(EAW intro plays.)
(The camera opens up, and as always a recap is shown. The video package contains highlights of last week’s Voltage, and as it ends, the camera fades to the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. There, pyro is seen shooting from the stage, and in attendance are thousands of fans excited for tonight’s Voltage. Following this the camera transitions to the commentary team, where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen as usual.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen… Welcome to the FINAL Sunday Night Voltage before Bloodsport! I can’t wait, Voltage’s first marquee event of the season is finally here!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, it’s gonna be radical. I can just tell. It feels good being around to see Bloodsport happen, ‘cause from the looks of it we got some insane matches coming this year.
Persephone: And thankfully, we’re about to learn the remaining stipulations tonight. At least something good is gonna come out of tonight.
(‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE hits, causing cheers to come from the crowd as the camera pans towards the stage. Raven Roberts begins walking out to the stage, and she can be seen carrying a microphone in her hand. She doesn’t bother looking towards the crowd tonight, focusing solely on making her way towards the ring before her World Championship match at Bloodsport.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes Raven Roberts, who as we know is challenging for the EAW World Championship at Bloodsport. Things got a bit heated last week, but still, I have to imagine these two have at least some sort of underlying respect for each other beneath all of the passion.
Thadd Blazevich: Maybe so, but we haven’t exactly been seeing that, bro. It almost feels like they’re trying to stop themselves from going too far, maybe because they’re saving everything for the Cage of Death. We even saw things seriously start to bubble over last week with that big fight.
Persephone: Well whatever is going on, I hope it ends ASAP. I’m tired of watching encounters between them end without blood, it doesn’t leave me with much faith ahead of a Bloodsport World title match.
(Raven Roberts makes her way down to ringside, approaching the steel steps as she walks up and enters the ring. Raven walks into the middle of the ring, and her entrance music begins to fade out as she stares at the crowd, finally beginning to speak.)
Raven Roberts: It has been a very long time since I’ve held a World Championship. 2020 was the year that I lost my last, and at that time, a majority of the current roster was not even in this company. That of course, includes the current Champion, Hans Grayson. I try not to be someone who allows the past to haunt them. I don’t have any intentions of reliving past glory, but rather create new moments, and add to an already Hall of Fame legacy. I warned Hans that he wouldn’t be ready for what’s to come. That the challenge on his hands isn’t something he’ll be able to handle. He doesn’t believe it, and that’s fine. I don’t expect to ever face an opponent who expects to lose, so that’s not my problem. My problem is that Hans doesn’t seem to understand just how much it means to me that I manage to win my second World Championship, and his inability to understand the weight of this match is exactly what’s going to leave him crushed by the time our match in the Cage of Death is over.
(Raven keeps a calm look on her face as she says this, not allowing any of the tension from last week to show any visible effect on her as she continues.)
Raven Roberts: I expect Hans to give this his all, just as he did at Pain for Pride. I understand that he’s the kind of Elitist willing to fight through any punishment inflicted to him, but at Bloodsport he is going to deal with a problem he didn’t have at Pain for Pride, and it’s an opponent who actually recognizes this. I’m not overlooking Hans, nor underestimating him. I saw what he achieved. I know how big of a threat he is, and I will pick him apart piece by piece until getting back up is no longer an option for him. That is-
(‘The Leaving Song’ Pt. II hits.)
Rich Russillo: Well wait a second! It looks like Hans Grayson isn’t wasting any time!
(Raven Roberts looks towards the stage, slightly annoyed, but not entirely surprised to see Hans Grayson walking out. He is carrying his Championship on his shoulder and holding a microphone in his hand. His eyes are focused solely on his Bloodsport opponent tonight as he begins walking down the ramp.)
Thadd Blazevich: I can’t say I blame him, bro. Things were getting serious last week, and it even broke out into a big brawl between the two that security had to get involved with. I don’t blame the dude for having something to say after that.
Persephone: Well I do, because the last thing I want right now is to have to see Hans Grayson.
Rich Russillo: Whatever the case, I can’t imagine he’s too happy with his Bloodsport opponent.
(Hans Grayson climbs onto the apron before entering the ring. His entrance music fades out as he walks up to Raven, and he just slowly nods, beginning to speak.)
Hans Grayson: I apologize for interrupting you Raven, but I’ve been thinking about everything that happened last week, and after hearing you speak right now I just can’t shake the feeling… You’re lying. You want to believe that you’re different. That rather than underestimating me you just figured out the exact key to becoming World Champion, but that’s just what you have to tell yourself, isn’t it? That’s what you need to believe in order to convince yourself that becoming a World Champion again isn’t a task out of your reach. You need to convince yourself that I’m beatable, and to your credit, I never pretended to be invincible. I’ve been part of many matches that could have gone either way. Matches I even did end up losing… But…
(Hans shakes his head, letting out a sigh before he continues.)
Hans Grayson: “Picking me apart”? Leaving me crushed? You’ve been leaving me with these threats for weeks now and I get where you’re coming from, but you keep throwing them at me under the impression that I’ve never been in these kinds of situations. That I haven’t been challenged in a way similar to what you plan to bring to the table. That’s not true Raven and you know it’s not because the war I went through at Pain for Pride is exactly what left me wondering if my arm would even be healed by Bloodsport, but you’re lying. Not to me, but to yourself. You know what this match means to you, and you know just how much it bothers you that you’re right back here even after all these chances. This is one of the biggest matches you’ve had in a very long time Raven, and you can’t afford to mess this up. You don’t need to worry about whether or not I can continue going down the road I’ve already been on for the past year. You need to worry about whether or not you can withstand the pressure of this match, because it’s not as if you haven’t had opportunities. You’ve had them. You just couldn’t do any of what you’re threatening to now.
(The fans cheer, but the look on Raven’s face doesn’t change hearing this from Hans. Instead she just waits, and seeing that he’s done speaking, she finally begins to respond.)
Raven Roberts: I know, and that was the problem. I didn’t bring everything I should have. I wasn’t as ruthless as I could’ve been. I know there was more I could’ve done. More I could’ve let out in order to become Universal Women’s Champion again, but that’s in the past. I can’t do anything about those past losses. All I can do is learn from them, and make sure I don’t make a single one of those mistakes against you. However far I need to go, whatever punishment I need to inflict, whatever lengths it takes for me to take that Championship off of your shoulder… It’ll be worth it. I don’t care for the respect right now, Hans. Not from you. Any doubts or concerns I may have had only further pushed me to do what I did at the Draft and at Bloodsport, like I said, I am going to do much worse. You can prepare for it or you can fall, but if you really believe interrupting me and putting yourself back in my path just to defend yourself was the correct move, I don’t believe you’re in any position to attempt to pick at insecurities.
Hans Grayson: Putting myself back in your path? Is that a threat?
Raven Roberts: It’s just reality, Hans. I attacked you at the Draft. We fought last week. You could have stayed in the back and made sure you walked into Bloodsport just as healthy as you said you were last week. Instead you took a risk, for a reason as petty as having hurt feelings. You don’t like that I’m doubting what you’re capable of surviving as a World Champion, but you keep forgetting that I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to have to face the best. The most dangerous. The most hungry. It’s not easy and it was never going to be, so I’m not warning you about what’s going to happen to intimidate you. I’m saying this to you because I know from experience that as bad as Pain for Pride may have been, it was only ever going to get worse from there.
(There is a brief moment of silence between the two Elitists after this, as Hans Grayson takes in everything that was just said to him, knowing that in a way, Raven is not wrong.)
Hans Grayson: I know. I know it was only to get worse, because I’ve seen the people that have held this Championship before me. Being a World Champion means stepping into a realm not everyone gets to say they’ve been to and actually managing to have a worthwhile reign is something even less have done, so I didn’t go into this expecting anything to come easy. I went into this knowing that I had to be my best, and that’s *exactly* why I’m not interested in sitting back and listening to you pretend that I don’t understand the stakes. This is my first Championship defense, Raven. If anyone understands the stakes, it’s me. The difference is, I don’t need to look down on your past or brush it off to make myself feel better. I know how great you can be, and I don’t doubt that you want this enough to beat a good amount of the people eyeing this title. I just don’t believe it’ll be enough to beat me, because as much as I love doing what I do, I’m not just entering these wars to have a good time. I’m entering them to win.
(The fans begin to cheer loudly, and Hans has a more focused look on his face as he stares at his challenger. Raven doesn’t say anything in response to this, but Hans is not finished.)
Hans Grayson: And as it stands, I know I have what it takes to win these wars. This isn’t just about believing in myself, Raven. I earned the right to be here, and it’ll take a lot more than your word to get me away from this Championship.
(Hans backs up a bit, and he goes to turn towards the ropes, but he immediately stops. He rethinks his choice, looking back at his opponent before he speaks once more.)
Hans Grayson: Now I could leave the ring but last time I did you tried to attack me, so I’m going to help you out and just ask. Where are we going with this?
(Hearing this, Raven just chuckles.)
Raven Roberts: I’m glad you asked.
(The smirk on her face drops, and with a cold face she walks over towards the Champion.)
Raven Roberts: I agree. I wasn’t thrilled about your interruption, but it’s true that words alone were never going to win me the Championship. As much as the meaning behind what I’m saying may matter, speaking with you isn’t going to be the deciding factor for our match at Bloodsport. What matters is again, how far I am willing to go to get the job done. Hans, I have been waiting years to become Champion again. I have not held a singles Championship of any kind since 2020 and as you said, I have had opportunities pass me by through no fault but my own. Opportunities I may have been able to capitalize on if I did things differently, and didn’t leave myself as open to failure as I was before. This is the kind of opportunity that means the world to me, and I am not going to settle for empty promises this time around. So, with that being said…
(Raven drops her microphone, causing a loud reaction to come from the crowd. She stares at Hans, and by this point, Hans has seen everything he needed to and understands the message. He drops his own microphone, and lowers his Championship before letting it drop to the mat. The cheers grow even louder, as an intense staredown happens between the two.)
Rich Russillo: Uh oh! I think these two both have the same idea, and given everything that has happened for the last few weeks, I don’t think we need to guess what that idea is!
Thadd Blazevich: I know, bro. There’s been a ton of tension between these two for a while now, and I think they’re both ready to just go at it!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW THERE IT IS!!! THE HOCKEY FIGHT BETWEEN HANS AND RAVEN BREAKS OUT, AND I THINK WE KNEW THIS WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN AS SOON AS BOTH OF THEM ENDED UP IN THE RING!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS IS ABLE TO GET THE BETTER OF RAVEN, CATCHING HER WITH A FOREARM THAT CAUSES RAVEN TO STUMBLE! RAVEN SWINGS AT HANS, BUT HANS DUCKS UNDER THE SWING BEFORE BOUNCING OFF THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH!!!!
Persephone: Raven stumbles towards the ropes, AND NOW HANS RUNS IN, CLOTHESLINING HER OVER THE TOP ROPE!!! Raven tumbles onto the ringside floor before starting to find her way back up. She looks like she doesn’t even know where she is. Maybe picking a fight was the wrong idea.
Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson grabs onto the ropes, and it looks like he has quite the idea! Raven is still dazed, AND NOW HANS FLIPS HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT TO RINGSIDE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: FOR THE BURNING SHOT LARIAT-
Rich Russillo: BUT WAIT A SECOND!!! RAVEN JUST CAUGHT HANS WITH A LOW BLOW, AND NOW SHE GRABS HANS BY THE BAD ARM BEFORE WRENCHING ON IT- AND PULLING HANS SHOULDER FIRST DOWN ONTO THE MAT!!!
(Hans Grayson pops up to a knee, and he immediately grabs onto his shoulder in pain. The fans are surprised by Raven hitting Hans with the low blow, as well as her attacking the arm. Raven has a colder look on her face as she stares at Hans, before quickly moving to act.)
(*CRASH!*)
Thadd Blazevich: OH NO, AND RAVEN THROWS HANS SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS, CAUSING THE STEPS TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION!!!! Raven said last week she didn’t mind if Hans entered Bloodsport at a hundred percent, but dude, she’s going right after the arm Hans had broken last year!
Persephone: It’s called not being stupid. Why would you NOT take the obvious advantage?
Rich Russillo: Raven drags Hans up before pulling him towards the ring post, moving his arm across the post from inside the ring! Raven extends his arm out, BEFORE SLAMMING IT INTO THE POST!!!! IF THERE WERE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT IT BEFORE, I THINK THEY CAN BE REMOVED NOW! RAVEN IS TARGETING THE ARM!!!
Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW SHE GRABS HANS AGAIN, BEFORE THIS TIME SENDING HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEPS!!!!
(Raven Roberts digs under the ring while Hans Grayson remains laid out on the floor, holding his head in pain with his good arm while keeping his bad arm close to him. Raven takes out a steel chair, walking towards arm before pulling his bad arm.)
Rich Russillo: UH OH!! RAVEN HAS A CHAIR, AND SHE SLIDES THE CHAIR ONTO HANS’ ARM BEFORE PLACING IT ONTO THE STEEL STEPS- AND NOW SHE STARTS STOMPING DOWN ON THE BAD ARM, JUST TRYING TO DESTROY HANS’ ARM AGAIN!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS TRIES TO PULL HIS ARM AWAY- BUT RAVEN JUST RESPONDS BY GRABBING HANS’ HEAD, SLAMMING IT INTO THE STEPS!!!
(Hans Grayson goes down, and Raven Roberts just looks down on him. Seeing that he is down, Raven turns around, beginning to head towards the ramp.)
(Until… She stops.)
(Raven turns around, noticing as Hans Grayson slowly attempts to drag himself up using the ring post. The fans cheer for Hans seeing him continue to will himself on, despite his arm being hurt and him having been sent head first into the steps. His movements are very lethargic, but he is slowly but surely able to drag himself up.)
Rich Russillo: Wait, no! I thought Raven had enough!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE’S RUNNING BACK DOWN TO RINGSIDE, AND I DON’T EVEN THINK HANS REALIZES WHAT’S COMING!!!
Persephone: TALON!!!!
Rich Russillo: RAVEN JUMPS ONTO THE TALON, LANDING A TALON THAT CRUSHES HANS’ HEAD AGAINST THE RING POST!!!! HANS COLLAPSES ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR, AND I THINK HE IS DOWN AND OUT!!!!
(Raven pulls herself up onto the apron, and she looks down to see that the steel chair is still wrapped around Hans’ arm. She thinks for a moment, as if debating her next action, before…)
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, COME ON!!!
Rich Russillo: RAVEN JUST JUMPED DOWN, LANDING A DIVING STOMP ONTO THE BAD ARM OF HANS!!! HANS’ ARM WAS JUST CRUSHED IN THAT CHAIR!!! COME ON, THAT’S MORE THAN ENOUGH!!!!
(Hans Grayson had been almost entirely knocked out by the Talon, but the pain from the stomp to the arm was enough to get a reaction, as the Champion screamed in pain, grabbing his arm. Raven just kicks Hans in the side of his head, dropping Hans back down onto the floor. The fans by this point are shocked, and after all this, a bit unsure of how to react.)
Rich Russillo: I think it’s safe to say that all respect has gone out the window. Raven has been letting us know how much this match means to her for a while now, and she said just tonight she’d be willing to do things she hadn’t in her last few attempts at the World title. Still, I wasn’t expecting all this. Not at all.
Thadd Blazevich: For real, bro. It was an even fight at first and Hans was even getting the upper hand, but Raven went low, and ended up targeting the same injury Hans was talking about finally healing last week! I know all’s fair in a time like this, but that was kinda far. Especially going back in when Hans was already done.
Persephone: Well I’d be happier if Raven finally left the business so I don’t care to defend her. I’m just glad they’re not holding anything back. All that talk about wanting Hans to be at his best last week was stupid. If you want a win at a show like Bloodsport, you have to be willing to fight dirty sometimes.
(There is a mixed reaction from the crowd, with noticeably more boos than usual following Raven’s actions towards Hans Grayson. Raven finally turns at this point, beginning to walk back to the ramp while the Champion remains laid out at ringside. As she walks up the ramp, the camera shows one more shot at Hans Grayson laid out, before finally the camera fades from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where Hans Grayson defends the EAW World Championship against Raven Roberts in the Cage of Death.)
(The commercial break has ended and now we see Captain Charisma in the ring with the Wheel of Fortune. He looks around at the crowd for a moment as Bella Braxton introduces him.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome the General Manager of Voltage! CAPTAIN CHARISMA!
(The crowd is cheering for Captain Charisma as he acknowledges the crowd before bringing up his microphone to speak.)
Captain Charisma: How is everybody doing tonight, Tampa?
Crowd: AORGNAOGAROIHGAOIRGAOIHG!!
Captain Charisma: I hope you keep that excitement up for next week when the Voltage brand brings you BLOODSPORT! As you have already seen, the event is shaping up to set the standard early for all of EAW to follow. But we are not done yet because….
(Captain Charisma motions to the wheel behind him with a smile on his face.)
Captain Charisma: The fact of the matter is that there are still some more stipulations that need to be revealed. Since the wheel is out here, I think it is a good time to figure out another stipulation for Bloodsport. What do you guys think?
Crowd: YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
Captain Charisma: That’s exactly what I like to hear. Now the next match to find out its stipulation is going to involve two of Voltage’s newcomers and rising stars. I am talking about the match between Avril Williams and Igon Mordren. With that being said, I would like for Avril and Igon to come out to the ring.
(Almost immediately, ‘The Best Damn Thing’ by Avril Lavigne starts playing as Avril Williams enters the arena to the sounds of loud cheers from the crowd. She looks ready to go with all the excitement she brings and she makes sure the camera catches her custom Vans as she heads to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes Avril as she is always ready to go and ready to party with that infectious attitude of hers.
Persephone: Bitch needs to switch to decaf.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, she is quickly turning into one of my favorite Elitists and she is all ready to go to make her EAW big event debut at Bloodsport and she is about to find out what type of a match she is going to compete in.
(Avril enters the ring and shakes Captain Charisma’s hand as her music is replaced by “Vordt of the Boreal Valley” by Motoi Sakuruba. The crowd’s cheers immediately turn into boos for the appearance of Igon Mordren. He is dressed in a suit and looks like he would rather be anywhere else as he heads to the ring.)
Persephone: This moron looks like he would rather be anywhere but here. I mean I don’t blame the bastard, but I have been here longer so I have earned the right to hate this place.
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t think he hates Voltage, but he has made it clear that he hates the state of this business as a whole.
Rich Russillo: He came to EAW with a mission to what he calls redeeming the art of professional wrestling. Winning at Bloodsport could be the perfect start of the mission.
(Igon enters the ring and nods to Captain Charisma in acknowledgement, but doesn’t look amused to be here right now as his music fades off and Captain Charisma speaks up again.)
Captain Charisma: Thank you both for coming out here. Now are you both ready to spin the wheel and decide your fates at Bloodsport?
Avril Williams: Dude! I am absolutely interested to see what the match will be. Let’s do this!!
(While Avril is very excited for what the future is going to be for the match. Igon looks like his skin is crawling just thinking about all of this and it is annoying him to no end. Captain Charisma notices this and looks at Igor.)
Captain Charisma: Igon? Is there something—
(Captain Charisma doesn’t get a chance to finish the question because he is cut off by Igon.)
Igon Mordren: With all due respect to you, Mr. Captain Charisma, can we just spin the wheel already and get this asinine charade over with?
Captain Charisma: Excuse me?
Igon Morden: While everybody else might love the “spin the wheel and decide the stipulation” schtick, but I don’t. I personally think that our match doesn’t need any sort of barbaric stipulation because a traditional wrestling match can easily suffice for us to solve our differences. Everyone will thank you later for allowing my match to be traditional wrestling.
(The crowd immediately starts booing even louder because NOBODY wants a regular wrestling match at Bloodsport. Avril is amused by this interaction and is egging the crowd on to boo louder. Meanwhile, Captain Charisma shakes his head and just continues on.)
Captain Charisma: Thank you for your suggestion, Igon. But in the spirit of Bloodsport, there will be a stipulation added to this match. If there aren’t any more comments, let’s spin the wheel.
(Avril is ready to go on as Igon just looks on in major annoyance as Captain Charisma spins the wheel. The wheel is going around and around showing all the options for stipulations as the crowd is cheering and chanting for the stipulation they want. The wheel is getting slower and slower until the wheel finally stops….)
(Avril has a huge smile on her face….)
(Igon looks even more disgusted than before because the wheel has stopped….)
(ON A FANS BRING THE WEAPONS MATCH!!)
Avril Williams: YES! YES! YES! OH YES! I AM SO STOKED!!
Captain Charisma: Well there you have it. At Bloodsport, it’s going to be Avril Williams taking on Igon Mordren in a Fans Bring the Weapons Match!
(Avril is bouncing around in excitement because she thinks it sounds like fun until she looks over at Igon and he is still staring at the wheel in extreme disgust and that causes Avril to burst out laughing all while Captain Charisma leaves the ring and the wheel gets pulled up from the ring.)
Avril Williams: Awwwwwww. What’s the matter, bro? I thought you would be fine with any stipulation that comes up because I thought you were wanting to prove a point. Now you get the chance to do it.
(Igon turns and glares at Avril, not amused by what she’s saying.)
Igon Mordren: You have no idea what you are talking about.
Avril Williams: Don’t I, bro? All I am saying is that if you want to prove a point so badly, then it shouldn’t matter what weapons the fans bring. It shouldn’t bother you at all, dude.
Igon Mordren: You really don’t get it, do you? It does matter what weapons these “fans” bring and it does bother me because this “Fans Bring the Weapons” charade is a complete JOKE!!
(The crowd is booing the hell out of Igon, but he doesn’t really care what they think by completely ignoring them.)
Igon Mordren: Not only is it a joke, it is a complete and utter MOCKERY of the professional wrestling business. Matches should be based upon technical skill and not because a fan brings a steel chair or pipe or something. To me, this match and this stipulation is everything that I hate about this business right now. But for you?
Avril Williams: What about me?
Igon Mordren: For you, it really doesn’t matter what type of a match it is because you won’t achieve anything more. Because you are not going to be leaving this match with a victory. But you will be leaving with a much needed lesson about the sport of professional wrestling that you chose to enter.
Avril Williams: Bro, are you going to try and make me learn my place?
Igon Mordren: I am going to make sure that you learn what mistake you made challenging me to a match and your place will be on the mat in pain after I torture you with every submission manuver I know.
Crowd: AVRIL! AVRIL! AVRIL! AVRIL! AVRIL!
(The crowd is firmly behind Avril and Avril looks at the crowd and smiles.)
Avril Williams: Dude, I don’t know about you, but I think this crowd thinks that I have a chance to win this match… and so do I. I am not going to back down from you and I am going to show you that your completely closed minded view when it comes to wrestling isn’t going to do you any favors.
Igon Mordren: You are going to learn soon enough that my views on wrestling are going to bring me success and clean up the disgusting disease that this business has turned into.
Avril Williams: From the short time I have been in EAW, I really enjoy this business and I am going to enjoy the Fans Bring the Weapons match. With that being said, I think we should get a head start on the fun.
(Avril looks out into the group with a huge grin on her face.)
Avril Williams: Alright, all you EAW faithful dudes, let’s show Igon how fun this match can be…BECAUSE I WANT ALL OF YOU FANS TO START THROWING YOUR CHAIRS INTO THE RING…NOW!
(The fans don’t have to be asked twice as the crowd starts throwing their chairs into the ring. But they aren’t all going into the ring and they are ending up everywhere.)
Rich Russillo: This is like a storm of steel chairs coming down on the ring and Igon looks extremely pissed.
Persephone: Forget about him! What about ME! DUCK AND COVER!
(Avril somehow managed to get out of the ring and get on the ramp while being able to successfully duck and dodge the onslaught of chairs. Igon isn’t as lucky as he is getting pummeled and getting more frustrated with each time he gets hit.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, this match is going to be insane and I am all for it. What a match this is going to be.
Persephone: If it’s as stupid as this, I will refuse to commentate this match for my own safety.
Rich Russillo: One competitor is by the book and wants to bring back the true art of professional wrestling. One is embracing the chaos of Bloodsport. Who is going to win when the fans bring the weapons. This is going to be insane and a battle between two rising EAW stars.
(The final shot shows Avril heading up the ramp enjoying herself and enjoying Igon’s anguish before cutting to Igon, who is completely irate after finding out the match stipulation and getting clobbered by numerous steel chairs “unnecessarily” launched into the ring as the camera shot fades elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where Igon Mordren faces Avril Williams in a Fans Bring The Weapons match.)
(Voltage returns and cuts down to the ring where Captain Charisma is standing by. He had made his way out to the ring during the break, and he is hyping up the fans and just generally being his playful, charismatic self. As his music starts to fade out, Captain Charisma returns to the center of the ring and raises up his microphone.)
Captain Charisma: I don’t want to beat around the bush, because I have two Elitists in the back who’ve spent a week wondering what exactly ‘The Box’ is. I know the EAW Universe is dying to know what ‘The Box’ is. Allow me to show you.
(The tron turns on and a covered structure sitting outside of Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot is seen. Standing beside the structure is none other than Captain Charisma’s assistant, Eden Sinclair. She is holding a microphone in her hand, as the fans come to realize that this is live footage.)
Captain Charisma: Eden! How are you doing in Puerto Rico?
Eden Sinclair: Great! The weather has been fantastic and I can’t lie, I feel glad that I got to head out a little early, especially for something as monumental as this. As you can see, I am standing beside what will be known as ‘The Box’. Matthieu, do you want to call Eris and Caroline out so we can officially unveil their fate?
Captain Charisma: That sounds like a good plan to me! Ladies, if you would join me inside the ring.
(‘Living Dead Girl’ by Rob Zombie hits and the crowd greets Caroline with heavy boos. She steps onto the stage but stops to look over her shoulder. She sneers at the sight of ‘The Box’ and Eden Sinclair and makes her way to the ring. As she gets settled, her music fades out and is replaced by ‘Burn Victim’ by Methwitch. The jeers keep rolling as the polarizing Eris Morti steps out from behind the guerilla curtains, but unlike Caroline, she doesn’t look behind her. Instead, she makes her way to the ring, eyes focused on Caroline.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies, thank you for joining me.
(Captain Charisma speaks only after Eris is in the ring and her music has faded out. Neither Caroline nor Eris speaks, because quite frankly, neither one of them really knows what to say. The tension inside the ring is thick so Captain Charisma gets down to business.)
Captain Charisma: Right. So ‘The Box’ is a brand new stipulation to Voltage, and EAW as a whole, and I thought it would be perfect for Bloodsport. As you can see on the tron, this structure has been constructed outside of the Coilseo and your match will take place INSIDE of it.
(This draws murmurs from the crowd because ‘The Box’s doesn’t look all that big. Eris shifts on her feet, though her face does not betray her thoughts, but Caroline’s brow furrows.)
Captain Charisma: With no escape, ‘The Box’ is designed to be reminiscent of a prison cell or solitary confinement room. It is 10 feet all the way around and both of you will be locked inside of the small space. There will be a table of weapons at your disposal and a referee will be outside of ‘The Box’ to declare a winner. Bright, white lights will keep the box well lit and we are going to allow the first 1,000 fans in Puerto Rico that do not have tickets to Bloodsport to come out and watch the match in person. Essentially, the two of you will be on full display.
Caroline: So, in essence, you will be caging us like animals and allowing people to view us as if we were some display at a zoo.
Captain Charisma: If that is your perception of the match, then who am I to try and change it? You two will fight inside ‘The Box’ until one of you is unable to answer a 10 count and that is how a winner will be determined.
(Caroline and Eris share a glance with one another, and the silence between them is something not even Captain Charisma expected. He turns to the tron and smiles at Eden.)
Captain Charisma: Eden, unveil ‘The Box’!
(Eden grabs the heavy cloth that has been covering the structure and she pulls it off. As it drops and ‘The Box’ comes into view, the fans are buzzing. It is exactly 10 feet by 10 feet, and there’s a small metal table sat in one corner of the box with a multitude of surgical style instruments. There are also other weapons placed inside the box such as a chain, a coil of barbed wire, and tool box filled with more torture devices. There are several light fixtures attached to the top of the box, promising the blinding light that Captain Charisma was speaking off, and on the door to ‘The Box’ is multiple locks. So once Caroline and Eris are locked inside, it is painfully obvious that neither of them will be able to escape. It will truly be a fight to the death.)
Captain Charisma: There you have it! It’s a unique stipulation and something we’ve never done before. I’m glad we’ll be able to see it at Bloodsport, and I truly believe the two of you are perfectly cut out to make the most of this.
Eris Morti: …
(Eris stares at the structure, and she actually doesn’t even say anything. While there is no clear expression on her face the look in her eyes is different from usual, and is not one that appears as inviting of danger as expected from her. There is a tense look on her face, and for a moment, she breathes heavily looking at the structure she and Caroline will be trapped in. She is quick to attempt to shrug this off however, glancing towards Captain Charisma before she turns towards Caroline.)
Eris Morti: …Very well. If this is what was decided… So be it. You and I have been playing this game for weeks and in that time there were many, many different fights and attacks neither of us could have truly prepared ourselves for. I suppose it was only natural things turned out this way. The consequence for our actions may be this prison, but as far as I am concerned this changes *nothing*. Truly, I was only just getting started last week. It is not often that I am able to see you bleed Caroline, and I’m sure you still have much more to give. I do not plan to waste my opportunity to get what I have been searching for. As long as I am willing to get what I am after, there is no structure I will not compete in.
Caroline: The look in your eyes tells me a much different tale, Morti, but I shall let that come to pass. If we are to simply look at this abomination of a stipulation with clarity and precision, there is a bit of a silver lining. While we must fight to the death, at least there is no chance of suffocation. Despite how tightly that thing seems to be sealed, our match will not last hours. It will drone on and on, of that much I am sure, but this bothers you, and I find that very intriguing.
(Caroline licks her lips at Eris and gives her a knowing look.)
Caroline: I do not particularly care to be caged and displayed, as I am not a toy, puppet, or animal, but if this is what fate has bestowed upon us? Then so be it. Our time spent in ‘The Box’ will be short-lived because this score of ours that must be settled, will be done swiftly. I wish to punish you, Eris. I will not hold anything back.
(There is a slight twitch of the eye from Eris as she stares at Caroline, but eventually she nods, letting out a brief smirk.)
Eris Morti: You believe this will be finished swiftly? No, no. You and I have gone to war. Since Pain for Pride you and I have left each other mangled. We have torn each other apart without any remorse, and you believe a war like this will end quickly now that we have been forced into the light, and trapped in a room with nothing but ourselves and tools for destruction? This battle won’t end until we meet ours, however long that takes.
(The smirk quickly fades, causing her underlying irritation to be made much clearer.)
Eris Morti: The punishment will be mutual, just as it always has been. An eye for an eye is precisely what led you to spit your mist at me following your elimination from that battle royal, was it not? Why would you ever think I would allow you to wrap up this tale as you please? You don’t know me, Caroline. Not as well as you believe.
Caroline: Mm. If that is what you wish to believe, then believe, Eris Morti. For human beings are dreamers, whether they wish to admit it or not. You are no different from any other being that coast through these blood soaked halls. You may wish to think you are unique, or the deadliest one of all, but you are hiding in plain sight, and the past?
(A twitch of the lips from Caroline.)
Caroline: The past haunts you even as we stand here. ‘The Box’ is not something either of us wish to deal with but there is no such thing as a choice in this matter. Next week at Bloodsport, I shall rise to the occasion, vanquish the threat you pose to me at this specific time, and move forward with my true goal for the start of this historic season.
(Caroline finishes speaking, and there’s a brief pause between the two as tension fills the ring.)
Eris Morti: We will see.
(Caroline chooses not to say anything in response to this, having seen all that was needed from her opponent tonight. Still, Eris continues with one more message.)
Eris Morti: I have waited long enough for this fight. From the moment I was left with mist in my eyes, eliminated from a battle royal at my first ever Pain for Pride I had a feeling you would be an opponent worth keeping an eye on. I wasn’t quite sure what the future had in store yet… But now I do. You are welcome to try to snuff out my fire, but fights like these are precisely what I relish in. I sought out your worst, and at Bloodsport, I will get exactly what I asked for. I live for war, Caroline. One like this is no different… No different at all.
(There was a very slight waver in Eris’ voice as she said this, but as soon as she finished speaking, she tossed her microphone to the mat, having said everything she felt she needed to. Caroline had no intentions of backing down, especially not as she could tell that the demeanor of her opponent had changed. Instead she met Eris with a stare, as Captain Charisma remained in the back, watching in case things once again get out of hand.)
Rich Russillo: Well we have our stipulation, and wow, it is a serious one. Just look at how small of a structure those two will be trapped in, with bright lights shining down right onto them. I am sure the sight those fans will see come Bloodsport won’t be one they forget.
Thadd Blazevich: Seriously dude, it’ll be like some sorta messed up museum! These two said their pieces though, and at this point I wouldn’t be surprised if the inside of that box is covered in blood by the time it’s over.
Persephone: I think I like this stipulation. We need this more often.
Rich Russillo: I don’t know about that. Honestly, I have no clue how this one will even go. We know Caroline has always been more partial to the dark than the bright light she’ll be trapped in, and while we don’t know much of anything about Eris, it’s strange to not see a smile on her face following an announcement like this. At this point, I can’t imagine what Bloodsport will look like.
(There is one final shot of the staredown between Eris Morti and Caroline, before Voltage finally fades from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where Caroline and Eris Morti face each other in The Box.)
(Voltage returns to the tune of “The Promised Consort” by Shoi Miyazawa reverberating in every speaker inside the arena. As the crowd fluctuates with boos, the Hardcore Champion emerges on the stage, title wrapped around his waist, confidence in full throttle a week removed after a massive championship defence, semantics and circumstances aside.)
(Not long after, Takeru Kanazaki’s “Pride and Arrogance” blasted obnoxiously in its place, Drake Armstrong entering past the curtains and taking the stage next to Kai Rabeaux.)
Bella Braxton: Please welcome at this time… HEGEMONY!!!
Persephone: Last week was such a waste of time.
Rich Russillo: To anybody not in tune, last week Kai Rabeaux went head-to-head against Drake Armstrong with the EAW Hardcore Championship on the line, with La Farmacia at ringside monitoring it all and calling the shots! In the end, Kai just barely defeated Drake Armstrong, though it didn’t come without controversy.
Persephone: Nothing ever comes without controversy in this place.
Thadd Blazevich: I thought you liked controversy?
Persephone: I like good controversy, not the “geek Armstrong had his foot on the bottom rope but the referee missed it” controversy. There’s a big difference, Thaddy bear, but I can’t say I expect you to know it.
Thadd Blazevich: Did you just call me…
Rich Russillo: :mjlol:
(Carrying themselves heavily with three-piece suits, the King of the World and the Hardcore Champion enter the ring. Kai takes a second to pose as the fans boo, while Armstrong has no desire to rile up the group of sycophants, before all music fades, and the two get microphones.)
Drake Armstrong: This past week was certainly… humorous.
(Armstrong speaks fully unamused, despite his word choice. Kai, meanwhile, allows a faint grin to emerge on his face.)
Kai Rabeaux: Despite the end result, it cannot be denied the manner in which the odds are forcibly stacked against us. On one hand, I understand the source of it, when you achieve a consistent level of dominance, vermin will begin to attempt and force themselves on the vantage point, and place obstacles in your path hoping they would suffice. On the other hand, I am rather… sick of this nonsense.
Drake Armstrong: To suddenly wake up in the morning, and find out Hegemony must fight head to head… to find out **La Farmacia** was in control of all conditions, all approved by none other than Matthieu Daniels himself, is irritating on its own accord — so, imagine the ire when La Farmacia possesses so much power, they can STRIP Kai Rabeaux of the championship! The same woman who is KNOWN to hold grudges merely over championship gold, holding the power to take from the man who took **EVERYTHING** from her his hard-earned Hardcore Championship? That is preposterous.
(Drake takes a second…)
Drake Armstrong: And as if that wasn’t enough… here arises the cherry on top: incompetent officiating. Perhaps this “change” of the guard on Voltage has affected far too much once I have pulled out all of my funds in Sunday Night Voltage with the rise of the Feebleheart… but I do not accept such cheap filth to come at my expense.
Kai Rabeaux: It’s quite… the shame… the referee never noticed Armstrong’s foot on the bottom rope, but what is important right now is that this utter distraction is done for without long-term effects… after all, TLA & the widow bet on shattering us, yet in the end, nothing quite changed… did it?
(Kai glances over at Drake, but before either of them can say anything else… ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac begins to play through the speakers. The crowd erupts as TLA is seen making his way out, with his theme quickly being overtaken by ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen, with Dr. Bethany Blue followed out close behind him. The Unified Tag Team Champions stand side-by-side as they begin to make their way down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: I think it goes without saying that the Unified Tag Team Champions knew exactly what they were doing last week. Truthfully, they got profound amusement out of what happened especially near the end of The Hegemony’s match.
Thadd Blazevich: They know exactly what they’re trying to do, put two egos against one another and hope that they implode. While Drake and Kai survived one week, bro, who knows what might await them at Bloodsport.
Persephone: I still think all of this is pretty fucking pointless.
Thadd Blazevich: Aw dude.
(La Farmacia make their way into the ring as they both take microphones for themselves. ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ begins to come to a close as they head toward the center of the ring, approaching an annoyed Kai Rabeaux and Drake Armstrong as they begin to speak.)
TLA: :whoa: Tranquilo, holmes. I know last week wasn’t the best week for y’all, La Farmacia made you big mad as you cried them hater tears, but we ain’t mean no harm! We was just tryna show you the error in yo ways, make you see where you fucked up. But it’s clear to me that you ain’t learn shit, so simply put, we just gonna have to beat it into you at Bloodsport! How does that sound???
(Drake and Kai already look over this.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: You two should be glad last week was all you had to deal with, because trust me, you two deserve a whole lot worse and more for everything that you’ve done. Myself and TLA are going to make sure that you NEVER get your hands on the Unified Tag Team Championships, because at Bloodsport… things *will* get worse. And you’re not going to be ready for whatever that entails.
TLA: Fax. :pacspit:
Kai Rabeaux: Silence, sycophant.
(The Hardcore Champion then turns his attention to Bethany, snickering.)
Kai Rabeaux: Bethany Blue, you would know a thing or two about things getting worse, wouldn’t you? The denial of it all, the sheer inevitability, the absolute despair once the abyssal depths of rock bottom sink further and further than you ever could have imagined. What you have right now, whatever is left, you find reprieve in, hm?
Kai Rabeaux: It’s this sad little story you tell yourself out of sheer pity.
(The crowd boos at this as Bethany scrunches her face, a look of displeasure briefly washing over her.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I understand what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to get under my skin, but that doesn’t do anything when I KNOW exactly what you’re trying to be. You’re not this maniacal egomaniac, you’re just an edgelord trying to be something that he’s not, surrounding yourself by people who fit the mold that you’re trying to be in hopes that it rubs off on you. It’s not a good look on you. There’s only one thing that I have to say to you, at Bloodsport you’re going to get everything that you deserve. You and your partner are going to suffer, and you’re going to get sent straight down to hell where you deserve.
TLA: El fuego gonna scorch your ass, hombre. :ufdup:
(Drake takes a step forward, rolling his eyes.)
Drake Armstrong: Filth never separates itself, all unwashed masses relying on some final judgment for what we had done, but what of you all? What is this life about, if not maximizing the pleasures of avarice until the very end of days? In truth, you may wish for *something* to judge myself and Kai, but this is only because you know you are far too powerless to do so yourselves.
Drake Armstrong: So, no, despite your blabber, and the obnoxiously incongruent comments from that other manchild… you will not send us straight down to hell. You will not scorch us. All that shall be scorched at Bloodsport, next Saturday… is the remnants of your hopes.
TLA: Trust me, homie, we got dat power you lookin’ for. Boutta give you all that and more considering what your asses have done this past year. To my amiga, beating y’all means everything, and I’m not boutta let her down just because y’all two wanna talk all rich and sophisticated about beating our asses, hell nah. This ain’t the fight you want, not against the baddest hombres in EAW, the biggest hustlers that this place has ever seen, and more importantly, the best tag team around, orale!
Dr. Bethany Blue: Don’t think for a second that you have an easy out to the Tag Team Titles, because you don’t. What you just said shows me that you two have no idea what you’re getting yourselves into, and why am I surprised at this point? I think you’ve more than proven that common sense and logic isn’t something that favors you when it’s not on your side. You can hide behind that all you want, but you can’t hide behind *inevitability.*
TLA: And it’s *inevitable* that we beat dat ass, homie.
(Armstrong chuckles.)
Drake Armstrong: And what grants this “inevitability”…?
Kai Rabeaux: Is it perhaps your hubris?
(Kai hands Bethany a scornful glance, feeling as if she is nothing more than a hypocrite. In his eyes, atonement is not an option. It’s a shortcut.)
Kai Rabeaux: Hit it right on the dot, didn’t I? I suppose congratulations are in order for the surprise of my latest championship bout with Armstrong, however if that is the peak of your plans… then I would begin to hold onto those championship tightly, before I add even more to my legacy at the expense of the sorry Lucas family.
Drake Armstrong: Past this certainty lies hatred, these words thrown out likes absolutes, well, frankly, they mean nothing to either of us. Tune in to any week of Sunday Night Voltage, all you will hear are absolutes, to then be dismantled in the span of no more than 5 minutes over half of the time. Though you have gotten to this point, one simply *cannot* deny the strategical advantage we possess.
Kai Rabeaux: And I mean, come on, was last week supposed to separate us? Or merely annoy us? In both cases, you’ve truly failed. In this game of psychological warfare, there is not a single pair on this planet able to outdo us, the CONQUERORS of War Games… yet a broken woman and a buffoon merely meant to jest the audience should be what does us in?
Kai Rabeaux: “Beth”… heed my words carefully: learn from your idiotic husband’s idiotic mistakes. Accept your punishment, come Bloodsport, and then run like a pup, run for your life, run so you, for once, avoid perpetuity.
TLA: Ay, you don’t need to talk to her no more about sum bullshit, ese. Look, you two can talk all you want about surviving one week, but we ain’t boutta throw a fiesta for you. Yo hubris is your ego, and even if that ain’t something that pits you against each other, it sure as hell is gonna mean that it’s gonna cost you this match.
Dr. Bethany Blue: There is no amount of convincing that you can do to change what is going to happen at Bloodsport. It is INEVITABLE that La Farmacia stay Tag Champions next week, and when that happens, it is going to be the most satisfying moment of my life, taking everything away from you, INCLUDING your pride.
TLA: So if you boutta do something about it, how about you stop being a bunch of pussies and come get dis smoke, si?
(Kai side eyes TLA dismissively, his attention remaining clear on Bethany and the mind games he meticulously played.)
Kai Rabeaux: You want my head that bad, hm? The most satisfying moment of your life…? You do not say that lightly, do you?
(Kai cackles.)
Kai Rabeaux: Your first kiss with him. Your first intimate moment. That first date. Your wedding…
Kai Rabeaux: Yet vanquishing me would be the most satisfying moment of your life.
(Bethany scowl becomes tense and evident as she eyes Kai down, breaking eye contact from time to time merely to try and ease herself up.)
(Kai gets closer… and Bethany fights everything in her power to not smack the crap out of him.)
(Not because she doesn’t want to—she absolutely does. But because *he* wants her to do just that.)
(TLA steps forward.)
TLA: ‘Nuffa this!
(TLA clenches his fist… Kai smiles.)
(**SMACK!!!**)
(TLA struck…)
(Yet Kai stood unharmed, as Drake Armstrong struck TLA with the Armstrong Dynasty Ring before he could make anything happen.)
(As the events unravel, it’s clear this was their plan all along.)
(Armstrong climbs over the laid out TLA, raising his armed fist.)
(But now Bethany stands in the way of the punishment, holding Armstrong’s arm before he can strike.)
**THUD!!!**
(Yet Kai knocked her to the ground.)
(Kai climbs over her body, but his glance focused on…)
(Her ring finger.)
(He smiles, fully smiles, as terror echoes within the arena.)
(Kai takes the golden ring off of her finger… and arms himself with it.)
(Here stands Hegemony; armed with rings, over the bodies of their opposition.)
**SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!!**
**SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!! SMACK!!!**
(Blood cascades from the heads of both Bethany and TLA.)
(Beaten, bloodied, laid to rest next to their dirtied Unified Tag Team Championships.)
( Hegemony stands tall, ruthless, careless.)
(They hardly give the championships a second glance, before they simply make their way out, not yet fulfilled. This was only their warning shot.)
(Voltage fades.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where La Farmacia Sexual defends the Unified Tag Team Championships against the Hegemony in an Exploding TLC match.)
(Voltage returns from commercial and fades to the ringside area.)
(“Rompe” by Daddy Yankee blares throughout the arena, prompting Carmen Sanchez to make her way out to a massive reaction from the fans. A slight grin spreads across Carmen’s face as she stops on the stage before looking over her shoulder and beckoning Cynthia Valice to come out next. Carmen patiently waits as “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS begins to play. Cynthia walks onto the stage, smiling as she waves to the crowd with both hands before joining Carmen. The two bump fists and make their way down the ramp together, with Carmen high fiving fans along one side of the barricade while Cynthia does the same on the other.)
Rich Russillo: Over the past few weeks, these two have continued to have each other’s backs, and tonight they’re sending one final message before Bloodsport. Carmen Sánchez and Cynthia Valice are walking into this together.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, they’ve become a legit team! Every time Cosmo and Diamond tried to jump one of them, the other came running. That’s the kind of trust you need heading into a match like this.
Persephone: Great. Friendship or whatever. 🙄
(Cynthia follows Carmen up the steps as Carmen enters the ring first, making her way to the right side to retrieve two microphones from a stagehand at ringside. She hands one over to Cynthia before pacing back and forth for a moment while Cynthia takes the opportunity to pose for the crowd. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS begins to fade in the background as Carmen raises her microphone and begins to speak.)
Carmen Sánchez: You know… when this all started, I really thought it’d be simple. Cynthia beats Cosmo fair and square, we’d all move on, and that’d be the end of it. That’s how it should’ve gone. Instead, these two decided one loss was enough to start jumping people after the bell, costing matches, and acting like they can do whatever they want without anyone standing up to them.
(Carmen shakes her head.)
Carmen Sánchez: And the funny part is… they keep acting like Cynthia and I are the problem. Like we’re the ones dragging this on. Trust me… I would’ve loved to spend these last few weeks worrying about my own matches instead of having to pull one of those pendejos off somebody every Sunday.
(The crowd cheers.)
Carmen Sánchez: But when you see somebody getting bullied, you have two choices. You can look the other way… or you can do something about it.
Carmen Sánchez: I already made my choice.
(Carmen glances over at Cynthia with a smile.)
Carmen Sánchez: If I had to do it all over again, I’d still walk out there. I’d still have Cynthia’s back. Because that’s what good people do.
(Cynthia smiles before raising her microphone.)
Cynthia Valice: Yeah… I don’t really know how to follow that up.
(The crowd laughs.)
Cynthia Valice: But… she’s right.
Cynthia Valice: I keep thinking back to my first match on Voltage because I was so happy. I beat Cosmo, I felt like all the work I’d been putting in was finally starting to pay off, and I honestly thought that was going to be the story. Then I got jumped. Carmen helped me. Then they came after both of us. Then they started costing matches, attacking people after the bell, and before we knew it, every week we had to wonder what Diamond and Cosmo were going to do next.
(Cynthia sighs.)
Cynthia Valice: To be honest… I’m already tired of it. I just wanted to wrestle. I wanted to keep learning, keep getting better, and keep proving that I belong here. Instead, every week became less about wrestling and more about dealing with them.
(Cynthia looks toward Carmen.)
Cynthia Valice: But… if there’s one thing I’m really thankful for, it’s that all of this gave me a friend.
(The crowd applauds.)
Cynthia Valice: Carmen didn’t have to help me. She could’ve stayed out of it like everyone kept telling her to do. Instead, she stood up for me before we even really knew each other. So… if she has my back, then I’ve got hers too. It’s really that simple.
(Carmen nods in agreement before stepping forward once again.)
Carmen Sánchez: Bloodsport is where this finally ends. No more sneak attacks. No more jumping people after matches. No more trying to make statements because you couldn’t handle losing. Just one match. One last fight. After everything that’s happened these past few weeks, that’s all we need. Cynthia and I didn’t ask for any of this, but we’re sure as hell going to finish it. And when it’s over, we won’t just be walking out with our first Marquee Live Event win of the season…
(Carmen points to herself and Cynthia.)
Carmen Sánchez: We’ll finally be able to put Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy behind us… and move on.
(The crowd cheers as both women nod with determined expressions before turning their attention toward the stage as “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll hits over the PA system. Diamond Dixon steps out onto the stage with a microphone in hand, but suddenly pauses as if she realizes she forgot something. She gestures for Carmen and Cynthia to give her just a moment before turning around and disappearing back through the curtain, prompting the two women in the ring to exchange confused, annoyed looks as they quietly chat amongst themselves.)
Rich Russillo: Something tells me Diamond didn’t come out here just to forget something… what exactly is she up to?
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, she’s definitely up to something. I don’t know what it is yet, but I know that look.
(A few moments later, Diamond emerges back through the curtain, this time with Cosmo Goldworthy by her side as the two wheel the Wheel of Death out onto the stage together.)
Rich Russillo: …Well, I think we just got our answer.
(Diamond and Cosmo stand on opposite sides of the Wheel of Death on the stage with microphones in hand, waiting as “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll fades out in the background. Boos pour down from every corner of the arena as the two slowly look around, each shaking their heads in disappointment before Diamond finally raises her microphone.)
Diamond Dixon: Damn, y’all really do love hearing yourselves talk, huh?
(The crowd boos.)
Diamond Dixon: I swear, every single week it’s been the same thing. We’re the bad guys. We’re bullies. We’re this, we’re that. Meanwhile, the only thing I’ve been hearing from the two of you is the same sob story over and over again. We heard it. We get it. You got attacked. Congratulations, beloved. Welcome to professional wrestling.
(Diamond shrugs her shoulders.)
Diamond Dixon: You can dress it up however you want, but all this back and forth? It’s getting old. For y’all, for us, and I’m sure for everybody sitting in these seats too.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Real talk. We done spent weeks arguing, fighting, costing matches, jumping people, getting jumped back… enough already. I ain’t got all season to keep wasting my time going in circles. Me and Diamond got bigger things we’re trying to accomplish than beefing with y’all every Sunday.
Diamond Dixon: Exactly. Bloodsport is the last stop. One match. We beat y’all, we move on. You lose, hopefully you finally take the hint and move on too. Everybody wins.
(Diamond smirks.)
Diamond Dixon: Well… everybody except y’all.
(The crowd boos louder.)
Diamond Dixon: Since we’re all so eager to get this over with, Cosmo and I figured we’d save everybody some time.
(Diamond rests her hand on the Wheel of Death.)
Diamond Dixon: We already talked to Captain Charisma. He gave us free range to get this over with. So let’s spin the wheel! Cosmo?
Cosmo Goldworthy: We might as well get this shit over with right now.
(Cosmo pats the side of the wheel before looking toward the ring.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Ain’t no point dragging it out. The destination don’t change. We still whoop y’all ass at Bloodsport.
Carmen Sánchez: Funny…
(Carmen leans against the ropes, staring up at the stage.)
Carmen Sánchez: For two people who keep saying they’re ready to move on, you sure spent a lot of time making sure nobody else could.
Cynthia Valice: Every time things were about to settle down, the two of you started something. And now you’re standing out here acting like you’re tired of all the drama?
Diamond Dixon: Girl… because we are. We said what we needed to say with our actions weeks ago. Y’all kept coming back for more, and now here we are.
Carmen Sánchez: No.
(Carmen shakes her head.)
Carmen Sánchez: We’re here because the two of you couldn’t accept losing.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah. We here because when somebody sends a message, you either get it… or you make em repeat themselves. Clearly, y’all needed a couple reminders.
Cynthia Valice: Keep telling yourselves that. At Bloodsport, there won’t be another cheap shot waiting after the bell. There won’t be another chance to hide behind a surprise attack.
Carmen Sánchez: It’ll just be the four of us.
Diamond Dixon: Perfect.
(Diamond places both hands on the wheel.)
Diamond Dixon: Then let’s find out exactly how we’re putting this little story to bed.
(Diamond and Cosmo both grip the Wheel of Death before giving it a hard spin. The wheel begins to click rapidly as it rotates, the four competitors watching it intently while the arena buzzes with anticipation. The wheel gradually slows… clicking past one stipulation after another before finally coming to a stop.)
(WALK OF DEATH.)
Rich Russillo: Walk of Death…?
Thadd Blazevich: Dude… I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that one.
Persephone: Great. They made up another stupid match.
(Cynthia and Carmen exchange puzzled glances inside the ring, clearly unsure what to make of the situation. Up on the stage, Cosmo and Diamond stare down at the Wheel of Death for a moment before looking over at each other, just as confused by the result.)
Diamond Dixon: …the hell is a Walk of Death?
Cosmo Goldworthy: Shit, don’t look at me. I was hoping one of y’all knew.
???: Oh, trust me… you’re gonna find out soon enough.
(Captain Charisma steps out onto the stage with a microphone already in hand, drawing a loud ovation from the crowd. His arrival immediately grabs the attention of both teams, with Carmen and Cynthia looking toward the stage from inside the ring while Diamond and Cosmo turn their focus to him beside the Wheel of Death.)
Captain Charisma: I have to admit… I was hoping the wheel would land on this one.
(He glances over at the Wheel of Death before looking back at the four competitors.)
Captain Charisma: Walk of Death is one of the more unique matches we’ve ever come up with, and believe it or not, this is actually the first time we’ve ever had it spun for a tag team match.
(The crowd buzzes with curiosity.)
Captain Charisma: Now, if any of you remember the Pit of Death Match from last year, then some of this is going to sound familiar.
(Captain Charisma pauses for a moment.)
Captain Charisma: Just like that match, this contest takes place on top of a scaffold. At the top of that scaffold will be two crates filled with weapons, giving both teams everything they need to survive… or make sure the other team doesn’t.
(The crowd cheers.)
Captain Charisma: But that’s only half of it.
(Captain Charisma’s expression grows more serious.)
Captain Charisma: Underneath that scaffold won’t be a wrestling ring. Instead, it’ll be a pit filled with broken glass, nails… and C-4 explosives.
(A loud reaction erupts from the crowd as both teams remain locked in on Captain Charisma.)
Captain Charisma: There are no pinfalls. There are no submissions. There is only one way to win.
(Captain Charisma points toward both teams.)
Captain Charisma: In order to win the Walk of Death… both members of the opposing team must be thrown from the scaffold into the pit below.
(The arena erupts again as the reality of the stipulation sinks in.)
Captain Charisma: So… good luck to all four of you.
(A knowing smile crosses Captain Charisma’s face.)
Captain Charisma: You’re going to need it.
(Captain Charisma lowers his microphone before turning and making his way back through the curtain, leaving both teams exactly where they stand as the weight of the announcement hangs over the arena.)
Rich Russillo: Good luck? I don’t know if good luck is enough for something like this! Four people on top of a scaffold, weapons involved, and the only way to win is by throwing both members of the other team into a pit of broken glass, nails, and C-4!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude… that’s insane! There’s nowhere to run up there! Four people fighting on one scaffold is already dangerous enough, but somebody is getting thrown off that thing. Actually, four people are!
Persephone: Okay… now *that’s* more like it.
(The camera cuts between Carmen Sánchez and Cynthia Valice inside the ring before shifting to Diamond Dixon and Cosmo Goldworthy on the stage. None of them say a word, all four competitors simply staring each other down as Bloodsport suddenly feels much closer than before.)
COMMERCIAL
(“Life is Short, O Brave Girl” by Hanabie blares throughout the arena to a chorus of boos as Miku angrily marches down the ramp the moment the song begins, skipping the theatrics entirely after what happened last week.)
Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai looks absolutely livid after what happened last week. Bronson Daniels warned her to watch her back, and in the end, he made good on that promise by costing her the match against Ashlynn Quinn.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, she looks ready to explode. I don’t think Miku came out here to complain this time, bro. I think she’s out here looking for Bronson.
Persephone: Good. Maybe she’ll actually kill him so we can get on with the show.
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… MIKU SAKA—
(Miku marches over to where Bella Braxton is seated and snatches the microphone out of her hands mid-introduction before rolling back into the ring. She repeatedly pounds the microphone against her palm while glaring toward the stage as “Life is Short, O Brave Girl” by Hanabie fades out in the background.)
Miku Sakai: BRONSON DANIELS! GET YOUR BITCH ASS OUT HERE RIGHT FUCKING NOW! I KNOW YOU’RE BACK THERE! GET OUT HERE BEFORE I COME DRAG YOUR ASS OUT MYSELF!
(The crowd erupts, anticipating Bronson’s arrival, but Miku only grows more irritated as she paces the ring.)
Miku Sakai: YOU REALLY THOUGHT THAT WAS FUNNY, DIDN’T YOU!? YOU STUPID LITTLE BITCH! You cost me my match, embarrassed me in front of everybody, and now you think you can just hide in the back like nothing happened? GET OUT HERE! BLOODSPORT CAN WAIT! I’M GONNA BEAT THE FUCK OUT OF YOU THE SECOND I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!
(The boos grow even louder as Miku stares up the entrance ramp, refusing to take her eyes off the stage.)
Miku Sakai: You don’t even know what you’ve done. You had one chance to mind your own fucking business and instead you decided to stick your nose where it didn’t belong again. YOU JUST MADE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE, BRONSON! I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THAT UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW, AND I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT BLOODSPORT! THE ONLY THING I CARE ABOUT IS GETTING MY HANDS ON YOU, BECAUSE AFTER WHAT YOU DID LAST WEEK, BECOMING CHAMPION AGAIN IS THE LEAST OF YOUR FUCKING PROBLEMS! NOW GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!
(Miku stands in the ring, seething as her shoulders rise and fall with heavy breaths… until “Run Into Flowers” by M83 finally hits over the speakers. Miku immediately begins pacing back and forth, fired up as she gestures for Bronson Daniels to come down while talking trash off-mic.)
Rich Russillo: There it is! Bronson Daniels isn’t keeping Miku waiting any longer, and judging by the look on her face, this situation could get out of hand in a hurry.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, she’s been begging for him to come out! She doesn’t even care about Bloodsport right now. She just wants to throw hands!
Persephone: Then hurry up and get to the ring already. I’m getting tired of watching Miku yell at the stage.
(Bronson Daniels finally steps onto the stage with a microphone already in hand, drawing a loud reaction from the fans as he points to himself with a feigned expression that practically says, “Who, me?” Miku continues talking trash while pacing back and forth in the ring, repeatedly gesturing for him to come down as the sight of him only fuels her anger even more.)
Rich Russillo: Just look at Miku Sakai. Seeing Bronson Daniels has only made her angrier, and right now she looks like she’s ready to tear him apart.
(Bronson steps forward before coming to a stop on the stage. He raises his free hand as he brings the microphone to his lips, while “Run Into Flowers” by M83 fades out in the background.)
Bronson Daniels: …You done?
(Bronson lowers the microphone for a moment, waiting as Miku continues yelling from the ring before letting out a quiet sigh.)
Bronson Daniels: I warned you last week, Miku. I told you to watch your back, because if you wanted to keep making this personal, eventually I’d give you a reason to regret it. You didn’t listen… and honestly? You never do. You spend so much time blaming everybody else for where your career is that you never stop to look at yourself. Every time something doesn’t go your way, it’s somebody else’s fault. Every time somebody stands up to you, they’re the problem. Every time somebody gives you exactly what you’ve been asking for… suddenly you’re the victim.
(Bronson slowly shakes his head.)
Bronson Daniels: You cost me my match against Candice Blair because you wanted payback. Last week… I returned the favor. That’s all it was. The difference is, Miku… I told you it was coming. You still walked right into it anyway.
(Bronson looks toward the ring, unfazed by Miku’s continued shouting.)
Bronson Daniels: You keep calling me a bitch. You keep telling me you’re gonna beat me up the second you get your hands on me. That’s fine. But don’t stand there acting surprised when your own actions catch up to you. You wanted this fight. You made sure of that. Now… you finally have it.
(Miku laughs sarcastically before pointing at Bronson.)
Miku Sakai: Regret it!? YOU THINK I REGRET ANYTHING!? I SHOULD’VE HIT YOU HARDER WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE! You wanna play hero? Fine. I’m gonna make sure you regret sticking your nose in my business!
(Bronson finally starts walking down the ramp, keeping his eyes locked on Miku.)
Bronson Daniels: No, Miku. This is exactly what I’m talking about. You still don’t get it. You’re so arrogant… so convinced you’re always right… that you never stop to realize you’re the one creating these situations in the first place.
Miku Sakai: OH MY GOD, SHUT THE FUCK UP! You think you’ve got me all figured out!? You don’t know a fucking thing about me! GET YOUR ASS IN THIS RING!
(Bronson continues down the ramp, his expression never changing.)
Bronson Daniels: I don’t have to figure you out. You’ve shown everybody exactly who you are these past few weeks.
(Bronson reaches the bottom of the steel steps and comes to a stop. Across the ring, Miku stands in the opposite corner, glaring right back at him as she repeatedly motions for him to step inside.)
Miku Sakai: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? GET IN HERE!
(Bronson nods to himself.)
Bronson Daniels: …Yeah. I think we’re done talking.
(Bronson tosses the microphone aside and immediately rushes up the steel steps toward the ring as Miku explodes out of the corner, charging straight at him.)
Rich Russillo: HERE WE GO! BRONSON DANIELS IS CHARGING THE RING, MIKU SAKAI IS MEETING HIM HALFWAY, AND THIS IS ABOUT TO ERUPT!
Thadd Blazevich: BRO, THIS IS GONNA BE ABSOLUTELY GNARLY! SOMEBODY GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE THESE TWO DESTROY EACH OTHER!
(Bronson and Miku immediately get hold of each other for a hockey fight in the center of the ring, but the crowd erupts with boos as, before either can throw a punch, security floods the ring and tears them apart. The two desperately claw at one another, trying to break free as they’re backed into opposite corners and held there, intense glares and expletives continuing to fly off-mic.)
Rich Russillo: Security got there just in time! These two were seconds away from tearing into each other!
Thadd Blazevich: NO, NO, NO! BRO, I DIDN’T ACTUALLY MEAN GET OUT HERE! LET ’EM FIGHT!
Persephone: ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? THEY FINALLY LISTEN TO YOU WHEN YOU DON’T WANT THEM TO!? THIS SUCKS!
(Bronson and Miku continue trying to get at each other, but gradually begin to settle down as their attention turns toward the stage. “Self Help Tape” by Moses Sumney plays, drawing a slightly negative reaction from the crowd as Captain Charisma steps out. He comes to a stop on the stage and raises his hand to calm the crowd. He’s fully aware he’s the bad guy at the moment.)
Captain Charisma: That’s enough.
(Captain Charisma pauses for a moment as the security guards continue holding Bronson and Miku apart.)
Captain Charisma: I’d love to let the two of you get this out of your system right now, but after everything that’s already happened tonight, that’s not going to happen. We’ve already had Kai Rabeaux and Drake Armstrong leave the Unified Tag Team Champions busted open. I’m not about to risk Bloodsport by letting either one of you do the same here. So here’s how this is going to work. From this moment forward, neither of you touches the other until Bloodsport. Not out here. Not backstage. Not anywhere. You wanted a fight? Good. You’ve got one. Next week, inside a Taipei Deathmatch, nobody’s going to stop either of you from tearing each other apart. But until then, you’re going to keep your hands to yourselves whether you like it or not.
(With this news, Bronson and Miku exchange annoyed looks, frustrated they won’t be able to fight, but willing to play by the rules for now as Captain Charisma watches from the stage. Miku suddenly shakes free from security, who had let their guard down after the announcement.)
Miku Sakai: (off-mic) Let GO of me!
(Miku brushes herself off before making her way over to Bronson, who is still being restrained in the corner. Bronson struggles against security’s grip as Miku approaches, but ultimately stands his ground, staring daggers into her as he listens to the message she has to say.)
Miku Sakai: Enjoy your last week, bitch.
(Miku flips Bronson Daniels off, but he refuses to take the bait, simply watching her as she exits the ring and angrily marches up the ramp, muttering to herself with her head down. She pushes her way past Captain Charisma on the stage as she heads to the back, prompting the Commissioner to chuckle to himself before turning his attention back to the ring, pleased with how everything played out.)
Rich Russillo: That was about as close to complete chaos as you can get without a single punch being thrown. If this is what these two are like with security holding them back, I can’t imagine what we’re going to see at Bloodsport.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, next week is gonna be absolutely wild! They already wanna rip each other apart, and in a Taipei Deathmatch? Bro, somebody’s walking out looking completely different than they walked in.
Persephone: Good. They can save all the violence for Bloodsport… just make sure nobody stops them next time.
(Bronson keeps his eyes locked on the stage, still restrained in the corner as Miku leaves, and from there, the camera begins to fade elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where Bronson Daniels and Miku Sakai meet in a Taipei Deathmatch.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns as the sounds of ‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY are heard beginning to play up. The crowd erupts into thunderous cheers as the camera goes over to show Sayuri Himura as she’s seen making her way out. She has a smile on her face as she begins to make her way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… SAYURIIIII HIMURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: These past couple of weeks, Sayuri Himura has had her issues with one Auburn Ware. Obviously, Auburn just wanted to be left alone, but Sayuri was trying to bring her back into the light… and you can imagine how she reacted to that.
Thadd Blazevich: And now a match has been made official for Bloodsport, and last week, we found out it was going to be a Buckets of Blood match! That’s going to be sick! But right now, Sayuri is making her way down to the ring. Let’s see what she has to say a week before Bloodsport, bro!
Persephone: Not interested. Let’s cut away from this and go to something more interesting; she’s too nice for my liking.
(Sayuri makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters through the ropes and into the ring. She makes her way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while MY FIRST STORY comes to a close. She turns around and makes her way toward the center of the ring, taking a moment before beginning to speak.)
Sayuri Himura: In just one week, I will be facing Auburn Ware at Bloodsport, and I will say that this is a long time coming. The two of us have had our issues with one another, and now the time has come to settle it in this ring. It is not the ideal circumstance for me; I am not someone who is fully accustomed to “hardcore” stipulations despite being on Voltage, but it is never something that I will back down from. If she thinks that she is just going to push me around, then she has no idea who she’s going to be up against.
(The crowd inside of the arena cheers loudly as she pauses, before going on with what she has to say.)
Sayuri Himura: Nobody is above anyone in this company. We all step into this ring as equals; the problem is that some people have a crude misinterpretation of what this company represents. Auburn Ware has been polluted by the environment that she has surrounded herself in, and while it is not my job to turn her back on the right path, it is my duty to understand the fault in her ways, and hope that through my work in the ring, that I can beat into her the meaning of respect, something that I have been emphasizing to her this entire time.
(Sayuri takes a moment to think, as she turns her head toward the stage, taking a moment before continuing on with what she had to say.)
Sayuri Himura: So I do not care what Auburn Ware has to say for herself. It appears that there’s a clear picture after these past couple of weeks of how she feels about me and what I’ve said toward her. But I would be remiss if I didn’t call her out here one more time to try and help her understand exactly what situation she has gotten herself into.
(Sayuri lowers her microphone, and almost immediately, ‘Going Under’ by Evanescence begins to play up. The crowd begins to boo as the camera goes over to show Auburn Ware as she storms out from the backstage area. She has a scowl on her face as she makes a beeline down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes Auburn, and she doesn’t look too happy after everything that has happened. And now she looks to take her anger out on Sayuri at Bloodsport.
Thadd Blazevich: But bro, is Sayuri truly going to be ready for Auburn? We have no idea what she has up her sleeve; it could be anything! I guess we’re just going to have to see as she makes her way down to the ring.
Persephone: So longgg and goodnightttttttttttttttttt… 😔🗡️
(Auburn slides into the ring as she immediately makes her way over and snatches a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Going Under’ begins to come to a close as she turns around and approaches Sayuri, taking a moment before she speaks.)
Auburn Ware: I’m sorry, I must’ve misheard you. *I’m* the one who needs to understand? Why is it that you think you’re always in the right regardless of what situation that you’re in? Do you hear yourself right now? The last thing that I need to be told is that you are going to make me regret what I’ve done; why should I believe that? Since you arrived in this company, all your words haven’t amounted to anything of substance, and all of a sudden you want to turn around and try and tell me what’s right and what’s wrong?
(Auburn shakes her head, a look of annoyance crossing her face as she continues.)
Auburn Ware: The last thing that I need to hear right now is that Sayuri Himura is going to be the one to “discipline” me when her own discipline hasn’t meant shit to this place. You were the one who made the mistake of crossing me, and I gave you multiple chances to back down, and look what happened? You got yourself in this situation, and now you’re face-to-face with a stipulation that you are way out of your depth. I have given you more than enough grace in my cold, shriveled-up heart, but now you’ve got to suffer, and there’s nobody to blame for that but you.
Sayuri Himura: You are not going to intimidate me, Auburn Ware. Your words mean nothing to me, especially when they come from someone misguided and clearly messed up.
Auburn Ware: Misguided and messed up??? The only one who can say that is you. You’re the one who has this fucked up perception of this company, one that has constantly kicked you in the ass, got you in trouble, and put you in situations that you’re unable to get yourself out of. There is NOTHING wrong with me compared to YOU, and maybe you need to open your eyes to that before you continue to embarrass yourself.
Sayuri Himura: You have not warranted the right to talk down on me like this, Auburn Ware. This is the same case as it has been in every single one of my matches; as much as YOU want to try and make this personal with me, it will never be anything of the sort. You have failed to anger me or get under my skin, and the fault in your ways is thinking that I would be stupid enough to fall into your trap. But make no mistake about it… that does not change the fact that I am going to do what is necessary to get the job done at Bloodsport next week.
Auburn Ware: Then end it, Sayuri! I really fucking doubt that you mean any of what you say because you would’ve struck me down where I stand for being the antithesis of everything that you represent. But you think that it’s wrong… that it’s not the right thing to do. You make me sick. You could have seen a fraction of the Sayuri Himura that you’re talking up right now, because I haven’t seen anything remotely of the sort. If that was the case… then you would hit me.
(Auburn leans forward, turning her cheek to Sayuri.)
Auburn Ware: Do it. Show me you mean it.
(After a lingering moment, Sayuri doesn’t react to anything that Auburn does, which prompts her to roll her eyes in disgust.)
Auburn Ware: That’s what I thought.
(Auburn scoffs as she begins to turn around.)
Auburn Ware: You’ll never be anything more than a shell of a woman. Who will never pull the trigger because her pride will never allow that to happen. Bloodsport is going to be the worst day ever for optimists like yourself.
(She begins to make her way out of the scene, Sayuri continuing to watch her with a displeased expression marked on her face.)
Rich Russillo: What a war of words between these two, and it seems like Auburn is going to get the last laugh ahead of Bloodsport next week-
Thadd Blazevich: HOLD ON, BRO! SAYURI HAS HEARD ENOUGH! SHE RUSHES FORWARD AND CLOBBERS AUBURN RIGHT AGAINST HER BACK AS SHE’S LEAVING!
Persephone: Finally, she’s fucking growing a pair instead of crying about honor. Auburn is trying her best to fight back as she swings wild punches toward her body, but Sayuri takes the wind out of her sails as she snatches her by the head and drives a knee directly into her ribcage! She brings her toward the center of the ring…
Rich Russillo: BEFORE SHE LIFTS HUP AND SPIKES HER DOWN ONTO THE GROUND WITH MUKANJYO! THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB DROPS AUBURN WARE DIRECTLY ONTO HER HEAD!
(The crowd erupts into cheers as Sayuri is seen slowly beginning to rise back up to her feet. She glares directly downward at Auburn with a look of disdain before reaching out and picking back up her microphone. She takes a moment to compose herself before she speaks.)
Sayuri Himura: Trust me, Auburn Ware, if there’s one thing that you should not doubt… It’s whether or not I can pull the trigger. Because I CAN.
(Sayuri slams the microphone back down as ‘REVIVER’ begins to play through the arena speakers. She stands back up as Auburn rolls to her side, groaning in pain, before she then begins to make her way out of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Statement made by Sayuri Himura. If there’s one thing that Auburn Ware should not question, it’s whether or not she is ready for this opportunity.
Persephone: We’re not turning chicken shit into chicken salad with this one; she’s still the same idiot that she’s always been. If Auburn loses to that, then she’s somehow an even bigger idiot, I guess.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, bro, all our questions will be answered at Bloodsport! I can’t wait for this match!
(The last shot seen is Sayuri leaving through the backstage area, as a recovering Auburn watches from inside the ring, seething with anger while Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where Sayuri Himura faces Auburn Ware in a Buckets of Blood match.)
(Voltage returns from commercial break as the camera pans across the packed arena, the crowd buzzing with anticipation just one week away from Bloodsport.)
(“Duel” by JINJER begins to blast throughout the arena, immediately drawing a loud chorus of boos.)
Rich Russillo: Few matches at Bloodsport carry stakes like the six-woman tag team match between ToXXXin and the team of Candice Blair, ARIA, and Ashlynn Quinn!
Thadd Blazevich: Whoever scores the winning fall becomes Universal Women’s Champion, bro, and somehow that wasn’t enough! Double C turned this into a 10,000 Razorblades Match!
(Minerva steps through the curtain with the Universal Women’s Championship secured around her waist. The Black Rose stops at the top of the ramp and slowly spreads her arms, displaying the championship with a sinister smile. Daniella Atlas walks out beside her with a cold, focused expression, while Selina Reyes joins them on Minerva’s opposite side.)
Persephone: Ten thousand razorblades and six wrestlers I don’t like. Captain Charisma may have finally booked something specifically for me.
Rich Russillo: Every woman has a chance to leave Bloodsport as champion, even if it means taking that opportunity away from one of her own partners!
Thadd Blazevich: They don’t look worried at all! Captain Charisma gave Daniella and Selina the opportunity to take that title from Minerva, but ToXXXin are walking out here as united as ever!
Persephone: Or they’re capable of hiding their hatred until there’s a championship within grabbing distance. That already makes them smarter than most of the roster.
(ToXXXin makes its way down the ramp, with Minerva walking slightly ahead of Daniella and Selina. The trio soon enters the ring, where Minerva takes the center and the other two stand on either side of her. “Duel” fades as microphones are handed to all three women.)
Minerva: Ten thousand razorblades.
(Minerva smiles to herself.)
Minerva: Perhaps Captain Charisma believed those words would frighten us. Perhaps he thought we would spend this week imagining our flesh being opened, our blood being spilled, and our bodies being scarred. Yet when I heard the stipulation, I did not feel fear. I felt satisfaction. If ARIA, Ashlynn Quinn, and Candice Blair still need to learn what happens when they stand against ToXXXin, Bloodsport has provided us with ten thousand ways to teach them.
(The crowd boos, but Minerva calmly continues.)
Minerva: The razorblades were not Captain Charisma’s only contribution. He looked at the three of us and decided the surest path to our destruction was temptation. He placed my Universal Women’s Championship before Daniella and Selina, told them they could claim it for themselves, and expected greed to accomplish what none of our enemies have been capable of doing. He expected ToXXXin to fracture.
(Minerva turns her head, briefly looking toward Daniella and then Selina. Neither woman looks away.)
Minerva: It was a foolish expectation, because this is not the first time all three of us have entered a match knowing only one woman could stand above the rest. We all entered the Grand Rampage. We all understood what victory meant, yet we worked together because no matter which of us reached the end, ToXXXin would shape the future of this company.
Minerva: When that moment arrived, I was the woman who seized it.
(Minerva rests a hand over the Universal Women’s Championship.)
Minerva: I won the Grand Rampage. I went to Pain for Pride, I dethroned Milli Banks, and I returned with this championship. ToXXXin did not collapse because only one woman could win. We became stronger, and now Captain Charisma has given us the opportunity to prove that lesson again.
(Minerva unfastens the title and raises it with one hand.)
Minerva: The best woman will leave Bloodsport as Universal Women’s Champion. That is exactly how it should be. We do not fear ambition within ToXXXin, because ambition is why we stand above everyone who has tried to stop us. No matter whose hands are wrapped around this championship when Bloodsport ends, it will remain exactly where it belongs.
Minerva: With ToXXXin.
(The crowd responds with more boos as Minerva lowers the championship onto her shoulder. Selina steps forward and raises her microphone.)
Selina Reyes: Every opportunity reveals something about the person receiving it. Some hesitate. Some become desperate. Others become so consumed by what they might gain that they lose sight of everything standing in front of them.
Selina Reyes: I have never hesitated.
(Selina’s eyes drift toward the Universal Women’s Championship.)
Selina Reyes: Bloodsport is another major opportunity, and I will not diminish it by pretending otherwise. I know what scoring that fall would mean. I know what it would feel like to leave with the Universal Women’s Championship after my hand is raised above five other women. Success has always been my purpose, and this is the greatest success I could claim.
Selina Reyes: But Captain Charisma believed giving me that opportunity would make me forget who our enemies are. Candice already knows what happens when she stands in my way. ARIA and Ashlynn have chosen to learn the same lesson beside her.
(Selina looks directly into the hard camera.)
Selina Reyes: I can become Universal Women’s Champion and continue the dominance we began together. Daniella can do the same. Minerva can retain. Those are three possible outcomes, and every one ends with ToXXXin victorious.
Selina Reyes: Their team has hope. We have certainty.
(Selina steps back as Daniella Atlas moves forward. Daniella looks at the title on Minerva’s shoulder before facing the crowd.)
Daniella Atlas: I will not insult any of you by claiming this championship means nothing to me. More importantly, I will not insult myself.
Daniella Atlas: I pursued the Universal Women’s Championship when Ms. Extreme held it. I believed I possessed the ability, discipline, and strength required to take it from her. I fell short. That failure did not disappear with time, and success elsewhere did not erase it. It remained with me as unfinished business.
(Daniella pauses, her expression remaining stern.)
Daniella Atlas: Bloodsport has brought that business back to me. The Universal Women’s Championship is within my reach again, and should the moment present itself, I intend to take it. There will be no apology for that ambition and no shame in admitting I desire the same prize my dear Black Rose possesses.
(The crowd reacts as Minerva watches Daniella closely, though the champion’s smile never disappears.)
Daniella Atlas: However, desire is not disloyalty. Captain Charisma may believe ambition renders us incapable of restraint, but ToXXXin was not built upon weakness. I refuse to allow ARIA, Ashlynn Quinn, or Candice Blair to leave Bloodsport with this championship because they expect us to turn upon one another.
Daniella Atlas: I have unfinished business with the Universal Women’s Championship. I will settle it when the opportunity comes, but I will not allow ToXXXin to fall in the process.
(Daniella lowers her microphone and steps back. Minerva slowly nods, appearing entirely satisfied.)
Minerva: There you have it. No resentment. No confusion. Only three women who know precisely what they want and understand that ToXXXin’s continued rule comes before the desperate fantasies of anyone standing across from us.
Minerva: ARIA and Ashlynn can tell themselves this is their chance to take revenge. Candice can convince herself that returning from the consequences of her defiance makes her courageous. They may all desire this championship, but desire has never made them worthy of possessing it. At Bloodsport, the three of them will learn that razorblades do not discriminate.
Minerva: Neither do we.
???: You’re getting far too comfortable with that comparison.
(The crowd erupts as Minerva stops speaking. The camera turns toward the entrance stage, where ARIA and Ashlynn Quinn have walked through the curtain without entrance music. Both women already have microphones in hand, and neither waits before beginning to walk toward the ring.)
ARIA: Grand Rampage proved that no matter the stakes, the three of you could work together when it benefited you, Minerva. Congratulations. Bloodsport is not Grand Rampage, and this is not a group of strangers hoping to survive long enough to earn one opportunity. This is personal, and you made it that way.
Ashlynn Quinn: Exactly! Cute history lesson and everything, but stop acting like winning one match means you’ve already figured us out. You crossed a line at the draft, with Candice, you’ve spent weeks trying to pick all of us apart, and now you think we’re going to let one of you leave with that championship? Absolutely not.
(ARIA and Ashlynn reach ringside as ToXXXin turns to face them. Minerva remains in the center of the ring, while Daniella and Selina move closer to the ropes.)
ARIA: We all want the Universal Women’s Championship. Neither of us is going to lie about that. But we also know what has to come first.
Ashlynn Quinn: Taking ToXXXin down.
(ARIA climbs onto the apron. Ashlynn follows, and the crowd grows louder as the two women step through the ropes together. ARIA and Ashlynn stand across from Minerva, Daniella, and Selina, microphones still raised as the five women stare one another down.)
Minerva: Even now you don’t understand what you are getting yourselves into. How unfortunate. Have you not yet realized what this match is about?
(Ashlynn hears this, and a confused look momentarily appears on her face.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Um, obviously! This is about winning my first world championship! Getting payback for what you did to Candice too, but also becoming world champion! I told you Minny, I’m coming for you and you can’t intimidate me into changing my mind. Attacking us and leaving Candice concussed was messed up, but guess what? None of it is gonna matter soon, because you’re gonna be losing that title as soon as Bloodsport comes around and all of those nasty things you did are gonna be for nothing! Can’t wait to see how that title looks around my waist!
(Ashlynn smiles, and looks towards ARIA. ARIA just nods, putting aside her clear focus on winning the title as she knows her heart is in the right place. Minerva however doesn’t look so impressed.)
Minerva: No. This is about the continuation of the road the three of us started last season. I may have my own eyes on retaining my Championship, but no matter the possibilities Bloodsport holds, there is only one result our match will see. ToXXXin is that result, just as it has always been. The two of you had every opportunity to learn from our path of destruction. Candice’s concussion should have been your wake up call. The fact that you have yet to realize what the future has in store for you while you stand in front of us down a woman is a testament to how foolish the two of you truly are.
(The fans boo hearing this, but ARIA steps towards Minerva, quickly beginning to respond.)
ARIA: Do you really believe we are meant to accept that!? That we should allow a companion to suffer injury and rather than retaliate, brace ourselves for failure!? That is not what is going to happen. The three of you asked for this to become what it did when you attacked us, and at Bloodsport we will not fall for your sake. We will give you the right that you asked for, until you lose what appears to be the one and only thing that truly matters to you.
(The fans cheer loudly, standing firmly with Ashlynn and ARIA. Daniella Atlas however begins to speak, keeping a calm look on her face as she speaks to ARIA.)
Daniella Atlas: ARIA, I understand your feelings regarding the concussion of your friend. You have every right to feel as you do, but… You must’ve known what battle you were entering the moment you and Candice allowed yourselves to step into our path. Each of you were members of this brand during the formation of ToXXXin. You’ve seen what we’ve been willing to do in order to reach the goals we’ve aspired to. Knowing this, perhaps you’d have been better off allowing Ashlynn to fight the battle she wanted to begin with?
(ARIA stares at Daniella for a moment. She is unable to respond to this comment, but Ashlynn does.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Ugh, are you seriously using ARIA and Candice being kind enough to make sure I wasn’t outnumbered as some sort of justification for attacking us?
Daniella Atlas: I don’t say this out of a need to “justify” what we did to Candice. I say it, because it’s reality.
(The fans boo hearing this, but Selina Reyes follows up.)
Selina Reyes: Each of you made foolish decisions that you were forced to pay for. Candice already paid for it, but as you said, she will be ready to compete at Bloodsport. She will reunite with you, and together all three of you will walk into your own demise.
Ashlynn Quinn: Your threats don’t scare us, how many times do we need to tell you? We agreed to do this for a reason. You can think whatever you want about us, but what does it matter when one of us is holding the Universal Women’s Championship, and you’re face down on the mat? You three have been asking for the worst for a while now, so we’re gonna be the ones to give that to you!
Selina Reyes: You can do your worst. You-
Rich Russillo: OH! ASHLYNN JUST SLAPPED SELINA REYES, AND I DON’T THINK SELINA EXPECTED THAT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN IMMEDIATELY TRIES TO GO AT MINERVA- BUT THE THREE MEMBERS OF TOXXXIN QUICKLY ATTACK!!! ARIA RUNS IN TO HELP, BUT BRO, DANIELLA JUST BROKE AWAY AND GRABBED ARIA, SENDING HER INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING!!
Persephone: Selina rushes over, AND SHE LANDS A KICK TO ARIA’S MIDSECTION, BEFORE DANIELLA LANDS A BLOW TO THE BACK OF ARIA!!!
Rich Russillo: ARIA drops down to all fours, BUT SHE GRABS DANIELLA AND PULLS HER INTO A PUNCH TO THE RIBS!! Selina quickly grabs her, pulling her back up- BEFORE DANIELLA HITS HER IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH A BIG BOOT!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn Quinn meanwhile is fighting with Minerva, BUT MINERVA WAS ABLE TO GET THE UPPER HAND, PULLING ASHLYNN INTO A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! Minerva follows up with an elbow to the jaw, and Ashlynn goes down to a knee! Dude, I understand Ashlynn and ARIA’s frustration, but it won’t help if they’re just outnumbered!
(Booing is heard as ToXXXin is able to gain the overwhelming advantage, making use of the difference in numbers. ARIA is dragged up by Daniella as she and Selina continue to batter her, while Minerva maintains the advantage over Ashlynn.)
Persephone: Minerva holds Ashlynn up, AND SHE DRIVES ASHLYNN INTO ANOTHER CORNER BEFORE BASHING THE BACK OF HER HEAD INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!!!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn drops to a knee before starting to pull herself up, BUT MINERVA JUST STARTS TO PUMMEL ASHLYNN WITH FOREARMS! Things really aren’t looking good right now, as it seems this may be another night where ToXXXin is able to stand tall!
Thadd Blazevich: I think you’re right bro, because Daniella is dragging ARIA away from the corner, and it seems she and Selina may be looking to put her down with one of their team maneuvers!
(Suddenly the crowd reaction rises, as cheers skyrocket through the audience.)
Rich Russillo: WOAH, WAIT A MINUTE!!! LOOK WHO IT IS!!!!
(*CRACK!*)
Rich Russillo: CANDICE BLAIR IS BACK!!!! CANDICE JUST SLID INTO THE RING, BEFORE SMACKING A STEEL CHAIR INTO THE BACK OF DANIELLA ATLAS!!! DANIELLA DROPS TO HER KNEES- AND NOW CANDICE QUICKLY TURNS AND SMASHES THE CHAIR INTO SELINA’S HEAD, RIGHT WHEN SELINA RAN IN AT HER!!!
Thadd Blazevich: CANDICE GOES BACK TO DANIELLA AFTER THAT, HITTING HER WITH THE CHAIR A SECOND TIME!!! CANDICE JUST GOES BACK AND FORTH, SWINGING WILDLY AT BOTH DANIELLA AND SELINA AS IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS FINALLY BECOMING EVEN!!!
Persephone: Minerva realizes what’s going on and turns to go stop Candice-
Rich Russillo: BUT ASHLYNN USES THAT OPENING TO TURN MINERVA AROUND, PUNCHING HER IN THE FACE!!! MINERVA STUMBLES AND CANDICE SWINGS AT MINERVA-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT MINERVA CATCHES THE CHAIR!!! MINERVA IS ABLE TO CATCH THE CHAIR! CANDICE TRIES TO STOP HER FROM TAKING IT, BUT MINERVA WRESTLES IT OUT OF CANDICE’S HANDS-
Rich Russillo: BEFORE TURNING RIGHT INTO THE J4A!!!!!
(The crowd explodes as Minerva is dropped to the mat, and ARIA pushes herself back up, holding the back of her head. She quickly grabs Minerva, dragging her back up before sending her into Candice Blair.)
Rich Russillo: THIS TRIO WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE UP ON TOXXXIN ONCE MORE THANKS TO CANDICE BLAIR AND THAT STEEL CHAIR AS AN EQUALIZER, AND NOW IT SEEMS THEY PLAN TO GIVE THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION WHAT SHE MIGHT JUST DESERVE! SHE ALREADY RECEIVED THE J4A…
Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW SHE’S HIT WITH CASTLES CRUMBLING!!!! THE CANADIAN DESTROYER DROPS MINERVA RIGHT ON HER HEAD!!
Persephone: Minerva’s completely out of it, and the force of the move caused her to inadvertently roll to her feet and fall back into the ropes before bouncing off-
Rich Russillo: AND RIGHT INTO THE GRASP OF ASHLYNN, WHO TAKES THE ARM AND TURNS, BEFORE FINALLY PLANTING THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION WITH RED BOTTOMS!!!!! MINERVA IS DOWN, AND YOU CANNOT SAY TOXXXIN DIDN’T HAVE THIS COMING!!!!
(The fans loudly cheer, as by this point both Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes have rolled out of the ring, still reeling from the chair shots as Candice, ARIA and Ashlynn regroup in the middle of the ring.)
Persephone: Gross. I don’t like all this happy ending, putting smiles on faces nonsense. I need to see some blood.
Rich Russillo: Well we’ll definitely be seeing more than our fair share of that at Bloodsport, because we already know the stipulations these six women have to deal with. One thing is for sure though, and it’s that they are not afraid.
Thadd Blazevich: They said this was personal, and I couldn’t agree more bro. This is serious, and at Bloodsport, one of these *six* women will leave as Universal Women’s Champ.
(Ashlynn Quinn, ARIA, and the returning Candice Blair stand together, looking down on their fallen Bloodsport opponents. Candice is still frustrated seeing them after the concussion they gave her, but following their attack, Daniella and Selina are laid out, sitting and leaning against the barricade as they give faint stares into the ring, still hurt from those chair shots and in no condition to continue fighting. Minerva on the other hand is fully unconscious, laid out right at the feet of Candice, ARIA and Ashlynn. With this final shot, Voltage fades from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where the triple threat to Captain the Voltage War Games team will take place.)
(Voltage returns from the final commercial break of the night and cuts to the ringside area.)
(“Self Help Tape” by Moses Sumney plays throughout the arena as Captain Charisma stands in the ring beside the Wheel of Death with a microphone in hand. After a few moments, the music begins to fade out as Captain Charisma looks around at the cheering crowd before raising the microphone.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached our main event, and that means it’s time for one final spin of the wheel.
Captain Charisma: Over the past few weeks we’ve revealed the stipulations for every Bloodsport match but one. Tonight, that’s about to change. At Bloodsport, Jake Smith, Damon Lazarus and Jay Jerry Johnson will fight to become the Captain of Team Voltage heading into War Games at Territorial Invasion, and before those three step into the ring together, they’re going to find out exactly what kind of match they’ll be walking into.
(Captain Charisma turns toward the stage.)
Captain Charisma: Jake Smith, come on out.
(“Nightreign” by Shoi Miyazawa plays as Jake Smith makes his way out with his trademark swagger, a stoic expression etched across his face as he heads toward the ring while the crowd rains down boos.)
Rich Russillo: Jake Smith returned to Voltage promising dominance, and over the past few weeks he has backed those words up. The problem is, every step forward has been met by Damon Lazarus and Jay Jerry Johnson, and tonight all three men finally meet face to face before Bloodsport.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, dude, and Jake doesn’t look bothered one bit. Bro’s been saying this is his Voltage now, and honestly? He looks ready to prove it against anybody standing in his way.
(Jake Smith steps into the ring and immediately beckons over his shoulder for the other two to come out, not even bothering to look toward the stage. He walks to the right side of the ring and reaches through the middle rope, where a ringside stagehand hands him a microphone. Jake stands firm in the ring, nonchalantly gesturing for Captain Charisma to hurry up and call the other two out, causing CC to roll his eyes before continuing.)
Captain Charisma: Since you’re in such a hurry… Damon Lazarus, come on out.
(“Until It Sleeps” by Metallica plays next as Damon Lazarus steps onto the stage, staring daggers at Jake Smith in the ring, who responds with a faint, dismissive smirk. Damon then saunters down the ramp with an equally stoic expression.)
Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus has spent weeks trying to systematically dismantle both Jake Smith and Jay Jerry Johnson, but after everything that’s happened, neither man has been willing to stay down. Tonight, all of that bad blood is finally in one place.
Persephone: Which is great, because apparently ruining Jake Smith’s life and trying to cave Jay’s skull in has become Damon Lazarus’ favorite hobby. I can respect the commitment.
(Damon enters the ring with a microphone already in hand, coming to a stop across from Jake as Captain Charisma stands between them. As “Until It Sleeps” begins to fade out, Captain Charisma quickly raises a hand between the two men before either can say a word.)
Captain Charisma: Before either of you decide to make this any more difficult than it needs to be, I’m asking both of you to keep this professional. We’ve still got one more participant to bring out, and I’d like to get through this without needing security.
(Captain Charisma turns toward the stage.)
Captain Charisma: Jay Jerry Johnson, come on out.
(“Once Then We’ll Be Free” by Wisp plays as Damon turns toward the stage, with both he and Jake Smith directing their attention to Jay Jerry Johnson as he steps out wearing a focused expression. The crowd erupts into cheers as Jay makes his way down the ramp, never taking his eyes off either man.)
Rich Russillo: Jay Jerry Johnson refused to let Damon Lazarus move on after everything that’s happened between them. He fought his way into this match, and now all three men have been forced onto a collision course with the War Games captaincy hanging in the balance.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, just look at ‘em. Nobody’s taking their eyes off anybody else. Jake’s done with getting dragged into Damon and Jay’s war, Damon wants to finish what he started, and Triple J isn’t giving either of them an inch. This thing is ready to blow.
(Jay enters the ring with a microphone in hand as Damon moves over beside Jake Smith. The three competitors stand across from one another, their eyes darting between each other with stoic expressions as “Once Then We’ll Be Free” fades out in the background. Captain Charisma cautiously looks between the three men, making sure none of them are about to make the first move. Satisfied for the moment, he slowly nods before turning toward the Wheel of Death.)
Captain Charisma: Good. Now that everyone’s here, let’s get to why I called you out.
(Captain Charisma rests a hand against the wheel.)
Captain Charisma: The three of you have spent the last few weeks making each other’s lives miserable. You’ve fought backstage, you’ve fought at ringside, you’ve interrupted matches, and every single week you’ve found a new way to raise the stakes.
(Captain Charisma looks between Jake, Damon, and Jay.)
Captain Charisma: At Bloodsport, all of that comes to a head. One of you will leave as the Captain of Team Voltage heading into War Games, and considering everything I’ve watched from the three of you… I’d say you need a match worthy of earning that responsibility.
(The crowd applauds as Captain Charisma grips the wheel.)
Captain Charisma: So let’s find out exactly what kind of match that’ll be.
(Captain Charisma gives the Wheel of Death a powerful spin. The wheel begins rapidly cycling through the various Bloodsport stipulations as the crowd buzzes with anticipation.)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! The final Bloodsport stipulation is about to be revealed, and with these three involved, I have a feeling whatever this lands on is going to be absolute chaos!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, these guys have practically been having Bloodsport matches every week already. I don’t even wanna imagine what Double C’s about to throw at ’em.
(The wheel continues spinning, gradually slowing as it clicks past one stipulation after another. Jake, Damon and Jay never take their eyes off it, each waiting to see what fate has in store.)
(…Click…)
(…Click…)
(…Click…)
(The wheel finally comes to a stop.)
Rich Russillo: It’s landed on something!
(Captain Charisma looks up at the wheel before a grin spreads across his face.)
Captain Charisma: Thirty Minute Hardcore Iron Man Match.
(The crowd erupts into cheers.)
Captain Charisma: Thirty minutes. No disqualifications. No count-outs. Falls can happen anywhere, and when those thirty minutes are up, the man with the most falls will become the Captain of Team Voltage for War Games.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude… that’s perfect.
Persephone: Thirty whole minutes of these idiots beating each other with weapons? Finally, something worth staying awake for.
(There is a tense staredown between the three men scheduled to compete in this match. All three men look prepared for this match, understanding the aggression and hostility that has been present between the three of them since their feuds with each other began. After some time the staredown is broken, as one Elitist’s attention shifts.)
Damon Lazarus: You can leave now.
(Damon Lazarus’ eyes are directly on the Commissioner, who seems a bit surprised by this statement.)
Captain Charisma: …What?
(Damon just sighs, turning towards him before he continues.)
Damon Lazarus: You did your job. If you are expecting this to remain civil after asking the three of us to meet each other inside of the same ring, knowing the events of the past month, you are a fool asking to be disappointed. I understand too well what a setup like this is bound to become, and I have no intentions of making promises I couldn’t care less about keeping. If you’re afraid of getting hurt, turn around and walk up that ramp…
(After saying this, Damon turns towards his opponents, keeping a close eye on Jay Jerry Johnson.)
Damon Lazarus: Because if I decide bodies need to drop before Bloodsport, nobody is going to stop me.
(There is a staredown between Damon Lazarus and Jay Jerry Johnson, and Jake Smith just shakes his head, not even able to hide the smirk that grows on his face after that comment.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Then stop talking and do it. Every week it’s another threat, another warning, another promise about what you’re going to do to me, and every week I’m still standing here. If you think you’re finally going to scare me into walking away now, you’ve already run out of chances.
Damon Lazarus: You’re a fool, Jay. A special kind, who already was able to face the consequences of his own mediocrity once, yet managed to learn only the wrong lessons. I gave you opportunities to correct yourself. To realize exactly what it is you stepped into, but you made both the most bold and the most ridiculously stupid decision you possibly could’ve made. For you this was never about the chance to win a match on the marquee nor make good on the opportunity Captain Charisma has presented you with. Your target is me, and I suppose it’s because you’re still blinded by an electric chair that wasn’t even capable of fulfilling its one use in putting me down, but you’ve already forgotten that I am not just a fight for you to pick up a you please.
Jay Jerry Johnson: You’re right. My target is you. Not because I went looking for this fight, but because you kept making sure it found me. You cost me Cash in the Vault. You cost me at the Draft. You ripped a steel cage door off its hinges just to get your hands on me. Every chance you’ve had, you’ve made this personal. So I asked Captain Charisma to put me in this match because I’m done waiting for you to decide when you want to come after me next. At Bloodsport, this ends, and the next time you think about making yourself my problem, you’ll remember exactly why you shouldn’t have.
(Hearing this, a sinister look slowly forms on the face of Damon, as he actually steps closer towards Jay.)
Damon Lazarus: Then you should’ve killed me while you had the chance, because with that death wish of yours, you’ll soon wish you did.
(Captain Charisma has a slightly concerned look on his face as he observes the situation, as a tense staredown happens between Jay and Damon. Jake however still appears unimpressed, scoffing at the situation unfolding.)
Jake Smith: This is a joke. What is this, some kind of circus? I don’t care about any trivial, petty, long lasting issues the two of you may have with each other. That is not my problem, and as far as I’m concerned none of this is worth my time because at Bloodsport, neither of you are actually getting what you want out of this, not when you both have your own consequences to face at *my* hands. You think I care about a stipulation, as if I haven’t been in matches like this time and time again for the past eight years. This isn’t anything new. Just a stepping stone for me to ascend to the position I belong in. If you two want to keep doing this you can get the hell out of my ring, but if you have any intentions of being anything more than a waste of time at Bloodsport… I think it’s time you remember what this is.
(Jake and Damon stare at each other, but Damon doesn’t speak just yet. Instead, Jay Jerry Johnson goes to respond.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: I know exactly what this is. It’s my chance to become Team Captain, and it’s my chance to finally put an end to this. You keep acting like those are two separate things, Jake. They’re not. Damon has been standing in my way for months, and at Bloodsport I’m getting him out of it. If becoming Team Captain means going through both of you to do it… then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
(Jake stares at Jay for a moment.)
Jake Smith: You’re serious?
(Jay doesn’t say anything. The focused look on his face is enough of an answer, and seeing this, Jake chuckles for a moment, before the smile on his face drops entirely.)
Jake Smith: Jay, let’s just think about this for a moment. You have never in your life touched a World Championship. You’ve hardly main evented these events, and never at Pain for Pride. You haven’t even touched the legacy that I have, yet you think you can just walk into Bloodsport and take this match from me? No. I don’t care what you’ve got going on with Damon or about your never ending chase towards the pinnacle of this industry. You’re getting in the ring with me, and that’s what’s important here. There’s a reason I was chosen for this match while you were left in this ring begging. Captain Charisma, even with all his past hatred towards me knows that I’m the one meant to carry this brand forward. Not you…
(Jay keeps his composure, but he isn’t amused whatsoever by Jake’s words. Jake however isn’t finished speaking, and has only turned his attention towards his other opponent, Damon Lazarus.)
Jake Smith: And not you, who has no chance of beating me at Bloodsport.
(Damon stares at Jake for a moment, not even saying anything.)
Damon Lazarus: Hm…
(This time, he’s the one who lets out a laugh. It doesn’t last for long, and it seems to be more out of disbelief than anything else. As soon as he stops laughing Damon looks back at Jake, with an intense look appearing on his face as he speaks.)
Damon Lazarus: You have some Goddamn nerve, you know that? You must not have realized yet how lucky you’ll be if I don’t end tonight ripping you in half for the stunt you and Caroline pulled two weeks ago. You think I’m only here for the sake of handling an age-old problem with Jay, but it stopped being that simple as soon as my face was covered with black mist. Your own ego has been your undoing your entire career and now that you finally took the chance to start over and turn things around, you let it go to waste by attempting to reduce me to another body you can push to the side. Your ego’s inflated but Jake, it is as fragile as it’s ever been, and I will have no problem destroying it, and the two of you, for thirty minutes next weekend knowing that for once, there will be nothing and nobody to get in the way.
Jake Smith: You’ll do nothing. This isn’t a free opportunity for you to do as you please the way you’re used to. I know you’re used to having your way, but not anymore. Against Jay maybe, but this isn’t your show. It’s mine, and it’ll stay that way for a long time. The sooner the two of you accept that, the sooner we can get out of here. Maybe you’re interested in pointless destruction, but my only concern right now is dominance. Without exception.
(A staredown occurs between the two men, and Damon goes to speak once more.)
Damon Lazarus: Then try, Jake. Go ahead and give it your best shot. Not a single person Captain Charisma sends out here’s going to be able to hold me back, so do as you please, and face the exact consequences you were warned of just as you always have. Between now and Bloodsport we’ll see who’s left standing at the end of this, and-
Jay Jerry Johnson: That’s it, I have heard *more* than enough from the two of you.
(The fans cheer hearing this sudden statement from Jay Jerry Johnson, and both Damon and Jake turn towards him.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: You both love hearing yourselves talk. One of you keeps promising destruction, the other keeps promising dominance, but neither of those words mean a damn thing until Bloodsport. Thirty minutes. That’s all that’s left. Thirty minutes where neither of you can hide behind excuses, reputations, or empty promises. When that clock runs out, we’ll find out whose words were actually worth listening to.
(The fans cheer, and Jay turns towards Jake.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: I’m done with the threats. The promises, and all of the like. I’m out for blood.
Rich Russillo: AND THERE’S A BOOT BY JAY JERRY JOHNSON TO JAKE SMITH!! JAKE WAS ROCKED BY THAT, AND NOW JAY GOES AFTER DAMON LAZARUS!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DAMON WAS READY AND GRABS JAY, THROWING HIM INTO THE CORNER BEFORE DELIVERING AN UPPERCUT! DAMON PULLS JAY BACK UP BEFORE STARTING TO PUNCH AWAY AT HIM, BUT JAY SHOVES DAMON AWAY BEFORE STUMBLING AWAY-
Persephone: BEFORE JAKE RUNS IN, CLOTHESLINING JAY OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: DAMON GRABS JAKE AND QUICKLY THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE, AND NOW BOTH JAKE AND JAY HAVE TUMBLED OUT TO RINGSIDE!!! Damon Lazarus follows, but Captain Charisma isn’t having it! He’s calling for security to come out, and I think we knew this was coming!
(The fans boo as the security guards rush down the ramp, all while the three Elitists competing in the 30 Minute Hardcore Iron Man match are seen at ringside, right in front of the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: THE SECURITY GUARDS RUSH IN-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON IMMEDIATELY FLOORS ONE OF THEM WITH “CTE”!!!!
Rich Russillo: DAMON GETS BACK UP, AND NOW JAKE GRABS ONE OF THEM AND THROWS THEM INTO THE BARRICADE, WHILE JAY ELBOWS ONE OFF OF HIM!! JAKE CHARGES DAMON, AND THOSE TWO ARE HAVING A HOCKEY FIGHT AS JAY JERRY JOHNSON CONTINUES FIGHTING THROUGH SECURITY!!! CAPTAIN CHARISMA TRIED TO HAVE THIS ONE BROKEN UP, BUT I DON’T KNOW IF THAT’LL WORK!!!
Thadd Blazevich: TRIPLE J IS ABLE TO GRAB JAKE, AND HE SENDS JAKE FORWARD, FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! JAKE TRIPS OVER THE STEPS AND TAKES A TUMBLE, AND BRO, JAY IS TAKING THE FIGHT TO DAMON!!! DAMON LANDS A PUNCH TO JAY, BUT JAY FIGHTS BACK WITH AN ELBOW!!
Persephone: They keep brawling around the ring, heading past Jake and both sets of steel steps as they make their way to the barricade corner to our right.
Rich Russillo: THE SECURITY GUARDS KEEP TRYING TO SEPARATE THEM, BUT DAMON KICKS ONE OF THEM AWAY!! That distracted him though, AND JAY TAKES THE CHANCE TO DRIVE DAMON FORWARD, CAUSING HIM TO GO BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!
Persephone: These security guards really are useless, aren’t they?
Rich Russillo: Jay pulls back and swings at Damon- BUT DAMON CATCHES THE ARM, TURNING JAY AROUND AND INTO THE BARRICADE! Damon turns around, and-
(*CRASH!*)
Rich Russillo: AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE’RE SEEING A BIT OF A REPEAT OF LAST WEEK!!! JAKE SMITH WITH “NIGHTREIGN” THROUGH THE BARRICADE, ONLY THIS TIME HE WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO PUT JAY THROUGH IT!!! DAMON GOT OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME, AND JAY WAS JUST WIPED OUT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DAMON LAZARUS IS QUICK TO ACT, GRABBING JAKE AND THROWING HIM FURTHER INTO THE CROWD AREA!! Jake stumbles as he starts getting back up, AND DAMON LANDS A CLUBBING BLOW TO THE BACK THAT SENDS JAKE STUMBLING FURTHER! Damon notices a few set up tables over towards the steps, and he’s bringing Jake over towards that area!
Persephone: The security guards are chasing, but I think they were a bit thrown off by the spear through the barricade. A few more are heading down the steps to try and stop Damon, BUT DAMON ARMS HIMSELF WITH A CHAIR- AND HE SLAMS IT OVER JAKE’S HEAD BEFORE TURNING TOWARDS THE GUARDS!!!
Rich Russillo: He warns them off with the chair while Jake uses the table to pull himself up, AND NOW DAMON GOES FOR A SECOND SHOT WITH THE CHAIR-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAKE CATCHES IT- BEFORE MANAGING TO SHOVE IT BACK INTO DAMON’S FOREHEAD!!! DAMON LETS GO OF THE CHAIR, AND NOW JAKE RETURNS THE FAVOR WITH A SHOT TO THE FOREHEAD, SEVERELY DAZING DAMON AS HE WAS ROCKED BY THAT!!!!
Persephone: Damon turns around, AND JAKE USES THE OPPORTUNITY TO QUICKLY LIFT HIM UP FROM BEHIND, TURNING WHILE SPINNING DAMON TOWARDS THE TABLES!
Rich Russillo: GOD COMPLEX!!!! JAKE SMITH JUST PUT DAMON LAZARUS THROUGH THE TABLES WITH THE GOD COMPLEX, AND IT LOOKS LIKE CAPTAIN CHARISMA WAS UNABLE TO STOP THINGS THIS TIME!!! JAKE SMITH WAS ABLE TO GET THE UP ON HIS BLOODSPORT OPPONENTS, AND THIS MAY VERY WELL BE A SIGN FOR THINGS TO COME!!!
(The security guards finally grab Jake Smith, but by this point, the damage has already been done. Both Damon and Jake have small traces of blood rushing down their heads thanks to the shots with the chair. Jay Jerry Johnson remains laid out in the remains of the barricade, while Damon Lazarus is in the table rubble.)
Rich Russillo: Jake Smith has said a lot already about this match, I think already making his thoughts clear. He believes this match is his, and that becoming Captain is part of his road towards getting to where he feels he belongs.
Thadd Blazevich: This is gonna be a wild match dude, and I can feel it. Jake isn’t backing down, and I think tonight just showed everything. He’s going into this match with an energy bro might have never had before.
Persephone: Yeah, which is much needed
(With both Bloodsport opponents down, Jake Smith appears satisfied. He shrugs off the security guards, slowly beginning to walk off on his own as Captain Charisma watches it all, not thrilled to see things turn out this way so close to Bloodsport, knowing the stakes this match has. Jake slowly nods, admiring his work as he finally leaves. With this, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
