(EAW intro plays…)
(Friday Night Dynasty intro plays. After a montage recapping last week’s show plays, the scene cuts to inside the arena, with pyrotechnics bursting into the air. The sold-out crowd cheers wildly; the shot captures them before transitioning to the commentary with a gradual fade in.)
Stew-O: Welcome EAW Universe to yet another edition of FRIDAY NIGHT DYNASTY! We are LIVE in Shreveport, Louisiana and it is a part here—but in three more weeks, we will be heading off for war! The march towards Territorial Invasion continues where Dynasty’s best and brightest stars will attempt to capture all of the glory not just for themselves, but for this brand as well!
Jake Mercer: They sure will, but of course, it isn’t just about brand supremacy. We’ve had some heated feuds build up as of late, such as NICK and David Gideon Smith, Harper Lee and Kassidy Heart, and of course, the World Heavyweight Championship match between Drake King and Michael Machina. On that note, apparently, they linked up with one another earlier in the week!?
Flannery McCoy: That is the word we’ve gotten, and to say it was… interesting would put it mildly. We have exclusive footage of that meeting, and we have it here, ready to be played!
(And as those words get out, the shot pans to the titantron then zooms in, and the scene gradually fades elsewhere…)
[SCREENBAR: THE ETERNAL ABOVE – HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK.]
???: Hm…
(Life is brought to the scene, where Michael Machina stands before the white doors of a church. His eyes hone in on the exterior; an unsightly thing even when nothing out of the ordinary sticks out. It’s isolated, tucked away within the deeper reaches of a lone road that stretches for miles on end. No surprise, given its owner and the hostile reputation he holds. It makes Michael crinkle his nose in disgust.)
Michael Machina: ‘Course a jackass like you got a whole building now. Arrogance piece of shit.
(A snort rumbles up his throat, forming a thick wad of spit that coils to his tongue—then, he pauses. Shaking his head, he swallows it down and groans.)
Michael Machina: Nah.
(Michael’s eyes lift up to the sky, as though someone was peering down to hear him.)
Michael Machina: Unlike him, I don’t gotta defile you to feel better.
(Hands rustle into the pockets of his sweatshirt. He takes a few slow trifles before speaking.)
Michael Machina: Hey, it’s me. You can open up so we can get this out of the way.
(…)
(…)
(…?)
Michael Machina: Eh?
(Huffing, he draws out a fist, knocking firmly.)
Michael Machina: Hello? You in there?!
(…)
(…)
(The door cracks open slowly. Michael’s eyes narrow, immediately on guard.)
Michael Machina: The hell?
(The frown on his face deepens, but he presses the door some more, carefully peeking in…)
(…and he sees a figure sitting by an altar. Dark strands cascade to the mid point of their back, and they don in an all-white ensemble.)
(Michael already knows who it is.)
(He takes another glance around. No one else—not even the key members of The Eternal Above—are present. However, he does not linger for much longer and enters, having enough decency to close the door with a soft ‘click’ behind him. Everything felt and looked too pristine. It was almost uncanny.)
(Michael stalks down the aisle until he reaches the front pew. There, the man’s head turns, looking at him.)
Drake King: So, you’ve come before God after all…
(Drake rises to his feet. Fingers interlock with each other. He stands, firm yet calm, in spite of the madness that colors his eyes. Michael scowls.)
Michael Machina: Stop callin’ yourself that, first off. Secondly, yeah—figured I might as well indulge in whatever it is you wanna talk about before I knock your head clean off for good and get back what’s mine.
(Drake snorts.)
Drake King: Yours? That is no longer the case. It’s awfully entitled of you to believe the world title belongs to you under any circumstances.
Michael Machina: Tch. You’re one to talk. You’ve gotta be one of the most entitled bastards EAW has ever seen. I definitely don’t need some kind of lecture from you.
Drake King: My entitlement, Michael, stems from the fact that I am the only one worthy enough to carry out the change I wish to enact, both for EAW and The World, but of course, you won’t care to listen to that. It is the same debaucherous hymn with you lot. It’s far easier to decry me as someone who has lost his mind, but tell me—you did that before, and it did not work out for you in the end. Are you that intent on repeating a history you’re actively failing to learn from as of now?
(There’s a curious cant to his head, and Michael’s brows furrow. Was he taunting? Genuine? It was hard to discern. However, he can make out the annoyance festering within like gnats growing into a swarm, itching to get out.)
(Drake stares. Michael forces out a breath. His shoulders slacken.)
Michael Machina: Trust me, I am… ‘learning’. I am learning how you aren’t ever gonna change. I’m learning how important it is for me to beat you, because if this keeps up, who knows what else you will do? You’re an egomaniac, Drake, and as far as I am concerned, you barely got by Pain for Pride through the skin of your teeth. It’s all cute to see you try and act all calm and composed now, as if you have some rational plan tucked within your sleeve with your cornies by you, but I still see the same miserable, spineless weasel who was a grade-A crashout ‘case he heard the saxophones blarin’ in his ears.
(Drake blinks. Then, he chuckles. It’s low and short, but it’s enough to make a brow of Michael’s raise.)
Drake King: I was. I had so much anger built within me, Michael—but do you really think I shall walk around within my Domain and continue with it? No. I got what I wanted; what was necessary for me to obtain, and here I am. My work extends far beyond the confines of wrestling, even though it is in desperate need of a massive overhaul. My purpose is grander than whatever selfish aspirations you possess, and through that, my actions shall change The World for the better.
Michael Machina: Damn. We gotta dig the other God up from his grave so that we don’t gotta hear you babble ever again.
Drake King: And I am sure that would be nice—but just like you, I was able to fell him on the biggest stage.
(Drake circles over to the altar, where the World Heavyweight Championship sits amidst the backdrop of a white and yellow flower centerpiece. He looks at it with a faint smile.)
Drake King: That is the one thing that has remained consistent. I have, frankly, gone off the deep end last season, but when it mattered the most, I laid every doubt to rest. I showed to people, especially those like you, who decry me as though I am unfit for this position. Ultimately, I have beaten everyone who thought their might was greater than mine, and if that does not make me God, then I am curious to know what you think it makes me be instead. Though, if I were to hear it straight from your mouth, it would involve a lot of uncouth words and egregious insults—right along with denial.
Michael Machina: Denial?
Drake King: Denial that you are incapable of wrestling with God.
(Silence stretches between them.)
(Suddenly, there’s a laugh, and Drake whips around.)
Drake King: What is funny?
(Michael continues to laugh. The incredulous, belly-aching kind. He shakes his head, hunched over slightly. Drake’s lips stretch faintly, eyes set with their unamused gaze.)
(When Michael settles, he wipes a tear with his thumb.)
Michael Machina: … Wow. So, that one win really gassed you up to thinking you’re better than me, huh?
(Drake’s scowl deepens.)
Drake King: It is not a matter of thinking. It is the truth. Otherwise, you would still be a champion. Alas, your time has run out, and you are simply unfit to carry not only the championship but the true power it possesses.
Michael Machina: Power!? Damn! You REALLY have lost it now!
Drake King: Alright—I was more than patient with you, Michael, but you would do well to watch your language—
Michael Machina: What is this? Kindergarten!? Man, fuck you. I knew this was just gonna be a crock of bullshit coming out of you. This was a complete waste of my damn time!
(Michael shakes his head, fanning Drake off.)
Michael Machina: You just wanna run your damn mouth and prop yourself up. That’s all it boils down to, and you know what? I could respect it if you were honest about it. However, all of a sudden you got these new followers and pushed the religious ideology harder, and it’s just a facade, Drake. No one is stupid, least of all me. You just want people to finally sing your praises after you spent, what, a season and some change dicking around and crying and on the verge of complete mental collapse? There’s no divine purpose for you other for you to get your ass beat and give me back what is mine.
(…)
(…)
(…)
Drake King: … what is yours?
(Drake’s own eyes form into slits. Michael glares back.)
Michael Machina: Yes.
(And he points to the championship. Drake’s gaze follows.)
Michael Machina: I ain’t no damn prophet or a God; I don’t need to hide behind all these masks and tryna ham fist a ‘saving the world’ excuse. I can admit I’m a selfish bastard, but ain’t that wrestling? ‘Sides, you were just like that for a good chunk of your career. You always had groups and an air of self-importance to you, sure, but now you’re moving as if you’re some Jim Jones knockoff and wanna eschew all these platitudes when you are the LEAST righteously- sane fucker in this company.
(Drake… nods his head. Pushes out his bottom lip. A ‘hm’ draws out.)
Drake King: Is that so..?
(Michael nods.)
Michael Machina: Yeah. No one is perfect. Not even you. The world doesn’t need to be saved when you barely saved your damn self—but you aren’t gonna be given a chance to correct that.
(Michael watches as Drake appears to be looking at him through the reflection of the centerplate. His fingers trace gingerly against its edge.)
Michael Machina: Territorial Invasion, this ends.
(…)
Drake King: Ends?
(Drake snickers. He takes up the championship, observing it more intently.)
Drake King: Oh, Michael. This is only the BEGINNING—!!
(And he spins, darting the title towards Michael’s head!)
(CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!!)
(BUT HE IS SPEARED RIGHT INTO THE ALTER!)
(The structure topples over; flowers flown around, and the title clatters to the ground. Drake groans, clutching his midsection as pain swells throughout his body. He coughs.)
Drake King: Y-you wretched, insolent THING! Y-you will PAY for this!
(Michael staggers up, but he’s able to stand and dust himself. He looks down at Drake before he looks at the title.)
(For a split second, he contemplates taking it.)
Michael Machina: … nah. The only one who is going to pay is you.
(He turns, and he hears footsteps. That gets him to head out, and the doors fling before they slam shut.)
(Drake coughs, slow to sit up; one arm laced around his midsection. Father Abraham, Sister Annabell and Minister Boveri all gather around, quickly assisting him back up.)
Father Abraham: That heathen! Should’ve known he would’ve acted out like a wild boar and harm you! Are you okay!?
Drake King: Hngh… it hurts, I must admit… but this is nothing I cannot handle…
(Drake… then straightens up. His face remains contorted, but not as intensely as before. Only a hand remains on his midsection.)
(His eyes stare at the shut doors.)
Drake King: He has chosen his path toward ruin, and he will be brought to it completely. I swear it.
(The final shot shows Drake King’s eyes, highlighting the quiet storm within them, before the scene fades. The viewer is taken back to a live look of the arena.)
Stew-O: Wow. What a confrontation! Michael got one-up on Drake, but… from the looks of things… he was healing from that Bullet From Hell!
Flannery McCoy: :lupe: Can we really call it that?
Jake Mercer: Of course, Flan! It was a MIRACLE! Nothing else to it!
Flannery McCoy: I mean, I don’t know all about that. Michael could’ve gone easy, or that altar may have broken part of the impact for Drake.
Jake Mercer: BLASPHEMOUS! Do not doubt the capabilities of God! He ought to smite you the next time he is here!
Flannery McCoy: Riiiight. And I am so sure you would like that.
Stew-O: Well, we can deliberate all we want about that, but right now, we have our opening contest underway!
(And with that, the shot lands on Stephie Love, who is ready to introduce the participants for the first match of the evening.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“Steel Haze (Where Truth Meets)” by Kota Hoshino began to blast through the speakers of the arena! Signaling the arrival of AKIZA! AKIZA stepped out onto the stage, her head held high, a very determined look on her face as she was making her way down to the ring, looking ready to go..)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! Hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan! Weighing in at 143lbs!! She is “Queen Vermillion!!” AKIIIIZAAAAA!!
(AKIZA finally entered the ring, stepping towards the center of the ring as she spread her arms, before outstretching and reaching her hand out in front of her, taunting and backing up into her corner as “Kendrick, Clae & Cole by Marqus Clae started playing through the speakers!! NICK made his way out onto the stage, running a thumb over his nose..)
Stephie Love: And her opponent!! Hailing from Detroit, Michigan!! And weighing in at 215lbs!!! He is “The Punisher!!” NIIIIICK!!!!
(NICK finally made his way to the ring, entering it and stepping back into his corner, leaning back up against the ropes as he was waiting for this match to get started.)
(DING!! DING!! DING!!)
Flannery McCoy: Here we go ladies and gentlemen! We’re ready to get this match underway as finally the bell has rung. NICK vs AKIZA! Both competitors are stepping out of their corners now and they began to circle the ring, eyeing one another here. Trying to get a feeling out process started for this match early.
Jake Mercer: The two meet in the middle of the ring, reaching out towards one another, but as they interlock fingers.. AKIZA sends a kick to the chest of NICK’S!! Followed by another one!! And another one! We seem to be starting this match off hot! AKIZA swings for another kick to the chest.. But NICK CATCHES THE LEG! He’s decided he’s not taking anymore of those..
Stew-O: NICK painted AKIZA’S chest with a huge Knife Edge Chop!! He dropped her leg, and this allowed AKIZA to step back slightly, gritting her teeth as she felt the stinging pain of that chop! But she retaliated! Answering NICK’S Chop with a.. OPEN PALM STRIKE TO THE CHEST!! FOLLOWING IT UP WITH ONE TO THE FACE!!!
Flannery McCoy: Oh I believe that this match is starting to heat up! NICK seems to be reeling! But he shakes his head, before he now retaliates!! And.. BLASTS AKIZA WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!! It’s like they’re just asking for each other and inviting each other to throw their best shot right now! Guess it comes down to who makes the first mistake.
Jake Mercer: AKIZA is now reeling and on wobbly legs! NICK is going to seize the opportunity here! He runs back towards the ropes and he rebounds off of them, rushing back at AKIZA.. but AKIZA LEVELS NICK WITH A HUGE BOOT TO THE FACE!!!
Stew-O: But NICK is still on his feet!! Staggering! AKIZA goes to swing at NICK with a huge Roundhouse kick to the head!! But NICK ducks under and he scoops AKIZA up onto his shoulders! Looking for.. POWERBOMB TO CONNECT!!!
Flannery McCoy: But AKIZA flipped forward.. sending NICK crashing to the canvas with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb!!! Keeping his legs hooked for the cover! The ref slides down onto the canvas to begin the count!!
(ONNNNEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOOO!!)
Jake Mercer: NICK kicks out with some authority and this match between the two continues! NICK rolls back up onto his feet with a quickness, before he’d charge in at AKIZA!! And extend his arm outward.. looking to connect with a huge Running Lariat to AKIZA!! But AKIZA ducked under it… and grabbed NICK!! Hoisting him off of his feet….
Stew-O: She planted him down onto her knee with a Uranage Backbreaker!! NICK bounced off of her knee and hit the canvas! Sitting up and holding his back in pain! But AKIZA wasn’t stopping there!! She rushed the ropes and came back towards NICK.. going for a… SLIDING LARIAT!!!
Flannery McCoy: BUT NICK CAUGHT THE ARM!! TRANSITIONING INTO AN ARM-TRIANGLE CHOKE TO AKIZA!!!
Jake Mercer: NICK has AKIZA trapped!! Trying to choke her out and end this match right here and now! But AKIZA is showing some resistance! AKIZA rocked back and forth, slightly creating a loosening of the grip, before slipping from under the hold!! And grabbing NICK’S arm.. bringing him to his feet, before STRIKING THAT SAME ARM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!
Stew-O: This caused NICK to stumble back, clutching at his arm, before.. AKIZA LEVELED HIM WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD!! NICK was reeling! He spun around but AKIZA caught him.. PLANTING HIM INTO THE CANVAS WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX!! But AKIZA kept it bridged for the pin!!!
(ONNNNEEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWWOOO!!!)
Flannery McCoy: NICK powers out of it!! Rising up to his feet as did AKIZA but AKIZA sent an open palm strike to his chest!! Followed by one to the face!! And another one to the face!! Lighting NICK up with open palm strikes!! She went to strike him again….
Jake Mercer: BUT.. NICK STOPPED HER IN HER TRACKS!! CRACKING HER OVER THE SKULL WITH A HUGE HEABUTT!! Leaving both himself and AKIZA reeling and on noodle legs!! They’re going bar for bar right with the strikes they’ve been throwing at one another!
Stew-O: NICK shakes head, shaking the effect of that Headbutt off, before charging in at AKIZA for a huge Running Big Boot to the face!! And it connects!! Sending AKIZA crashing down onto the canvas! But NICK grabs her up onto her feet, sending her towards the corner with an Irish whip!
Flannery McCoy: NICK is on a roll right now!! Taking the fight to AKIZA!! AKIZA crashes into the corner back first!! NICK rushes in at AKIZA!! And he’s crowding her with some shots to the midsection!! Hooks and jabs to the body of “Queen Vermillion!!” NICK doesn’t seem to be slowing down either! AKIZA is taking each blow to the body, trying her best to protect herself from the shots…
Jake Mercer: NICK rushes at the other corner, before he rushes back at the corner where AKIZA is still reeling!! And he… GOES TO STRIKE AKIZA WITH A RUNNING LARIAT!!
Stew-O: But.. AKIZA CATCHES NICK WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!!! NICK stumbles back from the boot.. before she pulls NICK into a front face lock!! And.. SENDS HIM CRASHING INTO THE TURNBUCKLES WITH A SNAP SUPLEX!! NICK crashes into the turnbuckles, rolling out of the corner and towards the center of the ring!
Flannery McCoy: This is giving AKIZA the room she needs to breathe. But.. NICK was starting to get up and onto his feet. AKIZA has got to continue her offense if she’s leaving here with a win tonight! And she’s doing just that as she rushes in at NICK!! BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE BACK!! NICK goes tumbling through the ropes and to the floor at ringside!!
Jake Mercer: AKIZA wastes no time, rolling out of the ring and grabbing NICK up onto his feet. But NICK sends an elbow to AKIZA’s ribs to create some space. He dips low!! NICK is going for that Fireman’s carry takedown to the floor!! BUT AKIZA PLANTS HER FEET!! KEEPING ALL OF HER WEIGHT DOWN!!
Stew-O: She’s reaching down and grabbing at the waist of NICK’s pulling him into a wheelbarrow hold!! She hoists him and.. SENDS HIM CRASHING BACK INTO THE APRON BACK FIRST WITH A WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!!!
Flannery McCoy: Did you hear that thud!? AKIZA is getting NICK into the ring quickly and she rolls in afterwards and slides into the cover, hooking his leg for the pin!
(ONEEEEE!!)
(TWWWOOO!!)
(THR—)
Jake Mercer: NICK gets the shoulder!! AKIZA rises to her feet and she grabs both of NICK’s wrists, pulling him to a knee! She may be looking for that knee lift here!! “ARONDIGHT!!!”
Stew-O: DOESN’T CONNECT!! NICK WAS ABLE TO PULL AWAY AND CATCH THE KNEE, STANDING TO HIS FEET!! NICK PULLS HER IN AND SCOOPS HER UP!! LOOKING FOR THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!
Flannery McCoy: AKIRA SLIPS DOWN OFF OF HIS BACK!! And she grabs him around the waist!! Looking to connect with the German Suplex!! But NICK sends an elbow into her jaw!! AKIZA is forced to release the hold!
Jake Mercer: NICK.. grabbed and sent AKIZA crashing to the canvas with a Hip Toss!! He rolled through with AKIZA up onto his shoulders, in a fireman’s carry.. before sending her crashing to the canvas with a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!! “BITCH MADE”!!! It connects!! NICK hooks the leg!!!
(ONEEEEEE!!!)
(TWWWWOOO!!)
(THREEEEEEEEE!!!)
(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!)
Stew-O: NICK picks up the win here tonight over AKIZA! In a hard fought match, both competitors showed up tonight.. but it was NICK in the end who showed that he wanted it just a little bit more.
Flannery McCoy: Indeed, AKIZA has no reason to lower her head here tonight after a hard fought battle. Great performance by the tw- OH WHAT THE HELL!? IT’S DAVID GIDEON SMITH!! DAVID JUST SENT NICK TO THE CANVAS WITH A CLUBBING BLOW TO THE BACK!!!
Jake Mercer: Where the hell did he come from!? He’s backing into the corner now, calling NICK to his feet! NICK slowly starts to get up onto his feet as DGS is stalking him like prey! DGS rushes in at NICK.. LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH THE SPEAR!!! “INFINITE IMPALEMENT!!!”
Stew-O: IT DOESN’T CONNECT!! Because NICK STOPS HIM WITH A KICK TO THE FACE!! NICK GRABS DGS!! TOSSING HIM OUT OF THE RING!!!
NICK: (off-mic) Try that shit again! Come on! I dare you…!!
(The last shot being seen was an irate DGS, irritated at the fact that his plan didn’t work out!! Meanwhile back in the ring, NICK was continuing to shout at DGS as “Kendrick, Clae & Cole” by Marqus Clae started playing through the speakers!! NICK was staring a hole through DGS as the show transitioned…)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns to a shot of the Brookshire Grocery Arena. The camera focuses on the crowd as they’re on their feet in excitement, and it’s not long before they erupt into cheers as ‘DIVE in LIVE’ by YOLOZ begins to play through the speakers. The shot goes over to reveal the New Breed Champion as Anna Wautier is seen making her way out from the backstage area. She has a smile on her face, taking a glance around, before making her way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the EAW NEW BREED CHAMPION!!!!!!!!! ANNA WAUTIERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stew-O: The last time we saw Anna Wautier, she came out on top in her very first defense at Reckless Wiring against a handful of tough challengers. Since then, we have figured out what’s next on the docket for her, and that’s Territorial Invasion against an interesting opponent.
Flannery McCoy: Showdown’s Wynter Kurayami more than earned her opportunity to fight for the title, and now it’s safe to say she’s going to be watching very closely as Anna makes her way down to the ring tonight, looking to give her thoughts.
Jake Mercer: Look at the fire in the eyes of Anna, though! This is NOT someone to look over whatsoever. You’re going to have to give it your all to make sure that you put her away, especially after everything that she’s been through. This is going to be a thrill!
(Anna makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters the ring. She makes her way up to the top rope, posing with her title as the crowd continues to cheer, before jumping off and taking a microphone from the ringside area. ‘DIVE in LIVE’ begins to come to a close as she makes her way toward the center of the ring, taking a moment before she begins to speak.)
Anna Wautier: Since I won this title at Pain For Pride, it’s been a long journey to get to where I am right now. I have given everything that I can to Elite Answers Wrestling in order to find my purpose, to give meaning to a career that I looked back on with little satisfaction. When I beat Clayton Golde to win the New Breed Championship, I knew that it was a step in the right direction. I had not gotten to where I wanted to be yet, but I was close, and I had to continue to put everything into what I did in order to solidify my status. Reckless Wiring was the next step… and now Territorial Invasion is the continuation of my endeavor.
(Anna pauses, nodding her head before she continues on.)
Anna Wautier: Am I afraid of that, no? Because if so, then I wouldn’t be the Champion that this company needs, that it deserves. I am going to continue to fight, not just for this title, but for all of you, because when I look at someone like Wynter Kurayami… I don’t see someone who has this place’s best interest in mind. She wants to take it for her own and shape it into her own image of chaos, and that is something that I cannot allow no matter who it is. That being said, it is time that I address her, because it has been made official that she is my next title defense, and I am sure that she is more than insistent that she’s going to be the one to take this title away from me.
(Anna smirks as she paces around.)
Anna Wautier: I am not going to discredit what she’s been able to do so far. In fact, I am impressed with the strides that she has made since debuting, and winning the match at Midsummer Massacre to contend for this title in the first place is not something that is reserved for the weak. She is someone who still has so much to give to this place, and so much that we haven’t seen yet, and creating that air of uncertainty migh be something that she thinks plays into her favor, but it doesn’t make a difference.
(Anna turns and looks at the hard camera with a glare.)
Anna Wautier: Because I will be ready for her regardless just as I am for anyone else that I face.
(She pauses, but before she can continue on… ‘Phantasmagory’ by Denkare begins to play through the speakers. The crowd boos loudly as Anna glances over, getting her first look at Wynter Kurayami as she’s seen making her way out. She takes a glance around before focusing on the ring, keeping her eyes fixated completely on Anna as she makes her way down the ramp.)
Stew-O: Here we go. This is the first time that Wynter and Anna meet in the ring, and needless to say considering the chaos that comes from someone like Kurayami, this isn’t going to be very good.
Flannery McCoy: Wynter has earned this opportunity and she’s going to relish in it, so we’re going to see how she takes going up against a Champion like Anna Wautier. Do you think she’s going to get in her head?
Jake Mercer: It would certainly give her the advantage!
(Wynter makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters into the ring. She makes her way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Phantasmagory’ comes to a close. She turns around and approaches Anna as she slowly raises her microphone up.)
Wynter Kurayami: Oh, Anna… what am I going to do with you…?
(Wynter approached the Champion, tilting her head as she licked her lips.)
Wynter Kurayami: I see it in your eyes… It’s fear. You fear what you don’t know, and perhaps you’re right in that thinking, because you have no idea what I could possibly do, and that scares you. You don’t know what to do. As much as you want to say you’re prepared for that… we know the truth. We know that you’re the scared little girl who first came into this company and thought nothing of herself. For as big of a Champion as you build yourself up to be, you certainly lack the mental composure that you claim to have, and that… excites me. That makes it so much easier than I expected.
Anna Wautier: Why should I be afraid of you, Wynter? I’m not backing down, and I don’t expect you to back down either. I earned this title for a reason, and I’m not going to let it go just because someone thinks that I don’t deserve it.
(Wynter snickers, as she continues to look at Anna.)
Wynter Kurayami: I look at you, and I see someone who is desperate to fit in. To find their place in this world… but has failed. I suppose living in the shadow of a superior older brother will do that to you. Perhaps… he will look at you as more than just a failure one day. 🙂
Stew-O: OH! ANNA HAS SNAPPED! SHE PUNCHES WYNTER IN THE FACE! AND SHE TACKLES HER DOWN TO THE GROUND AND BEGINS TO NAIL HER WITH PUNCHES!
Flannery McCoy: I DON’T THINK WE’VE SEEN THIS SIDE OF ANNA WAUTIER, BUT SHE’S PISSED AND SHE’S BEGINNING TO LAY IN PUNCHES TO THE FACE OF WYNTER! WYNTER QUICKLY ROLLS HER OVER AND BEGINS TO DELIVER PUNCHES BACK, AND WE’RE IN THE MIDST OF AN INTENSE BRAWL!
Jake Mercer: WYNTER GRABS ANNA BY THE HAIR AS SHE BRINGS HER UP, AS SHE RUNS HER FORWARD AND SLAMS HER AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLE! BUT ANNA CONNECTS WITH AN ELBOW TO THE CHEST, BEFORE THROWING HER THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING!
Stew-O: WYNTER STAGGERS UP, AS ANNA GRABS HER AROUND THE WAIST AND RUNS HER INTO THE CORNER BARRICADE! AND NOW SHE’S BEGINNING TO LAY INTO PUNCHES WITH HER!
Flannery McCoy: BUT THIS IS QUICKLY COMING TO A CLOSE! SECURITY IS COMING IN AND BREAKING THE TWO OF THEM APART!
(Wynter has blood coming from her lip as she smirks, starting to cackle as she’s being dragged backward, knowing that she did her job. Anna is pissed as she holds her hands up, refusing to fight back as she allows herself to be dragged away with her title in tow. It’s the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade out.)
(A commercial plays for Persona 6.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time’ by Panic! At The Disco hits the speakers to an immediate loud reception from the fans. TFK shines brightly underneath the spotlight, smiling to the crowd. He makes his way down, tagging the fans and embracing their energy.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first, weighing in at 165 pounds, from Manila, Philippines, he is…. TTTTTTT!!!! FFFFFFFF!!! KKKKKKKKKKK!!!
(Once TFK is settled in the ring, ‘My House’ by Beyoncé hits the speakers next and Venus De Martin emerges from the back, already fired up. She tags some fans on her way down to the ring, but her priority is getting inside and going straight into the match.)
Stephie Love: His opponent, weighing in at 128 pounds, from Houston, Texas, she is the “DON DIVA” …. VEEEENNNNUUUSSSSSS!! DDDDDEEEEEEEEE MMARRRRTTTTIIIINNNNNN!!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Stew-O: Venus and TFK both shuffle around the ring after heading the bell, trying to get a good read on the other. Neither wants to rush into any mistakes, but they also can’t start this match off just by staring each other down and expecting anything to come out of it!
Jake Mercer: All part of their individual plans, as Venus breaks out of the staredown and into an elbow to the jaw of TFK! That came quick, and she swings another one, but TFK blocks it this time and transitions into a wrist lock! Venus grits her teeth, then TFK throws a stiff forearm to Venus’s head, getting a measure of revenge.
Flannery McCoy: TFK transitions to a hammerlock, but with the free arm, Venus wraps it around the back of his head and snapmares him over! TFK charges in and Venus dropkicks him! He rises and gets met with another dropkick from Venus! She pulls TFK up and leans him against the ropes. Quickly, she sends TFK off with an irish whip…
Stew-O: She tries for back body drop, but TFK with the sunset flip! Venus rolls through immediately, throwing a sliding knee straight to the jaw of TFK! He hits the mat hard, and she drags him up. A big forearm to the jaw, and she turns him around. She wraps her arm around his neck, trying to set up for a—no! TFK with a back elbow of his own! He drops to his knees, judo tossing her over his shoulder.
Jake Mercer: Venus pops up and TFK immediately brings her down with a dropkick! She rises and eats another dropkick for her troubles! Venus fall to the ropes and TFK takes her wrist for an irish whip, but it’s promptly countered. Venus comes off the ropes with a flying clothesline, and she calls TFK up! She bounces off the ropes for a second one! Now, Venus is really feelingit!
Flannery McCoy: As she comes off the ropes for a third, TFK catches her arm this time, and he scoops her up for a half-nelson suplex! Venus lands harshly on the back of her head, and TFK rises, stepping out of the ring. He climbs up top and aims down at her, diving off the top rope with a senton straight to the ribs! TFK hooks the legs!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
Stew-O: Kick out! TFK takes Venus up by the hair and nails her with a forearm. Another forearm, and Venus is struggling to stand. TFK bounces off the ropes behind him and flies into a kick, but Venus sidesteps it. She leaps onto the shoulders and tries for a poison rana of some sort, but TFK is hanging onto her… so she transitions to a victory roll instead!
OOOONNNNEEEEE!!
Jake Mercer: Only a one count as TFK shoves Venus off of him. That gives Venus momentum to come off the ropes and leap into a harsh dropkick straight to the skull! TFK goes down, and Venus rises to her feet, slapping her chest. TFK rolls away to the ropes and picks himself up, falling into the turnbuckles. Venus is up to her feet and runs into a clothesline, but TFK raises both boots up and she falls back, holding her jaw.
Flannery McCoy: Now, he climbs up the middle rope and points in for her… but Venus runs forward and leaps into a hurricanrana, sending TFK flying off the middle rope and right onto his back! TFK is hurting, and Venus wills herself up to her feet. She pumps her fist, calling TFK up. She nails him with an elbow to the jaw this time, and turns him around. She wraps both arms around the neck of TFK, holding him in position…
Stew-O: Venus wants a cutthroat neckbreaker, but TFK begins to fight her grip! He’s shaking his wrists, and TFK is doing everything in her power to hang onto him … but he snaps out of it and jams her head into his thighs! He scoops Venus up for a powerbomb, but she swivels down and counters in mid-air with a FACEBUSTER! TFK holds his head and he rolls to his back, dazed.
Jake Mercer: De Martin makes her way up, and she runs to the ropes, wanting to end this one early! SHE LEAPS TO THE ROPES FOR ‘V IS FOR VEN—’ NOPE! TFK ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Venus lands, but she nearly tweaks her ankle, having to backroll away! TFK rises to his feet and he leaps into a FLATLINER! VENUS GETS PLANTED, AND HE HOOKS THE LEGS!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
Flannery McCoy: Venus kicks out! TFK picks her up after and then he lifts her into a fireman’s carry! He also wants to end this one early, trying for ‘MALAKAS!’ BUT VENUS CATCHES THE ANKLE AS SHE GOES DOWN! She takes the leg and rolls TFK up to his feet! Venus launches her body forward, frontrolling into a scorpion kick! TFK falls against the ropes, stunned against the middle ropes!
Stew-O: De Martin hits off the ropes, trying for a spinning wheel kick, but TFK drops down, and Venus spills through the middle rope, straight to the floor! TFK rises to his feet, while Venus is still hurting on the ground! She holds at her ribs in agony, meanwhile, TFK quickly runs off the ropes with no hesitation! Venus is up and she turns to the ring…
Jake Mercer: SUICIDE DIVE FROM TFK! DOWN GOES VENUS! He drags her up and throws her into the ring! He makes his way up top, calling his shot… Venus is still down, and TFK LEAPS WITH A DIVING ELBOW DROP FROM THE TOP ROPE—NO! VENUS SCOUTED IT OUT FROM EARLIER! SHE ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND TFK GOES ELBOW FIRST INTO THE MAT!
Flannery McCoy: TFK is writhing in pain, but Venus is quite slow to get up to her feet and follow up. Finally, she does, and TFK slowly rises. Venus bounces off the ropes and she immediately twirls into a tilt-a-whirl for ‘CUT THAT SHIT OU—’ NO! TFK TOSSES HER OFF! Venus lands onto her feet! TFK runs past her, into a handspring LARIAT! GOT HER!
Jake Mercer: Immediately after, TFK calls Venus up to her feet! Adrenaline is fueling Venus to get up and try and keep fighting, but TFK has his sights set on her already! She looks up, and here comes TFK who runs into the ‘LODI DDT!’ JUMPING DDT PLANTS HER HEAD-FIRST INTO THE MAT! TFK ROLLS HER OVER FOR THE COVER!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
Stew-O: SHOULDER UP FROM DE MARTIN! TFK shakes his head, but he’s gotta keep the match going! He drags Venus up again, and lifts her into a fireman’s carry! For the second time, TFK attempts ‘MALAKAS’, but NO! VENUS PRESSES HER HANDS ONTO HIS SHOULDERS AND LANDS IN FRONT OF HIM! SHE JAMS TFK’S HEAD IN!
Flannery McCoy: ‘WIG SPLITTER!’ SHE FLIPS RIGHT INTO SPIKING TFK ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD! TFK IS OUT OF IT, AND SHE SHOVES HIM OVER! VENUS HOOKS THE LEGS, HOPING TO GET THE WIN RIGHT HERE!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
Jake Mercer: TFK SHOOTS HIS SHOULDER UP! Both mustering out big kickouts, and this match continues on! Venus slowly rises, and TFK rolls to the ropes. She follows him and throws a big forearm to the jaw. TFK sends a kick to the gut, but it’s a weak one, and she forearms him again! TFK falls, seated against the ropes. Venus sees her chance and she runs off the ropes!
Stew-O: But he pops up to his feet and he sends her over to the apron! Venus narrowly hangs onto the ropes, and then TFK runs to the ropes to his side and leaps to the middle rope, diving into a TRIANGLE DROPKICK! Venus lands harshly on the apron, and TFK pulls her inside the ring before she can fall to the floor!
Flannery McCoy: Now, TFK pulls Venus up to her feet. He hooks her into a front headlock and he lifts her up vertically, spinning into the BROKEN ARROW! Beautifully executed, as he takes both of Venus’s legs and hooks them over his shoulder for the cover!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
Jake Mercer: Venus thrusts her shoulder up in time! Very close kickout! TFK shakes his head, and Venus is laid out on the mat. He sees this and reaches for the legs, trying to find an alternative to ‘Malakas’, but Venus sees it coming! She quickly grabs the bottom rope and starts aggressively hurling kicks at TFK! She tries her best to hang onto the ropes!
Stew-O: The referee is getting involved to try and break TFK off, but Venus kicks him away completely! He skids backwards, falling to his side. Venus rolls over and she rises to her feet. She swings a big punch, but TFK ducks under! He grabs Venus’s shoulders and leaps into a backstabber, impaling her back onto his knees!
Flannery McCoy; TFK is up to his feet and he pulls Venus up as well. He lifts her into a fireman’s carry, and again, TFK is trying to wrap this one up… but Venus rolls over the shoulder into a sunset flip! TFK is the one who rolls through this time, and he rolls into a jackknife pin—
Jake Mercer: She hooks the waist and slowly deadlifts off of the canvas! Both of them turn around, as Venus tries for a backslide! TFK rolls over the shoulders of Venus, but she takes the wrist of TFK and pulls him in! ‘CUT THAT SHIT OUT!’ THE TILT-A-WHIRL FACEBUSTER PLANTS TFK FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT!
Stew-O: Venus rolls TFK onto her back and she runs up to the ropes, springboarding up! ‘V FOR VENDETTA!’ THE SPLIT-LEGGED MOONSAULT LANDS! AND SHE HOOKS THE LEGS!
OOONNNNEEEEE!!
TTTTWWWOOOO!!
TTTTTHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Stephie Love: Here is your winner of this match, VEEENNNUUUSSSS DDDEEEEE MMMAARRRTTTIIINNNN!!!
(Venus rolls off of TFK, taking a deep breath once the match is over. The referee takes her arm and raises it up. She releases from the ref, climbing the middle rope and extending her arms out. She calls on the crowd for their energy, as the fans continue to cheer her, already taking a liking to what she brings to the table.)
Jake Mercer: And just like that, Venus picks up the victory in her Dynasty debut! A strong showing for her, who had a tough challenge in TFK, considering he is just a few weeks removed from challenging for the New Breed Championship at Reckless Wiring…
Flannery McCoy: Indeed, TFK was not going to give her an easy way out of this match whatsoever, but Venus showed up determined to pick up the victory and she wasn’t going to allow anything to hold her back from doing that, hence the victory falling into her lap!
Stew-O: TFK has nothing to be ashamed of. You win some and you lose some, he continues to show how sharp he is in that ring, but the credit goes to Venus tonight for a strong start to what could be a very promising career. But right now, we are going to take you all to an exclusive moment that occurred last week on Dynasty as a major opportunity was offered to someone who left with an impressive victory of their own!
[SCREENBAR: LAST WEEK — DYNASTY]
(Dynasty reopened backstage with a camera following Delaney Rhodes, fresh from her victory over Kendall Von earlier in the show, but a figure was waiting for her.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Delaney, I wanted to personally congratulate you on your win out there. Those kinds of impressive performances get you big opportunities here, keep it up.
(He reached out his hand to shake Delaney, who’s subsequently obliged.)
Delaney Rhodes: Thank you.
Tyrone Montgomery: And I also wanted to personally inform you that, as a result of your recent standout performances, you’re already getting one of those big opportunities. At Territorial Invasion there will be a tri-brand triple threat match to determine the number one contender to the Specialists Championship, and you will be Dynasty’s representative.
(Delaney’s eyes lit up at the opportunity, nodding.)
Delaney Rhodes: I’ll make sure to make the most of it, you can count on that.
(They both dropped the handshake with a reciprocated nod by Tyrone.)
Tyrone Montgomery: I’d offer you some good luck but with how you’ve been handling yourself this season, I don’t think you’ll need it.
(He turned and walked off, leaving Delaney to take her second victory of the night in stride, walking elsewhere as well as the camera began to pan elsewhere, slowly coming to a stop as it reached a figure leaning against the wall, quietly listening in on the conversation.)
Kendall Von: You’ve got to be kidding me…
(Kendall curled her lip back, trailing off as visible anger stained her expression. Holding herself back from speaking further, she turned abruptly and booted the nearest trash can down the hallway as far as she could. Her arm still tightly held against her torso, she stormed off down the hallway, bringing the segment to a close.)
(The Friday Night Dynasty video feed shifts backstage to a live view inside of Tyrone’s office, where he is sorting through some paperwork for the show; suddenly, a knock is heard on the door before none other than Delaney Rhodes enters the office.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Ah, Delaney!
Delaney Rhodes: Hey, Tyrone; don’t want to take up too much of your time, but I wanted to drop by and thank you face to face for the opportunity that I was given.
Tyrone Montgomery: Oh, it isn’t a problem; elitists that show their mettle in the ring deserve to be given a chance to shine brighter, and that’s exactly what I’m looking to do for you.
Delaney Rhodes: I definitely appreciate that. I know the pressure has been on for you and, well, everyone is a critic, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve been happy with your leadership so far. Don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not trying to kiss up and get opportunities handed to me because I treat you nice, but straight up, I think you’re doing the best you can.
Delaney Rhodes: It isn’t all doom and gloom. You just have to keep rolling with the punches; complaints will always be there, but you can at least know that there are people out there that see the work you’ve been putting in for the brand and appreciate all of the effort. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.
(Tyrone gives a light smile at Delaney’s sincere praise.)
Tyrone Montgomery: That means a lot. Thank you.
Delaney Rhodes: You’re welcome! As for me, I think I’ll follow my own advice and roll with the punches myself; if I have an opportunity in front of me, you can bet that I’ll give it my hundred and ten percent effort and see the result through to the end no matter what.
Delaney Rhodes: Especially after everything that happened with Kassidy Heart, you can rest assured that I’m raring to go and prove that I am championship material. What better place to start than with that Specialists Championship? Some of the industry’s greatest women had their Specialists Championship reigns kick off their career and send them soaring to legend status.
Delaney Rhodes: Just know that I’m not going to take this for granted. I’m approaching this with only one outcome in my head, and that’s me joining those legends as one of the wrestlers that broke through the glass ceiling.
Tyrone Montgomery: Well, there’s only one way to get there, and that’s proving it in the ring; show me what you’ve got and show the world that you deserve the opportunity.
(Delaney reached out and shook Tyrone’s hand before marching off, feeling highly motivated. The video feed lingered on Tyrone as he returned to his desk, before fading to black.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns as the camera focuses on an area away from the arena. There, Chris Elite is seen on the phone, seemingly talking to his manager, Sterling Luxe.)
Chris Elite: Mfers don’t know how to show up on time. Tyrone dared to pick favorites and delay my Interwire Championship shot; now he wants to try and bullshit the Brand Warfare team this year. Unbelievable…
(Sterling seems to respond on the phone, but as he does, the door creaks open to show someone making their way in. Chris raises an eyebrow as he slowly lowers the phone.)
Chris Elite: I’ll call you back.
(The shot pans over to show Interwire Champion Effy McAvoy as she’s seen making her way in. She takes a seat across from Chris at the long table inside of the room, as the future challenger for the title smirks.)
Chris Elite: What do you wanna talk about, beloved?
Effy McAvoy: I want to talk about how you’re a threat to my title. I am more than willing to put my issues aside if it means representing this team and being the best that I can possibly be, but why should I trust you to be able to do the same? Can I really stand by your side and expect you not to stab me in the back for your own benefit?
(Chris chuckles as he crosses his arms.)
Chris Elite: Because I’ve already made a fool of myself more times than I’m comfortable with these past couple of years. If there’s one thing that I’d want more than anything else, it’s to win, and not even you are going to get in the way of that regardless of whether or not you’re across from me or by my side. So you have to make the decision whether or not you want to cooperate, as long as you don’t cause any problems… I won’t be in your way.
(There’s a lingering moment of silence, as Effy leans forward.)
Effy McAvoy: I. Don’t. Trust. You.
(Chris continues to smirk at her as she looks at Effy.)
Chris Elite: Give that same energy for everyone else.
(Suddenly, before Effy can say anything else, the door swings open immediately. Someone storms in, and Chris immediately rises to his feet.)
Daryl Kinkade: Don’t think you can get away with what happened at Reckless Wiring, bruv! We’ve got some unfinished business.
Chris Elite: You can keep dickriding, or you can accept that you got your ass beat at RW; I don’t give a fuck. You’re not gonna get in the way of Dynasty winning Brand Warfare.
Daryl Kinkade: I didn’t know you were the voice of reason now, huh? After everything that you did, maybe you don’t deserve to win this match at all.
Effy McAvoy: Absolutely not. I’M not going to let this get in the way of Brand Warfare. You lost, deal with it. You have a chance to win again. Is that too much to ask?
(Daryl turns his head to Effy, smirking.)
Daryl Kinkade: Trust me. I’m not going to let the Interwire Championship slip away from me so easily. But there’s a time and a place for that. I can play nice… but you should be asking Chris the same thing.
Effy McAvoy: I do love having a target on my back, and I certainly love having some friends to play with. But if you’re not going to play nice now, then you’re going to show exactly why you’re never going to get close to this title.
Chris Elite: Facts.
Daryl Kinkade: Do you ever shut the fuck up-
???: ENOUGH!
(Before the two of them can come to blows, someone quickly appears and interjects between them.)
KASAI: I do not wish to have this pointless squabble between MY teammates on MY team. You may like it, or you may hate it, but that is the reality of the situation.
(KASAI makes her way into the scene, and as she does, Brianna Hill is seen leaning against the doorframe, having been watching the entire time. Even though she lost what would end up being a Team Captain match in the main event to the Empress of Elite, she’s more than willing to play nice right now, unlike everyone else.)
(Chris rolls his eyes as he takes a couple of steps back, allowing himself to back away and deescalate. Daryl doesn’t seem as keen on doing so, but he knows at the same time that he’s not going to solve much of the issues at hand if he continues fighting with his own team. For the time being, he breaks away from Chris and his issues with him and turns directly to KASAI.)
KASAI: I do not care what issues that you have with this team. I understand that many of you feel like it’s a disservice to yourself and your abilities to be placed in a situation like this, being led by someone who you obviously think less of, and I’m not slighted by it… that is merely the reality of a business as cruel as this. But if there’s one thing that I know all of you are not going to stand for, it’s a blotch on your Marquee Event record. Reckless Wiring was not favorable for the majority of us, and while many can reap the benefits of their success…
(Chris smirks as he turns his head to Daryl.)
KASAI: Others are fighting with more fire than ever, knowing that there is still much more time to the season. I think of you as adults, not children, and you are going to show me that you are adults by helping not me, but YOURSELVES in achieving a victory that is far beyond any conventional one. Last year, Dynasty had the benefit of winning the Brand Warfare match. Tyrone Montgomery knew what to do and constructed a team that was built for success that year, and I do not anticipate it being any different now. We were all chosen for a reason, not because we take issues with one another, but because we are some of the best that Dynasty has to offer. And we will continue to prove as much when we win for the second consecutive year. Do I make myself clear?
Brianna Hill: Ay ay Captain. ‘
Daryl Kinkade: As long as everyone else plays nice, I’m in.
Chris Elite: Suck my dick, bro.
(KASAI glances over at Effy, who is still seated in her chair, crossing her arms.)
Effy McAvoy: It’s not wrong for me to think that I should be Captain because I’m the only Champion on the team.
Chris Elite: I think you should shut the fuck up, damn.
Effy McAvoy: I’m sorry, maybe you can give your input when you’ve actually beaten me for this title. Right now, you’re just in line for it, and Chris Elite hasn’t done anything meaningful to convince me why it would be anything otherwise. If you really want to prove anything to me, then you would make a huge point by putting your massive ego aside and actually doing something for the team.
Chris Elite: You gotta be stupid because that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do. But the only thing that has happened is me being antagonized and targeted because I’ve rubbed people the wrong way. So fucking what? That’s what you signed up for having Chris Elite on your team; maybe you just have to deal with it, because I know that there’s no better choice than me to help you get the win.
Daryl Kinkade: And you’re going to cheat your way to it just like you’ve done your entire career.
Brianna Hill: Can we calm down here-
Chris Elite: Nah, because bitches like him wanna try and cause problems even when I’m backing down from that shit. Fucking annoying.
Brianna Hill: If this is what we’re going to do the entire time until Territorial Invasion, then we’re just going to waste our time. If we want to actually win this match, then we don’t need to like each other, but we sure as hell need to trust each other. I don’t think that’s so difficult.
(Chris looks at everyone else, feeling like he’s being targeted even though he’s done nothing wrong in his mind.)
Chris Elite: If you wanna sort this shit out… then you better get to doing it yourself.
(Chris turns around and storms out of the room without a second glance. Effy rolls her eyes as she leans back in her chair. Daryl shakes his head as he looks at all of them.)
Daryl Kinkade: I trust all of you, but I don’t trust him. If nothing changes about his attitude, then Brianna is right; this is a complete waste of time.
(Daryl turns around and makes his way out of the scene as well. Effy then turns to the two of them.)
Effy McAvoy: Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if we had proper leadership. But I’m not complaining. You do what’s best, KASAI. 🙂
(Effy follows as she takes her leave as well, leaving Brianna and KASAI. Brianna rubs the back of her neck as she looks at KASAI.)
Brianna Hill: We’ve… got our work cut out for us.
(KASAI glanced over at Brianna, crossing her arms.)
KASAI: We will succeed. We don’t have a choice if we want to win.
(The two of them make their way out of the scene, as it’s the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade to elsewhere.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(The crowd began to settle in preparation for the match ahead, only to immediately spring into boos as ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics hit, with the volume of boos growing as Harper Lee emerged from the back, holding her briefcase in one hand. Confident as ever, she began to march down to the ring, waving off the negative reaction as she walked.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first, she is the 2026 Cash In The Vault holder…HARPER LEE!
Stew-O: Coming off a big victory over KASAI at Reckless Wiring, Harper Lee found herself on the wrong end of an encounter with Kassidy Heart, who was far from pleased with how confident Harper has become. These two are all but confirmed to be on a collision course for the title of ‘the best.’
Flannery McCoy: Harper’s not letting that ambush get to her, or at least, not letting it show on her face. She’s as confident as ever, has more momentum than anyone around, and, with that briefcase in hand, could easily be the most dangerous Elitist on Dynasty. She’s gonna be looking to keep that momentum rolling this week and send a message to everyone watching, including Kassidy Heart.
(Harper settles in the corner, handing her briefcase off as she briefly prepares, ‘Sweet Dreams’ fading out in favor of ‘The Reckoning’ by Within Temptation, switching the mood of the crowd in an instant to an uproar of cheers. Effy McAvoy soon made her appearance at the top of the ramp, with the Interwire Championship in hand.)
Stew-O: Speaking of elitists who left with a victory at Reckless Wiring, Effy did well to shut down a valiant effort by Kendall Von, once again proving just how great she has become. She has made the Interwire Championship her own and doesn’t seem to be slowing down whatsoever.
Jake Mercer: More than that, she’s already got her spot at Territorial Invasion secured, being chosen to represent Dynasty in Brand Warfare! She’s gonna be one tall mountain to climb for Harper Lee, and I am sure we’re in for a very tight contest.
(Effy finished making her way to the ring and, similarly to Harper with the briefcase, handed off the Interwire Championship to the referee before backing into the opposite corner, getting a few quick stretches before the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: The bell rings, and both elitists are off to the races, circling the center of the ring as they prepare to engage! Effy seems the more proactive of the two, taking the center with a decisive step forward, forcing Harper to choose between giving up the center or engaging in a tie-up!
Flannery McCoy: And she chooses the latter! Harper lunges forward and begins to jockey for control, swaying back and forth as this lock-up turns into more of a violent struggle, trying to force the other out of the center of the ring, but neither is willing to let go just yet!
Jake Mercer: It’s a tight matchup so far, with Harper and Effy unable to get a true advantage just yet. Effy reaches for the leg, breaking off the tie-up, but Harper is quick to step over, securing control of the waist and lifting Effy back up, then into an attempted side headlock!
Stew-O: Effy’s not gonna stay passive here, raising her hands to catch Harper’s and deny the headlock, wrapping around and into a wristlock! One wrench of the wrist is all it takes to bring Harper down to one knee, slowing the pace with Effy in control!
Flannery McCoy: Harper looks to stand back up, but Effy is quick to shut down, stepping down with her boot into the back of Harper’s knee, bringing her right back down! The Interwire Champion is not gonna let control slip out of her hands just yet, as Harper continues to struggle!
Jake Mercer: And Harper still has the guts to keep fighting this wristlock, twisting with Effy to try and get behind her but is unable. Effy rips her arms down, bringing Harper to one knee before LIFTING WITH HER OWN KNEE! A big knee connects against the nose of Effy, breaking wrist control and sending her stumbling towards the ropes!
Stew-O: Effy is forced to spend some time nursing her nose, leaving her in position for Harper to step up and launch an Enzuguri across the face, dropping her from a kneeling position to the mat in no time flat! Harper’s not sluggish today, dropping into the cover immediately!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-!
Flannery McCoy: Oh—Effy with the arm hooked and rolls back, pinning Harper’s shoulders to the mat with a crucifix!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
Jake Mercer: Quick kick-out by Harper Lee! Both the Interwire Champion and Cash In The Vault holder rush to their feet, not skipping a beat and rushing at each other in mere moments, both looking for a deep arm drag and both coming up empty! Back to zero they go, rolling to their feet again!
Stew-O: Effy has the initial advantage, but Harper is quick to audible with a swipe of the leg, right into a lateral press!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-!
Flannery McCoy: But Effy is able to shove her off, now giving Harper the advantage as she gets to her feet first! Effy returns the favor, swiping the leg and laying down for a lateral press—but Harper has it countered with a quick roll onto her side, trying to escape the reach!
Jake Mercer: Delayed but not yet denied, Effy pushes Harper fully onto her back, mounting her from the top and looking to rain down strikes, starting with a palm strike right to the back of the head, and that one shocked Harper into covering up, not in a great position right now!
Stew-O: Effy is not letting up with these, meticulously firing away with these palm strikes, trying to break the grip of Harper, who is trying to keep her hands locked behind her head. The defense is holding, so Effy is changing her approach, locking her arms between Harper’s, and using the offered defense to secure a full Nelson!
Flannery McCoy: Harper is quickly realizing what Effy is going for and looks to bring her arms down immediately, but it is too late! Effy has it locked in and lifts her up, thrashing away with the full Nelson locked in, now looking for a Dragon Suplex perhaps—
Jake Mercer: Oh but Harper lifts her boot in the air and brings it down on Effy’s, stomping the foot of the Interwire Champion and forcing her to release the hold, stumbling a step and giving Harper a moment of reprieve! Harper walks to the ropes, using them for support…
Stew-O: OH BUT EFFY RUSHES FORWARD AND GRABS THE WAIST OF HARPER, REELING BACK AND TOSSING HER WITH A SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! HARPER LEE IS SENT ROLLING BACK TO HER FEET FROM THE MOMENTUM!
Flannery McCoy: Harper is stumbling as Effy returns to her feet, bringing momentum back to her side…BUT HARPER RETALIATES BY GRABBING THE SHOULDERS OF EFFY AND JUMPING INTO THE AIR, ‘HOUSE OF BALLOONS!’ Effy’s back meets Harper’s knees, rolling away and writhing in pain from the maneuver!
Jake Mercer: But Harper is unable to make the cover or capitalize immediately, lying on her back as the two elitists end this exchange in a tight stalemate, neither having broken the deadlock just yet!
Stew-O: It’s a slow process as both roll to opposite sides of the ring, with Harper just a step ahead of Effy, on her feet first as she immediately moves to take advantage of their positions! She reaches down to grab Effy by the hair—
Flannery McCoy: Only to be met by a stiff punch to the jaw, sending her back a few steps! Harper didn’t see that one coming as Effy looses a hell of a jab! Still, that did more to piss Harper off more than anything, marching towards Effy as she gets back to her feet to return the favor.
Jake Mercer: But all she finds is a kick to the gut—and a follow-up combination of punches, with two connecting with the torso and a final one across the jaw! This flurry of offense has Harper on the ropes as Effy grabs her by the side of her head and lifts with a jumping knee, landing square on the chin!
Stew-O: Harper’s dazed, and Effy is carrying that momentum with her, placing Harper between her legs and now starting to hook the arms! She lifts, looking for a powerbomb-! Oh, but Harper’s legs swing, making this attempted powerbomb as difficult as possible as Effy finally drops her!
Flannery McCoy: Only to immediately respond with a clubbing blow to the back! Harper’s resistance drops as Effy returns to the lab, hooking each arm and lifting Harper into the air, connecting with a huge double-underhook powerbomb! Into the cover she goes with a stack!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
…
Jake Mercer: Kick out by Harper Lee! It’s gonna take a whole lot more than that to put her down for good, and Effy understands that, using this more to wear her down. It’s a test of wills and endurance for these two elitists.
Stew-O: Effy is back to her feet and back to work, pulling Harper along as she moves to the corner, stunning her with another jab to soften her up some more, now lifting her up and into the top rope, hooking each leg behind the ropes themselves.
Flannery McCoy: And now she begins to climb, reaching the middle rope and grabs the head of Harper to lock under her arm, hooking Harper’s arm over her own head, standing tall on the top rope as she looks for a superplex!
Jake Mercer: But Harper fights back with a slap to the side of the torso, weakening Effy McAvoy’s resolve with the hold, her grip slipping! And Harper immediately follows it up with an elbow to the jaw!
Stew-O: The grip drops fully, and now both Effy and Harper are standing in a most precarious position on the top rope! Effy responds with a punch to the forehead, almost knocking Harper back onto the ring post, but she is able to stay balanced, responding with a forearm! These two are beginning to trade!
Flannery McCoy: Back and forth they go, trading forearms for jabs as their legs continue to shake on the top! Harper reels back with a flurry of forearms, with three connecting stiff on the jaw! Effy leans back, able to catch herself as she swings with a long lariat-!
Jake Mercer: CAUGHT BY HARPER! SHE HOLDS ONTO THE ARM, AND CATCHES THE OTHER, RESTRAINING BOTH WRISTS AS SHE LEANS IN WITH A HEADBUTT! EFFY NEARLY FALLS OFF THE TOP ROPE, ONLY AVOIDING THE FALL AS SHE WAS CAUGHT BY HARPER!
Stew-O: AND THAT’S NOT ALL! HARPER HOLDS BOTH WRISTS AND PULLS EFFY TOWARDS HER, LOOKING DOWN AT THE MAT AND LEAPS, SWINGING IN THE AIR! ‘DIRTY FIREWORKS!’ THE AVALANCHE SWINGING NECKBREAKER BRINGS BOTH WOMEN CRASHING TO THE MAT!
Flannery McCoy: THE CRASH DAMAGES BOTH ELITISTS, BUT IT’S HARPER WHO MAKES THE FIRST MOVE, THROWING HER BODY OVER EFFY’S FOR THE PIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
…
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-!
Jake Mercer: BIG KICK OUT! EFFY STAYS ALIVE!
Stew-O: That was a little closer than what Effy wanted, and Harper could just taste how close she was to a victory there, shaking her head as Effy was able to throw her shoulders up before the count of three!
Flannery McCoy: That kick out may have been disappointing for Harper, but it is far from disheartening or demotivating. She’s right back to her feet and right back on the attack, running across the ring and knocking Effy down with a boot to the torso, sending her rolling!
Jake Mercer: And now Harper is just giving Effy whatever she has, a storm of boots to the torso as her hand stabilizes herself with the ropes! The referee is quick to interfere, beginning his count as Harper stomps away, even pushing the referee out of the way! She’s gotta be careful with that!
Stew-O: She finally relents, innocently raising her hands as she backs away…before rushing in with a final boot to the back of the head, maybe knocking Effy out as she quickly drags her to the center of the ring by her boot! Harper can smell the end here if she can just find the right line!
Flannery McCoy: And she may have, grabbing the wrist of Effy and pulling it back, sending a slap to the side of her torso to free her other wrist and then pull that one back! She’s looking for ‘Sleeping on the Flood’, that wicked curb stomp-!
Jake Mercer: SHE STEPS THROUGH, DRIVING EFFY’S FACE RIGHT INTO THE CANVAS—
Stew-O: NO! EFFY LOWERS HER HEAD, AS HARPER’S BOOT STOMPS AGAINST AIR! AS SHE STEPS THROUGH, HER GRIP ON ONE OF THE WRISTS LOOSENS, AND EFFY ROLLS TO HER FEET! SHE TAKES CONTROL OF HARPER’S WRIST, HITTING THE RIPCORD TO SPIN HER AROUND!
Flannery McCoy: ‘THE CLIMAX!’ THE LEAPING KNEE KNOCKS HARPER RIGHT DOWN TO THE MAT! SHE’S HOLDING HER NOSE IN AGONY AS EFFY ROLLS TO HER FEET, FEELING THE MOMENTUM SWING BACK TO HER SIDE AS SHE SEARCHES FOR HER OWN LINE TO THE FINISH!
Jake Mercer: SHE’S BACK TO HER FEET, AND SLAPS HER ARM TO GET IT WARMED UP! A DAZED HARPER LEE IS BEGINNING TO GET BACK ON HER FEET, NOT HAVING A CLUE WHAT IS COMING FOR HER! SHE’S BACK UP, TURNING AROUND AS EFFY COMES CHARGING IN!!
Stew-O: ‘PROTECT YA NECK!!!’
Flannery McCoy: HARPER DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY, SENDING EFFY INTO THE REFEREE—NO, EFFY PUMPS THE BRAKES RIGHT BEFORE SHE CAN TAKE THE REFEREE’S HEAD OFF WITH THAT CLOTHESLINE! HARPER STILL TAKES ADVANTAGE TO SET UP HER OWN MOVE AS EFFY TURNS AWAY FROM THE REFEREE!
Jake Mercer: AND SHE TURNS RIGHT IN TIME TO MEET A DISCUS LARIAT BY HARPER LEE-! OH WAIT?! EFFY DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY THIS TIME, AND HARPER CAN’T STOP HERSELF AS SHE LAYS OUT THE REFEREE WITH A PERFECT LARIAT!
Stew-O: THE REFEREE IS DOWN, BUT HARPER CAN’T SLOW DOWN! SHE RETURNS TO HER FEET AS EFFY HITS THE ROPES, PICKING UP STEAM AS SHE CHARGES AS HARPER!
Flannery McCoy: ONLY TO BE MET WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK, ALMOST KNOCKING HER THROUGH THE ROPES AND OUT OF THE RING! SHE BARELY STAYS IN AS HARPER RUSHES TO HER FEET!
Jake Mercer: SHE DRAGS HER INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING AND RESTRAINS BOTH WRISTS AGAIN! SHE WON’T MISS IT THIS TIME, NOT FROM THIS RANGE!
Stew-O: ‘SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR’ CONNECTS! EFFY IS DRIVEN HEAD FIRST INTO THE MAT! SHE GOT HER, HARPER IS READY TO PUT THIS MATCH TO BED, DROPPING INTO THE COVER—
Flannery McCoy: BUT AS SHE DID, SHE REALIZED THE REFEREE IS STILL OUT! HE’S STILL REELING FROM THE LARIAT, ALMOST AT A LOSS FOR WORDS!
Jake Mercer: SHE’S FRESH OUT OF LUCK AND IS PAYING FOR HER EARLIER MISTAKE, FORCED TO LET THIS OPPORTUNITY SLIP BY-WAIT…
Stew-O: THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GO FROM
BAD TO WORSE FOR HARPER LEE! LOOK WHO IS WALKING DOWN THE RAMP! IT’S KASSIDY HEART!
Flannery McCoy: Harper Lee looks around her, realizing how dire this situation has become as Kassidy Heart walks to the ring! She must be ecstatic at how this has unfolded, and will get a chance to cost Harper the match and inflict even more pain!
Jake Mercer: Harper won’t go out quietly, rolling out of the ring and rushing around the corner of the ring, retrieving her Cash In The Vault briefcase! She returns to the ring and yells at Kassidy to face her, now armed with a weapon against a fresh adversary!
Stew-O: Kassidy jumps onto the apron—
Flannery McCoy: AND HARPER RUSHES FORWARD TO SWING WITH THE BRIEFCASE, OH BUT SHE MISSES AS KASSIDY DUCKS DOWN!
Jake Mercer: AND SNATCHES CONTROL OF THE ARM BEFORE HARPER COULD PULL BACK! HARPER TRIES TO WRIGGLE FREE, BUT KASSIDY JUST LEAPS INTO THE AIR AND WRAPS HER LEGS AROUND THE BASE OF THE ARM, LOCKING HARPER IN PLACE WITH A CROSS ARMBREAKER OVER THE ROPES!
Stew-O: HARPER IS SCREAMING OUT IN PAIN, DOING EVERYTHING SHE CAN TO GET KASSIDY OFF OF HER, LETTING GO OF THE BRIEFCASE IN THE PROCESS WHICH FINALLY MAKES KASSIDY LET GO! HARPER STUMBLES INTO THE RING BY EFFY AS KASSIDY LANDS ON THE APRON!
Flannery McCoy: AND KASSIDY’S POSITION JUST GOT EVEN BETTER, WITH THE CASH IN THE VAULT BRIEFCASE IN HER POSSESSION! SHE CAN’T HELP HERSELF, HOLDING IT AS SHE ROLLS INTO THE RING AFTER HARPER, WHO IS DOING WHATEVER SHE CAN TO MAKE SPACE!
Jake Mercer: IT WON’T BE ENOUGH, AS KASSIDY RAISES IT AND SWINGS AWAY TO STRIKE HARPER DOWN WITH HER OWN BRIEFCASE!
(CRASH!!!)
Stew-O: IT CONNECTS—
Flannery McCoy: AGAINST THE SKULL OF EFFY MCAVOY, WHO HARPER SHOVED IN THE WAY TO TAKE IT FOR HER! KASSIDY JUST LAID OUT THE INTERWIRE CHAMPION!
Jake Mercer: AND HARPER DOESN’T WASTE ANY MORE TIME, SHOVING KASSIDY OVER THE TOP ROPE AND SENDING HER TUMBLING TO THE GROUND BELOW…AND LOOK WHO’S GETTING BACK TO HIS FEET!
Stew-O: THE LUCK HASN’T LEFT HARPER; JUST LEFT AS THE REFEREE IS BACK ON HIS FEET! HE’S GROGGY AND SLOW TO MOVE BACK INTO THE RING, BUT IT’S ALL THAT HARPER NEEDS TO SEE! HARPER IS LAUGHING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, POINTING AT KASSIDY AT RINGSIDE BEFORE RETURNING TO EFFY!
Flannery McCoy: SHE RESTRAINS THE WRISTS OF EFFY, WHO MAY VERY WELL BE KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS, LIFTS HER UPWARDS, AND STEPS THROUGH AGAIN! ‘SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR!!’ EFFY IS STRUCK DOWN!
Jake Mercer: HARPER DROPS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
…
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
…
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Sweet Dreams’ picked up where it left off as the boos began to set in, with a tired yet ecstatic Harper rolling off of Effy, ready to celebrate her hard-earned victory.)
Stew-O: Another big win for Harper Lee, who vanquishes the Interwire Champion! That match was hard to follow at times, but Harper remained resilient as ever, leaving in the winner’s circle once again!
Flannery McCoy: It definitely wasn’t an orthodox match, with Kassidy Heart making her presence known, but Harper Lee remained poised and willing to do whatever it takes!
(Harper’s hand is raised as Effy is moved to the side to be tended to, unresponsive after the briefcase shot. Harper demands that her briefcase be returned to her, questioning officials at ringside who have nothing…)
Jake Mercer: OH—LOOK WHO ISN’T DONE JUST YET!!
Stew-O: BRIEFCASE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BY KASSIDY HEART! HARPER COLLAPSES IN AN INSTANT AS KASSIDY PICKS UP FROM WHERE SHE LEFT OFF LAST WEEK, GIVING HARPER HELL!
Flannery McCoy: HARPER’S CLAIMS ARE BEING TESTED NOW AS KASSIDY RAINS DOWN BLOW AFTER BLOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH HARPER’S OWN BRIEFCASE! THIS IS GETTING HARD TO WATCH!
(Kassidy reels the briefcase up in the air with each swing, bringing them down over and over again until Harper stops moving, lying in a puddle of sweat and blood as the repeated blows connect with the skull over and over.)
Jake Mercer: Finally, Kassidy stops and drops the briefcase on top of Harper’s head, pleased with her work…oh no…
Stew-O: She isn’t satisfied just yet, pulling Harper up slightly before leaping into the air…DELIVERING A CURBSTOMP TO THE BACK OF HARPER’S HEAD, DRIVING THAT BRIEFCASE INTO HER HEAD AGAIN!
(Kassidy finally stops, standing tall over an unmoving Harper Lee as she finally accepts the damage done. She rolls out of the ring, leaving the carnage in the ring behind her as she walks up the ramp, only lifting her head as a figure emerges from the back, rushing down to the ring…)
Flannery McCoy: Ahren Fournier is out here and is making his way down to the ring to help Effy McAvoy, who’s still being evaluated in the ring along with Harper Lee!
(As Ahren makes his way down to the ramp, he begins to slow down as he pauses Kassidy, the two of them sharing a momentary stare, and for a moment, the arena begins to quiet…)
…
(But Kassidy walks away, breaking the stare as she continues up the ramp, leaving Ahren to continue down it, rushing into the ring and helping officials with Effy. The shot lingers on the ring with both competitors laid out as the match comes to a close and Dynasty transitions elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for Resident Evil, out in theaters September 18!)
(The scene pans to the backstage area, as a particular trio finds themselves alongside one another—BRAE, Cy Henderson, & Kirk Redwood. Their expressions are sizably muted, brought together by the fact of the necessity behind it rather than true partnership. Regardless, BRAE exhales sharply as he looks toward the others with a nod.)
BRAE: Gentlemen, we know exactly what must be done. I understand that we are each meant to have our differences, we all want to achieve a level of success this season that can only be done by our own merits alone. I understand that much, as you all have made very clear in your own words—but that does mean we cannot see to that success by working together. Understandably, that much is an understatement amongst us…
Cy Henderson: Well, you’re more than correct about the end of that…
Kirk Redwood: Tch, I knew exactly what all of this was gonna end up becoming, but I’m not gonna just stand here & start crying over some spilled milk. There is something here to work with, even if I’ve still got a score to settle…
(Cy lowers his head briefly with a small chuckle, shaking his head.)
Cy Henderson: I’m sure you do, but you’ve said it yourself—no point in causing an unnecessary tirade amongst us now, is there? I can see what all of this should mean, and I don’t fancy myself as some kind of foot soldier for the masses to parade around as their beacon, but I’m here to garner another valuable victory nevertheless.
Kirk Redwood: I’ve never had any issue with setting differences aside when there’s a win to score, I’ll become a real troublemaker around these parts if I even sense an ounce of bullshit between you two. But right now, I’m more than prepared to make sure we keep it together.
(BRAE breathes in deeply, with his arms crossed as he slowly paces around.)
BRAE: I would much prefer, not to experience déjà vu… I was in a position exactly like this last year. When Drake King, and Methuselah, refused to see eye to eye… Refused to understand what was far more important to us than petty squabbles & pointless mishaps that did not help us in the slightest. I have found myself in this position before, and it was never something that I envied after all that I had to go through in the name of victory. For a victory that never came, because we lacked the necessary comradery & synergy as a unit. Not again, I do not wish to tread down the same old ground again… Above all else, we must set it all aside in order to work together. I do not wish for a repeat of how two grown adults, refused to allow such childish behavior to lead them astray by refusing to align their efforts with one another. Of course, I am hopeful, that won’t be the case with the two of you…
(Cy & Kirk each exchange rather judgemental glances toward BRAE, taking note of his remark for comradery to be upheld.)
Cy Henderson: Look, you already know exactly what I care about. To get that World Heavyweight Championship off of the goddamn lunatic that’s parading himself around like a poor man’s sheep herder is not what I’m looking to stray away from. That’s the gold that I need to get right back to, and winning this match will provide some more extensive wood to the fire of my opportunity coming together again. I know exactly what I’m looking to do, and I won’t let anything step in the way of what will be mine soon enough.
Kirk Redwood: You’re not the only one… I’ve done one hell of a number looking to prove myself as the motherfucker that’s got everything to give no matter how much shit I find myself in. I’ve already taken down my own handful of Hall of Famers lately, I’ve known exactly what it’s like to punch my ticket to a title shot that I know I could’ve turned into glory. I’m not missing another shot at keeping my name out there, I’m not fucking around these damn season.
???: That’s funny, I could say the exact same thing for myself.
(The Dynasty trio glances in the direction of the voice—as their expressions stiffen up the moment they see Damon Lazarus, his own arms crossed with a low grin on his face while accompanied by the Specialists Champion, Saori Aizen, and Auburn Ware. Saori is maintaining a rather close eye on Damon, while Auburn is etched with a disgruntled expression being in this very moment, especially after the makings of last Voltage.)
Damon Lazarus: Well, you’ve all certainly had your fun being able to talk to each other. Need that extra patch of motivation from your go-getter of a leader over here in order to not be led into the feeding grounds amongst wolves—but that becomes an inevitably in this instance anyhow. It’s not just something that you can undermine when it’s right in front of you, you are bound to be placed through the ringer with nothing to exactly do about it. Let’s make this very clear, none of you will be well equipped enough to surmount the sheer treachery that’s bound to come your way. You’ve got a man who just can’t stop getting himself punked by elitists who are always a notch above him, another one that’s been unable to break free from the ‘potential man’ persona he’s been given for failing when it’s time to hit the big leagues of the main event picture, and an aging relic who’s trying desperately to take back the newfound peak he was just living a whole season ago. You’re all predisposed to being failures, one way or another, and that thought will either terrify you, or become a matter you ignore entirely—I don’t frankly care what you wish to believe, you can’t avoid the facts. Ain’t that right?
(Damon’s glance ventures down upon Saori, who spares him a glance of her own with a brief exhale before speaking.)
Saori Aizen: I am inclined to agree as much, you each venture into such a trying, consequential period of your precious lives where failure will simply become the sole constant. How long will we see such an adamant warrior give all that he could possibly have to ascending above horizons, he simply has no substantial way of truly understanding…? That is why the Captain of this little pack simply extends himself as a debilitating presence amongst all the more debilitating men who revolve around his sphere of influence. Equipped with nothing more than a barbarian who relishes in as much of the warfare as he’d like with barely any of the reward to gain, and a feebly overindulgent old man who refuses to understand when his limelight simply fades from existence regardless of his choosing… You’re all nothing but fools, your attempts to step upon our territory has only proven to be a grave mistake.
(Damon gives an astute nod to Saori’s words, as his glance shifts upon Auburn—who raises an eyebrow at first, before exhaling sharply.)
Auburn Ware: We know what we have to do. Plain & simple. We’re not here—I, am not here to be seen as any lesser than anyone else in this match. I am a former champion in my own right, I’ve fought my fair share of Hall of Famers & come out of them all the better for it, in MY own right. Yes, I can expect for all of this to be very challenging, but I’m… I’m here for a damn good reason, I suppose. I am in this War Games match, to give it my absolute all, even after everything that’s transpired… And this can happen me regardless of how each of us may feel. I won’t be holding back… I don’t have a choice in that matter, and maybe I prefer it like that—‘cause this may just be the only way…
(Despite the instance of their unity—Damon’s eyes squint steadily looking upon Auburn, and Saori’s eyes trail with judgment as well—and the other three, seem to be vested with their own lingering thoughts on the trio, as BRAE has the perception in mind to open up.)
BRAE: Hm, is that so…
Cy Henderson: For such strong words, I’m afraid you don’t seem to understand just how out of your own depth you really are.
Kirk Redwood: Ain’t a damn thing said that can’t be dealt back to what you three have gotten yourselves muddled with…
BRAE: Something certainly isn’t right, that is for certain… Perhaps, quite a few things amongst you three have gone very wrong… Far worse than you’re willing to admit.
Damon Lazarus: None of your concern—especially when word is out there on Dynasty being in its own shitshow as is. Tyrone & the rest of this roster can’t quell the issues quickly enough to prevent the inevitable.
Auburn Ware: Yes… Yes, yes that’s true… There is too much mishaps and misunderstandings going on in this brand in particular for any of this to go your way. It’s just not happening.
Saori Aizen: Tch, I must instill much of the same rhetoric, I do not see how you can truly believe that any of this falls upon your very favor when there is far more of a dilemma that meets the keenest of eyes—perhaps, that much is what is being lacked?
Damon Lazarus: On that note, I expect the humble Dynasty trifecta heading into War Games to remain real privy of what’s bound to happen—‘cause this…? It’s just the beginning.
(Damon turns his back, as he exhales sharply before taking his leave, with Saori trailing behind, and Auburn giving a final glance toward the three with a sigh as she follows along. BRAE, Cy & Kirk all glare toward the team as they walk away, conviction remaining strong as the scene fades.)
(EAW logo buzzes…)
