen. Nobody listens to me… WHAT IN THE HELL IS SHE DOING? WHY IS SHE BACKING UP AND LETTING THE SUBMISSION GO?
Rich Russillo: Carmen has a change of plans going on in her mind as she backs up and out of the submission and has her transitioned into a slingshot position.
Persephone: Auburn is still locked up by this rookie bitch before the rookie bitch falls back and hits the slingshot!
Thadd Blazevich: BRO, AUBURN GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! AUBURN COMES STUMBLING OUT OF THE CORNER RIGHT INTO A BOOT FROM CARMEN!
Rich Russillo: Carmen with the facelock applied before lifting Auburn UP AND OVER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE KEEPS THE FACELOCK APPLIED AND TURNS AROUND AND BACK TO HER FEET AND HITTING ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX!
Persephone: And she still has the facelock. As if the first two suplexes weren’t boring enough, she wants to do it again. The Trifecta of Terrible.
Thadd Blazevich: She gets Auburn back in position for another suplex, but instead she keeps her in the air long enough BEFORE COMING DOWN AND DROPPING AUBURN RIGHT ON HER HEAD!!
Rich Russillo: THAT COMBINATION FINISHES THE THREE AMIGAS MOVE AS AUBURN ISN’T MOVING AND CARMEN HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: DID SHE GET IT? IS THE BITCH DEAD AND THE MATCH OVER? YAY!!
Rich Russillo: IT’S NOT OVER! AUBURN BARELY GOT HER SHOULDER UP BEFORE THREE! CARMEN WITH A VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL!
Persephone: OH SON OF A BITCH!! THESE SKANKS MUST HATE ME TO PUT ME THROUGH THIS NEVER ENDING TORTURE!!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, you are being dramatic, but Carmen can’t believe it. She thought she had the match there, but it was only a two count.
Rich Russillo: Auburn is barely moving after the kickout as Carmen gets back to her feet and runs to the ropes again.
Thadd Blazevich: SHE JUMPS ONTO THE SECOND ROPE LOOKING FOR THE LIONSAULT AGAIN AND SOMEHOW AUBURN IS ABLE TO ROLL OUT OF THE WAY AS CARMEN CRASHES AND BURNS ON THE MAT!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! DUMB BITCH! If it didn’t work the first time, why in the hell did you think it was going to work a second time. Think, moron, think.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, sometimes in high stakes matches, you just have to go for broke that everything works out. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It just didn’t work for Carmen this time.
Rich Russillo: Carmen is trying to recover quickly but Auburn has made it back to her feet as she grabs Carmen by the head and runs her to the ropes BEFORE PLANTING HER WITH SOME “MAD HONEY”!
Persephone: Ew gross. Please don’t say it like that ever again. Just call it a damn springboard bulldog like it is. I just hope it messes her face up… again high hopes.
Rich Russillo: Carmen’s face bounces off the canvas as she gets to her feet and stumbles to the corner. BUT HERE COMES AUBURN WITH THE HANDSPRING ELBOW! “THIS GIRL” ON THE WAY–
Persephone: Well “THIS GIRL” just got an elbow to the back of the head because any idiot could have scouted that and they did because it backfired.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen with an elbow to the back of the head sends Auburn stumbling forward as Carmen climbs her way up to the top turnbuckle.
Rich Russillo: She is getting in position AS AUBURN TURNS AROUND AND GRABS THE MIDDLE ROPE AGAIN! AUBURN HANDSPRINGS UP IN THE AIR AND WRAPS HER LEGS AROUND CARMEN’S HEAD AND BRINGS HER DOWN WITH “THE TOWER OF DAWN”!
Thadd Blazevich: The handspring frankensteiner brings Carmen down hard off the top rope and Auburn is now going to try and follow the same path as she makes her way up to the top turnbuckle.
Persephone: What is it with these dumb bitches and trying to show off? Just beat the hell out of each other and end the match. Makes just as big of a statement.
Thadd Blazevich: Auburn has her balance on the top rope BEFORE SHE LAUNCHES HERSELF BACK AS SHE HITS THE MOONSAULT SENTON FROM THE TOP ROPE!! HOLY CRAP WHAT A MOVE!!
Rich Russillo: VERY DANGEROUS MANEUVER FROM THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION BUT IT WAS A DIRECT HIT! SHE LANDS HARD ON CARMEN AS SHE GOES INTO THE COVER! THIS COULD END IT ALL HERE!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: THE MATCH IS OVER!! WHY ISN’T THE REFEREE RINGING THE BELL!?!?
Rich Russillo: LOOK AT THE ROPES!! CARMEN WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE BOTTOM ROPE AND THE REFEREE SAW IT!! THAT STOPS THE COUNT!!
Persephone: YOU HAVE GOT TO BE SHITTING ME?? WHAT IS WITH THIS CRAP?? JUST KILL EACH OTHER AND END MY MISERY!
Thadd Blazevich: While Persephone is losing it, the crowd is going crazy for this match and the fight both competitors are bringing all for the sake of leaving Voltage as the Specialists Champion.
Rich Russillo: Auburn can’t believe it! She thought she had the match there but she just noticed Carmen’s hand on the rope and pounds the mat in frustration because that mistake could easily cost her title if she is not careful.
Thadd Blazevich: If that happens then it will prove Carmen right and that Auburn’s focus was a cause of losing. First the tournament and then the Specialists Title, bro.
Persephone: It’s her own damn fault if that happens. She gets exactly what she deserves.
Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is looking to end this match once and for all as she brings Carmen back to her feet and applies another facelock before lifting her up once again and putting her on the top turnbuckle.
Rich Russillo: Now Auburn climbs up to the middle rope to apply another facelock on Carmen before climbing up on the top rope as well. THAT IS DANGEROUS! BE CAREFUL UP THERE!
Persephone: I say let them screw up and accept the consequences of their own stupidity. Honestly, I am surprised both those two were able to get to the top rope without a step ladder or something since they are both so terribly small
Rich Russillo: Cute, Persephone. But right now Auburn is trying to get Carmen in place for a superplex AND NOW BOTH WOMEN ARE STANDING ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! OH MY GAWD!
Persephone: COME ON, BITCHES!! TAKE YOURSELVES OUT AND END THE MATCH!! A BROKEN NECK IS WORTH THE CAUSE!!
Thadd Blazevich: BOTH WOMEN ARE FIGHTING ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE WITH AUBURN TRYING FOR A SUPERPLEX, BUT CARMEN IS BLOCKING IT, BRO!!
Rich Russillo: BOTH WOMEN ARE THROWING HANDS ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE TRYING TO GET THE ADVANTAGE, BUT CARMEN IS ABLE TO GET A GOOD RIGHT HAND IN ON THE CHAMPION BEFORE SHOVING AUBURN OFF THE TOP ROPE–
Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN LANDED ON HER FEET BUT CARMEN LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND GRABS AUBURN BY THE HEAD AND SPIKES HER DOWN WITH A MODIFIED TORNADO DDT!!
Persephone: Damn. All that hype for nothing. Now we have a cover. Oh goody goody.
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE! AUBURN KICKED OUT AGAIN AT TWO!! CARMEN ANOTHER COUNT AWAY FROM BECOMING THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION AND NOW BOTH WOMEN ARE DOWN AS CARMEN STARTS TO GET BACK TO HER FEET–
(Before Thadd could finish, somebody comes running down the ramp and slides right into the ring.)
Persephone: What the hell is she doing here?
Rich Russillo: IT’S SAORI AIZEN!! SHE IS STILL ANGRY ABOUT WHAT AUBURN DID EARLIER TONIGHT AND SAORI IS BEATING ON THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION!! THE REFEREE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL FOR THE BELL!!
(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)
(The referee has called for the bell as Saori is still beating the hell out of Auburn. Carmen can’t believe what just happened as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! The winner of this contest as a result of a DISQUALIFICATION… AND STILLLLLLLLLLL THE ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! AUBURN! WARE!!
Rich Russillo: Well I can’t say that I am pleased with the end result of this match, but I can say that I kind of expected it to happen.
Persephone: Bitch just learned that turnabout is fair play. Nobody in this damn company will forgive and forget. It’s beat the fuck out of each other and get revenge.
(Carmen is completely pissed off that Saori has ruined her chances of becoming champion. She stares at Saori for a minute, as she rolls right out of the ring and storms up the ramp, shaking her head in frustration knowing this was out of her control.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Carmen is mad! She was perhaps a few moments away from the first title of her EAW career and Saori ruined.
Persephone: I can’t believe I am taking a bitch’s side and that already pisses me off, but can you blame Saori. She’s an evil bitch, but did you really expect her to play nice when she could easily get revenge on somebody who took a spot in the tournament away from her.
Rich Russillo: SAORI AIZEN IS JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! SHE IS JUST RELENTLESS!!
Thadd Blazevich: NOW SHE HAS HOLD OF AUBURN, PULLING HER UP BY THE HAIR AND LIFTS HER UP BEFORE DROPPING HER ON HER HEAD WITH THE “CLOSING FRANTICA”! WHAT A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!
Persephone: Who gives a diddley squat? Now that Saori bitch is climbing to the top rope!! I know this isn’t a match but what is so damn special about the top rope?
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Saori has her balance AS SHE LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE–
Rich Russillo: SAORI HITS THE ‘HORIZON OF THE CAPTIVATING SKANDHA’! WHAT A MOONSAULT FROM SAORI!!
(Saori stands up and motions for a microphone as she is handed one by Bella Braxton before she goes back to Auburn and stands above her.)
Saori Aizen: Now that the trash has been taken out, let us get back to business. Since Auburn Ware is still champion, what I did to you now was just the beginning.
(Saori listens to the crowd boo her for a moment before she continues speaking.)
Saori Aizen: This is my time now. You. Against me. Fighting Spirit. With the Specialists Championship on the line.
(Saori throws the microphone down and makes sure to hit Auburn in the face before—
(SPIT!)
(She spits on Auburn before rolling out of the ring and heading up the entrance ramp.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, that was extremely disrespectful by Saori. Spitting on the Specialists Champion like that.
Persephone: Spitters are quitters.
Rich Russillo: Sounds like Saori is not done with her revenge on Auburn. Auburn took Saori out of the tournament now Saori wants to take her Specialists Title at Fighting Spirit. If Auburn accepts the challenge, what a war this will be.
(The final shot shows Auburn still not moving in the ring before cutting to Saori still storming up the entrance ramp as the camera shot fades elsewhere.)
(Commercial for the new film, Mortal Kombat II.)
(Voltage returns and ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney begins to blast across the PA system. The fans shoot to their feet, elated to see Captain Charisma this late into the show because that can only mean one thing; he has a big announcement to make!)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome the commissioner of Sunday Night Voltage… THE HALL OF FAMER… CAPTAIN CHARISMA!!!
(Captain Charisma walks out to a ton of fanfare and a smirk on his face. He panders to the crowd, which is typical of his personality, and doesn’t waste time as he heads to the ring.)
Persephone: We are so close to the end of the show :noah:. Why is he coming out here? I’ve suffered enough and I don’t want to listen to CC talk.
Thadd Blazevich: Come on, broette! Captain Charisma always has something exciting to say! I been hearing rumors about him making a big match come Fighting Spirit and maybe that’s what he’s here to talk about!
Persephone: :whoa: Now why would we want to make that show even longer? What is wrong with all of you??
Rich Russillo: I don’t know. Maybe we’re just excited about Pain for Pride, or something.
Persephone: Ugh.
(While the wonderful Voltage broadcast team bantered, Captain Charisma had gotten into the ring. He had taken a microphone from the timekeeper before entering and as his music died down, so did the crowd. They were excited to hear what he had to say!)
Captain Charisma: Tonight has been… interesting :mjgrin:, then again, that’s just a typical night on Voltage! Every single Elitist across the table is searching for their path to Pain for Pride. Fighting Spirit is in two weeks, and I won’t shortchange that event. For some people, it may be their last opportunity to get themselves a guaranteed match at the biggest show of the year.
(The fans cheer because they know how important Pain for Pride is. It’s the grand finale of the season and all season long, Elitists compete with Pain for Pride in the back of their respective minds.)
Captain Charisma: So with that in mind, let’s get down to business. In lieu of what happened before the commercial break between Saori Aizen and Auburn Ware, I’m going to go ahead and make it official. At Fighting Spirit, the two of them will face off with the Specialists Championship on the line. I must admit that when I signed Damon Lazarus I underestimated his aura and the effect he would have on my roster :mjgrin:.
(The audience cheers for this, although it’s a bit strained and rather nervous. Seeing a stoic young competitor like Auburn Ware unravel before their eyes has been jarring, to say the least.)
Captain Charisma: The Tag Team Turmoil Tournament finals will be set momentarily when Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA take on Bronson Daniels and ARIA. I can’t wait to see how that match shakes out all things considered and with so many of our Elitists out of the tournament and on the outside looking in, Eden and I got to thinking. We need to do something to start getting the Voltage side of Pain for Pride set. So with that in mind, we have decided to put together TWO qualifying matches for Cash in the Vault.
(Captain Charisma pauses to let the fans react. Cash in the Vault is one of the marquee matches of Pain for Pride weekend, with the winner receiving a chance to cash in on a world title whenever they want.)
Captain Charisma: The first qualifier will take place at Fighting Spirit. The second qualifier will take place the following week on Voltage. Now, as for who will be in those matches? Well… the second one is to be determined, however, I’m happy to announce the participants for the match at Fighting Spirit… RIGHT NOW! First, depending on the outcome of tonight’s main event, either ARIA or Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA will find themselves in the match at Fighting Spirit.
(Captain Charisma pauses for suspense as the crowd murmurs in anticipation, before he goes on.)
Captain Charisma: Next, two people who came up short last week in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, but now get another chance to solidify their spot at Pain For Pride… None other than Candice Blair and NICK!
(The crowd cheers loudly for the two names, with both of them clearly being fan favorites after the season that they’ve had on the brand.)
Captain Charisma: And last, but certainly not least, the aforementioned man who has been taking Voltage by storm. While his Tag Team Turmoil partner competes for the Specialists Championship, Damon Lazarus will have his chance at Fighting Spirit to qualify for Cash in the Vault!
(The crowd doesn’t exactly give Damon the same reception, not feeling too particular to him after all the chaos that he has caused in the months that he has been in EAW. Captain Charisma acknowledges that with a faint chuckle.)
Captain Charisma: All these participants have the opportunity of a lifetime to end their season with a bang and be set up for a bright World Championship future, and I am certain that regardless of who wins both qualifier matches, the two participants who will be representing Voltage in the Cash in the Vault match are going to be ones that you are going to want to look out for!
(Before Captain Charisma can continue, ‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ by Marqus Clae begins to play up, with the crowd getting into an uproar in response. The camera goes over to show NICK as he’s seen making his way out to the stage. He has a serious expression on his face, taking a glance around before making his way down the ramp and toward the ring. As he enters inside, he takes a microphone while his theme comes to a close, glancing at the Commissioner who isn’t at all disturbed by the interruption.)
NICK: First off, Captain Charisma, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity. It’s been a hard couple of weeks for a guy like me, from coming up short in the Grand Rampage match to what happened last week, but at the same time, it ain’t nothing new to me. I’ve struggled my whole life and even getting here in itself is something that people didn’t think would happen, so I’m going to take every opportunity that I can to make sure that I seize what I think I rightfully deserve. I’m going to work my ass off and you can consider Fighting Spirit to be no different.
(Captain Charisma nods his head in agreement, stepping back and allowing NICK to continue speaking.)
NICK: A lot of people in my position would just walk away. The going gets too tough and they don’t know how to respond to that, and for the most part I don’t blame him, because I think we can all agree that this life isn’t for everyone. You have to be truly dedicated to that and if you aren’t, then you’re not gonna cut it. Judging by the fact that I am still here, continuing to do what I do best, I think it’s safe to say I got what it takes, and if I need to prove that to everyone else, then that is something that I am fully committed to doing.
(NICK paces around, glancing around at the crowd who continues to show their full support toward him.)
NICK: Right now, though, I’d like to wish Candice, Damon, and whoever else is in this match with me the best of luck, because they’re certainly going to need it. I have every reason in the world to put my foot on the gas pedal, and one way or another, I’m going to make sure that I am on that Pain For Pride card. Whoever I have to beat in order to get there is secondary.
(NICK lowers his microphone, and as he does, ‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil begins to play up. The crowd once again cheers as Candice Blair is seen strutting out to the ring. She has a faint smile on her face as she glances over at the scene starting to unfold inside of the ring, looking to join the fray as she enters through the ropes, making her way over and taking a microphone for herself. Her theme begins to fade as she turns around, completely shifting her focus toward NICK.)
Candice Blair: NICK, I know how last week was for the two of us, and make no mistake about it, I am just as unhappy as you are about it. But, I’d like to consider this a rational compromise. Regardless of all of that, I’m not going to change up on you, because I mean everything that I say about you and your future in this company, the sky is the limit. But I also said as well I wasn’t particular about teaming with you because you weren’t ARIA, and now that’s off the table and we’re standing across the ring from each other. I just don’t want it to be mistaken in any sort of way, that I have no problem crushing whatever dreams you have in order to get to where I need to be on Voltage.
(NICK nods his head in agreement, a smirk on his face.)
Candice Blair: Unlike you, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. If you do that, then you’re already fighting an uphill battle, especially after everything that I’ve gone through in this company, that’s not something that I’m keen on doing. I’m just looking to put my head down and go to work, and if that leads me to the Cash in the Vault match at Pain For Pride, then that is something that I have absolutely no problem doing. We’ve both worked extremely hard to get to this point, but when it comes down to it, only one of us is going to be able to win, and that person is going to be me. So you better brace yourself for that.
(The crowd once again has a loud reaction for the two inside of the ring, NICK thinking to himself for a moment with an amused expression on his face, before responding.)
NICK: Candice-
(Suddenly, the crowd erupts.)
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!
Thadd Blazevich: CTE TO NICK!
(Like a bat out of hell, Damon Lazarus shoots into the air and drops NICK down to the ground with the cutter, knocking him out cold. Candice is stunned for a moment, taken aback by the sudden interruption, but quickly tries to retaliate.)
Persephone: Damon quickly gets back up to his feet, BUT CANDICE TAKES HER MICROPHONE AND SLAMS IT DIRECTLY AGAINST HIS FOREHEAD-
Rich Russillo: NO! Damon manages to block it, he grabs her wrist, BEFORE CRACKING HER AGAINST THE SKULL WITH A VICIOUS HEADBUTT TO THE FACE! He grabs a hold of Candice into a front facelock and drags her across the ropes…
Thadd Blazevich: BLACKEST EYES CONNECTS! DDT SPIKES CANDICE DOWN!
(Damon slowly rises up to a knee, glaring down at Candice. After everything that has transpired tonight, needless to say, he’s not here to talk to anyone. He’s pissed the fuck off, and he’s going to remind the world that the last thing that you want to do is fuck with him in this current state of mind. He runs his hands down his face, backing up and falling against one of the adjacent corners. Candice isn’t completely out of it yet, struggling to recover as she slowly tries to crawl herself to the ropes…)
(But before she can, it’s too late.)
Persephone: IN ABSENTIA CONNECTS! PUNT KICK TO THE SKULL!
(Candice Blair drops like a sack of bricks, and while Captain Charisma quickly confronts him along with officials, shouting at him to back off, unfortunately, the damage has already been done. Damon Lazarus backs up, a serious expression on his face, as he closes his eyes, struggling to suppress the chaos swirling in his head.)
(The last shot seen is him raising his arms in the air in his signature pose, while Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Voltage pans to the backstage area—more specifically, inside a locker room, eventually revealing none other than Dr. Bethany Blue, sat down on a foldable steel chair, properly adjusting her kneepads in preparation for tonight’s main event action while holding onto a box of earpods with one hand.)
(Having recently made—in the eyes of many—a miraculous return in the Grand Rampage match following a tragic outcome at and absence following Shock Value, there is a whole lot on her mind, and the best she can do is unleash whatever’s in there through physicality…)
Knock! Knock! Knock!
(Suddenly, a hand knocks on her locker room door, quite surprising considering the lack of friendly faces backstage—but regardless, she sharply exhales and goes to answer the door. A voice close to home speaks, under muttered breath, through the door’s slow creak.)
(It was Adam Lucas.)
Adam Lucas: Beth—
THUNK!!
(The noise reverberates all throughout the backstage area as the door is slammed shut in Adam’s face, even sending him back…)
(He sighs, and expecting a commotion, a security guard close by approaches him.)
Security Guard: Everything alright here…?
Adam Lucas: …Yeah. Mind your own business.
(From the reluctant tone of Adam’s voice, it did not sound convincing, but knowing Adam’s track record of putting his hands on security workers… he’d rather leave it be.)
(Adam goes back to the door, knocking two more times.)
Knock! Knock!
(No response…)
Adam Lucas: Beth… please…
Knock!
(Adam leans into the door, head bowed, and arm raised, looking like his own grief was starting to resurface all over again…)
(Meanwhile, via split screen, Bethany is back first against the other side of the door, arms crossed with a disgusted, yet regretful look written all over her face.)
Adam Lucas: Beth… If you’re even hearing me… I’m sorry!
(Bethany not so lightly taps the sole of her boot on the door, making it tremble and creak which at least confirms to Adam that she indeed heard him. He raises his head from the door, eyes forcefully shut…)
Adam Lucas: God, Beth, I’m so sorry… So fuckin’ sorry…
(He takes a quick breath so as not to start sobbing, while Bethany’s expression remains stern.)
Adam Lucas: You changed my life. You made all the sacrifices worth it. You’ve been my rock during this tough, shitty goddamned life of mine and without you, Beth, I don’t know what to do.
(Adam snorts.)
Adam Lucas: I just don’t. You changed my life. A complete 180… and no matter what, whether shit hit the fan or not, it was your presence alone that kept me in there, that genuinely made me happy. You’re my purpose in life. My reason for living. Without you, it’s the same thing as being dead…
(Bethany’s chin slowly sinks into her chest.)
Adam Lucas: I don’t wanna guilt-trip you, or anything, but that’s just the truth, straight from the heart. I’ve been a mess these past few months and I don’t know how to take it day-by-day anymore. I’m losing purpose… vengeance ain’t doing shit, not on any front, I’m just fucking grieving, being reckless, thinking about it all the time, nothing helps, Beth… fuck…
(Adam clears his throat.)
Adam Lucas: Not even any alcohol makes the pain *at least* go numb. It honestly don’t even taste any good either… I’m just desperate to regain whatever substance I had… But you were that substance for me, you’re the one who kept me up, and I can’t trade that for anything in the world. Whatever mistakes we made in our beautiful past, I went along with it, trusted you, because I knew that in the end, you knew best… I wouldn’t change a damn thing, Beth! No matter what anybody says, you’ve only done right by me!
Adam Lucas: …But I failed you. I failed you so fuckin’ badly…
(Adam punches the brick wall next to the door, even sending bits and pieces of dust crumbling to the ground, only followed by an instant wave of regret. Bethany hears all of it, her body shaking out of sudden shock.)
Adam Lucas: Goddamnit…! It’s like whatever I try, whatever I do to “regulate” myself I’m just stuck with this deep, deep anger… but I’m not angry at you. Not even at the world… I’m angry at myself…
Adam Lucas: You know, whatever you called me in your head, and I’m sure it was some horrible things, it’s nothing that I haven’t called myself as well… I cannot bear looking in the mirror anymore, because my face alone just reminds me of the crap I’ve done, how wrong I’ve done you. I’m stuck in self-loathing, and I know it’s my fault, I know I deserve it, I know no apology would cut it, but I just… need a chance.
Adam Lucas: Whatever it takes to get it… I’m doing it…
(Adam takes a deep, deep breath, rubbing his palms along his eyes almost desperately.)
Adam Lucas: I’ll… wait… when you’re ready… I don’t know how much longer I can do it… but hanging in there is the least I can do, I know that.
Adam Lucas: Sincerely… ugh… sincerely, I regret everything. That fucking night. That dumb ass decision I made. It was love… it was also jealousy, maybe, I don’t even know at this point what the fuck was going on in my thick fuckin’ head.
(Slowly sinking into the door, Bethany’s eyes do glint under the light, rising up, even if only slightly.)
Adam Lucas: The way this all turned out… the stunt that fucker pulled… my lack of care, my lack of knowledge, I’m irate, I’ll never forgive myself, I believe in a happily ever after yet STILL I wouldn’t forgive myself. That bastard was right… It was my fault. I’m your husband, and I didn’t protect you. I wasn’t there for you when I needed to; instead, I fought a war with you at your most frail. I was fuckin’ knocked out in the end, after laying out a challenge I never should have made, I should’ve seen it coming—no. I should’ve seen your behavior in advance… but I failed terribly. Even when you were pissed off, it was my duty to be there despite it, but I was such a fuckin’ coward, and look where that led me. Whole bunch of gold in that trophy case at home, but what’s the point when our home is empty?! When our shit is aired out, RIDICULED?! When this pain… is just dirty laundry… What’s the point in me being capable of all of that… *if I can’t even be a good husband for you…*
Adam Lucas: **…At least for once.**
(Sliding down the wood, Bethany’s arms wrap around her knees, as they draw tightly to her chest. Starting to shake, she rests her forehead on them, making her best attempt not to shatter herself into pieces—on the outside at least, if it’s too late to save herself on the inside…)
Adam Lucas: This thing? The wrestling thing? It’s nothing for me now. It doesn’t mean jack… The accolades, the adulation, the fanfare, the triumphs, they don’t matter to me… They’re nothing. Worthless. And to think it all came to this… because I jumped the shark for an accolade—your accolade… it’s overbearing… if I could, I’d punch myself to death, strangle my own stupid fuckin’ neck because of what I’d done, but so God help me… I’m instead forced to just live with it… I’m willing to trade my entire legacy, I’d allow it to be erased forever and for the name Adam Lucas to never mean shit if it meant I could get another chance… If it meant I still had a family… your warm hand to hold… your shoulders to wrap myself around…
(He sinks his brows into the palm of his hands desperately, the hard friction of his skin only making him feel more ill at ease amid his heartbreaking eruption.)
Adam Lucas: Nothing matters anymore… not for me. The petty squabbles. The arrogant idiots parroting opinions. The sons of bitches that did me wrong. The dick measuring contests.The glory. The “spectacle”. None of that. None.
(His palms ultimately run to his forehead, and then over his hair, sending it back, grasping onto it with enough force to even rip some of it out if he keeps going.)
Adam Lucas: I miss my wife… I miss you… Our child… they—
(His eyes tightly cinched, the nose snuffles and the voice breaks for a split second, stubbornly attempting to maintain his composure, to contain his emotions…)
Adam Lucas: They—
(He can’t even bring himself to say it out loud, to Bethany.)
Adam Lucas: —would’ve been the cutest… the smartest…
(Bethany’s hands tremble out of control, clutching onto the cold plastic of that earpod case as if it’s the last remnant of her resolve… Her lack of control stemming not just from the mention of their miscarried infant… but also from Adam’s inability to find the strength to utter what he really meant to say and come to terms with—that their child was dead.)
Adam Lucas: The bravest… *braver than their dumb, irrational, idiotic goddamn father*…
(She squeezes her eyes shut into a grimace. Her sight shrouded by the cloud of darkness, she flings the lid of the earpod case open with her senses alone. Slowly, with trembling hands, she takes each individual earpiece, tightly sinking them into their respective ears, slowly channeling out Adam’s voice until the sounds become nothing but murmurs. With her finger, she taps twice on one earpod… As the music loudly echoes in her eardrums, her husband’s cries become a distant whisper, evaporating into silence.)
(Bethany helps herself up to her feet under unsteady motions, slowly walking towards a faraway corner of the locker room, picking up the foldable chair she sat on earlier with one hand…)
(And with the other, she brushes away a tear that fell onto her cheek, with a glassy gaze right above it—staring off into a distant, distant blur…)
(…All the while, Adam Lucas still pours his heart out… into the abyss.)
Adam Lucas: …getting back together… to the way we used to be… where we used to be… eventually… whenever…
(His face became a wreck, words hardly audible through broken, sniffling breaths.)
Adam Lucas: …whatever it takes… whatever would fix things… there must… be a way… any way……
(He takes his palms out of his hair, glancing upon bits of his own dirty blonde hair ripped apart between his own numb fingers…)
Adam Lucas: …to move… forward… Beth… please—
CLAAANKKK!!!
(A steel, lead pipe suddenly reverberates off the side of his skull, sending the grieving man collapsing to the concrete ground… while Bethany cannot hear *absolutely anything.*)
(Tapping the lead pipe onto his palm, standing above him… is Kai Rabeaux… with Adam’s own blood slowly pouring onto his leather shoe.)
(Donning a fully white suit… Kai removes his sunglasses, carelessly throwing them away as they slide on concrete… He then stoops down, knees to the ground, dropping the metal pipe down, deafeningly clanking on the concrete.)
Kai Rabeaux: AAAHHHHH!!! AHHHHH!!
(He ruthlessly pummels the side of Adam’s head, the intensity of his bare knuckles matched by his loud, raw roars.)
(He drives his fists into Adam’s skull until he loses all feeling in his stained hand… stains of blood that reached all the way to his sleeve, with that same color of red splattered all across the rest of his suit… from the fountain pouring out of Adam’s head.)
(Kai drags his lifeless body by one hand, Adam’s weight at this point feeling no heavier than a feather…)
Kai Rabeaux: AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
(With blood-curdling screams from Kai, Adam is sent flying over equipment boxes, brick walls, screens, tables… pent-up rage after fourteen long, long nights unleashing at full throttle.)
???: What the hell is going on here?!— HEY, CAN I GET SOME PEOPLE ON THE FAR-RIGHT HALLWAY!! OVER!!!
(The security guard from earlier hears all the commotion, rushing to the scene and communicating to the rest of the security via radio.)
(He gets in Kai’s way while Adam slumps back onto the concrete, his body only held up by a wall he found himself leaning on, but one security guard is far too ineffective. Kai shoves him out of the way without even bothering to spare a single glance.)
(Under heavy pants of rage, Kai takes off his white blazercoat, shoving it on the ground, and slowly unbuttons one sleeve on his shirt… rolling it up to the elbow.)
Kai Rabeaux: HNNNGGGHHHHHHHHHH—
CRAAAAAAAAACCCKKKK!!!!
(Kai’s scream echoes in the entire hallway. His yell—a raw blade cutting through noise… and his elbow—a Blade of Babylon clobbering with inhumane velocity the side of Adam’s openly-wounded head.)
(The Hardcore Champion stands still, hunched over Adam’s carcass, only heavily puffing as the rest of security finally swarms in.)
(To Kai, though, it’s as if none of them were there. They would all shout at him, but in his head they were all echoes of silence, his soundwaves only fueled by an enraged, rapidly beating heart. Despite attempts to pry him off Adam to no avail, it’s Kai who voluntarily rises up to his feet at a steady, downright calmful pace amidst the hectic chaos in the middle of the hallway.)
(Eventually, he stands over Adam, staring at the pool of blood pouring onto the concrete, as his scowl slowly dissipates, almost beginning to look elegant if not for the heavy splatters of blood decorating his silhouette.)
(Kai moves without a flinch as security aggressively puts hands on him. From his perspective… it all stood at a still silence, everything around him moving at the pace of a slow-ticking clock.)
(Without uttering a word to Adam Lucas, he shakes his head, steadily stepping away from the scene, shoving the swarm of security away with his stern & savage presence alone.)
(Leaving Adam Lucas to drown in a pool of his own blood… yet the worst part of it all is that it all happened under Bethany’s nose… who could not hear a *single whisper* of this wreckage… the blood trail starting right from beneath the door of her locker.)
(Commercial for the upcoming series finale of The Boys. Watch comic book Donald Trump and a deranged hobo eye fuck each other one last time!)
(Voltage fades back in from commercial as the camera pans across the crowd inside the arena.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A TAG TEAM TURMOIL TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL MATCH… AND IT IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘Run Into Flowers’ by M83 begins to play throughout the arena to loud cheers from the fans in attendance.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes Bronson Daniels, and he looks laser focused! We know he will contend for the EAW Championship and he has a chance to win Tag Team Turmoil if he can make it through this match as well as the finals!
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah bro! Bronson has done a lot in his career but in a short couple weeks it feels like all the momentum is swinging his way!
Persephone: Which will make it all the more entertaining to see how he fucks it up again.
(Bronson Daniels steps out onto the stage to a strong ovation from the crowd. He looks focused tonight and takes a brief look around before beginning his walk down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… RESIDING IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA… WEIGHING IN AT 225 POUNDS… “THE GAME CHANGER”… BRRROOONNNSSSOOONNN DANNNIIIEEELLLSSSS!!!
Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels is a multi-time World Champion for a reason. We’re talking about one of the most explosive competitors anywhere in EAW today, and despite everything going on in his career right now, he and ARIA managed to come together last week and advance in this tournament.
Thadd Blazevich: That chemistry surprised a lot of people too, dude! They looked GOOD together against last week!
Persephone: “Good together” by wrestling standards usually means “haven’t betrayed each other yet.”
(Bronson reaches ringside before climbing onto the apron. He steps into the ring and paces briefly while waiting for his partner.)
(‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba begins to blast throughout the arena next, causing another loud reaction from the crowd.)
Rich Russillo: And here comes ARIA! Another competitor who has been building momentum rapidly over the past few months, and somebody capable of changing the pace of a match instantly once she gets rolling!
(ARIA walks out onto the stage with confidence, immediately focused on the ring ahead of her. She doesn’t waste much time playing to the crowd tonight, clearly understanding the stakes of the match in front of her.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS PARTNER… FROM ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA… WEIGHING IN AT 135 POUNDS… AAARRRIIIAAAAA!!!
Thadd Blazevich: This is what I’m talking about, bro! Between Bronson and ARIA you’ve got speed, explosiveness, experience, championships, versatility— they really might have all the tools to win this whole tournament!
Persephone: Or they lose tonight and we save ourselves the trouble of pretending another thrown-together team is secretly best friends.
(ARIA reaches the ring before hopping onto the apron. Bronson looks toward her and gives a quick nod. ARIA returns it before entering the ring, the two briefly discussing strategy while waiting for their opponents.)
(After a few moments, ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits to a loud reaction from the crowd.)
Rich Russillo: And now here comes a team that may very well have the experience advantage over everybody else in this tournament field!
(TLA bursts out onto the stage full of energy, immediately hyping up the crowd despite the mixed reaction. He points toward the ring before spreading his arms wide, clearly embracing the atmosphere tonight.)
Bella Braxton: AND THEIR OPPONENTS… FIRST… RESIDING IN THE POON PALACE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA… WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS… LAAA PAAANNNTTERRRAAA SEEEXXXUUUAAALLLLL… T! L! AAAAAAA!!!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA looked incredible last week teaming with Bethany Blue, bro! Those two somehow managed to come together long enough to become a genuinely dangerous team!
Persephone: Which honestly makes me question their judgment.
Rich Russillo: TLA has been part of some of the biggest matches in EAW history, and when the lights are brightest he has a habit of showing up in a huge way.
(TLA reaches the bottom of the ramp before stepping onto the apron, pointing toward Bronson and ARIA inside the ring.)
(“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen hits next as the crowd erupts into another loud reaction.)
Rich Russillo: And here comes Dr. Bethany Blue! One of the most accomplished competitors in this entire match tonight, and someone who knows exactly what it takes to win under pressure situations like this!
(Dr. Bethany Blue walks out onto the stage with a confident expression on her face. She keeps her attention fixed on the ring while making her way down the ramp, not paying too much attention to TLA despite the successful partnership they had the previous week.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS PARTNER… RESIDING IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA… WEIGHING IN AT 125 POUNDS… DOOOOCCCTTOOORRRR BEEETTHHHAAANNNYYY BLUUUUUEEEEE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: This is a seriously dangerous team, bro. Bethany and TLA both have years of experience in huge situations, World Championship matches, marquee events— they’ve seen it all.
Persephone: Which means they’re probably all going to overcomplicate this instead of just punching each other unconscious.
Rich Russillo: Regardless of what happens here tonight, this is absolutely a semifinal worthy matchup! Four competitors with incredible résumés, all fighting for a chance to move one step closer toward the Unified Tag Team Championships!
(Bethany climbs onto the apron before stepping into the ring. TLA moves toward the corner while Bethany stands opposite Bronson and ARIA. The two teams stare each other down as the crowd buzzes with anticipation.)
Rich Russillo: You can feel the tension in this building right now! One of these teams moves on to the finals… and the other sees the tournament end tonight!
( DING! DING! DING! )
Rich Russillo: HERE WE GO! Tag Team Turmoil Tournament Semifinal action is officially underway here on Voltage, and there is a tremendous amount at stake in this match! One of these teams advances to the finals with a shot at the Unified Tag Team Championships hanging in the balance, while the other sees their tournament run come to an end tonight!
Thadd Blazevich: And bro, just look at the level of talent in this ring right now! Former Champions, huge marquee names, top level experience everywhere you look! There’s so much championship pedigree packed into this one match!
Persephone: Which means all four of them probably have gigantic egos and are gonna spend the next fifteen minutes trying to prove they’re the most important person in the ring. Wonderful.
Rich Russillo: It looks like we’re going to start this one off with ARIA and TLA! Definitely an interesting matchup stylistically as well, because both competitors can move at an absolutely blistering pace when they want to!
Thadd Blazevich: But there’s also a huge experience factor here, dude. TLA and Bethany Blue have been in massive situations for years across a number of scenarios. They know how to survive these tournament environments.
Rich Russillo: ARIA and Bronson Daniels proved something last week though, and that’s the fact that they’re capable of adapting together very quickly. They shocked a lot of people with how naturally they worked as a team. And don’t say that like they’re inexperienced! Both have competed for years and Bronson is a multi-time world champion! Just because Bethany and TLA have the experience edge by mathematics doesn’t mean much! They are just as new of a team as Bronson and ARIA!
Persephone: Which probably means this week they’ll all accidentally clothesline each other and implode because that’s usually how these thrown-together tag teams work.
Rich Russillo: TLA and ARIA slowly circle now before finally locking up in the center of the ring! TLA immediately tries to power ARIA backward, but ARIA quickly slips underneath the arm and grabs hold of the wrist! ARIA twisting the arm now and trying to establish some early control here!
Thadd Blazevich: Good strategy from ARIA, bro! She doesn’t want TLA getting comfortable early because once he gets rolling, he can overwhelm people in a hurry!
Rich Russillo: TLA rolls forward to relieve the pressure before popping back up to his feet! He fires a quick chop toward the chest— BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT! She rebounds off the ropes before springboarding into a beautiful arm drag that sends TLA rolling across the ring!
Persephone: Great. The gymnastics portion of the match started early tonight. If I’m lucky someone will land on their neck. TLA scrambles back up to his feet but ARIA is already there with a dropkick right to the chest! TLA stumbles backward into the ropes as ARIA quickly closes the distance again—
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA CATCHES HER WITH A BOOT TO THE MIDSECTION! He hooks the head now before quickly snapping ARIA over with a snap suplex!
Thadd Blazevich: Fast adjustment there from TLA, dude! ARIA rolls through to her knees but TLA immediately catches her with another sharp chop right across the chest! And another! TLA backing ARIA toward the corner now with rapid strikes—
Persephone: At least those sound painful. TLA irish whips ARIA toward the opposite side of the ring now! ARIA rebounds back—
Rich Russillo: HURRICANRANA BY ARIA! TLA gets sent flying toward the corner turnbuckles!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA is moving FAST right now bro!
Rich Russillo: TLA stumbles upward in the corner and ARIA charges in full speed— CANNONBALL SENTON ATTEMPT!!
Thadd Blazevich: NOBODY HOME BRO! TLA moved out of the way at the last second and ARIA crashes hard into the turnbuckles!
Persephone: See? There it is. Somebody finally failed at something. ARIA stumbles out of the corner holding her lower back as TLA immediately takes advantage! He hooks her around the waist—
Rich Russillo: TIGER SUPLEX! ARIA gets launched halfway across the ring! TLA quickly crawls toward his corner now and tags in Doctor Bethany Blue!
TAG!
Rich Russillo: Bethany enters the ring immediately and begins stomping down onto the lower back of ARIA! Smart strategy from the Doctor here as she isolates the damage caused by that missed cannonball!
Persephone: Wow. A doctor targeting injuries. Riveting character development.
Rich Russillo: Bethany pulls ARIA upward now before connecting with a stiff knee lift right to the ribs! ARIA doubles over and Bethany immediately transitions into a side backbreaker!
Thadd Blazevich: Bethany’s so dangerous in these situations, dude. She knows exactly how to slow a match down and pick somebody apart piece by piece.
Rich Russillo: Bethany now drags ARIA toward the center of the ring before hooking the leg for an early cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: ARIA gets the shoulder up at two!
Persephone: Shocking. Bethany stays calm! She pulls ARIA right back upward before grabbing hold of the arm and twisting into a grounded arm wringer! Bethany now driving knees repeatedly into the shoulder joint!
Thadd Blazevich: She’s trying to systematically break ARIA down right now, bro! ARIA trying to fight her way back up to her feet now! Bethany pulls her inward for another knee lift!
Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA CATCHES THE LEG! ENZUIGIRI TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Bethany stumbles backward toward her corner and ARIA quickly dives toward Bronson Daniels—
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: HERE COMES BRONSON! BRONSON DANIELS BURSTS INTO THE RING WITH A RUNNING FOREARM STRIKE RIGHT TO THE JAW OF BETHANY BLUE BRO! TLA tries stepping in—
Rich Russillo: BUT BRONSON CATCHES HIM TOO WITH A DROPKICK THAT KNOCKS HIM OFF THE APRON! Rich Russillo: Bethany swings wildly with a clothesline but Bronson ducks underneath it before rebounding off the ropes—
Persephone: HUGE RUNNING UPPERCUT! Bethany gets rocked backward into the corner!
Thadd Blazevich: Bronson’s explosive offense is unreal, bro!
Rich Russillo: Bronson immediately follows up with rapid strikes in the corner! Forearm smash after forearm smash driving Bethany downward before Bronson backs away and charges forward again— RUNNING BACK ELBOW INTO THE CORNER!
Persephone: She got flattened into the turnbuckles! Bethany stumbles out of the corner on spaghetti legs and Bronson immediately hooks her up for the snap suplex—
Rich Russillo: NO! BETHANY FLOATS OVER BEHIND HIM! Chop block to the knee from Bethany Blue!
Thadd Blazevich: Smart counter! She cut the base right out from under him! Bronson drops down briefly and Bethany quickly rebounds off the ropes—
Rich Russillo: BUT BRONSON POPS BACK UP WITH A DISCUS FOREARM SMASH OUT OF NOWHERE!
Rich Russillo: Bethany stumbles backward toward the ropes as Bronson quickly grabs hold of the wrist! He sends her toward the opposite side of the ring— POP-UP POWERBOMB ATTEMPT— COUNTERED INTO A HURRICANRANA BY BETHANY BLUE!
Thadd Blazevich: These momentum swings are getting faster and faster, bro!
Rich Russillo: You’re telling me! LOOK AT DANIELS! Bronson rolls through the hurricanrana and pops right back to his feet, but Bethany is already charging forward! RUNNING KNEE LIFT RIGHT TO THE RIBS! Bronson doubles over and Bethany immediately hooks the arm! FISHERMAN’S NECKBREAKER CONNECTS! That’s the setup she loves to use before going for something bigger!
Persephone: Here comes another fake medical diagnosis.
Thadd Blazevich: Bethany doesn’t go for the finish yet though, bro! Instead she drags Bronson toward the corner and tags TLA back into the match!
TAG!
Rich Russillo: TLA slingshots himself over the ropes and immediately lands a springboard splash across the chest of Bronson Daniels! TLA stays on him now with rapid stomps before yanking Bronson back to his feet—
Rich Russillo: VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT! GOOD LORD THAT CAUGHT HIM CLEAN!
Thadd Blazevich: Bronson got ROCKED by that one, dude!
Rich Russillo: TLA quickly whips Bronson toward the ropes now! Bronson rebounds back— CARTEL KICK! PELE KICK RIGHT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Persephone: Okay that actually looked painful.
Rich Russillo: Bronson drops back to the mat and TLA hooks the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: BRONSON KICKS OUT!
Persephone: Damn. We were close to freedom.
Rich Russillo: TLA doesn’t waste any time complaining! He immediately drags Bronson upward and tries to hook him for Desmadre— BUT BRONSON DRIVES HIM BACKWARD INTO THE CORNER! TLA bounces chest-first off the turnbuckles and Bronson immediately fires back with a jumping knee strike right to the jaw!
Thadd Blazevich: Here comes that momentum shift again!
Rich Russillo: Bronson pulls TLA out of the corner now— SNAP HALF AND HALF SUPLEX! TLA lands hard on the back of his neck!
Persephone: These people really enjoy getting dropped directly on their skulls. Both men scramble back upward but Bronson gets there first! SUPERMAN PUNCH! ‘BATMAN PUNCH’ CONNECTS RIGHT ON THE MONEY!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA got stunned, bro! Bronson quickly hits the ropes again— CHROME HEARTS! SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Rich Russillo: TLA FALLS THROUGH THE ROPES AND OUT TO THE APRON!
Persephone: He almost got kicked into next week. Bronson charges toward the ropes looking to capitalize— BUT BETHANY GRABS THE ANKLE FROM THE OUTSIDE! JUST ENOUGH OF A DISTRACTION!
Thadd Blazevich: And TLA takes advantage immediately! SHOULDER THROUGH THE ROPES RIGHT INTO THE MIDSECTION!
Rich Russillo: Bronson gets doubled over and TLA quickly slingshots himself back into the ring—
Rich Russillo: DDT! TLA SPIKES BRONSON INTO THE MAT! TLA drags Bronson toward the corner again before tagging Bethany back into the match!
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: Great teamwork right there, bro! That’s where the experience factor really starts showing itself! Bethany enters immediately and pulls Bronson into position! She traps the arm—
Rich Russillo: ‘THE DISLOCATION’ SUBMISSION IS LOCKED IN!
Persephone: Ah yes. Time for everybody to scream while the queen of medical malpractice tries to tear someone’s arm off.
Rich Russillo: Bronson is in trouble here! Bethany has that Fujiwara armbar variation cinched in deep and she is cranking back with everything she has! Bronson’s trying to fight toward the ropes, but Bethany’s doing a great job controlling his base! Bronson plants his free hand on the canvas now and tries dragging himself forward inch by inch! ARIA is reaching from the apron trying to rally him on!
Persephone: She’s yelling like she’s gonna magically make his arm reattach itself. Bronson reaches outward—
Rich Russillo: BUT BETHANY ROLLS HIM BACK TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Thadd Blazevich: Smart! She almost had him trapped there! Bethany wrenches back again and Bronson is grimacing in pain—
Rich Russillo: BUT BRONSON ROLLS THROUGH! He rolls over the trapped shoulder and kicks Bethany away with both feet!
Persephone: Finally escaped the chiropractor from hell. Bethany stumbles backward but charges right back in—
Rich Russillo: POP-UP INTO A CODEBREAKER! ‘GODBREAKER’ CONNECTS!
Thadd Blazevich: WHAT A COUNTER BRO! BOTH COMPETITORS ARE DOWN!
Rich Russillo: The crowd is coming alive here on Voltage as both Bethany and Bronson crawl toward their respective corners! TLA reaching for the tag! ARIA reaching for the tag!
Persephone: Here comes the dramatic crawling scene they all do every single match.
Rich Russillo: Bronson lunges forward—
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA IS BACK IN!
Rich Russillo: Bethany leaps—
TAG!
Rich Russillo: AND TLA GETS BACK IN TOO! ARIA SPRINGBOARDS INTO THE RING WITH A FLYING FOREARM! TLA gets rocked backward but immediately fires back with a chop to the chest! ARIA answers with a spinning heel kick! TLA answers with another uppercut! ARIA ducks the next strike and rebounds off the ropes—
Rich Russillo: PHOENIX INJECTION! HANDSPRING CUTTER CONNECTS OUT OF NOWHERE!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE CAUGHT HIM CLEAN, BRO! ARIA INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHRRRRR—
Rich Russillo: TLA KICKS OUT! TLA barely survives the Phoenix Injection and ARIA sits up immediately, not wasting a second! She knows she had TLA dead to rights there and now she’s trying to keep the pressure on before he can recover!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s smart, bro! You can’t give somebody like TLA room to breathe once the pace starts getting crazy!
Rich Russillo: ARIA drags TLA upward now and fires a stiff forearm shot right across the jaw! TLA answers with one of his own! ARIA fires back again! TLA with another uppercut! These two are just trading shots in the center of the ring now!
Persephone: Finally. Just stand there and concuss each other. We’re getting somewhere. TLA swings wildly again— BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! She rebounds off the ropes and comes flying back—
Rich Russillo: SHOTGUN DROPKICK! TLA gets blasted backward into the corner turnbuckles!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA’s seeing an opening now, dude! She charges full speed into the corner—
Rich Russillo: HANDSPRING ELBOW STRIKE CONNECTS! TLA gets crushed against the turnbuckles and stumbles forward on spaghetti legs! ARIA quickly hooks him up—
Rich Russillo: BLUE THUNDER POWERBOMB! BEAUTIFUL IMPACT INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: TLA POWERS OUT AGAIN!
Persephone: Why won’t these people stay down? Nobody at home wanted this match to continue more than I want it to end.
Rich Russillo: ARIA doesn’t look frustrated though! If anything she looks more focused now as she quickly transitions into a grounded front facelock, trying to keep TLA from creating separation!
Thadd Blazevich: Smart wrestling from ARIA right there, bro! Slow him down before he can build momentum again!
Rich Russillo: ARIA pulls TLA back to his feet now before trying to send him toward the ropes—
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA REVERSES THE IRISH WHIP! ARIA rebounds back—
Rich Russillo: POP-UP INTO A SPANISH FLY ATTEMPT— NO! ARIA COUNTERS MID-ROTATION INTO A REVERSE HURRICANRANA! GOOD GOD WHAT A COUNTER!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA GOT SPIKED RIGHT ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD!
Persephone: I heard his neck crack from here. Progress.
Rich Russillo: TLA rolls toward the ropes instinctively after impact while ARIA uses the ropes to pull herself back up! The crowd here on Voltage is coming alive now as ARIA sees TLA trying to recover on the apron!
Thadd Blazevich: I think she’s thinking high risk here, bro! ARIA sprints toward the ropes!! SLINGSHOT METEORA TO THE OUTSIDE—
Rich Russillo: NO! TLA SIDESTEPS IT! ARIA CRASHES KNEES FIRST ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON BEFORE SPILLING DOWN TO RINGSIDE!
Persephone: THERE WE GO! That looked horrible! Delicious!
Rich Russillo: ARIA is clutching at her knee and lower back in pain on the outside while TLA collapses against the barricade trying to recover himself! Both competitors are hurt after that exchange!
Thadd Blazevich: But look at Bethany Blue, bro! She’s already shouting directions from the apron! TLA hears her!
Rich Russillo: TLA pushes himself forward and grabs ARIA before rolling her back into the ring! TLA slowly climbs onto the apron now before finally stepping back through the ropes—
TAG!
Rich Russillo: Bethany Blue gets the tag and immediately enters the ring with bad intentions written all over her face! ARIA is trying to crawl toward her corner but Bethany stomps directly down onto the back of the knee! ARIA screams in pain and Bethany immediately traps the leg before twisting into a modified heel hook!
Thadd Blazevich: Bethany’s completely changed targets now, dude! First the back, now the leg! She’s trying to dismantle ARIA piece by piece!
Rich Russillo: ARIA is desperately trying to kick free but Bethany keeps wrenching on the ankle and knee joint! ARIA finally manages to roll onto her stomach and kick Bethany away with the free leg!
Persephone: Too bad she didn’t kick her teeth out. Bethany stumbles backward but comes charging right back in—
Rich Russillo: SUPERKICK ATTEMPT— NO! ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! SCHOOL GIRL ROLL-UP!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
Rich Russillo: BETHANY KICKS OUT!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA almost stole it there, bro!
Rich Russillo: Both women scramble upward but Bethany immediately catches ARIA with a forearm smash right to the jaw! ARIA fires one back! Bethany answers with another! ARIA with a European uppercut! Bethany staggers backward into the ropes— ARIA CHARGES FORWARD— BUT RUNS INTO A POP-UP INTO A SPINEBUSTER FROM BETHANY BLUE!
Persephone: Damn okay that actually folded her in half. ARIA bounces off the canvas and immediately rolls toward the corner in pain! Bethany doesn’t let her escape though! The Doctor drags ARIA back toward the center of the ring before trapping the arms—
Rich Russillo: ‘GRADE C2’ CONNECTS! THE MODIFIED AIR RAID CRASH DRIVES ARIA INTO THE MAT! BETHANY HOOKS BOTH LEGS!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRR—
Rich Russillo: ARIA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Persephone: You have got to be kidding me. FUCKING DIE!!
Rich Russillo: Bethany looks irritated now and honestly that might be dangerous for ARIA! Bethany grabs hold of the wrist and starts to pull her away— BUT ARIA SLAPS BLUE’S GRIP AWAY! ARIA LEAPS UP! STEP UP ENZIGURI! SHE CONNECTED WITH HER FOOT RIGHT TO BETHANY’S JAW! ARIA HAS LIFE! BETHANY IS DOWN!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA IS TRYING TO CLIMB INTO THE RING AND NOW PULLING BETHANY TO THEIR CORNER SO HE CAN TAG IN BEFORE ARIA CAN GET TO BRONSON WHO IS URGING HIS PARTNER FROM THEIR CORNER! THIS IS CRAZY BRO!
Persephone: Well now the referee is forcing TLA back onto the apron! Do stupid shit and you get stupid results!
Rich Russillo: BUT NOW ARIA HAS HER OPENING! BRONSON IS RIGHT THERE! FINGERTIPS AWAY!
…
Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL?!? JON KELTON! KELTON JUST PULLED BRONSON DOWN OFF THE APRON! BRONSON LANDS ON HIS FEET! SWINGS AT KELTON! BUT KELTON DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND TWISTS THROUGH! FINAL ATONEMENT! HE HITS THE SPEAR AND DRIVES BRONSON BACKWARDS INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Thadd Blazevich: The ref didn’t see any of it bro! He was correcting TLA! But TLA is looking at Kelton with just as confused an expression as the rest of us! Kelton came out and attacked his former brother and the man who will also be in the triple threat for the world title! And ARIA is stunned! She is in shock and now has no partner to help her!
TAG!
Persephone: SUCKS TO SUCK!
Rich Russillo: BETHANY TAGS TLA IN! AND TLA RUNS RIGHT FOR ARIA! THE 305! TIGER FEINT KICK SENDS ARIA REELING AND SHE STUMBLES TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE RING!!
Thadd Blazevich: AND TLA FOLLOWS IT UP! NOT WASTING A SECOND BRO! MEXICAN DESTROYER! HE PLANTS ARIA’S SKULL IN THE MAT AND HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
( DING! DING! DING! )
Bella Braxton: HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS! DOCTOR BETHANY BLUE AND TLA!!!!!!
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac blasts throughout the arena as TLA rolls off of ARIA, breathing heavily after the chaotic closing moments of the match. Dr. Bethany Blue quickly steps into the ring as the referee moves toward the winning team.)
Rich Russillo: WHAT A MATCH! TLA and Doctor Bethany Blue survive an absolute war here tonight and they are heading to the finals of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament!
Thadd Blazevich: But you gotta talk about Jon Kelton too, bro! Bronson Daniels and ARIA had all the momentum in the world until Kelton showed up and completely changed everything!
Persephone: Which honestly was the funniest possible outcome.
(The referee raises the hands of TLA and Bethany Blue as the crowd gives a loud mixed reaction. Bethany looks satisfied while TLA nods toward the fans, though both competitors glance toward ringside where Bronson Daniels is still down near the steel steps, all while Jon Kelton has already made his way back up the ramp, maintaining a smirk on his face.)
Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels may have just paid the price for the issues between himself and Jon Kelton, and now you have to wonder how this affects Fighting Spirit after what we just saw here tonight!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton sent a message, dude. There’s no question about that.
(Inside the ring, ARIA slowly pulls herself toward the ropes, still recovering from the Mexican Destroyer. She looks frustrated knowing how close her team came to advancing before the interference changed everything.)
Persephone: At least somebody’s miserable.
(TLA and Bethany continue their celebration. Meanwhile, medical officials start helping Bronson Daniels to the back while ARIA slowly rolls out of the ring with visible frustration.)
Rich Russillo: TLA and Doctor Bethany Blue are moving on to the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament finals, but the fallout from tonight may have even bigger implications moving forward!
(TLA and Bethany both watch the scene unfolding on the outside, both equally amused by what’s going on, one of the many surprises that come with them being on the same page throughout the duration of the Tournament. ARIA is seen at ringside, looking annoyed by what transpired as she stumbles up the ramp in pain, while the last finalists of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament are both handed microphones from the ringside area. TLA signals for the theme music to come to a close, as he raises his microphone.)
TLA: ¡Órale, vatos! You’re looking at the finalists for the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament!
(The crowd inside of the arena cheers as Bethany rolls her eyes at him, before beginning to speak as well.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: This tournament thrives off the chaos and unpredictability of the teams that have been put together, and many thought that the two of us wouldn’t be able to even come close to winning considering the history that we have together. And while I will admit that TLA and I are two egos who will never manage to co-exist with one another, there’s one thing that we can seem to agree on and it’s that we both love to win and hate to lose. So putting our issues aside was nothing that the two of us were going to have an issue with if it meant wearing a Championship around our waist when it was all said and done, and considering that we’ve gotten this far… I guess you could say that’s a guarantee.
TLA: See, amiga?! THAT’S the spirit. Everyone else had their issues, they ain’t wanna get on the same page, but the two of us?! We in it for the dinero. We real hustlers, and we know what it takes to get to those Campeonatos. All dem haters who doubted we was gonna make it to the finals must be real salty rn considering we in this bitch. So why stop here?! Why not let the good times roll! Bethany been doing good things for me, so imma make sure I do my part to win this whole damn tournament. Give y’all some of the finest lucha like only the two best luchadores on Voltage know how to do! We riding straight to Pain For Pride and heading right for the top. But before we leave y’all, it seems like we forgetting something, no?
Dr. Bethany Blue: We’ve heard nothing but talk from one of the finalists these past two weeks, trying to say that because they got a free spot in the finals that makes their win all but guaranteed. But I think considering we’re the two biggest targets in this entire thing, make no mistake about it, they have a lot to answer for out here RIGHT NOW.
TLA: So Cosmo, Diamond! Get yo asses out here!
(The crowd inside of the arena cheers loudly as a confrontation is afoot. And it’s not long before ‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown begins to hit the speakers to deafening boos. The camera then goes over to the stage where Cosmo Goldworthy and Diamond Dixon are both seen making their way out. The two of them look at one another, needless to say completely unimpressed by what they’re hearing right now, as they begin to make their way down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes the finalists and the self-proclaimed “hosts” of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, we’ve seen Cosmo Goldworthy and Diamond Dixon the entire night making their presence felt when it came to the other finalists, feels like it’s only right they come out here and confront these two as well.
Thadd Blazevich: You can’t help but wonder if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew though, bro! Bethany and TLA are the last people that you want to mess with ESPECIALLY after everything that they have done throughout the duration of their career. You can’t help but wonder if their chances at winning this tournament are in jeopardy because of them.
Persephone: What? Because they won a stupid match to guarantee them into the finals they *have* a chance in the first place? Please, I don’t think anyone was voting for them in the first place, they’ve just become really annoying trying to convince us otherwise.
(Cosmo and Diamond stop at the bottom of the ramp, already having microphones in their hands as they glance over at the last two finalists of the tournament inside the ring. ‘RUNITUP’ comes to a close as the two of them begin to speak.)
Diamond Dixon: We’d just like to come out here tonight and give our congratulations to TLA and Bethany! Can we give them a round of applause?!
(The crowd continues to boo Diamond and Cosmo, Diamond shrugging in response.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Ay, we’d just like to warn the two of you not to get so ahead of yourselves. ‘Cause while we know damn well who we’re facing, it seems the two of you ain’t familiar with the tag team talking to you right now. Because put it on the record, WE ARE the greatest tag team that this company has EVER seen. EVER.
TLA: Hey, hombre! We don’t need the extra hablar. Nah, save that shit.
Dr. Bethany Blue: We KNOW where this is going, and we don’t need to hear anything from you that we’ve already had to hear the entire night. We called the two of you out here to let you know to your faces that you are not leaving Fighting Spirit without the victory. Not when the two of us are factored into the equation.
(The crowd once again cheers, as Cosmo and Diamond look toward one another, not at all intimidated by the threat, but rather amused.)
Diamond Dixon: :usure: Iight, guess that’s how we’re gonna do this then. Look, we’re not gonna try and pull anything with you, we know that out of the three teams that advanced, you’re probably the biggest threat. We’ve been around long enough to know how you two do shit around here, ain’t nothing to be messed with. But if you think that we’re just going to step aside and allow you to get the spotlight solely because of your status, then you must not know who the hell we are.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Man, I’m tired of this shit. I’m tired of people tryna tell us to lay down because they won this title or beat this person, get the fuck outta here with that! We walked into this company with a purpose and we formed this tag team with the intention of taking it all. And we knew that there were gonna be motherfuckers like you who tried to tell us otherwise, but we don’t give a fuckkkkkkkkkkkk! We’re not going to waste this opportunity that we’ve gotten, and me personally? A win against you two would serve us well heading into Pain For Pride and heading into our Unified Tag Team Championship shots, am I right or am I right?
Diamond Dixon: Yurrrrrrrrr. AND-
(Diamond rolls her eyes after being cut off, especially by Chris Elite and Jay Jerry Johnson as “Invincible” by Pop Smoke continues playing in the background. Chris Elite starts speaking while making his way down the ramp with Jay beside him.)
Chris Elite: Damn, y’all really just be taking turns coming out here after every match talking like y’all already won the whole tournament. That shit getting old fast.
Jay Jerry Johnson: And despite all the noise being made by the four of you right now, one thing is still true. None of this talking changes the fact that Fighting Spirit has not happened yet.
(Chris and Jay make their way onto the apron before stepping into the ring alongside the others.)
Chris Elite: Exactly. Everybody out here acting like the trophies already got engraved and shit. Meanwhile the match ain’t even happened yet. Y’all doing all this talking like the rest of us supposed to just accept that one of y’all already got it won.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Especially the two of you. The opportunity handed to Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy is not something I particularly care about being impressed by. You skipped directly to the finals while the rest of us actually had to survive this tournament.
Chris Elite: Facts. Me and Jay had to deal with the pressure already. We had to figure this shit out on the fly. We had to work through problems while everybody watching and waiting for us to fall apart.
Jay Jerry Johnson: And despite all of that, we are still here.
Chris Elite: So nah, we not about to hear all this “greatest tag team” talk when y’all ain’t even had to go through what everybody else did just to get here.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Because at Fighting Spirit, none of that talking is going to matter. What matters is who can actually hold things together once the pressure reaches its highest point.
Chris Elite: And after everything we already had to deal with? We ain’t making it this far just for somebody else to take this opportunity from us.
TLA: Damn, we getting lit up in here! Let’s not get all feisty, comprende? We all just got off matches, and I don’t know about y’all, but I’m tryna save that energy for Fighting Spirit!
Cosmo Goldworthy: Man, shutcho ass up! Last I checked, ain’t nobody asked for TLA’s opinion, Bethany’s opinion, Chris’ opinion, or Jay’s opinion. What they need to hear is from the only two people that matter, and that’s us. And if you got a problem with that? Then maybe we do need to start a brawl right now so y’all can fuck around and find out.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Trust me, that is the last thing that you want to do in your situation.
(Not long after, ‘Lowlife Princess’ by BIBI begins to play as out-comes Miku Sakai and Diego Montana! They defeated Hans Grayson and Cody Maverick earlier in the night to advance and move on to the finals as Miku and Diego already have a microphone in their hands as Miku is the first to speak. )
Miku Sakai: Shut the fuck up you fucking cucks! None of your guys’ stupid opinions matter anyway because everyone here is fucking wrong!
Diego Montana: YEAH! Tell them mamacita! You bozos don’t stand a chance against me and MIKU-CHAN
Miku Sakai: DON’T FUCKING CALL ME THAT!
( Diego puts his hands up, not tryna antagonize Miku any further as soon enough they both climb the ring steps and enter the ring! They both stare a hole with all the other tag teams looking to win this match and the opportunity to fight for the Unified Tag Team Championships at Pain for Pride as Miku continues to talk. )
Miku Sakai: Hearing that Diamond Dixon thinks the biggest threat of this match are TLA and Bethany Blue is laughable! Cosmo thinks her and Diamond are the best tag team ever? IN WHAT FUCKING PLANET!!! You wouldn’t even be the best tag team in fucking jupiter let alone this world. No amount of equations can seriously factor either of those winning this fucking match WHEN I AM APART OF THIS MATCH!!! If anyone is going to come out on top of this whole fuckfest it’s going to be me, and I won’t let any of these other stupid teams get the chance, especially not those clown Chris and Jay.
Diego Montana: FACTS MAMACITA! Aye man if anyone is going to come out of this match as the winners, it ain’t going to any of the other fools in this match. I mean come on Diego Montana is in this match, it’s quite OBVIOUS who walking away this shit as the winners, you heard? Like shit the rest of these teams don’t even get a chance against me and pookums! None of yall got our swag, our paper, or style! NONE! We gonna rule the world, and go to Pain for Pride you get what I’m saying! Miku-chan and I are going straight to the top!
Miku Sakai: I SAID DON’T FUCKING CALL ME THAT! THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!
Diego Montana: Chill Chill Mamacita….
Miku Sakai: Either way, none of you fuckers are leaving this match with what you want, as long as I’m apart of it and I guess Diego too.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Yeah, that’s cute and all, but unfortunately I was talking, so quiet down now. Miku, I know that you don’t like me, and I know that even after everything that I’ve been through, a lot of you still have me on your shitlist. But that’s the price of being great. I have been through a lot and even though it has brought me an unmeasurable amount of pain, it has made me come back stronger and that’s not something that you want for a woman that was already as great as she was inside this ring.
TLA: That’s what’s up, girl! The two of us ain’t nobody to fuck with, and if they think that they can like these vatos tryna step on our turf, then they’re gonna find out soon enough just who the best tag team in this tournament is. None of y’all are gonna stop yo boi from taking what is his and that is ending this season on a high. I know Chris is gonna try and fuck me over, but he saw what happened at Grand Rampage, I’m damn sure he don’t wanna repeat that again. :mjgrin:
Chris Elite: Man, the only thing repeating itself from Grand Rampage is you still being obsessed with me, but Fighting Spirit ain’t about old beef. It’s about who walks out the winners, and that damn sure ain’t gonna be you.
Cosmo Goldworthy: I don’t got time for your petty ass beef. All of y’all are just talking out of your ass right now and I could not give a fuck. Diamond, tell them what happens when they try and step up to the REAL best tag team that this division has to offer.
Diamond Dixon: Well, Mo, they get stepped ON.
Cosmo Goldworthy: That’s right. And it don’t matter how big or small you are, it don’t make a damn difference. We’re going to take what is ours and what is ours has been decided a long time ago, long before this tournament was even made official, and that is the Unified Tag Team Championships.
Diamond Dixon: Y’all had your cute and demure little wins to get to this point, but now it’s time for some real big steppers to come around and show all of you exactly what it means to be a tag team.
Diego Montana: Yall don’t know shit on how to be a tag team! You guys have been a team for a cup of matcha and all of sudden you think you just gonna step all over us? You ain’t taking anything as long as the hardest ese is around!!! I mog you like crazy and mi hermosa princesa is slap the taste out of all of your motherfuckers, you understand that?
Miku Sakai: these annoying ass fucks aren’t going to get it until Fighting Spirit, especially that fucking loser Jay!
Jay Jerry Johnson: You can keep yelling about me all you want, Miku, but none of that is really going to matter once Fighting Spirit gets here. Everybody in this ring keeps trying to convince themselves they already have this won, but the reality is simple. Once the bell rings, one team is going to have to actually prove it. Chris and I already showed we can put our issues aside and get the job done, and at Fighting Spirit, that’s exactly what we plan on doing again.
(All of a Sudden… )
Rich Russillo: WOAH! MIKU JUST NAILED A FOREARM SHOT TO JAY!! SHE AND JAY ARE NOW FIGHTING!!! NOW DIEGO GOES AFTER COSMO WITH RIGHT AND LEFTS OF HIS OWN!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BAH GAWD BROSKI!! EVERYONE IN THE RING IS FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER NOW!! CHRIS AND TLA ARE SCRAPPING WITH EACH OTHER, DIAMOND AND BETHANY TRADING SHOTS BACK AND FORTH!! PUNCHES AND FOREARMS ARE BEING EXCHANGED ITS PANDEMONIUM HERE ON VOLTAGE DUDES!!!
Persephone: FINALLY! SOME GOOD FUCKING FOOD!!
(Soon enough security guards come rushing down to the ring, as they try to separate the competitors from each other, as this back and forth between all the competitors have broken down into a full out brawl! )
Rich Russillo: Security is now out here, trying to restore some order BUT TLA PUSHES THEM OFF AND CONTINUES FIGHTING WITH CHRIS ELITE!!! THIS IS INSANE AS SECURITY IS DOING THEIR BEST AND TRY TO SEPARATE EVERYONE INVOLVED!!
Thadd Blazevich: IF IT’S THIS CRAZY HERE, IMAGINE WHAT IT’S GOING TO BE LIKE AT FIGHTING SPIRIT!!!
Rich Russillo: WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME HERE FOLKS!! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FOR SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE!
(The brawl between all the teams continues to ensue as Voltage fades off the air. )
(EAW logo buzzes.)
