(A recap of days one and two play, highlighting the winners and new champions. After that, the scene slowly fades into a panoramic shot of the rowdy scene inside the Rogers Centre. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is the host for the first time with the final day of Pain for Pride festivities among us. The feeling is alive more than ever with music blasting as it begins to zoom in on the Pain for Pride logo. )
( The main promotional poster for Pain for Pride is shown. But, there’s something peculiar about it this time around… )
( https://i.imgur.com/brhqnjo.gif )
( It glitches for a couple of seconds, but goes back to scheduled programming as it cuts to a shot of the Voltage commentary team standing in front of their commentary team. Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich, Persephone look ready to report the festivities. )
Rich Russillo: LADIES AND GENTLEMAN… WELCOME EVERYBODY TO DAY THREE.. OF THE BIGGEST SHOW OF THE YEAR!!!
Thadd Blazevich: PAAAAIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNN-UHH!!!!
Persephone: For.
Rich Russillo: PRRRRIIII-
( The lights begin to flicker, screens begin to morph and stretch as the commentary team pauses and stares the stage. )
Persephone: Did we release the production team? It’s not even a minute in and we already have issues.
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t think so, look at the tron.
( The promotional graphics continue to malfunction as the entire Rogers Centre buzzes in confusion to what is happening. )
POW!!!
Rich Russillo :krabs:
( Loud purple and red pyro blast from the stage as the entrance graphics malfunction. However, the shenanigans come to an end to a confused look on the commentary team within the pyrotechnic smoke. )
Everyone: What in the world was that?
Persephone: I don’t know… but how about we start the show?
Rich Russillo: Yes.. LET’S G-
( The lights go out inside the Rogers Centre and everyone’s attention goes to the titantron which only reads the Pain for Pride logo. )
( PAIN FOR PRIDE: 19 )
( Each word begins to cut in and out, but the sold-out crowd in Toronto begins to increasingly get louder as they realize what’s going on. After all the effects, only two parts of the logo is left blank in the dark. )
( __ FOR PRIDE: )
( ………………………… )
( ……………. )
( ……. )
( The new words appear. )
( PAYNE FOR PRIDE: 8 )
( “It Follows” by Cane Hill blasts through the speakers of Rogers Centre through a thunderous pop as the lights come back on to Xander Payne making his way onto the )
Rich Russillo: OH! MY! GOD!! LOOK WHOS BACK!! THE EAW HALL OF FAMER!! THE PAYNEKILLER, XANDER PAYNE!
Persephone: Why.
Thadd Blazevich: IT’S LIKE LOOKING AT A GHOST!! XANDER PAYNE HAS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND IS HERE FOR HIS HOMETOWN HERE AT PAIN FOR PRIDE!! WHAT A SHOCK!
Persephone: This is no surprise! I swear I see him at catering every week! What even is that on the poster! Why are his children here!
( His two children Maximus and Historia, join Xander Payne down the stage while he points to a jumbo-sized poster hanging at the top edges of Rogers Centre. )
( https://i.imgur.com/61RW6fu.jpeg )
Rich Russillo: XANDER PAYNE HASN’T BEEN SINCE HIS CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT LAST YEAR WITH VEENA ADAMS!! WHAT IS HE DOING HERE!
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMAN.. PLEASE WELCOME!! EAW HALL OF FAMER… XAAANDEEEERRRRR PAYNEEE!!
( Xander Payne enters the ring with his two children as he is handed a microphone with continued loud reactions. His theme song dies down as he pauses to take in the moment. )
Crowd: WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!
( Xander continues to soak in the sold-out crowd, whereas Maximus and Historia are behind trying to start a 67 wave, he begins to talk. )
Xander Payne: It has been quite some time since I’ve been here, in Elite Answers Wrestling, let alone a squared circle, and a lot of things have changed. New champions have been crowned, new rivalries blossomed, and some people have been.. inducted into the EAW Hall of Fame. The landscape here in Elite Answers Wrestling has changed, almost changed for the better, and as I stand here, I can say that I am proud of each and every one of you.
Persephone: God, he looks like he’s in terrible shape.
Xander Payne: I am proud of every talent in the back, even the stagehands and the people in the chairs, for every single blood, sweat, and tear into making this company work. I am proud of the elitists who put their body on the line to entertain the masses. I am proud of YOU! THE CROWD. THE FANS! THE EAW UNIVERSE! FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLATFORM OUR TALENT.. BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU.. WE ARE JUST BRICK AND MORTAR!! WE ARE JUST A LLC!! AND FOR THAT! THANK YOU!
( The crowd cheers as Xander Payne robotically nods his head and gives a thumbs up. )
Xander Payne: I remember growing up into this business, I dreamed of wrestling at Pain for Pride. Not only did I eventually do that, I won championships at this event. I main evented it. I won the whole freakin’ thing, and that is the greatest dream that I could ever have. And after being at it for so long, it’s kind of cool seeing the youth, especially my peers who I helped blossom in this industry, being able to live that dream. And now.. I stand here at Pain for Pride, in my hometown, with my two kids. Ain’t that a bitch?
Historia (off-mic): What did you just call me?
Maximus (off-mic): Yo, he speaks differently. Lowe that, fam.
Xander Payne: THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN!
Xander Payne: It’s incredible to be really, standing in this sold-out crowd in Toronto, Ontario, Canada!?? WHO WOULD’VE THOUGHT WE WOULD GET A PAIN FOR PRIDE!
( The crowd cheers even louder. )
Xander Payne: I haven’t been in this company for almost a year, and I’ve taken that time to really rethink where I am in life. I stand here with my two kids, and I am constantly reminded of the miracle of life. It’s beautiful. These two are my DNA, I gave birth to Maximus and Historia, and you know what.. I’ve still got a promise to fulfill, kids.
Xander Payne: I am pretty sure.. that I made a promise to my kids that I will put another world championship in their hands.
( The crowd blasts in cheers as his kids look at each other in confusion, shaking their heads side to side as they know the current dilapidated condition of their own father.
Xander Payne: So, with that being said. I come here, on behalf of the EAW family, of myself, and everyone here, with great news to bear!
( The crowd buzzes in anticipation. )
Xander Payne: AND…….
Xander Payne: IT IS THAT ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING HAS SET A NEW GATE AND ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 204,000 PEOPLE ACROSS ALL THREE EVENTS!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! WOOOO!!!
( Pyro shoots up and down the rafters, illuminating the atmosphere within the Rogers Centre as the crowd can’t tell to cheer as that was the announcement they were expecting. )
Thadd Blazevich: Oh my god! We have 204,000 people in this room right now?
Persephone: No.
( The pyro eventually die down as Xander waits for the excitement to settle down. )
Xander Payne: Nah, on some real shit. I really want to say again.. Thank you. Thank you all for making this happen. Thank you all for the past eight years of Payne For Pride.. And Thank you all for letting me be myself.
Crowd: YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Xander Payne: SO WITH THAT BEING SAID…
WELCOME!!!
TO!!
PAIN FOR PRIDE!!!!
( Even more pyrotechnics light up the Rogers Centre, panning across different scenes of the venue as the crowd roars once again. “It Follows” by Cane Hill resumes through the speakers once the pyro dies down. )
( Xander Payne is seen taking his wrestling boots and and tossing them into the ring as he begins to make his way out. )
Rich Russillo: Well, there you have it! Nineteen years of Pain for Pride! Eight years of Xander Payne! And what a better elitist to open up night three, the hometown hero, the Paynekiller as we are set and ready to go!
( Xander Payne abruptly stops at the ramp as he side eyes his wrestling boots sitting in the middle of the ring. )
Xander Payne (off-mic): Wait, kids. I left my boots in the ring. I’m barefoot.
Maximus: Nah, pops. It’s lowkey over for you, for real.
Xander Payne (off-mic): It’s over?
Maximus: It’s over, styll. You really want to get in there and fight the new dawgs? You ain’t built for it. Crodie’s bout it, bout it.
Xander Payne: https://media.tenor.com/gm8kUPk7fakAAAAd/speed-ishowspeed.gif
Xander Payne: You’re right. I ain’t getting back in there. Let’s go home.
( Xander Payne nods in acceptance as he lifts both of his children on his shoulders and begin to make his way up to the ramp and the picture fades to the opening match. )
(The video package for the next match begins playing…)
(After a recap of the most tumultuous 3 months one could come up with only in their wildest imagination…)
(The time had come.)
(Months of bloodshed. Months of grief. Months of loss and despair.)
(All conclude, up next.)
(Career. Title. Unsanctioned.)
(In the middle of the ring, under dim lights, the LED screens turned dark, the referee’s zebra stripes were replaced by simply a black tee, no EAW branding in sight whatsoever.)
(Whatever happens tonight… EAW is not liable for.)
(Bella Braxton shows a difficult smile, knowing the circumstances of this are unlike any other. Alas, the night goes on, as does life, thus she speaks with urgency…)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING IS AN UNSANCTIONED MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL…
Bella Braxton: AND IT IS… CHAMPIONSHIP VERSUS CAREER.
Bella Braxton: There will be no count-outs, no disqualifications, and no matter what happens tonight, EAW is exempt from all legal liability.
(“Everybody Knows (Unstoppable)” by Royal Deluxe blasts… for perhaps the final time, and the crowd erupts with sympathy.)
(Adam Lucas emerges, and takes a brief moment on the stage, looking around with an expression towards the audience that very well reads like a goodbye. He then gingerly takes a few steps forward, steps much less aggressive and deliberate than usual. Instead, they were patient beyond the loud thuds of his boot. Adam’s reluctance was noticeable—he had finally taken in that all of this had truly happened… and there’s no going back.)
(It’s at this point that he exhales sharply, and simply begins to strut down the long ramp, just wanting to get this over with, as pyro sets off behind him, paid no mind to by Adam.)
(There was no spectacle to embrace for Adam Lucas anymore, and it fully showed on him. The same worn-down entrance jacket and pants were present, stained with blood that couldn’t fully get washed off, along with some cuts to the fabric. His gear looks as tired as he is.)
Rich Russillo: First Unsanctioned match in EAW since… Adam Lucas vs. Dr. Bethany Blue at Pain For Pride: Kingdom, two years ago. Kai Rabeaux claimed that match was what set off this entire chain of events that led us here… and to an extent, it likely did, as Adam had never been the same following that night…
Thadd Blazevich: Surreal bro, from fighting his wife on the grandest stage, to putting his entire career on the line fighting for her! The possibility of this being Adam Lucas’ last match just brings a super creepy vibe to this whole thing, it seems as if he’s a man accepting his fate, but really? I know how difficult it is to walk away from this sport, to be forced into retirement, because then your whole life shifts, and for once, you start to see what normality is like!
Persephone: Yeah Thadd, except the moral hits and the toll on your body doesn’t leave. It’s tough, but it’s what Adam Lucas wanted, so I don’t care.
(The Hall of Famer enters the ring, his eyes vacant upon the audience… He heads towards the corner turnbuckle, and rests his head upon it as…)
(“Burn In My Light” by Mercy Drive hits, and thunderous, raucous jeers begin to overwhelm the arena.)
(Kai Rabeaux takes slow and deliberate steps forward, Hardcore Champion strapped firmly around his waist, as smoke surrounds the atmosphere of a lone spotlight.)
(With a smile on his face, he steps into the spotlight, the championship gleaming with all its golden marbles, while Kai poses, pointing a finger towards the ring, while pyrotechnics set off behind him.)
(Donning a white robe with gold fringe epaulettes blown off by the wind, along with ornate gold scrollwork lined in glossy pink satin, Kai Rabeaux steps forward with the entrance of an absolute overlord. Paired with a matching white and pink ring attire, with a gold baroque embroidery pattern, all accessorized with wire-rim glasses; with jeweled medallion, eye-shaped rosette lenses studded and small gemstones, as chains of beads trail down to his cheekbones, hanging like a chandelier. The presence of immaculacy dawns the packed Rogers Center, whose negative reaction had not dwindled—but only grown.)
Rich Russillo: It’s been a season like no other for Kai Rabeaux, walking in as the 24/7 Contract holder, earning victory in the War Games structure, cashing in the contract in one of the most controversial moments in EAW history that led to his championship victory, and now here we are… fated with what Kai feels like is inevitable destiny, putting Adam Lucas out to pasture.
Thadd Blazevich: Kai has taken absolute pride in everything he’s done, and he feels as if this is all legacy, bro! He had declared he wants the literal head of Adam Lucas in his trophy cabinet, and there is no doubt this is a man that has renounced his principles long ago, he’s in it purely for the acclaim!
Persephone: Walking so slowly, being so extravagant, twisting the knife, what a piece of shit. :mjlol:
(Kai climbs up on the corner, unbuckling the championship and posing with it for moments that are left to linger, before glancing towards Adam, as he climbs down.)
(Adam gets in his face right away, but Kai only smirks with complete dismissal, posing on the other corner… though, his gaze remains fixated on Adam, not the crowd. He was analyzing his anger, and taking pride in it.)
(Once he gets down, Adam pushes even harder, to the point the referee has to get in the middle of them, and separate the two. He must get this bout started at least, even if his involvement will be extremely minimal.)
(A spotlight shines on the ring, as Adam’s and Kai’s eyes respectively remain fixated on one another, as Bella Braxton commences her pre-match announcement.)
Bella Braxton: Tonight, the Hardcore Championship is put at stake, along with the career of Adam Lucas.
(Adam takes a deep breath.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first, the challenger, from New York, he weighs in at 238 pounds, he is EAW HALL OF FAMER… THE NEXT LEVEL, UNSTOPPABLE, ADAAAMMMMM LUUUCAAAASSSSS!!!!!
(The Hall of Famer’s gaze remains fixated on Kai as the view focuses towards him with finality behind the slow panning.)
Bella Braxton: His opponent… from New York City, he weighs in at 230 pounds, he is THE REIGNING EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION, THE OVERLORD, AND THE SELF-PROCLAIMED FINAL EXECUTIONER OF ADAM LUCAS— KAAAAIIIII RABEAAAUUUXXX!!!!!!
(Kai steps forward, raising the Hardcore Championship high in the sky as his back turns to Adam, the challenger’s look still lingering. He embraces the adulation and the hatred from the Toronto crowd… before the referee asks that the Championship be handed to him.)
(Kai obliges with arrogance, as the two competitors take their stand in opposing corners…)
(The referee raises the Hardcore Championship up in the sky…)
Rich Russillo: Tonight, Adam Lucas could become a two-time Hardcore Champion… a full circle moment after defeating Methuselah in his first ever Pain For Pride… but it could also be the end of his career.
Thadd Blazevich: The question truly is all in the air… Will tonight be The Next Level’s final level?
Persephone: …I bet you think that sounds so cool.
(Thadd blushes, as the referee hands off the title… and rings the bell.)
(DING!! DING!! DING!!)
Rich Russillo: Aaaannnndddd, there’s the opening bell.
Thadd Blazevich: The opening bell to what may be… Adam Lucas’ final match… and based on his words… that may just be the case, win, or lose.
(The crowd… shudders in anticipation.)
(Adam Lucas and Kai Rabeaux share their final “clean” gaze, before all hell breaks loose, and the stadium must embrace a tempest of blood as a result of their war.)
Thadd Blazevich: Both guys wanted this match so much… but now that we’re here… I’m not sure either one of them know just what to start this with!
(Indeed. The stadium halted to a standstill… anticipating the first move, from either Kai, or Adam, who are both still leaning on their respective corners.)
(Kai smirks, pushing himself upright, and takes deliberately timid steps towards the center of the ring.)
(Adam remains in his corner. Drawing a long breath.)
(The anticipation is immense. The pressure is at heights neither man ever expected.)
Persephone: I’m gonna fall asleep already.
(Adam moves one step forward.)
(Kai… gives out his hand.)
Rich Russillo: A… handshake…?
(Adam looks befuddled; disrespected, almost, by the audacity.)
(Kai nods his head, like he’s an innocent samaritan. Adam only feels as if he’s being mocked.)
(He meets the champion in the center of the ring, glancing at his palm, with a look of irony…)
(Adam never needed to make his mind up.)
(He strikes.)
Rich Russillo: ADAM WITH A RIGHT!! PARRIED BY KAI!
Thadd Blazevich: KAI WITH THE UPPERCUT RIGHT OVER THE JAW!! WHAT SORT OF TRICK WAS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE?!
Persephone: Just mind games, idiot, to give himself the first hit in the match. In what world would Kai ever expect Adam to shake his hand?
(Adam backpedals from that hit… and attempts to rebound with a lariat…)
(Kai ducks under without issue, Adam is momentarily stuck regaining his position…)
(Kai smells the opportunity.)
Thadd Blazevich: # LOW BLOW!!
Persephone: Adam catches the leg!! It’s way too early!
Rich Russillo: Now Kai is in a precarious position! He’s spun around—
Thadd Blazevich: # ADAM RETALIATES WITH HIS OWN LOW BLOW!!
Persephone: Taste of his own medicine! But Kai managed to strike Adam with a rolling elbow before that kick could connect with the ballsack!! Both of these guys are far too well rested right now to try any of that stuff.
(As Adam stumbles towards the ropes… Kai pressures him with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, forcing him to backpedal.)
(With Lucas trapped against the ropes… Kai mercilessly rakes his eyes!)
(Out of pure instinct alone, Adam shoves Kai backwards… but Kai quickly retaliates with a kitchen sink knee strike while the former World Champion is still blinded!)
(The champion grabs the back of his head, but Adam Lucas manages to quickly retaliate, trapping Kai into a standing hammerlock.)
Persephone: Why the fuck am I seeing holds in an Unsanctioned match?? HE KILLED YOUR BABY!!
(SLAP!)
Thadd Blazevich: OHH!!! I LIKE YA CUT, G!! ADAM SLAPPED THE BACK OF KAI’S SHINY HEAD!!
Rich Russillo: NOW SENDS HIM INTO THE ROPES, KAI REBOUNDS WITH HIS BACK STILL FACING ADAM!!!
Thadd Blazevich: INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!!! THE MOMENTUM OF THAT SENDS KAI BACK ON TWO FEET!! THE ROPES MANAGE TO KEEP HIM FROM FALLING, AND WHILE ADAM HAS TO GET UP—
(Kai charges.)
Thadd Blazevich: THE BLADE OF BABYLON!!!
(But Adam ducks under in the nick of time.)
Rich Russillo: IT MISSES, AND ADAM CHARGES AT KAI!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT KAI SLITHERS HIS WAY BEHIND HIM, AND SENDS ADAM CRASHING DOWN WITH A HALF & HALF SUPLEX!!! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!!!
Persephone: The referee surveys the state of the two as if they’d even done anything to each other.
Thadd Blazevich: Which is technically not something he must do either, his duty after all in this Unsanctioned match is just to count pinfalls and check for submissions!
(Kai had slowly found his way at ringside, having rolled out of the ring. Adam Lucas, meanwhile, is using the ropes to climb back to his feet.)
(Once he sees Kai is outside, it’s on sight.)
Rich Russillo: ADAM LUCAS WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! KAI GOES BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!!
Thadd Blazevich: AND ADAM ISN’T STOPPING THE FLOW OF OFFENSE!! HE GRABS HIM AND SHOVES HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!! NOW HIS BACK GOES RIGHT INTO THE BARRICADE!!
(Kai is down, his back scraping against the barricade leaving a sizable mark on his skin.)
(Adam, meanwhile, looks under the ring, and grabs a chair.)
(Rolling back into the ring, he tries to wedge it in the corner… but he can hear the ring shaking.)
Persephone: Adam Lucas might want to look out.
(Kai found his way behind him, and his target is clear.)
Thadd Blazevich: HOLLOW POINT!!!!
(CLANK)
Rich Russillo: MISSES THE MARK!! ADAM LUCAS DODGED THE RUNNING KICK, AND KAI’S BOOT WENT RIGHT INTO THAT CHAIR!!
Persephone: And as he’s jumping around on one leg like a Looney Toons character, Adam wants to go right back on the offense!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro gets a hold of the leg, AND OW!! A DISGUSTING LEG SNAP BENDS IT OUTWARDS!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Kai has no choice but to try and protect that leg, but Adam is out for blood!!
(Adam grabs the chair with the sole of Kai’s boot dented in it, unclenching its mechanism…)
(To Kai it quickly becomes obvious what’s going to happen. He tries to fight, but a boot to the jaw quickly shuts him up.)
(Adam Lucas traps Kai’s leg into the chair, and Kai is at his mercy.)
(STOMP!!!!)
(Kai screams… as Adam furiously stomps on his ankle!)
(But…)
(Adam doesn’t look so pleased.)
(He readjusts the chair, placing it firmly around his ankle, before rolling out of the ring, taking a peek beneath the ring.)
(He pulls out a sledgehammer.)
Thadd Blazevich: Yikes. I really don’t wanna be Kai’s foot right now.
Persephone: Why the fuck would you want to be a foot in general?
(Adam rolls back into the ring, and Kai, realizing what is going to happen, begs for mercy.)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) Look at you…
(Adam grips onto the sledgehammer with both hands.)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) Trimmed down to size…
(He raises it in the air, hands shaking; Kai’s shaking even more erratically.)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) Begging for your life, like a little bitch.
(The sledgehammer drops.)
(CRACK!!)
(It rings vibrations off of the steel chair.)
(But…)
(Adam doesn’t look happy in the slightest.)
(The sledgehammer hit the chair. Only the chair.)
(Kai had been playing possum.)
(He had enough time to unhook his leg.)
Persephone: I hate when idiots play with their food.
(Adam begins clobbering Kai, but Kai quickly shoves him!)
(A forearm to the skull to follow up staggers Adam, and Kai gets his hands on the chair.)
Thadd Blazevich: UH OHH!! HEADSHOT INCOMING!!!!
Rich Russillo: NOPE!! KAI SWINGS BUT ADAM STOPS IT, GRABBING THE CHAIR!! HE KICKS KAI IN THE GUT, AND THAT FORCES KAI’S GRIP OFF COMPLETELY!!
Persephone: Adam Lucas aims for the head!!
(CRAAAAAACCKKK!!!!!!)
Thadd Blazevich: AND IT HITS!! THE CHAIR GETS STUCK AROUND BRO’S NECK AND EVERYTHING!! KAI’S HEAD SUFFERED A SURPRISINGLY SMALL CUT, AND ADAM’S NOT DONE MAINTAINING THE UPPER HAND!!! HE RETREATS ONTO THE APRON, AND WE KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS!!!
Rich Russillo: HE FLIPS FORWARD—FOR THE EQUALIZER!!!! BUCKSHOT LARIAT KNOCKS THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF KAI AND SENDS THE CHAIR FLYING INTO THE CROWD!!
Thadd Blazevich: NOW ADAM, READY TO SETTLE THIS, GRABS KAI RIGHT BACK UP AND SENDS HIM INTO THE ROPES, LOOKING FOR THE ONE MOVE HE ALWAYS DEFEATED KAI WITH!!!
(The Level Up.)
Rich Russillo: POPS HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDERS!!
(…)
Thadd Blazevich: KAI REPEATS FATE!!
(…)
Persephone: You love speaking too early. Adam can’t put Kai down!!
(…)
(Kai balances himself on Adam’s shoulders, tightening his legs around his neck…)
Thadd Blazevich: GOSH, YOU MAY BE RIGHT!! KAI RABEAUX MANAGES TO PUT ADAM INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE WHILE ATOP HIS SHOULDERS!!
Persephone: The child killer must already be getting desperate!! It’s not often at all that we see Kai pull out submission maneuvers!
(Adam slowly collapses to his knees with the weight of Kai on top of his shoulders… until eventually coming all the way down to the mat.)
Rich Russillo: No, ‘Seph! This isn’t just any submission move, this one has personal meaning attached! This is the “Iconic”, the triangle choke taught to Adam Lucas by his mentor & father Orlando Cruze, and Kai is trying to make a mockery out of whatever Adam has left!
Thadd Blazevich: As realization slowly settles in, Adam’s face grows really really angry, but anger won’t help him out here! He’s playing Kai’s game, and losing air because of it!!
Rich Russillo: With his career on the line, the last thing Adam Lucas wants to do is go out in this sort of fashion!! He’s fresh enough to keep the fight in him going, but rope breaks aren’t at his disposal at the moment!!
Persephone: He tries to take Kai’s weight up on his shoulders again, but Kai…
(…Grabs a stray leg from the destroyed chair, luckily in reach.)
(SMASH!!)
(SMASH!!)
(SMASH!!)
Thadd Blazevich: AHH!! KAI IS STABBING A CHAIR LEG WITH HIS FREE ARM INTO ADAM’S HEAD, KAI WANTS TO END IT LIKE THIS!!
Persephone: But Adam Lucas desperately attempts to find a way out!! He tries to find some footing…
(Kai’s eyes suddenly narrow as his blows grow desperate.)
Rich Russillo: WOW!! ADAM LUCAS HAS KAI UP WHILE THAT TRIANGLE CHOKE IS STILL APPLIED, SOME SORT OF ONE-HANDED POWERBOMB POSITION—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT IS FAR TOO MUCH WEIGHT FOR BOTH OF THEM!! THEY GET PULLED TOWARDS THE ROPES, AND JUST PLUMMET ON THE OUTSIDE!! AT LEAST ADAM IS SAFE FROM THAT PREDICAMENT!
Persephone: Not with all of that blood pouring out of his head…
(Adam Lucas slowly tries finding his way back up, utilizing whatever accessories of the ring are next to him, but Kai already holds the advantage.)
(WHACK!!)
(Adam is sent ragdolling face first into the ringpost.)
(Kai takes his time, searching for something under the ring.)
(He… takes longer than usual.)
(Indecision?)
(Regardless, he eventually takes out a coil of barbed wire…)
(But his gaze isn’t set on Adam. It’s on the timekeeper’s area.)
(Kai storms past everybody—still with a slight limp—shoving Bella Braxton out of her seat, before grabbing her foldable steel chair… and wrapping the barbed wire around it.)
(But Adam had the time to recover.)
(He attempts a big boot, but Kai just manages to duck under!)
(Kai swings the chair at Adam’s head!)
(# CLANK!!!)
(…)
(Adam protected his head with his hands… but that didn’t save them from the damage.)
(As Adam grimaces in pain, Kai drives the tip of the chair into his ribs, and as Adam leans forward.)
(# CRACK!!)
(Steel and barbed wire connect with tremendous force to his back.)
(CRACK!!! CRACK!!!!! CRACK!!!!!!!!!!!)
(The same story once more, except with increasingly more force.)
(Blood spreads on Adam’s back, as Kai takes heavy breaths of unrestrained wrath.)
(He reluctantly lets go of the chair, rubbing his palm over the blood on Adam Lucas’ back, and wiping it on his chest.)
(As Adam tries to rest over the edge of the announcer’s desk, Kai stomps his hurt foot into the ground, testing if he even has the power to do what he wants…)
(Regardless of what he perceives the status as, it doesn’t look like it would have stopped Kai anyway.)
(He lifts Adam up on his shoulders…)
Thadd Blazevich: # LAWN DART!!
(CLAAANNK!!!!)
Rich Russillo: THE BLEEDING HEAD IS AGGRAVATED!!! ADAM GOT LAUNCHED HEAD FIRST RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!
Persephone: And that silver steel is stained with Adam’s blood… Yum.
(After the collision course, the steps fall all out of order. The Hardcore Champion simply watches on at his challenger and greatest foe writhing in agony.)
(Pure catharsis for The Overlord.)
(He leaves Adam to wallow in pain, while taking the bottom row of steel steps, and dragging them inside of the ring.)
(But in this moment of release… voices find their time to scatter.)
(Toronto drowns the atmosphere in boos and profanities.)
(Kai ears begin to receive it all. He rolls into the ring… and stands of the steel steps, at the center of it all.)
(Kai’s arms spread wide.)
Crowd: FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!!
(He welcomes the loathing.)
Crowd: FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!!
(Revels in it.)
Crowd: FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!! FUCK YOU KAI!!!
(Basks in it, as if it’s his pride & glory.)
(…But the crowd suddenly stood on its feet.)
(Kai peeks to his side.)
(Adam Lucas, on both feet, with the look of a man possessed.)
(Holding onto his head, dirty blonde hair all smudged in dark crimson.)
(He would never stay down so easily.)
(Kai steps off the stairs, slowly pushing them to the side with the side of his foot.)
(Opening the space between him and Adam.)
(Without a moment of hesitation, their foreheads collide. The eyes and all of their reserved vitriol unraveling in each other’s gaze.)
(Can’t skip another beat; Adam Lucas aims a chop at Kai’s chest.)
(Kai strikes back with one of his own.)
(Adam. Kai. Adam. Kai. Adam. Kai. Adam. Kai.)
(Adam strikes the injured leg with a low kick.)
(Kai briefly backpedals, limping, before he directs his knuckles straight into the open cut on his head.)
(Adam retaliates with another kick, his sight faintly turning hazy.)
(He follows it up with a forearm strike.)
(Kai obliges.)
(It’s back to trading.)
Crowd: BOOO… YEAH!!!! BOOO…. YEAH!!! BOOOOO…. YEAAAAHHHH!!! BOOOOOOOOOO…. YEAAAHHHHH!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…
(Kai dazes Adam.)
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
(Another punch shakes his footing.)
(Kai takes steps back… and Adam…)
(Welcomes him to try.)
(He interlocks his arms beneath his back.)
(Giving Kai a free blow.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Still underestimating me, after all this time…?
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) When your career is at stake…?
(Adam closes his eyes, Kai grows furious.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You shouldn’t have done that.
Rich Russillo: # BLADE OF BABYLON!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM DUCKED!!
Persephone: You give Kai a finger, he takes the whole hand, and Adam is well aware of that! Kai trips to the ground, real intensity behind that attempted elbow swing!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM OFF THE SECOND ROPE!!
Rich Russillo: GENESIS!!! THE SUPERMAN PUNCH WITH THE EXTRA MOMENTUM HITS THE MARK, AND ADAM IS READY TO PUT AN END TO THIS!!
(He picks Kai right up, and sends him into the ropes…)
(Kai rebounds… into…)
Thadd Blazevich: # LEVEL UP!!!
(But Kai knew far better.)
Rich Russillo: KAI LEAPFROGS OVER ADAM!!
Thadd Blazevich: THE CHAMP LANDS ON HIS FEET, BUT IT WASN’T A CLEAN LANDING AT ALL!! THAT TWEAKED FOOT BIT HIM, AND ADAM IS QUICK TO RECOVER!!
Persephone: But he’s met with a back elbow to the face!! Kai is not trying to go down to the Level Up by any means possible it seems, and I can’t blame him!
Rich Russillo: Kai regains his footing—REDLINED!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM DUCKS AND POPS HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDER!!! WHAT IS THIS BRO!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: # GO TO RETIREMENT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
(The knee connects with Kai’s face, and he collapses down to the mat.)
(Adam successfully pulls up Ronn Banks’ own patented move, the Go To Retirement.)
Persephone: Ironic name.
Thadd Blazevich: BRO!!! WHEN THE LEVEL UP DIDN’T WORK ON KAI, ADAM DUG DEEP INTO HIS PAST WITH THE HOMAGE TO EAW CHAIRMAN RONN BANKS!! THE MAN WHO HELPED ADAM PICK UP HIS FIRST PAIN FOR PRIDE AND HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY AGAINST METHUSELAH!!!!
(Adam collapses into the cover.)
OOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: CAN HE KEEP THE HALL OF FAME CAREER INTACT!?!?
(…)
THHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
Persephone: Did anyone expect the first fall of the match to end it? :mjlol:
(Kai’s shoulder pops up, and Adam shakes his head. Disappointment, desperation? Sure. But he knows better.)
(Reality settles in though… he really will need the bread & butter of his arsenal.)
(But Kai prepared accordingly; the grand stage is his for the taking.)
(That’s the annoying part.)
Thadd Blazevich: Adam rises up to his feet, raising Kai’s worked leg…
(STOMP!! STOMP!! STOMP!!)
Rich Russillo: A good few stomps amplify the pain the champion is in, but Adam doesn’t seem to be done!!
Thadd Blazevich: LEG SNAP!!! KAI IS ROLLING AROUND IN PAIN, AND THAT’S MUSIC TO THE HALL OF FAMER’S EARS!!! HE GRABS BOTH LEGS NOW… POSSIBLY LOOKING FOR THE LUCAS LOCK TO DAMAGE THE LOWER HALF OF HIS BODY EVEN MORE…
Rich Russillo: BUT KAI IS FIGHTING THE SHARPSHOOTER!! HE KNOWS HE CAN’T BE PUT IN THAT SITUATION…
(With his feet, he eventually sends Adam back…)
(But Adam springs right onto the apron.)
Rich Russillo: THE ONSLAUGHT FROM ADAM ISN’T STOPPING, DON’T GET UP, YOUNG KAI!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM SPRINGS FORWARD! EQUALIZER!!
Rich Russillo: # HOLLOW POINT!!!
Persephone: KAI STOPS THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT ATTEMPT RIGHT AT THE PEAK OF ADAM’S USELESS FLIP!! ADAM IS SENT INTO THE CORNER—
Thadd Blazevich: FOR A SECOND HOLLOW POINT!!
Rich Russillo: The high kick knocks the daylights out of Adam Lucas, and he collapses straight on Kai’s chest!
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) This is it.
(Kai cackles. The air inside the arena grows ominous… The champion looks at his opponent with nothing but cold malice.)
(The same cold malice he looked at Ashlynn with. The same one Bethany stared into.)
(He places the palm over Adam’s jaw, tilting his head upwards.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) I beat you.
(Kai imposingly shoves him right back into the corner, and runs to the opposite corner…)
Rich Russillo: A THIRD HOLLOW POINT!!! ADAM LUCAS IS A DEAD MAN, JUST COLLAPSING TO THE MAT!!
(Kai lets out a dry & chilling chuckle, his shoulders barely moving.)
(He drags the long steel steps towards the middle of the ring, and then, grabbing Adam by his dirty, bloody hair, prepares his execution.)
(It’s a slow and agonizing rise to his feet for Adam, and Kai is enjoying every long second of it.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You should’ve told her you’re sorry.
Persephone: The manual abortion connoisseur picks Adam up… for a tombstone…
Thadd Blazevich: I know what this is! The Kingstone Piledriver, and Kai’s eyes are set on planting his head on those steel steps…
Rich Russillo: Kai steps onto the steel… BUT ADAM’S LEGS START SHAKING, SHOWING SIGNS OF LIFE!! HE’S RESISTING, AND KAI IS SEETHING!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM MANAGES TO TURN IT OVER INTO A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER OF HIS OWN!! IF THIS LANDS—
Persephone: Don’t even begin to fantasize! Kai escapes over Adam’s shoulder, his back is turned…
Rich Russillo: KAI GRABS THE HANDS!!
(# THUUDD!!!!)
Thadd Blazevich: OHH MY GAWWWWWDDDDD!!!
Rich Russillo: UNPRETTIER ON THE STEEL STEPS!!
(Or, more specifically, Hans Grayson’s “Imperial Flame”.)
Thadd Blazevich: THAT’S HANS GRAYSON’S SWAG, IT’S LIKE BOTH OF THESE GUYS HAVE EACH OTHER’S MOVES FULLY SCOUTED, SO THEY HAVE TO DIG DEEP INTO THEIR REPERTOIRE TONIGHT!!
Persephone: We don’t care about all of that! Adam got planted right on the edge of those steel steps!
Rich Russillo: BUT HE’S NOT DONE!! HE’S GOT HIM UP—LOOKING FOR A KINGSTONE PILEDRIVER—
Thadd Blazevich: NO!! HE KNOWS ADAM WOULD HAVE IT SCOUTED!! HE WRAPS THE ARMS AROUND HIS BACK INSTEAD…
Rich Russillo: FOR DRAKE ARMSTRONG’S DEATH PENALTY RIGHT ON THE STEEP STEPS!!!
Persephone: Being Armstrong Jr. is in his everlasting fate, but Kai pushes Adam off the steps! The leg is hooked!! GOODBYE ADAM!!!
OOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TTWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
THHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
(…)
(…)
(Toronto explodes.)
Rich Russillo: THE SHOULDER RISES!!
Thadd Blazevich: THE NEXT LEVEL HAS MORE LEVELS TO REACH!!
Persephone: Kai is in disbelief… and so am I. This match just must keep going on…
(Kai stares into a void with only shock, and a glimmer of desperation begins to arise.)
(He shakes his head… glancing towards the hurt Adam.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Accept your defeat already…!
(Kai slowly climbs on one knee, and chuckles to himself.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Well, acceptance is the last stage of grief, after all.
(Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression…)
(Adam has gone through it all…)
(But acceptance.)
(Kai’s purpose is to drive him to acceptance. By force, or by will.)
(Kai makes a slow rise to his feet, gripping onto Adam’s blood-soaked hair.)
Thadd Blazevich: :lupe: Kai picks him up on the shoulders… looking for a powerbomb…
Rich Russillo: RAISES HIM HIGH IN THE AIR—
(THUD!!)
Thadd Blazevich: BAH GAWD!! THE HIGH-ANGLE SIT-OUT POWERBOMB LANDS, AND ADAM’S BACK LANDED RIGHT ON THOSE STEEL STEPS!!!
(No cover from Kai. He leaves Adam to whimper in the ring.)
(He pushes the steel steps out of the ring, before going out to ringside, looking under the ring.)
(It’s not long until Kai finds just what he needs…)
(He rolls back into the ring, and the entire world can see…)
(A small cloth bag…)
(Kai slowly unties it, and lets thumbtacks splatter down on the mat.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You’re only living to die another day…
(Kai clicks his tongue, standing over Adam.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Something must give.
(He slowly picks him up.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You must have wished you kissed her one final time.
(Kai shakes his head, only with sardonic amusement.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Maybe that is why you saved Ash.
(Kai genuinely laughs, in dichotomy with the dark tone of voice; interpreting Adam’s pain as a projection… His supposed trigger being “jealousy” after Kai forced himself onto Ashlynn Quinn’s lips, right before attempting to choke all life out of her.)
Persephone: Maybe Adam was right, even the pedophiles would avoid this guy in jail.
Thadd Blazevich: Does Damon Lazarus avoid him backstage?
Persephone: Ah, c’mon now. Damon just has an acquired taste. 🙂
Rich Russillo: We’re getting kicked off the network, aren’t we…?
Persephone: Omg Richie, fine! I’ll commentate this stupid match: Kai is getting Adam up, probably looking for that Tombstone Piledriver—
Rich Russillo: But Adam isn’t giving him an inch! He fights out of the Kingstone Piledriver attempt, and looks for a body slam, but it’s Kai slithering from behind! He shoves Adam forward and—
(THWIP!)
Thadd Blazevich: WHAT THE HALE!?
Persephone: Oh??
(💉)
Rich Russillo: KAI JUST STABBED A SYRINGE INTO ADAM’S SHOULDER!! ADAM IS SCREAMING, WHAT THE HELL WAS INSIDE OF THAT!!
(Remember when Kai took a while getting a weapon out of the ring?)
(He hid a syringe in his boot, his intent unraveling clearly. He planned this from the start.)
(Adam instantly takes that syringe out of the brachial plexus, throwing it outside carelessly.)
(But he feels… dizzy.)
(It’s as if something is paralyzed, but what?)
Thadd Blazevich: Adam lands a blow on Kai, which staggers him!! Was that syringe ineffective!?
Persephone: Well, why’s he just standing there now?!
(Adam tried to swing again with the other arm… but it just doesn’t move.)
(It flails aimlessly, despite Adam trying to force himself.)
(A grin fully emerges at the corner of Kai’s lips.)
(Adam tries to swing with the other arm instead, but Kai had the time to block it—)
Rich Russillo: REDLINED!!! THE LARIAT KNOCKS THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ADAM!!
Persephone: Wow. He got his arm paralyzed. Not so fun when the joke is on you, huh Adam?
(The injection of Novocaine leaves Adam a victim of his own set of mind games, as Dr. Bethany Blue, his wife, is no stranger to utilizing medicine to her — and on occasions, his — advantage.)
(Novocaine was a more old-school anesthetic; it’s not as if Kai’s knowledge was all that vast, but it did the trick when it needed to.)
(Now, before the effect wears off, he has to end this. Kai retreats onto the apron… stalking Adam.)
Persephone: What’s this buffoon looking for now!?
Thadd Blazevich: I think I know…
Persephone: Share with the class maybe?
(Adam slowly rises up, in perfect position for his back to land right on the thumbtacks.)
Rich Russillo: KAI HOPS OVER THE ROPES, FOR ADAM LUCAS’ EQUALIZER!!!
Thadd Blazevich: # BUT ADAM HAS THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT SCOUTED EVEN WITH A BAD ARM!! A MASSIVE LARIAT WITH THE FUNCTIONAL ARM TAKES KAI OUT!!
Persephone: And Kai is crying in pain!! HE’S THE ONE WHO LANDED ON THE THUMBTACKS!! HE’S SQUIRMING AROUND LIKE A FISH, MAKING IT WORSE!!
(But Adam couldn’t care less about Kai’s suffering.)
(Because Kai couldn’t truly suffer until he lost it all.)
(He’s looking to end this.)
(If he has Adam’s best moves scouted, and he managed to fully paralyze the arm… then he knows just what will break his reign.)
(He takes a brief retreat to the corner…)
(And charges.)
Rich Russillo: # CONCUSSION PROTOCOL ON THE THUMBTACKS!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: THIS IS HOW DR. BETHANY BLUE PUT DOWN KAI AT KING OF ELITE EARLIER THIS YEAR!! WILL THE SAME FATE REPEAT ITSELF!?!?
(Kai’s face is driven right into the thumbtacks by the sole of Adam’s boot, as the tacks puncture in different areas of his face, a pool of blood quickly cascading onto the mat.)
(Adam turns him around with ill regard to the thumbtacks, dropping into the cover.)
OOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
THHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(……)
(………….)
(………………..)
(But, with a paralyzed arm…)
(………………………….)
(He couldn’t hook the leg.)
(# Kai kicks out.)
Rich Russillo: THEY SAY HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF, BUT IN SPITE OF THAT, KAI REMAINS DEFIANT WITH THE EMPHATIC KICKOUT!!!
Persephone: So I take it Adam Lucas powerscales below pregnant woman level? :mjlol:
Thadd Blazevich: Well, the lack of pressure from an unhooked leg is certainly costly! I know that myself!! History doesn’t fully repeat itself every time, after all, and that syringe Kai utilized just saved him the match and his title reign!!
(Only now, is Adam Lucas in disbelief.)
(This has to end.)
(It has to.)
(IT HAS TO.)
(…)
(Adam tries to move the arm… it’s not working again, but it doesn’t feel as stiff anymore.)
(He sighs, and drags Kai up with whatever energy he has left…)
(Paralyzed arm be damned, he looked for the killshot.)
(# The Final Resolution.)
(As best he could, he attempts to launch Kai from the back suplex position…)
Thadd Blazevich: BROS!! ADAM LUCAS IS AMPING UP THE STRONGEST MOVE IN HIS ARSENAL!! THIS IS WHAT BEAT MACHINA LAST PAIN FOR PRIDE!! THIS IS WHAT KAI GOT A TASTE OF AT GRAND RAMPAGE MONTHS AGO!!
(But.)
Persephone: You snooze, you lose, Kai flips out of that, AND LANDS ON HIS FEET!!
Rich Russillo: A HUGE COUNTERATTACK GERMAN SUPLEX SENDS ADAM TO THE GROUND, BUT KAI GOES DOWN WITH HIM!!
(The champion attempts to recuperate, wishing to ignore all of the pain caused by the thumbtacks in his body.)
(But alas, it was his poison. He brought them out. Why not use them?)
(As he gets up, he stomps his boot into the tacks, grazing the mat until they stick onto it…)
(Then, he moves what is left of the tacks to the outside with his boot, in case of future harm.)
(Finally, he retreats in the corner, Adam having crawled up to the opposite one, murder on his mind and a boot’s sole full of thumbtacks to pair.)
Thadd Blazevich: HOLLOW POINNTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!
(The running high kick connects, sending shockwaves into the arena and tacks into Adam’s face as payback.)
(Now… Kai begins to stalk his prey… with the patience of a vulture.)
(He sits in the corner, Adam Lucas attempting to slowly come to his senses.)
(This was it.)
(The blade that killed the man, the legend.)
(Kai pushes forward…)
(# FOR THE BLADE OF BABYLON.)
(THUD!!!!)
(…)
(…)
(But… it only cuts through air.)
(Adam Lucas didn’t duck. He did not counter. He didn’t have enough left to even attempt to do so.)
(He simply collapsed…)
(The tip of Kai’s sword narrowly avoiding him, by pure chance.)
(Once more, nothing gives. Once more, their strongest maneuvers elude both of these men!)
(But this was all Kai had left in him.)
(Now, they’re both simply lying down, next to one another, on a mat stained by crimson red.)
(And the crowd fanfare slowly begins to resuscitates hope inside the stadium.)
Crowd: A-DAM LUCAS!!!! A-DAM LUUCASS!!!! A-DAMM LUCCASSS!!!!!!
(Adam gives a silent acknowledgment, as he tries to regain consciousness, making a long crawl to the ropes…)
(While Kai… is also attempting to recover, himself.)
Crowd: A-DAMM LUCCASSS!!!!!! A-DAMM LUCCASSS!!!!!! A-DAMM LUCCASSS!!!!!!
(And it’s that irksome sycophancy that drives him up.)
(As both men crawl aimlessly like blind puppies, they are only led by the scent of blood.)
(They never found any ropes.)
(Only each other.)
(Using one another’s bodies to slowly elevate themselves, on both knees, they stare one another down.)
(Kai smirks.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Absolution’s… ’swhat you wanted, right…?
(Adam breathes heavily, with a poker-faced response.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Ever considered a church?
(Kai continues.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Therapy? Yourself, and a damned mirror?
(A frown slowly grows on Adam’s expression.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Wallow in your endless self-pity in your lonesome, have you thought about that…?
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Your SELF-INFLICTED tragedy is BENEATH MY championship!!
(Adam’s breaths get heavier and heavier, Kai inevitably getting into his head…)
(Though, the question is, is Kai going too far, poking the bear?)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) At least your wife had the balls to take it in stride… and move on.
(Bringing her up, again…?)
(That’s the tipping point.)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) Fuck you.
(SMACK!!!)
(An elbow filled with despair, grief, and anger twists Kai’s nose.)
(As blood poured out of it, Kai could only chuckle, wiping it with his thumb.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You talk about bringing me down to Hell… but you’re already there, right with me.
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) And you’re enjoying it.
(SMACK!!!)
(Adam struck.)
(Kai holds onto his face.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) YOU CANNOT LET GO OF YOUR CAREER, BECAUSE YOU REVEL IN THIS BLOODSHED!!!
(SMACK!!!)
(Kai struck back.)
(Adam is almost dropped on all fours, but he maintains himself… staring a dagger into Kai.)
(At which point, the bloodlust only makes them both smile, but for entirely different reasons.)
(This is all Adam Lucas had left. Just… broken hedonism, at this point.)
(Kai? Embraced the blaze of glory far too much.)
(Their foreheads connect…)
(And, slowly, they help one another up to their feet… sick camaraderie.)
(But the crude staredown doesn’t stifle.)
(Until…)
(Kai takes a step back.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) The best you have left in that dwindling flame…
(He spreads his arms.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) STRIKE.
(Kai leaves himself open, Adam is… in debate.)
(Kai once claimed he is the only one who gave Adam the respect of saving him the pity.)
(But it was never about principle. It was about the mind games.)
(Kai is giving Adam a pity strike.)
(AND ADAM HATES IT.)
(…)
(BUT HE STRIKES ANYWAY.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Fool.
(The crowd abruptly begins to revolt.)
(# A low blow sends a desperate Adam Lucas spiraling to the ground after the dirty red herring.)
(Kai doesn’t want to only defeat Adam and end his career…)
(He wants to strip the Hall of Famer, the legend… bare of everything he’s done.)
(He wants to make the world beater no more than an insect on the grandest stage.)
(Kai places the tip of his boot on Adam’s chin, slowly raising it up.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You are nothing.
(Once he gets Adam Lucas on both knees in the patient, deliberate torture of pity… He creates distance.)
(# THE BLADE OF BABYLON.)
(It finally lands.)
(Blood spits out of the mouth of Adam Lucas. A tooth goes flying. His head bends at an uncomfortable angle.)
(He completely collapses.)
(The Next Level, trimmed down to size.)
(Kai hysterically cackles. This is his victory.)
(He doesn’t pin the challenger. He slowly raises him up to his feet, as Toronto begins to blow up in jeers, as if a riot would soon break out.)
(Yet Kai revels in it all.)
(Playing with the food that is a completely unconscious Adam Lucas…)
(He inches towards the moment, towards usurping the throne.)
(Judge. Jury. Final executioner.)
(Kai Rabeaux.)
(He picks Adam up…)
(Preparing to put an end to this agonizing fate he created.)
(And he mercilessly drives his skull into the mat.)
(# THE KINGSTONE PILEDRIVER.)
(The Final Resolution of Adam Lucas.)
(The Hardcore Champion crawls over the motionless body, hooking the leg.)
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(…)
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(For a moment, the referee hesitates.)
(…)
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
Thadd Blazevich: # WHAATTTTTHJKSDKJHSDOIRDSOIGHI!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!
Rich Russillo: # HE KICKED OUT???
(The crowd gasps, the entirety of Toronto up on their feet as Adam Lucas’ Hall of Fame resilience shows itself on the grandest stage.)
(Perhaps Adam had made it clear his career doesn’t matter anymore, at all…)
(However, something in him…)
(Doesn’t want to fully let go.)
(At least not before Kai is put in the dirt.)
(Kai’s own desperation UNRAVELS, as heavy breaths and hyperbolically widened eyes tell the whole story.)
(He finally landed the best his arsenal had to offer… and it wasn’t enough.)
(As Kai’s complexion turns red, not to be confused with the dried blood all over his face, he punches the mat.)
(Once. Twice.)
(Then exhales sharply.)
(He takes a good look at Adam Lucas; he was out. Whatever was left of him, he used for the kick out.)
(Stubborn bastard.)
(Kai rolls out of the ring…)
(Wear your scars on your sleeve.)
(From beneath the ring, he pulls out a very familiar weapon… as the crowd boos, and gasps.)
(The baseball bat, studded with glass shards.)
(THE baseball bat.)
(The wood and glass alike are stained by dried blood.)
(Bethany’s? Adam’s? The kid’s?)
Persephone: Wow.
Thadd Blazevich: Wow, indeed… I think that’s the same one, dudes… The depths Kai is willing to sink to—
Persephone: What are you on about? This is lovely—
Rich Russillo: DGSJJGHDSHJGDS!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: ???
Rich Russillo: ADAM LUCAS BLINDSIDED KAI WITH THE DIVINE DEPARTURE!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: The iconic move of the man who once defeated Adam for the Hardcore Championship, and just recently got inducted into the Hall of Fame together!! Adam is digging deep, taking something out of Limmy Monaghan’s book of tricks!!
(Alas, up to this point, these finishing maneuvers were used to attempt to bring the match to its end.)
(However… As Adam looks down…)
(Victory quickly becomes trivial.)
(It’s replaced by loathing. Sorrow. Retribution.)
(Adam Lucas takes a deep breath, before leaning down, and slowly picking up the weapon with shaky hands.)
(He wonders… whose blood is this…)
(Bethany’s? His? The kid’s?)
(With a completely void gaze, he grimaces at the laid out Kai…)
(…as a tear leaves his eye.)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) Taste of your own medicine, shithead.
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM SLAMS DOWN THE BAT INTO THE STOMACH OF KAI RABEAUX! THE CHAMP QUICKLY COUGHS UP BLOOD, IT’S FLYING EVERYWHERE, AND HE’S CONTINUING TO JUST COMPLETELY UNLOAD MONTHS OF GRIEF!
Persephone: HE IS TENDERIZING THE FUCK OUT OF THE CHAMPION RIGHT NOW! JUST HOW I LOVE IT!!
(Kai is starting to choke on his own blood.)
(THUD!)
Rich Russillo: A WATERFALL OF BLOOD BEGINS TO SPIT OUT OF THE MOUTH OF KAI!!! HE CRIES IN PAIN! AND ADAM IS FAR FROM DONE, DRIVEN BY NOTHING BUT EMOTION AT THIS POINT!!!!
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
Thadd Blazevich: OVER AND OVER AGAIN HE’S SLAMMING THE BASEBALL BAT DOWN ONTO THE STOMACH OF THE CHAMP! KAI MAY HAVE FLOWN TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN!! HE CAN ONLY CRY IN AGONIZING PAIN AS BLOOD GUSHES OUT OF HIS STOMACH, DROWNING IN THE SPOILS OF HIS OWN DOING, FEELING THE PAIN BETHANY WAS IN!!
(Kai is clutching his stomach as he rolls to his side… but Adam instantly turns him right back…)
(THUD!)
(For good measure, he hits the hurt leg of Kai.)
(THUD!)
(As Adam raised the baseball bat again and now slammed it down onto the stomach of Kai, blood begins pouring out of his mouth and covering his skin. Adam cannot even feel the paralyzed arm anymore. Nor the toll on his body. Nor even grief.)
(This is the seventh heaven.)
(Or more so, this is Hell on earth.)
(But, most of all… it’s vindication.)
(Fucking vindication.)
(…even if I’ve never strayed further from God–)
(But I don’t give a shit.)
(CRACK!)
(Fuck you, hellspawn.)
Rich Russillo: ADAM SWINGS THE BAT ACROSS THE FACE OF KAI RABEAUX FOR GOOD MEASURE, AND KAI COLLAPSES DOWN TO THE GROUND FOR GOOD! HE IS COMPLETELY OUT OF IT!!
Thadd Blazevich: BLOOD, SALIVA, TEARS, TEETH ALL WENT FLYING ONTO THE APRON AND THE RING COVER!!! IT’S AN EYE FOR AN EYE!!
(Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you.)
(You ruined everything.)
(Anger & absolution.)
(End this.)
(Just end it.)
(He’s seeing the gates right now.)
(Knowing he’ll never walk past them.)
(Adam pushes what could best be described as Kai’s corpse into the ring, as more and more blood is running down from his mouth.)
(With a hold of the wrist, he props him to his feet, on whatever ground he can still stand on, and catapults him into the air.)
Rich Russillo: # THE. NEXT. LEVEL. This, ladies and gentlemen, is it.
Persephone: Well, at least he didn’t lose to the Level Up this time around!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(…)
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(…)
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…?)
Thadd Blazevich: Did…
Rich Russillo: What happened??
(Adam collapsed off the cover.)
(He turns to the side, in clear view: a syringe is jabbed into his neck.)
(His body spazzes for a moment…)
(And then, he shuts down.)
(Kai remains down and out… however, he is slowly regaining footing.)
Thadd Blazevich: Is everything okay!? Someone get paramedics out here!!
Persephone: Dumbfuck, Captain Charisma unsanctioned this match, which means there’s none of that! If he dies, he dies!! Thank you for your service, Adam Lucas!! You lost your wife, kid, and now your life!
(REPLAY: As Adam was ruthlessly beating Kai to a bloody pulp with the emotionally-charged weapon of choice… Kai snuck his hand under the ring… and kept it in a closed fist until the pinfall.)
(Then? He stabbed it in Adam’s neck amidst the pinfall as a last resort.)
(Back to the present, Kai is finding his way back up, as the syringe’s liquid is only barely pushed in.)
(However, it did the job.)
(Kai slowly walks over to Adam, taking the syringe out of his neck, as blood begins to pour out of the wound.)
(The Champion closely inspects the syringe, its needle slowly pouring out drops of Phenethylamine.)
(Kai chuckles, despite his weakened state.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Taste of your own medicine…
(STAB!!!! STAB!!!! STAB!!!! STAB!!!! STAB!!!! STAB!!!!)
(Kai stabs parts of Adam’s body at random, as he slowly begins to convulse.)
(Before finally… the main event…)
(He raises Adam’s jaw up with his palm, pure, deliberate dominance over his challenger in only the blink of an eye.)
(This act of cruelty alone gives Kai’s hurt body the will to go on… even if at random intervals, he coughs blood out of his mouth.)
(As Adam was on his knees, blood threading down from his hairline, Kai held him almost tenderly, the way a man might cradle a wounded animal intended to be put down.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Say… “ahh”…
(Kai parts Adam’s lips with his thumb and forefinger, his mouth open, teeth fully smudged by the color red.)
(The needle found his cheek and drove through, Adam’s diluted scream quickly becomes static in the gasped arena.)
(Kai’s thumb presses on the plunger, thin mist hissing into the air, leaving Adam in grotesque reveling as the syringe dangles from his face.)
(The Champion took a moment to survey his work, like a king surveying a kingdom built on someone else’s ruin, with pure apathy.)
(He unstraps one of the bloody, white wristbands, clinching it around his hand…)
(Before crouching next to Adam again…)
Thadd Blazevich: Ummm… :lupe:
Rich Russillo: Is that—SAY AHHHH!!!! KAI RABEAUX IS TRYING TO CHOKE OUT ADAM LUCAS’ WITH BETHANY’S OWN MANDIBLE CLAW!! KAI HAS MADE AN ABSOLUTE MOCKERY OUT OF BETHANY TONIGHT, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE ICING ON THE CAKE IS TRYING TO MAKE ADAM SURRENDER HIS CAREER!!!
(Kai screams ruthlessly, a warrior’s roar, as Adam cannot do as such… only lose air.)
Thadd Blazevich: Oh no… His eyes are fading…
Persephone: Oh no… He’s finding some surge of strength!! NEVERMIND, OH YES!! ADAM IS FADING!!
Thadd Blazevich: I… think this is it.
(The referee goes to check if this grueling contest may finally come to an end, and get off his conscience…)
(But…)
(# STAB!!)
Rich Russillo: ADAM LUCAS TOOK THAT SYRINGE OUT OF HIS MOUTH AND STABBED IT INTO KAI!!!
Thadd Blazevich: KAI ROLLS AWAY, SQUIRMING IN PAIN, SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY, THE NEXT LEVEL STILL HAS THE WORLD TO OFFER US IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Adam coughs bits of blood, gasping with heavy breaths as his consciousness almost fully faded… but he’s back in this, and he goes straight for Kai! A discus punch keeps the offense going!! Followed up by a massive Roundhouse Kick!!!
Persephone: WHY ARE THEY WRESTLING ALL OF A SUDDEN?!?!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM RUNS INTO THE ROPES—BUT KAI IS READY TO MEET HIM THERE FOR THE HOLLOW POINT!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT ADAM WAS PREPARED!! KAI’S LEG IS STUCK ON THE ROPES, AND ADAM KICKS IT AWAY, THEN PULLS HIM INTO A SPINEBUSTER!!!
(Adam lets out a scream…)
(A scream of hope as the audience jumps on their feet!!)
Thadd Blazevich: LET’S GO!! ADAM SENDS KAI INTO THE ROPES, AND THIS IS IT!! THE LEVEL UP!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! KAI STILL HAS IT SCOUTED AFTER FALLING TO IT TWO DIFFERENT TIMES THIS PAST SEASON, TURNING THE POWERBOMB INTO A SUNSET FLIP!! THE COUNT!!!
ONNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
Persephone: Imagine if Adam’s career ended because of a roll-up? :mjlol:
Thadd Blazevich: BOTH MEN ARE QUICKLY BACK TO THEIR FEET—KAI CHARGES!!
Rich Russillo: THE BLADE OF BABYLON!!!
Persephone: No! Adam ducks under like he had done for a thousand times in this match already!!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM KEEPS THE MOMENTUM GOING, SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE ROPES—
Rich Russillo: # INTO THE STARMAKER!!!
Persephone: We’re paying tribute to anybody, man.
Thadd Blazevich: I DON’T THINK THIS IS TRIBUTE, JUST PURE ADAPTABILITY WHEN YOUR BREAD AND BUTTER DOESN’T WORK!! JAKE SMITH’S OWN MOVE PUTS KAI DOWN, BUT ADAM ISN’T DONE, HE’S GAINING SOME MORE MOMENTUM AS KAI IS SEEING STARS—
Rich Russillo: # BUULLLLEEEEETTTTTTTT FRROOOOOMMMMM HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!
(Rich beams with glee.)
Rich Russillo: (cont’d) Oh… How I’ve missed doing the call for this move!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ADAM INSTANTLY COLLAPSES AFTER DOING MACHINA’S SPEAR, NO COVER!!
(Indeed. Both men were down and out… This was their last rush of adrenaline…)
(With both laid out in the ring, Adam Lucas attempts to at least crawl his way towards the cover…)
Rich Russillo: What. A. Sequence!! After seeing Adam Lucas hit the Go To Retirement, it’s only right we see Jake Smith’s Starmaker, the man he dethroned three years ago to win his first World Championship, and with who he constantly had run-ins with on Voltage last season!! And then, Machina’s Bullet From Hell, an ode of respect to the brute he put down last Pain For Pride!!
(Eventually, after many seconds lost… he drapes his arm over Kai.)
OOOONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
Persephone: Well, Machina’s Bullet From Hell always guarantees the end, but this isn’t Michael Machina, it’s just bum ass Adam Lucas!
Thadd Blazevich: Another EMPHATIC kickout from Kai, and you gotta wonder, what’s gonna finish this match…?
Rich Russillo: I don’t know… and I’m not sure Adam does either. He’s slowly trying to find his way back up, but you can tell that last surge of energy was all that was left.
(Adam stares into the hollow eyes of Kai, unmoving, stuck on a random light on the jumbotron.)
(With steady movements considering his own condition… he attempts to bring Kai up, and finally end this nightmare of a saga.)
(But hatred often…)
(…veils the oldest tricks in the book.)
Thadd Blazevich: # DGGDHKJHKJGD!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: KAI RABEAUX WAS PLAYING POSSUM!!! HE DELIVERS A LOW BLOW TO ADAM LUCAS, AND ADAM IS DOWN AGAIN!!
(Kai himself struggles to get off his knees, but he rolls his way to ringside, looking in a very specific spot under the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Uhm…
(In one hand, a vial of Sertraline.)
(In the other, a bottle of Jack Daniels.)
(Kai enters the ring…)
(He crouches in Adam’s face, putting the bottle down, and opening up the vial of anti-depressants.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Tuckered out yet, Adam!?
(He takes a fistful of pills, and shoves them in his mouth.)
(CRACK!!)
(Then, he breaks the bottle of whiskey over his bleeding hairline, alcohol pouring into the wound, dark glass raining down upon his silhouette, as Kai pushes the broken lower half into his mouth, forcibly.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Depression and obsession never mix well…
(Adam jolts in shock, before his eyes slowly close…)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Nuh-uh…
(Kai nudges him back to reality…)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Endured so much… You can’t give up on yourself so easily…
(SLAP!!)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You’re mine.
(Adam attempts his hardest to fight the punishment of alcohol and anti-depressants mixing on his insides, but Kai is only driving the empty bottle further into his jaw…)
Persephone: Suicide overdose!!!
(Persephone jumps up and down.)
(SLASH!!!)
Kai Rabeaux: (screaming his intestines out) AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
(In a last-ditch effort, Adam Lucas stabs the largest, sharpest shard of glass he could latch onto, right into Kai’s afflicted stomach.)
(Kai gushes, falling down to a knee…)
(Adam coughs rapidly, almost vomiting, trying to spit out whatever alcohol and pills couldn’t enter his system yet.)
(There is no doubt… some coincidental lingering trauma that awoke in Adam…)
(But he’s still here for a reason.)
(To end Kai Rabeaux, his life be damned.)
(With whatever is left, Adam charges towards Kai—)
(# STAABBB!!!!)
(But with Kai still holding the broken whiskey bottle in his hand… his fighting spirit quickly dwindled.)
(As the bottle went directly into the side of his stomach, reopening a wound amid healing—par for the course…)
(Kai chuckles, far too dismissively, far too apathetically.)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Fret not… I’ll live longly to tell your tale.
(Kai slowly grabs Adam up…)
Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) The tale of a weak coward.
(And picks him up on his shoulders… into a powerbomb position.)
(He slowly backpedals…)
(Preparing his execution.)
(He wasn’t hitting a powerbomb… he was ending this.)
(He begins to grab the back of Adam’s neck…)
(# Setting up the “Gate of Babylon” Phoenix-Plex…)
(Adam’s neck is inching towards a date with the bottom turnbuckle.)
(And a date with the Grim Reaper.)
(# THUD!!!)
(…)
(….)
(………)
(………………)
(Kai’s leg gave out.)
(A desperate tear leaves his eye, wishing he could scream, but he is in far too much pain to do so.)
(Now, of all times, it all catches up to him…?)
(Adam’s backside slides off the mat, slipping off of Kai’s shoulders… luckily.)
(Kai roars. Fuck the pain.)
(Adam Lucas is verging towards death regardless.)
(He pushes forward, in spite of his limping leg…)
(# THE BLADE OF BABYLON.)
(…)
(# THUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
(But one final time, Adam Lucas succeeded in avoiding the deadly Blade of Babylon…)
(# …and consequently drove Kai Rabeaux to the mat with a sit-out LEVEL UP.)
(Kai, despite it all, is destined to meet the same old, perpetual fate at the hands of Adam Lucas.)
(The Hall of Famer follows through with the sit-out cover.)
OOOONNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
TTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(……..)
(Alive, legendary, thriving, his career remains.)
(He is…)
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
(The Next Level, Adam Lucas……)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…….)
(……………..)
(……………………….)
(………………………………..)
(Farewell, dead man.)
(…)
(…)
Rich Russillo: # KAI RABEAUX SURVIVES THE LEVEL UP—
(…)
Thadd Blazevich: AND SUDDENLY TURNS THE COVER INTO A DOUBLE-LEG CRADLE!!! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN.
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(# DING……! DING……! DING……!!!)
(The bell ominously rung in gasping silence… like a death knell.)
(He is…)
(The Next Level, Adam Lucas……)
(……and today, he drew his final breath.)
Thadd Blazevich: The Next Level… has just reached his final level…
Persephone 😐
(The brunt of “Burn in My Light” by Mercy Drive fully reverberates in a stadium turned as lively as a graveyard. You could hear a pin drop… and that is because everyone is shocked, grief-stricken, heartbroken.)
(And Kai Rabeaux isn’t exempt from the shock.)
(But shock turns to awe. And awe turns to elation.)
(…As he rolls off the cover, the champion instantly demands that the title be given to him.)
(Without giving grief another moment, he snatches his Hardcore Championship from the ref, raising it up to the heavens, the shocking end of the career of Adam Lucas an afterthought.)
Bella Braxton: The winner of this match… AND STILL THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION… KAI RABEAUX!!!!
Rich Russillo: I am… speechless.
Thadd Blazevich: Just like that, bro?
Persephone: He… he actually lost his career because of a roll-up…? Am I… Do I…carry a curse…?
(Adam Lucas played the perfect game… he finally got the better of Kai with the Level Up… Just for Kai to kick out of it.)
(Fucking despair.)
(Kai… the bluff of the century.)
(As he celebrates with the Hardcore Championship, fatal injuries suddenly feel like flesh wounds… Without care for it all, without remorse, but pure apathy… Kai Rabeaux feels as if he has reached the ninth sky.)
(None of it matters. Not even liberation.)
(Adam Lucas looked on, defeated, shocked… blood on his entire body, white of his eyes reddened, pure misery etched on his face…)
(The final ever EAW PURE Champion. EAW Hardcore Champion. King of Elite. Answers World Champion. EAW World Champion. EAW Hall of Famer…)
(…and above all, a far too loving husband.)
(Stab wounds to the head, a chair leg forcefully driven as his father’s submission was locked onto him. Scars from chair shots and barbed wire, forced into his back without mercy. An open hairline as caused by a lawn dart into steel steps. An Unprettier & Piledriver directly on steel steps. Thumbtacks driven into his face. An anesthetic jabbed into his arm. Amphetamine jabbed into his neck. Eight additional syringe stabs, one through his mouth. Low blows. Alcohol and anti-depressants mixed into his mouth, an overdose the intention. Alcohol poured onto his opened wounds. Glass broken over his head, slashing through his body. A whiskey bottle stabbed into the side of his stomach. Among many more wounds.)
(And yet, he still fought ‘till the curtains closed on him…)
(That is what it took… to conclude the career of Adam Lucas.)
(On this night, he was irrational, vengeful, hypocritical, and ugly. He truly was Adam Lucas until the most bitter end.)
(Adam watches Kai celebrate, with more stolen valor than ever, shock still so difficult to process…)
(But shock turns to grief. And grief turns to anger.)
(…)
(# CRACK!!!)
(He couldn’t go down like this. He couldn’t let any celebration happen.)
(Kai Rabeaux goes down with him.)
(It’s suddenly as if none of the injuries mattered, and the adrenaline surged once more.)
(Without a moment’s hesitation, Adam takes Kai for the Level Up…)
(And he is driven into the mat… far too effortlessly.)
(But that’s not enough.)
(Kai is taken right back up…)
(# And The Final Resolution drives him headfirst, down into the debris-filled mat.)
(Still… It wasn’t enough.)
(Adam takes him up high, on the top rope…)
(# THE AVALANCHE FINAL RESOLUTION.)
(Celebrations were cut short. Grief, however, is perpetuated.)
(Without a glance, Adam Lucas leaves the ring.)
(The crowd… begins clapping… as Adam stops, raising his chin.)
(But he didn’t do so at the fanfare. He realized… not even that was enough.)
(He runs back into the ring, taking the discarded glass-filled baseball bat, and aims right for Kai’s already wounded stomach.)
(THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!! THUD!!!)
(A barrage of strikes, to appease the vengeance of his grief-stricken soul.)
(But it’s not enough.)
(Adam digs into his boot, taking out his EAW Hall of Fame ring… perhaps, a possible last measure saved up.)
(With as much care for its meaning as his career, he places it on his fingers, and crouches on top on Kai, doing with it the only thing it’s good for.)
(CRACK!! TWHACK!!!! WHAM!!! SMACK!! CRACK!!! WHAM!! SMACK!! SMACK!! SMACK!! SMACK!!!!)
(But catharsis never comes… no matter how many times his fists rearrange his face…)
(No matter how many lows he sinks to, only mirroring those of which he hates…)
(Nothing helps.)
(…)
(Enough.)
???: (off-mic) That’s enough…
(It’s you…)
Dr. Bethany Blue: (off-mic) Don’t sink to this level.
(Bethany pulled Adam off of Kai.)
(The two look at one another… truly sharing a gaze, after so long.)
(Adam’s anger suddenly turns into something else entirely. Bethany takes a sharp glance at the glass-studded baseball bat on the mat, full of blood, her features briefly softening, before noticing Kai himself, a fish on land…)
(She exhales.)
(And then simply wipes blood off of Adam with a towel.)
(For the first time in far too long, Adam cracks a genuine smile, seeing Beth.)
(But Bethany decides, now is not the time. She jerks Kai up by the back of his head, signaling something with her finger towards Kai’s chest area.)
(Adam delivers a Code Blue, the punch to the heart, with the perfect precision she asked for, as Adam is well aware Beth wants nobody dying on her watch.)
(Adam doesn’t even let Kai falter to the mat… he tosses him to Bethany…)
(SMACK!!!)
(And the force of perhaps the strongest Code Blue she’s ever delivered strikes Kai.)
(For once, vindication truly feels like vindication.)
(His body shakes, faintly… as Bethany spits on him, before Adam simply tosses him to the outside.)
(With just Adam and Beth inside of the ring, the lingering silence begins to speak like no other.)
(Finally…)
Adam Lucas: (off-mic) I’m sorry.
Dr. Bethany Blue: …
Dr. Bethany Blue: -# (off-mic) …I know.
Adam Lucas: -# (off-mic) Can we…talk?
(Bethany hesitates…)
(But ultimately, she nods.)
(The two embrace, in a hug as sweet as when they first met, perhaps even sweeter, as the crowd begins to serenade.)
Crowd: THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!!
(After an embrace that could last a lifetime, Beth, with the level of care she could never truly stray from, feeds Adam an antibiotic, to stop any lingering effects from the punishment Adam was dealt to kick in.)
(Bethany has never been more glad to see Adam… to know he’s still here with us… even if he looked like shit.)
(She smirks with honesty, and an unmistakable level of admiration, before going towards the timekeepers area, handing Adam Lucas a microphone to speak his peace one final time.)
Adam Lucas: There it is, the culmination of one of the most satisfying storylines I’ve had in my entire E-fed career. I said it in my Hall of Fame speech, and although I of course put this together ahead of the match, I’m 100% confident that it will have been an amazing conclusion to an epic piece of story telling from the staff, and hopefully one of many Pain for Pride moments. Bet you all thought Adam was gonna win right… I’m guessing that in a way, he kind of does.
Adam Lucas: Now, to the hard part.
Adam Lucas: Some of you might know, I’m a Granddad now, and honestly my time with them is precious, which doesn’t leave me much time for anything else. I have a wife who I adore, and I have other hobbies and frankly I’m of an age now where pretending to be a fictional character shouldn’t take up the time it does. About six months ago, I had a chat with my wife, and I came to the only conclusion I had. So, with that all in mind, no massive plot twist here… I am announcing my retirement from EAW. I want to really thank Kass at this point, because she’s been amazing from start to finish, when Adam’s career could have just dwindled away. Kass didn’t allow that and made good on a spectacular final story. I cannot thank her enough for this. I’ve tried to repay that with honestly some of my best Adam rp’s in a while. A team effort right to the end.
Adam Lucas; I want to reiterate what I said in the Hall of Fame, this place is so precious to me. The time I have spent with you all, is time I will never forget, or regret. I’ve had some amazing rp battles, told some truly amazing stories and it really is difficult to walk away. But I’m a firm believer that when you know, you know. I’ve given my all, and been given it all back. All stories must come to an end, and this is the end of mine.
Adam Lucas: So, thank you for reading and liking my promos over these five or six years. Every like brought a smile to my face. Thank you for loving, or hating Adam in equal doses, whether he was being boring, generic or in recent times an asshole or a crybaby misery guts. No matter how you thought of him, at least you thought something right? I’ll still be tuning into the shows unless I get kicked off the discord lol, because there’s a few stories I’m hooked on and want to see where they go, so maybe you’ll get a dm from me from time to time commiserating or congratulating. Take care, go well and remember always, EAW has your back and always will.
Adam Lucas: This isn’t a goodbye… it’s a see you down the tracks.
Adam Lucas: Love you all.
(In the end, Adam leaves the microphone on the ground, his final words addressed as the crowd gives him a rightful ovation.)
(Kai, meanwhile, watches on from the outside, leaning on the barricade, seething; clutching his pearl—the Hardcore Championship.)
(Adam glances at his finger…)
(And takes off the Hall of Fame ring that is covered in blood, slowly leaving it in the middle of the ring as a remnant to his legacy, and his fight against a meaningless system.)
Crowd: THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!!
(Adam gives a faint wave, Bethany then helps Adam out, his injuries remaining apparent after such a brutal outing…)
Crowd: THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!!
(Wrapping his arm over her shoulder, while pushing down on the ring ropes to assist him away.)
Crowd: THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!! THANK YOU ADAM!!!
(The two walk out side by side…)
(The hope of reconciliation sailing in the air, at long last.)
(When a chapter closes… another begins.)
(Thank you, Adam Lucas.)
(Matchcard graphic for the next match appears)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Stephie Love: AND IT IS FOR, THE EAW INTERWIRE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
(“Cult Leader” by KiNG Mala plays throughout the arena, to a large reaction from this crowd here tonight! As Mia walks out onto the stage with the EAW Interwire Championship around her waist and a smirk on her face that wore a look of confidence. Her eyes straightforward and looking ahead at the ring as she’s finally making her way down to said ring and entering through the ropes!)
Stephie Love: Introducing the challenger! From Key West, Florida, weighing in at 115 pounds… MIAAAA SANTORO!!!
Jake Mercer: Here we go, another opportunity for Mia Santoro on the rise here. Tonight she faces yet another huge task in the form of Effy McAvoy! She is challenging her for the EAW Interwire Championship! And I for one can’t wait to see exactly how it all pans out.
Stew-o: Yes indeed Jake, I do agree with you! Mia Santoro has a big challenge ahead of her tonight, and she looks more than ready to bring the fight to Effy McAvoy. But you know that Effy is NOT going to let Mia have it easy!
(“Psycho” by That’s Outrageous began to play throughout the arena! The camera panned over towards the barrier, where we’d spot the EAW Interwire Champion! Effy McAvoy! And she wasn’t alone, being flanked by Ahren Fournier as both stood behind the barrier, before Effy finally made her way over it, entering the ring meanwhile Ahren stayed at ringside!)
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING THE EAW INTERWIRE CHAMPION!! ! Hailing from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, weighing in at 125 pounds… she is THE OMEN, EFFYYYYYYYYYYYYY! MCAVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOY!
Flannery McCoy: It’s about that time to get into the action! I, for one, believe that we’re in for a great match here tonight, between these two women!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Jake Mercer: With the bell ringing now, both Effy and Mia Santoro step towards the center of the ring, Effy is wearing a frown on her face and rightly so! Mia did steal her title! After all. Effy is tilting her head slightly at the challenger here, but Mia doesn’t seem all too fazed!
Mia: (off-mic) Your little creepy gestures don’t scare me you witch!
Stew-O: Oof, you can tell that those words from Mia, to Effy really set something off there as Effy’s smile is slowly turning into more of a frown now.. I think that may have struck sort of a nerve in Effy! Effy starts walking towards Mia! But.. SLAP!! MIA JUST STRUCK EFFY WITH A SLAP TO THE FACE!!
Flannery McCoy: That could be heard throughout the arena! Effy’s head snapped to the side and now she’s looking down towards the canvas, and she does NOT look happy one bit! Mia stepped towards Effy.. BUT EFFY JUST TOOK MIA DOWN WITH A TACKLE TO THE CANVAS AND NOW SHE IS THROWING LEFT AND RIGHT HANDED PUNCHES AT THE FACE OF MIA’S!!
Jake Mercer: This match has started off hot! The EAW Interwire Champion, showing that she is not going to be tolerating disrespect from Mia. Mia is trying her best to cover up and soften up some of the blows! Before eventually rolling herself and Effy towards the ropes and now Mia slips out of the ring!!
Stew-O: Mia is now ringside, a hand on her face as she’s staring at Effy in a bit of shock. But hey! Mia did bring that onto herself with that blatant disrespect!
Mia: (off-mic) YOU CRAZY BITCH!!
Flannery McCoy: Effy McAvoy slips under the ropes and drops to the floor at ringside, before she starts the chase! Mia wants no part of it! She’s running from Effy! But Mia finally slides back into the ring! Effy goes to do the same. But she is caught halfway through by Mia who starts stomping down on the back of Effy’s her!! Mia with a strategy here it seems!
Jake Mercer: That may have been the strategy all along. “Find a way to reel the champion in.” And it most certainly worked! And now Mia Santoro has the upper hand, she’s brought Effy up to a seated position and she’s got her in a headlock now, looking to wear down the champion!! Good strategy here from Mia Santoro.. trying to keep the champion at bay.
Stew-O: Yeah, but Effy McAvoy is not looking to stay grounded for long. She is starting to push back against Mia, and she’s getting to her feet, though Mia still has the hold locked in! Effy slowly walks herself and Mia back towards the ropes, and she pushes her off and towards the opposite set of ropes! Mia bounces off of the ropes…
Flannery McCoy: BIG SHOULDER TACKLE SENDS THE CHAMPION DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!
Jake Mercer: Mia so far has been in control of this match! And she’s displaying a smirk on her face right now as she’s staring down towards Effy, before now she runs the ropes and comes back towards Effy.. EFFY TAKES MIA OFF OF HER FEET WITH A DROPKICK!! And she drops down into the pin!
(ONEEEEEEEEE!)
Stew-O: Mia kicks out at one! It’s going to take a whole lot more than that to keep Mia incapacitated for a 3-count, that’s for sure. But I don’t believe for a moment that Effy McAvoy is done with Mia as Effy is climbing to her feet. A clear thought in mind, to keep her offense pushing!
Flannery McCoy: Effy reaches down, grabbing Mia by the head and pulling her up onto her feet. Effy threw a huge punch towards the face of Mia’s! Mia is on wobbly legs! She’s stunned! Effy has Mia right where she wants her!
Jake Mercer: Effy wastes no time, turning and rushing towards the ropes! Effy rebounds off of the ropes, catching momentum as she rushes back at Mia Santoro!!
Stew-O: CRACK!! MIA LEVELED EFFY MCAVOY WITH A SUPERKICK UNDER THE JAW!! EFFY DROPS TO A KNEE AND SHE IS REELING!!!
Flannery McCoy: Mia shakes the punch from Effy off, before she turns and runs at the ropes now! She bounces off of the ropes and she is met with a PUMP BICYCLE KICK FROM EFFY MCAVOY!! Caught and stopped right in her tracks…
Jake Mercer: These two women are not looking to slow down one bit! And now it’s Effy pulling Mia into a front face lock here! She may be looking for that Snap Suplex!!
Stew-O: But Mia won’t allow it! She’s throwing shot after shot after shot at the ribcage of Effy’s! With each blow that lands, Effy is loosening up the hold more and more and this is giving Mia an opening…and SMACK!! MIA WITH AN OPEN PALM STRIKE TO EFFY’S CHEST!!
Flannery McCoy: Effy grabs at her chest, wincing in pain. But she isn’t backing down from Mia! Effy starts to throw punch after punch after punch after punch at Mia! Backing her up into the ropes!! And Mia’s back is up against the ropes figuratively and literally!! EFFY IS RELEASING ALL OF THAT FRUSTRATION!! She turns and she’s trying to run at the ropes..
Jake Mercer: BUT MIA GRABS AND SHE PULLS HER BACK IN!! BEFORE SENDING UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!!
Stew-O: Effy tumbles down onto the apron!! Falling to the floor at ringside! She just crashed down hard onto the hardest part of the ring! And that gave Mia the space she needed to be able to finally get some of her bearings together. But she shouldn’t wait too long to get back on the offense.
Flannery McCoy: Well, it looks like she’s got the same exact thought that you have Stew. Mia Santoro is rolling out of the ring now, and making her way over to a kneeling Effy McAvoy who was working her way to her feet. Mia is walking Effy towards the announce table and she.. SLAMS HER HEAD DOWN OFF OF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! But Mia isn’t done.. SHE SLAMS IT OFF OF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE A SECOND TIME!!
Jake Mercer: Effy drops to a knee now, and she’s reeling from those shots just now. Courtesy of Mia Santoro. Mia has a smile plastered on her face. She’s got hold of Effy again! But she stops to take in the moment, admiring her handy work right now. She’s got the champion reeling! Or.. so she thinks! Mia goes to force Effy to a vertical base. And she’s looking for something here!
Stew-O: BUT EFFY PUSHES MIA FORWARD AND INTO THE RING POST!! My goodness did you see the way she collided with that ring post!? Mia stumbles towards the ring apron and I don’t believe that she knows where she is right now, but she somehow manages to roll into the ring. Effy follows in behind..
Flannery McCoy: And now Effy is putting the boots to Mia Santoro! She is not holding back one bit. And why would she? When this woman stole her property. She’s making sure that Mia doesn’t steal from her again! Effy pulls Mia up onto her feet, before sending a SERIES OF STIFF PUNCHES AT HER!! BACKING MIA UP INTO THE CORNER!!
Jake Mercer: The crowd is fully behind Effy here tonight! And she is absolutely fired up right now. Effy takes a few steps back, before she charges in at Mia! She’s looking to connect with a stiff running boot into the corner-
Stew-O: BUT MIA JUST SOARED THROUGH THE AIR!! TAKING EFFY DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A METEORA FROM
THE SECOND ROPE AND SHE HOOKS THE LEGS!!
(ONEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWWWWO—)
Flannery McCoy: EFFY KICKS OUT!!
Jake Mercer: Mia Santoro sits up on her knees, running her fingers through her hair, before looking over towards the referee with a bit of a glare. But despite doing so, she mounts Effy and she begins to throw strike after strike at the face and head area of Effy’s! Effy covering up to soften the blows!!
Mia Santoro: (off-mic) That title is coming home with me!!!
Stew-O: Mia finally stops the onslaught, climbing up onto her feet. Before she reaches down, grabbing Effy up by the hair! And sending her towards the corner with an Irish whip!! Mia wastes no time.. running at Effy McAvoy!! Looking for a clothesline in the corner!!
Flannery McCoy: But Effy stops Mia dead in her tracks with a huge boot to the face!! Mia stumbles back, Effy walks out of the corner looking to start up her offense! BUT MIA GRABS EFFY TO A FRONT FACE LOCK!! RUSHES UP THE ROPES LOOKING FOR THAT TORNADO DDT—
Jake Mercer: NO! EFFY PLANTS MIA’S FEET INTO THE CANVAS!! BEFORE HOISTING HER UP SNAPPING HER BACK INTO THE CORNER TURNBUCKLES WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!!
Stew-O: Did we all just see the way that her body snapped off of those turnbuckles!? Mia rolls towards the center of the ring, holding her back in pain! Meanwhile Effy isn’t done with her attack! Effy is stalking Mia.. waiting for her to get to her feet..
Flannery McCoy: Mia is slowly, but surely starting to climb up and onto her feet! She’s still feeling the effects of the Snap Suplex in the corner. But Effy doesn’t care.. SHE RUSHES AT MIA!! CONNECTING WITH A KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!!
Jake Mercer: Mia is stunned!! But Effy isn’t done!! She follows that Knee up with a huge RUNNING NECKBREAKER TO MIA SANTORO!! DRIVING HER DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS!!
Stew-O: The REAL EAW Interwire Champion has been on a roll thus far! And Effy goes for the pin once again!! Hooking the leg!!
(ONNNEEEE!!!!)
(TWWWOOOO!!)
Flannery McCoy: MIA SANTORO SHOOTS THE SHOULDER UP!!
Jake Mercer: BUT THERE IS NO BREAKS IN BETWEEN FOR MIA!! EFFY TRANSITIONS OVER INTO “CALL TO ARMS!!” EFFY HAS THE CROSS ARMBREAKER LOCKED IN!!
Stew-O: AND MIA IS SCREAMING IN PAIN!! SHE IS LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT!! EFFY LOOKING TO RIP THE ARM OFF OF A THIEF!!
Flannery McCoy: I BELIEVE THAT IS A JUSTIFIABLE PUNISHMENT!! But Mia somehow is finding a way through! She reaches over, trying to pry Effy’s hands loose! But Mia uses her lower body to push to her feet and press Effy’s shoulders back onto the canvas!!
(ONNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWOOOO!!!)
(THR—)
Jake Mercer: Effy kicks out! But that was close! She just almost lost off of a roll up!! Both women rise back to their feet! But it’s Mia who is quicker to the punch.. SUPERKICK TO THE KNEE!! DROPS EFFY TO A KNEE!! BEFORE MIA CRACKS HER OVER THE HEAD WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK!! “TWO FOR THE ROAD!!” DOWN GOES EFFY!!
Stew-O: Mia drops down into the cover!! And she hooks the leg! Looking to “solidify” herself as the NEW EAW Interwire Champion!! And the ref drops into the count!!
(ONNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWOOOO!!!)
(THREEEE….)
Flannery McCoy: EFFY MCAVOY GETS THE SHOULDER UP!! SHE IS STILL ALIVE!!
Mia Santoro: (off-mic) ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? YOU’RE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A REFEREE!!
Jake Mercer: It looks like the Obsession is very heated right now. But as it stands, the referee has the last say! Mia climbs up onto her feet, before she leaps up! AND SHE COMES CRASHING DOWN ONTO THE CHEST OF EFFY’S WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOM—
Stew-O: EFFY ROLLS OUT OF HARMS WAY!! Effy is starting to get up to her feet. But as she finally gets to a vertical base.. Mia rolls through and she leaps up!! I think she’s looking for that Rolling Thunder Dropkick!!
Flannery McCoy: BUT EFFY CAUGHT HER OUT OF THE AIR AND INTO A BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!! SENDING MIA CRASHING TO THE CANVAS!! It was very well scouted by Effy!!
Jake Mercer: And now Mia is lying on the canvas and writhing in pain as she’s holding her back from the forceful impact that was her, crashing down onto the canvas!! But Mia is taking precautionary measures! She rolls out onto the apron..
Stew-O: Well, that doesn’t seem to matter, because Effy is following her! Effy steps between the ropes and onto the apron and she begins to climb back up onto the second turnbuckle, looking at the downed Mia Santoro!! Oh no.. what’s Effy- SHE JUMPS!! DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST OF MIA’S ONTO THE APRON!!
Flannery McCoy: And Mia immediately clutches at her chest, rolling off of the apron and to the floor at ringside now! But that could’ve been the potential blow to end this match! Effy needs to get Mia into the ring and she needs to do it now!!
Jake Mercer: Effy drops down off of the apron, before reaching down and grabbing Mia up onto her feet, and rolling her into the ring! The Omen rolls in right after and she goes to pin Mia! Hooking the leg!!!
(ONNNNEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOO!!!)
(THREEEEE—)
Stew-O: THE COUNT IS STOPPED!! BY MIA SANTORO LOCKING IN A TRIANGLE CHOKE TO EFFY MCAVOY!! THE OBSESSION HAS IT LOCKED IN TIGHT!!
Flannery McCoy: EFFY DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT! SHE IS WAVING THAT FREE ARM!! MEANWHILE SCREAMING AT THE REF THAT SHE IS NOT GIVING UP!!
Jake Mercer: BUT MIA STARTS TO DRIVE ELBOWS DOWN INTO THE HEAD OF EFFY’S NOW!! TRYING TO WEAR HER DOWN!!
Stew-O: Oh no.. it looks like Effy’s movements are getting slower and more sluggish now, as she’s dropping down to a knee.. this may just be over!! Mia isn’t letting go!!
(THE REFEREE GOES TO RAISE EFFY’S ARM!!)
(IT DROPS!!!)
(THE REFEREE GOES TO RAISE IT AGAIN!!)
(IT DROPS ONCE MORE!!)
(THE REFEREE RAISES EFFY’S ARM AGAIN!!)
(IT DROP—)
Flannery McCoy: NO!! EFFY REACHES OUT AND SHE GRABS THE REFEREE AND THE CROWD COMES ALIVE!! EFFY MCAVOY IS STILL ALIVE!! HER HOPES OF GETTING HER TITLE BACK IN HER POSSESSION ARE STILL INTACT!!
Jake Mercer: And Mia can’t believe it! She thought that she had her right where she wanted her! But Effy just isn’t giving in! Effy is starting to get her feet slowly! Mia still has the hold attached! But she let go of Effy’s hands, now hanging from her body.. LOOKING FOR A FRANKENSTEINER!!!
Stew-O: BUT EFFY PUSHES MIA’S LEGS OFF OF HER SHOULDERS AND MIA DROPS TO HER KNEES!! Effy pulls Mia up and she pulls her head between her quads as she double underhooks her arms!! SHE HOISTS HER UP!! PLANTING HER BACK DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS!! WITH A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK POWERBOMB!!
Flannery McCoy: But Effy rolls Mia through, and pulls her back to her feet and Effy grabs hold of Mia from a rear waist lock, taking hold of her arm, before she spins her around and CRACK!! “THE CLIMAX!!!” EFFY GOES TO DRILL MIA WITH A RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE!!
Jake Mercer: NO!! MIA GOES TO STRIKE WITH A CUTTER!!!
Stew-O: NO!! EFFY CATCHES IT!! SHE HOISTS MIA UP!! GOING FOR A BACK SUPLEX!!
Flannery McCoy: BUT MIA FLIPS OUT OF HOLD!! LANDING ON HER FEET!! AND MIA WRAPS AN ARM AROUND EFFY!! AN INVERTED FACE LOCK!! LOOKING TO DRIVE HER DOWN INTO THE CANVAS WITH AN INVERTED DDT!!!
Jake Mercer: NO!! EFFY SHOOTS UP!! KEEPS HOLD OF THE ARM!! SPINS AROUND!! PULLS MIA INTO A REAR WAIST LOCK AND SHE CONNECTS WITH “THE CLIMAX!!!” THIS TIME!!! BANG!!!
Stew-O: Mia reels back into the ropes.. SHE BLASTS EFFY WITH A ROLLING WHEEL KICK!!! “KILLING MOON!!!” AND NOW BOTH WOMEN ARE DOWN IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! THE CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET!!!!
Flannery McCoy: BLOW FOR BLOW!! NEITHER OF THESE WOMEN HAVE BACKED DOWN FROM ONE ANOTHER!! EFFY FIGHTING TO TAKE HER TITLE BACK AND MIA FIGHTING TO PROVE WHY SHE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES TO KEEP IT!!
Crowd: THIS IS AWESOME!!! THIS IS AWESOME!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Jake Mercer: I couldn’t agree more. Both women are starting to push back up onto their feet now! Mia on her hands and knees.. Effy stumbles towards Mia.. SHE JUMPS!! SHE’S GOING FOR THE CURB STOMP!! TO END IT ALL!!
Stew-O: MIA RISES UP!! AS A LAUNCH PAD FOR EFFY!! BEFORE CATCHING HER AND BRINGING HER CRASHING DOWN WITH A CUTTER FROM OUT OF THE AIR!!! EFFY HAS GOT TO BE FINISHED AFTER THAT!!! MIA ROLLS EFFY OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG!!
(ONNNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOOO!!!)
(THREEEEEEEEEE—)
Flannery McCoy: EFFY MCAVOY SHOOTS THE SHOULDER UP!!
Jake Mercer: Mia Santoro.. the look on her face says it all, she looks like she is about to let a scream rip! Right about now. Mia pushes off of Effy, falling back into a seated position, trying to figure out what it is she needs to do..
Stew-O: Here it is now, Mia Santoro climbing up onto her feet. And she’s standing over Effy McAvoy now as Effy is climbing up onto her hands and knees! But Mia is showing the ultimate disrespect here.. SHOVING EFFY IN THE FACE!!
Mia Santoro: (off-mic) You don’t deserve to be champion!
(SHOVE TO THE FACE!!)
Mia Santoro: (off-mic) STAY..DOWN!!
(SHOVE TO THE FAC!!!)
Flannery McCoy: The blatant disrespect here on display by Mia Santoro is disgusting! Especially when she’s the one who is the thief here! This isn’t right!! And now Effy McAvoy is in a kneeling position..MIA JUST SLAPPED HER ACROSS THE FACE!!
Jake Mercer: The disrespect from Mia just continues here. She really believes that she’s the one who should be holding the EAW Interwire Championship. Mia grabs Effy up onto her feet, before she goes to SLAP HER AGAIN!
Stew-O: But Effy catches Mia’s hand!! And now Effy has gained a new spark of fire!! She’s taking it to Mia Santoro right now with right hand after right hand!! Backing Mia up and into the corner! I bet Mia is regretting her disrespectful tactics now! Effy.. DRIVES A KNEE INTO MIA’S MIDSECTION!!
Flannery McCoy: Effy stops her offensive onslaught, before Mia comes stumbling out of the corner, still on her feet. And Effy rushes in with a knee to the head!! Before RUNNING TOWARDS MIA AND DRIVING HER DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS WITH A SWINGING NECKBREAKER!! Effy hooks the leg!
(ONNNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOOO!!!)
(THREEEEEEEEEE—)
Jake Mercer: Mia….
(….)
(….)
Stew-O: Doesn’t kick out!!
Flannery McCoy: BECAUSE HER FOOT IS ON THE ROPE!! Mia Santoro just barely survived!! She was just in the right spot at the right time and that may have just saved her the match and a chance at letting that title slip through her fingers!
Jake Mercer: Effy sits up on her knees, looking down towards Mia Santoro, a deep breath leaving her mouth. Effy climbs onto and mounts Mia.. and now she’s SMOTHERING HER WITH LEFT AND RIGHT HANDS!!! LETTING LOOSE ON MIA SANTORO!!
Stew-O: But Mia finds a way to push Effy off of her!! Mia rolls away from Effy McAvoy. I believe she’s looking to create some space. But Effy isn’t letting it get to that point! She rushes back towards Mia!!
(CRACK!!!)
Flannery McCoy: MIA CATCHES EFFY WITH AN OPEN PALM STRIKE TO THE FACE!!
Jake Mercer: That was right on the money! Effy stumbled back from that shot. She seems to be absolutely rocked by it! Mia shakes her head, getting her bearings back together, before she goes for another one!! But EFFY CRACKS MIA ACROSS THE JAW WITH A STIFF RIGHT HAND TO THE JAW!!
Stew-O: Both women are on wobbly legs right now! They have to be running on pure adrenaline and hatred! Neither woman is making a move yet as they’re trying to catch their balance here and stay upright…
Flannery McCoy: They grab on to one another keeping one another afloat. But I can promise you that it isn’t kindness from the heart!! THERE IT IS!! THEY’RE COMING TO BLOWS IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!! TRADING SHOT AFTER SHOT!!!
Jake Mercer: Mia suddenly pushes Effy off of her!! And she GOES TO STRIKE WITH A SUPERKICK!! But.. EFFY MCAVOY DUCKS UNDER AND RUSHES AT THE ROPES….
Stew-O: Effy comes sprinting back towards Mia Santoro and she’s looking to put an end to this match!! EFFY GOES TO STRIKE WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! “PROTECT YA NECK!!”
Flannery McCoy: NO!! MIA FLOATS OVER THE ARM!! AND SHE LANDS ON HER FEET!! AND MIA CONNECTS WITH A PELE KICK TO EFFY!!
Jake Mercer: Effy falls back into the ropes, the momentum of the ropes carrying her forward and back up onto her feet as.. CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! “PROTECT YA NECK CONNECTS!!” TURNING MIA INSIDE OUT!!!
Stew-O: BUT EFFY CAN’T MUSTER UP ENOUGH TO HOOK THE LEG!! And both women are down for the moment! This has been nothing short of incredible from these two women here tonight!! Just wanting to destroy one another!!
Flannery McCoy: My goodness! Neither one of these women have given in quite yet. You have to wonder exactly what it’s going to take.
Jake Mercer: Finally, Effy is starting to stir, climbing up onto her feet. She’s looking to end this once and for all. Effy steps back and into the corner, her eyes locked onto Mia Santoro as Mia is struggling to get onto her hands and knees!! Effy wants to end this!! She runs in at the downed Mia.. THE CURB STOMP!! “STORYBOOK END—“
Stew-O: No!! Mia pulls Effy down into a pin!! But Effy quickly kicks out!! Mia rushes at the ropes!! She leaps up onto the ropes and springs off towards Effy!! For a Springboard Cutter!!! “WOLFSBANE!!!!”
(..)
(..)
(..)
Flannery McCoy: NO!! EFFY CATCHES MIA!! PULLING HER INTO A REAR WAISTLOCK AS SHE GRABS HER ARMS!! SHE SPINS HER AROUND!!! RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE!!! “THE CLIMAX!!!” IT CONNECTS!!
Jake Mercer: MIA DROPS TO HER HANDS AND KNEES!! AND EFFY STUMBLES BACK INTO THE CORNER!! SHE CALLS FOR IT!! RUNNING AT MIA!! SHE LEAPS UP!!! “STORYBOOK ENDING!!!” CURB STOMP CONNECTS!!!
Stew-O: EFFY HOOKS THE LEG LOOKING TO RETAIN!!!
(ONNNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOOO!!!)
(THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!)
(DING DING DING!!!)
Flannery McCoy: She’s done it!! Effy has retained!! And the EAW Interwire Championship is back in the rightful hands of the owner!!
Jake Mercer: As it should be! What a match here tonight and what an effort from Mia Santoro. But she learned that in the end that all thieves don’t get a happy ending!
(“Psycho” by That’s Outrageous plays through the speakers, as Effy is helped up onto her feet by the referee, before being handed her title and having her hand raised in victory! The last shot being seen is Effy McAvoy clutching her EAW Interwire Championship close to her chest..)
( https://i.imgur.com/1S2nKQQ.png )
EAW: The shot opens in the ring, focused on Bella Braxton with a microphone in hand.
Bella Braxton: The following contest is a triple-threat match scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
EAW: As the crowd settled in, “Lowlife Princess” began to play to a strong chorus of boos. The crowd made it easy to gauge their opinion of the person as Miku Sakai stormed onto the stage, paying little attention to them as she began to make her way down the ramp, marching towards the ring with purpose.
Bella Braxton: Introducing first, from Fukui, Japan…THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE…MIKU SAKAI!!
Stew-O: The first in this all-star triple threat match will be Voltage’s own Miku Sakai! Pain For Pride has not been kind to her, but she’s proven herself to be more than capable of handling the highest level of competition here, and she’s the last person you want to count out in a match that is sure to become as chaotic as this one.
Gavin Kirkland: She sure has a strong chance here so long as she plays her cards right. Things have been rocky for Miku, but she’ll be looking to end her season on a high note with a victory over two of the very best elitists in the game!
Persephone: She’s been here since the late Cretaceous period and hasn’t won shit at Pain For Pride; why are we supposed to entertain the thought of that changing??
EAW: “Lowlife Princess” began to quiet as Miku settled in the ring, stretching her arms out in the corner while awaiting her opponents. The brief wait ended as “Mirtazapine” began to play, eliciting a positive reaction from the audience, with Brianna Hill emerging from the back. Showing no hesitation, she began making her way down to the ring.
Bella Braxton: And second, from Cancún, Mexico…THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN…BRIANNA HILL!!
Stew-O: It’s been a complicated season for Brianna Hill, one full of highs and lows, but she’ll be going into this at the top of her game regardless.
Gavin Kirkland: MY BUTTERFLY QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!
Persephone: :cmon: Just stop talking.
Gavin Kirkland: She’s at peak performance, fully set on bringing home a final win of the season, and looks incredible all at the same time!
EAW: Brianna chose her corner and set her gaze on Miku Sakai for a brief moment, the latter promptly flipping her off as “Mirtazapine” faded out. After their brief shared glance, the two set their gaze on the top of the ramp as “Nakamura” took over the speakers to a majority-negative reaction. Slowly, the Empress of Elite emerged from the back, an off-putting grin staining KASAI’s face as she took in the atmosphere in the Rogers Centre. After a moment of pause, she began making her way down to the ring, her gaze sweeping over the arena before settling on her two opponents in the ring.
Bella Braxton: And lastly, from Amani, Kagoshima, Japan…she is the 2026 Empress of Elite…THE MATRIARCH…KASAI!!
Stew-O: KASAI is in the form of her life after King of Elite, scoring many impressive victories on the road to winning Empress of Elite this past winter, including victories over her two opponents tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: It’s hard to argue with the numbers here, but she’s painted quite the target on her back going into this. Miku and Brianna have acknowledged her role as the frontrunner in this match, so she’ll have to keep that head of hers on a swivel.
Persephone: Yeah, yeah, let’s get this thing over with. The entrances are making me tired.
Stew-O: Well, with all three competitors settled in the ring, it’s time to get this all-star triple threat match underway!
EAW: DING! DING! DING!
Gavin Kirkland: And of course, none of these three are gonna be rushing into things. No one wants to be the initiating force, running around like a headless chicken when you could be doing the smart thing and-
Stew-O: MIKU LAUNCHES A KICK RIGHT AT THE KNEE OF BRIANNA, WASTING NO TIME GETTING THINGS STARTED!
Gavin Kirkland: Never mind!
Stew-O: AND AS BRIANNA STUMBLES AWAY, KASAI RUSHES FORWARD WITH A ROUNDHOUSE, BUT MIKU IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDER IT! SHE GRABS THE ARM AND HEAD OF KASAI, DRAGGING HER TO THE MAT WITH A SMALL PACKAGE ALREADY!
Referee: ONE!
Persephone: Aw, she kicked out.
Stew-O: Whether the other two wanted a slow start or not, it seems that Miku Sakai has forced their hands to set a rapid pace!
Gavin Kirkland: Miku’s speed might be playing against her, stumbling backwards from the kick out…
Stew-O: AND INTO THE CLUTCHES OF A BACKSLIDE BY BRIANNA HILL!!
Referee: ONE!
Persephone: But she kicks out as well, man that would’ve been funny.
Stew-O: Miku’s kick out still plays against her, sending her into the ropes awkwardly and out onto the apron as Brianna reaches out in vain to keep her within arm’s reach!
Gavin Kirkland: Brianna’s forced to pivot, turning back inside the ring where KASAI is lying in wait! Brianna seems ready for it, looking for a clothesline!
Stew-O: But it’s KASAI’s turn, bringing Brianna to the ground with a victory roll, crossing her legs to tighten up the pin!
Referee: ONE!
Persephone: HA! Miku just slapped her in the back of the head. I’m almost willing to forgive her for letting this match go on.
Stew-O: She started this blitz of roll ups, so it’s only right that she brings it a close, focusing on real offense here as a dropkick grounds Brianna as soon as she made it up to one knee! Before KASAI can answer the slap, Miku reels her boot back and slams it into the back of KASAI, connecting with a stiff soccer kick immediately followed with a grounded side headlock, looking to slow the tempo!
Gavin Kirkland: While it seemed nonsensical to begin with, I think Miku has realized the inherent advantage of dictating the tempo in a match like this, leading her two rivals throughout by initiating every exchange!
Persephone: She’s not that smart, I’m sure she’s just winging it.
Stew-O: Well, regardless of the thought behind it, Miku’s gotta keep a careful balance, making sure to keep KASAI grounded with this headlock while keeping an eye on Brianna by the ropes, using the bottom rope as leverage to pull herself up after that dropkick!
Gavin Kirkland: She’s quick to cut that recovery off, dropping the headlock momentarily to rush over and drive her boot into the side of Brianna Hill, shoving her through the ropes, onto the apron and tumbling down the outside, eliminating her from the equation in the meantime!
Stew-O: Brianna Hill has been sent to the outside, and now Miku immediately turns her attention back toward KASAI before she can capitalize! It’ll take a lot of work, but Miku’s got a winning strategy here if she can keep it up.
Gavin Kirkland: Triple threats are all about reducing the number of threats at any given moment. The fewer people punching you in the face, the better!
Persephone: Real groundbreaking analysis.
Stew-O: And as KASAI attempts to force herself up a vertical position, Miku rushes in and drops her with a running blockbuster, folding her over and immediately capitalizing with a stacked cover!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO-!
Gavin Kirkland: But KASAI’s still got a powerful kick out in her, practically throwing Miku Sakai off her with her legs, but now so decisive that she can immediately jump to a counterattack. Instead, she’s content with rolling over and nursing her jaw, fresh from being wrenched by Miku.
Stew-O: Miku can’t slow down now, she’s right back on the attack, following KASAI and driving her boot right into the back of the knee, quickly following up with a driven boot to the other leg, carefully positioning herself on the Empress of Elite’s calves! She may be looking for some kind of surfboard stretch!
Gavin Kirkland: That’s exactly what she’s looking for, sending a slap to the side of KASAI’s torso to then get a grip on the wrists of her, taking a moment to keep her balance before wrenching back, making her way to a seated position before pulling fully back, suspending KASAI in the air!
Persephone: This would be mildly impressive if she wasn’t sweating like a coal miner just to get her up there.
Stew-O: While KASAI is in no way ready to give up, she is surely being worn down by how drawn-out this stretch is, unable to break Miku’s grip on her wrists from such a position! She is at the mercy of Miku for the time being, forced to endure the punishment for as long as it is locked in!
Gavin Kirkland: It’s a taxing maneuver for Miku, as you so eloquently pointed out. She’s having to hold up the weight of a larger opponent from an incredibly uncomfortable position, focusing on keeping the balance right lest KASAI topples right down on top of her like a house of cards.
Stew-O: And she’s sticking to efficiency here, leaning forward to that seated position and releasing the grip, shoving KASAI forward and onto her stomach to free herself and give her a chance to return to her feet. Miku rolls up, hits the ropes and drops both knees right on the back of KASAI, still keeping the pace red hot as she flips her over and into a lateral press!
Referee: ONE!
Persephone: That move has never beaten anyone. Is she stupid?
Gavin Kirkland: Maybe not, but it sure has frustrated KASAI, forcing her to exert early effort to try and deny Miku’s overwhelming momentum here. Miku’s frustrated as well, but she is undoubtedly in the lead tonight!
Stew-O: And as she returns to her feet, she is right back on the attack, backing up to the ropes and measuring KASAI to her feet. She’s looking to keep momentum on her side, rushing forward with a forearm-!
Gavin Kirkland: But runs right into a high kick to the gut, stinging her badly and sending her stumbling towards the ropes, in a bit of a daze!
Persephone: And looks who’s back, Brianna’s back on the apron and catches Miku with a forearm on the jaw. Serves her right for this boring strategy.
Stew-O: Well, she knew she was gonna end up painting a target on her back with this sort of style, and it’s catching up with her as she runs right into KASAI who fires off a forearm, sending her back towards the ropes where Brianna Hill has entered the ring!
Gavin Kirkland: She’s found herself stuck between a rock and a hard place, being knocked back and forth with forearms like a ping pong ball! One forearm by Brianna! Another by KASAI!
Persephone: It’s nothing too violent but I can at least say this is more entertaining than whatever pseudo-strategic bullshit was going on before.
Stew-O: Brianna and KASAI have started to change their tunes, swapping to knife-edge chops to knock Miku Sakai back and forth, quickening the tempo as this turns into more of a test of strength between the two, seeing who can do the most damage while using Miku as an example!
Gavin Kirkland: It’s an unenviable position to be in, at least for most people…
Persephone: :cmon:
Gavin Kirkland: Miku’s started to slow down, losing her footing with each blow and finally dropping to a knee before Brianna and KASAI! The Matriarch and Butterfly Queen share a glance before picking up Miku, each hooking an arm and delivering a swift vertical suplex, planting her in the center of the ring!
Stew-O: This teamwork will be rather short lived, I’m sure, but for now Brianna and KASAI work together to eliminate Miku’s lead in this match, bringing her momentum to a halt in an instant and now leaving her as a non-combatant for the time being.
Gavin Kirkland: As Brianna rolls to her feet, her gaze is caught by the Empress of Elite, a sickening grin on her expression as she returns to a standing position. This is what we were waiting for, a retelling of their fateful battle in the Empress of Elite finals! Their seasons have, in large part, been shaped by that match, and now they’ll be ending their season facing off against each other once again!
Stew-O: The two of them begin to circle the center of the ring, moving in sync to keep proper distance in the meantime, before finally making their move! It’s Brianna who launches her attack first, connecting with a blitz of forearms to cut off KASAI’s attempted strike, sending her back a step!
Gavin Kirkland: And Brianna takes the window of opportunity to keep going, hitting the ropes and rushing towards KASAI with an outstretched arm for a clothesline-! But she’s swiftly met with a spinning elbow, connecting flush on the ear!
Stew-O: A stiff blow brings Brianna’s rush to an end, giving KASAI the initiative as she hits the ropes as well, looking for a clothesline of her own! But this one is met by a clothesline by Brianna as well, with neither elitist gaining the advantage!
Persephone: At least Brianna is still trying to put some offense together, immediately driving her elbow into the side of KASAI’s head just to keep this somewhat interesting. Better that than the both of them just standing there leaning on each other.
Gavin Kirkland: She’s doing a lot more than that, lifting one arm over the other and hooking the leg, reeling back and flinging KASAI into the corner with a swift exploder Suplex! The Matriarch slowly rolls out of the corner, in a daze as Brianna backs up to the ropes, measuring her once again-!
Stew-O: But she’s promptly tripped up and dragged under the bottom rope! Miku Sakai was waiting on the outside, biding her time to strike and isolate one of her opponents again!
Gavin Kirkland: And she wastes no time driving Brianna head first into the ring post, and then runs the other way to drive her gut first into the steel steps, almost knocking her over them! She looks almost pissed off, but seems to be back in control of this match as she sends a dropkick to the back of Brianna, knocking her into the steps again!
Persephone: Getting the steps involved is a nice touch, if not bland as fuck.
Stew-O: Multiple clubbing blows to the back follow, with Miku now dragging Brianna away from the steps and setting her head up between her legs, lifting her up to put her in position for a powerbomb…but Brianna is already fighting back, sending a punch right into the skull of Sakai, forcing her to drop Brianna in an instant
Gavin Kirkland: But those blows continue even after dropping her, with Brianna unleashing a flurry of punches to the head of Miku and Miku reciprocating after a brief pause! These two are lighting each other on the outside-! WAIT, LOOK BACK INSIDE!
Stew-O: KASAI DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES, TAKING OUT BRIANNA HILL AND MIKU SAKAI WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! THAT’S GOT THE MATRIARCH FIRED UP!
Gavin Kirkland: It was less of a dive and more like she flung herself through the ropes! And even with that reckless maneuver, she landed on her feet as well! She’s proving herself to be the strong favorite tonight.
Persephone: While that was mostly performative to almost look cool, she is teasing everyone, including me, by looking to do something actually dangerous now, grabbing Brianna by the hair and pulling her along the ramp.
Stew-O: As they stray further and further from the ring, the higher the risk increases. A quick jab from KASAI is able to stun Brianna, keeping her in place as KASAI looks to set up something here!
Gavin Kirkland: She’s starting to lift Brianna up on her shoulders into a torture wrack position! Oh I know what this is, she’s looking drop Brianna onto the ramp with a spinning powerbomb, now beginning to twist-!
Persephone: But Brianna won’t let anything fun happen, sending a weak ass punch at the face of KASAI which somehow makes her give up and drop her.
Stew-O: And as Brianna lands…SHE CONNECTS WITH A VICIOUS HEADBUTT! KASAI IS STUNNED, ALMOST LOSING HER FOOTING!
Gavin Kirkland: AND NOW ITS BRIANNA LOOKING FOR SOMETHING HERE, TUCKING KASAI’S HEAD BETWEEN HER LEGS, LOOKING TO HOOK THE ARMS, FOR THE GRUDGE, A TIGER DRIVER ON THE RAMP-!
Persephone: Oh goddamn it.
Stew-O: Now it’s KASAI who slips out, landing on her feet and immediately catching Brianna high with a roundhouse kick! Brianna’s head droops forward, on jelly legs!
Gavin Kirkland: And KASAI looks to capitalize, placing Brianna’s head between her legs…AND PULLING BACK, SPIKING BRIANNA’S HEAD INTO THE RAMP WITH A PILEDRIVER!
Persephone: FINALLY! THAT WAS GREAT, MORE OF THAT!
Stew-O: THAT WAS A SICKENING NOISE WE JUST HEARD AS BRIANNA’S SKULL COLLIDED WITH THE HARD RAMP FLOOR, AND KASAI IS MORE THAN PLEASED WITH HERSELF! SHE MAY HAVE JUST ELIMINATED BRIANNA FOR MOST OF THIS MATCH!
Gavin Kirkland: As soon as that roundhouse connected, you knew Brianna was gonna be in a vulnerable state, and the Matriarch didn’t skip a beat in taking advantage, immediately following up with a rather swift Piledriver. Right now, she’s back in the driver’s seat.
Persephone: Luckily, all she has to deal with is Miku, who’s still trying to figure out what timezone she’s in.
Stew-O: Well, KASAI can now take her time in strolling back to the ring, hell, she could skip back to the ring, slowly walking back down the ramp and heading back into the ring via the steps, keeping Miku in her sight.
Gavin Kirkland: Miku’s nearly up to a vertical basis, realizing that KASAI is returning to the ring and will most likely be looking to end this match! KASAI makes her way back into the ring, immediately looking to pick up Miku…
Stew-O: BUT MIKU QUICKLY PULLS HER TO THE MAT WITH A SMALL PACKAGE!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Gavin Kirkland: OH MAN THAT WAS CLOSE! KASAI KICKS OUT, BUT THAT ONE DEFINITELY CAUGHT HER OFF GUARD, AND FOR A MOMENT A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS BUILDING THOUGHT THAT WAS IT, INCLUDING MIKU SAKAI!
Persephone: Would’ve been a great finish but, it’s not to be.
Stew-O: Now it’s a race to their feet, and Miku is just that much faster with KASAI right on her trail, wait-!
Gavin Kirkland: Thumb to the eye by Miku, and she just runs her nails across the eyes of KASAI! The matriarch yells out, throwing out a wild jab that’s slipped by Miku who is running at top speed!
Stew-O: Miku slips a wild jab by KASAI, hooks both arms, twisting and lifting…DROPPING KASAI RIGHT ON HER NECK WITH STARFALL! KASAI IS FOLDED, AND MIKU IMMEDIATELY STACKS HER UP, DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR THE FINISH HERE!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Gavin Kirkland: OH BUT KASAI KICKS OUT AGAIN! THAT WAS EVEN CLOSER, AND YOU CAN SEE THE FATIGUE BUILDING! WITH EACH KICK OUT, KASAI IS GROWING MORE SLUGGISH! MIKU’S LIVID, BUT THIS IS STILL HELPING HER IN THE LONG RUN!
Persephone: Looked cool, didn’t win her the match though so it’s a bit of a waste, especially since she’s wasting time being frustrated instead of actually mounting offense.
Stew-O: For a second, it felt like maybe Miku had done it, but even after getting blindsided, the Empress of Elite is proving her grit in a massive way, showing some excellent endurance as she’s already attempting to recover with the help of the ropes.
Gavin Kirkland: But it’s almost as soon as KASAI attempts to get up that Miku returns to the offensive, stomping away at the back of KASAI, forcing her back down to the mat in an instant as she uses the ropes for leverage, relentlessly driving her heel into the back of KASAI’s head, forcing the Matriarch to cover up and hope for the best!
Stew-O: Miku is showing some frustration here. She knows that she can only keep up this hot pace for so long, and eventually Brianna will recover, so she can only rely on this isolated match up for so long! She wants a finish here, and she wants it quickly, finally breaking the series of stomps and starts to backpeddle across the ring, keeping KASAI in her sights.
Gavin Kirkland: KASAI is beginning to stir, and as soon as she’s up to her feet, Miku charges forward-!
Stew-O: CUCK KILLER!
Gavin Kirkland: CAUGHT BY KASAI! SHE’S GOT MIKU UP IN THE AIR, HOLDING HER IN PLACE AS MIKU TRIES WITH ALL HER MIGHT TO SHIFT HER WEIGHT AND FORCE KASAI TO DROP HER, BUT KASAI IS REFUSING TO DO SO!
Stew-O: ON THE CONTRARY, SHE POPS MIKU RIGHT UP IN THE AIR!
Persephone: OH SHIT SHE TOOK HER HEAD OFF!
Stew-O: MID-AIR MATRICIDE! INHUMAN REACTIONS BY KASAI, FINDING THE WHEREWITHALL TO IMMEDIATELY ROTATE AND CATCH A FALLING MIKU WITH THAT SKULL KICK FLUSH ON THE CHIN!
Gavin Kirkland: AND THAT VERY WELL MIGHT’VE KNOCKED HER UNCONSCIOUS! MIKU IS SLUMPED OVER, BUT KASAI IS STUMBLING, STILL FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THOSE REPEATED STOMPS TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Persephone: PIN HER YOU IDIOT!
Stew-O: SHE FINALLY FALLS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING BOTH LEGS!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE-!
Gavin Kirkland: BROKEN UP AT THE LAST SECOND! BRIANNA DIVES INTO THE RING AND COLLIDES AGAINST KASAI, KNOCKING HER OFF!
Stew-O: Whether Miku Sakai was going to kick out or not is hard to tell, but Brianna Hill could not take that chance! She’s visibly in a daze, barely up from taking that Piledriver on the ramp, but she recognized the danger in the ring and made a huge play to keep this match alive.
Persephone: If she just fell forward immediately this would be over… :mjcry:
Gavin Kirkland: And while disappointing, KASAI cannot afford to slow down. Brianna’s still dazed, but not for long, so she has to prioritize being the first on her feet, rolling to the ropes for support.
Stew-O: Brianna’s beginning to stir as well, but KASAI immediately lunges at her and downs her with a knee! The movement nearly made her lose her footing, but she’s able to grab the ropes, keeping herself upright above Brianna, and as she looks to the ropes, she quickly figures out her next move!
Gavin Kirkland: KASAI is wasting no time rolling under the ropes, pulling herself up on the apron and now starts to make her way to the corner, climbing up the ropes with haste! She has to be careful to keep her balance, now precariously positioned on the top rope with her back facing the ring!
Stew-O: She glances over her shoulder, making sure Brianna is still down! Her hopes are confirmed, and she prepares to take flight! Kitsune’s Blessing V2, here we go!
Persephone: Of course Miku is back up! Like a headless chicken she throws herself at the ropes, forcing KASAI to lose her balance and fall onto the turnbuckle!
Gavin Kirkland: Some solid quick thinking on the part of Miku Sakai, who is not in the mood to let KASAI simplify things just yet. Even if she lets KASAI take out Brianna Hill, they’d just be an even fight, and I don’t think Miku wants to take that gamble.
Stew-O: With both Brianna and KASAI down, Miku’s got to decide what she wants to do with the opportunity. She takes a moment to think about it, before finally slipping under the rope and now begins to climb after KASAI!
Persephone: This is an all-time dumb decision by Miku, and she’s made a lot of really stupid decisions. Oh well, at least it’s consistent.
Gavin Kirkland: She’s taking an awkward angle here, making room for herself by standing on the ringpost itself, facing KASAI who is still on the turnbuckle! She just might be thinking of a sunset flip powerbomb from all the way up there!
Stew-O: KASAI not letting this go without a fight! She leans her head back and slaps the taste out of Miku’s mouth, almost knocking her off the ringpost entirely!
Gavin Kirkland: But luckily, she’s able to pivot and catch herself, but now her back is turned to KASAI, and she’s followed it up with a clubbing blow to the back, rattling Sakai!
Persephone: If only she fell off then and there.
Stew-O: KASAI takes the opportunity to sit up, now balancing herself on the ropes properly in a standing position, grabbing the hair of Miku and pulling her up! Whatever she’s got in mind, it can’t be good as- oh wait! Look at who’s back on her feet!
Gavin Kirkland: Brianna Hill lands a clubbing blow to the back of KASAI of her own, and now she’s starting to climb the ropes! All three women are congested in the corner, all on the ropes, and I think we all know this can only end one way! Brianna’s got her arms wrapped around the waist of KASAI, looking for an avalanche German suplex!
Stew-O: KASAI reaches out on instinct, and grabs the waist of Miku Sakai, who immediately grabs onto the ringpost to keep herself from falling! Brianna is wrenching back, KASAI is tightening her grip, and Miku is desperately trying to hold onto the ringpost! What is gonna give first?!
Persephone: Well, Miku already looks like she’s sweating bullets, and that sweat is making her grip slip.
Miku Sakai: (off-mic) LET GO OF ME!
Gavin Kirkland: Miku is fighting with all she’s got to hold on, trying to endure the grip strength of KASAI but she is not budging!
Miku Sakai: (off-mic) BITCH I SAID LET GO!
Stew-O: BIG ELBOW FROM MIKU TO THE SIDE OF KASAI’S HEAD, AND HER GRIP BREAKS IMMEDIATELY, BRIANNA LEANS BACK AND THERE SHE GOES!
Gavin Kirkland: AVALANCHE RELEASE GERMAN! KASAI IS SENT FLYING ACROSS THE RING, CRASHING AND BURNING AS BRIANNA ATTEMPTS TO ROLL TO HER FEET!
Persephone: BUT MIKU MOVES FIRST, RUSHING TO THE TOP ROPE-!
Stew-O: AND TAKES FLIGHT! SHE LEAPS THROUGH THE AIR, LOOKING FOR THE WALK OF SHAME TO BRIANNA HILL!
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S CAUGHT! BRIANNA PUMPS THE BRAKES AS SHE CATCHES MIKU, SWINGS WITH THE MOMENTUM AND PLACES HER HEAD BETWEEN HER LEGS, NOW MOVING TO HOOK THE ARMS!
Stew-O: UP SHE GOES AND DOWN SHE GOES WITH THE GRUDGE CONNECTING THIS TIME, AND SHE PLANTED MIKU RIGHT ON TOP OF THE BODY OF KASAI!
Gavin Kirkland: AND SHE DOESN’T EVEN BOTHER ROLLING MIKU OFF HER! SHE STACKS THE TWO BODIES ATOP EACH OTHER, AND PINS BOTH OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE-!
EAW: …
Stew-O: KICK OUT BY THE BOTH OF THEM! DESPERATELY CLOSE, JUST A MILLISECOND AWAY FROM VICTORY BUT THE SHOULDERS OF KASAI AND MIKU SHOOT OFF THE MAT SIMULTANEOUSLY!
Gavin Kirkland: An exhausting exchange for all involved, but Brianna in particular seems the most mentally tired out. Of all three in this match, she seems to have taken the most damage, still showing the effects of that piledriver from earlier.
Persephone: Exhausted or not, can she pick up the pace here? Both Miku and KASAI are on death’s door.
Stew-O: Even while tired out, Brianna Hill is the first onto her feet, still holding an advantage over Miku and KASAI as her opponents attempt to stir.
Gavin Kirkland: As Brianna moves to the corner, Miku begins to pull herself up as well, still nursing her back as she grabs a hold of the middle rope. Meanwhile, KASAI rolls to the opposite side of the ring, using the ropes for assistance there as well!
Stew-O: And as soon as Miku is up on her feet, Brianna charges in-!
EAW: CHOP!
Gavin Kirkland: Wicked overhand chop by Brianna connects and Miku drops to one knee in an instant!
Stew-O: And she turns on a dime, moving across the ring to keep KASAI from building momentum!
EAW: CHOP!
Gavin Kirkland: Another big chop by Brianna and this one sends KASAI stumbling into the ropes! Brianna is starting to move across the ring again, focusing on Miku once more!
EAW: CHOP!
Stew-O: Brianna is not slowing down, knocking Miku back down, already moving back towards KASAI as this series of chops continues! Back and forth she goes, reddening the chests of her opponents with each charge!
Persephone: This is not helping my vertigo.
EAW: CHOP!
EAW: CHOP!
EAW: CHOP!
EAW: CHOP!
EAW: CHO-!
Gavin Kirkland: PARRIED BY KASAI WITH HER WRIST, FOLLOWED BY A KICK TO THE GUT!
Stew-O: But Brianna fights back with an elbow, knocking KASAI back-! Wait, Miku lunges forward with a kick to the inside of the knee, dropping Brianna to one knee! Brianna attempts to shove her away!
Gavin Kirkland: And gives the opening to KASAI who fires off a forearm, and now both Miku and KASAI are wailing on Brianna with stomps and punches!
Stew-O: Brianna is very quickly being overwhelmed by the two, forced to cover up as the strikes comes raining down, before suddenly popping up and leveling Miku with a stiff elbow, knocking her back towards the ropes, and then sends a back elbow to the nose of KASAI, forcing the same response!
Gavin Kirkland: Brianna is still caught between the two, and Miku charges in first, only for Brianna to side step and send her into KASAI-!
Persephone: MATRICIDE!
Stew-O: MIKU IS OUT ON HER FEET! SHE STUMBLES BACK, FALLING AGAINST BRIANNA, WHO SHOVES HER BODY INTO KASAI! KASAI SHOVES HER OUT OF THE WAY, SENDING HER ALL-BUT-UNCONSCIOUS BODY INTO THE ROPES!
Gavin Kirkland: AND GIVES BRIANNA THE CHANCE SHE WANTED! BRIANNA HITS THE ROPES AND LEAPS FORWARD!
Stew-O: HITS DIFFERENT! THE SHINING WIZARD CONNECTS AND TAKES KASAI’S HEAD OFF IN ONE FELL SWOOP! THE MATRIARCH IS OUT COLD AS BRIANNA ROLLS TO HER FEET!
Persephone: FINALLY, THIS MATCH IS ALL OVER-!
Gavin Kirkland: BRIANNA TURNS HER ATTENTION TO MIKU SAKAI, SLOWLY REBOUNDING OFF THE ROPES, OR NOT! SHE LEAPS UP INTO THE AIR WITH THE LAST OF HER ENERGY!
Stew-O: CUCK KILLER! MIKU TOOK HERSELF OUT JUST TO GET THE MOVE OFF, BUT IT COMPLETELY LAID OUT BRIANNA HILL WHO FALLS BACKWARDS…
Gavin Kirkland: AND ONTO THE BODY OF KASAI!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!!!
EAW: …
Persephone: KASAI PULLS THE SHOULDERS OF BRIANNA BACK WITH A CRUCIFIX PIN!
Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!!!
EAW: …
EAW: DING! DING! DING!
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen here is your winner… THE MATRIARCH, KASAIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!
EAW: KASAI immediately lets go of Brianna Hill, and the fans in attendance are stunned as “Nakamura” begins to play once more, not expecting such a turn of events whatsoever. All three women are down and out still, but slowly but surely, she starts to smile.
Stew-O: IT’S OVER! KASAI CAN’T EVEN CELEBRATE IMMEDIATELY, LAYING ON HER STOMACH AS THE BELL RINGS! ALL THREE WOMEN ARE OUT, UNMOVING!
Gavin Kirkland: WHAT A FINISH! THIS MATCH’S HOT PACE ENDURED FROM BELL TO BELL, BUT IN THE END KASAI PULLED OUT AN ACE FROM HER SLEEVE TO SECURE THE VICTORY!
Persephone: That was an exciting final stretch at the very least, almost makes up for the nonsense that infected most of the match.
EAW: KASAI slowly begins to rise, a grin across her face as she looks at Miku Sakai and Brianna Hill, both beginning to stir and realize the end result of the match. She raises her hands before the referee can even raise one, basking in her Pain For Pride glory as the match came to a close and panned elsewhere.
(The graphic for the next match appears)
(https://i.imgur.com/cBAPJsn.png)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A FATAL FOUR-WAY SCRAMBLE MATCH! THE RULES ARE SIMPLE: ALL FOUR COMPETITORS WILL COMPETE SIMULTANEOUSLY, WITH FALLS BEING SCORED VIA PINFALL OR SUBMISSION WITHIN THE TWENTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT! WHOEVER ACCUMULATES THE MOST FALLS BY THE FINAL BELL WILL BE DECLARED THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH!
(’Section’ by The Roots fills Rogers Centre into a loud and divided reaction from the crowd as the legend makes yet another grand entrance on the Pain For Pride stage. Karl Impact saunters down the ramp with that familiar, unhurried confidence, a subdued quality to his demeanour tonight, but that trademark smirk refusing to stay hidden as he makes his way toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST!… FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON!… WEIGHING IN AT 228 POUNDS!… THE QUINTESSENTIAL CHAMPION!… IMPACTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!
Gavin Kirkland: Looking to inscribe yet another chapter into an already staggering legacy, Karl Impact arrives at Pain For Pride with every intention of adding another signature victory to a career that has already outlasted and outclassed virtually everyone who dared to measure themselves against it!
Sienna Swann: After everything he had to say about every single person in this match during the build, sweetie, the legend had better arrive tonight with something substantial left in that tank. Words are decorative. Results are structural.
Deadprez: The question of whether Karl Impact still possesses what it takes to compete at this altitude gets answered inside the next twenty minutes. There is no more eloquent way to put it than that.
(Karl settles into the ring and ‘Just Stop‘ by Disturbed strikes up as Pandora Paisley makes her entrance, emerging onto the stage with deliberate slowness, scanning the arena with those sharp, focused eyes before beginning her measured descent toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: NEXT!… FROM BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND!… WEIGHING IN AT 9 STONE!… THE HELL’S CAT!… PANDORAAAAAAAAAAA!…. PAISLEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: What a journey this woman has been on, and regardless of what anyone chooses to say about the peaks and valleys along the way, Pandora Paisley is undeniably in the midst of a remarkable breakout season and she arrives at Pain For Pride tonight looking to close it with the most definitive statement of her career.
Deadprez: Whether that impressive trajectory translates into a victory in a match of this complexity and competition is something only the next twenty minutes can answer.
Sienna Swann: She walks into a room like she belongs at the front of it, sweetie. The attire is impeccable, the posture is immaculate, and the bone structure does not hurt either. She is the only person in this match I am prepared to invest any emotional energy into, and that is saying something considerable given my usual standards.
(Pandora steps through the ropes and ‘Natural’ by Imagine Dragons ignites a wall of booing as El Duque bounds onto the stage, practically vibrating with enthusiasm for his first Pain For Pride appearance. He sprints down the ramp with uncontainable energy, drinking in the atmosphere regardless of whether the crowd is offering warmth or hostility.)
Gina Romano: NEXT!… FROM STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA!… WEIGHING IN AT 212 POUNDS!… MASKED AND MARVELLOUS!… ELLLLLLLLL!!!! DUQUE!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: A lucha libre representative making his Pain For Pride debut tonight, stepping into an environment that has chewed through far more experienced competitors than him without blinking. The ambition is evident. Whether it is enough is the question.
Sienna Swann: Sweetie, I genuinely doubt it.
Gavin Kirkland: El Duque! What an extraordinary human being and one of the most loyal companions Donovan Duke has in his corner!
Sienna Swann: Sweetie.
(El Duque slides into the ring and throws his arms wide to the crowd before ‘LIKE WEEZY’ by Playboi Carti hits through the arena and Joso emerges, oozing swagger from every angle, rolling his shoulders and flashing that self-assured look at the crowd before something shifts behind his eyes and the competitive intensity settles in completely as he walks toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: LAST!… FROM THE BRONX, NEW YORK!… WEIGHING IN AT 206 POUNDS!… THE STAR PLAYER!… JOSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: After a catastrophic injury last year that genuinely threatened to end everything, Joso stands here tonight on the grandest stage of them all, looking to reclaim the glory that was violently stripped away from him and remind this entire industry exactly who he is!
Sienna Swann: If this man survived a grenade and still has the audacity to stand in front of us looking like that, sweetie, he had better walk out of this match with the victory. Anything less would be an insult to the sheer stubbornness it took to get here.
Deadprez: And let us be absolutely clear that every elitist in this match aside from El Duque has been forged through their own particular version of hell to arrive at this moment. This is not simply a scramble match. It is four competing narratives of survival, ambition, and identity colliding in the same ring at the same time. And only one of them gets to walk out with the ending they came here for.
(DING DING DING!)
(## TIME LIMIT: 20:00)
Gavin Kirkland: Scramble match underway and IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE! JOSO WITH A RUNNING BOOT! IMPACT IS DOWN BEFORE THIS THING HAS BARELY STARTED! WOW!
(Rogers Centre comes ALIVE as the entire building processes what just happened, the collective awe washing over every section of the crowd.)
Sienna Swann: I suppose he is simply getting too old and too slow to see something that obvious coming, sweetie.
Deadprez: Just like that, it is down to three! Joso came in here knowing exactly what this opportunity represents. This is his Pain For Pride moment, and he was not about to let a single second of it go to waste. He announced his presence as immediately and unambiguously as possible.
Gavin Kirkland: But things take an ugly turn immediately! Pandora and Duque are converging from behind, and together they swarm Joso before he can build any kind of momentum, raining down stomps and trying to strip this moment away from him before it even gets started! Anything goes in this match, let us never forget that! But Joso is fighting back! Right hand to Pandora, elbow driven into Duque to create some separation! Joso is not going quietly, not this early!
Deadprez: Joso sets his sights on Duque now, looking to put him away immediately with THE GRATEFUL DEATH, but Pandora intercepts with a kick straight to the gut, hooks him over, and sends him crashing to the canvas with a crisp Mexican Arm Drag that tumbles him all the way to the apron! Joso scrambles back to his feet at the corner, and Pandora is already charging in for THE CAT’S PAW, BUT JOSO SLIPS OUT OF THE WAY, AND THE EARLY ATTEMPT CONNECTS WITH NOTHING!
Sienna Swann: Everyone in this match is absolutely ravenous for that first fall, sweetie. It has been frenetic and borderline desperate from the opening second, and we have barely drawn a breath yet. This is going to be a mess.
Gavin Kirkland: Joso sends her back inside the ring with an ENZUIGIRI from the apron that snaps right across her face! Joso is now looking to springboard back inside, and Duque COMES FLYING IN FROM THE SIDE AND SHOVES JOSO OFF THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR! Joso hits the ground hard but somehow finds his footing and gets back upright in an instant… AND DUQUE IS ALREADY AIRBORNE WITH THE TOPE CON HILO THAT TAKES JOSO DOWN ON THE OUTSIDE! THIS MYSTERIOUS MASKED MAN IS AN ABSOLUTE FORCE OF UNPREDICTABLE ENERGY!
Deadprez: And now we are down to Pandora and El Duque alone in that ring. Two members of Silas World are standing across from one another. This just became a very interesting dynamic!
Sienna Swann: I did not drag myself through another week of this programme just to sit through yet another exhibition of organised chaos courtesy of that faction, sweetie. But I will make one exception here because, for reasons I am not entirely prepared to explain at this table, I do not mind watching Pandora compete.
Gavin Kirkland: Duque steps back into the ring and both competitors begin circling one another, quickly locking up in a collar and elbow tie-up with Pandora immediately asserting her dominance in the exchange and working around toward a headlock attempt!
Deadprez: Clean wrestling breaking out between these two. Duque reaches the arm over and drags her down to the canvas with a headlock takedown. Pandora responds instantly, using her legs to try and reclaim control with a head scissors lock attempt, but Duque kips straight out of it, LUNGES forward and rolls her over into a front headlock this time!
Gavin Kirkland: Duque gets hauled back up to his feet and the moment Pandora’s attention wavers, he seizes on it immediately, hooking one of her legs and ROLLING HER STRAIGHT OVER INTO A JACKKNIFE PINFALL BEFORE SHE CAN REACT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Gavin Kirkland: Pandora kicks out before Duque can steal that first fall from right underneath her! Duque scrambles back up and moves to press the advantage, but Pandora is already working from the canvas, using her legs to sweep him clean off his feet with a drop toe hold!
Deadprez: Pandora rises fluidly and drops the first leg across Duque, follows immediately with a second, and the THIRD registers across his back! She keeps the leg hooked this time and rolls him over into the cover!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: Duque kicks out at two to keep things level. This has been a genuinely solid exchange between these two, and it is worth remembering that there are other participants still lurking out there who would be more than happy to swoop in and steal a fall off the back of someone else’s hard work.
Sienna Swann: The wrestling itself is perfectly acceptable, sweetie, but knowing that every bit of it serves Silas Mason’s agenda in some capacity means I simply cannot bring myself to enjoy it fully. It is like being served a beautiful meal in a shitty restaurant.
Gavin Kirkland: Impact has FINALLY stirred and is making his way back to the ring! He slides in and STOMPS DOWN ON PANDORA before she can establish anything further while Duque rolls clear of the whole situation! It was not the most dignified opening for Impact, but the Quintessential Champion has no intention of allowing his legacy to gather dust in this match! Impact hauls Pandora back up and sends her hard into the ropes!
Deadprez: Karl winds up for the clothesline but Pandora ducks underneath it, slips around behind him and drives him chest-first into the corner! Karl stumbles back off the turnbuckles and turns around… AND GETS MET WITH A RUNNING CORNER DROPKICK DIRECTLY TO THE FACE!
Sienna Swann: Karl really does need to pull himself together out there, sweetie.
Gavin Kirkland: Karl is stunned in that corner, and now it is Pandora taking her turn, sprinting to the opposite corner and charging back across the ring at full speed! Karl sidesteps it this time, composes himself in an instant, and KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Karl blasts her clean across the chest the moment she comes up empty, and Pandora crumples into the corner!
Deadprez: Duque comes in from behind and drags Karl away from there, hurling him across into the opposite corner from where Pandora is down, and charges in immediately! Karl sidesteps again, and ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP CONNECTS THE MOMENT DUQUE STUMBLES IN! Karl hauls him out, and we all know exactly where this is going… IRISH WHIP SENDS DUQUE CRASHING DIRECTLY INTO THE SAME CORNER WHERE PANDORA IS STILL DOWN! TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE, AND KARL IMPACT JUST CLEANED HOUSE IN ONE SINGULAR MOTION!
Sienna Swann: At the very least he is doing me the personal favour of reducing the volume of Silas World’s success in this match, sweetie. I will take that. Grudgingly, but whatever.
Gavin Kirkland: Pandora and Duque spill out of that corner simultaneously and crumple down side by side toward the centre of the ring, and Rogers Centre is already rising to their feet because they know exactly what is coming next! Karl heads to the ropes, climbing with purpose… FLIGHT SIGHTS…–
Deadprez: NO! KARL GOES DOWN! Joso has recovered from the floor and yanks the middle rope at precisely the right moment, sending the Quintessential Champion tripping and tumbling backwards before he can leave the ground!
Gavin Kirkland: But both members of Silas World are still laid out in the centre of that ring, and Joso is not about to let that opportunity evaporate! He leaps onto the apron and launches himself in… SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH COMES DOWN ACROSS BOTH MEMBERS OF SILAS WORLD BUT PANDORA GOT AWAY! ONLY ON EL DUQUE! JOSO COVERS!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: Duque powers out at two and escapes before anything irreversible can happen to him in this match! This scramble has been relentless from the opening bell and somehow, through all of it, nobody has managed to secure a pinfall yet.
Sienna Swann: Perhaps we can remedy that very shortly, sweetie, and ideally at the direct expense of a Silas World member. Joso has been picking El Duque apart piece by piece, that poor masked individual serving as little more than a moving target for everyone in this match. Joso finally synchronises and HERE COMES THE GRATEFUL DEATH! HE IS GOING FOR IT!
Gavin Kirkland: Duque is hanging on, shaking his legs and desperately trying to redistribute his weight, looking for anything that can get him out of this… attempting to launch Joso up and over with a back body drop–
Deadprez: EVISCERATION OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!! IMPACT ERUPTS FROM THE CANVAS AND CATCHES THE AIRBORNE JOSO WITH THE CODEBREAKER ON THE WAY DOWN!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Duque witnesses the whole thing and immediately recognises the opening, moving to capitalise on Impact’s handiwork and steal the fall for himself, but Impact reads it instantly and leaps to intercept Duque… TURNING TIDES SENDS DUQUE SAILING ACROSS THE RING! Pandora begins clawing her way back toward the action and Karl spots her immediately, BASEBALL SLIDE DRIVES HER CLEAN OFF THE APRON AND OUT TO THE FLOOR!
Deadprez: Joso has been down through all of this, completely unaware of everything that just unfolded around him, and Karl wastes absolutely no time in covering his tracks!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Gavin Kirkland: AND JUST LIKE THAT, KARL IMPACT DRAWS FIRST BLOOD IN THIS SCRAMBLE AND TAKES THE OPENING FALL!
(## TIME LIMIT: 15:00)
Deadprez: Impact is not here to be a spectator, and the moment he turns around he is already squaring up with El Duque, who had his fall stolen away and is carrying every ounce of that frustration into this next exchange.
El Duque: (Off-Mic) Bien jugado, viejo!
Impact: (Off-Mic) Fight me then, you pussy ass BITCH!
Gavin Kirkland: Not a single second wasted! El Duque steps back into the ring and Karl fires off a right hand immediately, but it finds nothing but air as Duque slips around it and LAUNCHES KARL OVER WITH A BEAUTIFUL ARMDRAG! Karl stumbles back upright and Duque tries to send him off the ropes, but Karl reverses it and sends Duque away instead… AND DUQUE COMES FLYING BACK WITH A HANDSPRING ELBOW THAT ROCKS THE HALL OF FAMER!
Deadprez: The lucha showcase this masked individual has been putting on throughout this entire match has been genuinely staggering, and Karl has had no answer for the pace of it. Pandora slides back into the ring right now and DRILLS El Duque flush across the jaw with a sharp elbow that snaps his head sideways! All focus, no hesitation, and she immediately grabs hold of Duque looking to wrap this up with the Octopus Stretch!
Gavin Kirkland: El Duque escapes and seizes Pandora’s leg, twists it over, and transitions into THE ANKLE LOCK! What a callback to Donovan Duke right there in the middle of Rogers Centre! This man clearly carries a deep admiration for his friend and is making sure to honour that technical genius in the most chaotic environment imaginable!
Sienna Swann: Are you genuinely serious right now, sweetie?
Deadprez: Pandora is trapped in the Ankle Lock with the hold wrenching that joint under sheer sustained force! Joso is only just beginning to stir. Karl Impact is the closest body to El Duque and he wastes no time closing that distance from behind, hooking him up and GERMAN SUPLEX LAUNCHES EL DUQUE CLEAN OVER HIS HEAD AND ACROSS THE CANVAS!
Gavin Kirkland: Karl Impact continues to remind everyone in this building that he remains an immovable force in this scramble! Pandora turns around and SHE GETS TAKEN DOWN! BOTH LEGS HOOKED AND KARL IS LOOKING FOR THE WALLS OF IMPACT! THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS POSITION FOR PANDORA TO BE IN RIGHT NOW!
Sienna Swann: Hold on, sweetie. Pandora is twisting her own body in the opposite direction, showing exactly the kind of resilience and determination that separates her from practically everyone else in this match! She is not surrendering a single inch to Karl willingly!
Deadprez: Karl is persisting regardless as Pandora reaches toward his face–
(SCRATCH!)
Deadprez: OH! CAT CLAWS! THOSE NAILS RAKE STRAIGHT ACROSS HIS FACE AND SEND IMPACT STUMBLING BACKWARD! PANDORA FINDS HER WAY FREE!
Gavin Kirkland: A brilliant counter against the man who was absolutely intent on breaking her down! Pandora has been displaying every tool in her arsenal to justify her place in this match and Karl is still stunned as she reaches over and goes for CATASTROPHE–
Deadprez: BICYCLE KICK FROM JOSO DETONATES AGAINST HER JAW BEFORE SHE CAN COMPLETE THE MOVE! Pandora gets dropped away from the attempt entirely. El Duque is back on his feet at the same moment Joso rises and immediately rolls him up, because why would Joso possibly be allowed one uninterrupted moment in this entire match?!
Gavin Kirkland: Joso slips out of the School Boy attempt and wheels around behind Duque, HOISTING HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS AND LOOKING FOR THE GRATEFUL DEATH! But Duque wriggles free and shoves forward… WITH IMPACT LAUNCHING THE FIST OF FURY AGAIN but Joso reads it and pulls away, rebounds off the ropes… SLINGBLADE CUTS KARL CLEAN OFF HIS FEET!
Sienna Swann: This has been relentless from bell to bell, sweetie. Absolutely everyone in that ring is desperate for the next fall, and none of them are willing to give the others a single breath of space to find it.
Deadprez: But the chaos is not finished with anyone yet as Pandora is already upright and bearing down on Joso while he is working back to his feet with THE LOVE TAP incoming! But that knee gets intercepted, Joso catches the leg… AND SLINGS IT FLYING OVER INTO A THROWING ENZUIGIRI THAT CONNECTS FLUSH WITH THE RISING DUQUE! THIS MATCH HAS BEEN EXISTING SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF CONVENTIONAL LOGIC FOR SOME TIME NOW!
Gavin Kirkland: AND JOSO WITH A LEG ROLL CLUTCH ON PANDORA FROM BEHIND TO TRY AND GET ONE DOWN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: Joso gets shoved off at two, but Pandora immediately seizes control of the situation and reverses it into a leg roll clutch of her own, pulling Joso down and rolling backward up onto her feet! NO! JOSO REVERSES IT BACK THE OTHER WAY!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–
Gavin Kirkland: SO CLOSE! BUT JOSO ESCAPES BEFORE THE HAND COMES DOWN A THIRD TIME! Pandora gets back to her feet at the exact moment Karl is dragging himself upright as well… PANDORA GOES FOR THE MAFIA KICK—
(## PANDORA’S BOX!)
Gavin Kirkland: OH! JOSO SIDESTEPS AND SHE CONNECTS DIRECTLY WITH KARL INSTEAD! JOSO SPOTS THE OPENING AND SURGES TOWARD THE COVER BUT PANDORA CUTS THE PATH OFF AND LAUNCHES JOSO THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! PANDORA SPINS AROUND AND DIVES STRAIGHT INTO THE COVER ON IMPACT!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Gavin Kirkland: SHE GOT HIM! PANDORA IS NOW THE CURRENT FALL LEADER IN THIS SCRAMBLE! MY PANDY!
(## TIME LIMIT: 11:23)
Sienna Swann: Ew. And first of all, we do not use diminutive nicknames for people at this commentary table, sweetie. Do not personalise anyone’s name like that EVER AGAIN.
Deadprez: Pandora has been riding a tremendous wave of momentum and she has taken down the great Karl Impact on her own terms! This has been a genuinely remarkable breakout performance considering the shadow of that Answers World Championship match still hanging over her coming in, but she made absolutely certain that one difficult night was not going to define her Pain For Pride spirit tonight.
Gavin Kirkland: No rest for anyone in this match regardless! El Duque is already back and the first target his eyes land on is the one who has been slipping away from him all night! DUQUE GOES FOR THE BREAKDOWN AS HE SETS UP THE TIGER DRIVER ’98!
Deadprez: Pandora reads the danger and removes herself from that landing zone entirely. Joso rises from behind and attempts a German Suplex on Pandora, but she plants her feet and holds her ground, spins around and DRIVES an elbow flush into the back of Joso’s skull, sending him stumbling forward… AND DIRECTLY INTO A POUND AND GROUND FROM EL DUQUE!
Sienna Swann: Wait, sweetie. This man is not stopping there! He is going straight for the cover and trying to steal that fall right out from under Pandora! The audacity!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Gavin Kirkland: PANDORA COMES FLYING OVER TO BREAK IT UP!
Pandora Paisley: (Off-Mic) Do not think for a single second that you are getting above yourself just yet, mate!
Deadprez: Pandora reaches over to intervene but Duque is operating on pure instinct at this point, hooking one of her legs and dropping her flat on her back before rising again. And now he is twisting those legs around… GOING FOR THE SHARPSHOOTER ON PANDORA! SHE HAS BEEN WRAPPED UP IN ANOTHER DANGEROUS SUBMISSION AND THE CLOCK IS STILL RUNNING!
Sienna Swann: That poor woman has spent this entire match being manhandled by a rotating cast of thoroughly unremarkable men who would not even register on her radar under normal circumstances, sweetie. Offensive!
Deadprez: Duque has the Sharpshooter locked in but Pandora is already resisting with everything she has, clawing toward the ropes with desperate urgency, only for Duque to dig in and drag her back toward the centre of the ring before she can get any closer!
Gavin Kirkland: Pandora refuses to accept this situation regardless of how much it hurts! No time to waste in this battle and she begins twisting her own body against the hold, reaching back and grabbing hold of one of Duque’s legs, starts to pry it off, kicks him clean in the face in the process, and finally gets herself free and upright! AND DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP! EL DUQUE HAS BEEN GROUNDED AFTER A BRUISING AND GRINDING EXCHANGE BETWEEN THESE TWO!
Deadprez: BUT WAIT! KARL IS BACK ON HIS FEET AND HE TAKES FLIGHT OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE THE INSTANT BOTH COMPETITORS HIT THE MAT!
(## FLIGHT SIGHTS!)
Gavin Kirkland: WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT AT THIS STAGE OF HIS CAREER! THE LEGEND DEMONSTRATES EVERY OUNCE OF HIS ENDURANCE AND ATHLETICISM TO PULL IT OFF AND THE LIONSAULT LANDS CLEAN ON DUQUE AS KARL HOOKS THE LEG AND GOES FOR THE COVER TO STEAL THIS FALL!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Deadprez: WAIT A SECOND! JOSO HAS A BEAD ON KARL AND HE IS COMING IN FAST–
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Gavin Kirkland: CURB STOMP–
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–
Gavin Kirkland: KARL SPOTS IT AT THE LAST POSSIBLE INSTANT AND ROLLS CLEAR, SEIZING JOSO’S LEG ON THE WAY UP AND TAKING HIM DOWN! OH NO, HERE IT COMES! KARL IS ALREADY BACK ON HIS FEET AND COMING! DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN ON JOSO! KARL HAS HIM DOWN AND IS GOING FOR THE WALLS OF IMPACT!
Deadprez: Karl Impact has been in more moments like this than anyone alive–
Sienna Swann: ## JOSO! HE HOOKS THE LEG AND TRIPS IMPACT BEFORE THE HOLD IS FULLY APPLIED, ROLLING HIM STRAIGHT INTO A SMALL PACKAGE! DESPERATE AND SCRAPPY!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Gavin Kirkland: _ BUT JOSO DID IT!_ HE SCORES A FALL OVER KARL IMPACT AND TAKES THE LEAD IN THIS SCRAMBLE MATCH!
Sienna Swann: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY THAT JUST HAPPENED!
Impact: (Off-Mic) WHAT THE FUCK?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!??!?!!?!?
(## TIME LIMIT: 9:55)
Deadprez: KARL CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT JUST OCCURRED, BUT HE IS NOT ABOUT TO STAND AROUND PROCESSING IT EITHER! HE LOCKS HIS EYES DIRECTLY ONTO JOSO THE INSTANT HE KICKS OUT AND SNATCHES THOSE LEGS IMMEDIATELY! KARL IS NOT GIVING JOSO A SINGLE SECOND TO SAVOUR THAT MOMENT! HE IS GOING FOR THE WALLS OF IMPACT, AND HE WANTS THEM APPLIED RIGHT NOW!
Sienna Swann: He has got to be absolutely seething watching that slip through his fingers right in front of him, sweetie!
Gavin Kirkland: That one has to be eating away at Karl something fierce, and Joso is completely locked in on capitalising on that emotion before it can be redirected! Joso is not giving him a single inch of breathing room and keeps hammering boots directly into his face to make the point abundantly clear!
Joso: (Off-Mic) GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!
Gavin Kirkland: BOOT TO THE FACE! Karl eventually gets kicked away but wait a second! Pandora has been quietly scaling the ropes while both men were consumed with each other and neither one of them noticed until right now! SHE HAS BEEN STEADILY CLIMBING!… TOP ROPE MOONSAULT CRASHES DOWN AND TAKES BOTH MEN OUT FROM A BREATHTAKING HEIGHT!
Deadprez: KARL ROLLS CLEAR AND SHE IMMEDIATELY CAPITALISES ON JOSO!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: But Joso powers out at two! Pandora is right back in the thick of this match having just dismantled two men simultaneously with one single manoeuvre. She turns her attention around and Karl is working to get back to his feet. El Duque is stirring as well on the other side of the ring, and Pandora makes a decisive choice, rushing over to deal with Duque first and remove him from the equation before he becomes a problem.
Sienna Swann: We almost had that old man completely compromised, sweetie. So close!
Gavin Kirkland: Karl has been a marked target all night because everyone in this match understands exactly what he represents, and the next thing I am delighted to present him with is the role of Pandora’s stepping stone! SHE MOVES IN AND GOES FOR PANDORA’S BOX–
Deadprez: Karl barely avoids it, spinning Pandora around in the process and sending her hard off the ropes… BACK INTO A TILT N WHIRL BACKBREAKER THAT FOLDS PANDORA IN HALF! Nobody in this match is approaching Karl carelessly and getting away with it cleanly. He remains a dominant and dangerous force regardless of who steps to him or when.
(As Karl glances down at Joso for a moment, he exhales heavily, watching the man slowly drag himself back to his feet and turn to face him….)
Joso: (Off-Mic) BRING IT, KARL!
Impact: (Off-Mic) I genuinely loathe your existence….
Gavin Kirkland: AND HERE WE GO! BOTH MEN COLLIDE WITH ONE ANOTHER AND TORONTO IS ABSOLUTELY ERUPTING! RIGHT HAND FROM KARL! RIGHT HAND FROM JOSO! TWO GENERATIONS CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER IN THE MIDDLE OF ROGERS CENTRE AND THIS CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET FOR EVERY SINGLE EXCHANGE!
Sienna Swann: This is like watching father and son settling something that has been unresolved for years, sweetie!
Deadprez: Joso is pressing the advantage! He keeps stacking elbows on Karl in rapid succession while the clock continues its relentless countdown, but Karl is matching him blow for blow and neither man is conceding a single step! Karl eventually drops to one knee, Joso spins away and hits the ropes… AND GETS MET WITH A HEADBUTT FROM KARL ON THE REBOUND!
Gavin Kirkland: Joso staggers but HE IS NOT BACKING DOWN! SUPERKICK FROM JOSO IN RESPONSE! These two are tearing this ring apart as the generational collision we have all been anticipating unfolds right before our eyes!— AND JOSO WASTES NO TIME TRYING TO FINISH THIS, HOOKING KARL IN FOR HEAVEN’S GATE!
Deadprez: KARL WRIGGLES FREE AND DROPS DOWN INTO A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN! JOSO HAS BEEN SWEPT, AND KARL IS LOOKING TO CINCH IN THE WALLS OF IMPACT FOR THE THIRD TIME TONIGHT!
Sienna Swann: WAIT! SOMEONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR HIM UP TOP, SWEETIE!
Deadprez: MISSILE DROPKICK FROM DUQUE LAUNCHES KARL ACROSS THE CANVAS AND BLASTS HIM CLEAN OUT OF THE SUBMISSION ATTEMPT! WHAT AN ENTRANCE BACK INTO THE CHAOS FROM THE MYSTERIOUS MASK!
Gavin Kirkland: El Duque came from absolutely nowhere, and the timing on that could not have been more precise if it had been rehearsed!
Deadprez: JOSO IS WORKING BACK TO HIS FEET AND EL DUQUE SWOOPS IN AT PRECISELY THE RIGHT MOMENT, SEIZING HIM AND PLANTING HIM INTO THE CANVAS WITH TOUCH OF MAGNIFICENCE! THAT ONE CARRIES EVERY ECHO OF HIS CLOSEST FRIEND’S INFLUENCE! DUQUE INTO THE COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–
Deadprez: HOLD ON! PANDORA HAS PEELED HERSELF OFF THE CANVAS AND SPRINTS OVER TO DROP INTO A COVER ON IMPACT AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT! THE REFEREE WHIPS HIS HEAD IN THAT DIRECTION AND DUQUE IS LEFT COMPLETELY BEWILDERED!
El Duque: (Off-Mic) Huh– AYE! AYE!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: BUT EL DUQUE ABANDONS HIS OWN COVER AND RUSHES OVER TO BREAK UP PANDORA’S PIN JUST BEFORE THE THREE! Now Duque has no choice but to redirect his full attention onto Pandora for stealing that opportunity right out from under him… BUT PANDORA SUDDENLY SNATCHES DUQUE AND LOOKS FOR CATASTROPHE!—
Gavin Kirkland: Duque slips out of it and answers immediately with HOUSE OF BALLOONS! A TRIBUTE TO ANOTHER TRUSTED ALLY, EXECUTED WITH THE KIND OF PRECISION THAT SPEAKS TO EXACTLY HOW DEEP THAT BOND OF RESPECT RUNS! DUQUE NOW ROLLS PANDORA INTO THE COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: OH WAIT! IMPACT, WHO WAS JUST BEING PINNED MOMENTS AGO, HAS BEEN QUIETLY CRAWLING UP BEHIND DUQUE WHILE THE COUNT WAS HAPPENING!—
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–
Deadprez: – AND KARL HAULS HIM OVER AND TWISTS HIM–
(## WALLS OF IMPACT!)
Deadprez: GOT HIM! DUQUE IS COMPLETELY LOCKED IN WITH NOWHERE LEFT TO GO! THE CLOCK IS STILL BLEEDING OUT, AND EL DUQUE CANNOT SUSTAIN THIS FOR MUCH LONGER!
El Duque: (Off-Mic) AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
(## TAP TAP TAP TAP!)
(## TIME LIMIT: 5:00)
Deadprez: Deadprez: NO ESCAPE! HE HAS NOWHERE LEFT TO GO! IMPACT RECLAIMS THE FALL LEAD!
Sienna Swann: Unimpressive. He is still thoroughly unremarkable regardless of the scoreboard, sweetie!
Gavin Kirkland: BANGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! THE MOMENT KARL LOCKS THAT FALL IN, JOSO EXPLODES BACK TO HIS FEET AND BLASTS KARL CLEAN ACROSS THE JAW WITH A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE!
Deadprez: JOSO IS ALREADY HAULING KARL BACK UPRIGHT BEFORE HE CAN EVEN PROCESS WHAT JUST HIT HIM!
(## CRIMSON PEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Deadprez: FACE FIRST INTO THE CANVAS! JOSO CONNECTS WITH THE STYLES CLASH AND ROLLS KARL OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO THE COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Deadprez: AND BY THE NARROWEST OF MARGINS, PANDORA HURLS HERSELF ACROSS THE RING TO BREAK THAT COUNT BEFORE IT REACHES THREE!
Sienna Swann: There is absolutely no room for restraint at this stage, sweetie. Every single person in that ring is trying to push the other to their absolute breaking point and none of them are showing even a flicker of mercy toward one another!
Gavin Kirkland: FIVE MINUTES REMAINING ON THE CLOCK! EVERYONE IN THAT RING NEEDS TO MOVE WITH PURE URGENCY IF THEY WANT TO DETHRONE KARL FROM THAT LEAD POSITION! Karl goes down and now it has narrowed to Pandora and Joso standing across from one another, both operating somewhere beyond the threshold of what any normal competitor could sustain!
(Pandora and Joso close the distance between them, the intensity between these two building into something almost personal, two extraordinary competitors recognising exactly what the other is capable of.)
Pandora Paisley: (Off-Mic) This is MY time!
Joso: (Off-Mic) … I implore you to take it from me, Pandora.
Gavin Kirkland: PANDORA WITH AN ELBOW SMASH ACROSS THE JAW! JOSO RETURNS ONE OF HIS OWN IMMEDIATELY! JOSO FOLLOWS WITH A BICYCLE KICK BUT PANDORA CATCHES THE LEG! Pandora is pulling absolutely nothing back and seizes Joso into a SAMOAN DROP!
Deadprez: Joso has been laid out yet again and Pandora claws her way to the corner as Joso begins pulling himself upright with his back exposed! Pandora steadies herself and takes aim… GOING FOR THE FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION! BUT JOSO SIDESTEPS IT AGAIN! Pandora shifts gears without hesitation and launches THE LOVE TAP but Joso hoists her up onto his shoulders!… BUCKLE BOMB–
Gavin Kirkland: HURRICANRANA COUNTER DRIVES JOSO HEADFIRST INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE INSTEAD! PANDORA IS PULLING OUT EVERY LAST TRICK IN HER ARSENAL TO PREVENT JOSO FROM GAINING ANY SUSTAINED MOMENTUM IN THIS FINAL STRETCH!!!!!!
Sienna Swann: Joso stumbles out of that corner, and this could genuinely be the moment, sweetie!–
(## CATASTROPHE–)
Gavin Kirkland: NO! NO! JOSO POWERS THROUGH THE ATTEMPT AND USES THE POSITIONING AGAINST HER!….
(## GRATEFUL DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Gavin Kirkland: STRAIGHT TO THE JAW!!!!!!!!!!! PANDORA GOES DOWN AND JOSO DROPS INTO THE COVER IMMEDIATELY!
Deadprez: KARL READS THE SITUATION AND SCRAMBLES TO BREAK IT UP!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Deadprez: KARL DOES NOT GET THERE IN TIME! JOSO RECLAIMS THE LEAD AND PUTS PANDORA DOWN TO DO IT!
Gavin Kirkalnd: Wait, what is this man thinking right now?!
Deadprez: El Duque!?!?! HE HAS BEEN PERCHED AT THE TOP THIS ENTIRE TIME AND JOSO JUST ROLLED AWAY LOOKING FOR A BRIEF MOMENT TO BREATHE–
(## AIR OF MYSTERYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Sienna Swann: WHAT IN THE WORLD!!??!?!?!?
Gavin Kirkland: THE CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS CONNECTS!!!!!!!! JOSO WAS BARELY MANAGING TO HOLD HIMSELF UPRIGHT, AND HE SIMPLY HAD NOTHING LEFT TO WITHSTAND THAT IMPACT! EL DUQUE WASTES ABSOLUTELY NO TIME AND PROCEEDS DIRECTLY INTO THE COVER WITH KARL STILL DESPERATELY CLAWING HIS WAY BACK ACROSS THE CANVAS!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Deadprez: WHAT?!?!?!?! EL DUQUE IS THE NEW FALL LEADER?!?!?!?!?!
Gavin Kirkland: RIGHT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE’S EYES WITH TWO MINUTES AND FIVE SECONDS REMAINING ON THE CLOCK!
Sienna Swann: THE STATE OF THIS INDUSTRY IS ON THE LINE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
(## TIME LIMIT: 2:05)
Gavin Kirkland: This man is absolutely extraordinary, and while everyone else is grinding themselves down to nothing out there, he has managed to position himself to take everything! But Impact is the first to claw his way back to his feet and he is immediately going straight for Duque, the man who put him away just moments ago!
Deapdrez: He is looking to return the favour without hesitation as Impact goes straight for the Walls of Impact again, but Duque slips out before the hold can be fully applied and sends Karl tumbling over with a hip toss! Karl gets back up and comes charging in with fury behind every step… BUT DUQUE CATCHES HIM CLEAN WITH A SPANISH FLY! THIS MAN IS EMPTYING EVERY LAST THING HE HAS INTO THESE FINAL MOMENTS!
Gavin Kirkland: Joso is struggling to haul himself up after absorbing that enormous move earlier but Pandora surges in to deal with El Duque first, going for the back elbow! The elbow plants, Duque spins around and reaches out looking for what he calls the Soul Finisher but Pandora slips off it and shoves Duque hard into the ropes… LOVE TAP!!!!!!!!!!!
Deapdrez: El Duque crumbles and collapses into the corner and the lead has shifted yet again! Joso is up around that same moment and immediately goes after Pandora, loading up the Grateful Death but she releases something that wraps around his head! WAIT A MINUTE—
(## PANDORA’S BOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Gavin Kirkland: THE HEADLOCK DRIVER CONNECTS! JOSO’S HEAD GETS DRIVEN INTO THE GROUND WITH UNDER ONE MINUTE REMAINING AND PANDORA IS GOING INTO THE COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(## TIME LIMIT: 00:59)
Gavin Kirkland: ## PANDORA DOES IT! ALL TIED AT TWO!
Sienna Swann: THANK GOD!
Deadprez: Everyone is knotted up at two falls apiece with El Duque the only one sitting on a single fall, and he was positioned to seize the lead just moments ago before Pandora’s speed stripped it right out from under him like a trap door opening beneath his feet. The mask could not keep pace with the Hell’s Cat when it mattered most.
Sienna Swann: There is barely any time left on that clock and everyone is scrambling, sweetie, but Pandora is the one standing above all of it right now and she remains the last best chance in this entire match! El Duque is still reeling from the Love Tap and this could genuinely be the defining moment! Forty-five seconds remaining! Pandora moves quickly, hoists El Duque up from the canvas and positions herself to finish this once and for all!… GOING FOR ANOTHER PANDORA’S BOX!
Gavin Kirkland: OH NO! EL DUQUE SUDDENLY HAS HER! EVERYONE IN THIS MATCH IS RUNNING ON PURE ADRENALINE AND DESPERATION RIGHT NOW AND SHE HAS BEEN LIFTED UP!… GOING FOR THE SOUL PUNISHER—
Deadprez: BUT PANDORA WRENCHES AND STRUGGLES AND FORCES HER WAY OFF THE ATTEMPT! EL DUQUE PIVOTS AND COMES RUSHING AROUND…
(## PANDORUM!!!!!!!!!!!)
Deadprez: THE RIGHT HOOK CONNECTS FLUSH WITH THE JAW, THE SAME STRIKE THAT HAS SECURED VICTORY IN THE MAJORITY OF HER MATCHES THROUGHOUT HER ENTIRE CAREER! TWENTY SECONDS ON THE CLOCK! THIS COULD GENUINELY BE IT! PANDORA IS ABOUT TO SECURE ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE SCRAMBLE VICTORIES IN RECENT MEMORY!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!……….
(…………)
(…………)
(…………)
(Pandora is suddenly dragged out of the ring from the outside amid a wave of collective disbelief that washes over every corner of Rogers Arena. Pandora lands on the floor, spins around, and stares directly at the person responsible for pulling her out. The colour drains from her expression entirely.)
Sienna Swann: What… What is HE doing out here?! What possible justification could that man have for this?! SWEETIE—
Pandora Paisley: (Off-Mic) …. WHY!?
Silas Mason: (Off-Mic) I’m sorry. I just can’t….
Pandora Paisley: (Off-Mic) WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!
Gavin Kirkland: TEN SECONDS! THEY ARE STANDING THERE ARGUING ON THE FLOOR WHILE THE CLOCK IS DISINTEGRATING AND JOSO HAS JUST SPOTTED DUQUE STILL DOWN IN THAT RING AND HE IS MOVING!…
(## HEAVEN’S GATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Gavin Kirkland: DOWN HE GOES! THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER LANDS AND JOSO COLLAPSES INTO THE COVER! IMPACT IS TRYING TO FIGHT HIS WAY OVER TO BREAK THIS UP! FIVE SECONDS!
Deadprez: FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(## TIME LIMIT: 00:03)
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(## TIME LIMIT: 00:02)
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(## TIME LIMIT: 00:01)
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S GOOODD! IT’S GOODDDD! JOSO DOES IT!
(## TIME LIMIT: 00:00)
(DING DING DING!)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. JOSO!
(‘LIKE WEEZY’ by Playboi Carti starts to play throughout the Centre as the crowd cheers and Joso quickly rolls out of the ring with his arms raised. Impact just looks on and sighs, disappointed that he didn’t get there in time.)
Deadprez: JOSO WINS AT THE VERY LAST SECOND BUT THE ARGUMENT IS THAT PANDORA PAISLEY ONCE AGAIN WAS ONT HE CUSP OF WINNING AND IN A SURPRISE TURN OF EVENTS SILAS MASON PULLED HER OFF!
(Joso starts walking up the ramps and does the symbol for a title around his waist.. The fans continue to cheer as he looks around and raises his arms as the eruption to the crowd intensifies. Impact rolls out of the ring and walks around disappointed.)
(El Duque is finally slowly up and trying to explain to the referee that Joso had his tights which the referee isn’t buying this.)
Sienna Swann: There is a lot going on but look at Pandora! Her green eyes are widened, she cannot believe what just happened and turns to Silas Mason getting right in his face.)
Pandora Paisley: (Off Mic) I HAD THAT WON! WHY!? WHY!? DID YOU STOP ME!? BECAUSE OF HIM!!!? HIMN!?!?!
(Pandora is right in Silas Mason’s face as he has his arms up trying to deescalate everything. He scrolls into the ring and asks for a mic. Joso’s is already gone and his music theme fades. Impact is heading his way to the back.)
Silas Mason: Listen to me Pandora, I had my reasons and you just need to accept that! You became a part of Silas World because frankly put, you are not smart enough to win the big one! How many chances have I given you!? HOW MANY!? Sure you were about to win and then screw it up again!?
Pandora Paisley: (OFF MIC) ARE YOU BLOODY KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!? I WAS SCREWED EACH TIME, SILAS! AND NOW YOU SCREWED ME OVER! I NEVER ASKED TO JOIN THIS CHICKEN SHIT OPERATION! I HAD TO!
Silas Mason: BECAUSE YOU LOST TO HARPER!
Pandora Paisley: (Off-Mic) BY SCREWING ME OVER AGAIN!
SLAP!!!!
Silas Mason: STAND DOWN AND GET IN ORDER OPHELIA!
Deadprez: SILAS MASON JUST SLAPPED THE TASTE OUT OF PANDORA’S MOUTH! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT! PANDORA WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT AS SHE STARTS TO TREMBLE IN ANGER! WE SAW WHAT SHE DID TO VEENA ADAMS LAST NIGHT! SILAS BETTER REMEMBER THAT!
Gavin Kirkland: OOOOh…. HE USED HER GOVERNMENT NAME!
Sienna Swann: PANDORA GRABS SILAS MASON BY THE SUIT! I KNOW PANDORA ON A PERSONAL LEVEL SWEETIE AS MY FORMER TAG TEAM PARTNER AND BEST FRIEND TRAINED THIS WOMAN AND I THINK SILAS MASON MADE A MISTAKE!
(Pandora starts to shake Silas Mason as he tries to plead with her.)
Pandora Paisley: DON’T YOU EVER PUT YOUR FUCKING HANDS ON ME!
SMACK!!!!
Deadprez: PANDORA PAILSEY JUST LEVELED SILAS MASON! HE FELL ON THE MAT AND HERE COMES EL DUQUE, ATTACKING PANDORA FROM BEHIND!
Sienna Swann: BUT SHE MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AND EL DUQUE MISSES! THE LOVE TAP! THE KNEE HITS EL DUQUE AND HE FALLS OUT OF THE RING! PANDORA IS PICKING UP SILAS MASON, SWEETIE!
Gavin Kikrland: SHE HAS HIM HOOKED AND CATASTROPHE!!!!!
Sienna Swann: NO! EL DUQUE IS ABLE TO DRAG SILAS OUT OF THE RING JUST AS PANDORA WAS ABOUT TO PLANT HIS FACE IN! EL DUQUE QUICKLY IS ESCORTING SILAS OUT AS PANDORA GRABS THE MIC!
(Pandora paces around and points out to Silas who is screaming back at Pandora.)
Pandora Paisley: SILAS MASON!? OUR DEAL IS OVER…. FUCK YOU AND FUCK SILAS WORLD! I AM DONE!
(The crowd explodes in cheers as she slams the mic down. Silas Mason can be heard screaming…. “WE HAVE A DEAL! YOU CANNOT QUIT!”…. But El Duque tries to calm him down as “Just Stop” starts to play throughout the Centre. As Silas and El Duque retreat, Pandora stands in the middle of the ring)
Sienna Swann: AND JUST LIKE THAT SILAS WORLD GETS A LITTLE SMALLER! PANDORA IS OUT!
Deadprez: THE HELLCAT HAS HAD ENOUGH AND SHE IS OUT OF SILAS WORLD!
Gavin Kirkland: Wait…. Look at ringside! IMPACT NEVER LEFT!
(Impact is shown glaring into the ring at Pandora, almost a bit impressed as she is fuming glaring down El Duque and Silas Mason. The last shot is of Impact looking at Pandora and actually nodding.)
(A commercial for Diego Montana and Circe’s new Sex Tape is up for Pre-Order today!)
(After commercials, Pain for Pride returns, and the next matchcard for the evening is revealed, causing the fans to react loudly.)
(https://i.imgur.com/vsRZDUm.png)
(The shot fades to the ring, with Stephie Love smiling.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, the next contest is a singles match scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Partition (Smearcase Trap Remix)’ by Beyoncé blares out, drawing a mixed reaction from the fans. Kassidy Heart comes out, wearing white and gold as she struts to the ring with her usual confidence brimming.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! From Sydney, Australia, she is EAW Hall of Famer… ‘The Mauler’, KAAAASSSSIIIIIDDYYYYYYY HEEEEAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRT!
Stew-O: Kassidy is here, and her ensemble seems to harken back to her King Kass era. Appropriate, as she has declared herself as the past, present and future of EAW. She wants that to be the clear cut truth, and make it known that no one, not even BRAE, can take that away from her.
Jake Mercer: Well, she is truly Eternal! Kassidy has remained as the one constant throughout all these shifts in this company, and has remained as the best. Bar none.
Flannery McCoy: That is true. Whether you love her or hate her, there’s no denying it. Kassidy isn’t going for anyone to take her spot, and that includes BRAE. But we will see if he can get her to change her mind with a win over her, or if Kassidy will continue to conquer all.
(She gets in the ring, letting her coat fall off of her shoulders with ease. She turns to face the stage, an unamused expression settling once ‘Clash of the Gods’ play. BRAE comes out, dressed in orange and blue, representative of Goku and his Ultra Instinct form.)
Stephie Love: AND HER OPPONENT! Residing in Bray County Wicklow, Ireland, he is… ‘SON’, BRAAAAAEEEE!
Stew-O: And here comes the man who is ready for war! BRAE has been held up as a future world champion for a while now; his recent Interwire run highlighting that further, and now, he could get the chance to make that closer to reality as he takes on Kassidy Heart, giving everyone a preview of what’s to come next season!
Jake Mercer: The sky’s the limit for him. He has grown to be one of the biggest names of this brand–and of course, Kassidy thinks differently. That’s part of the crux of this match, but it’s put up or shut up time for them both here tonight.
Flannery McCoy: Some say this is even like a dream match. Both are intense wrestlers but smart; they don’t quit, they’re resilient, and they know how to compete on a grand stage like this. It all comes to a head in just a few moments!
(BRAE enters. He removes his own coat, then points out to the fans who cheer. Kassidy rolls her eyes.)
(They both get into their corners, and once the referee confirms they’re ready to go…)
(DING DING DING!)
Stew-O: Here we go! The bell has rung, and one of the most anticipated matches of Pain for Pride weekend is now officially underway! The Toronto audience are heavily behind BRAE, but neither here nor Kassidy are even paying attention to the fervent reaction. Both competitors are wholly focused on each other. Big fight feel here, and they step out of their respective corners, circling around, trying to see who’s going to be the first to make a move.
Jake Mercer: Both Kassidy and BRAE know how to remain calm. Even if things have picked up several notches between them in the preceding weeks, neither of them are going to get reckless. BRAE understands that The Mauler is, aside from being the dominant Elitist to ever grace an EAW ring, is also the dangerous. Kassidy, of course, doesn’t believe anyone is on her level, but she’s far too experienced in this game to allow for that to blind her into complete underestimation–especially when you can argue that the few losses she’s had in her illustrious career came about because she let her hubris get the better of her.
Flannery McCoy: From TLA, to Minerva, and even in tag team action against the British Invasion–she certainly put up a fight, but that comfortability and knowing she’s had some of their numbers in the past may have played a factor in them getting the better of her. She steps closer, taking a swipe at BRAE, who manages to peel back, and he tests with a grab attempt of his own. Kassidy is able to dodge to the side, and it looks like she’ll be the one to initiate the contact properly with a collar-and-elbow tie-up!
Stew-O: The veteran seeking control from early, hasty, but not urgent to where desperation is seeping out. BRAE is able to ground his feet into the canvas however, refusing to be pushed back by her. There’s a little tension and war, with both athletes jockeying for position! BRAE looks to circle around, but Kassidy is following his movements through and through!
Jake Mercer: Kassidy is able to shift, and she uses BRAE’s momentum against him, leading him into a standing side headlock! BRAE realizes that this can change quickly, using his hands to try and push his arms off to lessen the leverage…but she snaps them back into place! One foot wedges behind his knee. She pushes down, forcing him down onto it, and dips down—snapmare onto the back! Now he’s grounded completely!
Flannery McCoy: Oh, but hang on! Almost immediately he rolls her down onto her shoulders, forcing a pinning predicament!
(ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
Stew-O: No, Kassidy gets out of that while still maintaining the headlock! She works up to her feet again, and BRAE has no choice but to follow. The Hall of Famer is dictating this match. Even more so thanks to a knee that she drives into his stomach! BRAE hunches forward; Kassidy shoots in, laces around his arm, and whips him down with an armdrag! Heart confidently traps his arm in a lock, knee pressing against his cheek. He grits his teeth.
Jake Mercer: You see the smirk, but again, that’s not ego bleeding in. That is the look of a woman who knows she has control firmly in her grasp. BRAE begins to move, however, planting his feet on the mat and arching upward, alleviating some of that pressure–and he grabs onto her with the free hand, sending her rolling forward and onto her back! Whoa! Smooth reversal, transitioning into a grounded side headlock of his own creation!
Flannery McCoy: That control might be slipping from her soon enough! BRAE rises, forcing her along. He backpedals into the ropes, and uses the added bounce to send Kassidy running into the opposite set! He awaits for her on the rebound–but she doesn’t come! She stops herself! BRAE frowns, but he charges forward–BACK ELBOW! And Kassidy follows that up with a stiff gut kick! Guess the feeling-out process is over and done with.
Stew-O: That, it is. A forearm clocks him across the face, and Kassidy takes hold of his wrist. BRAE is sent running into the corner! Kassidy runs in, going for another forearm–but this time, he counters with an elbow of his own! Kassidy staggers!
Jake Mercer: He hops up onto the middle ropes! It looks like he’s about to fly–AND HE DOES! WAIT! HE’S DIVING FOR THE ‘RED DEATH’!!
Crowd: :damn: :damn:
Flannery McCoy: BUT MISSES! SHE GOT OUT OF THE WAY!
Stew-O: YET BRAE IS ABLE TO LAND ON HIS FEET AND ROLL FORWARD, PREVENTING HIMSELF FROM TAKING A NASTY SPILL—AND A RUNNING FRONT DROPKICK WIPES HIM OUT! Down to the mat he goes, and Kassidy covers!
(OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
Jake Mercer: Kickout! Whew! What an exhilarating sequence, but Kassidy Heart manages to avoid disaster! She remains ahead of BRAE in this contest!
Flannery McCoy: She seems pleased with herself, too. BRAE may not be new to the Pain for Pride stage anymore as this is his third appearance, but Kassidy easily triples that amount. She’s more than aware of the risks Elitists are willing to utilize in order to win, and that means that many of them will try to go for the biggest moves if it means they can catch their opponent off guard. Not a bad attempt from BRAE, but Kassidy’s seen it all, done it all, and she knows all of the tricks in the book.
Stew-O: And BRAE himself is an observant competitor in his own right; his risk just didn’t pay off, as now, Kassidy straddles him, and hammers away with some stiff punches directed at his forehead! BRAE brings his forearms up to block, managing to hamper a few of those blows! However, Kasiddy takes a hold of his right arm, and immediately transitions, RIGHT INTO A CROSS ARMBREAKER!
Jake Mercer: Oh shit! She is NOT playing around now! BRAE isn’t remaining dormant though; he knows that this can end badly and quickly, so he’s locking his hands together, making sure she doesn’t get the full submission applied! Gotta say, lesser Elitists would’ve panicked and allowed for Kassidy to snap their damn arm off!
Flannery McCoy: It just speaks volumes of his own experience that he’s been gathering! This season he’s been right in the thick of the main event scene, and especially given the stretch he’s coming from with King of Elite, Grand Rampage and Fighting Spirit, he’s looking to make sure that this time, he can and will beat someone of a great stature!
Stew-O: But Kassidy Heart has never been one to allow for others to make a name for themselves at her expense! She’s made it known that it disgusts her, and whereas people see effort on the part of BRAE, she sees indignation! She digs her nails into his wrist, looking to add damage and weaken that grip preventing her from getting the move wholly applied!
Jake Mercer: She isn’t allowing any mercy here! However, BRAE toughs it out, not allowing for that sort of thing to throw him off! He’s focused wholly on getting out of this, and… he works up to his knees… then the feet! He grabs onto Kassidy, and RAISES HER UP INTO THE AIR! HE TURNS, FACING THE CORNER! THE FANS COME TO A STAND AS HE RUNS FORWARD AND SENDS HER BACK CRASHING AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLE PADDING!
Flannery McCoy: BUT SHE DOESN’T LET GO!
Crowd: :lupe: !!
Stew-O: You’re right! She still has a stubborn grasp of that arm! BRAE tries it again, and it looks like it may have weakened her–NO! She’s still clinging on! In fact, she takes her other hand to hold the top rope, and uses her legs to pull him in closer! She falls back and OVER THE ROPE! HANGING ARMBAR NOW! SHE HAS IT!
Jake Mercer: :damn: !! She just tanked that! BRAE IS IN PAIN, AND THE REFEREE BEGINS TO COUNT SINCE THIS IS A STANDARD MATCH!
Referee: (ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI–)
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy lets go, safely rolling down but holding the back of her head. Meanwhile, BRAE is shaking out the arm, hissing underneath his breath. He does NOT look pleased with what just transpired!
Stew-O: He doesn’t, but with Kassidy favoring the back of her head, there’s that one vulnerable elephant in the room: her history with head injuries. It’s only gotten worse over the past few seasons, and any bit of impact can exacerbate those concussion worries.
Jake Mercer: That is true—but, as we all know, Kassidy Heart does not give a single fuck. She wanted to come back; a lot sooner, actually, but we all know Methuselah and the doctors weren’t going to allow for her to expedite the recovery time. It was annoying for her, but that added time away from the ring may have just saved her. If she was even more, well, ‘fragile’—and I say that loosely—she probably would be a lot more discombobulated.
Flannery McCoy: It is a good point—just like how BRAE is stubborn in his own right! He exits the ring and is out on the apron! Kassidy turns, and he runs in, looking to boot her right in the face! He connects! Kassidy goes stumbling out and catches herself with the top of the steel steps! She shakes her head!
Stew-O: Well-placed kick that nearly sends her off balance. BRAE backs up, eyeing her down one more time, and then, he gets a running start! HE LEAPS OFF, GOING FOR A DIVING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE!
Jake Mercer: BUT KASSIDY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!
(CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!)
Crowd: :damn: :damn:
Jake Mercer: AND BOTH OF BRAE’S HANDS COME DOWN HARD ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! HE GRIMACES, SHAKING THEM OUT; NOT READY TO COLLAPSE FROM THE PAIN, BUT DAMN, THAT DEFINITELY HAD TO HURT!
Flannery McCoy: Meanwhile, keep your eyes on Kassidy! She has gone over to the other side, and like a predator, keenly watching as BRAE is trying to recover from that diving mishap! She takes a few steps backwards…. Looking like she might have something planned!
Stew-O: That intention seems evident! BRAE turns just as she rushes in and hops up top! SHE COMES FLYING THROUGH—AND SHE SENDS HIM SPIRALING INTO THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE WITH THE DIVING HURRICANRANA! WOW!
Jake Mercer: BRAE takes a nasty spill back-first into that structure! However, if he thought he was going to be giving room to breathe, then he thought wrong! Kassidy comes up and forces him back to his feet, SLAMMING his face down onto the table! He staggers, and Kassidy uses the opportunity to send him back inside the ring! The former Interwire and New Breed Champion appears to be at a momentary disadvantage!
Flannery McCoy: I don’t think that it’s going to last long—because Kassidy forces him up, and she positions the right arm behind his back! She lifts him up, and DOWN HER GOES! HAMMERLOCK NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!
Stew-O: Beautifully executed, but devastatingly efficient! She maintains the bridge!
(OOOOOOONNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWWWWWWWWOOOO–)
Jake Mercer: Kick out! BRAE was able to get out of that one. However, the Mauler has already smelled the blood she has drawn out, and she’s intent on capturing every last drop! She brings his hand down, elbow pointed up, and STOMPS DOWN ON THE JOINT! Damn! She is just looking to injure every part of his arm now!
Flannery McCoy: Especially when that arm is the main one he uses for the Red Death! Once again, she grabs him, this time settling for the wrist, and TWISTS IT DOWN WITH A SCREW, SLAMMING IT ONTO THE MAT WITH AS MUCH FORCE AS POSSIBLE! :lupe: !!
Stew-O: This is beginning to look like a systemic deconstruction of BRAE here. The fans look on, with some boos emanating, but there are those who are beginning to grow concerned here! BRAE sits up, pain spreading, and Kassidy SHOOTS WITH A SOCCER KICK TO THE SHOULDER! BRAE falls to the side of himself, and Heart, ever the opportunist, seeks to latch on to the arm one more time, going for whatever submission she deems most appropriate for the situation.
Jake Mercer: She’s about to fall back—but BRAE lands on his back and KICKS HER RIGHT IN THE FACE! Kassidy lets go, and she holds onto her right eye! Oh, damn! Looks like the heel of his boot caught her there!
Flannery McCoy: And she is not happy! Kassidy snarls, seeking to approach, but BRAE shoots up and SLAMS HER DOWN WITH A SPINEBUSTER! Goodness! Kassidy holds onto the back of her head, and BRAE shakes out his arm! He was able to FINALLY get that opening to recover!
Stew-O: An impactful slam, one that seems to have hurt Kassidy just as much as it staved her off. She isn’t as quick to get up, but she is making an effort to get up to her hands and knees. BRAE watches on, and determination immediately hits him! He comes back to a stand, trekking towards her—AND SHE’S SENT CRASHING DOWN WITH A DEADLIFT BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! BRAE KEEPS HER SHOULDERS TO THE MAT AS THE OFFICIAL HURRIES IN FOR THE COUNT!
(OOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO–)
Stew-O: And it’s only good for a two-count!
Jake Mercer: It wasn’t enough to win, but that seems to have started to get the puzzle pieces to connect for BRAE in how is going to be able to effectively hurt Kassidy. He doesn’t move frantically, but he understands at this stage in his career the benefit of not allowing for anyone to slip away from him. He gets back up, and this time, tosses Kassidy into the corner. The Hall of Famer is trapped as the rising star takes it upon himself to use his non-hurt arm and attack with forearms! He’s not sparing her face!
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy is getting hit after hit sent her way! She manages to shove him away, but BRAE charges in with a step-up knee that lands flush against the jaw! :yikes: Kassidy looks a bit weakened, and he traps her arms before stepping up to the middle ropes. He whirls around—TORNADO BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!?!?
Flannery McCoy: AND THE FANS ARE GOING CRAZY FOR THAT, ESPECIALLY WITH IT BEING USED AS A TRANSITION MOVE FOR BRAE! HE JUST ROLLED ONTO HER AND PULLS HER FORWARD, GOING FOR A REVERSE CHICKENWING/BUTTERFLY LOCK-ESQUE SUBMISSION!
Stew-O: A bit of innovation here by the Imperial Symphony, as well as dishing out his own brand of payback against her for her earlier submission attempts! The fans are calling for her to tap out or quit right here!
Jake Mercer: A dicey situation, but I don’t know! She’s saying no to the official, and her answer isn’t changing with each subsequent question! If anything, she’s looking irritated!
Flannery McCoy: BRAE wrenches back, looking to impart some added pressure! He feels like this could be it!
Crowd: TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!
(…)
Crowd: TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!
(…)
Crowd: TAP! TAP! TAP! TA–
Kassidy Heart: (off-mic) Enough.
Stew-O: …!?
Jake Mercer: :roman:
Flannery McCoy: Holy crap! She’s–she’s coming back to a stand, even with BRAE wrapped around her!
Crowd: :damn: :damn: :damn:
Stew-O: SHE’S UP! BRAE LOOKS ALMOST SURPRISED! HE’S TRYING TO ADJUST, BUT KASSIDY RUNS FORWARD TOWARDS THE CORNER AND SMUSHES HIS BODY AGAINST THE PADDING! HE’S FORCED TO LET GO, HUNCHING OVER AS PAIN RIPPLES THROUGHOUT HIS BACK!
Jake Mercer: Definitely not ideal for him! It looked like he had Kassidy in serious trouble, but she found her way out—and sure enough, it was to a similar effect of how he was trying to escape that armbreaker from earlier! Heart comes in, BARRELING into him with the running European uppercut! BRAE is almost dazed! And Kassidy takes the hurt arm, stretching it across the top rope! She climbs up and FLIES OFF! ‘KING’S REQUIEM’!!!
Stew-O: SHE GETS ALL OF IT! SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE KNEES TO THAT TROUBLESOME LIMB, AND BRAE GOES DOWN! HE TRIES TO CRAWL, TO GET AWAY, BUT KASSIDY IS EYEING HIM DOWN AND COMES SPEEDING AT HIM! ‘PAINFULLY EVER AFTER’!!!
Flannery McCoy: :damn: CURB STOMP TO THE SHOULDER STOPS BRAE DEAD IN HIS TRACKS! THE PAIN HAS TO BE UNBEARABLE BY NOW! KASSIDY ROLLS HIM OVER AND PINS HIM–WITH HER HAND DELIBERATELY PUSHING DOWN ON THE SHOULDER!
(OOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!)
(THR–)
Stew-O: BUT BRAE PERSISTS! HE KICKS OUT OF THAT ONE, AND KASSIDY ISN’T PLEASED! SHE FORCES HIM TO SIT UP, AND TRAPS THE ARM, ATTACKING WITH THE POINT OF HER ELBOW, TARGETING THE SHOULDER RELENTLESSLY!
Jake Mercer: Damn! She is just suffocating him with all of this offense on her behalf! BRAE is having a difficult time, and she’s intent on ensuring this match ends in HER favor! Not his!
Flannery McCoy: But BRAE… HE SHAKES HIS HEAD! AND HE ISN’T GOING TO TAKE IT! HE REACHES UP, HAND BEHIND HER HEAD, AND SHOOTS HIS RIGHT KNEE UP, STRIKING HER FOREHEAD! AND AGAIN! AND AGAIN!!! OVER AND OVER, HE IS FIGHTING FOR A WAY OUT OF THIS, AND HE ISN’T GOING TO ALLOW FOR KASSIDY TO COMPLETELY DOMINATE HIM HERE!
Stew-O: KASSIDY LETS GO! SHE LETS GO! SHE BACKPEDALS, NOT OUT OF INSTINCT, BUT DUE TO THE KNEES, AND BRAE SCRAMBLES UP! SHE SEES HIM! SHE STEPS FORWARD—
Jake Mercer: BUT HE BLITZ HER DOWN WITH THE RUNNING SWINGING BACK ELBOW TO HER FACE–USING THE HURT ARM IN ORDER TO DELIVER THE BLOW!! :damn:
Flannery McCoy: OH MY GOD! BRAE threw EVERYTHING he had into that, and it takes Kassidy out–even at the cost of his own health! But it paid off, and as BRAE is down on the mat, he slaps his hand onto it, looking to gather back up his will! The fans are clapping along too!
Stew-O: They are! They know BRAE! They know his intensity, his never-say-die attitude, and they’re hoping that they can lend him some of their own energy so that he is able to persist in spite of the odds against him!
Jake Mercer: It appears it’s working! He works his way back up to a standing base, and lets out a scream! The fans cheer! Meanwhile, Kassidy is rolling over, seeking to get back up by herself… but BRAE’s eyes land right on her! He shakes his head! He isn’t going to let the Mauler try and get one-up on him again! He forces her up and—
(CRAAAAAAAAACK!)
Jake Mercer: SHARP CHOP TO THE FACE!
Flannery McCoy: ANOTHER ONE! THEN A JAB! HE WHIPS HIS HAND BACK….!
(CHOOOOOOOP!)
Flannery McCoy: CONNECTS WITH A WICKED BACKHAND CHOP TO HER CHEST!
Stew-O: BRAE is on the attack! The burner has been lit within! The fans go crazy as he peppers her with slaps and chops until she succumbs to a drop of her knee! BRAE backs up, and storms in! RUNNING CROSSBODY PRESS SENDS HER DOWN! He pops back up and yells out, with ALL OF CANADA JOINING IN!
Jake Mercer: He’s amped up! He watches Kassidy seeking to get up again, but he closes in and SNIPES HER DOWN! BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE CONNECTS, TAKING HER OUT! He grabs her and lifts her up onto his shoulder! He doesn’t even give a damn about the pain anymore!
Flannery McCoy: I don’t even think it’s the lack of care, as much as it is the adrenaline pumping, and him knowing he has to push past the discomfort if he wants to defeat Kassidy Heart here at Pain for Pride! He wants to emerge with a win over a decorated competitor under his belt, to prove to her that the new era belongs to him, and if she wishes to be a part of it, she’ll have to be behind him as he ushers it in!
Stew-O: The present and future collide, and BRAE MAKES SURE SHE COLLIDES WITH THE MAT AFTER SPINNING HER AROUND AND AROUND, DROPPING HER WITH THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! HE FALLS BACK, GETTING A PIN!
(OOOOOOONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOO!)
(THRRRREEEEEE–)
Jake Mercer: SHOULDER UP! SHOULDER UP! KASSIDY HEART WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THAT ONE!
Flannery McCoy: WOW! Right in the center and everything! However, it just wasn’t enough to put her way for good, even with the impressive display! BRAE shakes his head, realizing that this match is still continuing… but he doesn’t look entirely disappointed. For as intense as he is as a wrestler, he knows better than to allow for his emotions to get the better of him!
Stew-O: That is true. Too many big matches attached to him at this rate for BRAE to allow for any emotional blunders to get him caught up. He knows that this task was never going to be easy, too; he understands that Kassidy Heart is the greatest of all time for a reason, and there is no shortage of resiliency from her. Just as much as he can tough it out, so too can she!
Jake Mercer: Yeah. He has to keep that focus on lock, and he’s intent on that! He leads her up, and–
(CRACK!)
Jake Mercer: WHOA! HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT FROM KASSIDY, AND BOTH ELITISTS SINK TO THEIR KNEES! :damn: !!!
Flannery McCoy: :lupe: !! What a horrific pop that was–and look! They’re BOTH bleeding!
Stew-O: You’re right, Flannery! Rivers of crimson are beginning to trickle from both Elitists after that sickening shot on part of the Mauler! BRAE’s eyes look glossed over, but it isn’t like Kassidy is in a better spot than him!
Jake Mercer: Oh, man. That just goes to show you how much this match means to them. Both of them want to win. That means both of them are willing to do whatever it takes. Even if it comes at the cost of their own bodies…
Flannery McCoy: It just comes with the territory, and Kassidy looks to push past the budding pain as she grabs BRAE by his jaw, clinching it tightly. She winds her hand back and SMACKS HIS CHEST! CHOP LANDS FLUSH!
Stew-O: And you can just see some of the fans in attendance visibly cringing from the sight and sound of that! BRAE may hit hard, but Kassidy is known to be one of the stiffest competitors in all of EAW in her own right! She is not afraid to get hit or hit back hard!
Jake Mercer: This is getting brutal! She holds the back of his head, beginning to fire off with the right forearm as she strikes the temple and the spot she busted him open at! More of BRAE’s blood is staining her and the canvas underneath them! Jeez! What a visual!
Stew-O: It was only inevitable that this match was going to reach this stage with them! Kassidy continues to fire away! There’s hardly any wasted motion; seldom any exhaustion each hit as they continue to connect with sickening force, marking BRAE’s face with a crimson mask that won’t be easily removed anytime soon! She finally stops—and spins on her feet! Discus forearm cracks him over the forehead, causing him to tumble backwards into the ropes!
Jake Mercer: Oh, shit! Why does it look like he’s gonna fall through the middle ropes!?
(…)
Flannery McCoy: NO! HE REBOUNDS FROM IT, AND HE COMES CHASING AFTER KASSIDY LIKE A HEAT-SEEKING MISSILE WITH THE LARIAT! HE SPINS HER INSIDE OUT WITH THAT!
Crowd: :damn: :damn: :damn: !!!
Stew-O: AND THIS MATCH HAS BEEN UTTERLY VISCERAL! WOW! KASSIDY HEART IS LAID OUT, BUT BRAE… WAIT! HE’S RISING! HE’S WORKING HIS WAY BACK UP TO HIS FEET! HE POINTS DOWN RIGHT AT HER, AND WITH A YELL, LEAPS INTO THE AIR—
Jake Mercer: # —FOR THE ‘RED DEATH’!!! FINALLY!!! HE WAS ABLE TO HIT IT ON HER!!!
Flannery McCoy: AND THE FANS ARE UP ON THEIR FEET! THEY BELIEVE THIS IS THE END! AS DOES BRAE! HE HOOKS KASSIDY’S LEG, AND THE OFFICIAL INITIATES THE COUNT!
(OOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!)
(…)
(TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!)
(…)
(THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!)
(…)
Referee: # (off-mic) SHOULDER UP!
Jake Mercer: HOLY SHIT!
Stew-O: WOW! AND EVERYONE IS STUNNED! BRAE’S HEAD TURNS, AND HE SEES THAT KASSIDY’S ARM IS STRETCHED OUT, SHOULDER LIFTED FROM THE MAT!
(….)
Stew-O: BUT HE ISN’T EVEN HESITATING! HE GRABS THE ARM AND DRAGS HER TOWARD THE CENTER, WHERE HE ATTEMPTS TO LOCK ON THE SAME ARMBREAKER SHE HAD ON HIM FROM EARLIER! KASSIDY GRITS HER TEETH, REALIZING WHAT IS HAPPENING, BUT SHE IS UNABLE TO PREVENT THE LOCK FROM BEING APPLIED! BRAE FALLS ALL THE WAY BACK, TRAPPING THE LIMB AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WITH HIS LEGS!
Jake Mercer: KASSIDY HEART HAS NEVER TAPPED OUT IN HER CAREER IN EAW! NEVER! IT IS ALMOST UNTHINKABLE TO BELIEVE THIS CAN EVEN HAPPEN, BUT—IT’S PAIN FOR PRIDE! WE’VE SEEN WEIRDER HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY THIS WEEKEND! FROM BREAST MILK TO MAKING OUT!
Flannery McCoy: I– :mjlol: !! Okay, that is true—BUT REGROUP! KASSIDY IS TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT, BUT SHE IS UNABLE TO! BRAE SHAKES HIS HEAD, AND YELLS AT HER! STILL, SHE IS REFUSING TO TAP OUT!
Stew-O: Yet refusal alone does not mean safety! BRAE has no desire to let go! Kassidy’s arm is getting torqued in an uncomfortable angle!
(…)
Stew-O: … AND SHE OPTS TO FORCE HIS SHOULDERS DOWN TO THE MAT! THIS MATCH IS JUST THEM MIRRORING EACH OTHER! DOWN TO THE ESCAPE!
Jake Mercer: You’re right! Kassidy, however, is putting all over her body weight into it, though, determined to make sure THIS will be it!
(ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
(THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
Stew-O: KICK OUT! BRAE HURRIES TO HIS FEET—
Jake Mercer: BUT KASSIDY HEART, ON INSTINCT, CUTS HIM IN HALF WITH ‘GO TO GAWD’!!! THE SPEAR FLIPS HIM UPSIDE DOWN, AND KASSIDY LETS OUT A YELL OF HER OWN! SHE BACKPEDALS BEFORE RUNNING IN!!
Flannery McCoy: ‘MAXX SOLARIS’ TO BRAE’S BACK!!! SHE GOT THAT CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS AND ROLLS HIM OVER, HOOKING THE LEG!!! COVER!!!
(ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
(TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
(THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!)
Stew-O: # BRAE KICKS OUT!!!!
Jake Mercer: I’m gonna have a heart attack. This is not fun no more for me.
Flannery McCoy: I don’t blame you! Don’t think anyone will! This has been INSANE! Kassidy and BRAE are throwing bomb after bomb despite the state their bodies are in, but Kassidy doesn’t want to slow down! Even though she’s hurting, she grabs a chunk of BRAE’s hair and SLAMS her forearm into him!
(…)
Stew-O: !!!!
Jake Mercer: :damn: HE SITS UP AND HITS HER WITH ONE OF HIS OWN!
Flannery McCoy: AND SHE RESPONDS!
Kassidy Heart: (off-mic) Give up! You’re not winning!
(SMACK!)
BRAE: (off-mic) NO! I am not going to quit!
(SMACK!)
Kassidy Heart: (off-mic) Give. Up. This is mercy I am giving to you.
(SMACK!)
BRAE: (off-mic) Mercy… to stop fighting…? For myself? You really are sick in the head.
(SMACK!)
Kassidy Heart: (off-mic) Then if you aren’t… gonna back down.. I am going to make you regret this.
(Both of them glare.)
(Both latch onto each other’s hair.)
(Both bare their teeth.)
(SMACK!)
Stew-O: AND NOW THEY’RE PUMMELING INTO ONE ANOTHER! IT IS A WILD FLURRY OF FOREARMS!
Jake Mercer: BRAE! KASSIDY! BRAE! KASSIDY! BRAE! KASSIDY! THEY ARE GOING NUTS!
Flannery McCoy: AND NEITHER ARE BACKING DOWN! THEY’RE CONTINUING TO BLUDGEON EACH OTHER! BLOOD IS FLYING EVERYWHERE!
(…)
Stew-O: AND… THEY’RE STARTING TO SLOW!
(…)
Jake Mercer: THEY’RE…. SLUMPING! BUT CONTINUING TO HIT EACH OTHER!!
(…)
Flannery McCoy: OH… OH MY GOD! YOU CAN’T EVEN SEE THEIR FACES ANYMORE! THAT’S HOW MUCH BLOOD IS DRENCHING THEM, AND IT’S GETTING ALL OVER THEIR CHESTS AND CLOTHES!
(…)
(BRAE and Kassidy each recline their arms one last time.)
Stew-O: AND THEY—
(CRACK!)
Jake Mercer: # KNOCK EACH OTHER THE FUCK OUT!!! :damn: :damn: :damn:
(… neither of them are moving.)
(The crowd watches on in shock. The referee checks in on them. The camera captures their blood-stained faces, along with the fists that hold the other’s clump of hair. Neither of them, even in their unconscious state, lose the ire.)
(The referee shakes them. Tries to stir before Elitists back. However, nothing was working.)
Referee: (off-mic) Alright, THAT’S IT! RING THE BELL!
(DING DING DING!)
(The fans react loudly, surprised by the bloodied end. Medical personnel quickly hurry in, and are able to finally pry the two from each other. They are both assisted with gentle care–even though that would’ve more than likely pissed them off if they could respond.)
(Stephie Love stands from her chair, stunned in her own right, but calls the final decision.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen… due to the referee determining that neither BRAE or Kassidy Heart could continue, this match has been ruled… A DRAW!
(A mixed reaction pours out. Some are glad to witness an intense match, whereas others are disappointed that no true winner could’ve been determined between the two.)
Stew-O: … I’m speechless. Genuinely. We’ve had a few draws and no contests before, but… not in this manner. They both–and excuse my language–beat the crap out of each other.
Jake Mercer: That they did. Wow. People want to talk about wars? This was that. Unmistakable. Kassidy Heart and BRAE took the other to the absolute limit, refusing to yield to each other…. But because of that? Neither of them get to have a win.
Flannery McCoy: Yeah. Don’t think either of them will be happy once they’re awake, but… I have a feeling this match is going to be talked about for a long time. Just the pinnacle of matching each other’s brutality.
(And as BRAE and Kassidy are helped out of the ring, Pain for Pride fades to commercials.)
(A commercial plays for Guilty Gear Strive, featuring KASAI as I-No and Jay Jerry Johnson as Axl Low.)
(The graphic for the next match appears on the screen and the crowd goes absolutely crazy.)
(The camera shot has returned to the ring and we see the ringside area is covered with numerous ladders ready to be used before focusing on Bella Braxton standing in the ring ready to begin the introductions for the next match.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! The following contest is the 2026 CASH IN THE VAULT LADDER MATCH!
Crowd: AOGHIJAEOIGHAOEHGOAHGAOIHGAROG
Bella Braxton: Now in this match, the only way to win this match is for one of the contestants to climb the ladder and retrieve the briefcase. The winner of the Cash in the Vault briefcase will have the opportunity to cash in for a World Championship match AT ANY TIME FOR UP TO ONE YEAR! INTRODUCING THE CONTESTANTS….
(“In My Blood” by The Score starts playing as the legendary Rex McAllister enters the arena for Cash in the Vault. Wearing his usual track jacket and black wrestling tights, Rex is ready to fight as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! REPRESENTING DYNASTY! From Sea Isle, New Jersey! Weighing 238 pounds! Here is “THE LIONHEART” REX MCALLISTER!
Stew-O: Here comes the first of six competitors gunning for the chance to win the coveted Cash in the Vault briefcase in Rex McAllister. What a week he has already had as he inducted his wife into the Hall of Fame a few days ago.
Persephone: Fuck him.
Gavin Kirkland: If my memory serves me correctly, Rex won his last World Championship six years ago at this event. Can you imagine if the Hall of Famer wins this match and it leads to the fourth EAW World Championship of his career? He can still go and he can no doubt win this match.
(As Rex enters the ring, he removes his jacket and hands it to the ring attendant as his music fades off. The lights go out and fireworks shoot up from the stage, exploding in a purple blast as ‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE begins to play. Smoke fills the stage as Raven Roberts enters the arena wearing black feathered wings. Normally there would be a more theatrical entrance for the NEW EAW Hall of Famer, Raven Roberts, but tonight she is focused on winning that briefcase. She takes off her wings and she heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: ALSO REPRESENTING DYNASTY! Now residing in Atlanta, Georgia! Weighing 122 pounds. Here is THE NEW EAW HALL OF FAMER! “THE BIRD OF PREY” RAVEN ROBERTS!
Persephone: Fuck this bitch too. Hate them both.
Stew-O: Raven Roberts is the only former Cash in the Vault winner in this match and she could make history here tonight if she wins by becoming the first-ever two-time winner of the Cash in the Vault match.
Gavin Kirkland: Can you imagine how Raven will feel if she gets inducted into the Hall of Fame and wins Cash in the Vault in the same week? She wins and she could end up with a briefcase that could give her the second World Title reign of her EAW Career. It’s been six years since Raven was last World Champion. Could tonight be the night for Raven to start heading back to World Title glory?
(Raven enters the ring and stands next to her loving husband. But only one can win as her music fades off and is replaced with ‘The Birth of Merged Zamasu’ by Friedrich Habetler. Seconds later, Vincent Mondrian enters the arena to loud boos from the crowd. Vincent looks towards the ring and sees the briefcase hanging high above as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: REPRESENTING SHOWDOWN AND SILAS WORLD! Residing in Laren, Netherlands. Weighing 220 pounds. Here is “THE SOUL REAPER” VINCENT MONDRIAN!
Gavin Kirkland: Here comes Showdown competitor Vincent Mondrian and I am pulling for him to win the ladder match because he is ON SHOWDOWN!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO! This is a dream Vincent had for himself this season.
Persephone: This guy looks like a damn moron. You’re encouraging idiocy on your brand. Gavin? Of course you are. Look at the idiot I just asked.
Stew-O: Vincent is a former Interwire Champion and he came to Showdown this season looking for championship gold. It isn’t a title belt, but winning a briefcase that almost guarantees him becoming World Champion will work just as well. Vincent could be a dark horse in this match.
(Vincent enters the ring and takes a corner as his music is replaced by ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics. The boos continue as Harper Lee enters the arena and doesn’t waste a second heading to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: ALSO REPRESENTING SHOWDOWN AND SILAS WORLD! From Charlotte, North Carolina! Weighing 114 pounds. Here is “THE TROUBLEMAKER” HARPER LEE!
Stew-O: Here comes the other Silas World representative in this match. Considering her experience and success, Harper Lee could be a favorite in this match to win it all.
Persephone: She’s also dating a screwball with an identity crisis. Does she ask him to wear the mask when she wants to get freaky or do roleplay night? Sick bitch!
Gavin Kirkland: Look who’s talking! Besides those are two different people you are talking about there. Anyways, the beautiful Harper Lee has won FIVE straight matches at Pain for Pride. She could be making some history tonight by winning tonight. She wins the briefcase and almost guarantees a second World Title reign of her career along with being in a league of her own with her SIXTH consecutive Pain for Pride victory. Watch out for Harper Lee. I hope she wins!!
(Harper enters the ring and stands next to Vincent, but doesn’t pay him any mind as her music is replaced by ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica. Seconds later, the almost demonic Damon Lazarus enters the arena. There is a cold chill in the air as Damon looks down the ramp and heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: REPRESENTING VOLTAGE! From Knoxville, Tennessee! Weighing 285 pounds! Here is “THE OUROBOROS” DAMON LAZARUS!
Persephone: Oh great! Now we reach our losers. Here is the biggest and oldest man in the match. Shit, Damon is probably gonna need some titanium hips after this match. Just use the broken ladder rungs to save money.
Stew-O: Jokes aside, Damon might be making his Pain for Pride debut tonight, but he could easily be the most overall experienced man in this match. He looks like he would much rather beat people up than climb a ladder.
Gavin Kirkland: Have enough psychopaths on Voltage, Persephone? This man just gives me the creeps. Can you imagine if he wins and gets a World Title? May gawd have mercy on the souls of the people he is on the same brand with. Yikes.
(Damon enters the ring and takes a corner as his entrance music fades off.)
(The intro from Muse’s ‘Absolution’ album begins to play as the next participant arrives. All the lights of the Rogers Centre dim down, the titantron flashes brightly, and the camera cuts…)
(….to the backstage area, where Jay Jerry Johnson stands in a black and red bomber jacket, black and red trunks, and black kickpads, wrapping wrist tape around his hands as he walks toward the gorilla position. As he reaches the stairs and prepares to make his entrance, he stops and closes his eyes. The camera focuses on him as he sits down and meditates, repeatedly making a tight fist, fully extending his fingers, and rotating his wrists. Jay keeps his eyes shut, thinking about what he is about to go out there and do, about how much this moment means to him, and about how long it has taken to get back to this point once more….)
(…)
(Taking a deep breath, he opens his eyes wide. Thy named the Artist parts the curtain and gives it one last look before heading out as the camera tracks him from behind, following his path down to the ring.)
(‘Knights of Cynodia’ by Muse plays as red and black lights flash throughout the arena, drawing a respectful cheer from the crowd. Jay Jerry Johnson arrives at the grand stage of Pain for Pride 19, taking a sweeping look across the entire arena before adjusting his jacket and making his way down the ramp of the Pain for Pride Toronto stage.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing the final participant! ALSO REPRESENTING VOLTAGE! From Chicago, Illinois! Weighing 223 pounds! Here is “THE ARTIST” JAY! JERRY! JOHNSON!
Gavin Kirkland: Here comes a former two-time Interwire Champion looking to make his jump into the World Title scene and winning Cash in the Vault could give him the boost he needs.
Persephone: He is acting a little extra, isn’t he? Thank Gawd he didn’t use pyro or else Voltage would have gone way over budget and they would force this idiot to give the briefcase back to pay for his damn screw up.
Stew-O: We called Vincent a dark horse in this match, but you would have to include Jay Jerry Johnson in that discussion as well. He has the talent to walk away with the briefcase. But so does everyone else in this match. Six competitors. One briefcase. Who will leave as Mr. or Ms. Cash in the Vault? We are about to find out as this massacre is about to begin!
(Bella has left the ring as Jay hands his jacket to the ring attendant before entering the ring. His music has faded out as the referee looks around at all six competitors before officially calling for the bell!)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: The sound of the bell means that this match is underway. One of these six competitors will climb the ladder of success and get them a guaranteed World Championship match. Does anybody have a favorite in this match?
Persephone: The first one that dies.
Gavin Kirkland: I think it should be one of the ladies in this match. I love a successful woman.
Stew-O: One is married. The other is in a relationship. Neither one wants you. As we get to the match, SILAS WORLD AS WELL AS FIRE AND ICE HAVE JUST STARTED TO BRAWL IN THE RING!
Gavin Kirkland: I take offense to that, but as Dynasty and Showdown’s representatives are fighting, Voltage’s Damon and Jay have gone to the outside and are getting themselves some ladders.
Persephone: Glad at least Voltage’s Elitists have some sort of brain power and grabbed some damn ladders. That is the point of the match!
Stew-O: Jay and Damon slid in from opposite sides of the ring and they immediately locked eyes. These two have a lot of history in the short time Damon has been in EAW.
Persephone: It’s a short history. It’s a boring history. It’s getting on my damn nerves. Just beat the hell out of each other.
Gavin Kirkland: It looks like you might get your wish BECAUSE DAMON AND JAY RUN AT EACH OTHER WITH THE LADDERS LIKE BATTERING RAMS TO MAYBE BASH EACH OTHER’S BRAINS IN–
(CRASH!!)
Stew-O: BUT THE LADDERS MEET HEAD ON AND IT’S A DRAW, SO DAMON GOES LOW WITH A KICK AND FORCES JAW TO ALMOST DROP THE LADDER ON HIMSELF!
Persephone: Clumsy and stupid and he’s on Voltage right now. He’s making ME look bad while being an idiot–
Gavin Kirkland: DAMON WITH THE LADDER TO THE SHOULDER FORCES JAY INTO THE CORNER AS DAMON DECIDES TO SET UP HIS LADDER AND TRY TO MAKE AN EARLY CLIMB TO THE TOP! COME ON SILAS WORLD!
Stew-O: The other four notice Damon trying to climb, BUT DAMON DOESN’T GET VERY FAR BEFORE BEING GANGED UP ON BY SILAS WORLD AND FIRE AND ICE!
Gavin Kirkland: Jay is trying to work out the ladder shot from his shoulder as now all six competitors are battling it out in the ring with one ladder already placed below the contract while there’s another ladder on the ground.
Persephone: We need more ladders. We need more broken bones. We need more BLOOD! What other reason is there to have this damn match?
Stew-O: How about that briefcase hanging in the air up there? I think that might be a good reason to have this match.
Persephone: Blah blah blah semantics.
Gavin Kirkland: As we get back to the match, Damon is down and Jay was just taken down by Fire and Ice while Silas World are bringing in ladders of their own. You know it isn’t an EAW Cash in the Vault Ladder match without an ass load of ladders in the ring.
Stew-O: Harper and Vincent are working together for a moment, a brief moment, as they get both ladders into the ring AND VINCENT CLOBBERS REX WITH THE LADDER TAKING HIM DOWN!
Persephone: I think stupid Harper is trying to use her ladder as a weapon, but she is trying to lift a ladder that is like triple her size. This is amusing to watch. One’s too old to be climbing ladders and we have another who can’t even set the ladder up.
Gavin Kirkland: Instead Harper grabs Raven by the hair when she was distracted AND THROWS HER FACE FIRST INTO THE LADDER! HARPER IS NOT PLAYING TONIGHT!
Stew-O: Vincent also just struck Jay with another ladder before he set his ladder up and now it’s just Silas World standing alone in the ring.
Gavin Kirkland: Oh come on guys! Now is not the time to start fighting each other! Wait until everyone else is dead and then fight each other.
Persephone: Why not now? They have enough weirdos in that group that are screwed up in the head. Why not just let these two beat each other to the point of stupidity.
Stew-O: HARPER LEE WITH A DISCUS LARIAT TO VINCENT MONDRIAN! THAT ONE LOOKED PERSONAL! I THINK IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING SOME OF THE REMARKS MADE ABOUT A CERTAIN SOMEONE!
Persephone: Oh, you mean El Drano Drinker, the Oklahoma Nutcase? They deserve each other. They are a pretty weird couple except neither of them are pretty and they are both extremely weird.
Gavin Kirkland: They are NOT the same person, bitch. As Vincent was rocked by the lariat, he comes back AND HITS HARPER WITH A OPEN HANDED SLAP TO THE FACE! DAMN, WHAT A SHOT!
Stew-O: Is that a shot of no respect or a shot of no intimidation? Either way, Harper didn’t appreciate that at all–
(CRASH!)
Persephone: Oh great. The whore versions of Romeo and Juliet ruining something else. Big surprise.
Gavin Kirkland: REX AND RAVEN JUST CAME IN WITH A LADDER AND CLOBBERED HARPER AND VINCENT IN THE HEAD AND TOOK THEM BOTH OUT WITH ONE SHOT! HOW DARE THEY TREAT SILAS WORLD LIKE THAT?
Stew-O: You are aware that this match is every man for himself, right? Silas World will have to fight each other in order to win.
Gavin Kirkland: BUT NOT RIGHT NOW! Everybody else should be dead first and they fight to see who wins! That’s how it should be.
Persephone: Quit being a bitch, bitch!! They still have the ladder AND THEY CLOBBER OLD MAN DAMON WITH IT AND HE GOES BACK DOWN! BAHAHAHAHA! Isn’t it fun watching old fuckers get beat up?
Stew-O: You are sadistic and a little weird. BUT HERE COME FIRE AND ICE READY TO STRIKE JAY JERRY JOHNSON–
Persephone: HE DUCKS IT!! It’s not very fun when they avoid the shots and keep fighting.
Gavin Kirkland: Jay quickly turns around AND HITS A DROPKICK ON RAVEN FORCING HER TO FALL AND LET GO OF THE LADDER, LEAVING REX TO STUMBLE AND FALL FACE FIRST INTO THE LADDER!
Stew-O: I don’t think that a ladder is part of a balanced breakfast, but now the only one standing is Jay Jerry Johnson and he goes after Raven Roberts.
Persephone: Normally, I would make a comment regarding the uselessness that is Jay Jerry Johnson, but he is beating up that Birdbrain Bitch from Hell, so he will get a very rare occasion pass from me.
Gavin Kirkland: You are all heart as Jay picks up Raven and tries to go for a slam on her–
Stew-O: SHE SLIDES OFF HIS SHOULDERS AND TRIES TO WHIP HIM TO THE ROPES, BUT JAY IS ABLE TO REVERSE!
Gavin Kirkland: Raven comes off the ropes AND LEAVES HER FEET AND TAKES JAY DOWN WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS AND SHE IS THROWING LEFTS AND RIGHTS INTO JAY’S SKULL!
Persephone: We have all these weapons and ladder at our disposal to use to brutalize people and she’s wrestling. The hell is wrong with this bitch… nevermind, I know.
Stew-O: RAVEN IS JUST BEATING UP ON JAY UNTIL DAMON COMES OUT OF NOWHERE AND KICKS RAVEN RIGHT IN THE HEAD!!
Persephone: Nothing up there besides botox and hair dye.
Gavin Kirkland: Damon is a very vicious and methodical competitor who is not going to be playing games as he picks Raven up AND JUST SLAMS HER ON THE LADDER!
Stew-O: He isn’t done! He pulls Raven back to her feet AND DROPS HER RIGHT BACK ON THE LADDER WITH A BACK SUPLEX!
Persephone: What an absolute idiot! This old fuck must have not taken his meds this morning because he also landed on the ladder. He’s not crazy because he’s vicious, it’s because he’s senile.
Gavin Kirkland: Damon is back on his feet AND HERE COMES REX! REX IS JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF DAMON RIGHT NOW!
Stew-O: Even if it’s every man for himself, he is still going to defend his wife from whack jobs and violent weirdos. Right now, Rex is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Damon right now to prove a point.
Gavin Kirkland: This is the point of the match to do anything and everything you can to damage your opposition as Rex grabs Damon AND DELIVERS A FACEBUSTER ONTO THE LADDER!
Persephone: Don’t break those rungs. They might be needed later on for steel body parts during surgery.
Stew-O: Damon tastes the steel of the ladder as he is back down on the mat as Rex now sees a golden opportunity to try for the briefcase and get himself a World Championship match.
Persephone: I hope the bastard falls off the ladder and breaks his neck.
Gavin Kirkland: Let it go. But right now Rex is not going to let it go as tries to start a climb-
Stew-O: HERE COMES SILAS WORLD! VINCENT AND HARPER ARE BACK IN THE MATCH AND THEY PULL REX OFF THE LADDER AND HARPER HITS THE HOUSE OF BALLOONS EARLY!
Persephone: So the pixie bitch hit a backstabber on a dumb fuck. Fitting on both ends if you know what I mean.
Gavin Kirkland: Well, just as quick as Rex got back into the match, he’s back out and that once again leaves Silas World as the last people standing–-
Stew-O: UNTIL WE SEE JAY JERRY JOHNSON DROPKICK HARPER FROM BEHIND TO TRY AND TAKE HER OUT OF THE EQUATION, BUT HERE COMES VINCENT!
Gavin Kirkland: Vincent goes for a kick, but Jay grabs Vincent to the ropes! Vincent with the rebound AS HE COMES BACK WITH A RUNNING YAKUZA KICK THAT CATCHES JAY RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Persephone: Might have knocked a tooth out, but I would much rather see him be busted open, but what can you do? I know. YOU KILL EACH OTHER!!
Stew-O: Jay is down for the moment and Vincent Mondrian has a chance to go for the briefcase as he starts the climb up the ladder.
Persephone: These idiots seem directionally challenged. You tell them to go up and they will get lost or take a year to get up the damn ladder.
Gavin Kirkland: Vincent is about halfway up the ladder AS HARPER COMES BACK AND PULLS VINCENT OFF THE LADDER! LOOK AT THESE TWO! THEY ARE GLARING AT EACH OTHER ONCE AGAIN!
Stew-O: Remember that this match has no room for alliances AS HARPER RETURNS THE SLAP THAT VINCENT GAVE HER EARLIER!
Persephone: Forget the bitch slapping, get down to real business like using the ladders to brutally maim each other and maybe get injured to the point that they have to retire–
Gavin Kirkland: VINCENT WENT FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK AND HARPER DUCKS UNDER VINCENT’S LEGS AND CLIMBS RIGHT UP THE LADDER! SHE ABOUT OUTSMARTED HIM THERE!
Stew-O: BUT VINCENT GRABS HER AND PULLS HER OFF THE LADDER, BUT HARPER GRABS VINCENT BY THE HEAD AND PLANTS HIM WITH A MODIFIED TORNADO DDT!
Gavin Kirkland: Vincent was spiked on his head as Harper grabs a different ladder and drags it towards the corner as she decides to climb to the high rent district that is the top rope.
Persephone: She isn’t going up there to raise her intelligence level. Maybe she is up there to feel taller.
Stew-O: Harper has hold of the ladder as she gets her balance on the top rope BEFORE COMING OFF THE TOP ROPE AS SHE FALLS WITH THE LADDER–
Persephone: Wow. That was very exciting. Almost up there with painting my nails.
Gavin Kirkland: HARPER SANDWICHES VINCENT BETWEEN THE MAT AND THE LADDER AND GETS THE ADVANTAGE! I hate this Silas World on Silas World violence.
Stew-O: I don’t think the rest of the world shares the same sentiment as you. But Harper is back on her feet as she gets the ladder again and positions it in the corner. She grabs Raven Roberts and whips her to the corner–
(CRACK!)
Persephone: HAHAHAHAHA! BITCH CRACKS HER BACK AGAINST THE LADDER AND NOW IS JUST IN THE CORNER READY TO GET THE SHIT BEAT OUT OF HER! DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME!
Gavin Kirkland: Harper GOES RUNNING FULL SPEED TOWARDS THE CORNER AND LOOKS FOR A RUNNING METEORA–
Stew-O: RAVEN DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY AND HARPER DELIVERS THE METEORA–
Gavin Kirkland: OH NO! NOBODY HOME AS RAVEN GETS OUT OF THE WAY AND HARPER GOES KNEES FIRST INTO THE LADDER! NOT A PRETTY LANDING BY THAT PRETTY LADY!
Persephone: Gross. You are still such an ugly creepo. But it was amusing to see Harper just completely biff a move and look like an idiot!
Stew-O: Harper hits the mat hard as Raven is back on her feet as she grabs Harper and brings her back to her feet AND SHE TOSSES HARPER SPINE FIRST INTO THE LADDER THANKS TO THAT JUDO THROW BY RAVEN!
Persephone: Harper almost landed on her head. Shame she didn’t break her voicebox when she landed.
Gavin Kirkland: Raven grabs Harper and goes to do something BUT THE BIG BOOT FROM DAMON LAZARUS CATCHES BOTH LADIES AND TAKES THEM BOTH DOWN WITH ONE SHOT!
Stew-O: Damon grabs Harper Lee and LIFTS HER UP IN THE AIR FOR A POWERBOMB AND DRIVES HER RIGHT THROUGH THE MAT!
Persephone: That’s because Harper weighs about 86 pounds with a couple of bricks in each pocket. Hell, this creepy bastard could have thrown Harper all the way to the top of the ramp!
Gavin Kirkland: Either way, Harper is down and I really don’t like that, BUT HERE COMES JAY JERRY JOHNSON! Now Damon has his attention turned to Jay AND JAY DELIVERS A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE!
Stew-O: Damon was rocked after that shot AS JAY GRABS DAMON BY THE HEAD AND TRIES TO GO FOR A TORNADO DDT–
Gavin Kirkland: DAMON IS BLOCKING IT! JAY IS IN THE AIR AS DAMON WALKS HIM OVER TO THE LADDER THAT IS ON THE MAT AND JUST LAUNCHES HIM CHEST FIRST ONTO THE LADDER!
Persephone: Does anybody else enjoy hearing the crunch sound a ladder makes when the human body crashes against it? No? Just me? Of course it is.
Stew-O: It might be just you as Damon decides to climb the ladder one more time and go for the briefcase.
Persephone: About damn time. These people are as slow as ever. Especially this old man. End this already if this is all they are going to do.
Gavin Kirkland: Damon is getting closer to the briefcase as he REACHES UP TO TRY AND GRAB THE BRIEFCASE–
Stew-O: REX MCALLISTER! REX IS BACK ON HIS FEET AND HE IS STANDING BY THE SIDE OF THE LADDER! REX IS SHAKING THE LADDER TO TRY AND GET DAMON OFF BALANCE!
Persephone: Can somebody get back on their feet and just beat the shit of this rat bastard?
Gavin Kirkland: REX FINALLY GETS THE LADDER TIPPING OVER TO THE SIDE AND DAMON GOES OFF BALANCE AND OFF THE LADDER, BUT HE IS ABLE TO LAND ON HIS FEET!
Stew-O: DAMON WITH A DROPKICK TAKES REX OFF BALANCE AND DOWN TO HIS KNEES! Damon gets the ladder and puts it back in an upright position–
(CRASH!!)
Gavin Kirkland: VINCENT! VINCENT MONDRIAN WITH A STEEL CHAIR AS HE CRACKS DAMON IN THE HEAD WITH THE CHAIR THAT STAGGERS DAMON AND SENDS HIM TO THE ROPES!
Persephone: Didn’t hit him hard enough because the old man hasn’t started bleeding yet. HIT HIM AGAIN!! BUST HIM OPEN!!
Stew-O: Vincent sees that Damon is still on his feet after that chair shot AND VINCENT USES THE CHAIR ONCE AGAIN AS A BATTERING RAM AND CRACKS DAMON IN THE FACE! DAMON GOES OVER THE TOP!
Persephone: HIS OLD ASS IS STILL ON THE APRON! DOES THIS IDIOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE A STEEL CHAIR AS A WEAPON? Are those people on Showdown just weak or just stupid?
Gavin Kirkland: Watch your mouth! BUT LOOK! HARPER LEE! HARPER LEE FROM THE TOP ROPE HITS A MISSILE DROPKICK THAT SENDS DAMON SAILING OFF THE APRON AND CRASHING ONTO THE FLOOR BELOW!
Stew-O: We are back to Silas World standing alone as Harper and Vincent look ready to once again battle it out against each other.
Persephone: Like it was interesting the first time they did it.
Gavin Kirkland: VINCENT TRIED FOR A KASIGIRI CHOP BUT HARPER DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY AND DELIVERS A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF VINCENT’S LEG!
Stew-O: Harper grabs Vincent’s head AS SHE RUNS TOWARDS THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE LOOKING FOR A BULLDOG!
Gavin Kirkland: INSTEAD VINCENT LIFTS HARPER IN THE AIR AND DROPS HER WITH A BACK SUPLEX COUNTER! HARPER LANDS HARD ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD!
Persephone: Should have dropped her on her neck, but of course he doesn’t–
(CRACK!)
Stew-O: JAY JERRY JOHNSON WITH A KENDO STICK OF ALL THINGS AS HE CRACKS VINCENT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOREHEAD! ANOTHER SHOT SENDS VINCENT BACK TOWARDS THE ROPES!
Persephone: Look at Jay trying to be useful. It’s a sad try, but he is trying nonetheless. Whatever!
Gavin Kirkland: JAY TRIES TO SWING THE KENDO STICK ONE MORE TIME BUT VINCENT GETS OUT OF THE WAY AS JAY SPRINGBOARDS ONTO THE ROPES AND GRABS VINCENT BY THE HEAD–
Stew-O: AND PLANTS HIM WITH THE “PRETTY VISITOR” THE CUTTER PLANTS VINCENT AS HE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!
Persephone: It wasn’t pretty at all. Don’t let the name fool you unless you are stupid.
Gavin Kirkland: Jay sees the ladder and decides it’s time for him to climb and take a chance to go for the briefcase—
Stew-O: HARPER LEE! HARPER LEE IS CLIMBING UP THE OTHER SIDE AND THEY BOTH MEET AT THE TOP OF THE LADDER AND START THROWING HANDS TO TRY TO KNOCK THE OTHER OFF THE LADDER!!
Gavin Kirkland: Both competitors throwing lefts and rights to try to get the advantage, but neither one of them are able to get the edge–
Persephone: OH MY GAWD!! WHY ARE THEY STILL ALIVE!
Stew-O: REX! RAVEN! FIRE AND ICE ARE STANDING BY THE LADDER! THEY ARE TIPPING THE LADDER AS BOTH JAY AND HARPER FALL OF THE LADDER AND CATCH THE TOP ROPE AND GO TUMBLING OUT OF THE RING!!
Persephone: Why do the fates hate me?
Gavin Kirkland: Rex and Raven are the only two people standing in the ring right now and they both have their eyes on a ladder in the ring.
(Time seemed to stop as Raven came to the realization that she was able to seize the moment. No one was around and there was a discarded ladder just waiting for her to grab.)
Persephone: I swear if this bitch wins Cash in the Vault, I’m done. I’m out.
Gavin Kirkland: Which means Sienna Swann can sit in your place and I’m fine with that :blessed:!
Persephone: Shut your bitch ass up! Absolutely NO ONE wants to see Raven Roberts potentially become a world champion again.
Stew-O: I beg to differ! Raven is repping Friday Night Dynasty and she’s got that ladder perfectly positioned under the briefcase! Raven is starting to climb. SHE’S GOING TO BECOME A TWO-TIME CASH IN THE VAULT WINNER!!!
(In that moment, Raven blocked out all the pain and all the noise. She didn’t bother to check her surroundings and see if anyone else had made their way back into the ring. She glanced up at the briefcase and estimated the distance she had left in order to grab it.)
Raven Roberts: (off-mic) One more rung…
Gavin Kirkland: RAVEN TAKES ANOTHER STEP AND REACHES FOR THE BRIEFCASE! HER FINGERTIPS JUST BRUSHED IT!
Stew-O: ONE MORE STEP, RAVEN!
(But… as Raven went to take that final step, she felt the ladder move. She hadn’t been anticipating someone coming after her and she nearly slipped. However, the ladder righted itself but someone was now opposite of her and he had a bigger reach than she…)
Rex McAllister: (off-mic) I’m sorry…
Persephone: Ugh.
Gavin Kirkland: REX JUST CAUGHT RAVEN OFF GUARD AND NAILS HER WITH A RIGHT HAND! That almost sends her off the ladder, giving Rex a chance to go for the briefcase! Raven is hanging on, and she fires back with a nasty right hand of her own! She looks absolutely furious right now and she stiffs Rex flush across the jaw!
Stew-O: REX HAS TO GRAB THE TOP OF THE LADDER TO HANG ON! Raven is punching him in the face and head! Rex is finally able to block and he grabs Raven by the hair! He gets her in the face with a forearm, releases the hair, and goes for an uppercut! The force of that uppercut has Raven reeling!
Persephone: Why can’t they both just die? I have never hated two people more than I hate them.
(Rex closed his eyes, not wanting to see his wife fall to the ground. It was every person for themselves in this match, but knowing he was about to take something Raven desperately wanted from her didn’t make him feel good. All he could do now was end the match, take it for himself, and comfort Raven, assuming she would allow him to do that.)
Gavin Kirkland: REX LUNGES FOR THE BRIEFCASE BUT HOLD ON! RAVEN IS HANGING ONTO THE LADDER AND PULLING HERSELF UP!
Stew-O: REX IS FUMBLING WITH THE LATCH BUT HE IS NOW AWARE THAT HE DIDN’T KILL RAVEN’S HOPES AND DREAMS! HE LOOKS SURPRISED AND LOOK AT RAVEN! SHE IS GRINNING AT HIM!
Raven Roberts: (off-mic) I say this with affection… fuck you!
Gavin Kirkland: RAVEN GRABS THE BRIEFCASE AND SLAMS IT INTO REX’S HEAD! REX NEARLY FALLS AND HE’S SOMEHOW ABLE TO BLOCK THE NEXT SHOT WITH THE BRIEFCASE! HE GRABS ONTO IT, PUNCHES RAVEN IN THE STOMACH, AND HE SLAMS IT RIGHT INTO HER HEAD!
Persephone: Sigh.
Stew-O: THEY BOTH ARE GLARING AT ONE ANOTHER NOW AND IT’S RAVEN WHO THROWS THE FIRST PUNCH! REX FIRES BACK! RAVEN AGAIN! NOW REX! RAVEN! REX! RAVEN! REX! RAVEN! REX! REX! REX! REX!
Gavin Kirkland: DESPERATION HEADBUTT FROM RAVEN! THAT STUNNED REX! RAVEN WITH ANOTHER HEADBUTT! AND ANOTHER! SHE GRABS THE BRIEFCASE AND STARTS TO UNLATCH IT BUT REX HAS HER ARM!
Stew-O: REX TAKES A STEP UP THE LADDER AND GRABS RAVEN’S OTHER ARM! SHE IS FIGHTING HIM WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS BUT REX LETS HER GO… JUST TO GRAB HER HEAD AND SMASHES IT ON THE TOP OF THE LADDER!
Persephone: Fall bitch, damn.
Gavin Kirkland: LOOK AT THE SHOCK ON REX’S FACE! RAVEN SLIPPED DOWN A FEW RUNGS BUT SHE IS ALERT AND GLARING AT REX!
(Unable to help it, Rex grinned. Raven was a fighter and it was one of the things he loved the most about her. Raven clawed her way back to the top of the ladder and there they were; Fire & Ice. The two simply stared at one another. After being together for so long, they didn’t need words in order to communicate. They knew exactly what the other person was thinking. Rex and Raven tore their gazes from one another and looked up at the briefcase…)
Stew-O: THEY BOTH GRAB THE BRIEFCASE! THEY’RE BOTH WORKING TOGETHER TO UNLATCH IT! HAVE WE EVER HAD DUAL CASH IN THE VAULT HOLDERS?
Persephone: ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT! NO! WE ARE NOT GOING TO SUFFER THROUGH FIRE AND STUPID FUCKING ICE SHARING THE BRIEFCASE! NO! NO! NO!
Gavin Kirkland: :lupe: I THINK WE’RE GOING TO HAVE CO-HOLDERS!
(Not if he had anything to say about it…)
Persephone: OH THANK FUCK! I NEVER IN MY LIFE THOUGHT I WOULD CHEER FOR SOMETHING AS HIDEOUS AS VINCENT MONDRIAN!
Gavin Kirkland: Oh come on! He has a better face now!!!
(Vincent wasted no time, and it’s a good thing. Rex and Raven were about to take the briefcase down. He dashed into the ring and threw his entire body at the ladder. The audience gasped as the ladder started to sway. Rex and Raven were forced to let go of the case in order to keep their balance but it didn’t matter.)
(Thanks to Vincent, the ladder teetered and almost in slow motion fell to the side. Rex managed to grab hold of Raven, doing anything he could to try and protect her as they fell. They landed in a heap outside of the ring and there stood Vincent, grinning maniacally at the damage he had caused.)
Stew-O: Wow.
Persephone: Personally, I think we should just stop the match and give him the briefcase for saving us from an absolute disaster.
(Meanwhile, Damon Lazarus is watching on the outside, allowing Vincent Mondrian his moment as he continues to pace around, allowing himself a moment to have a breather. It’s not a race, and he knows that. But suddenly, his mind begins to wander…)
Fan: WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! LET’S GO EL DUQUE’S GIRLFRIEND! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(A fan in an El Duque mask is seen in the front row.)
Fan: I LOVE YOU, EL DUQUE’S GIRLFRIEND! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damon Lazarus: …
(Damon lunges forward, grabbing a hold of the head of the fan and beginning to rip at him!)
Gavin Kirkland: HEY! UNCLENCH THAT FAN!
Persephone: Noooooo, Damonnnnnn… Don’t get us a lawsuitttttt… 👀🥺
(Damon ultimately manages to get what he wants, ripping the El Duque mask off of him and bringing it into his hands as he takes a couple of paces back.)
Fan: HEY! I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THAT MASK! ARE YOU GONNA PAY ME $200-
(POW!)
Stew-O: DAMON JUST CLOCKED THAT FAN IN THE MOUTH! HEY!
(Damon shakes his head as he takes the mask in his hands, before his eyes wander over… to Harper Lee.)
Gavin Kirkland: Harper is slowly trying to crawl up to her feet. Looking to recover and make her way back into the ring to take advantage of the situation-
Persephone: BUT DAMON RUNS UP TO HER AND KICKS HER DIRECTLY IN THE MIDSECTION! Oof…
(Harper groans as she rolls to her side, and Damon takes the mask and puts it on his head, snatching Harper by the hair and beginning to pull her up.)
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Your mind wanders from this match for a damn fool with a mask on.
Stew-O: DAMON DRIVES HIS KNEE DIRECTLY INTO HER ABDOMEN!
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Making yourself look like an idiot.
Gavin Kirkland: DAMON CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER KNEE!
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Is this who you want to be-
(THUD!)
Persephone: BUT HARPER FINALLY RUNS THAT IDIOT BACK FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! AND NOW SHE’S BEGINNING TO UNLOAD ON HIM WITH A FLURRY OF LEFTS AND RIGHTS TO THE FACE!
Stew-O: DAMON IS TRYING HIS BEST TO BRING HIS HANDS UP, BUT HARPER IS COMING AT HIM RIGHT NOW LIKE A HOUSE OF FIRE! SHE GRABS A HOLD OF HIM, BEFORE SENDING HIM SHOULDER FIRST DIRECTLY INTO THE BARRICADE!
Gavin Kirkland: A fiery blonde, I love it! Damon clutches himself as he winces in pain, and Harper quickly runs over and grabs a hold of him before turning him around! AND RUNNING HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
(CRASH)!
Persephone: BUT DAMON MANAGES TO TURN IT AROUND AND SEND HARPER INTO THE STEPS INSTEAD!
(Damon stumbles away, shaking his head as he mumbles obscenities. He rips the mask off his head, scrunching his face in anger as he approaches Harper.)
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) You fucked up now, girl…
(Damon grabs Harper by the hair again and takes the mask.)
Stew-O: DAMON SHOVES THE EL DUQUE MASK DIRECTLY INTO HARPER’S MOUTH!
(Damon presses down on her head and forces her to bite, as he continues to trash-talk.)
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) It might not be Donny’s dick… but at least it’s something of his in your goddamn mouth, stupid son of a bitch.
Gavin Kirkland: DAMON GRABS HARPER BY THE HEAD AND SLAMS HER AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE APRON-
Persephone: NO! HARPER MANAGES TO BRING HER HANDS OUT! SHE DRIVES A SHARP ELBOW DIRECTLY INTO HIS RIBCAGE BEFORE GRABBING HIM AND ROLLING HIM BACK INTO THE RING!
Stew-O: And look what’s happening around them as well! Fire & Ice have both managed to recover from what just happened, and they’re making a beeline straight for Vincent Mondrian inside the ring! Meanwhile, Jay Jerry Johnson has intercepted Harper Lee and Damon and is beginning to unleash some fire as well! Looking to get himself back into the fold!
Stew-O: REX AND RAVEN BOTH UNLOAD ON VINCENT, KICKING AND CLUBBING AWAY UNTIL THEY FORCE HIM DOWN TO A KNEE! GETTING A LITTLE PAYBACK BEFORE DUMPING VINCENT OVER THE TOP ROPE!
(Rex pats Raven on the chest with the back of his hand before pointing up at the briefcase. Both immediately take the initiative and roll out to retrieve ladders. Jay Jerry Johnson rolls out under the bottom rope from the corner, while even Vincent is scrambling for a ladder at ringside!)
Persephone: Oh, great! Shit and Ass are gonna try going for the briefcase again. Let’s hope it goes better than last time.
Gavin Kirkland: Shit and Ass? Is that your way of referring to Fire and Ice?
Persephone: Duh.
Stew-O: All four slide back into the ring with ladders of different sizes and come to a complete standstill… BEFORE ALL OF THEM JUST TRY TO THROW THE LADDERS AT EACH OTHER! ALL FOUR LADDERS COLLIDE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING— BEFORE EVERYONE DECIDES TO SAY “SCREW IT” AND JUST LUNGES AT EACH OTHER INSTEAD! JAY IS TRADING SHOTS WITH RAVEN! VINCENT IS GOING AT IT WITH REX!
Gavin Kirkland: IT’S A FULL-ON HOCKEY FIGHT BETWEEN ALL FOUR, AND JAY MANAGES TO TOSS RAVEN OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! BUT RAVEN LANDS ON HER FEET, STAGGERING FOR A MOMENT BEFORE TURNING AROUND AS JAY STEPS OUT ONTO THE APRON! FLYING OFF WITH A KNEE STRIKE!
Persephone: Ha!
Stew-O: REX FIRES BACK WITH SHOTS TO THE MIDSECTION AGAINST VINCENT AND SENDS HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! REX FOLLOWS HIM OUT AND PULLS VINCENT BACK UP FOR A FOREARM STRIKE! A HARD FOREARM FROM REX STUNS VINCENT— WHILE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING, JAY JERRY JOHNSON HAS HIS HANDS ON A CHAIR!
Gavin Kirkland: YOU’RE NOT LIMITED TO JUST LADDERS, AND JAY KNOWS IT AS HE—
(BANG!)
Gavin Kirkland: THROWS THAT CHAIR RIGHT INTO RAVEN’S FACE! IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT!
Stew-O: Jay sets that chair up at ringside before pulling Raven back to her feet, looking to launch her into the barricade! BUT RAVEN REVERSES AT THE LAST SECOND, SENDING JAY BACK-FIRST INSTEAD! JAY GOES CRASHING BACK-FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! MEANWHILE, REX SMASHES VINCENT’S FACE OFF THE STEEL STEPS, DROPPING HIM DOWN TO ALL FOURS!
Gavin Kirkland: Raven eyes that chair Jay set up while Jay is still leaning against the barricade, trying to create some space. SHE BUILDS MOMENTUM, LOOKING TO KICK OFF OF IT… BUT HER MOMENTUM GETS CUT OFF IN AN INSTANT! JAY SWATS HER OUT OF MID-AIR WITH A CLOTHESLINE! HE JUST TOOK RAVEN OUT OF THE SKY AND NOW HE’S STOMPING AWAY ON HER AS SHE TRIES TO COVER UP!
Persephone: Serves the bitch right.
Stew-O: Rex looks to throw Vincent into the steel steps, BUT VINCENT TURNS THE IRISH WHIP AROUND, SENDING REX GUT-FIRST INTO THEM INSTEAD! Rex drops to a knee, clutching his midsection while leaning against the steps as Vincent starts searching around ringside. He’s likely looking for a ladder or another weapon to bring into this match. Meanwhile, Jay spots Rex and pulls him up for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP THAT SENDS HIM STAGGERING!
Gavin Kirkland: Jay reaches under the ring and pulls out a TABLE! He gets one side propped up, but can’t set the other as Raven comes flying in with a TALON!! :damn:
Stew-O: RAVEN WITH THAT MASSIVE ROCKET KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE OF JAY! AND NOW SHE’S RAINING DOWN PUNCH AFTER PUNCH TO THE HEAD AS HE TRIES TO COVER UP! BUT WITH HER BACK TURNED, LOOK INSIDE THE RING! HARPER LEE IS SETTING UP A LADDER IN THE CENTER AND STARTING THE CLIMB! HARPER LEE IS GOING FOR THE BRIEFCASE!
Persephone: Oh God. She’d somehow become even more insufferable than she already is.
Gavin Kirkland: EVER THE OPPORTUNIST, LEE HAS HER FINGERTIPS ON IT! SO SMART, SO DANGEROUS, SO SE—
Stew-O: I’M GONNA STOP YOU RIGHT THERE AS RAVEN DOES THE SAME TO HARPER! SHE YANKS HARPER OFF THE LADDER! HARPER LANDS ON HER FEET AND TAKES A SWING, BUT RAVEN DUCKS UNDER IT! RAVEN SLIPS UNDER THE CLOTHESLINE AND STARTS SCAMPERING UP THE LADDER HERSELF! TRYING TO STEAL IT AWAY, BUT HARPER CLUBS HER ACROSS THE BACK! DRAGGING RAVEN BACK DOWN AND THROWING HER ASIDE!
Gavin Kirkland: Raven rolls into the corner and rises to one knee while Harper folds the ladder herself, wedging it into the corner and balancing it on the middle rope! Harper turns to face Raven in the opposite corner, marching right toward her before pulling Raven up for an IRISH WHIP INTO THE LADDER! :lupe:
Persephone: YES! C’mon, c’mon… NO!
Stew-O: RAVEN STOPS HER MOMENTUM WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE! THAT CLEARLY FRUSTRATES HARPER LEE, WHO CHARGES IN HERSELF! BUT RAVEN SIDESTEPS AT THE LAST SECOND, SENDING HARPER GUT-FIRST INTO THE LADDER! LEE STAGGERS BACK OUT RIGHT INTO A HUNTRESS BOMB!
Gavin Kirkland: RAVEN WITH THE SITOUT SPINEBUSTER! HARPER LEE GETS DRIVEN INTO THE MAT AND ROLLS OUT TO RINGSIDE IN PAIN! WITH THAT, RAVEN HAS THE RING TO HERSELF AND ANOTHER OPENING TO SECURE THE CASH IN THE VAULT BRIEFCASE!
Persephone: Yeah, I take back what I said about Harper Lee winning. This might actually be worse.
Gavin Kirkland: Raven’s disposed of Harper and NOW SHE DISPOSES OF JAY NEXT AS HE TRIES TO RE-ENTER WITH A LADDER, DROPKICKING IT RIGHT INTO HIS FACE AND KNOCKING HIM BACK TO RINGSIDE!
(Raven looks out at Jay, who’s curled up almost in a fetal position, covering up with the ladder draped over him. She then briefly scans the entire field at ringside before suddenly springing into action.)
Stew-O: Raven grabs the ladder that had been wedged in the corner and sets it up in the center of the ring! Even after getting taken out, Harper bought herself and everyone else a little time since Raven still has to set the ladder up herself. But Raven gets it in place and begins climbing, WHICH LEAVES AN OPENING FOR VINCENT TO STRIKE FROM BEHIND!
Gavin Kirkland: Vincent leans another ladder into the corner before dragging Raven off the ladder and onto his shoulders, staring directly at the ladder he just set up… BEFORE DRIVING HER INTO IT WITH A TELLTALE HEART!!! RUNNING DEATH VALLEY DRIVER STRAIGHT INTO THE LADDER!! THE LADDER SNAPS IN HALF! :damn:
Persephone: 👏 I might be converted to Silas World by the end of this match! Oh, but then again, that would mean pledging allegiance to a bald person, and that’s just something I can’t do.
(Rex slides into the ring while Vincent and Raven writhe in the broken ladder rubble. He briefly considers checking on Raven as she rolls out under the bottom rope, but reluctantly chooses to focus on winning the match instead, repositioning the ladder in the center of the ring.)
Persephone: I don’t know why he hesitated. It’s every man and woman for themselves! Worry about the broad later or something.
Stew-O: I think anyone would feel the need to check on their partner in a situation like this.
Persephone: Not me.
Stew-O: That’s because you’re not…
Persephone: I’m not what, Stew?
Stew-O: …for lack of a better word, normal?
Persephone: :wtf:
Gavin Kirkland: Rex starts climbing that ladder— BUT VINCENT CUTS HIM OFF AGAIN! HE’S BEEN A CONSTANT THORN IN THE SIDE OF FIRE AND ICE ALL MATCH LONG! THIS TIME, VINCENT RIPS REX OFF THE LADDER WITH A POWERBOMB! LOOKING TO LAUNCH REX INTO THE CORNER WITH CERO—
Stew-O: HE WENT FOR THE BUCKLE BOMB, BUT REX TURNS IT AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND WITH A HURRICANRANA, SENDING VINCENT INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD!
Gavin Kirkland: WHAT A REVERSAL! REX IMMEDIATELY STARTS CRAWLING BACK TOWARD THAT LADDER! DRAGGING HIMSELF UP RUNG BY RUNG FOR A CHANCE TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION ONCE AGAIN!
Stew-O: REX IS AT THE TOP! HE’S REACHING FOR THE BRIEFCASE, TRYING TO UNHOOK IT!
(Rex reaches up with one hand, desperately trying to unhook the briefcase… before glancing down to the opposite side of the ladder.)
(Damon Lazarus.)
(A sick grin spreads across Damon’s face as Rex immediately realizes what he’s thinking, shouting at him not to do it.)
Stew-O: Uh-oh… this is bad. This is really bad. What the hell is Damon about to do here? :lupe:
Persephone: I don’t know, but whatever it is, I’m already loving it. :mjlit:
(Damon slowly begins tipping the ladder backward, a cruel smile still plastered across his face as Rex’s expression turns to panic. Rex desperately clings to the top, trying to steady himself before—)
Gavin Kirkland: WHOA! REX COMES FLYING OFF THE LADDER WITH A TWISTING CROSSBODY RIGHT ONTO VINCENT! :roman:
Stew-O: WHAT INCREDIBLE PRESENCE OF MIND FROM THE HALL OF FAMER! THINKING ON THE FLY AND TURNING A DISASTER INTO AN OPENING!
(Vincent rolls out under the bottom rope while Rex pushes himself back to his feet, clutching at his ribs in pain. Damon quickly takes advantage, repositioning the ladder in the center before charging in!)
Stew-O: DAMON WITH A KICK TO THE GUT, DOUBLING REX OVER! THAT SENDS HIM STAGGERING BACK INTO THE ROPES, WHERE DAMON UNLOADS WITH A FLURRY OF RIGHT HANDS RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES! DAMON THEN GOES FOR THE IRISH WHIP INTO THE LADDER— BUT REX DUCKS UNDER IT AT THE LAST SECOND! REBOUNDING OFF THE ROPES!
(CLANK!!)
Gavin Kirkland: DAMON JUST SHOVED THAT LADDER STRAIGHT INTO REX’S FACE! HE CAUGHT HIM FLUSH! WHAT A SICKENING SHOT!
(Rex spills out onto the apron as a nasty gash opens at the top of his head, blood quickly starting to run down through his hair. Damon calmly folds the ladder and lays it flat on the mat…)
Stew-O: Rex is busted open, and you have to think that only fires someone like Damon Lazarus up even more! Damon drags Rex back through the middle rope, leaving him draped and completely vulnerable for a spike DDT!
Stew-O: # “BLACKEST EYES” ONTO THE LADDER!
Stew-O: HE PLANTS HIM! REX GETS DRIVEN HEAD-FIRST INTO THAT LADDER, AND REX MIGHT BE OUT OF THIS MATCH FOR GOOD!
Persephone: Unc has a chance of becoming World Champion… imagine that. Mostly slow and boring, but I guess there’d be a few bright spots.
Gavin Kirkland: Damon struggles back to his feet after hurting himself a bit on that DDT… BUT HERE COMES JAY JERRY JOHNSON SLIDING IN WITH THE LADDER ON HIS HEAD! SWINGING IT AROUND LIKE A HELICOPTER AND SMASHING IT RIGHT INTO DAMON’S FACE! :yikes:
Stew-O: DAMON GOES DOWN! VINCENT GOES DOWN TOO AFTER RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE SPINNING LADDER! NEXT IS RAVEN ROBERTS, WHO DUCKS UNDER THE SWING JUST IN TIME! SHE HITS THE ROPES— BEFORE JAY JUST HURLS THE LADDER STRAIGHT INTO HER FACE!
Persephone: That’s one way to do it.
Stew-O: BUT THAT MOMENT LEAVES JAY WIDE OPEN AS DAMON POUNCES, DIGGING HIS FINGERS INTO THE EYES! DAMON TRIES TO THROW HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, BUT JAY TURNS IT AROUND! SENDING DAMON OVER THE TOP ROPE INSTEAD! DAMON LANDS ON HIS FEET— BUT ONLY FOR A SECOND BEFORE JAY CRASHES INTO HIM WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK!
Gavin Kirkland: Jay slithers out under the bottom rope, dragging Damon toward that half-propped table before unloading with punches right to the skull!
(Jay throws a ladder over Damon’s body as well, propping it against him before backing away…)
Gavin Kirkland: JAY SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING AND TAKES OFF! RUNNING THE ROPES FOR A… SUICIDE DIVE! SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE TABLE! BOTH MEN GO CRASHING THROUGH IN A VIOLENT WRECK!
Persephone: :gladbron:
Stew-O: JAY JUST THREW HIS OWN BODY ON THE LINE TO TAKE OUT LAZARUS! THAT HATRED BETWEEN THESE TWO MIGHT BE BOILING OVER RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES! BUT— OH, HARPER! HARPER LEE SLIDES INTO THE RING, READY TO CAPITALIZE AS THE FIELD HAS BEEN CLEARED ONCE AGAIN!
Gavin Kirkland: HARPER STARTS CLIMBING THE LADDER— BUT RAVEN YANKS HER RIGHT BACK DOWN! RAVEN PAYS FOR IT IMMEDIATELY THOUGH, EATING A STIFF RIGHT HAND! THAT SHOT DROPS RAVEN DOWN TO A KNEE!
(Harper glares in frustration as Raven has once again stopped her from winning the match.)
Harper Lee: (off-mic) Seriously?!
Persephone: I know what’ll help. Maybe taking her out for good this time.
Stew-O: I think that’s exactly what Harper has in mind as she grabs another ladder…
(Harper grabs another ladder and places one end on the top turnbuckle before wedging the other end into one of the upper rungs of the ladder in the center, creating a dangerous bridge between the corner and the standing ladder.)
Stew-O: If Lee wants Raven out of her way, this is certainly one way to do it… as she drags Raven back to her feet and SMASHES HER FACE-FIRST INTO THE LADDER!
(Raven tumbles out under the bottom rope and collapses to her knees at ringside, coughing violently as blood spills from her mouth. She spits onto the floor… revealing a tooth knocked loose from the impact.)
Persephone: Ugh. Now she’s even uglier. Can you believe Rex actually chooses to sleep next to that?
Gavin Kirkland: I mean, I’d jump at the chance to sleep with—
Persephone: Didn’t ask.
Gavin Kirkland: :kyrie:
Stew-O: Now Harper starts climbing the ladder again! Nobody left to stop her— OR MAYBE THERE IS! VINCENT MONDRIAN CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE AND WALKS ACROSS THAT LADDER BRIDGE TO REACH THE CENTER LADDER! HE’S CLIMBING UP TO MEET HARPER!
(The two Silas World members lock eyes, then glance up at the briefcase hanging above them…)
Stew-O: VINCENT STRIKES FIRST! VINCENT UNLOADS WITH RIGHT HAND AFTER RIGHT HAND ON HARPER BEFORE REACHING FOR THE BRIEFCASE! HE’S GOT HIS FINGERTIPS ON IT…
Gavin Kirkland: BUT HARPER LEE CUTS HIM OFF WITH A SHOT TO THE GUT! NOW SHE’S REACHING FOR THE CASE HERSELF!
Stew-O: VINCENT DRIVES HARPER FACE-FIRST INTO THE TOP OF THE LADDER! LEE DROPS OFF, MANAGING TO LAND ON HER FEET AS VINCENT REACHES FOR THE BRIEFCASE AGAIN! HARPER IS TOO DAZED TO STOP HIM!
(Vincent struggles to unhook the briefcase while Harper leans against the ladder, trying to regain her bearings. Suddenly, Rex McAllister slides into the ring and sprints straight toward her!)
Harper Lee: :krabs:
(Harper quickly jumps out of the way as Rex rushes past her and starts scaling the ladder to stop Vincent, while Harper watches from one knee.)
Persephone: Oh, brother…
Gavin Kirkland: REX IS FLYING UP THAT LADDER! STOPPING VINCENT FROM BECOMING MR. CASH IN THE VAULT WITH RIGHT HANDS! REX IS UNLOADING— BUT NOW VINCENT FIRES BACK WITH RIGHTS OF HIS OWN! BOTH MEN THROWING BOMBS AT THE TOP OF THE LADDER! RAPID FIRE SHOTS LANDING AT THE SAME TIME! IT’S JUST A MATTER OF WHO FALLS FIRST! :lupe:
Stew-O: WELL, THE ANSWER IS… BOTH! HARPER LEE TIPS THE LADDER OVER WITH BOTH MEN ON IT!
(Vincent lands GROIN-FIRST across the top rope before tumbling all the way to ringside. Harper winces, showing a flicker of remorse as even she didn’t mean for that to happen.)
Harper Lee: :yikes:
(But then Harper notices Rex writhing in pain nearby, clutching at his ankle after landing awkwardly, and her reaction changes immediately.)
Harper Lee: :mjlol2:
Stew-O: I guess Harper Lee finds that funn—
Persephone: :mjlol2: …what?
Stew-O: :francis:
Stew-O: Harper slides out of the ring and starts digging under it for more furniture, pulling out a TABLE! Harper sets the table up at ringside before grabbing hold of Raven Roberts and rolling her back into the ring!
Gavin Kirkland: Harper climbs onto the apron and hooks Raven up for a SUPLEX OVER THE TOP ROPE THROUGH THE TABLE— BUT RAVEN BLOCKS IT! RAVEN DRIVES SHOTS INTO THE RIB CAGE AND STARTS LIFTING HARPER UP FOR A SUPLEX BACK INTO THE RING!
Stew-O: BUT LEE BLOCKS IT AND HOTSHOTS RAVEN ACROSS THE TOP ROPE! RAVEN LANDS THROAT-FIRST AND DROPS TO A KNEE, DESPERATELY TRYING TO CATCH HER BREATH! BUT REX COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A WRECKING BALL DROPKICK! HARPER LEE GETS BLASTED AND STUMBLES BACK INTO THE TABLE AS REX HOBBLES TOWARD HER ON THAT BAD ANKLE!
Gavin Kirkland: Rex lays Harper across the table and starts hammering away with right hands! But on the apron, Damon and Jay are playing tug-of-war over that ladder! JAY DRIVES THE LADDER INTO DAMON’S ABDOMEN, CRUSHING HIM BETWEEN IT AND THE TURNBUCKLES! Jay has control of the ladder now and starts standing it up on the apron before— DAMON YANKS HIM BACK DOWN TO RINGSIDE!
Stew-O: FOREARM FROM JAY! PUNCH FROM DAMON! FOREARM! PUNCH! FOREA— OH, SUICIDE DIVE!! :damn:
Persephone: :comeagain:
Gavin Kirkland: RAVEN WITH A SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE LADDER AND INTO BOTH MEN! SHE JUST WIPED OUT EVERYONE! NOW RAVEN HOPS UP ONTO THE APRON, STARING AT THAT LADDER JAY SET UP OUT THERE… AND SHE’S STARTING TO CLIMB IT!
Stew-O: OH NO… THIS IS GETTING REAL DANGEROUS! RAVEN IS PERCHED AT THE VERY TOP OF THAT LADDER, LOOKING DOWN AT HARPER LEE, WHO’S STILL LAID ACROSS THE TABLE WHILE REX HOLDS HER IN PLACE FOR HIS WIFE!
Persephone: If she actually does this, the only upside is there’s a decent chance she dies.
Gavin Kirkland: # “RAVEN’S WINGS” OFF THE LADDER! :damn:
(CRASH!!)
Stew-O: RAVEN JUST CRASHED THROUGH THE TABLE WITH HARPER LEE UNDERNEATH HER!
(Rex throws both hands onto his head in disbelief, staring down at the wreckage as Raven and Harper lie buried in the rubble. Raven shows faint signs of movement. Rex quickly checks on her, but realizes he’s the only man left standing. Without wasting another second, he slides back into the ring and starts climbing the ladder!)
Persephone: You’ve gotta be kidding me…
Stew-O: HE’S GONNA DO IT! REX IS ABOUT TO WIN CASH IN THE VAULT!
Gavin Kirkland: HE’S GOT BOTH HANDS ON THE BRIEFCASE! HE’S STARTING TO UNHOOK IT!
(…)
(…)
(…)
Stew-O: HE’S GOT IT— NO! DAMON LAZARUS! DAMON JUST GRABBED REX BY THE ANKLE AND YANKED HIM OFF THE LADDER!
Stew-O: # CTE!
Stew-O: DAMON LAZARUS WITH CTE RIGHT OUT OF MID-AIR ONTO REX! WHAT TIMING! THIS IS HIS OPENING NOW AS THE OUROBOROS STARTS ASCENDING THE LADDER! A CHANCE TO ETCH HIS NAME INTO HISTORY FOREVER!
(…)
Gavin Kirkland: VINCENT! VINCENT RUSHES UP THE LADDER, AND NOW THE TWO ARE TRADING RIGHT HANDS AT THE VERY TOP! SHOT AFTER SHOT! VINCENT ROCKS DAMON WITH A HUGE FOREARM AND KNOCKS HIM OFF! VINCENT REACHES FOR THE BRIEFCASE NOW! HE’S GOT IT!
(…)
Stew-O: DAMON! DAMON LANDED ON HIS FEET! HE TRIES TO YANK VINCENT OFF FOR ANOTHER CTE— BUT VINCENT KICKS HIM AWAY AND SENDS DAMON OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE INSTEAD! LAZARUS DROPS TO ALL FOURS AT RINGSIDE, AND VINCENT’S EYES IMMEDIATELY LOCK ONTO THOSE TWO TABLES STILL SET UP OUT THERE!
Gavin Kirkland: VINCENT STEPS OUT ONTO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CORNER AND STARTS CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE— BUT DAMON CUTS HIM OFF WITH A SHOT TO THE GUT AT THE MIDDLE ROPE! DAMON CLIMBS UP WITH HIM… OH NO… LOOKING OVER HIS SHOULDER AS HE HOOKS VINCENT UP FOR A SUPERPLEX… :lupe:
(CRACK!!)
Stew-O: THERE IT IS! SUPERPLEX THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLES! BOTH MEN JUST WENT CRASHING THROUGH BOTH TABLES!
(Damon and Vincent lie motionless in the wreckage as Jay Jerry Johnson suddenly slides into the ring!)
Persephone: Jay? :russwtf:
Gavin Kirkland: JAY’S AT THE TOP OF THE LADDER! HE’S UNHOOKING THE BRIEFCASE!
(…)
(…)
Stew-O: NOT IF HARPER HAS ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT! HARPER LEE HAS DRAGGED HERSELF BACK UP THE LADDER AND SHE’S CLAWING AT THE EYES OF JAY JERRY JOHNSON! HARPER REACHES FOR THE CASE— BUT JAY STOPS HER WITH A SHOT TO THE GUT!
Gavin Kirkland: NOW JAY REACHES FOR THE BRIEFCASE— BUT HARPER JOINS HIM! BOTH OF THEM HAVE THEIR HANDS ON THE CASE NOW, FIGHTING FOR CONTROL AT THE VERY TOP OF THE LADDER!
(# THUD!)
Stew-O: JAY! JAY USES THE BRIEFCASE AS A WEAPON, SWINGING IT RIGHT INTO HARPER’S HEAD! …AGAIN! …AND AGAIN!
Gavin Kirkland: HARPER DROPS DOWN A FEW RUNGS OF THE LADDER, COMPLETELY DAZED! JAY’S THE ONLY ONE WITH HIS HANDS ON THE BRIEFCASE NOW!
(…)
Stew-O: HE’S GOT IT UNLOCKED! NOW ALL HE HAS TO DO IS PULL IT OFF THE HOOK!
(…)
(…)
(# WHACK!!)
Persephone: Oh, what the—
Stew-O: DAMON LAZARUS! DAMON JUST CRACKED JAY ACROSS THE BACK WITH A CHAIR!
(Damon yanks Jay off the ladder, sending him crumbling down to all fours as Damon picks the chair back up.)
(# WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!)
Gavin Kirkland: SHOT AFTER SHOT AFTER SHOT! DAMON IS ABSOLUTELY MAULING JAY WITH THAT CHAIR!
(Damon places the chair around Jay’s head while he lies prone on the mat.)
(Even through the pain, Jay is still weakly reaching out toward the briefcase. It was right there… and now it feels impossibly far away.)
(# STOMP!)
Stew-O: OH MY GOD! DAMON JUST STOMPED DOWN ONTO THAT CHAIR!
(Damon stumbles backward into the corner and collapses into a seated position, Jay’s limp body laid out in front of him. Despite barely having anything left after all the punishment he’s taken, Damon manages a twisted smile, knowing he just ripped away Jay’s golden opportunity.)
Stew-O: And not like this… Harper’s realizing she has a clear path to Cash in the Vault now! Lee begins climbing back up—
Gavin Kirkland: BUT RAVEN! RAVEN SLIDES INTO THE RING! SHE’S CRAWLING TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LADDER WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS LEFT AFTER GOING THROUGH THAT TABLE WITH HARPER!
(Harper sees Raven dragging herself up and immediately starts frantically trying to unhook the briefcase.)
Persephone: C’mon, Harper… faster! FASTER!
Stew-O: LEE IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO UNHOOK THE CASE, BUT RAVEN IS CLIMBING! SHE DOESN’T HAVE MUCH LEFT IN THE TANK, BUT SHE’S USING EVERY LAST OUNCE OF IT TO PULL HERSELF UP!
(…)
(…)
Gavin Kirkland: RAVEN’S ABOUT TO STOP HARPER LEE ONCE AGAIN—
(Raven moves slowly, her body barely holding together. She reaches upward… but suddenly drops to one knee on her side of the ladder, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.)
Stew-O: RAVEN COLLAPSES! RAVEN DOESN’T HAVE ANYTHING LEFT!
Gavin Kirkland: HARPER SEES IT! HARPER KNOWS THIS IS HER MOMENT! ONE FINAL PULL—
Persephone: COME ON, HARPER! TAKE IT!
Stew-O: LEE’S GOT IT! HARPER LEE HAS THE BRIEFCASE! HARPER LEE HAS WON CASH IN THE VAULT!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… THE 2026 MS. CASH IN THE VAULT… HARPER LEE!!
(Harper unhooks the briefcase and raises it high above her head, looking down at Raven, who has dropped to one knee with barely any energy left as she looks back up at her. Harper shamelessly taunts Raven with the little strength she has left, laughing as “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics blasts through the arena to loud boos.)
Stew-O: Harper Lee has done it! After all the bodies, all the wreckage, and every desperate climb, she was just one step faster when it mattered most!
Gavin Kirkland: Raven Roberts gave everything she had to stop her, but she had nothing left! Harper Lee survived the chaos and stole the moment right out of her hands!
Persephone: Ugh. I hate that she won, but honestly? That was hilarious.
(Raven drops to all fours, pounding the mat in frustration as the reality starts to sink in. Rex slides into the ring and drops to a knee beside her, trying to comfort his partner before looking up at Harper, who continues celebrating atop the ladder. Vincent sits slumped against the broken table at ringside, breathing heavily, knowing he gave absolutely everything he had to win this match. Meanwhile, Harper clutches the briefcase tightly against her chest.)
(A single tear slowly rolls down her cheek.)
(Harper has had countless World Championship opportunities throughout her career… but could this finally be the moment that changes everything? Could this be what finally gets her over the mountain?)
(Damon pulls himself up in the corner, glaring down at Jay’s limp body with pure disgust before spitting directly on him and rolling out under the bottom rope.)
(Damon slowly heads to the back while Harper continues holding the briefcase close, the camera lingering on her emotional celebration before fading elsewhere.)
( https://i.imgur.com/yoH2Hba.png )
(A video package begins to play, showing highlights of all of the Barbed Wire Massacre matches throughout the years. Matches such as Impact versus Rex McAllister, Minerva versus Raven Roberts, Drake King versus Methuselah, and finally, Adam Lucas versus Jake Smith. The eleven Barbed Wire Massacre’s are all shown as the fans loudly cheer, and finally, a voice can be heard.)
Narrator: Throughout history, there is no match that has ever been quite like Barbed Wire Massacre. This is a stipulation unlike any other. A match so dangerous that in all of EAW’s history, only eleven of these matches were held.
(Highlights of the previous matches are shown, showing some of the significant moments of each of these matches such as Charlie Marr sending Ms. Extreme into a bed of nails with the charing cross, Methuselah bashing in the heads of both of his opponents with a barbed wire bat, and Jake Smith setting fire to the inside of Adam Lucas’ mouth. As the clips continue to play, the narrator once again begins to speak.)
Narrator: Seventeen Elitists have now had their names written in the history books as former participants in Barbed Wire Massacre. Impact, Rex McAllister, Charlie Marr, Daryl Kinkade, Ms. Extreme, Malcolm Jones, Drake King, TLA, Minerva, Raven Roberts, Myles, Donovan Duke, Justin Windgate, Methuselah, Jake Smith, Limmy Monaghan and Adam Lucas. These are the Elitists that have competed in Barbed Wire Massacre, a match that can only be won via pinfall, submission… Or execution. The choice is yours, and throughout time various Elitists have had the opportunity to make that choice, as career defining moments would come out of this match, whether it’s through success or through defeat.
(As the recap continues, the highlights would begin to show moments that occurred at the very end of the matches, showing how each Elitist was able to win a Barbed Wire Massacre.)
Narrator: Of the seventeen former participants of the Barbed Wire Massacre… There have now been nine that can say they’ve won the match. Charlie Marr, Malcolm Jones, Minerva, Myles, TLA, Raven Roberts, Drake King, Jake Smith and Adam Lucas have all managed to succeed at least once in this life-shortening match, leaving everyone else involved in these matches to rot. However, between these nine Elitists, there are some who’ve managed to find themselves in the history books on more than one occasion.
(Highlights begin to play, but it’s specifically focused on two Elitists, those being Charlie Marr and Minerva. Charlie Marr’s victory over Daryl Kinkade at Fighting Spirit: Seoul back in 2019 would be shown, and directly following this would be his successful EAW World Championship defense against Ms. Extreme, which took place at the Wicked Games of the same year. As for Minerva, the first highlight would reveal the victory she and Myles picked up as a team, two years after Charlie’s victory at Wicked Games 2021. Her second win would also be in an EAW World Championship match, one that took place at Pain for Pride 15 as she defeated both Myles and Drake King to become the Champion.)
Narrator: Charlie Marr and Minerva are the only two Elitists in EAW history to win more than one Barbed Wire Massacre… But alongside Drake King, these Elitists also hold the current record for competing in this match more than any other Elitist. These three Elitists have entered this match three times, but in a match as dangerous as this, victory is never guaranteed.
(While the highlights continue, this time it shows Elitists that were on the other side of history. Malcolm Jones would be the third Elitist Charlie Marr faced in Barbed Wire Massacre, and at Pain for Pride 13, Malcolm would defeat his longtime enemy. Raven Roberts would be another Elitist that settled the score through this match, as both her and Minerva’s first experience with Barbed Wire Massacre would be at Shock Value 2021, where Raven picked up the victory.)
Narrator: While Charlie Marr and Minerva hold the record for the most victories in Barbed Wire Massacre, there are now two Elitists who share the record for most losses in the match.
(The first of those Elitists would be Drake King, who first competed in Barbed Wire Massacre back at Wicked Games 2020 against TLA. Highlights of the match would be shown, with TLA ultimately picking up the victory, and directly following this would be the match against Myles and Minerva at Pain for Pride 15, the same match where Minerva would achieve her second victory. The Elitist sharing this record of losses would be Methuselah, who spent his first Barbed Wire Massacre losing to Drake King at Pain for Pride 16 with the EAW World Championship on the line. His second loss would come at the hands of Jake Smith, who walked out of Bloodsport 2024 with the victory and the same Championship after a grueling triple threat against Methuselah and Limmy Monaghan.)
Narrator: Barbed Wire Massacre is unique enough on its own, but throughout time Elitists have found ways to further change the game, introducing variations of this match that have only ever been seen once.
(Highlights of the match between Raven Roberts and Minerva at Shock Value 2021. This would be a special variation of the Barbed Wire Massacre, known as “Barbed Wire Massacre: Shock Value Style”. In a normal version of this match the ropes are replaced with barbed wire, weapons are scattered around ringside and more, but this match took things to another level. On top of all of the rules for a normal Barbed Wire Massacre, in this match both the ropes and every weapon involved were electric.)
Narrator: Barbed Wire Massacre: Shock Value Style. This match was unlike any other, but this was not the only time Barbed Wire Massacre went a step beyond the norm.
(Highlights of the Barbed Wire Massacre at Wicked Games 2021 would be shown, as this would be the first and only time a Barbed Wire Massacre was held in a tag team match. This match would see Myles and Minerva team up against Justin Windgate and Donovan Duke in a match with a lot on the line. Windgate and Duke’s victory would force New Eden to permanently disband, while New Eden’s victory would give them control over Voltage for an entire month.)
Narrator: Once again the Barbed Wire Massacre would face a unique setting, as at Wicked Games 2021 these four Elitists would have to focus on working as a team while tearing their opponents apart. Almost one entire year later, another Barbed Wire Massacre would occur, which paved the way for future matches of its kind.
(The first ever triple threat Barbed Wire Massacre would be held at Pain for Pride 15, in the EAW World Championship match between former New Eden allies Myles, Minerva and Drake King, three Elitists who’ve all participated in the match before. This is the match that’d result in Minerva’s victory, causing her to match Charlie’s record as the second Elitist to win two Barbed Wire Massacres. This is a variation of the Barbed Wire Massacre that’d return in 2024, where Jake Smith faced Methuselah in Limmy Monaghan to defend his EAW World Championship. Ultimately Jake would walk out of this the victor, causing the second triple threat Barbed Wire Massacre to end with a successful Championship defense rather than a new Champion being crowned.)
Narrator: As time passes, history continues to show that Barbed Wire Massacre is a match that never fails to deliver, and never fails to shorten careers. A match like this is reserved only for those out for blood, and willing to do anything to get it.
(A brief recap of Fighting Spirit 2025’s Barbed Wire Massacre for the right to challenge Michael Machina for the EAW World Championship at Pain for Pride are shown. Moments of the match would be highlighted, ending in a definitive victory for Adam Lucas, taking Jake down to secure his right to challenge for the World Championship.)
Narrator: This year, tensions are higher than ever. It is a bout more personal than ever, with higher stakes than ever, as two familiar foes enter Barbed Wire Massacre with the intentions of leaving the main event of Pain for Pride as Champion.
(A recap of the history between Hans Grayson and Drake Armstrong is shown. Hans had always been able to get the better of Drake throughout history, and when Drake pushed Hans, he was willing to return fire by going as far as attacking Charles. However, this season was different. This season, Drake was prepared, and he kept stringing Hans Grayson along. He kept allowing Hans to do his bidding, keeping his enemies close as they say. It all came to a head when Hans refused to keep playing along at Road to Redemption, and a cash-in attempt to end the night would lead to his arm being broken. Since then Hans has been out to make sure Drake suffers for his entire duration as Champion, haunting him match after match, until finally he cashed in his briefcase for a match at Pain for Pride… In Barbed Wire Massacre.)
Narrator: Fate brings these two men together once more, as Drake Armstrong aims to remove the thorn in his side once and for all, and Hans Grayson looks to finally put an end to the Champion’s torment.
(This revelation would only cause this feud to become even more personal, as Drake refused to let Hans mock him. He’d leave Hans Grayson laid out at the end of a contract signing in brutal fashion, only to leave Hans’ girlfriend Ashlynn Quinn with the same fate.)
Narrator: At Pain for Pride, two career enemies will do battle once more, where it is all or nothing. Years of both men’s careers have set the stage for this, and now after spending the entirety of season 19 unable to escape each other, it ends. One final match. Barbed Wire Massacre Twelve. Now more than ever, everything is on the line.
(Footage is shown, featuring all of the winners of the past Barbed Wire Massacres. Impact’s victory over Rex McAllister for the World Heavyweight Championship, Charlie Marr’s victory against Daryl Kinkade and successful Championship defense against Ms. Extreme, Malcolm Jones’ victory against Charlie Marr, TLA’s victory against Drake King, Raven Roberts’ victory against Minerva, New Eden’s victory against Justin Windgate and Donovan Duke for control of Voltage, Minerva’s victory against Myles and Drake King, Drake King’s victory against Methuselah, Jake Smith’s victory against Methuselah and Limmy Monaghan, and Adam Lucas’ victory over Jake Smith are all shown. After this, one last shot is shown of the carnage that unfolded last week, with Hans Grayson, Drake Armstrong, Drake’s group of hooded men and security guards all battling it out. With this, the camera finally fades.)
(The camera returns to ringside, and as always, the ring has been altered in preparation for Barbed Wire Massacre. The ropes have been replaced with barbed wire, there are plywood boards where the turnbuckles usually are, which are also wrapped with barbed wire. The camera pans to Bella Braxton, who has a microphone in hand as she begins to speak.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is THE TWELFTH BARBED WIRE MASSACRE… AND IT IS FOR THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!
(The fans cheer for these words, but what draws a larger reaction is when a sole guitar riff can be heard.)
(The camera pans towards the stage, and the person responsible for this is none other than AFI’s own lead guitarist, Jade Puget. This opening riff causes the crowd to explode, and it doesn’t take long to reveal that Jade is not alone. Behind him on opposite sides of the stage are Adam Carson and Hunter Burgan, as collectively they all get going, and begin playing the song the fans have been waiting all night to hear.)
(‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’)
(🎵 *Don’t waste your touch, you won’t feel anything
Or were you sent to save me?
I’ve thought too much, you won’t find anything
Worthy of redeeming* 🎶)
(These words cause the cheers to grow louder, as when Hans Grayson walks out, he’s accompanied by none other than the vocalist of AFI, Davey Havok. Hans Grayson looks fired up, more than he ever has been. He fist bumps Davey Havok on his way out to the stage, and after this, he puts his game-face on. He knows this is it. He knows that now more than ever, he has to deliver.)
(🎵 *To break down, and cease all feeling
Burn now, what once was breathing
Reach out, and you may take my heart away* 🎶)
(Hans isn’t dressed in just any gear. As he and Davey begin walking down the ramp together, Hans is shown in purple and red gear, matching the colors of the Toronto Raptors. Hans gives one look at the fans cheering him on tonight, but that’s it. That’s all he can afford right now.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada… Weighing in at 219 pounds… HE IS THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON, HAAAAAANNNNNSSSSS GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRAAAYYYYYYYYYYSSSOOOOOONNNNNNNNN!!!!!!
(🎵 *Imperfect cry, and scream in ecstasy
So what befalls the flawless?
Look what I’ve built, it shines so beautifully
Now watch as it destroys me* 🎶)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve said it before but I will say it again. This is the most important match of Hans Grayson’s career. Knowing everything Drake has done to hurt Hans and those he cares about, knowing Hans cashed in his Cash in the Vault briefcase for this, it’s now or never. He can’t afford to lose now.
Thadd Blazevich: And don’t forget, Canada’s own Hans Grayson is here in Toronto! The people love him and that’s not something a dude like Hans can brush off, but I can see bro’s face, and he’s locked in right now. Probably more than ever.
Persephone: Well he’s not annoyingly high-fiving and hugging all of the fans on his way to the ring so yeah, it looks that way. At least he knows how to read the room.
(Hans Grayson stops at the bottom of the ramp, and he gives Davey one last fist bump before Davey heads back. Hans from there makes his way into the ring, pure focus on his face as he knows what’s next.)
(Finally…)
(‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki hits.)
Crowd: # BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(A lone spotlight shines on the stage as the lights go out. A Rolls-Royce slowly drives out to the stage, bringing out the EAW World Champion himself. The vehicle is being driven by his chauffeur, and Drake has the upper half of his body sticking out of the roof, allowing him to raise his World Championship as the boos grow louder. Drake Armstrong wasn’t impressed by the setup of Hans’ entrance, nor his attitude tonight. Pandering to the crowd was never something the Champion cared for, and as far as he was concerned, it was enough that everyone in attendance knew that the most important person in the building was him.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent… From Scarsdale, New York… Weighing in at 235 pounds… HE IS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION… THE KING OF THE WORLD… DRRRAAAAAAAAAAAKKEE AAAAARRRMMMMSSTTTTRRROOOOONNNGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!
(The Rolls-Royce makes its way down the ramp as the spotlight follows, before finally reaching the bottom, and the ringside area. It stops just in front of the apron, allowing Drake Armstrong to easily climb out of the roof and stand on top of the vehicle, standing face to face with Hans Grayson. Drake gives him a smirk, dismissively shaking his head as he gets off of the car, sliding into the ring to avoid the barbed wire ropes, all while the Rolls-Royce is slowly driven back up the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: So much of Season 19’s trajectory, at least on the Voltage end, was decided by this man. Drake Armstrong has spent all season scheming and planning, and it was all for this. All for the chance to main event Pain for Pride as World Champion.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude made a hell of a lot of enemies on the way there, but he doesn’t care. This is his chance to finally get Hans Grayson out of his life after spending a whole year harassing the guy, and as long as he achieves that, I think he’ll be beyond thrilled about how his season went.
Persephone: I’m just ready for this to have as much of a blood-soaked end as possible. Both because I want to see someone die, and because I’m beyond tired of seeing these two at the same time.
(Both men stand in their respective corners, and without further adieu, the referee calls for the bell.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Crowd: # FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!!
(The crowd is electric, cheering as loud as they possibly can as this Pain for Pride main event finally begins. The Toronto crowd doesn’t waste any time showing whose side they’ve picked, chanting for Canada’s own Hans Grayson nonstop. Hans wants to acknowledge them, but now’s not the time and he knows it. His biggest enemy is right in front of him, and the most important match of his life has now begun.)
Crowd: # LET’S GO HANS!!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!! LET’S GO HANS!!!!!
(Drake Armstrong doesn’t appear bothered by the reception given to Grayson. In fact, he appears amused and even gives a brief chuckle, shaking his head as he and Hans begin to circle the ring. Drake can see the look on Hans’ face and his refusal to take in the moment, and in his eyes, all of this only works in his favor. Hans is angry. He’s frustrated. He’s out for blood, and playing right into the Champion’s hands.)
Rich Russillo: It’s finally time. Hans Grayson versus Drake Armstrong, Barbed Wire Massacre! This is a match that has been brewing for a long time now, and we’re finally here. These two have done this time and time again, but never has it been as big as now.
(As the two men slowly circle the ring, Drake keeps his hands behind his back. He is careful not to put too much attention towards his hands as Hans keeps his eyes on him, staring right at the face of the man who has tormented him all season long.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) Go ahead. Smile for the peasants.
(Drake knows that this match won’t have the slow, methodical pace he is familiar with, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of ideas. Since the match began Hans has kept his eyes on Drake, filled with hatred. Hatred that Drake has spent the entire season preying on.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) These are the fruits of your negligence. Enjoy them. It isn’t as if they cost you much. The dismantling of mutual foes. The suffering of your dearest husk, Ashlynn. The prolonging of my Championship reign…
(Hans does his best to retain his composure, but his hands ball into fists. He’s already been put through a lot at the hands of Drake, including having his arm broken. From the beginning he has planned to make Drake pay for it, but since then Drake has only doubled down. He’s attacked exactly what he knew would get a reaction out of him.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) For the so coveted headlining match, I’d say it was a worthy price. Wouldn’t you?
(And after once again having the other victims of Drake’s reign thrown in his face, Hans has enough…)
Thadd Blazevich: HANS MAKES THE FIRST MOVE! HE CHARGES IN!
(…Only for the Champion to finally show his hand.)
Rich Russillo: BUT DRAKE SWINGS AT HANS!!!
Rich Russillo: # WITH THE ARMSTRONG RING!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: # FLAMING PUNCH!!!!
Rich Russillo: HANS WAS READY!! DRAKE TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HANS’ RAGE, BUT IT DIDN’T WORK THIS TIME AROUND!!! DRAKE WASTED NO TIME TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LACK OF RULES WITH THE ARMSTRONG RING, BUT HANS WAS PREPARED!!!! HANS KNEW IT WAS COMING, AND HE WAS ABLE TO DUCK THE SWING BEFORE DROPPING ARMSTRONG WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH!!!!! HANS IS ABLE TO LAND THE FIRST BLOW, DROPPING ARMSTRONG AS DRAKE GOES ROLLING OUT OF THE RING!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans is quick to follow, and dude I think the message has just been made perfectly clear! Hans is a man on a mission tonight, and Drake thought Barbed Wire Massacre was a match that favored him entirely, but it’s not looking like that right now, bros! Hans rolls out of the ring while Drake is stuck holding his jaw in pain, and bro starts digging under the ring, BEFORE FINDING THE PERFECT WEAPON OF CHOICE!
Persephone: Wow. Of course the first weapon Hans picks is extremely stupid.
Rich Russillo: HANS HAS A BARBED WIRE HOCKEY STICK!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS STORMS OVER TO DRAKE WHILE BRO USES THE APRON TO TRY PULLING HIMSELF UP- AND BRO SWINGS THE HOCKEY STICK INTO DRAKE’S BACK!!! DRAKE STUMBLES WHILE YELLING IN PAIN, AND HANS LANDS A SECOND SHOT AT DRAKE’S BACK, AND DRAKE FALLS TO ALL FOURS- WHICH ALLOWS HANS TO JUST GO WILD, SWINGING THE BARBED WIRE HOCKEY STICK AT THE CHAMP OVER AND OVER AS BRO IS ALREADY STARTING TO JUST DIG AT HIS SKIN!!
Persephone: Well as corny as the hockey stick is, barbed wire is barbed wire! DON’T STOP! KEEP HITTING HIM!!!
Rich Russillo: WELL LUCKY FOR YOU, HE’S DOING EXACTLY THAT!! HANS KEEPS SWINGING THAT HOCKEY STICK, SLAMMING IT INTO DRAKE’S BACK OVER AND OVER UNTIL IT FINALLY STARTS TO BREAK! HANS FINALLY THROWS THE HOCKEY STICK ASIDE, AND HE DRAGS DRAKE BACK UP, BEFORE-
(THUD!)
Thadd Blazevich: THROWING BRO OVER OUR TABLE!!! DRAKE NEARLY FLEW RIGHT INTO US!!!
Persephone: I know, it gets annoying every time.
Rich Russillo: Hans walks over and pulls out one of our monitors, BEFORE JUST SLAMMING IT RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD!!!! DRAKE FALLS AND IS LAID OUT ON TOP OF OUR TABLE, AND THIS ALLOWS HANS TO JUST KEEP SLAMMING THE MONITOR INTO THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD!!! HANS HAS BEEN UNLEASHED, AND I THINK DRAKE MIGHT JUST REGRET EVERYTHING HE’S DONE TO THE MAN THIS SEASON!!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans tosses the monitor and grabs the ring bell while Drake slowly starts to come to, and-
(DING!)
Rich Russillo: AND HANS BASHES THE RING BELL RIGHT INTO DRAKE’S FOREHEAD, SENDING DRAKE FALLING RIGHT INTO THADD’S CHAIR!!!! DRAKE IS OUT OF IT, AND JUST LOOK AT THE HEAD OF THE CHAMPION!!!
(The crowd explodes, cheering as loud as they can as blood can already be seen rushing down the forehead of Drake Armstrong. Hans stares at Drake for a moment, breathing heavily after all the damage he’s already inflicted. He drops the ring bell, and after some thought he just grabs Drake, ripping him out of the chair before he sends him into the ring.)
(Drake however turns the corner, rolling right back out of the ring as he lands on his feet, stumbling backwards into the barricade as he keeps his left hand in a fist behind him, as if his hand isn’t empty. Drake looks as confused as he is hurt, unsure of how this match fell out of his favor so quickly. He is barely even able to stand let alone keep his eyes open, but he catches a glimpse of Hans Grayson. Hans was only left frustrated seeing Drake escape the ring, and now, he’s walking right towards him.)
Rich Russillo: Hans walks towards Drake, AND HE JUST SMASHES HIS HEAD INTO THE BARRICADE!!! The fans in the front row are all cheering Hans on, but he doesn’t take the moment to take in their cheers. Not yet. He instead just stays locked in, SMASHING DRAKE’S HEAD INTO THE TOP OF THE BARRICADE A SECOND TIME!!! A THIRD NOW, AND HANS IS JUST DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN TO DISMANTLE DRAKE TONIGHT!!
Persephone: I don’t blame him. In fact, I was waiting for the day he’d grow up and finally kill this guy.
Thadd Blazevich: Hans slams Drakey’s face into the barricade one more time, and now he finally stops, taking a moment after everything he just did to Drake. Hans holds onto Drake, and he turns Drake around before-
(STAB!)
(Hans Grayson screams, both in pain and in terror.)
(While finally, the reason behind Drake’s closed fist is revealed.)
Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL!?!?
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST STABBED HANS GRAYSON RIGHT INTO THE CHEEK WITH A PEN!!! BRO, DID HE TAKE THAT FROM OUR TABLE!?!?
Persephone: LOOKS LIKE IT, BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT I CARE ABOUT! THERE’S LITERALLY A HOLE IN HANS’ FACE RIGHT NOW!!
Rich Russillo: THAT WILD SWING FROM DRAKE CAUGHT HANS OFF GUARD, AND AT THE SAME TIME IT LOOKS LIKE OBSCURING THAT PEN GAVE DRAKE THE OPENING HE NEEDED! DRAKE STANDS AND STABS HANS IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH THE PEN, BEFORE GRABBING ONTO HANS AND JUST GOING FOR REPEATED STABS!!!
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
(STAB!)
Thadd Blazevich: HANS CRUMBLES ONTO HIS KNEES AFTER JUST TAKING COUNTLESS, AIMLESS SHOTS TO THE HEAD WITH THE PEN, AND NOW DRAKE JUST STARTS DIGGING INTO THE WOUND, LITERALLY TORTURING HANS GRAYSON!!!!
Persephone: DRAKE TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY AND THROWS HANS’ HEAD BACKWARDS INTO THE RING POST, HARD ENOUGH TO DROP HANS INTO THE FLOOR!
(With this, the mood in the Rogers Centre has completely changed. Drake Armstrong is breathing heavily. Blood still pouring down his face, and his back still torn to shreds. The fans have almost gone entirely quiet after seeing the brutal assault on Hans, as well as the sudden turn this match has taken. The silence continues, until finally…)
Crowd: # BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
(The fans begin booing, as loud as they possibly can.)
(Drake immediately takes notice of the shift in mood in the building, and his eye twitches. He glances at Hans after this though, and it’s like the darkened and volatile atmosphere created through the mauling of Canada’s own has only caused more ideas to flood through Drake’s head. The realization of this hits the fans in real time as a sick smile slowly forms on the face of the EAW World Champion, wasting no time enacting the first step of his plan.)
(CRASH!)
Rich Russillo: OH COME ON!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS WAS TRYING TO GRAB ONTO THE RING POST AND PULL HIMSELF UP, BUT DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST PULLED A GLASS PANE FROM UNDER THE RING AND SWUNG IT ACROSS THE BACK OF HANS’ HEAD!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE GRABS HANS AFTER THIS, AND HE PULLS HIM UP BEFORE JUST THROWING HIM TO THE BARRICADE, DUMPING HANS OVER IT AND INTO THE CROWD!!! HANS HITS THE FLOOR HARD AS HE JOINS THE FANS HERE IN TORONTO, AND I DON’T THINK THIS IS THE MEETING HANS WANTED TO GIVE THEM!!
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, but something tells me that’s exactly why Drake’s doing this! Bro is heading over the barricade to join Hans in the crowd, and he brought a shard of the broken glass with him!
Persephone: Hans is on all fours trying to get an idea of where he even is since all he’s seeing is a bunch of fans, but the Champion is right on his tail and Hans hasn’t really had a second to breathe after Drake turned his head into swiss cheese.
Rich Russillo: Drake walks up to Hans, catching up to him thanks to Hans only being able to aimlessly crawl wherever he can- AND DRAKE JUST KICKS HANS IN THE RIBS, DROPPING HANS ONTO THE GROUND! Hans goes down, AND NOW LOOK AT DRAKE, JUST DRAGGING HANS UP FROM BEHIND BY HIS HAIR, LITERALLY HOLDING HIS HEAD UP FOR THE NEARBY FANS TO SEE!!!
(Drake basks in the endless hatred of the fans in attendance, but he knows Hans hasn’t suffered the damage that he has just yet, and he plans to correct that right in front of the people in front of him. The people who have spent the entire season waiting for the day that Hans Grayson finally takes Drake Armstrong down.)
Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG STABS THE GLASS SHARD INTO HANS’ HEAD!!!
(Hans screams out in pain as the nearby fans immediately step back, cringing at the sight unfolding as Drake’s glass shard is lodged directly into the side of Hans’ forehead. Drake’s grin only grows wider after this, knowing that he is not yet finished with Hans.)
Thadd Blazevich: OH NO!! DUDE, COME ON!!!
(Drake drags the glass shard across Hans’ forehead, immediately causing the already dripping blood to begin pouring out of his forehead, spilling all over him as a crimson mask quickly forms. Drake laughs, surrounded by fans on all sides, who can do nothing but watch as Drake continues to torture Hans.)
Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST SLICED HANS’ FOREHEAD OPEN, AND RIGHT NOW I THINK HE’S JUST TRYING TO MAKE A STATEMENT, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN WAITING FOR HANS TO HAVE HIS MOMENT TONIGHT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS IS ALREADY COVERED IN HIS OWN BLOOD, AND BRO, THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT!! THE FANS ARE BEING FORCED TO JUST WATCH AS HANS BLEEDS OUT- AND NOW LOOK AT DRAKE!
Persephone: DRAKE TURNS HANS AROUND AND PULLS HIM IN- LIFTING HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS BEFORE THROWING HIM INTO THE FANS’ CHAIRS WITH A POWERBOMB!!!! HANS JUST LANDED BACK FIRST ONTO THE CHAIRS!! Drake is pretty much just picking him apart right now. This is actually fantastic, not gonna lie. It’s great seeing Hans get tortured.
Rich Russillo: The fans had to rush out of the way so they didn’t get caught in the crossfire, but this only worked in Drake’s favor as that’s why Hans ended up landing on the chairs!
(Hans Grayson is laid out on the floor, slowly trying to pull himself towards one of the nearby chairs that hasn’t been knocked over following the powerbomb. Some of the fans rush back over to Hans as Drake turns to the glass shard back up, and some of them reach out to Hans, trying to help him back to his feet.)
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong walks over as some of the fans try helping Hans up- AND DRAKE JUST TEARS HANS AWAY FROM THE FANS, PUSHING THEM AWAY AS HE DRAGS HANS’ ARM THROUGH THE EMPTY SPACE ABOVE THE SEAT OF ONE OF THE STEEL CHAIRS!! DRAKE HAS HANS’ ARM TRAPPED, AND HE STOMPS HIS FOOT ON TOP OF HANS’ WRIST, KEEPING HIM PINNED DOWN!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake has Hans trapped by the arm, and that’s the same arm he had broken months ago at Road to Redemption! What is he doing!?
(With no hesitation, Drake takes the glass shard and stabs it into the back of Hans’ arm.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!
Persephone: DRAKE JUST DRAGGED THE SHARD DOWN HANS’ TRICEP!!!
(Drake carefully pulls the shard down from the middle of Hans’ tricep, going all the way down to the elbow where Hans’ scar following his surgery is located. Drake cuts the scar back open, before finally ripping the shard out of Hans’ arm. The fans at this point are watching all of this unfold with pure fear in their eyes, and Drake knows this.)
(Drake turns and observes the reactions from the fans. The fear, hatred, and concern alike. After everything Hans Grayson had done to humiliate him over the last six months this moment brought Armstrong nothing but joy, and it was something he planned to revel in.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED!? HAS THE PETULANT, IRRESOLUTE CHILD YOU ASKED FOR LIVED UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS YET!?
(There are boos, but only from the fans far away from the situation. Fans multiple rows back. Fans on the other side of the audience. The fans directly surrounding Drake are silent, and noticing this silence, Drake just kneels down, allowing him to speak a few words towards his opponent.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) This is the battle you chose to fight, for THEM. Pray tell, Feebleheart, was it worth it?
(STOMP!)
Rich Russillo: DRAKE JUST GOT UP, BEFORE STOMPING ON THE OPEN WOUND ON HANS’ TRICEP!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Ugh, and now look at him, dude! He’s just taking Hans and finally dragging bro away from the area, pushing past all of the fans on his way through the crowd!
Persephone: Well after traumatizing a whole bunch of people, I’m glad they’re finally going somewhere else. It looks like Drake has something specific in mind too, because he’s taking Hans towards the timekeeper’s area.
Rich Russillo: Yeah. I can see a duffle bag over there, but it doesn’t look like anything meant for the stagehands or timekeepers.
Thadd Blazevich: Ya’ think Drake got someone to bring it here?
Persephone: Do you really need to ask?
Rich Russillo: Drake takes Hans over towards the area before slamming his back into the barricade, causing Hans to crumble to his knees. Drake now digging into that duffle bag, and he takes out a…
Thadd Blazevich: ???
Persephone: Is that an orthopedic screwdriver? That’s… Specific. Why would he need- oh.
Rich Russillo: What?
Persephone: Nothing.
Rich Russillo: :lupe: Well Drake is going back after Hans who has been trying to use the barricade to try and get back up. DRAKE GRABS ONTO HANS’ BAD ARM AND LIFTS IT ONTO THE BARRICADE, WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING!? DRAKE LIFTS UP THAT SCREWDRIVER-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS TURNS, AND HE’S ABLE TO BLAST DRAKE WITH A HEADBUTT!!!
Persephone: NO!! IT WAS GONNA BE PERFECT!! WHY IS HE CHOOSING NOW TO FIGHT BACK!?!?
Rich Russillo: BECAUSE CLEARLY HE WANTS NO PARTS OF WHATEVER DRAKE HAD PLANNED!! HANS USES HIS GOOD HAND TO GRAB DRAKE, AND HE SLAMS DRAKE’S FOREHEAD INTO THE BARRICADE! HANS QUICKLY HOOKS DRAKE IN WITH HIS GOOD ARM AFTER THAT, AND HE TURNS BEFORE USING THE BARRICADE TO CONNECT WITH A TORNADO DDT ONTO THE CONCRETE!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans immediately grabs onto his arm after that, and dude, this is not the kind of injury I can see bro just easily shaking off. Drake is on his knees holding onto the top of his head in pain, and now Hans is crawling towards that duffle bag, digging into it to try to find anything he can use to his advantage!
Persephone: Drake is starting to stir since he spent at least the last five minutes just destroying Hans, so now he’s starting to pull himself over to Hans. He clearly doesn’t want him getting his hands on anything that’s in there-
Rich Russillo: BUT IT’S A LITTLE TOO LATE FOR THAT!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS TURNS AND SWINGS A BOX CUTTER AT DRAKE’S FACE!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE JUST BARELY MANAGES TO CATCH HANS’ WRIST BEFORE HE COULD SLICE HIS FACE OPEN!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS PRESSES HIS FOOT DOWN ONTO THE FLOOR SO HE CAN TRY TO PUSH HIS HAND CLOSER TO DRAKE’S FACE, BUT BRO CAN BASICALLY ONLY USE ONE ARM RIGHT NOW! HE DOESN’T HAVE THE STRENGTH TO BATTLE DRAKE LIKE THIS!
Rich Russillo: AND DRAKE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THIS, AS HE TURNS AND LITERALLY SHOVES HANS RIGHT INTO THE NEARBY FANS IN THE FRONT ROW!!!
Persephone: Okay, I count three different fans that just got knocked over, and Hans’ blood just got all over that guy’s shirt. Someone’s definitely getting sued.
Rich Russillo: DRAKE PULLS HANS UP BY HIS BLOODY ARM- AND HE JUST SENDS HANS SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! HANS SCREAMS OUT IN PAIN- AND NOW DRAKE SLAMS THE SIDE OF HANS’ HEAD INTO THE BARRICADE!!! HANS STUMBLES TO A KNEE, AND DRAKE WASTES NO TIME CAPITALIZING!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE STEALS THAT CHAIR FROM ONE OF THE FANS IN THE FRONT ROW- AND HE FOLDS IT BEFORE SLAMMING IT INTO HANS’ BACK!!
Persephone: Hans is down, and Drake just drops down, pressing a knee onto his back to keep him in place! Drake picks up that orthopedic screwdriver, and now I think this is about to get interesting!
(Drake Armstrong extends Hans’ injured arm, before pulling on both sides of his wound enough to open it up. Hans’ screams are enough to worry the nearby fans, but Drake doesn’t stop. Not until he catches just a faint glimpse of what he’s looking for.)
(Metal.)
(Part of the process in the events of a broken arm, especially in the case of an elbow fracture, is having an orthopedic bone plate inserted, with screws used to keep the plate pressed against the bone. Drake knew this, and it wasn’t hard for him to locate the scar that was on Hans’ arm. He used the glass shard earlier to slice his arm, creating a thick enough wound to reach the plate. Now, there was only one thing left to do.)
Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HIM!?!?
Thadd Blazevich: Okay bro, I’ve done a lot of deathmatches in my day- but this might be a bit too far! :lupe:
Rich Russillo: I can’t watch this! WHAT IS HE DOING!?
Persephone: WHAT DO YOU THINK?? HE’S TRYING TO TAKE OUT THAT METAL PLATE! IT’S PERFECT!! IT’S LITERALLY EVERYTHING I COULD’VE WANTED!!!
(Drake stuck the screwdriver into Hans’ arm, digging around until he could feel the screws. After this, he stuck the screwdriver into it, twisting and twisting until finally, he was able to pull it out of his arm. Every single movement caused more screams to come from Hans, but that didn’t make Drake stop. He kept going, pulling them out one by one in a slow, excruciating process until eventually, the fans just couldn’t watch anymore.)
(Trash is suddenly thrown from multiple sections of the crowd, all with one target in mind: Drake Armstrong. Drake couldn’t care less for the hostility. In his eyes their animosity only further proves every thought he already had of them, and from his eyes, he was close. Close to ruining all of the process Hans has made in his recovery. Close to ripping that metal plate out of Hans’ arm.)
(However, with only one screw left for Drake to remove…)
Rich Russillo: HANS GETS HIS HAND ON THAT BOX CUTTER!!
Thadd Blazevich: AND HE STABS DRAKE RIGHT IN THE FOREARM WITH IT!!!
Persephone: DRAKE GETS OFF OF HANS AND STUMBLES TO HIS FEET, CLUTCHING HIS FOREARM! HANS UNFORTUNATELY STOPPED DRAKE BEFORE HE COULD PULL THE METAL PLATE ALL THE WAY OUT- AND HE LUNGES AT DRAKE, SLASHING DRAKE IN THE OTHER ARM BEFORE DRAKE COULD GRAB HIM!!
Rich Russillo: HANS SLASHES DRAKE IN THE STOMACH THIS TIME, AND DRAKE STUMBLES BACK, TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM HANS WITH THE BOX CUTTER!! HANS PUSHES HIMSELF UP, AND NOW HE RUNS IN, BEFORE SENDING DRAKE ARMSTRONG OVER THE BARRICADE AND BACK TO RINGSIDE WITH A CLOTHESLINE, ALL USING ONLY ONE ARM!!!
(Hans turns, sinking into a seated position after this as he grabs onto his injured arm. He’s heaving, and his eyes are watering after the pain he was forced to endure. He’s breathing heavily, and he can’t help but look at all of the bloody screws resting next to him, the result of Drake’s assault. He winces every time he even moves, but Hans sees the duffle bag, still filled with various tools that were brought here by Drake Armstrong. Hans pulls himself towards the bag, using his good arm to pick it up before slowly sending it over to ringside.)
Rich Russillo: Hans’ breathing is super heavy right now, and I don’t blame him. His arm is pretty much destroyed right now. No matter how this ends, it might be a while before he’s at 100 percent again.
Thadd Blazevich: Hans pulls himself onto the barricade, and look at how hard bro is struggling getting up there with only one arm he can use. Drake is getting back to his feet while Hans is able to slowly find his balance standing on the barricade, AND HANS DIVES AT DRAKE, TAKING HIM DOWN WITH A DIVING CLOTHESLINE!!!!
Persephone: Someone tell that idiot to stop going high risk. Literally as soon as he landed he went back to clutching that arm like a baby. Blood is spilling out of his arm every second, so does he really want to keep wasting more?
Rich Russillo: Hans forces himself back to his feet as Drake gets to all fours, and Hans sends Drake back into the ring. Hans drags the duffle bag right next to the ring before digging into it real quick, and he’s able to slip his good hand into a pair of brass knuckles!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans slides into the ring while Drake stumbles back to his feet, AND NOW HANS RUNS IN!!
Rich Russillo: FOR A BRASS KNUCKLES-ASSISTED FLAMING PUNCH!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: NO!!!
Persephone: DRAKE MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME, AND NOW HE PULLS HANS INTO A WAISTLOCK BEFORE GOING FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Rich Russillo: # BUT HANS LANDS ON HIS FEET, AND HE DROPS DRAKE WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH!!!!!
(The crowd explodes as Hans immediately crumbles to all fours. He holds onto his bad arm, but rather than wincing in pain, he’s trying as hard as he can to will himself on, feeling the tide turn as he can feel the energy of the tens of thousands of fans in attendance flowing through him.)
Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON IS GETTING FIRED UP RIGHT NOW!! HE’S STARTING TO GET BACK INTO THIS MATCH, AND HE TAKES THE TIME TO SLOWLY DRAG DRAKE UP INTO A FRONT FACELOCK USING HIS GOOD ARM! HANS BACKPEDALS SO HE CAN PULL DRAKE TO HIS FEET-
Thadd Blazevich: BEFORE LETTING GO OF THE HOLD AND GRABBING DRAKE BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD, SENDING DRAKE BACK FIRST INTO THE BARBED WIRE COVERED BOARD IN THE CORNER!!!!
Rich Russillo: HANS RUNS IN, AND HE LANDS A JUMPING KNEE TO DRAKE IN THE CORNER, CAUSING THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD TO BE PUSHED INTO THE BARBED WIRE!!!! HANS TURNS AND MAKES SURE TO USE THE GOOD ARM TO PULL DRAKE OUT FROM UNDER THAT, AND HE RUNS OUT OF THE CORNER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A BULLDOG!!!!
Persephone: Well we’re reaching the part where I get annoyed. I don’t care about Hans getting motivated by the crowd or whatever power of friendship he’s got going on. I want to see blood and murder, that’s it.
Rich Russillo: Well I think this is about more than that, Persephone. This is about finally taking down Drake Armstrong, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HANS IS WILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO DO THAT, AS HE RUNS AND LEAPS ONTO THE TOP BARBED WIRE “ROPE”, JUMPING OFF OF IT FOR A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE FIRESAULT!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: WOW!! That was good thinking from Hans right there, bro! That barbed wire isn’t gonna have the same give or spring to it that our normal ropes do, so Hans put everything into that jump and leaped off the top rope so he could deliver the moonsault! Seriously, Hans is an awesome dude!
Persephone: Yeah, well he’s not a smart one. For some reason he still hasn’t actually gone for the cover. I get his arm probably feels like it’s about to fall off, but he can’t use that as an excuse for everything.
Rich Russillo: I don’t think that’s what it is! Hans has gotten back to his feet, and it seems like he has something in mind… But look at his face. It looks like there’s some doubt creeping in. :lupe:
(Just as Rich said, doubt pours onto Hans’ face. His intention was to deliver one of his finishing moves to Drake Armstrong, but then he looked at his arm. His arm is a wreck, and trying to lift it up even slightly causes him immense pain at this point. The Imperial Flame, Burning Shot Lariat and Burning Shot Pillar are all pretty much off the table, though the latter two were unlikely to be used anyway with the barbed wire replacing the ropes. Hans knows he’s in a tough spot…)
(But he isn’t out of options. Not yet.)
Rich Russillo: Wait a second. Hans Grayson is backing up. He seems a lot more focused again. I don’t know what it is that Hans has in mind here, but it has to be big, because this is it. This is his chance to finally become World Champion. This is his chance to take down Drake Armstrong once and for all.
Thadd Blazevich: Drake Armstrong is somehow starting to stir despite all the blood dripping down bros body, but I don’t think he realizes what’s about to come his way. I mean, even I don’t know!
Persephone: Drake Armstrong gets back to his feet…
Rich Russillo: AND HANS GRAYSON RUNS IN, JUMPING AT DRAKE WITH HIS OWN “IMMACULATE BLADE”!!!!!!!!
(CRACK!)
(Hans Grayson falls.)
(From the beginning of the match, ever since the first failed usage of it, there is one thing that never left Drake Armstrong’s possession. One thing he had been worn for so long, it had seemingly become a non factor. One thing that had the power to change the course of the match entirely, or in certain cases, even end it abruptly.)
(The Armstrong Family ring.)
(One clean shot was all Drake needed. He knew that Hans wouldn’t be able to utilize his usual arsenal with one of his arms not working, and that all that meant was that Hans gave Drake the exact opening he was looking for.)
(After knocking him out with the ring, Drake briefly stands over Hans with an unimpressed look on his face, as if he’s not even satisfied with what his challenger in his first Pain for Pride main event brought to him. Still, he drops into the cover. Hooking both legs, and resting firmly on top of Hans’ good arm to prevent any chances of a kick out in the first, and only pinfall of this match.)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
TTTTTTTHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON JUST GOT THE SHOULDER UP!!!!!!!!!
(Immediately the crowd comes alive, cheering as loud as they possibly can as Hans forces the shoulder of his injured arm up. Drake backs off of him, but doing so immediately allows Hans to grab his arm in pain, suffering the consequences of keeping the match alive. The fans are thrilled, but Drake Armstrong just stares at Hans, not moving a muscle after what he just witnessed.)
Persephone: See? I told you Hans was just being performative about that injury. I don’t know why he wants sympathy so badly. You’re already in Canada, as long as you’re not Ryan Wilson they’ll cheer you for anything.
Thadd Blazevich: Come on Seph, you know it’s not like that! This is Pain for Pride, and possibly the most personal match of Hans’ career. There’s no way bro was gonna let it slip outta his grasp so easily! He wants this, and he’s making this Hell for-
Rich Russillo: WOAH, WAIT A SECOND THADD!!! DRAKE JUST GOT BACK UP, AND HE JUST STARTED RAPIDLY STOMPING ON HANS’ BAD ARM!!!
Thadd Blazevich: :krabs:
Rich Russillo: I DON’T THINK DRAKE IS REAL HAPPY ABOUT THAT KICK OUT FROM HANS, SO HE’S DOING EVEN MORE DAMAGE TO HANS’ ARM! IT’S LIKE HE’S TRYING TO MAKE SURE HE CAN’T USE IT AGAIN!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE YANKS HANS UP TO HIS KNEES BY THE BAD ARM, BEFORE DROPPING AN ELBOW DOWN ONTO IT!! OH MY GOD, DRAKE IS JUST BEING AS RUTHLESS AS POSSIBLE RIGHT NOW, BRO!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE NOW DRAGS HANS BACK UP TO HIS KNEES, BEFORE DRAGGING HIM OVER TOWARDS THE BARBED WIRE ROPES AND FORCING HANS’ FACE RIGHT INTO THE MIDDLE “ROPE”!!! THIS IS JUST TOO MUCH!!!! DRAKE ALREADY CUT HANS’ FOREHEAD OPEN EARLIER AND WE CAN BARELY EVEN SEE THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE THANKS TO THE CRIMSON MASK, BUT THAT DOESN’T STOP DRAKE FROM JUST FURTHER TORTURING HANS AS HE FINALLY TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE BARBED WIRE MASSACRE ENVIRONMENT!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE ARMSTRONG PULLS HANS OUT OF THE LINES OF BARBED WIRE BEFORE PULLING HIM TO HIS FEET!! DRAKE PULLS BRO INTO A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK, KNOWING HANS ISN’T GONNA BE ABLE TO FIGHT OUTTA THAT!
Persephone: BEFORE THROWING HANS BACK FIRST INTO THE BARBED WIRE BOARD WITH A DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX!!!!
Rich Russillo: Hans crumbles to the mat, and the poor guy is just out of it right now. Drake now looks out at the duffle bag out at ringside, and now that I look at it, it really is dangerous. It’s filled with razor blades, box cutters, medical equipment and more. Drake was clearly prepared for war tonight!
Thadd Blazevich: YEAH, BUT I DON’T THINK HE’S TRYING TO USE JUST ONE OF THOSE ITEMS OUT THERE RIGHT NOW! DRAKE JUST PULLED HANS OFF THE MAT, AND I THINK HE’S TRYING TO LIFT HANS FOR A POWERBOMB! IT’S CLOSE ENOUGH, HE MIGHT BE TRYING TO POWERBOMB HANS INTO THE DUFFLE BAG KNOWING HIS ALREADY SLICED BACK WILL LAND RIGHT INTO THOSE BLADES!
Rich Russillo: HANS THROWS A PUNCH TO DRAKE’S RIBS, THOUGH! HE’S STILL ALIVE!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT IN THE SHAPE HE’S IN, THAT WASN’T NEARLY ENOUGH TO STOP DRAKE!
Persephone: DRAKE POWERS HANS UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS, BEFORE TURNING TOWARDS THE BARBED WIRE ROPES…
Rich Russillo: AND POWERBOMBING HANS GRAYSON INTO THE DUFFLE BAG AT RINGSIDE, SENDING HANS CRASHING INTO A BUNCH OF RAZORS, NEEDLES, BOX CUTTERS AND WHATEVER OTHER TOOLS DRAKE BROUGHT TO THIS MATCH!!!!*
Thadd Blazevich: OH MY GOD!!! BRO, I’VE BEEN ROOTING FOR HANS GRAYSON ALL NIGHT, BUT RIGHT NOW, HE MIGHT ACTUALLY BE COOKED!! DRAKE JUST DESTROYED HIM, AND WITH ALL THE BLOOD HE ALREADY LOST, I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S EVEN POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO MOVE RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: Probably not, but it doesn’t look like that’s gonna stop Drake. Drake just got out of the ring, and he walked over to Hans before just kicking him off of the duffle bag.
Rich Russillo: Drake drags Hans up after this… And brings him over towards our table. He’s just clearing everything off of it now, and I don’t think it needs to be explained right now that he has something terrible planned for Hans.
Persephone: Drake leaves Hans leaning on the table before going back to the duffle bag, and he takes out a sledgehammer that was sticking out. Drake is heading back over here, and now he’s climbing on top of the table, all while Hans’ head is just resting on top of the table.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude… Is he about to kill Hans? Should we move?
Rich Russillo: I- I think so! DRAKE KNOWS HANS IS ALREADY LIFELESS, AND NOW I THINK HE’S AIMING TO PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THIS MATCH BY ENDING HANS GRAYSON FOR GOOD!!! DRAKE RAISES THE SLEDGEHAMMER OVER HIS HEAD, AND HE-
(THUD!)
Thadd Blazevich: HE’S DROPPED RIGHT ONTO HIS FACE, BECAUSE HANS FOUND JUST ENOUGH LIFE LEFT IN HIM TO PUSH HIMSELF INTO DRAKE AND SHOVE HIS LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE DROPS ONTO THE TABLE AND LETS GO OF THE SLEDGEHAMMER!! HANS IMMEDIATELY FELL TO HIS KNEES, BUT HE IS QUICK TO PICK UP THE SLEDGEHAMMER! HE FORCES HIMSELF BACK TO HIS FEET, USING HIS GOOD ARM ALONE TO JUST SWING IT RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD!!!! THAT ALONE COULD’VE GIVEN DRAKE A LIFE THREATENING INJURY, BUT I THINK HANS IS FAR PAST THE POINT OF CARING FOR DRAKE’S LIFE!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS STUMBLES TOWARDS THE RING BEFORE COLLAPSING TO ALL FOURS- WELL REALLY THREE, BECAUSE HIS BAD ARM GAVE OUT AS SOON AS HE FELL ON IT!
Persephone: Yeah, but it looks like he actually has an idea in mind. He’s pulling himself towards the apron, but that’s not it. I think… This idiot is actually trying to get to the top rope.
Rich Russillo: HE SURE IS! HANS GRAYSON WAS ABLE TO GET ONTO THE APRON, AND NOW HE STEPS ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE OF BARBED WIRE, WHILE USING HIS GOOD ARM TO HOLD ONTO THE TOP OF THE RING POST! HANS IS SLOWLY MAKING IT TO THE TOP ROPE, BAD ARM AND ALL!!!
Thadd Blazevich: WE SAW SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM BRONSON DANIELS AT FIGHTING SPIRIT, AND MISSING THIS MIGHTA BEEN THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF HIS EAW CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE!! IS IT REALLY WORTH THE RISK, HANS!?!?
Rich Russillo: I THINK THAT QUESTION HAS ALREADY BEEN ANSWERED, RICH!! HANS THROUGH SHEER WILL HAS FOUND HIS WAY UP TOP, AND DRAKE IS STILL LAID OUT ON HIS STOMACH, BLEEDING OUT FROM THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS GRAYSON IS STANDING ON TOP OF THE RINGPOST, AND WITH ONE MORE DEEP BREATH…
Thadd Blazevich: HE DIVES!!!!!
(CRASH!)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(Drake Armstrong moved.)
(…)
(…)
(…)
(But not enough.)
Rich Russillo: # HE GOT HIM!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE TRIED TO TURN HIMSELF OVER TO ROLL OFF OF THE TABLE, BUT BRO WASN’T FAST ENOUGH!!!! HANS GRAYSON JUST FLEW INTO DRAKE ARMSTRONG WITH THE DIVING SPLASH, AS BOTH DUDES JUST CRASHED THROUGH OUR TABLE!!!!!!
(Hans Grayson isn’t even capable of moving after what he just did, just lying motionless on top of Drake Armstrong, who is unconscious and also isn’t able to move. The crowd has completely come alive for this as their cheers are the only thing heard in the Rogers Centre, and in an attempt to keep pushing Hans, they begin to chant for him, just as they did at the beginning of the match.)
Crowd: FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!! FI-RE HEART!!!!!
(Hans is slowly able to come to his senses, but this unfortunately causes all of the pain he was feeling to kick in again as well. Hans slowly rolls off of Drake Armstrong, still holding his arm. All Hans can even do at this point is force himself into a seated position, contemplating what his next move could actually be in the condition he’s in.)
Rich Russillo: This match has certainly taken a toll on Hans, and it’s this that I have to give Drake credit for. Drake may be most known for his manipulative and opportunistic tendencies, but he can absolutely be one of EAW’s most dangerous Elitists. If anything, his mind is just part of the reason for that.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s true, but that may also be part of the reason dude’s in the mess he’s in right now! He’s pushed Hans both mentally and physically, and I think we’re seeing now that when Hans’ back is against the wall, you get the best version of Hans Grayson!
Persephone: Well I don’t really care. Hans just pulled himself over to the ring before taking out what anyone could guess is a bag of thumbtacks, and he just sends it into the ring. Now he’s using the apron to get back up before finally going after Drake Armstrong, who’s just barely starting to move.
Rich Russillo: Hans used his good arm to slowly muscle Drake up, and I have to say, it must be exhausting for Hans to be incapable of using one of his arms, especially given how long it’s been like this. Still, he’s fighting, and he sends Drake into the ring before following behind as quickly as he can at this point.
(By the time Drake rolls into the ring, he has enough consciousness to at least try moving. He has no choice. He has to start crawling, away from Hans Grayson of all people. Not only to get to the other side of the ring, but to get his hands on the item Hans just brought into the match. The thumbtacks are just out of his reach, but as humiliating as it may feel to have to crawl away from Hans, Drake knows this could be what saves him.)
(Unfortunately for Drake, by the time he manages to pull the bag towards himself, Hans has already gotten back in the ring.)
Rich Russillo: HANS JUST STOMPED DRAKE’S FACE INTO THE BAG OF THUMBTACKS, JUST AS DRAKE OPENED IT!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE JUST WENT FACE FIRST INTO THOSE THUMBTACKS!! IT’S NOT OFTEN WE SEE THE TACKS COME INTO PLAY BEFORE THEY’VE EVEN BEEN LET OUTTA THE BAG, BUT I THINK DRAKE MIGHTA SET HIMSELF UP FOR THAT ONE! HANS GRABS ONTO DRAKE’S ARM WITH HIS GOOD ARM, PULLING IT BACK SO THAT DRAKE IS PRETTY MUCH TRAPPED IN PLACE!
(STOMP!)
(STOMP!)
(STOMP!)
Persephone: AND HE JUST STARTS REPEATEDLY STOMPING DRAKE’S FACE INTO THE THUMBTACKS!! SOME OF THEM SPILL OUT OF THE BAG, BUT A LOT OF THEM ARE GETTING STUCK TO DRAKE’S FACE!!!
Rich Russillo: HANS TURNS DRAKE OVER AND GRABS THE BAG BY THE BOTTOM, TURNING IT OVER AND RELEASING ALL OF THE THUMBTACKS ONTO THE MAT!!! DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS HOLDING HIS FACE IN PAIN, TRYING AS HARD AS HE CAN TO GET OUT OF THE RING!
(Drake slowly is able to pull himself towards the edge of the ring, trying as hard as he can just to find an opening, a path of escape, or anything he can use to get himself out of this. Still, he’s unable to find that.)
Thadd Blazevich: AS SOON AS DRAKE GOT TOWARDS THE ROPES HANS STOMPED ON HIS BACK- AND NOW HANS PULLS DRAKE UP BY HIS HAIR BEFORE PRESSING THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD AGAINST THE BARBED WIRE!! DRAKE’S HEAD IS PRESSED AGAINST THE BARBED WIRE, AND NOW HANS BEGINS TO REPEATEDLY STOMP ON HIS HEAD, JUST FURTHER PRESSING HIS FACE INTO THE BARBED WIRE OVER AND OVER AGAIN BEFORE FINALLY PULLING DRAKE OFF OF THE BOTTOM ROPE, BRINGING HIM BACK UP-
Persephone: DRAKE SWINGS AT HANS WITH THE ARMSTRONG RING!!
Rich Russillo: BUT THAT DESPERATE MOVE DIDN’T WORK!!! HANS DUCKED UNDER IT, AND NOW A ROUNDHOUSE KICK FLOORS DRAKE, DROPPING HIM BACK FIRST ONTO THE THUMBTACKS!!!!
(Hans Grayson stumbles, falling back into the corner as his own fatigue nearly sends him into the barbed wire boards. Hans is able to stop himself, and he just watches as Drake yells out in pain, squirming and trying to get off of the pile of thumbtacks. At this point, it seems Drake Armstrong is finally out of options. The ring is no longer a factor, and after the splash through the table he’s in no shape to try to overpower Hans, even with Hans only capable of using one arm.)
(All that’s left is for Hans to deliver the finishing blow, and he’s finally realized that with the shape his arm is in, there’s only one move he can perform right now.)
(The same move that got him the Interwire Championship.)
(The same move that allowed Hans Grayson to defeat Drake Armstrong at this same event, just two years ago.)
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong is slowly pushing himself up, using what may be his last bit of strength just to try and stand one last time. I don’t even think he knows where he is right now, as his back is to the challenger, who seems to be gearing up for something big!
Thadd Blazevich: IT’S MORE THAN SOMETHING BIG, BRO!!! HANS IS CHARGING IN, AND HE’S LOOKING TO REPEAT HISTORY!!!
Persephone: # HIGH HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!
(…)
(…)
(…)
(…)
Rich Russillo: # NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST TURNED RIGHT BEFORE HANS COULD TO FOR THE SOMERSAULT UNPRETTIER, AND DUDE JUST KICKED HANS RIGHT BELOW THE BELT!!!! DRAKE JUST LOW BLOWED HANS!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE WASN’T OUT OF OPTIONS!!! HE GOT HIS OPENING, AND IT WAS BY PREVENTING HANS FROM LANDING A MOVE DRAKE ALREADY KNOWS FROM EXPERIENCE IS CAPABLE OF GETTING THE JOB DONE!!!! HANS JUST CRUMBLED TO HIS KNEES, AND I THINK THAT ONE KICK MIGHT’VE DRAINED THE LIFE OUT OF THE ROGERS CENTRE!!!
(Drake Armstrong rolls out of the ring, taking off his ring and putting it on the apron as Hans falls onto the mat. By this point, Hans is more shocked than anything else, unable to believe that he gave Drake an opportunity like this. He does everything he can to keep going. To keep fighting, to push himself back to his feet one more time, but by the time he’s able to do that…)
(CRACK!)
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE JUST SMASHED HIS EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INTO HANS’ FACE!!!!
Persephone: I BET HANS IS FEELING DEJA VU RIGHT NOW!! DRAKE DID THAT TO HIM LIKE A THOUSAND TIMES A FEW WEEKS AGO, AND HE DID THE SAME TO ASHLYNN QUINN WHEN SHE TRIED TO SAVE HIM!!!
Rich Russillo: YEAH, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL DRAKE DID TO HER!! DRAKE DROPS HIS CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE DRAGGING HANS UP, DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN TO POWER HANS UP INTO HIS ARMS ONE LAST TIME AS HE AIMS TO FORCE HANS TO FACE THE SAME FATE SHE DID, AND RETAIN HIS EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DEATH PENALTY ONTO THE THUMBTACKS!!!!
Persephone: HANS WAS JUST DROPPED HEAD FIRST ONTO THE THUMBTACKS, AND THERE’S NO SMILE OR TAUNT COMING FROM DRAKE THIS TIME, PROBABLY BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE ONLY BARELY GOT PAST HANS!! DRAKE TURNS HIM OVER AND JUST FALLS ONTO HIM FOR THE COVER, AND THAT’S IT!!! THIS IDIOT ACTUALLY BLEW IT! HE FAILED HIS CASH-IN IN THE MAIN EVENT OF PAIN FOR PRIDE!!!!
Rich Russillo: I HATE TO SAY IT, BUT THAT’S IT!!! THIS ONE IS OVER!!!!
OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: NO WAY!!! THERE’S NO WAY!!!!!
Persephone: :comeagain:
Rich Russillo: # HANS GRAYSON KICKED OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(For the first time in this match, Drake Armstrong actually looks dejected. Everything he could’ve had left went into that, and still, it wasn’t enough to take down the man who has been a thorn in his side throughout his entire career. Drake turns and looks at the referee, but the death stare he gives him isn’t enough to change the result. Hans Grayson is still in this match.)
Rich Russillo: This match has truly been unreal. Drake Armstrong sat up, and he just shook his head, in complete disbelief knowing that STILL, Hans Grayson refuses to go down! Hans is at a severe disadvantage tonight. He’s unable to use his usual array of finishing moves, and thanks to that Drake has had every attempt to go out of the box scouted. Still, even with Hans’ inability to even TRY ending this one, Drake hasn’t had any better luck strictly thanks to the resilience of his opponent tonight!
Thadd Blazevich: Drakey rolls outta the ring before stumbling over towards that duffle bag, picking it up before heading over towards the steel steps. Bro looks beyond exhausted, but he walks up the steel steps before just dumping the duffle bag into the ring, letting everything inside of it spill out!
Persephone: Drake drops off of the steps before sliding back into the ring to avoid the barbed wire ropes. He pulls the upside down duffle bag off of the pile and tosses it aside, and wow, there’s some really nice stuff in there.
(Box cutters, razor blades, pairs of scissors, an entire roll of barbed wire, sharp nails, pilers, a steel chain and so much more are revealed in the pile. Drake doesn’t immediately go for any of the items in the pile now however, as he instead picks up his World Championship, before crouching down and dragging Hans up to his knees by his chin as his frustration quickly bubbles over, turning into full blown rage.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) Did you really believe that you could win..? That I’d allow you to steal this Championship from me, THAT I’D EVER LET SUCH AN IMPOTENT, FOOLISH SYCOPHANT USURP THE THRONE OF YOUR KING!?
(There is no response from Hans, not that this is unexpected in the condition he’s in. Drake furiously just turns Hans’ head, forcing him even in his dazed state to look at the fans in attendance. Hans slowly regains consciousness as this happens, giving him the chance to study the crowd, taking notice of all the people present tonight who were hoping to see him pull off the victory. Something seems to catch Hans’ eye during this, but it is quickly drowned out as Drake continues to speak.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) Look at them, Feebleheart. I warned you that they’d do nothing for you. There is nobody to save you from the disgrace you brought upon yourself.
Rich Russillo: NO NO NO!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE IS DRAGGING HANS OVER TO THE PILE LEFT FROM THE DUFFLE BAG- NO DUDE, DRAKE STOP!
Persephone: DRAKE JUST STARTS BASHING HANS’ FACE INTO THE PILE, SENDING HANS FACE FIRST INTO THE RAZOR BLADES, THE ROLL OF BARBED WIRE, AND WHATEVER OTHER AMAZINGLY SHARP OBJECTS DRAKE PUT IN THERE!!! DRAKE IS JUST ON A MISSION TO FINALLY DESTROY HANS ONCE AND FOR ALL RIGHT NOW, AND PERSONALLY I’M ALL FOR IT!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE GRABS THE ROLL OF BARBED WIRE AFTER ALL THAT, AND NOW HE PULLS HANS’ BAD ARM UP BEFORE WRAPPING THE BARBED WIRE AROUND IT, AND PULLING BACK ON THE BARBED WIRE FOR A MODIFIED FUJIWARA ARMBAR, RIGHT ON TOP OF THE PILE!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS GRAYSON IS LITERALLY BEING TORTURED RIGHT NOW DUDES!! I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW HE STILL HAS A VOICE LEFT TO SCREAM OUT IN PAIN LIKE THIS AFTER EVERYTHING HE’S BEEN THROUGH TONIGHT!! THIS IS JUST UNREAL, IT’S WAY TOO MUCH FOR ANY PERSON TO TAKE!!
Persephone: WE SAW DRAKE DO STUFF LIKE THIS ALL THROUGHOUT HIS REIGN- BUT IT WAS NEVER THIS INTERESTING!! I MEAN, HANS’ ARM WAS LITERALLY SLICED OPEN FROM THE TRICEPS AGES AGO AND NOW HE HAS BARBED WIRE DIGGING INTO HIS OPEN WOUND!! I ALMOST DON’T WANT HANS TO TAP JUST SO THIS CAN CONTINUE!!
Rich Russillo: WELL IT LOOKS LIKE HANS IS WILLING TO GIVE YOU THAT MUCH, BUT WILL IT MATTER!?!! THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH PAIN A HUMAN CAN TAKE!! THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH SUFFERING HANS CAN ENDURE BEFORE HIS BODY SHUTS DOWN ON HIM, AND HE HAS TO BE NEARING THAT THRESHOLD SOON!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE CONTINUES TO PULL BACK ON THE BARBED WIRE WITH THE LEFT HAND, BEFORE USING THE RIGHT TO GRAB HANS BY THE HAIR, LIFTING HIS HEAD UP BEFORE SMASHING HIS FACE INTO THE PILE OF BLADES AGAIN!! DUDE RELENTED ON THE SUBMISSION A BIT LITERALLY JUST TO DO A BIT MORE DAMAGE, AND NOW HE GOES RIGHT BACK TO PULLING HIS ARM BACK WITH BOTH HANDS!!
(Hans could pretty much feel time running out at this point. It’s not just a matter of not wanting to give up anymore. He’s been losing blood for the majority of this match at a severe rate. The arm that Drake Armstrong is targeting was brutally attacked, thanks to its pre-existing injury.)
(Drake knew his weakness from the moment the match began, because it was a weakness he created. From the moment Hans’ arm was broken at Road to Redemption Hans knew his biggest goal had become taking down Drake Armstrong, but ultimately, that path would only lead him back into Armstrong’s hands.)
(Hans grit through the pain, pressing his good arm down and raising his head just enough, giving one last look at the crowd. Staring at the thousands of people who had been through it all with Hans. The people who, like him, were waiting to see His Immaculacy fall.)
(STAB)
Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON JUST PICKED UP A PAIR OF SCISSORS, AND HE STABBED THEM INTO DRAKE’S ARM!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE IMMEDIATELY LETS GO OF THE SUBMISSION AS HANS RIPS OUT THE SCISSORS- BUT HE DOESN’T STOP THERE!!! HANS BEGINS TO RELENTLESSLY STAB DRAKE WITH THE SCISSORS, LANDING SHOTS TO THE SHOULDER, THE BACK, WHEREVER HE CAN GO AS DRAKE TRIES ROLLING OUT OF THE RING!!
Persephone: AND LOOK AT HANS!! DRAKE MUST’VE SCREWED HIS HEAD UP PRETTY BADLY, BECAUSE HANS STARTED PULLING THE BARBED WIRE ROLL OFF OF HIS INJURED ARM, JUST ENOUGH TO PULL IT AROUND DRAKE’S THROAT JUST AS HE ROLLED OUT TO HIS FEET!!! HANS PULLS BACK, AND NOW HE’S LITERALLY STRANGLING DRAKE ARMSTRONG WITH BARBED WIRE, HOLDING ONTO ONE END WITH HIS GOOD ARM AND LETTING THE REST STAY ON THE USELESS ARM!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE IS PANICKING!!! I DON’T THINK HE EXPECTED THINGS TO GET AS BAD AS THEY DID!! HE THOUGHT HE WAS SECONDS AWAY FROM HANS TAPPING OUT OR PASSING OUT!!! SECONDS AWAY FROM VICTORY, AND NOW BARBED WIRE IS DIGGING INTO HIS THROAT!!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE IS FORCES TO USE HIS ADVANTAGE IN SIZE AND POWER, SLOWLY BUT SURELY DRAGGING HANS OVER THE BOTTOM “ROPE”, FORCING BRO TO SCRAPE HIS ENTIRE MIDSECTION ACROSS THE BARBED WIRE AS HE IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING!!!
Persephone: BUT HANS DOESN’T LET GO!!!
Rich Russillo: HANS WAS PULLED OUT OF THE RING AND LANDED ON HIS FEET, SO HE JUST CONTINUES STRANGLING DRAKE WITH THE BARBED WIRE!! DRAKE IS FORCED TO DO WHATEVER HE CAN TO SURVIVE RIGHT NOW, BACKPEDALING INTO THE APRON IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET HANS OFF OF HIM!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS STILL DOESN’T LET GO!!! HE MIGHT JUST CUT BRO’S THROAT OPEN IF THEY’RE NOT CAREFUL!!
Persephone: DRAKE STEPS FORWARD BEFORE SENDING HANS INTO THE APRON A SECOND TIME, BUT HANS IS MOVING LIKE A MAN POSSESSED RIGHT NOW!!! HE JUST WON’T LET GO, DESPITE ALL THE PAIN HE’S LITERALLY INFLICTING ON HIMSELF!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE STUMBLES AROUND, AND IN A LAST DITCH EFFORT HE BEGINS TO STUMBLE BACKWARDS ONCE AGAIN-
(THUD!)
Rich Russillo: AND THIS TIME BOTH MEN CRASH INTO AND TUMBLE OVER THE STEEL STEPS, FORCING THE CHOKE TO BE RELEASED!!!!
(Both men crash onto the ringside floor, and immediately all of the pain they had powered through tonight hits them like a truck. They both are spent, resting on opposite sides of the now knocked over steel steps.)
(Drake Armstrong is slowly coming to, and there’s a look of concern on his face that he never had beforehand. He didn’t have the ring on him anymore. All of the weapons he brought into the match are in the ring, and the man who has been a nuisance to him throughout his entire career still just won’t die.)
(Drake uses the apron to try to pull himself up, but in the process, he stops.)
(For just one moment, one moment too long Drake stops and glances at a specific, nearby crowd, giving a look unrecognizable by the fans in attendance. The crowd couldn’t tell exactly what was on Drake’s mind this late in the match. There was only one thing they could tell.)
(For once, Drake Armstrong miscalculated.)
Rich Russillo: FLAMING PUNCH!!
Thadd Blazevich: WITH THE BARBED WIRE WRAPPED AROUND HIS FIST!!!!
(While both men were laid out, Hans chose to keep pushing through the pain, removing the rest of the barbed wire roll before pushing the hand of his good arm into it. Drake underestimated Hans. He expected him to stay down longer. He expected him to avoid any more damage to his injured arm, just as he’d been doing for the majority of this match…)
(But he did not expect what would come next.)
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong fell against the apron after that punch, and now Hans just turns Drake over, leaning his back against the apron before-
Thadd Blazevich: JUST DRIVING HIS BARBED WIRE COVERED FIST INTO DRAKE’S FACE AGAIN!!! HANS WITH A NASTY PUNCH WITH THE BARBED WIRE- AND NOW HE DOES IT AGAIN!!!!
(And again.)
(And again.)
(And again.)
(And he doesn’t stop, just endlessly raining punches down into Drake’s face, putting everything he has into them. More than he has possibly anything else in his career.)
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
(THUD!)
Rich Russillo: :lupe:
(Hans was done letting Drake find ways out of danger. He was done letting Drake get the last laugh, and most of all he was done letting Drake step on everyone else. Hans didn’t just want to hurt Drake. He wanted to end him, so he keeps going. Punches after punches connect with Drake’s face, and the barbed wire just tears away at him with every single connection until eventually…)
(SMASH!)
(SMASH!)
(SMASH!)
(At this point the previously loud, excited cheers start to quiet down a bit. Even the Canadian crowd, the one firmly behind Hans Grayson, is a bit taken aback by what they’re seeing. Drake Armstrong’s face is being completely battered right now, to the point of the sound made with each punch being enough to disgust the fans close enough to hear it. Eventually Hans slows down, and he grabs Drake by the head, bringing him close as he says just a few words.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) What was it you said, Drake?… That I lacked killer instinct?… That I was weak because I didn’t treat everyone like trash…? Because I have people I care about…?
(Another punch follows these words.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Fine. Think what you want, but you’re not without your weaknesses either then, are you Drake!?
(Drake is sent tumbling into the barricade.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) ARE YOU!?
(Drake at this point wants to be furious, but doesn’t even have the strength for that much. His fight is gone. He can only wait as Hans walks over. Not just for Drake Armstrong… But for a particular person seated in the front row. One Drake couldn’t help but glance at the moment he sensed this match falling apart.)
(Right behind Drake, in the front row of the crowd was a woman. Hans had seen her earlier, back when Drake forced him to stare at the audience. However, it was now that Hans was certain about who she is, and seeing the concern that’s on face at the moment only made him all the more furious, turning Drake over so that he’s given no choice but to stare at the worried woman.)
(The woman was Jazlyne Zidane, otherwise known as Arowa Sainte. Drake Armstrong’s girlfriend.)
(Arowa was nothing like Drake. She never would’ve manipulated Hans for as long as Drake did. She never would’ve broken his arm, or tortured him for as long as Drake has. She never would’ve attacked Hans’ loved ones, because despite the relationship she has with Drake, that’s just not the kind of person she is. She’s kind, compassionate, caring to the point of doing even the little things such as drawing hearts on Drake for good luck and just generally doting on him v. When it comes to her personality she is in every way Armstrong’s polar opposite.)
(But right now Hans Grayson couldn’t care less.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Look at him. LOOK AT THIS PIECE OF SHIT!
(Hans grabbed her by the hair, pulling her to the barricade with his good arm, still covered in barbed wire. Arowa is a nervous wreck at this point, both because of the heated nature of this confrontation, and because of the battered state of Drake Armstrong.)
(Hans lets go of Arowa, but only so he can deliver a clubbing blow to the back of Drake’s head, with the barbed wire still wrapped around his arm.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) IS THIS WHAT HE PROMISED YOU!? IS THIS WHAT YOU CAME HERE TO SEE!?
(Another one connected, and before long he just started battering his opponent once more, all while the fans watched in near silence.)
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) WELL LOOK AT HIM NOW AROWA! LOOK AT HIM!!!
(Arowa’s eyes start to water, knowing that there isn’t anything she can do right now, and she’s just being forced to watch as the man she loves is effectively tortured.)
(Hans has no intention of stopping. He knows the match can’t be won on the outside, but he doesn’t care. He’s out for blood. He’s ready to kill Drake, and he’s willing to do it with his own hands, right in front of Arowa. Forearms, punches, whatever he can muster up with the one good arm he has continues to rain down on the back of Drake’s head relentlessly.)
(Arowa is pretty much begging Hans to stop at this point, telling him that the match is over, that Drake is done, and pretty much anything she can to at least try to get Hans off of him, but he doesn’t listen. He doesn’t care. All he cares about is giving Drake a taste of his own medicine, as he bashes Drake’s head open.)
(Again…)
(And again…)
(And again…)
(And again…)
(Until…)
(He stopped.)
(Maybe it was the horrified look on Arowa’s face, a look he wasn’t used to seeing. Maybe it was the concerned, uncertain reception of the crowd, which was unusual for him, especially in Canada. He couldn’t help it. It was against his better judgement, so much so that it hit him right as he was on the verge of hitting another blow. He had to fight the urge to continue, just letting out a yell as he slams his fist onto the barricade. Truthfully, he didn’t want to stop. He knows Drake is done and that finally he’s out of options, but he wasn’t going to be satisfied. Right now, he probably wasn’t going to be satisfied until Drake was in the ground…)
(But he refused to let Drake Armstrong destroy who he is.)
(Hans was no stranger to having a mean streak when needed. It was in the build up to his last match against Drake at this very event where Hans attacked Drake’s butler, but this…? This was different, and it reminds him of everything Drake has told him. For the past year Drake mocked him for his methods, and tried everything he could to lead him to believe that he was wrong for not being as ruthless and cutthroat as the Champion. The last thing he was going to do was be like the man who brought this side out of him to begin with.)
(He didn’t need to make Drake suffer aimlessly. He didn’t need to traumatize Arowa or anyone else to humiliate Drake. He didn’t even need to kill Drake, no matter how much it may be deserved. There’s only one thing he needed to do, and he knew exactly what that was.)
Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson just sent Drake Armstrong back into the ring, and that woman in the front row there, the woman he’s walking away from, that’s Arowa Sainte. Hans was clearly furious about everything Drake had done and wanted one of Drake’s- likely few, loved ones to see firsthand what the consequences of his actions were. However… I think Hans had second thoughts. I think he wants to end this his way.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, but… I thought we’ve been over this? How is bro actually going to win in the condition he’s in?
(It took time, but the crowd applauded Hans for finally cooling his head. Drake began to stir meanwhile, and needless to say, he couldn’t believe it. The humiliation, the lengths Hans went just to hurt him, even going as far as to involve Arowa in this, all while he has no method of counterattack. It wasn’t what Drake prepared for. Not at all. All year long, Drake got what he wanted. Every plan was a success. Everything always went his way. Even the rage Hans has put on display tonight should have been to Drake’s benefit. It’d have only been a matter of time before he found an opening just like before, but instead he’s here. Stuck in the ring with nowhere to go, because Hans refused to lose sight of who he is.)
(He overcame all of the punishment Drake inflicted. He exhausted Drake’s stockpile of weapons and tricks, and now in the end Drake was even unable to finally make Hans snap, and do what he promised from the start: Leave Hans Grayson a permanent shell of his former self.)
(In every way possible, Drake was defeated.)
Drake Armstrong: -# (off-mic) No… No, this isn’t…
(He can’t even finish his words. His eyes dart towards Arowa Sainte, but before he could even finish his thought his view is blocked, as Hans Grayson painfully pulls himself onto the apron, having to use the barbed wire in place of the ropes to do so.)
(It’s as if at this moment, Drake was able to remind himself exactly who he was dealing with.)
(The man who allowed Drake to use him for six months. The man who Drake was able to remove from Voltage entirely with a broken arm. The man Drake was personally able to witness lose against Kai Rabeaux and Cody Maverick upon returning. The man who Drake himself laid out alongside Ashlynn Quinn, with the warning that he’d suffer a crueler fate than ever on this very night. The man who, as far as Drake knew, would never have the strength needed to finish the job.)
(Drake Armstrong laughed.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) Do you really think… You proved anything? I’m still here, Feebleheart… You can’t beat me. Not this time… Not now…
(The fans boo, but Hans doesn’t respond. He just gives the crowd one more look, one a lot more focused than previously.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) Your arm is hanging on by a thread… You’re too weak, Hans Grayson… Too weak to do to me what I did to you and your dear Ashlynn Quinn… Too weak to kill me while the opportunity was yours… Too weak for any of your efforts to mean anything.
(Drake began pushing himself back to his feet, regaining the confidence he was known for. The ego that built the career he has today. He was certain Hans was bluffing. That he had no more tricks up his sleeve, and could truly do nothing to end him.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) You will… Learn… Your place.
(…)
(…)
(…)
(But once again, he was wrong.)
Rich Russillo: # BURNING SHOT LARIAT!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!? HANS GRAYSON, HE JUST… HE JUST FORCED HIMSELF TO USE HIS INJURED ARM, GRABBING ONTO THE BARBED WIRE JUST FOR THE SAKE OF SLINGSHOTTING HIMSELF INTO THE RING AND LANDING THE BURNING SHOT LARIAT!!! IS BRO TRYING TO DAMAGE HIS ARM BEYOND REPAIR!?!?
(This move brings back the cheers that had previously died down, as neither the fans nor Armstrong expected Hans to be willing to do this after his reluctance the entire match. Hans Grayson was in pain, more than ever before after what he just did to himself. Sacrificing his already hurt arm was stupid and he knew it, but he knew that at this point, it was the only way to surprise Drake. The only way to finally bring him down, and that’s all that mattered.)
Persephone: LOOK!! THAT BARBED WIRE IS STILL WRAPPED AROUND HIS GOOD ARM!!! THAT WAS A BARBED WIRE ASSISTED BURNING SHOT LARIAT, AND NOW HANS USES EVERYTHING HE HAS LEFT TO MUSCLE DRAKE UP, PULLING HIM TO THE PILE OF BLADES!!!
(Hans fought through the pain in a way very few ever could. He could barely even get a good grip on Drake’s wrist with his injured arm, but it was enough to hold onto him, and that was all he needed. All he needed to end this, once and for all.)
Rich Russillo: # IMPERIAL FLAME!!!!!!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: THE IMPERIAL FLAME CONNECTS, AND NOW AFTER DRIVING DRAKE FACE FIRST INTO A WHOLE HILL OF RAZORS AND SHARP OBJECTS, HANS TURNS HIM OVER WITH HIS GOOD ARM!!
Rich Russillo: AND HANS LAYS ON TOP OF DRAKE FOR THE COVER, TO END OUR TWELFTH BARBED WIRE MASSACRE!!!!!!!!!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AAAANNNNNNDDDDD NNNEEEEEEWWWWW EAW WORLD CHAMPION… HHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSS GGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYSSSSOOOOONNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
(The crowd completely explodes, giving the loudest cheers they’re physically capable of giving. ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ begins to play once more, but it barely makes a difference. The cheers are overpowering, as FINALLY, Drake Armstrong has been dethroned. Finally Drake’s dominance has come to an end, and at the hands of the man he has abused all season long. The hands of Canada’s own, Hans Grayson.)
Rich Russillo: HE DID IT!!! HE DID IT, HANS GRAYSON DID IT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT BRO!! WE’RE HERE, WE FINALLY MADE IT!!! HANS GRAYSON IS OUR EAW WORLD CHAMPION!!!
Persephone: Wow. Evil finally died.
Rich Russillo: All season long Drake Armstrong has, without question, been one of the most terrible individuals EAW has had to offer! Not just because of how cruel he can be, but because of how effective his methods are! Drake has constantly gotten his way and even in THIS match things were playing into his favor, but in the end all that brought a side out of Hans that he didn’t expect. One that might’ve gotten him to cross a line.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, but in the end bro got his head back where it needed to be, and focused on how he can win this match and take what he knows Drake cares most about. Unfortunately for him, doing so meant making some serious use of the arm Drake pretty much tore apart tonight.
(Hans Grayson hasn’t moved since the match came to an end, still too exhausted to do so. Still, medical personnel are making their way down to ringside, for both men. The referee picks the EAW World Championship up off of the mat for Hans Grayson, waiting as Hans slowly starts to come to, finding the strength just to sit up.)
Rich Russillo: Tonight, Hans was in a battle against many things. It wasn’t just Drake Armstrong. It was both his rage, and his arm injury. Everything Drake used against Hans all season long came into play both to Drake’s benefit and detriment tonight, but ultimately he was able to conquer both of those things, and thanks to that we have a NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION!!!
Thadd Blazevich: I’m so glad to see this, dude. Hans Grayson deserves this so much, and bro, I’d say it all paid off! He made the tough choice to cash-in in advance, and HE DID IT! He actually won the title!
Persephone: Yeah… It would’ve been funny if he lost, though.
(Hans Grayson slowly uses his good arm to push himself to a knee, before finally standing up on his feet. He is finally handed the EAW World Championship, and out of consideration for his injury the referee doesn’t raise his other hand, instead leaving Hans to raise his Championship in the air with his barbed wire covered hand. The cheers grow even louder, as Hans finally holds a World Championship.)
(During all this Drake Armstrong has remained unconscious, and is helped out of the ring by medical personnel. The camera briefly flashes to Arowa Sainte, who is saddened by what she just watched Armstrong go through. She’s forced to watch as Drake is lowered down to a seated position, and the personnel continue to check on him.)
Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson and Drake Armstrong have been through just about everything together. I think it’s safe to say that they’re each other’s biggest enemies thus far, but if you ask me? This is about as definitive of an ending as we can get to this chapter, at least for now.
Thadd Blazevich: Heavy on the “for now”. Don’t forget, Pain for Pride Kingdom was a while ago but that didn’t stop this whole season from happening. Drake Armstrong is a scary dude, so I think it won’t be long before he gets back to the top.
Rich Russillo: You’re right, but tonight is Hans’ night, and I think Hans deserves to enjoy it.
(Hans Grayson slowly rolls out of the ring. He takes a moment to rest against the apron, before finally heading towards the barricade. He allows the fans to walk up to him as he raises his World Championship one more time, finally having the opportunity to truly embrace the support of the Toronto fans now that the battle is over. After everything he went through from the very beginning of the season, it’s relieving. He’s glad to finally be free of Drake Armstrong. To finally be able to escape the prison he’s been in all year, and of course, to be able to freely enjoy the feeling of his hard work… Now that he can finally call himself World Champion.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
