Voltage 9/27/26

(EAW intro plays.)

(A recap is shown of Territorial Invasion. The eventful nights are recapped with highlights, including the victories Voltage took in both Brand Warfare and War Games. The recap comes to an end, and following this the camera opens to a wide shot of the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the Netherlands as pyro shoots from the stage, officially kicking off the first Sunday Night Voltage since Territorial Invasion! The fans are on their feet as the camera moves throughout the arena before transitioning over to the commentary table, where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seated.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sunday Night Voltage! Territorial Invasion is officially behind us, and it was a huge night for the yellow brand as Voltage walked away with victories in both Brand Warfare AND War Games!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I love it! Everybody spent weeks talking about which brand was better, and Voltage just went out there and handled business, bro. Brand Warfare AND War Games? That’s a pretty gnarly weekend if you ask me!

Persephone: I guess. They won, good for them. Territorial Invasion is over though, so I don’t know how long we’re supposed to keep celebrating this.

Rich Russillo: Well, judging by the look on Captain Charisma’s face, I think we might be celebrating for at least a little while longer! The Voltage Commissioner is already standing in the ring, and it looks like he has plenty to say after what happened at Territorial Invasion!

(The camera transitions to the ring, where Captain Charisma is standing with a microphone in hand. A smirk remains on his face as he takes in the cheers from the Amsterdam crowd before finally raising the microphone.)

Captain Charisma: Welcome to Sunday Night Voltage! I have to admit, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Territorial Invasion is always one of the biggest weekends of the year, because for one night this stops being about individual rivalries and Championships. It becomes about representing your brand, and this year I couldn’t have asked for much more from the people who represented Voltage.

(The crowd begins to cheer, and Captain Charisma nods his head.)

Captain Charisma: We had two teams walk into two of the biggest matches of the entire event, and both of them walked out victorious. There were fifteen Elitists fighting for their brands in Brand Warfare. There were three teams tearing each other apart inside War Games. Neither match was easy, and I’m sure everyone who competed in them is still feeling the effects tonight, but when both matches ended, there was one thing they had in common. Voltage was standing tall.

(The cheers grow louder, bringing a grin to Captain Charisma’s face.)

Captain Charisma: I could stand here all night talking about how proud that makes me as Commissioner, but I’d rather give the people responsible for those victories the recognition they earned. We’ll get to our War Games winners in just a moment, but first, I want to start with the five Elitists who represented Voltage in Brand Warfare.

(Captain Charisma turns his attention toward the stage.)

Captain Charisma: Raven Roberts, ARIA, Candice Blair, Ashlynn Quinn, Eris Morti… come on out here!

(‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE hits to a loud reaction from the Amsterdam crowd as Raven Roberts steps onto the stage, followed by ARIA, Candice Blair, Ashlynn Quinn, and Eris Morti, though Eris strolls behind. Raven looks back at the team she put together before leading them down the ramp toward the ring.)

Rich Russillo: And here comes the winning Brand Warfare team, led by their captain Raven Roberts! ARIA, Candice Blair and Eris Morti were the three survivors at Territorial Invasion, but all five members played a part in bringing the victory to Voltage!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, you gotta give it up for all five of them! They went into that match on the same page, fought for each other when they needed to, and now they get to come out here knowing they got the job done, bro!

Persephone: I don’t have to give Raven Roberts anything. The other four can celebrate all they want, though.

(Raven makes her way up the steel steps and enters the ring, with ARIA, Candice, Ashlynn, and Eris following behind. Captain Charisma applauds and greets the five women as they settle into the ring, while Raven’s music begins to fade.)

Captain Charisma: And of course, Brand Warfare wasn’t the only major victory Voltage walked away with at Territorial Invasion. So before we go any further, there are three more people who deserve to be standing in this ring with us.

(Captain Charisma turns toward the stage as the crowd begins to cheer.)

Captain Charisma: Please welcome the winners of War Games… Damon Lazarus, Saori Aizen, and Auburn Ware!

(‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica hits as Damon Lazarus saunters onto the stage, with Saori Aizen and Auburn Ware flanking him on either side. The Specialists Championship rests over Saori’s shoulder as she walks confidently beside Damon, while Auburn keeps some distance from both of them. Damon remains between the two as they head down the ramp, though his attention repeatedly drifts toward Auburn.)

Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus said from the beginning that he would lead his team to victory at Territorial Invasion, and that’s exactly what he did.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, look at these three! War Games nearly destroyed them, but they’re all still standing. Things might still be a little weird between them, bro, but they did what they had to do when it mattered.

Persephone: After what Auburn went through, I’m surprised she even bothered showing up tonight. I’d still be in bed.

(Damon makes his way up the steel steps and enters the ring, with Saori following behind while Auburn enters shortly after. Saori remains near Damon as Auburn keeps her distance from the two, though Damon once again glances in her direction as the War Games winners join Captain Charisma and the Brand Warfare team. ‘Until It Sleeps’ begins to fade as Captain Charisma looks around at both teams, taking a moment to let the crowd show their appreciation before continuing.)

Captain Charisma: Now that everybody’s out here, I want to say this directly to all eight of you. Congratulations. Brand Warfare and War Games were two completely different battles, but neither victory came easily. Every person standing in this ring played a part, and because of you, Voltage walked away from Territorial Invasion with two huge wins.

(The crowd cheers as Captain Charisma turns toward the Brand Warfare team.)

Captain Charisma: Raven, when I gave you complete control over this team, I trusted you to put together five people who could get the job done. You did exactly that. You and Ashlynn may not have made it to the final three count, but this was a team victory, and ARIA, Candice and Eris made sure everything the five of you fought for paid off. You did a fantastic job as Captain, and I think your expertise here was another showcase of exactly why you’re a Hall of Famer. Brand Warfare was a major success, and I’m glad you were able to put together such a well-rounded team.

(With the Elitists inside of the ring holding microphones, Raven gives Captain Charisma a nod before beginning to speak.)

Raven Roberts: That’s exactly what I wanted from this team. I didn’t need four women waiting for me to tell them what to do. I wanted people who were hungry, who could make their own choices and trust each other to do the same. We all had our own reasons for wanting this, but when the bell rang, we fought as a fucking team.

(Raven looks toward her teammates with a proud smile.)

Raven Roberts: I trusted every one of you, and you proved me right. I’m fucking proud of what we did.

(Hearing this, ARIA smiles.)

ARIA: As am I, of all of us. We heard every bit of doubt and concern towards our team, but none of it mattered. All five of us fought for this, and even when we lost Raven and Ashlynn, we kept moving forward. We believed in each other, and now we can say that Team Voltage won Brand Warfare!

(The fans loudly cheer, and Candice begins to speak, following up on what ARIA said.)

Candice Blair: It’s true that ARIA, Eris and I may have been the ones left standing, but we don’t get there without Raven and Ashlynn, either. Nobody panicked when things went wrong. We trusted each other, kept fighting, and finished what all five of us started. We were hungry, and that’s what mattered. Not the accolades, not what looked right on paper, but how much we actually wanted this. That’s what we were on this team for, and we delivered.

(After saying this, Ashlynn rushes over to ARIA and Candice, hugging them with a bright smile as she speaks.)

Ashlynn Quinn: Exactly! Everybody spent all that time doubting us, and look at us now, babes! I would’ve loved to be one of the last girlies standing too, obviously, but I eliminated Chris Elite, we won, and the Voltage Baddies proved we were just as stacked as I said we were! Period!

(Candice and ARIA embrace Ashlynn’s hug as the fans cheer, while Raven smiles knowing the team came out on top. Ashlynn turns towards Eris, waving her in to join. Eris just watches from the corner of the ring away from her teammates, with an amused but dismissive slight smirk as she remains in place.)

Eris Morti: I enjoyed myself. We won. I see no reason to drag this any further.

(Ashlynn laughs off the comment, as she stays with Raven, Candice and ARIA, enjoying the major victory while Captain Charisma turns toward the War Games winners.)

Captain Charisma: Then we have War Games. Damon, from the moment you were named Captain, you made it clear what you expected. There was honestly no telling what would come from you earning the position of War Games team Captain at Bloodsport. Even less telling what’d come from a team filled with such… I guess you can say personal history. All I knew was that all three of you are incredibly talented Elitists with the ability to be as dangerous as necessary, and in the end you three exceeded any expectation I could’ve possibly had. You said you would put together the team you needed and lead Voltage to victory, and you did exactly that.

(Damon doesn’t say anything as Captain Charisma looks between him, Saori and Auburn. Saori stands confidently beside Damon with the Specialists Championship over her shoulder, while Auburn remains farther away from the two, with her eyes only on the mat below her. Damon’s attention throughout this isn’t on the Commissioner, but on Auburn, who avoids meeting his gaze.)

Captain Charisma: There were plenty of questions about whether the three of you could work together, and after everything you put each other through on the road to Territorial Invasion, I understood why. But when War Games arrived, you found a way to make it work. All three of you went through hell, and when it was over, Voltage was standing tall for the second year in a row.

(The crowd cheers as Captain Charisma smiles.)

Captain Charisma: So Damon, Saori, Auburn, congratulations. You earned this victory just as much as our Brand Warfare team did, and I think all eight of you have earned the right to enjoy what you accomplished at Territorial Invasion—

Saori Aizen: This is besides the point. While I can appreciate the pleasantries, I believe there are far more pressing matters for us to discuss first. You do have business with us, yes? We won War Games, so I believe there is something we’re owed.

(Captain Charisma looks at Saori Aizen, not thrilled about the interruption but able to move on, as he remains excited for what is still to be announced. With a quick sigh, the Commissioner speaks once more.)

Captain Charisma: That’s right. There is a reward that’s in store for all of you out here, and it’s a reward that has come around every single year— with the one exception being last year, where I had to give a separate condition to Voltage’s War Games team thanks to Drake Armstrong. While last year only the individual who achieved the winning fall was rewarded, this year we are returning to the usual style and rewarding every single one of you. Ultimately all eight of you played a significant part in Voltage coming home with not just one but *two* of the tri-brand victories, so all of you will receive something I’m sure you’ll all do very well with. That is of course… a favor of your choosing!

(This gets loud cheers from the crowd, and the Brand Warfare members look pleased with this, with Ashlynn celebrating with Candice and ARIA, who are much more calm in comparison to her. Eris nods hearing this from the Commissioner, while Raven smirks. Saori Aizen seems satisfied with this announcement as well, though with Auburn Ware still thrown off by War Games’ events, Damon Lazarus’ eyes remain fixated on her.)

Captain Charisma: We’re returning to the norm, but with all eight of you all having the chance to ask for whatever you want, there’s really no telling what we’ll get. All of you are going to receive favors, and you deserve it for what you achieved at Territorial Invasion.

(Finally, Damon turns towards the Commissioner. He raises his microphone slowly, before finally beginning to speak.)

Damon Lazarus: It was to be expected. From the moment the idea of leading a War Games team was put in front of me, what you saw at Territorial Invasion was the result bound to arrive. I never had any reason to care for the doubts regarding my decision to choose these ladies for my team. So long as our focus was leaving Territorial Invasion successful our plans were never going to be derailed. My ascension in this company was inevitable, and alongside me were the current, and the previous Specialists Champion. This was always going to be the result, because I believe the events of War Games made it clear that *none* of us were willing to treat failure as an option.

(Damon stops, and while Saori nods, Auburn couldn’t help but notice Damon’s glances towards her, even if she tried not to. She shook her head, part of her not even wanting to be there right now.)

Saori Aizen: Of course not. Victory meant an opportunity added to my resume. The furthering of a legacy which already includes this Specialists Championship. The other teams were fools to think they’d actually be able to prevent our victory— though foolish as they may be, they tried. They fought as hard as they could, but their very best wasn’t enough, nor was it ever going to be. Victory was ours from the beginning, and given we did not collapse as our opponents clearly wished for, I fail to see how that was ever going to change. It is good this is over. Victory in War Games alone was worth the experience, but I’m sure each of us will make use of this favor.

(Saori maintains her smirk as Captain Charisma nods.)

Captain Charisma: Well I can only imagine what you all will have in mind. Whatever the case, I can’t tell you all enough how much you deserve this. You were in top form at Territorial Invasion. All of you, across both matches. I know how difficult both of those matches can be, and we saw some of the chaos and sacrifices that were needed to pull through in the end. Candice, you taking a bullet for ARIA paved the way for ARIA getting the final elimination and winning Voltage the match.

(Candice nods, and Captain Charisma turns towards the War Games team once more.)

Captain Charisma: And Auburn, I don’t know if Voltage walks away with the War Games win without your sacrifice in the main event, putting your own well-being on the line.

(After this comment, it isn’t just Damon that has his eyes on Auburn. Everyone is waiting to see what she has to say, with her actions in the War Games match still fresh on their minds. Auburn is forced to finally look at Captain Charisma, still not giving either of her War Games teammates even the slightest glance as she reluctantly responds.)

Auburn Ware: I just didn’t want to lose, okay? We did what we said we would, and I guess we worked like a team. I said I’d win that match or die trying. I got what I wanted, that’s all that matters.

(Auburn stops speaking after that, sinking back into her corner after those words, not wanting to say anything else. She still avoids looking at Damon and Saori, trying her best to ignore the former’s eyes while the Champion remains satisfied with her victory. There’s a brief silence within the ring with it clear that Auburn’s still shaken from what happened last week, but Captain Charisma does his best to lighten the mood, speaking once more.)

Captain Charisma: Well, I’m sure you’ll have a great opportunity to build on that momentum and get things to continue going your way with that favor. I don’t want to put any ideas into any of your heads. Just remember that they can be used for just about anything within my power, and given what you all poured into your Territorial Invasion matches, it would be wrong if I dissuaded you from using them however you see fit. Seriously, incredible work from each of you, congratulations, and thank you for doing such an incredible job of representing Voltage.

(Captain Charisma stops speaking, and the fans cheer once more. The Brand Warfare members look at each other, with a few short words and glances shared with each other following all that just occurred. Auburn Ware exits the ring, seemingly having had enough, but she isn’t the only one that leaves the ring. Saori Aizen appears content with what’s been said as she steps through the ropes, and slowly but surely Damon Lazarus follows, with his eyes on the ramp, where Auburn Ware is already shown walking up.)

Rich Russillo: The favors have always been a big incentive for Territorial Invasion, and I have to say, I can only wonder what eight different people plan to do with theirs.

Thadd Blazevich: There’s no telling, but this is a real fun situation, isn’t it bro? Not all the people here like each other, but they worked together and they got the job done. Whatever happens next, I think it’s just gonna get even more exciting.

(Raven Roberts looks towards her Brand Warfare teammates, still thinking about her victory as Ashlynn Quinn speaks with Candice Blair and ARIA. Eris Morti slowly slips through the ropes, exiting the ring as Captain Charisma appears happy with Voltage’s Territorial Invasion performance. The camera shows one more shot of the War Games team, with Auburn wasting no time heading to the back, Saori Aizen carrying her Championship and walking alongside Damon Lazarus as Voltage fades from ringside.)

(Commercial for the DC series Lanterns.)

(The scene reopens to the broadcast booth where Rich, Persephone, and Thadd are seen sitting. Two of the three have somber expressions on their faces, while the one in the middle… she appears to be drinking from a flute of champagne. Persephone takes a small sip before she smiles brightly.)

Persephone: At Territorial Invasion we witnessed an absolute miracle and that was Jake Smith disappearing from our screens for good! I want to make a toast to whatever the fuck happened him and here’s to him NEVER reappearing! Cheers!

(Thadd and Rich both cringe as Persephone drains her glass, but it is Rich who finally speaks.)

Rich Russillo: Persephone does not speak on behalf of Thadd and myself, but she is right in the fact we bore witness to a man disappearing before our very eyes. Things have certainly been… interesting, as it pertains to Jake and Caroline this season, and as you all know, they were scheduled for what I can only assume was a ‘Loser Leaves EAW Match’…

Persephone: Call it what it was, Rich. One of those losers was going to burn in Hell beside the Devil himself, and I gotta say, I’m so here for that! Witchcraft, voodoo, occult happens, give me ALL OF IT if it makes members of this godforsaken roster disappear!

Thadd Blazevich: Man, Jake could be in some serious trouble. We don’t even know what happened to bro. We don’t even know if Caroline met some gnarly fate before Territorial Invasion! All we know is that two of Voltage’s rosters member are literally missing and unfortunately we ju-

(Static…)

(White noise…)

(Television screens around the world go black…)

(Darkness…)

(Screams…)

(A sickening thud…)

(Welcome to the void.)

(Jake Smith looks around. For all he knows it’s been hours, or days, or even weeks. He continues to see nothing. All around him there is darkness. All around him there is wind. When the wind stops, the heat rises. He sweats. He grows irritated. He feels like something is keeping chained to the ground.)

(A flash of light.)

(There she is…)

(Jake scrambles to his feet.)

(Caroline has her arms bound behind her back, a noose around her neck, and she is standing on a chair.)

(Belial stands behind her, one foot propped on the chair, chin resting on his hand while his elbow is propped on his knee.)

Belial: Hello, Jake.

(Jake tries to move toward him, but he can’t. Chains bound him from his wrist and ankles to the ground. Belial shakes his head.)

Belial: No, no. I wouldn’t do that… Think about her.

(Belial gestures up to Caroline, who is in a comatosed state, as he glances back at Jake, who is practically shaking in anger.)

Jake Smith: Let… let her-

Belial: Let her go? Why? Should I reward the two of you for conspiring against me? For trying to find a way to get out of the situation that *you* put yourself in?

(Jake’s eyes widen, as Belial chuckles.)

Belial: You didn’t expect me to know? That the two of you were talking behind my back, trying to create this grand conspiracy that there was no way either of you could win? Why would I allow you to go through with that? Whether you are right or wrong, it is clear that you made up your mind. So therefore, you will have to face the consequences for that. It’s as I promised.

(Jake grits his teeth as he continues to try and shake himself free to Belial’s amusement.)

Jake Smith: She has nothing to do with this…

Belial: You’re saying this about the grand perpetrator? The one who wanted this bond between the two of you to be broken in the first place? The one who decided by her own volition to take this knowing the consequences that she would face, and regretting her own decisions because of some lowly human who doesn’t even have the slightest idea of the situation that he is in. I expected better from her, and maybe I expected better from you as well.

(Jake looks in confusion.)

Belial: Someone who Caroline has taken such a fancy to could only be a valuable asset to the underworld. What was it that she said? That I was going to reward you and allow you to walk away with your freedom? Perhaps even stronger than ever? Why would you fight over that? Because it would be without her?

(Belial slightly pushes the chair, causing Jake to jolt, but he was clearly playing a trick.)

Belial: I see… because it would be. The reason that this bond was to be broken in the first place is because you cared about yourself, you neglected her, and all of a sudden now you want both of you to be free. A noble act for sure, but beyond all this composure have you thought even once…

(Belial leaned forward, getting closer to Jake.)

Belial: That even now you don’t wish to sacrifice your freedom in the land of the living?

Jake Smith: …

(Belial smirks.)

Belial: Proved me right.

(Belial continues to smirk…)

(Jake continues to struggle…)

(As silence ensues within the room, Caroline’s head lolls to the side and a slight moan escapes her lips.)

(Belial nudges the chair with his foot and this time it moves. Not enough to knock Caroline’s feet from under her, but she sags against the noose, leaning forward at a dangerous angle.)

(An angry sound erupts from Jake and he breaks one of the chains that holds one of his ankles.)

Belial: Oh.

(The demon chuckles before nudging the chair out further and this time Caroline sways. Jake manages to break one of the chains holding his arms, and once again, a murmur of approval escapes from the lips of Belial.)

Belial: Lo! Let us take this one step further…

(Jake’s eyes widen with something akin to love and fear. Belial shoves the chair out from under Caroline and Jake reacts by ripping himself free and lunging forward. He goes to catch Caroline before her neck snaps…)

(But she is gone…)

(Jake falls on his face at Belial’s feet and laughter echoes throughout the barren room.)

Belial: My oh my. I see why she is so enraptured. The strength you possess without any gifts is truly a sight to see.

Jake Smith: Where the fuck is she??

Belial: Why is that something that you worry about? Better yet, why is that something you believe you deserve the answer to. I would be more than happy now that everything is out in the open to grant you your freedom at the cost of your loved one, yet you choose this mental anguish and turmoil. Why is that?

(Jake doesn’t even look at Belial, his fists clench together as he slams at the ground.)

Belial: This is unlike you, and perhaps… that is a bad thing. Maybe at this point you are not afforded a gesture of good faith from me, because the Jake Smith that I am gifting it to is not the one that earned it in the first place.

(Jake exhales, as he pushes himself back up and lunges toward Belial.)

Belial: I let you have your fun.

(Immediately Jake freezes in place, static in motion, exactly how he was a couple of weeks ago.)

Belial: But now you must face the painful choice that you have chosen to try and fight against. You can either walk away now, continue to live your life without Caroline and allow her to continue to live in exile… or you will fight as promised. Under the same conditions with the smallest chance… at least in your mind… to get what you desire out of this. I will not tell you what is right, I will not tell you what is wrong, I won’t even tell you if I am lying.

(Belial steps forward, putting a condescending hand on his shoulder as he looks down.)

Belial: But it is purely your decision.

(Jake is able to push Belial’s hand off his shoulder which does nothing but amuse the demon. Belial opens a portal and gestures towards it.)

Belial: I will not keep this open long.

(Frustration and heartbreak ripped through Jake, threatening to tear him completely in half. Until now, he did not know the true definition of what it would mean to love someone, but all he could do in this moment was think of Caroline. His eyes wouldn’t even look at the portal. The thought of walking out and securing his freedom held little appeal.)

(Belial tapped a finger against his chin.)

Belial: Hmm. Perhaps I should see what Caroline is truly worth to you. I do know the value she has to me, and the best part of that is she truly has no idea what I have bestowed upon her. She is truly second to only me, Jake, and you must understand why she must remain here. The world is not yet ready for the end times, and when that time comes, she will be the most pivotal part of that. Her prophecy is to set fire to the world, burn the souls of the forgiven, and raise those that are damned. She will give all of herself to my soldiers, and that includes her life.

(A cruel laugh from Belial this time. He is taking great pleasure in prophesying Caroline’s fate to Jake.)

Belial: She will be consumed by fire and die by her own flames. She will weep from the terror and suffer from the pain. She will burn for decades, her life force taken from her slowly. She will continue to strengthen my army, until my plan is fulfilled and there is nothing left but ash. Then, she will continue to smolder, all that beauty gone and her remains never to be found. It is not an easy end, pray tell, but one fitting of her disobedience. Do you still believe you belong here, Jake? Do you still believe that you can find a way to circumnavigate this? You are a bloody fool.

(Without warning, Belial backhanded Jake, sending him against the wall. The back of Jake’s head slammed into the concrete and he slumped into a sitting position.)

Belial: Crawl through the portal, human, on your hands and knees, and I will make sure that you are rewarded within the confines of your pathetic sport. You will not want for championships nor riches, I can promise you that.

(Jake continued to remain still, groaning in pain, but even then… almost refusing to move. It was known by now that Jake Smith never knew how to quit, even if it was against his own good, and right now he was stuck on it… he had made his decision. But alas, it was a decision that Belial wasn’t too particular on.)

(Belial understood this gesture, swiping him by the throat as he lifted him upward.)

Belial: And with all that in mind you STILL continue to fight for her? Let me face you with a hypothetical, Jake. The world burns, the end cometh, do you really believe that because of your allegiance you will be *spared?* That you will be given mercy for your connection with Caroline? No. She will set you ablaze just as she will everyone else because I SAID SO. It is my decision that is final, and you will learn that it is better to spare yourself rather than continue to face yourself with this. I am giving you a chance to make something out of your miserable life because this is my GIFT, and THIS is how you repay me.

(Belial throws Jake to the ground, discarding him like a piece of trash. He presses his foot against him, it searing his chest, almost like a stabbing gesture.)

Belial: Final chance.

(Jake doesn’t even think.)

Jake Smith: BRING ME TO HER!

(Jake erupts forward, forcing his anchor of a leg away as he gets back up. Belial tsks as he chains him again.)

Belial: Perhaps, despite the flames… it is the flame of love that grows stronger than I thought, not one that can be extinguished so easily.

(Belial ponders on this for a moment, before shrugging.)

Belial: Your loss.

(With that… Belial disappears.)

(A cry of anguish escapes from Jake.)

(Darkness…)

(White noise…)

(Static…)

(Television screens around the world flicker back to life…)

(Rich, Persephone, and Thadd are seen sitting behind the broadcast booth, almost in shock. Even Persephone has nothing to say. She simply reaches for her champagne bottle and starts to chug it, as Thadd wishes more than anything he could just light up right there on air.)

(Finally it is Rich who regains some of his composure.)

Rich Russillo: L-ladies and gentlemen… we’re going to um, cut to commercial. We’ll be right back.

(And with that, Voltage fades into a break.)

(Commercial for Friday night Dynasty.)

(Voltage fades backstage; to the sight of the ToXXXin locker room. All three of the ladies simply hung out, though the energy in the air was quite awkward. That much was palpable. Daniella’s expression was proud & empathetic. Selina’s, disappointed. Minerva’s, meanwhile, difficult to read.)

(It simply was not happy.)

(Albeit, she was at least fairly pleased to put the Veena Adams problem to bed. Literally.)

(They’d all be sitting on folded chairs. Daniella leaned towards Minerva. The two were pleasant in discussion despite the energy wandering over the room.)

(Minerva spoke fondly of Daniella’s victory over two men as formidable as Drake Armstrong and Bronson Daniels and consequent World Championship opportunity. Daniella, too, felt Minerva’s psychological will to conquer The Dollhouse was mighty and worth the praise—she did know first hand what it means to face an unpleasant part of the past, and to feel your psyche strung like heartstrings.)

(Still, there was one odd woman out.)

(Selina Reyes.)

(She stood in silence, head down, knuckles curled together. A towel over her styled hair. She was stoic, and focused.)

(The only way she could be after Territorial Invasion’s disappointment.)

(Still, to Minerva, the lack of a voice did not seem like accountability or punishment, but rather avoidance.)

(The Universal Women’s Champion rises up from her chair, even amid Daniella’s whispers sounding in her ear. She stands over Selina, her shadow reflecting on the ground. Selina raises her head for the first time today, and meets Minerva’s eyes.)

(Minerva places a hand on her shoulder. Selina takes it off. She did not deserve it. Minerva felt she was right in making that choice, oddly.)

Selina Reyes: I failed, Minerva.

Minerva: …You did.

Selina Reyes: I apologize.

Minerva: Do not.

(Minerva exhales sharply.)

Minerva: Do not apologize to me. First, apologize to yourself.

(Selina nods her head… Daniella gets up from the folded chair, and crosses her arms next to Minerva. The look on her face carried significantly more sympathy in contrast to Minerva’s stone-faced gaze.)

Daniella Atlas: Sœur… Failure… It can be inevitable. It is often what helps shape our identities and sharpen our blades. That is what matters.

Minerva: Dani, no.

(Minerva gently pushes her chest aside.)

Minerva: Would you want your identity to become failure…?

Daniella Atlas: Minerva, that is not—

Minerva: Please. Know better.

(Daniella exhales, and steps away out of her own volition.)

Minerva: Selina, how do you feel?

Selina Reyes: …Disappointed.

(Selina’s tone was reluctant.)

Minerva: As you should.

(She nods her head, Selina simply looks on at her.)

Minerva: Your fate is not left up to the Gods. Failure is not inevitable. That is simply what losers tell themselves to put their withering hearts at ease. Selina, when is the last time I have failed…?

Selina Reyes: …

(Selina did not even know what answer Minerva wanted, nor did she feel she had the jurisdiction to speak back to her.)

Minerva: I see. Daniella?

Daniella Atlas: …A year and a half ago. Against Joso.

Minerva: Correct. Now, Joso is my boy toy, and I am the Universal Women’s Champion. I have eluded “failure” for over a year— how inevitable is it, really?

(Selina simply nods—as does Daniella, from a distance. Their eyes are detached, stuck in thought. Selina’s, especially.)

Minerva: Selina, look at me.

(Her eyes wander upwards. Minerva leans forward.)

Minerva: I want what is best for you. I care about you and your success. If I did not, then I would treat this with indifference.

Selina Reyes: …I understand.

Minerva: I am glad you do. And I am glad you are disappointed. You should, at all times, be acknowledging of your shortcomings. And… when you lose to some insect who squirmed her way here LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO… you absolutely SHOULD be disappointed.

(Daniella’s eyes faintly furrow from the corner of the room. Minerva words left her quite taken aback, and she was not even their target to begin with—but Selina.)

Minerva: ToXXXin is not built on coddling one another and telling them what they like. We are not sycophants. And we are not soft, understand? It would be passable if the competition was worth the praise, and if you had something to learn from their superiority. But what in the world could you learn by letting a woman like Delaney Rhodes get the best of you?

(Minerva takes her palm and rubs it over her face. Selina only watches on, taking in the words.)

Minerva: You are not on your own. Nor are you riding with a woman like Candice Blair. You are with ME, and our reputations reflect off each other. ToXXXin is a direct representation of ME… and incompetence of this scale is inadmissible. I have led you by example, I put my harshest enemies through trials they could not endure, I made them embrace my Hell, I cut them asunder. I disciplined the lesser-thans, squashed them like bugs, forced them to learn their place. I reasonably expect the same to be done by the girls following my way. YOU are the future flag bearers once my legacy is fully cemented. I have put my oath into that. Did your Territorial Invasion performance deliver that message forth, Selina?

Selina Reyes: No.

(Minerva nods.)

Minerva: Wicked Games could have—SHOULD have seen all of ToXXXin — all three of us — covered in gold. Universal Women’s Championship still around my shoulder. EAW World Championship captured by Daniella Atlas. The Specialists Championship snatched away from the muds of that disgusting love triangle and its revolting holder…

(Daniella’s eyes only narrow further at this mention. Whether intentionally or not, she has found herself faintly tangled with that ordeal, and there certainly are conflicting beliefs to hold there.)

Minerva: …but you came up short. To… Delaney… Rhodes…

(Minerva keenly exhales.)

Minerva: Frankly, you spoke about a victory for all us three as if it were a privilege. You spoke of us three holding gold as if it were destiny. Have you ever lived a life of privilege? Have you ever been granted guarantees in life, Selina!?

Minerva: Have you lost sight of what brought us together to begin with? It certainly was not privilege. Quite the opposite! Little things cannot go unpunished any longer. This hubris… the failure of Territorial Invasion… this will be your last. That is your promise to keep.

(Selina begins to nod her head, but Minerva does not wait for the affirmation. She turns her body toward locker door left ajar.)

Minerva: I have to do media— put on a happy face for them…

(Minerva picks up her purse and throws it over her shoulder. She steps away and out of the door, closing it with just enough velocity to shut it and make a noise that best encapsulates her feelings.)

(Still, it felt as if a burden had been lifted. Selina stood in solitude, proverbially wallowing in the depths of her mind as she lowers her head back down. Daniella was not left in the best mood, either. She understood tough love, but how tough can it be until it stops being “love”?)

(Daniella grabs one of the chairs and places it in front of Selina, with its posterior facing her. She places her forearm one over the other, on top of the chair’s top rail.)

Daniella Atlas: Ah… Selina…

(Selina remains unflinching.)

Daniella Atlas: Do not stand in such self-loathing. Be proud of your nights. Good, bad. They are yours to own. Perhaps… Minerva was rather harsh. As much as I can understand her frustration, and as much as I can struggle with the sight of uncontrollable disappointment myself… I know there is a step beyond what is acceptable. Your sadness is likewise my own. Minerva’s anger is our own, too. We are bound by this special relationship… and I do not believe hurdles are cause for abandonment.

(Selina eventually raises her head. She gazes into Daniella’s genuine look, and a very faint smile appears.)

Selina Reyes: Dani…

Daniella Atlas: Well… I find abandonment to simply be inhumane. I never wish to leave you, Selina.

Selina Reyes: I… am appreciative of that.

(Daniella smirks.)

Daniella Atlas: Out there is a vast sea. Perhaps you could think about how you may weather your way through these waves, and create your own opportunity, one that will not lead to disappointment. We both know, one loss is far from the end of the world.

Selina Reyes: Yes…

Daniella Atlas: We are pupils of Minerva… but we are such because we are strong warriors. We do not yield. We do not lie down. We do not allow defeat to reshape us into pitiful husks. That would be doing our talents a disservice. You have cared for me thus far; you have ascertained if my burdens were too much to bear, and whether they would take my sight off of our mutual objective or not. I owe much to you because of that. Perhaps if you were not there to take my mind off this all… I would not have pulled off my victory. I thank you for this, my sister. And…

(She places her palm over Selina’s shoulder, softly, firmly. Selina does not do anything.)

Daniella Atlas: …I will be here for you.

Selina Reyes: Thank you.

(Selina’s eyes reflect hope once more.)

(But outside…. there Minerva still stood. Her ears catching wind of it all. Her lip curled into the faintest expression of disgust. More or less, Daniella was excusing Selina’s inadequacy, coating her in sweet nothings as if she had earned the right to any praise at this point in time. It felt not only like a backstabbing to go against her actions and words, but as if their minds sat in completely opposite places.)

Minerva: Unacceptable…

(Minerva whispered, with much to think about. She walks off the scene, properly, while Selina and Daniella are left in the locker room to speak their next move.)

(Voltage fades elsewhere.)

(The scene fades backstage where Sofia Clarke is seen standing in front of a screen as ready as she usually is with a microphone in her hand.)

Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I have a very special guest with me here tonight, please help me introduce none other than the “Samoan General” Reylin Aloali’i!

(Reylin Aloali’i is seen entering the scene ready for his match against Cosmo Goldworthy next as Sofia Clarke continues to speak on.)

Sofia Clarke: Now, Reylin, you’ve been part of the Voltage roster since Bloodsport, and we saw your impressive performance at Territorial Invasion even if the ending of the New Breed Scramble match did not go your way… Do you have any thoughts on how that all went down?

(Reylin Aloali’i smirks a bit, rubs his chin, and shakes his head side to side before speaking into the microphone.)

Reylin Aloali’i: Listen, I don’t have anything to say that you didn’t already see at Territorial Invasion. I lost, it’s whatever. Igon Mordren’s bitch ass been trying to mess with me for weeks, and in the end he did what he could to ruin the match for me without even getting the win himself. I’m not here to waste my time with complaints week in and week out. I’m here to handle my business in the ring, so that Scramble didn’t go my way, cool. That’s not gonna stop me from getting where I want to go.

Sofia Clarke: Well, we know you and Igon have most certainly had your issues as of late. Have you heard what he had to say regarding Territorial Invasion?

Reylin Aloali’i: Yeah and we gon’ shut that shit down quickly, because you know as well as I do he’s doing nothing but making excuses. He’s out here saying he’s still undefeated, dismissing the match itself, but that piece of shit couldn’ pick up the win either and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Like I said, you saw what happened out there. He can say he wasn’t looking to win the scramble match, but come on. He was trying like everyone else was, and he’s passing that match off like an afterthought for the same reason he passes every loss off as if it’s just “nonsense”. He’s weak, and he can’t handle it. I saw it from the night I joined this company, and if he’s smart, he’ll remember what I did to him then.

Sofia Clarke: So, does that mean it’s safe to say that things between you and Igon are not done just yet, huh?

(Hearing this, Reylin just shrugs.)

Reylin Aloali’i: I have bigger things to worry about than some joke like Igon, but I’m not about to just let him think he can do whatever he wants to me, either. If he has a prohlem we can handle it whenever he wants, but for now? I got a match of my own. A match that he’s not part of. Cosmo got my attention for now, but once I’m done with him, I’m ready for anything. Whether that means putting Igon down for good or moving on to what I came to this company for to begin with– guess you’ll just have to find out.

(Reylin Aloali’i heads out of the interview area as Sofia Clarke stands there by herself, nodding following that answer.)

Sofia Clarke: Well, that was Reylin Aloali’i as he faced off against Cosmo Goldworthy here tonight in the next match, I am Sofia Clarke, and it was an honor to bring you guys this interview!

(The scene fades away to the arena as Bella Braxton stands inside the ring ready to introduce the competitors for the following match.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL…

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown can be heard throughout the whole arena as the fans boo Cosmo Goldworthy loudly. Cosmo isn’t happy after Territorial Invasion, but he knows now’s the time to get back into the ring, and he looks ready as he shows no intention of losing.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From the Golden State, San Francisco, California… Weighing in at 220 lbs… He is… COSMOOOOOOOO “MO MONEY” GOLDWORTHYYYYYYYY!!!

Rich Russillo: This man has it all, the talent, the skill, and the energy but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired even though he had one hell of a match at Territorial Invasion against Diamond Dixon!

Persephone: Too bad he wasn’t good enough to pick up a win so if I was him? I would try and get a win here tonight sooner rather than later, but that’s just MY personal opinion.

(As Cosmo Goldworthy’s theme song slowly fades out, ‘SAME SH!T’ by Isaiah Rashad can be heard playing through the arena with a mix of boos and cheers as they see Reylin Aloali’i making his way down the stage. Reylin is already focused after his interview, and wastes no time walking down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent… From Adaleide, South Australia… Weighing in at 250 lbs… He is… “TOP GUN”… REYLIIIIIIIIIIIIIN ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALI’I!!!!!!

Persephone: Another loser making his way down the ring after not being able to pick up a win at Territorial Invasion… He had quite a few things to say before the match and who knows how some people may feel about it!

Thadd Blazevich: Listen, broette, it’s clear Reylin is not happy with the results, but the guy is legit and I bet you tonight he’s going to show us that what happened at Territorial Invasion won’t be happening again cause Voltage is going to be HIS territory he runs!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Rich Russillo: Well, after a few words from Reylin Aloali’i backstage, it seems that he’s locked in for this match here tonight against Cosmo Goldworthy who’s looking to pick up a win after a big loss at the hands of Diamond Dixon at Territorial Invasion! Both men look at each other intensely as they square off before they go for a lock up in the middle of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Not wasting any time however, Reylin drops the lock, and throws a massive chop to the chest of Cosmo Goldworthy bros… Now THAT has to hurt dude, but Cosmo Goldworthy not letting himself be consumed by the pain as he throws an open palm slap to the chest as both men now trading chops and those open palm slaps trying to see who gives in to the pain first!

Persephone: I’m just hoping one of them gives in so this match ends quicker! We already had to hear Reylin waste everyone’s time yapping earlier so who’s to say he can even beat someone like Cosmo, even if these two are just complete losers.

Rich Russillo: Oh, c’mon, Persephone, you know you’re being disingenuous! Anyways, Reylin throws another chop that finally sends Cosmo down to the mat as Reylin mounts on top of Cosmo and begins to apply more pressure by throwing lefts and rights to Cosmo!

Thadd Blazevich: Luckily, it seems Cosbro was able to put up his hands to block a strike from Reylin, allowing himself the opportunity to flip Reylin over as now Cosmo is mounted on top of Reylin! Cosmo throws a couple of strikes on Reylin before getting off him as he stomps on Reylin’s abdomen area while riling up the crowd a bit with loud boos being directed right at Cosmo!

Persephone: D-did you just call him Cosbro?!? Get me out of this hell! Thankfully Cosmo is back focusing on the match as he looks at Reylin, who’s picking himself back up, before he plants him back on the mat with a running knee! Hopefully that means the referee calls the match and we can get out of here sooner rather than later!

Rich Russillo: I hope not as the action just started, with Cosmo Goldworthy running towards the ropes, using them for offense as he grabs onto them, and is looking to connect with a Springboard Moonsault onto Reylin!

Thadd Blazevich: Oh, Cosbro is intercepted by Reylin as he has his knees up at the last second! That’s gotta feel bad for the stomach right there as Reylin isn’t wasting any time here landing elbow after elbow after elbow to keep Cosmo grounded on the mat, before dropping a gnarly Senton on poor Cosmo to add insult to injury!

Persephone: Reylin Aloali’i now dragging Cosmo to the corner hopefully looking to knock out the lights out of him with that one move he does… You know, that one move.

Rich Russillo: You mean the Hip Attack? I think you may be right, as he slams Cosmo right onto the bottom turnbuckle before he starts to take a few steps back! Reylin is locked in on Cosmo here, AND HE BEGINS RUNNING IN FOR THE HIP ATTACK!!!

Thadd Blazevich: COSBRO MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AS THAT HIP HITS NOTHING BUT THE TURNBUCKLE! Cosmo uses this opportunity to get his momentum back with a Enziguri Kick that sends Reylin to a slumped position on that same turnbuckle! Without second thought, Cosmo takes a few steps back and connects with double knees right to the face of Reylin!

Persephone: Well maybe it’s going to end soon after all. He is running back towards the ropes while Reylin is flat on his back, AND SOMEHOW COSMO ACTUALLY MANAGED TO LAND THE SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT! Cosmo goes in to try and end this, covering him with a pin that hopefully ends the match!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE-

Thadd Blazevich: But the match continues on, bros! Reylin is able to get his shoulder up before the one count, and Cosmo knows he’s going to have to do more than what he’s done so far to keep Reylin down. Cosmo starts picking Reylin back up to his feet, and it seems he has something big planned here!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo Goldworthy once again hitting the ropes in an attempt to connect with a Springboard Cutter… BUTREYLIN WAS ABLE TO GRAB COSMO FROM MID-AIR, AND HE TURNS HIM AROUND TO PLANT HIM DOWN ON THE RING MAT WITH A URANAGE!! THE URANAGE CONNECTS, AND REYLIN QUICKLY THROWS COSMO INTO THE CORNER!

Persephone: I’m glad he’s not wasting any time here. He quickly goes for the Hip Attack so he doesn’t look stupid if Cosmo was able to evade the move for a second time. Cosmo was forced to take that, but as if things couldn’t get any worse, Cosmo’s now rolling out of the ring into safety because apparently we have to drag out matches to be longer than they should!

Thadd Blazevich: I can’t lie and say it wasn’t smart thinking there bros, as Cosmo is making his way to our table to pick himself up. Reylin however not wanting to give Cosbro some breathing room, rolls out of the ring as well before grabbing Cosmo from the back of the head! It looks like Reylin is about to slam Cosmo face first onto our table…

Rich Russillo: But Cosmo Goldworthy is able to throw an elbow right at Reylin Aloali’i’s midsection at the last second, as he slams Reylin down on our table cover instead! He makes sure to slam it a few more times before grabbing him from the back of his head and throwing him to the front side of our table! The referee is looking outside at both competitors as he gives Cosmo a warning to get inside the ring or he will be counted out! Cosmo rolls inside the ring and immediately rolls out to restart the count, before grabbing Reylin and taking him to the barricade!

Persephone: HAHAHA! Cosmo took enough time which allowed Reylin to catch his breath as he’s able to get out of Cosmo Goldworthy’s grasp and instead slam him himself right onto that barricade! Hopefully this is marking the beginning of the end as Reylin starts to pick up Cosmo for a Powerbomb of some sorts…

Thadd Blazevich: You’re right about that my broette! Reylin Aloali’i has Cosmo Goldworthy up for a Powerbomb, AND HE DROPS COSMO BACK FIRST ONTO THE APRON! Wow! That was some serious brute force on display here especially after the words we heard from Reylin before the match itself and now he’s looking to bounce back after Territorial Invasion with a win over Cosmo!

Rich Russillo: Reylin gets inside the ring while Cosmo Goldworthy is slowly picking himself up with help from the ropes while holding his spine, but Reylin is more than ready as he plants Cosmo back to the mat with a Superkick as Reylin goes for a quick cover now!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOO-

Persephone: UGHHHHHH!!! The match continues on as Reylin is left unbothered about the kick out. He starts to slowly get up while Cosmo is still laid out blinking like an idiot, before Reylin slowly starts to pick up Cosmo and Irish Whips him across the ring.

Rich Rusillo: Cosmo bounces off the ropes, AND REYLIN POPS HIM UP FOR WHAT MAY HE A DEVASTATING SAMOAN DROP BY THE TOP GUN— BUT THERE’S COSMO TAKING DOWN REYLIN!! HE JUST USED THE MOMENTUM FROM THE FALL TO TRANSITION INTO A CRUCIFIX BOMB! Reylin is down, and Cosmo pushes himself back up! Cosmo is feeling himself after that reversal, before going to the top rope as Reylin isn’t staying grounded for long here!

Thadd Blazevich: Just as Reylin gets up, Cosbro jumps off the top rope with a Diving Crossbody that sends both men down onto the mat! Reylin rolls out of the ring this time to create distance, but I don’t know if he’s gonna be able to get any time to breathe! It’s lookin’ like Cosbro is cooking something up bros, as he starts running the ropes and goes looking to fly fly fly high in the sky!

Persephone: SUICIDE DIVE TO THE OUTSIDE— HA! Reylin catches Cosmo Goldworthy with both hands before slamming him spine first once again on the ring apron before pushing Cosmo back in the ring! He rolls inside as well, looking to possibly use this opening to FINALLY end this torture of a match.

Rich Russillo: Well, maybe Reylin is about to make your wishes come true here tonight as he grabs the aching Cosmo Goldworthy without giving him any room to breathe, and throws him across the ring into the ropes! Cosmo bounces off of the ropes, AND REYLIN POPS COSMO UP FOR GOD’S WILL— BUT IT’S TURNED INTO A HURRICANRANA THAT SENDS REYLIN DOWN TO THE MAT! HUGE COUNTER AS REYLIN IS DROPPED MOMENTARILY, BUT REYLIN STUMBLES BACK UP…

Thadd Blazevich: AND INTO THE SPRINGBOARD CUTTER!! HE FINALLY GETS IT TO CONNECT IN THIS MATCH BROS, AND HE ISN’T DONE JUST YET!!! REYLIN INADVERTENTLY POPPED UP AFTER THE CUTTER AND IS STANDING WITH RUBBER LEGS, BEFORE COSBRO CONNECTS WITH “READY TO DIE”!!!! THE TORNADO KICK CONNECTS ON REYLIN AND COSMO GOLDWORTHY GOES FOR THE COVER!!!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (off-mic) That’s all she wrote, baby!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Referee: THR-

Thadd Blazevich: Close but no cigar there bros as Reylin is able to get his shoulder up before the three count! I just know Cosmo felt that win, and I know he wants this after his loss at Territorial Invasion against Diamond Dixon. Unfortunately for him though the match continues on! Cosmo looks like he knows what he has to do though, and it’s go even bigger!

Persephone: Anything to get closer to the end of the match I suppose…

Rich Russillo: Cheer up, Persephone, we are seeing two gladiators do what they know best inside that ring! Cosmo Goldworthy heads outside to stand on the ring apron… and I think we all know what exactly Cosmo is looking for as he yells at Reylin to get back up on his feet!

Thadd Blazevich: Oh yes we do know what’s coming next here bros as Reylin is back up wobbly on his knees! Cosmo doesn’t waste any more time! Reylin is back to his feet, AND NOW COSMO LAUNCHES HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE, FLIPPING BACK INTO THE RING FOR THE GOLD RUSH— NO!!!

Persephone: Reylin Aloali’i is able to jump up at the last minute, catching Cosmo with a knee strike that sends Goldworthy stumbling to the corner! For the love of GAWD can we get a winner here already?!?

Rich Russillo: Reylin Aloali’i has Cosmo Goldworthy in the perfect spot while Cosmo doesn’t know where he is at! Reylin rushes in using his deceptive speed, TO CONNECT WITH A “DEAD-LOCK”!!! THE HELLUVA KICK MAKES SURE TO NOT MISS A SINGLE SPOT ON THE FACE OF COSMO AS HE FALLS FACE FIRST ONTO THE RING MAT!! REYLIN GOES FOR THE PIN COVER AS THE REFEREE STARTS THE COUNT!!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Referee: THREEEEEE-

Thadd Blazevich: BUT THIS ONE ISN’T OVER, BROS!! The referee calls for a rope break as Cosbro Goldworthy was able to put his foot on the rope at the last second, saving himself the match for right now! That’s gotta be frustrating, but Reylin is not in the mood to extend this match any longer! He makes sure to pick up Cosmo from the neck, clearly looking to end things for good as he extends his arm to the side while turning his hand to a thumb only… It may be over already here bros as “SWITCHBLADE” LOOKS TO CONNECT!

Rich Russillo: COSMO DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND QUICKLY GETS BEHIND REYLIN TO CONNECT WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX THAT PUTS REYLIN DOWN ON THE MAT!! COSMO GOLDWORTHY LAYS ON THE GROUND, CATCHING HIS BREATH AFTER ESCAPING WHAT COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN THE END FOR HIM IN THIS MATCH!

Persephone: Just dragging this match to go on for even longer than it should have been, but thankfully it looks like Cosmo is getting back up while Reylin is still laid out…

Thad Blazevich: This may be the opening that Cosmo needed to get the ball rolling till the end as Cosbro is going to the top rope again! He takes his sweet time while Reylin slowly uses the ropes to get up! Cosmo takes the opportunity and dives off landing a Top Rope Blockbuster that sends Reylin to roll out of the ring once again! Reylin is out of there, BUT COSMO WASTES NO TIME LOOKING FOR A TAKE TWO!!

Rich Russillo: THE SUICIDE DIVE CONNECTS AS BOTH MEN ARE ON OUR TABLE AFTER A BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF WHAT WRESTLING IS ALL ABOUT WITH BOTH MEN DOWN AFTER THE IMPACT FROM A MOVE LIKE THAT! Cosmo gets up first as he throws Reylin back inside the ring as he once again heads to the top rope, looking to put the finishing touches to this match as he dives off for a Diving Headbutt!

Persephone: Too much dip on this loser’s chip though, as Cosmo hits the mat face first while Reylin moves out of the way at the last second! Now both men are recovering after such a long boring match… Hopefully one of them gets up soon and finishes up this nonsense!

Thadd Blazevich: This match has been anything but boring, dudette! Reylin is back on his feet, shaking off any of the pain he’s going through after such a hard fought match. He pulls himself onto the middle rope while Cosmo is still holding his head, unable to get up!

Rich Russillo: AND NOW THERE’S REYLIN WITH A DIVING SENTON! Oh, that had to hurt! More than that, I think that may have taken out any of the gas that Cosmo may have had in his reserve right now! Can’t lie guys, I think we are getting closer to the end, and Cosmo may need a miracle to find a bounce back here tonight.

Persephone: Well, Reylin picking up Cosmo after that move better mean that he’s looking to end things, as he once again throws him towards the ropes and throws him up to the sky… WOW. He ACTUALLY connected with the Pop-Up Powerbomb.

Thadd Blazevich: GOD’S WILL CONNECTS, BUT I THINK THAT MIGHTA TAKEN EVERYTHING OUT OF REYLIN! Reylin drops to a knee after planting Cosmo, but look! He isn’t even going for the pin! This has been a hard-fought match, and instead of wasting his time I think Reylin wants to put the exclamation point on this match, and make sure Cosmo is down for good! Reylin pushes himself back up, while he waits for Cosmo to stir!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo Goldworthy makes it back up on his feet, still groggy from the Powerbomb he just took as Reylin Aloali’i once again grabs Cosmo by the shoulder! I think we all know what Reylin has in mind at this point, AS HE EXTENDS HIS ARM AND SETS UP FOR THE SWITCHBLADE!!!

(As Reylin Aloali’i is about to connect the “Switchblade” on Cosmo Goldworthy, ‘Vordt of the Boreal Valley’ by Motoi Sakaruba plays through the P.A System as the fans start to boo VERY loudly while Igon Mordren walks onto the stage with the ugliest sneer imaginable just looking down at the ring. Reylin notices Igon’s presence and stares him down.)

Persephone: Finally… Things are about to be interesting!

Thadd Blazevich: Ah, bros, I don’t have a good feeling about this as Igon is just watching the match from the stage! We know these two have their issues, especially after last week!

(Reylin gestures for Igon to come down to the ring, but Igon doesn’t do that. He just stares where he is, giving Reylin a look filled with disapproval and not even bothering to say anything. There is clear tension between the two that overpowers the boos towards Igon, but Reylin knows time is being wasted. Eventually, it seems Reylin has had enough of Igon and turns away.)

Rich Russillo: It seems Igon is going to be watching this one up close, but he picked a terrible time to do this and I don’t think we even need to ask whether or not this was intentional! Still, there’s not much Reylin can do about that now and he knows it, so rather than focusing on Igon any longer he turns his attention back to his opponent! He drags Cosmo back up, PREPARING TO HIT THE SWITCHBLADE!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HE TOOK TOO LONG, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THAT DISTRACTION WAS EFFECTIVE!!! KICK RIGHT TO THE GUT FROM COSBRO AND HE MIGHT’VE JUST GOT EXACTLY WHAT HE NEEDED, AS HE ESCAPES FROM THE GRASP OF REYLIN ALOALI’I BEFORE HE WAS FINISHED!

Rich Russillo: WASTING NO TIME, COSMO GOLDWORTHY RUNS TO THE CORNER ROPES, USES THEM TO ASSIST HIMSELF, AND CONNECTS WITH A “DANCE MACABRE” ONTO REYLIN AS THE SPRINGBOARD DDT OFF THE DISTRACTION FROM IGON MORDREN THAT SAVED COSMO SUCCESSFULLY LANDS! This may be over soon now that Igon interrupted this match with his presence probably after hearing what Reylin had to say earlier today before this match…

Persephone: Yeah, yeah, yeah, a bunch of blah, blah, blah, blah nonsense, but now we’re getting to the best part of any match; the ending where we can stop being bored out of our mind cause these guys are afraid to bleed out!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo is in the corner, waiting as Reylin stumbles up in the middle of the ring! Cosmo starts speeding towards Reylin Aloali’i… “COLDEST WINTER!!! THERE IT IS!! REYLIN IS CUT IN HALF AS THE FINISHING SPEAR CONNECTS!!!

Persephone: YES! HE’S GOING FOR THE COVER, THE REFEREE STARTS THE COUNT, AND I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED THAT THIS IS THE FINAL PINFALL FOR THIS MATCH HERE TONIGHT!!!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEE!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH… COSMOOOOOOOOO “MO MONEYYYYYYYY” GOLDWORTHYYYYYYY!!!!

Rich Russillo: What an evenly fought battle we saw here tonight between Cosmo Goldworthy and Reylin Aloali’i, but once that man currently standing on the stage showed up, Reylin lost focus, and that’s where Cosmo came up to use that here tonight to bring a much needed win after Territorial Invasion!

(As Igon Mordren looks at the middle of the ring once the bell rings, he shakes his head, clearly disgusted at what he saw, and walks off back to the backstage area. Meanwhile, ‘RUNITUP’ begins to play once more, as Cosmo pulls himself back up.)

Thadd Blazevich: Well, it doesn’t like like Igon Brodren was satisfied at all with what he saw from Reylin Aloali’i here tonight, but it seems Cosmo Goldworthy can appreciate this big win here tonight, and continue his celebration.

Persephone: I’m just glad this idiot was able to use that distraction to end this match quickly rather than continue to drag it on, but I guess congratulations on the win kid.

(Cosmo Goldworthy is seen celebrating the win here tonight as Reylin Aloali’i is still laid out on the mat trying to gather his surroundings as the scene fades away elsewhere…)

(Promotional ad for Wicked Games.)

(Sunday Night Voltage continues as the camera pans out, revealing the ring to be decorated with balloons and tables along with a big portrait of Miku Sakai. In the ring, we already see Kiko Sakai, looking rather pleased with the result from last weekend at Territorial Invasion, wearing a special dress for the occasion to celebrate what her sister has accomplished. She has a microphone in hand as she says…)

Kiko Sakai: Everyone… Please welcome the new EAW Hardcore Champion… My sister, Miku Sakai!

(As soon as Kiko said that, ‘Life is Short, O Brave Girl’ by Hanabie begins to blast through the PA System. Miku Sakai emerges from the stage, holding on to her newly won Hardcore Championship with a grin on her face as she looks around the crowd before making her way down the aisle and towards the ring.)

Rich Russillo: It’s definitely going to be one interesting celebration to say the least as Miku Sakai is your new Hardcore Champion, and her sister Kiko looks to be making a big deal of this accomplishment by hosting some sort of party in the ring. You can see some balloons, some snacks, everything to really make Miku’s journey into finally becoming a champion once again in Elite Answers Wrestling an extraordinary one.

Thadd Blazevich: You said it best Rich bro! Miku has had a long journey into finally becoming a champion again after many years, many title opportunities slipping through her fingers or chances not going her way, but she was finally able to top the man that ended the career of Adam Lucas in Kai Rabeaux and is now officially the new Hardcore Champion! We already know who’s next in line for that title, but I think for now Miku bro looks to celebrate her win alongside her sister who has been by her side since her return at Bloodsport, costing Bronson Daniels that match.

Persephone: Blah blah, let’s just see what this bitch has to say.

(Miku makes her way down the ramp and slides right into the ring, still holding on to her Hardcore Championship. Kiko begins to clap, loving that her sister has become a champion once again here in EAW. After a while, her music begins to fade out as boos continue to pour out for Miku as Kiko speaks.)

Kiko Sakai: One more time for my sister!

(The crowd continues to boo as Miku herself begins to speak as she says…)

Miku Sakai: GUESS WHO’S THE HARDCORE CHAMPIONS NOW CUCKS!! After many, many stupid attempts from pure fucking bullshit I had to deal with, FINALLY I have myself a championship over my shoulder now. I can call myself champion and no longer be considered an underachiever by that cunt Kai Rabeaux. This is now MINE! It has my name on it and everything because I deserve that! You think I deserve it, Kiko?

(Miku looks towards her sister as she responds with a faint smile saying…)

Kiko Sakai: You absolutely deserve it.

Miku Sakai: You’re so fucking right, too bad a lot of people don’t seem to agree but it’s fine they’re all just a bunch of dipshit morons anyways!

(The crowd boos even more for Miku as she continues to speak.)

Miku Sakai: This is a celebration for ME! A celebration of the fact that I finally have gold on me and while it did take five years to even obtain gold again, it doesn’t really matter all that much. I had to deal with the dumbest people on this planet, and circumstances that were just stupid and should have never happened in the first place! But now I have the thing that I have wanted and I’m going to make sure that I hold this championship as long as possible. So if any of you dumb fuckers think Diamond is going to beat me for this, you better think again. I’m ready for my first defense against her, ready to beat her then face whoever challenges me next… before I beat them too! It’s going to be a cycle you all will have to get used to. With that in mind–

(Before Miku can say anything else, “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll begins to play as Diamond Dixon emerges from the stage! She looks eager and focused as she makes her way down the aisle, staring a hole into both Kiko and Miku.)

Rich Russillo: Well here comes the number one contender to the Hardcore Champion, Diamond Dixon! Diamond earned that distinction by defeating her former partner in Cosmo Goldworthy at Territorial Invasion in what was a brutal match between the two of them. They laid it all on the line against each other and despite the chip on Cosmo’s shoulder, it was Diamond who was able to prevail and earn herself a title shot.

Thadd Blazevich: I assume Diamond bro didn’t wanna hear Miku say another word about her and is making her presence felt here tonight during her championship celebration… or party… whatever they wanna call it.

Persephone: It can be both, you idiot.

(Diamond soon makes her way to ringside as she climbs the steps and enters between the ropes. Her music begins to fade away as she begins speaking towards Miku as she tells her…)

Diamond Dixon: Is this what you call a celebration? I’m not really that impressed. Kiko threw a party for two people essentially, filled with nothing but balloons and tables and the most bland ass snacks imaginable. It ain’t really a party or celebration, but if I’m being honest, I’m more unimpressed with the woman who’s holding on to that Hardcore Championship. Standing in the middle of this ring, thinking that she’s going to hold on to her title as long as possible and beat challenger after challenger when we all know you shouldn’t get too comfortable, Miku. At least… not when I’m looming around. You’re gonna get it into your head quickly that you have to think and act differently when Diamond Dixon is knocking on your door.

(Diamond says some intimidating words towards Miku as she continues by saying…)

Diamond Dixon: While you have been bragging and feeling good about yourself for winning the Hardcore Championship, I faced Cosmo Goldworthy at Territorial Invasion in a pretty nasty match, all for the sake of being the number one contender to THAT championship that you have around you right now. Getting the win over my former tag team partner, dropping his ass on a bunch of glass and thumbtacks, could very well be one of the most gratifying moments of my career. But it’s done with, he’s in my rearview mirror, and now… I have this opportunity that I have been waiting a long time for.

(Miku hears this from Diamond, but has an uninterested look on her face as she responds by saying…)

Miku Sakai: Oh shut the fuck up… I really don’t care, Diamond. Congrats on becoming number one contender, I guess, but you should have known the second you won that little match of yours that the result is still going to be me kicking your sorry ass all around this ring. I AM THE HARDCORE CHAMPION NOW! I couldn’t give a single fuck if you were unimpressed with me or thought this celebration that Kiko threw together was lame. Your words don’t mean anything to me. You wasted your fucking time with Cosmo Goldworthy because there is no way on earth there’s a chance of you beating me for this title. I have been a champion multiple times in this company and now I have another one to add to my collection, what have you done? You never even came close to being a champion and the opportunity you got from beating Cosmo… it isn’t going to be where things change for you bitch.

(Diamond doesn’t look too happy with what Miku just said to her as she responds by saying…)

Diamond Dixon: You better watch your mouth when you speak to me. The whole reason this celebration is even happening right now is that you yourself went a whole five years without having a championship, five years of constant failures, most of them being title matches not working out for you, and now you want to celebrate like that’s something to gloat about. Now you’re bragging as if you’re the best when clearly you could very well lose that title at a moment’s notice and you’ll just crash out like you always do. I don’t have anything to prove to you, I’m just here to become a champion but since you want to run your mouth like that to me that I wouldn’t mind slapping you in the process.

Miku Sakai: DON’T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, BITCH! I’M THE HARDCORE CHAMPION, AND IT’S A TITLE YOU WILL NEVER GET FROM ME! YOU’RE NOTHING TO ME!!!

Diamond Dixon: Oh… I see how it is.

Rich Russillo: AND DIAMOND JUST THREW A FOREARM TOWARDS MIKU!!! MIKU FIGHTS BACK AS WE HAVE A BRAWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS RING!!! KIKO ROLLS OUT OF THE RING AS DIAMOND AND MIKU ARE TRADING SHOTS BACK AND FORTH!!

Thadd Blazevich: IT’S ALL BOILED OVER AS THESE TWO ARE GOING AT IT ONE ANOTHER!! RIGHTS AND LEFTS BEING THROWN AS– DIAMOND TAKES MIKU DOWN WITH A DOUBLE LEG, GETTING HER IN A MOUNTED POSITION!!

Rich Russillo: BUT MIKU TURNS DIAMOND AROUND AND NOW SHE’S IN THE MOUNTED POSITION LEFTS ON FISTS AND FOREARMS TOWARDS DIAMOND!!!

(Soon enough security guards come rushing down the ring as they grab on to both Miku and Diamond from brawling with each other more.)

Persephone: Boooooo.

Rich Russillo: Now security has rushed the ring separating both women as this championship celebration for Miku has resulted in a brawl between champion and challenger!

(Miku and Diamond are being held back by security as soon enough, the segment fades out as we transition elsewhere.)

(Commercial for the new album of Lucy Bedroque, “c”.)

(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

(‘The Best Damn Thing’ by Avril Lavigne hits as Avril Williams makes her way onto the stage, taking in the crowd before ‘Rompe’ by Daddy Yankee takes over and Carmen Sánchez joins her. Finally, ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ by KISS hits as Cynthia Valice makes her way out, joining Avril and Carmen before the three head down the ramp together.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! At a combined weight of 375 pounds… THE TEAM OF AVRIL WILLIAMS, CARMEN SÁNCHEZ, AND CYNTHIA VALICE!!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Carmen, Avril and Cynthia gave it everything they had at Territorial Invasion, but Divide & Conquer didn’t go their way.

Rich Russillo: Tonight gives all three women a chance to bounce back with a big victory here on Voltage.

Thadd Blazevich: And with tornado rules, bro, they’re gonna have plenty of chances to make it happen!

(‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil hits as Candice Blair steps onto the stage, looking out at the crowd before ‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba takes over and ARIA makes her way out beside her. Finally, ‘Tears’ by Sabrina Carpenter hits as Ashlynn Quinn emerges with plenty of energy, joining Candice and ARIA before the three make their way down the ramp together.)

Bella Braxton: And their opponents! At a combined weight of 375 pounds… THE TEAM OF CANDICE BLAIR, ARIA, AND ASHLYNN QUINN!!

Rich Russillo: Meanwhile, Candice, ARIA and Ashlynn are coming off a successful Territorial Invasion, where they helped Team Voltage win Brand Warfare!

Thadd Blazevich: These three already know they work well together, dude, and now they’re looking to keep that momentum rolling tonight!

Persephone: Good for them. I don’t care what any of these people did at Territorial Invasion.

(The referee looks between both teams as they stand in opposite corners, making sure all six women are ready before signaling for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: Here we go! This trios match is officially underway! Tornado rules for this one, meaning everybody is legal as both teams stand in opposite corners, taking in the energy from this crowd before CHARGING RIGHT AT ONE ANOTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: AND BOTH TEAMS MEET IN THE MIDDLE! WE’VE GOT THREE HOCKEY FIGHTS BREAKING OUT AT ONCE! ARIA IS GOING AT IT WITH CARMEN! CANDICE IS TRADING SHOTS WITH AVRIL! AND ASHLYNN AND CYNTHIA ARE LOCKING HORNS! ARIA DRIVES A KNEE INTO CARMEN’S GUT BEFORE CHUCKING HER OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! Aria follows her right out, dude, leaving the other four to keep fighting inside the ring!

Rich Russillo: AVRIL THROWS CANDICE OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE, ASHLYNN DOES THE SAME TO CYNTHIA! That leaves Avril and Ashlynn alone inside the ring, and AVRIL RUSHES ASHLYNN WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! Williams follows by whipping her toward the corner— BUT ASHLYNN VAULTS OVER THE CORNER AND LANDS ON THE APRON! Avril sees that and decides to show off some athleticism of her own, VAULTING OVER A CORNER ONTO THE APRON ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE FROM ASHLYNN!

(Both women take a moment to look around as the crowd cheers the athleticism on display. Avril and Ashlynn soon turn their attention back to each other, pointing across the ring before CHARGING AT ONE ANOTHER ON THE APRON!)

Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN BLASTS AVRIL WITH A FOREARM, BUT AVRIL FIRES RIGHT BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN! Ashlynn answers with another forearm— OH! ARIA SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING AND KNOCKS AVRIL OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING FOREARM TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! But Carmen slid back inside at the same time, AND SHE KNOCKS ASHLYNN OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING FOREARM TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Dude, both of them had the exact same idea!

(ARIA and Carmen look over at each other after clearing the apron before slowly turning to face one another. Neither woman backs down, both gesturing for the other to bring it as the crowd reaction begins to rise once again.)

Persephone: We’re barely a minute into this thing and everyone’s already flying in and out of the ring. Can these idiots stay in one place for five seconds? It’s hard enough trying to keep track of who’s beating the shit out of who.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, since when do you call the action?

Rich Russillo: I was about to ask the same thing.

Persephone: Oh, shut the fuck up, both of you.

Rich Russillo: BOTH SÁNCHEZ AND ARIA LUNGE AT EACH OTHER! ARIA strikes Carmen with a forearm, BUT CARMEN FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN! ARIA with another forearm! CARMEN! ARIA! CARMEN! ARIA! Neither woman is backing down— BUT CYNTHIA SLIDES INTO THE RING AND GRABS ARIA FROM BEHIND IN A REAR WAISTLOCK! Candice slides in at the same time, GRABBING CARMEN FROM BEHIND IN A REAR WAISTLOCK OF HER OWN!

Thadd Blazevich: AND BOTH CARMEN AND ARIA GET PULLED AWAY FROM EACH OTHER— BEFORE BEING DUMPED HIGH ON THEIR NECK AND SHOULDERS WITH GERMAN SUPLEXES! GERMAN SUPLEX BY CANDICE TO CARMEN! GERMAN SUPLEX BY CYNTHIA TO ARIA! Dude, both of them got folded with those!

(Cynthia and Candice slowly rise back to their feet, keeping their eyes locked on each other while Carmen and ARIA writhe in opposite corners, each favoring the back of their head and neck after those German suplexes.)

Persephone: See what I mean? Two seconds ago it was ARIA and Carmen, now it’s these two. I’m gonna get fucking whiplash trying to follow this match.

Rich Russillo: AND IT ISN’T LONG BEFORE CYNTHIA AND CANDICE MEET IN THE MIDDLE, THROWING FISTICUFFS IN ANOTHER HOCKEY FIGHT! Cynthia starts gaining the upper hand, mixing in shots to the body of Candice before grabbing hold of her and looking to send her into the corner— BUT CANDICE REVERSES THE IRISH WHIP, SENDING CYNTHIA INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: CANDICE COMES CHARGING IN— BUT CYNTHIA POPS HER UP INTO A CORNER HEADSTAND! Blair is left hanging upside down for a moment before CYNTHIA BLASTS HER IN THE FACE WITH A SUPERKICK! Candice falls to the mat, and Cynthia turns her attention toward ARIA, WHO SHOOTS OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A JUMPING NECKBREAKER!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA GETS TAKEN DOWN! Valice writhes in pain and clutches the back of her neck while rolling into the corner! ARIA rises back to her feet, BUT SHE DOESN’T NOTICE AVRIL CLIMBING ONTO THE APRON BEHIND HER— SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE BACK! ARIA FACEPLANTS INTO THE MAT! Avril pops right back to her feet— BUT NOW ASHLYNN SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING! Williams swings for a clothesline, but ASHLYNN DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES, BUILDING MOMENTUM—

Thadd Blazevich: BESTIE SPEAR!! ASHLYNN DAMN NEAR CUTS AVRIL IN HALF WITH THAT SPEAR, ROLLING THROUGH AS SHE DRIVES RIGHT THROUGH WILLIAMS! Dude, Avril got absolutely drilled!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn rises to a knee with intensity in her eyes as Avril clutches at her ribs and tries to roll away! BUT SHE DOESN’T GET FAR! Ashlynn catches up and reaches down to pull Avril back up— BUT CARMEN CLUBS ASHLYNN ACROSS THE BACK! That shot jolts Quinn upright, allowing Carmen to grab hold of her and TRY TO TOSS ASHLYNN OVER THE TOP ROPE— NO! ASHLYNN REVERSES IT, SENDING CARMEN THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE INSTEA— WHOA!

Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN SWINGS AROUND WITH A TIGER FEINT KICK, DRIVING BOTH FEET INTO ASHLYNN’S RIB CAGE! Quinn staggers backward from the impact— RIGHT INTO THE CLUTCHES OF CYNTHIA VALICE! OLYMPIC SLAM!! “THE FALLING COURAGE!” CYNTHIA PLANTS ASHLYNN, AND LOOK WHERE QUINN LANDED! She’s in perfect position as Avril Williams is already climbing to the top rope! Cynthia is urging her partner to do it— AND AVRIL COMES CRASHING DOWN ONTO ASHLYNN WITH A 450 SPLASH!!

Rich Russillo: AVRIL CALLS THAT “DIRTY LITTLE SECRET!” Williams puts all of her weight down across Ashlynn with that 450, and this trio is starting to work together like a well-oiled machine!

(Avril rolls off Ashlynn, clutching at her ribs after knocking the wind out of herself to deliver that move. Cynthia helps Avril back to her feet as Carmen re-enters the ring, and the trio meet in the center before putting their hands together in a group team stack. Carmen, Cynthia, and Avril throw their hands into the air afterwards, drawing a huge pop from the crowd as the three stand united.)

Persephone: What the fuck was that?

Thadd Blazevich: Teamwork, bro. You should try it sometime.

Persephone: With who? You two?

Rich Russillo: I mean… would it really be that bad? You could stand to be a little nicer to us.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, dude. We’re here with you every Sunday. Show us a little love.

Persephone: Keep pushing your luck and neither of you are gonna make it to next Sunday.

Rich Russillo + Thadd Blazevich: :roman:

Rich Russillo: …noted. But back inside the ring, Carmen and Cynthia seem to have formed a plan and exit the ring together! Cynthia and Carmen pull out a ladder from underneath the ring, the first weapon of this match to be introduced! Meanwhile, Avril pulls ARIA out from the corner, standing her up for a— OH! ARIA EXPLODES WITH A STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril staggers over to the ropes and drops to a knee, stunned. Avril then turns her attention to Carmen and Cynthia at ringside, GOING FOR A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK TO THE LADDER! BUT CARMEN AND CANDICE LIFT IT UP IN TIME TO AVOID IT, CAUSING ARIA TO SLIDE OUT THE RING, AND BOTH WOMEN DRIVE THE LADDER BACK INTO THE FACE OF ARIA!

Rich Russillo: ARIA rolls through to a knee as Avril returned to her feet inside the ring, using the ropes for assistance before BOUNCING OFF THEM TO DELIVER A SASUKE SPECIAL! GOING OVER HER TEAMMATES AT RINGSIDE WITH A MOONSAULT ONTO ARIA!

Thadd Blazevich: Carmen and Cynthia slide that ladder into the ring, and Cynthia goes in to prop that ladder up in the corner. Meanwhile, Carmen and Avril stay behind to do some more digging underneath the ring! Pulling out TABLES next! Carmen and Avril set them up parallel to the side of the ringposts— BEFORE ASHLYNN COMES FROM BEHIND TO SPIN CARMEN AROUND! BUT CARMEN STRIKES FIRST WITH A FOREARM!

Rich Russillo: Carmen stuns Ashlynn, staggering her back with that forearm and rolls her inside the ring, and Avril does the same with Candice! Cynthia finishes wedging a chair in the opposite corner of the ladder, wedging it between the top and middle rope. ARIA comes crawling back inside underneath the bottom rope and gets STOMPED on the back by Carmen!

Thadd Blazevich: Carmen lifts ARIA up and leans her in the corner with that chair in it. Avril comes over and aids Carmen with a DOUBLE IRISH WHIP TO THE CORNER! SENDING ARIA BACK FIRST INTO THAT LADDER! ARIA collapses to the mat with the ladder timbering down on her, favoring the back of her head and neck.

Rich Russillo: Carmen props the ladder back up in the corner, with Cynthia and Avril bringing Ashlynn to the opposite corner next for a DOUBLE IRISH WHIP INTO THE LADDER! ASHLYNN GOES FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE OUTSIDE! Next, Carmen and Cynthia bring Candice to her feet in the opposite corner, and CHUCK HER BACK FIRST INTO THE LADDER!

Thadd Blazevich: Somehow, Candice remains standing in the corner, albeit pain etched across her face! Carmen and Cynthia come over to double Irish whip her into the chair! BUT CANDICE SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE TO AVOID IT! FROM THERE, CARMEN, AVRIL, AND CANDICE SPIN AROUND AS THEY HEAR THE LADDER DROP! ASHLYNN PUSHED IT OVER DURING HER CLIMB TO THE TOP ROPE, AND FLIES ONTO ALL THREE WITH A DIVING CROSSBODY!

Persephone: Wasn’t Ashlynn basically dead five seconds ago? How the hell is she already flying off the top rope?

Rich Russillo: She’s alive now! Carmen crawls out of the wreckage and uses the ropes to help pull herself back to her feet in the corner— BUT ASHLYNN COMES CHARGING IN WITH A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! THAT NO DOUBT JACKED CARMEN’S JAW! And Cynthia is back to her feet as well, causing Ashlynn to march toward her— AND DUCK UNDERNEATH A CLOTHESLINE ATTEMPT! SUPERKICK BY ASHLYNN! Cynthia goes down from the kick and rolls out of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW AVRIL SLIDES BACK IN! Ashlynn swings for a clothesline, but Avril avoids it by dropping down to the mat before KIPPING RIGHT BACK UP— ONLY TO TURN AROUND INTO A SUPERKICK ANYWAY! Avril goes down, dude, and that leaves Carmen as the only one still standing in the corner! Ashlynn sees her and GOES FOR ANOTHER SUPERKICK—

Rich Russillo: BUT CARMEN SIDESTEPS OUT OF THE WAY! AND ASHLYNN’S FOOT GOES STRAIGHT THROUGH THE STEEL CHAIR WEDGED IN THE CORNER! Ashlynn missed Sánchez, AND NOW HER FOOT IS CAUGHT IN THAT CHAIR!

(Ashlynn drops to her butt and immediately favors her foot, the steel chair still wrapped around it as she scoots away from the corner. Ashlynn manages to pull the chair off before sliding it out underneath the bottom rope. Carmen hesitates for a moment, showing some concern after seeing what happened, but quickly realizes she needs to follow up and hops onto the middle rope.)

Persephone: What are you hesitating for? Her foot’s fucked up. Stop feeling sorry for her and take advantage of it.

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn’s in a world of trouble right now— BUT ARIA MAKES THE SAVE BY CHUCKING A TRASH CAN RIGHT INTO CARMEN’S FACE! Sánchez is stunned on the top turnbuckle, and meanwhile, Candice hops onto the apron before climbing to the top rope with her back to Avril and Cynthia at ringside! CANDICE TAKES A LOOK BACK… AND FLIES OFF WITH A MOONSAULT ONTO BOTH OF THEM! Dude, she just wiped out Avril and Cynthia in one shot!

Rich Russillo: AND ARIA ISN’T WASTING ANY TIME EITHER! ARIA positions that trash can before climbing up to the top rope with Carmen still seated on the top turnbuckle! ARIA grabs hold of Sánchez— AND LAUNCHES HER ONTO THE TRASH CAN WITH AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA!! CARMEN CRUSHES THAT TRASH CAN UNDER HER BODY! Sánchez rolls around in agony as ARIA crawls over and HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRR—

Thadd Blazevich: SHOULDER UP! CARMEN STAYS IN THIS! ARIA rolls out of the ring next and reaches underneath it, PULLING OUT A KENDO STICK! ARIA slides back inside with the kendo stick and stands over Carmen as she starts sitting up on the mat… BUT AVRIL SLIDES INTO THE RING— AND RUNS RIGHT INTO A KENDO STICK SHOT ACROSS THE GUT! Avril doubles over from the impact, leaving her wide open as ARIA CRACKS THE KENDO STICK ACROSS HER BACK!

Rich Russillo: AVRIL DROPS TO THE MAT, ARCHING HER BACK IN PAIN AFTER THAT SHOT! Candice and Ashlynn slide back into the ring, but Cynthia isn’t far behind as she slides in as well! CYNTHIA CHARGES TOWARD CANDICE— BUT CANDICE SIDESTEPS AND SENDS HER OVER THE TOP ROPE! Cynthia manages to catch herself on the apron— BUT CANDICE KNOCKS HER OFF WITH A RIGHT HAND! Blair follows Cynthia outside before leaning her against the table and laying her across it, UNLOADING WITH A FLURRY OF RIGHT HANDS TO KEEP HER THERE!

Thadd Blazevich: And Ashlynn has the same idea on the other side! Quinn grabs hold of Carmen and THROWS HER OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! Ashlynn follows Sánchez outside before laying her across the table opposite Candice and Cynthia! ASHLYNN STARTS UNLOADING WITH RIGHT HANDS TO THE FACE, MAKING SURE CARMEN STAYS PUT! And now look at this, bro! ASHLYNN AND CANDICE START CLIMBING UP THE TWO CORNERS ON OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE RING!

(Ashlynn and Candice reach the top ropes before looking across the ring at each other, sharing a determined nod as Carmen and Cynthia remain laid out across their respective tables below.)

Rich Russillo: THEY’RE BOTH GONNA DO IT! CANDICE COMES DOWN WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP ONTO CYNTHIA— THROUGH THE TABLE!! AND ASHLYNN LAUNCHES HERSELF OFF WITH A SWANTON ONTO CARMEN, CRASHING THROUGH THE OTHER TABLE!! :damn:

(Both Candice and Ashlynn are left hurting from their respective landings, but slowly begin crawling toward each other. The two use one another for support as they struggle back to their feet, eventually turning their attention toward ARIA inside the ring.)

Rich Russillo: AND AFTER ALL OF THAT, ARIA IS THE ONLY ONE LEFT STANDING INSIDE THE RING! ARIA pulls Avril back to her feet and gets her into position— PHOENIX DRIVER!! TIGER DRIVER 98, SPIKING AVRIL ONTO HER HEAD!! WILLIAMS HAS GONE LIMP, AND ARIA IMMEDIATELY MOVES INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL STAYS IN IT! SHE GOT THE SHOULDER UP! Barely, dude! JUST BARELY! Avril inches that shoulder off the mat before three, and ARIA can’t believe it! She thought the Phoenix Driver had just won this match right then and there!

Persephone: Oh, give me a fucking break. She just got dumped on her head and THAT still wasn’t enough? Somebody grab a chair and finish the job.

Rich Russillo: ARIA calls for Candice and Ashlynn to join her in the ring, and both women quickly do! Avril is surrounded by all three as she slowly stirs up to both knees, exhausted as the wear and tear of this match begins to show. Not just on Avril, but on every woman involved! ARIA STANDS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF AVRIL WHILE CANDICE AND ASHLYNN TAKE THEIR PLACES ON EITHER SIDE! Avril is surrounded, and this could be the end—

Thadd Blazevich: OH! CARMEN AND CYNTHIA! CARMEN AND CYNTHIA DRAG CANDICE AND ASHLYNN OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE RING! THEY SEND BOTH WOMEN BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Dude, Carmen and Cynthia just saved Avril from whatever those three had planned! Carmen quickly climbs onto the apron, and ARIA RUSHES HER WITH A RUNNING RIGHT HAND— BUT CARMEN STRIKES FIRST WITH A ROPE ASSISTED GAMENGIRI! ARIA gets rocked, and Carmen drops back down to ringside!

(ARIA doubles over, hanging onto the ropes with one hand while favoring her jaw. Avril sees her opening and immediately runs toward the corner in front of her!)

Rich Russillo: AVRIL SEES HER CHANCE— “MIDAIR THIEF!” AVRIL LAUNCHES HERSELF OUT OF THE CORNER— BUT ARIA DROPS DOWN! ARIA COUNTERS THE MIDAIR THIEF INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN AS AVRIL COMES CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT! ARIA COULD STEAL THIS!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! AVRIL ROLLS THROUGH TO BOTH KNEES WITH ARIA STILL ON HER SHOULDERS! Williams fights through the exhaustion and powers herself all the way back to her feet— SEMI-CHARMED LIFE!! GTS BY AVRIL! ARIA GOT CAUGHT FLUSH!

(ARIA somehow remains on her feet, but only barely, groggily staggering toward the ropes before dropping to both knees with her head draped over the middle rope.)

Thadd Blazevich: AND LOOK WHERE ARIA ENDED UP! Carmen slides back into the ring, and this crowd is getting louder because everybody knows what ARIA is in position for! Sánchez takes off toward the opposite ropes— TIGER FEINT KICK!! THE FIRST HALF OF “LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA” CONNECTS AND SENDS ARIA FLYING BACK TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE RING!

(Carmen re-enters the ring as Cynthia joins her, leaving all three women standing side by side in front of ARIA as she reels on both knees.)

Rich Russillo: CANDICE AND ASHLYNN! THEY’RE BACK! CANDICE DRAGS CARMEN OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE WHILE ASHLYNN DOES THE SAME TO AVRIL ON THE OTHER SIDE! AND BOTH SIDES IMMEDIATELY BREAK INTO HOCKEY FIGHTS AT RINGSIDE! Cynthia looks away for just a moment before turning her attention back to ARIA as she rises to her feet! CYNTHIA SWINGS— BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX!! CYNTHIA GETS DUMPED ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD AND NECK!

Thadd Blazevich: AND THIS WHOLE THING HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DOWN, BRO! Candice gets the better of Carmen at ringside and SLAMS HER FACE FIRST OFF THE COVER OF OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE! Blair quickly rolls back into the ring as ARIA groggily slides out to ringside! Cynthia is still on a knee after that snap dragon suplex, trying to shake the cobwebs out of her head!

Rich Russillo: Candice grabs Cynthia and pulls her back to her feet— CASTLES CRUMBLING!! NO! CYNTHIA DROPS DOWN TO ALL FOURS AND SLITHERS THROUGH CANDICE’S LEGS! Valice gets behind her and immediately looks for “THE FALLING COURAGE!”— BUT CANDICE SLIPS OUT OF THE OLYMPIC SLAM AND LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND CYNTHIA!

Thadd Blazevich: KICK TO THE GUT! CYNTHIA DOUBLES OVER, AND CANDICE WASTES NO TIME— CASTLES CRUMBLING!!! CANDICE SPIKES CYNTHIA ON HER HEAD! BLAIR DROPS INTO THE COVER! BOTH TEAMS ARE STILL BRAWLING AT RINGSIDE, AND THEY DON’T EVEN REALIZE WHAT’S HAPPENING!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: CARMEN REVERSES A THROW BY ASHLYNN— AND SENDS QUINN SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS! CARMEN SEES THE COVER!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL’S TRYING TO GET BACK INSIDE— BUT ARIA HAS HER BY THE ANKLE! AVRIL IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO KICK HERSELF FREE, AND THAT LEAVES CARMEN AS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE CYNTHIA!

Rich Russillo: CARMEN SLIDES INTO THE RING! SHE’S GOTTA GET THERE!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(Carmen desperately dives toward the cover, throwing herself onto Candice and Cynthia— but she is just a second too late.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS… CANDICE BLAIR, ARIA, AND ASHLYNN QUINN!!

(Candice moves onto both knees, raising both fists in the air as ‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil begins to play. ARIA and Ashlynn enter the ring and join Candice, hugging her from both sides as the trio celebrate their hard-fought victory together. Meanwhile, Cynthia remains down in pain right in front of them as Carmen kneels beside her to check on her, staring forward at the celebrating trio.)

Rich Russillo: What a match! All six women threw everything they had at each other, but in the end, Candice Blair found the opening she needed and put Cynthia Valice away with Castles Crumbling!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, that was chaos from the opening bell! Carmen was inches away from breaking up that pin, but ARIA and Ashlynn did just enough on the outside to keep everybody occupied, and Candice got the three!

Persephone: Well, Cynthia lost again. At least everybody beat the shit out of each other enough to make sitting through it worth my time.

(Cynthia slowly starts to sit up, staring forward at Candice, ARIA, and Ashlynn as the three kneel in front of her, with Carmen and Avril kneeling behind Cynthia. The two teams take a moment to look at one another before exchanging a nod of respect, acknowledging everything they just put each other through. Candice, Ashlynn, and ARIA then help each other back to their feet and continue celebrating their hard-fought victory as the camera fades elsewhere.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns as the camera focuses on the backstage area of The Ziggo Dome, where correspondent Sofia Clarke is seen standing by with a microphone in hand and a smile on her face. She’s in her designated interview area, and after a moment, she begins to speak.)

Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage, and what a show that we have seen so far! We just saw a great trios match, and along with that, we have so much more in store for you, including a stellar main event. But right now, I’d like to take the time to focus on the aftermath of last week’s Territorial Invasion Marquee Event. While most of the members of Voltage can pride themselves on being big winners, most are not as fortunate. Joining me now is former Hardcore Champion… Kai Rabeaux.

(The crowd inside the arena is immediately heard erupting into thunderous boos, as the camera shows Kai Rabeaux wasting no time storming into frame, glaring at Sofia.)

Kai Rabeaux: What was that introduction?

Sofia Clarke: :comeagain:

Kai Rabeaux: You dare shine a light on my failures? What? Because it gives you a sense of purpose? It allows you to stand over someone, something that you have never been afforded in your life? Spare me the pity. You will acknowledge me not by my former alias but my current, and that is The Overlord, a moniker that will ring true for generations to come with or without the Hardcore Championship. Do I make myself clear?

Sofia Clarke: So… I take it you’re not handling your title loss very well.

(Kai scoffs as he steps backward, taking a moment to exhale and compose himself as he continues to stare a hole into her.)

Kai Rabeaux: I am never one who allows my emotions to get the better of me. For all intents and purposes, I am perfect, and that is not an exaggerated statement that I use to stroke my own ego, for it is the truth. Showing a flaw in the manner that I did at Territorial Invasion was unacceptable, but at the same time I must step back and face the reality of the situation, one that deeply benefits me… and that is that it is not something that will happen again. As I stated, a Championship’s value is not held by the title itself, but by the person who holds it. And any Championship exceeds in value when it is in my possession. It was a frustrating roadblock, very much so avoidable, but it is not something that will last. Their parade will be sullied by my comeuppance. That is my promise.

Sofia Clarke: But are you not going to give Miku Sakai any credit?

(Kai pauses, turning his head toward Sofia as he raises an eyebrow.)

Kai Rabeaux: Excuse you?

Sofia Clarke: You have, no doubt, been one of the most dominant Champions this past year. You have defended the Hardcore Championship against some of the best talent that Voltage has to offer; you retired Adam Lucas at Pain For Pride, beating you is an accomplishment.

Kai Rabeaux: Are you trying to claim that Miku Sakai is better than me… because she beat me…?

Sofia Clarke: I actually did not say any of that-

Kai Rabeaux: Beat me by a mere stroke of luck, got away by the skin of her teeth, and you dare try and spew such blasphemy? Why should I give credit to someone who does not deserve it? To an Elitist who has been DEFINED by the bottom of the barrel, whose biggest accomplishment in the past three years is beating ME, having to share credit for that semblance of importance that she has been CRAVING for, ME. I will not allow these MISCONCEPTIONS to stand! I will not allow these lies on my name solely for you or anyone else’s enjoyment; that satisfaction is something that will come to pass.

Sofia Clarke: I’m sorry I angered you, Kai. That was not my intention…

Kai Rabeaux: ANGER? What makes you believe that you have whittled me down to my wit’s end?

(Kai’s eye twitches.)

Kai Rabeaux: This is not an interview; this is an ATTEMPT at a public HUMILIATION. If you wish to make me your laughing stock, the butt of your joke, then you may do so while you can. But it is temporary, fleeting, MEANINGLESS. Continue to live in your dreams, because that is very much where Miku Sakai resided once the three-count commenced and she barely crawled away with MY Championship. For just as quickly as it will dissipate, I will rise back up just as fast, and go beyond her and that title to something far bigger, something much more deserving of my talents. None of you have EARNED the right to question me on this matter, and it is not something that I am going to tolerate whatsoever.

(Kai takes a moment, rubbing his temple as he shakes his head.)

Kai Rabeaux: Again, you must say my name not by what I was, but by what I AM. I AM the OVERLORD. CALL ME AS SUCH-

(In the middle of his rant… something catches Kai’s eye. He glances over to see someone passing by, rolling their eyes at what they’re seeing. Unfortunately, this isn’t lost upon the now-former Champion, as he storms over.)

Kai Rabeaux: Hey… HEY. Look at me when I’m talking to you.

(Auburn Ware stops in her tracks, an unavoidable look of annoyance beginning to cross her face as she begrudgingly turns to face him.)

Auburn Ware: What the fuck did I do to you?

Kai Rabeaux: You do not have the right to look down at me with your condescending looks. If you have a problem, then at my behest, you will STATE it.

Auburn Ware: I don’t have time for this.

(Auburn turns and starts to leave, but Kai grabs her by the shoulder and turns her back around.)

Kai Rabeaux: Do you know who you are talking to? I do not understand why someone who is clearly beneath me is trying to get away with such profound disrespect; that is inexcusable.

Auburn Ware: Can you get the fuck away from me-

Kai Rabeaux: ENOUGH OF THIS.

(Kai finally snaps, as he grabs Auburn by the arms and shoves her against the wall, pointing an accusatory finger toward it. While most would expect the cold and calloused woman to show her fangs as she has done these past couple of months… she does not react in that manner. She has a calm expression on her face, one that, quite frankly, disturbs Kai, as she simply shoves him backward, the Overlord not putting up much of a fight considering the mental state that he is in.)

Auburn Ware: I have my own trauma to deal with; don’t put your problems on me. Thank you very much.

Kai Rabeaux: You believe merely because you have won something that I have already accomplished that it gives you the right to stand up to me! If you knew what was good for you and your pathetic career, you would be bending the knee to me and praising the inevitability that I will enact upon this brand. But instead, you do this?

Auburn Ware: You sound ridiculous right now, Shakespeare. Like on Gawd, I am so beyond SICK of the delusional fucking idiots on this brand and I’ll be damned if you, OF ALL PEOPLE, try and talk to me like I’m some second-class citizen. You are a fucking MURDERER and a PSYCHOPATH and if you EVER put your gross hands on me AGAIN, I’ll cut them off, ball them both into a fist, and LITERALLY SHOVE THEM UP YOUR ASS OKAY BABYKILLER??

(Kai’s mouth drops open in complete and utter shock, almost as if he can’t believe the words that had just come out of Auburn’s mouth. Satisfied with herself, Auburn tosses her dark hair and stalks off. It takes Kai mere seconds to recover and he goes after her, Auburn none the wiser. However, before he can get to her, someone reaches out and grabs him, slamming him back against the wall.)

Damon Lazarus: If I were you, I absolutely would not take another step.

(Kai practically snarls in response as he tries to push Damon back, but locks his forearm under Kai’s neck, practically choking him.)

Damon Lazarus: You can believe she means exactly what she says…

(A dark chuckle escapes from Damon knowing he brought that out of Auburn.)

Damon Lazarus: And I’ll hold your ass down while she does. Don’t follow her if you plan to continue your career.

(Damon steps back, letting up on Kai, who lets out a few coughs. The former Hardcore Champion is beyond angry, but Damon pays him no mind. He simply squints, staring him down, before walking off in the opposite direction of Auburn, almost as if he is daring Kai to follow her.)

(Once Damon is out of the picture, Kai turns around and slams his fist into the wall.)

Kai Rabeaux: Time and place… time and place…

(Kai looks down at his hand, which is bleeding from the knuckles. He scowls at the self-inflicted injury and shakes it off.)

Kai Rabeaux: Everyone is going to pay and no one will be safe.

(A soulless look crosses Kai’s face and finally, he heads off… although it deserves to be pointed out that he went neither in Damon’s direction, nor Auburn’s.)

(The scene slowly fades out.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns as a shot is shown of the Ziggo Dome. The camera pans in as, almost immediately, the sounds of ‘Ambitionz as a Ridah’ by Tupac hit, causing the Amsterdam crowd to go into a frenzy. We go over to the stage as one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, TLA, is seen making his way out. He has a smile on his face as he takes a glance around, and after some time, ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen begins to play. Following closely behind him is the other half of the Champs, Dr. Bethany Blue, as she saunters out with a smirk on her face. The two of them raise their titles in the air as they begin to make their way down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!! DR. BETHANY BLUE AND TLA… LA FARMACIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Last week, La Farmacia capped off yet another successful title defense, this time against Showdown’s CATACLYSM in a Poon Palace brawl, and what a spectacle that was.

Persephone: Could probably be on par with one of the worst match types I have ever seen.

Thadd Blazevich: Well, bro, regardless, they have to continue, and as we’ve already seen, they’re fielding title shots for anyone on ANY brand. It could be another from Showdown, a team on Dynasty, or even one here on Voltage. That remains to be seen!

(Bethany and TLA both make their way into the ring, taking microphones for themselves as ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ begins to come to a close. As they head toward the center of the ring, they begin to speak.)

TLA: Amsterdam, Netherlands! ¡¿Qué pasó?!

(The crowd erupts once more, as TLA nods his head in agreement, Bethany following him up.)

Dr. Bethany Blue: Territorial Invasion has come and gone, but one thing remains the same, and that is that La Farmacia are still your Tag Team Champions. The idea that CATACLYSM were going to be the ones that stopped that was a diagnosis that was perpetrated by, frankly, themselves and Silas Mason. It ended up being a misdiagnosis. Now they have to wallow in their failures despite their overabundance of confidence, and I can already hear it now: they have an excuse! They were able to say that we had the ball in our court! Well, they can also say that they confidently accepted the challenge, thinking that it wouldn’t mean anything, and look at what ended up happening as a result. Exactly.

TLA: We’re still your Campeonatos, and life is good, oralé! But no sweat, hombre, CATACLYSM losing ain’t nothing to worry about. Them and that bald cabron should take it as a hint that they still have a lot to work on. They ain’t close to the best tag team in the division, you know why?! Because we’re the best! Ain’t nobody touchin’ us, and y’all better get it into yo cabezas real quick, or else it’s gonna be a rough night for you when we get even more of them title defenses under our belt.

Dr. Bethany Blue: We’ve put CATACLYSM behind us, and now we’re moving on, and there’s a lot of ground to cover, isn’t there? We have Wicked Games coming up, but at the same time, we also have another set of Marquee Events on the horizon for all the brands, and personally, regardless of the challenge, we’re really looking to continue defending these titles and cement our status in the history books as the BEST, no questions about it. And that might be something bold to say, but nobody’s proving us otherwise, right?

TLA: Damn right. They don’t got the cajones for it.

Dr. Bethany Blue: So, let this be put on the record right now that anyone who wants to face us is more than welcome to come out here and prove it. You don’t have to be an experienced tag team or have Championship reigns under your belt; what we want is ambition, and we need you to have the motivation to try and snuff us out to show why you can’t do it.

TLA: We stay raisin’ dat bar. We be raisin’ it so high that none of y’all will be able to reach it. So whoever wants to step up to the biggest, baddest hustlers this entire company got, then we ain’t stoppin’ you.

(TLA lowers his microphone as both members of La Farmacia turn toward the stage. And they’re met with a pleasant surprise as the sounds of ‘The Best Damn Thing’ by Avril Lavigne begin to play through the speakers. The camera then goes over to reveal Avril Williams as she excitedly makes her way out from the backstage area. She has a smirk on her face, and as she turns her head… ‘Rompe’ by Daddy Yankee is heard following that to loud cheers. It then goes over to Carmen Sánchez as she’s seen skipping out from behind her. Both of them glance at one another with looks of opportunity before they make their way down the ramp.)

Rich Russillo: This is a pleasant surprise! Avril Williams and Carmen Sánchez are two women who teamed with each other last week at Territorial Invasion, and this week in the six-women tag team match that took place. Now, they look to continue upping the ante, and what a bold play this is.

Persephone: It’s also stupid. But whatever, I guess. They kinda lost earlier tonight…

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, this would be a huge opportunity for them! La Farmacia opened up the field, and they were quick to jump in and seize it as quickly as they could. It’ll be interesting to see how they take what could be the biggest match of their careers against two former World Champions and bona fide top-tier talent.

Persephone: Well now you just make it sound worse.

(Avril and Carmen both make their way into the ring, taking microphones for themselves as ‘Rompe’ begins to come to a close. TLA and Bethany both have impressed looks on their faces as they lower their mics, allowing them the chance to speak their mind.)

Avril Williams: If you’re looking for a team with ambition and motivation to take you guys on… Well then you’ve come to the right place. Because you’re looking at a couple of rad chicks looking to do just that.

Carmen Sánchez: While Territorial Invasion might have gone great for you guys because of your successful title defense against Ryan and Vincent… it didn’t go exactly the way that me, Avril, or Cynthia wanted for our Divide and Conquer match. It was a tough loss, but after teaming with each other again earlier in the night despite how it may have ended, I think Avril and I both realized exactly where we needed to be. And it should be made abundantly clear to you both that we don’t plan to let that setback get to us.

Avril Williams: You’re damn right, dude! We weren’t going to let a loss like that affect us mentally, especially not when an opportunity like this gets dropped down and needs to get picked right up. TLA mentioned that you guys are raising the bar that no one would be able to reach, but don’t worry, man… Carmen and I are going to reach that and more.

Carmen Sánchez: ¡Exactamente! We want to be next in line for those Unified Tag Team Championships. We’re ready to give you both everything we got because, again, while both Avril and I haven’t been in this company as long as both you have been… we’re hungry, we’re motivated, we want to make an impact in this promotion, and what better way to do that than taking on La Farmacia and challenging for those Unified Tag Team Championships.

(The crowd cheers for both Avril and Carmen as TLA and Bethany look around the arena, seeing the fans’ approval of the team that has stepped up to them tonight. The Champions then look at each other before nodding as TLA is the first to speak.)

TLA: Ay, you want a fight? You’ve come to the right place, homie. Me and Bethany… we up for it! Let’s lucha!

(The crowd cheers for this as both Avril and Carmen share a smile, happy that La Farmacia has accepted their challenge. TLA continues and tells them…)

TLA: We’ll defend these titles against y’all two; it’ll definitely be a whole lot better than facing those two cabrons in CATACLYSM, that’s for sure. You got dat fire, type of shit we looking for in a pair of challengers, and I’m sure mi amigos here tonight in Amsterdam agree with me! But we got una pregunta for y’all two…

Dr. Bethany Blue: Are you guys actually prepared for a match like this? We have been the tag champions since Pain for Pride, taking on any comers who want a crack at these titles and, as a result, them finding out firsthand exactly what La Farmacia is all about. This isn’t just a regular skill set, we’re former World Champions with decorated careers in this company, but you should already know that. So will you be ready for the kind of match that you’re stepping into?

Avril Williams: Hell yeah! Territorial Invasion didn’t go the way we imagined, but it doesn’t negate our will to fight on like a couple of badass warriors. Carmen and I know full well what we’re getting ourselves into and know the risks of facing you both. We’re still going to give everything we got and then some!

Carmen Sánchez: We’re not like CATACLYSM; we don’t constantly attack and blindside like a bunch of bullies to prove our point. Avril and I are ready for the big fight, and you both, we’ll see what we’re capable of soon enough.

(Carmen and Avril drop their microphone as they both stare down the champions.)

Rich Russillo: Wow! What a statement made by Avril and Carmen, looking to be next in line for those titles as the champions accepted.

Thadd Blazevich: It’s going to be radical, bro, that’s for sure.

Persephone: Shut the fuck up, idiot.

(Both teams continue to stare at each other before they start exiting the ring as Sunday Night Voltage continues.)

(Voltage fades to the backstage area and to the sight of Damon Lazarus roaming around after what has already been an interesting night. Having been rewarded for his War Games efforts — with full liberty over what the reward is and when, he rides a high like no other. High, only furthered by his ability to also thwart a heated collision between Kai Rabeaux and Auburn Ware, unbeknownst to Auburn herself.)

(Alas, the night would only grow more eventful. The victorious War Games captain is seen taking some time to himself, perhaps walking to a certain locker room with intent, but whatever his destination was, would be put on a delay.)

(Behind his unhurried steps, an elegantly dressed man approaches. Drake Armstrong—speaking with irritably fake excitement.)

Drake Armstrong: If it isn’t the man of the hour!

Damon Lazarus: …

(Damon’s head turns with menacing patience, meeting Drake Armstrong eye-to-eye — his ire quickly becoming apparent right in his face.)

Damon Lazarus: “Man of the hour”…

(Damon then smirks.)

Damon Lazarus: Bet it pisses you off, don’t it?

(Drake’s brow raises, albeit his confusion possessed more entitlement than anything.)

Damon Lazarus: You playing dumb with me?

(Armstrong chuckles.)

Drake Armstrong: Very well. No, it does not “piss me off”. I *am* the main benefactor behind Voltage’s modern successes, after all. This is the path I laid out. No, Damon, in actuality, I do admire your feat of strategy and the unyielding conviction you displayed in your choice of partners despite all doubts cast upon you. From one captain to another, congratulations.

Damon Lazarus: …I wish that I was just as irritatingly stupid as every other lackwit this sweet talk garbage has worked on. ‘Hell do you want? Somebody to leech off of? Some kinda peace treaty ‘cause Auburn and your boyfriend stirred up some trouble?

(Drake shakes his head.)

Drake Armstrong: Not everything needs to be as elaborate as you insinuate it to be. The success of Voltage REMAINS my success; championship over my shoulder or not, I am simply pleased you have carried the flag all the way to victory.

Damon Lazarus: You sure sound desperate without that title validating your delusions, and I’m not the sycophantic numbskull you may expect me to be. I certainly expected my opinion of you to be *awfully* clear by now.

Drake Armstrong: Well, I doubt those girls had the kindest opinion of you, either. Minds can always be changed.

Damon Lazarus: Fuck off. Y’know what they say about old dogs, don’t you? Look, bud, you want that damn title to make you feel worth somethin’, well then you shouldn’t have fucked up your chance when you had it. I don’t give a damn where you think our interests align, and I’m certainly not ‘bout to sit here and let you take credit for my handiwork while you sat on your ass and let some out of depth girl put her hands on power she cannot maintain.

(Drake raises an eyebrow. The specific insinuation felt curious.)

Drake Armstrong: Sounds troubling to you, that Daniella Atlas finds herself in the limelight, hm? By having a platform, is she threatening to one of *your* interests? Arrangements… favors… can be made… to change that… Damon…

(Damon rolls his eyes. Armstrong’s got him partially figured out, but Damon knows better than to buy what he is selling.)

(Thus, he retorts in the only way Damon Lazarus could.)

Damon Lazarus: You wanna do me a favor? Well go ahead. Take a double barrel and shove it up your fuckin’ mouth.

(Drake’s eyes widened. The disrespect given to him was certainly above all limits, but he had made enough enemies by now. Better off not adding another.)

(Damon simply brushes by him, while a small vein accentuates at the corner of his forehead. As he keeps walking forward, he rushes past a corner without giving it any attention. There, however, stood someone with their back leaned on the wall, and an interest—or perhaps amusement—in the ongoing conversation.)

(Armstrong exhales sharply, before turning his back, preferring not to cross paths again with Damon along the backstage hallways for now.)

???: You ain’t tired of eating shit?

(However, turning the corner Damon just walked past is Bronson Daniels. Drake, of course, has no issue recognizing that voice. He blinks for an elongated period of time… before facing him.)

Bronson Daniels: Dunno about you, but Territorial Invasion wasn’t so bad. You’re without a title shot, and to me that’s good enough.

(Bronson’s arms cross, standing face to face with Drake with whom history has turned bitter over the past year.)

Drake Armstrong: I suppose when you look at last year’s happenings, you would be inclined to settle for mutual defeat. Amusing of the “great” Bronson Daniels.

Bronson Daniels: Can’t help yourself, can you?

(Bronson shakes his head with a frown etched all over his countenance. Last week’s tensions do not even begin to tell the whole story. No; Drake Armstrong was the man behind Elysium’s shattering, and the butterfly effect of that brought nothing but despair for Bronson, both in life and in career. Bronson’s reached a point where he does not know his purpose because of it. His best attempt was making the life of the man responsible for it all hell, but part of him wasn’t as satisfied as he wished.)

Drake Armstrong: You proclaimed you would make sure I do not win that match. At the cost of your childish naivety, a peasant walks into a World Championship opportunity for merely the purpose of needlessly extending the days reigned of an unworthy champion.

Bronson Daniels: Well, I think there’s something you still don’t get: I don’t care.

(Drake raises an eyebrow…)

Bronson Daniels: I don’t care about Hans, I don’t care about his title or his challenger. It feels trivial to concern myself so deeply with another man’s business while I got *much* of my own shit to handle right now. But here’s the funny thing, you’re still trying to conduct business while we’re stuck in this cycle with each other.

Drake Armstrong: *You* are stuck in this cycle. The cycle of biting on my ankle.

Bronson Daniels: You approached me last month, didn’t you? So let’s stop that crap. Give it to me, what’s your issue? What did you even expect to get from Damon?

Drake Armstrong: You can answer that yourself, Bronson.

(Bronson sighs.)

Bronson Daniels: You’re right. I just hoped it would be something deeper than that. Y’know, the threat of “dealing” with Daniella, since it’s in his interest that she stays away from that girl he’s got under a spell. All to get back to the World Title? It’s pretty fuckin’ low, even for you.

Drake Armstrong: No, no Bronson. What is low, is a Hall of Famer allowing inferior competition to get the better of him. What is low, is a defeated chump carrying out a desperate mission for vengeance while having the awareness that it is futile. What is low… is a man who swears on his family, and abandons it likewise. Do you wish to act on your virtue, Bronson? Then go on and “resolve” the matter that earned Voltage a consecutive victory in War Games.

Bronson Daniels: Our way of thinking— it will never align, will it? It was evident for a while, but I think now I’ve come to a proper realization that this is fruitless. You can only interpret my point of view from your own. The language you speak is avarice, and it truly disgusts me each time you speak to me. You don’t got a soul, you don’t got a heart. You hardly even have conviction, Drake. You’re just human garbage, and… you know what?

Bronson Daniels: This isn’t worth it. I don’t want to keep dragging myself down with you. I don’t want to entertain this. You are delusional, you are insufferable, you are everything I hate, and my biggest shame is letting you have even the faintest effect on my life.

Drake Armstrong: No…

Bronson Daniels: Shut it. For once, just fucking shut it! It’s like no matter what, we find our way back to each other; it’s endless, it’s ridiculous, and I can’t let myself be destroyed any further simply because you wanna claim superiority, knowing you don’t stand a chance against me, man to man, both at a hundred percent, both with a sound mind.

Bronson Daniels: I’m good, man. I don’t gotta be the one wearing the cape all the time.

(Bronson shakes his head…)

Bronson Daniels: Go be somebody else’s problem.

(He exhales, then simply leaves Drake behind, walking off without anything more to give…)

(But Drake grabs a hold of his wrist before he can make it far. Drake was not letting it be this easy.)

(Bronson clenches his jaw.)

**SMACK!!!**

(Bronson’s fist clocked Drake flush across the jaw.)

(It took Armstrong by surprise. It even took Bronson by surprise. He only acted on the instinct on frustration. He doesn’t even give Drake another look. He doesn’t care about the damage done—though he certainly felt the force behind it. He just walks away…)

(But Drake was staggered all the way down to his knees. With a furious frown, he watches as Bronson leaves without a care in the world, holding onto his jaw while breathing heavily and uncontrollably.)

(Bronson thought just leaving this behind would mean he was done being the bigger man. The truth, however, was the exact opposite, and that is what left Drake absolutely SEETHING above all.)

(He would scream at Bronson to get back here, but he knew it’d be in vain, and he would only further humiliate his own pride by doing so.)

(Voltage fades elsewhere.)

(Voltage returns to ringside as “The Leaving Song pt. II” by AFI begins to play throughout the arena, immediately bringing the crowd to its feet with cheers for Hans Grayson. The EAW World Champion steps through the curtains with the title resting over his shoulder, taking a moment at the top of the ramp to look across the audience before beginning his walk toward the ring. There is pride in carrying the Championship, but after Territorial Invasion, Hans is noticeably more measured than celebratory.)

Rich Russillo: There is still your EAW World Champion, but Territorial Invasion left Hans Grayson with plenty to think about. Jay Jerry Johnson pushed him to his absolute limit, and Hans ultimately escaped with the Championship by catching Jay with a schoolboy just before Heaven’s Feel could connect.

Persephone: Whether Jay likes it or not, three seconds is three seconds.

Thadd Blazevich: And there’s no time to sit around thinking about it either, bro. Hans already has a new challenger as we saw last weekend.

(Hans makes his way around ringside, greeting a few fans before climbing onto the apron and stepping between the ropes. He moves toward the corner, raising the EAW World Championship into the air before bringing it back down over his shoulder. Hans is handed a microphone as his music begins to fade. He takes a few seconds before speaking.)

Hans Grayson: I’ve had a lot of time to think about Territorial Invasion. I’ve thought about everything Jay said to me before that match. Everything I said back. I’ve thought about the things I promised I wouldn’t become, what kind of Champion I told everyone I wanted to be, and I’ve definitely thought about those final seconds.

Hans Grayson: Because no, that wasn’t how I wanted it to end.

(Hans glances toward the Championship.)

Hans Grayson: I wanted to beat Jay. I wanted to put him down and leave Territorial Invasion with there being no question about who won that fight. Instead, he had me in position for Heaven’s Feel, and if that connected, maybe I’m not standing here with this Championship right now.

Hans Grayson: But it didn’t connect.

Hans Grayson: I got out. I caught Jay in a schoolboy, put everything I had into keeping his shoulders against that mat, and the referee counted to three. I didn’t grab the ropes. I didn’t grab his tights. Nobody came running down here to save me. I didn’t hit him with this Championship or ask anybody to do it for me. Jay tried to finish the match, I escaped, I outwrestled him in that moment, and I retained.

Hans Grayson: Was it the dominant victory I wanted? No. And honestly… I’m sorry that it ended that way.

Hans Grayson: But I’m not sorry that I’m still EAW World Champion.

(The crowd cheers as Hans nods.)

Hans Grayson: Because this keeps happening. I get somebody challenging for this Championship, and suddenly beating me isn’t enough. They have to get inside my head too. They have to convince themselves that if they push enough buttons, if they make things personal enough, if they put me through enough pain, eventually I’m going to crack and become whatever they need me to become.

Hans Grayson: Raven tried it. Jay tried it. Every time, I hear about how they’ll do whatever it takes. How they need this more than I do. How their desperation makes them dangerous and sooner or later, when I’m standing across from somebody willing to throw everything away for this, I’ll have no choice but to do the same.

Hans Grayson: Maybe Jay pushed me closer to that line than anybody else has. I can admit that. But adapting to the fight in front of me doesn’t mean I lost myself. He gave me that fight, and when the moment came, I fired back. So maybe everyone else looking at this Championship can learn something from that. I’m not going to make it easy for anybody to take this from me. You can push me, provoke me, hurt me, and tell me everything you’re prepared to do.

Hans Grayson: Just remember that I’m allowed to fight back.

(Hans pauses.)

Hans Grayson: Which brings me to Daniella Atlas.

(The crowd reacts to the name.)

Hans Grayson: Territorial Invasion gave me my next challenger, and I’m glad it did. Daniella earned that opportunity. I know what it means to spend years chasing something like this, getting close, getting knocked back down, and still believing that eventually your time is going to come. I respect that.

Hans Grayson: I just hope this time things can be different.

(Hans turns and puts his eyes towards the stage.)

Hans Grayson: Because I’m getting tired of seeing this Championship bring out the worst in everybody who comes after it. I’m tired of every defense becoming a question of how far somebody can push me before I stop being myself.

Hans Grayson: So Daniella, whenever you want to come out here and look me in the eye, I’ll be waiting. You earned that much, and I’m ready to give you the same opportunity I’ve given everybody else to come take this Championship from me the right—

(Hans is cut off as “There is Surely Tomorrow” by WAGAMAMA RAKIA hits.)

(The reaction from the crowd surges immediately. Hans lowers the microphone and his eyes narrow as Jay Jerry Johnson steps through the curtains, already holding a microphone. Jay doesn’t waste much time taking in the crowd, making his way directly toward the ring with his attention fixed on Hans.)

(Jay enters and walks into the center of the ring, stopping several feet away from the Champion.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: That’s it?

Jay Jerry Johnson: You’ve thought about Territorial Invasion. You’ve accepted the discomfort. You’ve processed the evening, located your lesson, and now we move neatly along to Daniella Atlas?

(Jay gives a faint shake of his head.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: How convenient for you.

Jay Jerry Johnson: But let’s dissect it a bit. You said something interesting just now. You said you outwrestled me. For three seconds, Hans. That is what you have.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Three seconds where you escaped what was about to happen to you, fell backward into the one arrangement that kept this Championship on your shoulder, and got away before reality finished catching up.

Hans Grayson: I didn’t “fall backward” into anything, Jay. You went for the finish and I got out of it.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Yes. You escaped. Thank you for arriving at the point. You were in my hands. Heaven’s Feel was next, and you knew what it meant because I had already shown you before Territorial Invasion what happened when it landed.

Jay Jerry Johnson: But it didn’t hit. You survived. Not beautifully. Not decisively. Certainly not in this glorious manner you were assuring me your honour would permit.

Jay Jerry Johnson: You found the exit.

Hans Grayson: And apparently the guy who spent all that time telling me the only thing that matters is winning suddenly has standards.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Don’t misunderstand me. I have no objection to the schoolboy. I object to you standing here behaving as though it does not annihilate half the argument you made before the match.

(Jay steps closer.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: I told you morality becomes expensive at altitude. I told you pressure removes choices. I told you that when a man is deep into a match, exhausted, hurt, and seconds away from losing the thing he values most, his philosophy begins negotiating with survival.

Jay Jerry Johnson: You told me I was wrong.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Then you proved me right by taking such a cheap victory!

Hans Grayson: You really wanna talk to me about how I got there?

Hans Grayson: You wanted to send a message. You spent weeks telling me you were willing to play dirty if that’s what it took. You stood there bragging about beating Kai when Miku Sakai smashed him in the face with the Hardcore Championship and handed you the opening!

Hans Grayson: You didn’t have some crisis of conscience then.

Hans Grayson: You saw an opening and took it. I did the same thing to you, except nobody had to hit you with a Championship first.

Jay Jerry Johnson: And again, Hans, I’m not disputing the legality. I’m disputing the idea that you truly outwrestled me across that match.

Jay Jerry Johnson: You looked at me as though desperation was something dirty on my clothes. Something you could identify from across the room and assure yourself would never touch you. Then I put you in the exact position I described, and suddenly adaptation became a much more attractive word.

Hans Grayson: Because there’s a difference between adapting and becoming you.

Hans Grayson: I never said I was going to stand there and let you beat me because the escape wasn’t dramatic enough. You threw everything you had at me. You targeted my back, my arm, every weakness you could find. You kicked out of Imperial Flame. You pushed me further than I wanted to go.

Hans Grayson: And after all of that, you still couldn’t keep my shoulders down for three seconds.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Neither could you after any of your best offense.

(Hans’ expression tightens.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: That’s the part you keep walking around. You threw your fire at me, Hans. I remained.

Jay Jerry Johnson: In the end, I was the one standing over you with the World Championship seconds from changing hands.

Jay Jerry Johnson: You did not bring me down. You escaped me.

Hans Grayson: And you lost.

(The audience reacts loudly.)

Hans Grayson: I know you hate that answer because it doesn’t give you everything you want, but you lost. You wanted a war where anything could happen. You got one. You wanted to push me somewhere nobody else had managed to push me. But after all the mountains, all the war metaphors, all the talk about how reality doesn’t negotiate, reality is standing right in front of you.

(Hans lifts the EAW World Championship slightly.)

Hans Grayson: I’m still Champion.

(Jay stares at Hans for several seconds.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: For now.

(“The Clincher” by Chevelle hits.)

(The crowd reacts as both men turn toward the stage. Daniella Atlas emerges from behind the curtain, staring down toward the ring before beginning her walk down the ramp. There is no rush in her movements. Daniella enters the ring and is handed a microphone, taking her place beside the two men before her music fades.)

Daniella Atlas: I believe this has gone on long enough.

(Jay turns toward her.)

Daniella Atlas: Jay, what occurred at Territorial Invasion was unfortunate.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Unfortunate?

Daniella Atlas: Would you prefer I embellish it, mon ami?

Daniella Atlas: You came extraordinarily close to becoming World Champion. Mais… You did not. I understand that such a result leaves much to fester within one’s mind, particularly when the distance between triumph and defeat was so excruciatingly narrow.

Daniella Atlas: Yet your grievances do not alter what else occurred that evening.

(Daniella looks between Jay and Hans.)

Daniella Atlas: I defeated Bronson Daniels and Drake Armstrong. I became Number One Contender.

Daniella Atlas: Thus, while the two of you may continue examining precisely which of your principles survived three seconds upon the canvas, I am the woman next in line to challenge for the EAW World Championship.

Jay Jerry Johnson: I’m aware of what you won.

Daniella Atlas: Then I trust you understand why I have little inclination to watch you occupy the time that I earned.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Your opportunity doesn’t make my business disappear.

Daniella Atlas: Nor does your dissatisfaction in yourself stop my business.

(Daniella turns her attention toward Hans.)

Daniella Atlas: And Hans, do not misunderstand my arrival as some endorsement.

Hans Grayson: Didn’t expect it to be.

Daniella Atlas: Good.

Daniella Atlas: Because I find what happened to you at Territorial Invasion rather illuminating.

Hans Grayson: The schoolboy?

Daniella Atlas: Hardly. I would be a fool to condemn you for recognizing an opening when the very opportunity I possess was secured in similar fashion.

(Daniella allows the point to linger.)

Daniella Atlas: Bronson Daniels exhausted himself ensuring Drake Armstrong would remain down. I returned, seized the moment presented to me, and three seconds later I became Number One Contender.

Daniella Atlas: There is no dishonour in awareness. My concern is everything required to bring you to that moment.

(Hans watches closely.)

Daniella Atlas: For weeks, you have spoken of what this Championship represents through you. Your drive. Your pride. Your insistence that others may descend into whatever depths they desire while you remain unmoved.

Daniella Atlas: Yet in such a short time, each challenger has drawn something further from you. Anger. Frustration. Increasingly desperate resistance.

Daniella Atlas: Jay may be insufferably pleased with his own analysis, but I cannot entirely dismiss the evidence before me.

Jay Jerry Johnson: “Insufferably” seems unnecessary.

Daniella Atlas: It was chosen with considerable care.

(The crowd reacts as Jay looks away with a faint smirk.)

Daniella Atlas: The pressure of being World Champion is getting to you, Hans.

Daniella Atlas: Territorial Invasion was not merely one clever pinfall. It was the culmination of another challenger dragging you further into a place you insist you are above entering.

Daniella Atlas: And if you believe matters shall become easier now, I fear you are woefully mistaken.

Hans Grayson: I don’t think they’re getting easier.

Daniella Atlas: Then we understand one another.

Daniella Atlas: Because I have waited too long for this. I have challenged for World Championships before. I have watched opportunities escape me, endured the consequences of my own errors, and remained forced to exist beside individuals who already know what it feels like to reach the summit I continue pursuing.

Daniella Atlas: I have no intention of allowing this opportunity to become another lesson in patience. I intend to be the one who will end your reign.

Jay Jerry Johnson: And what happens if I’m not finished?

(Daniella slowly turns back toward him.)

Daniella Atlas: Then finish whatever you believe remains unfinished without obstructing what I have earned.

Jay Jerry Johnson: That’s not how this works.

Jay Jerry Johnson: I was seconds away from that Championship. Hans knows it. I know it. Everyone watching knows it. I’m not walking backward to base camp because the schedule says another name comes next. Frankly, I don’t give a damn about what you earned. I want what should’ve already been mine.

Daniella Atlas: And I shall not relinquish my position because you dislike the conclusion of your match.

Jay Jerry Johnson: I didn’t ask you to relinquish anything.

Daniella Atlas: Yet here you stand between the Champion and his Number One Contender.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Because I belong here. And what I did at Territorial Invasion proves that.

Hans Grayson: Then both of you can listen to me.

(Hans steps forward, raising his voice enough to cut through the argument.)

Hans Grayson: Daniella, you earned your shot. I respect that, and I meant everything I said before Jay came out here.

Hans Grayson: I hope this is different. I hope we can get to Wicked Games without this becoming another month where somebody decides the only way to take this title is to tear apart everything I believe first.

Hans Grayson: But if that’s where it goes, then that’s where it goes. But I’m still the champion…

(The crowd grows louder.)

Hans Grayson: Daniella earned her place.

Hans Grayson: Jay clearly has no intention of going anywhere.

Hans Grayson: Whatever that means by the time Wicked Games arrives, I’ll deal with it. Whoever is coming at me doesn’t matter, because there is one thing that isn’t changing.

Hans Grayson: I plan on leaving Wicked Games exactly the same way I’ll be walking into it.

(Hans raises the EAW World Championship between them.)

Hans Grayson: As EAW World Champion!

(The crowd erupts as Hans lowers the microphone.)

(Daniella’s eyes remain fixed upon the Championship, her expression unwavering as she steps closer. Jay does the same from the opposite side, staring first at the title and then directly at Hans. Hans stands between them with the EAW World Championship raised, Daniella Atlas on one side and Jay Jerry Johnson on the other.)

(None of the three back away. Their eyes fixed between each other and the championship as Voltage fades to commercial.)

(Commercial for belts featuring Pete Golding spanking Lane Kiffin.)

(The camera returns to ringside, where Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

(‘Vordt of the Boreal Valley’ by Motoi Sakuraba begins to play, causing an explosive eruption of boos to come from the fans in attendance. Igon Mordren begins walking out to the stage, carrying a stern look on his face. Despite his appearance earlier he is focused, ready for tonight’s match against Raven Roberts as he begins walking down the ramp, showing no trouble ignoring the hostile reception, which may be even worse following his earlier actions.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… from Belgrade, Serbia… weighing in at 266 pounds… THE WARDEN, IIIIGGGOOONNNN MOOOORRRDDRREEENNNN!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Igon Mordren certainly made his presence felt tonight, as clearly his issues with Reylin Aloali’i have not been resolved quite yet. Igon made a bold move interfering earlier, given he’s set to compete now.

Thadd Blazevich: Igon’s gonna have to focus up too, ‘cause this match he’s in isn’t gonna be some sorta cakewalk. He’s up against not just a Hall of Famer, but a multiple time Brand Warfare winner!

Persephone: And someone I wish would just retire already. Or jump off a bridge. Either one works.

(‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE follows, and this brings about a far more positive reception. Raven Roberts begins making her way out to the stage, and while she’s still pleased about the events at the beginning of the night, receiving her reward for the Brand Warfare victory, she knows what’s ahead of her now. She puts a look of focus on her face as she walks down the ramp, staring at Igon Mordren as the Hall of Famer makes her way to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: And his opponent… from Louisville, Kentucky… weighing in at 122 pounds… THE BIRD OF PREY, RAAAAAAVVEEENNNNN RROOOOOBBBEERRRRRRRRTTTSS!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Raven has had quite the good night for herself, but tonight I’m sure she’s looking to get a good singles victory tonight as we now look ahead to Wicked Games. Despite his attitude I do find Igon to be a very serious threat, and with that in mind, this could be a good opportunity for both Elitists.

Thadd Blazevich: Well said, bro. Igon has the chance to beat a Hall of Famer, while Raven can build momentum against a dude who’s not just huge, but has a serious mind for the sport… even if we don’t always agree with his opinions.

Persephone: Nice way to say either the crybaby or the hasbeen can win. Please, let this match end sooner rather than later.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Rich Russillo: AND HERE WE GO! This main event is underway– AND IGON LOOKED TO LOCK UP, BUT RAVEN CAUGHT ONE OF THE ARMS AND DUCKED, TURNING AND BEGINNING TO KICK AWAY AT THE BACK OF IGON’S LEG! Raven lands a kick! A second one! A third, and it looks like we’ve got our strategy right away, though it’s not one we haven’t seen before!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon twists to get his leg out of the way before grabbing Raven from behind, AND HE GOES FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX, BUT RAVEN LANDS ON HER FEET! She runs in while Igon goes to push himself up– AND SHE JUMPS BEFORE LANDING A STOMP TO THE BACK OF IGON’S ARM!

Persephone: Igon holds his arm like a little wimp as he gets back up, AND RAVEN LANDS A CHOP BLOCK TO THE BACK OF IGON’S LEG!

Rich Russillo: Raven grabs the arm of Igon after this, AND SHE LANDS A DOUBLE KNEE ARMBREAKER, ONCE AGAIN ATTACKING THE RIGHT ARM OF IGON!! Igon gets up and stumbles around, and Raven uses this opportunity to jump up BEFORE APPLYING A SLEEPER HOLD ON IGON! Raven is looking to systematically break Igon down piece by piece! She’s attacked the leg, the arm and now she’s choking him out! Igon is stumbling as the Hall of Famer is doing an excellent job of putting her experience to use! Igon just dropped to a knee, which I think we can all guess is the result of those attacks to the leg!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon is able to take advantage of the situation though, because he leans forward and grabs Raven, pulling her down with a bit of a snapmare! Raven rushes back to her feet to try and recover– BUT IGON CATCHES HER WITH A BIG BOOT!! That immediately rocked Raven, AND DUDE, IGON JUST TURNED AND LEVELED RAVEN WITH A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE!! RAVEN WAS JUST TURNED INSIDE OUT BRO, AND I THINK THAT’S EXACTLY WHY RAVEN HAD BEEN SO AGGRESSIVE FROM THE START! She knew that Igon was the more powerful competitor, and bro just used that to his advantage as he planted Raven with just two moves!

Persephone: I wish I could say Igon is going for the cover and the match is ending, but instead he’s watching Raven use the ropes to get up.

Rich Russillo: Yeah, but not for long! Igon drags Raven in– PULLING HER INTO A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! Raven doubles over, and is immediately pulled into a front facelock as Igon has Raven in a bit of a standing guillotine choke! Raven is scrambling– AND NOW IGON JUST TAKES ADVANTAGE OF HIS SIZE, BEGINNING TO SWING RAVEN AROUND WHILE SHE’S IN THE CHOKE, TRYING TO JUST WRING EVERY BIT OF LIFE OUT OF HER!

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN LANDS A FEW PUNCHES TO THE MIDSECTION, BUT THAT’S NOT ENOUGH! Igon swings her back in forth while holding the front facelock– BEFORE HOOKING THE ARM OVER HIS HEAD AND JUST PLANTING HER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! IGON NOW WITH THE COVER!

OOOONNNNEEEEE!!!

TTT–

Thadd Blazevich: AND RAVEN’S OUT– BUT IGON IMMEDIATELY HOPS IN FOR A GROUNDED HEADLOCK!

Persephone: Great! Just when I thought this couldn’t get any more boring, here we are!

Rich Russillo: Igon has Raven trapped in the headlock, and given the difference in size between these two, it’s not going to be easy for Raven to fight her way out of this one! Igon is wisely using his size to just snuff out any fire under Raven, but I don’t think the Hall of Famer is going to be willing to give up that quickly!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven starts throwing clubs to Igon’s shoulder, trying her best to attack the right arm once again! She’s not doing a whole lot at the moment, BUT SHE’S ABLE TO PUSH HERSELF UP JUST A BIT– BEFORE IMMEDIATELY DROPPING HERSELF BACK DOWN TO CRUSH IGON’S FOREARM! That made bro loosen his grip on the headlock for a moment– AND FOR A VETERAN LIKE RAVEN, THAT’S ALL SHE NEEDS! SHE SLIPS OUT OF THE HEADLOCK BEFORE PULLING IGON’S ARM, AND LOOK AT THIS! SHE’S ALREADY SETTING UP FOR THE WING BREAKER ON THE BAD ARM!!!

Rich Russillo: BUT IGON IS QUICK TO ACT, PUSHING HIMSELF UP JUST ENOUGH TO USE THE OPPOSITE ARM TO HIT RAVEN WITH A CLUBBING BLOW TO THE CHEST! Raven lets go of Igon as he pulls the bad arm away, and both Elitists make it back to their feet– allowing Igon to grab Raven, AND THIS TIME PLANT HER WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!!! RAVEN GOES ROLLING OUT TO THE APRON, AND THIS HAS JUST BEEN ABOUT BETWEEN TWO GENIUSES INSIDE OF THE RING, TRYING THEIR BEST TO GET THE UP ON EACH OTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon heads over to Raven and drags her head over the middle rope, AND IGON STEPS BACK AND LANDS A NASTY BOOT TO THE SIDE OF RAVEN’S HEAD!! Raven nearly fell back into the ring with that one dude, but Igon just sends her back through the ropes before pulling her head up. He drags her towards the ringpost, and he slams her face into the top turnbuckle! Igon now climbing to the middle rope, and he just shakes his head at Raven, before beginning to lift her up!

Persephone: IT LOOKS LIKE IGON’S PLANNING TO BRING RAVEN BACK INTO THE RING WITH A SUPERPLEX OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Rich Russillo: RAVEN WAS ABLE TO SLIP DOWN IGON’S BACK THOUGH, LANDING ON THE MAT WITH A ROLL!! RAVEN IS BACK TO HER FEET AND RUSHES BACK TOWARDS IGON– KICKING HIM IN THE BACK OF THE BAD LEFT LEG, CAUSING IGON TO FALL AS HIS LEGS GET CAUGHT ON THE MIDDLE ROPES AND HIS BACK HITS THE MAT! Igon fell into a setup similar to a tree of woe, only on the middle ropes rather than up top.

Thadd Blazevich: Raven runs in and steps off the middle rope, BEFORE LANDING ON IGON WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST! Raven grabs Igon by the bad leg after this, pulling him away from the corner BEFORE APPLYING A KNEEBAR!!! RAVEN HAS IGON TRAPPED IN A KNEEBAR, AND YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES WITH STUFF LIKE THIS, DUDE! EVEN IF IGON DOESN’T TAP RIGHT AWAY, HE’S GONNA NEED TO MAKE A MOVE OR ELSE HIS LEG’S GONNA BE COOKED!

Persephone: Thankfully for Igon he is like twice Raven’s size, so I don’t think he’s having the hardest time dragging himself to the corner.

Rich Russillo: Raven takes note of this though, AND BEFORE IGON COULD GET TO THE ROPES SHE TURNS HERSELF AND IGON AROUND SO HE ENDS UP ON HIS STOMACH– AND NOW SHE RELEASES THE HOLD BEFORE LEAPING ONTO IGON’S ARM AND LOCKING IN THE WING BREAKER!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon is down bad, bros! I don’t think Raven would have any problem with tearing his arm out of its socket if she needs to! Igon is trying his best to scramble towards the ropes– BUT RAVEN YANKS BACK ON THE ARM EVEN HARDER! THE REF IS ASKING IF IGON WANTS TO TAP!

Persephone: YES, PLEASE!! I DON’T WANT RAVEN TO WIN, BUT I’LL TAKE IT IF IT MEANS THE MATCH ENDS!!

Rich Russillo: BUT THAT’S NOT HAPPENING!! Igon is able to use his frame to his advantage! He’s pulling himself closer to the ropes while pretty much dragging Raven’s entire body by the arm, AND HE IS ABLE TO GET HIS FOOT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE! IGON GETS THE ROPE BREAK AND THE REFEREE IS FORCED TO COUNT!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE–

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN LETS GO, AND IGON IMMEDIATELY PULLS HIMSELF UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING! Bro pushes himself away from the apron with a clear limp, and he clutches his arm while Raven pushes herself up! Bros, I don’t think she’s about to give Igon much time to breathe!

Persephone: She sure isn’t. Raven runs the ropes while Igon is busy reeling from that dumb armbar, AND RAVEN FLIES AT HIM FOR THE FLYING DESTROYER–

Rich Russillo: BUT IGON TAKES HER OUT OF THE AIR WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: AND RAVEN CRASHES ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR, HITTING HER HEAD AGAINST THE BARRICADE!! DUDE, IGON MADE SURE TO ADJUST TO THE SITUATION, USING THE LEFT ARM TO CHOP RAVEN OUT OF THE SKY RATHER THAN THE DAMAGED RIGHT!! Igon grabs Raven and sends her into the ring, and bro follows behind before immediately dragging her back up!

Rich Russillo: AND IGON JUST LEVELS RAVEN WITH A SECOND KNIFE EDGE CHOP WITH THE LEFT HAND!! WE KNOW HOW DEVASTATING THOSE CHOPS CAN BE, AND RAVEN JUST TOOK TWO OF THEM!! IGON NOW WITH THE COVER!!!!

OOOOONNNNEEEE!!!!

TTTTTWWWWWOOOOO!!!!

TTTTHHHHRREEEEEEEE–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT RAVEN GETS THE SHOULDER UP!! Raven is still in this one bros, she’s still fighting!

Persephone: I know, and I’m annoyed. The whiniest big guy I’ve ever seen versus the worst wrestler ever being a Voltage main event is genuinely unbelievable.

Rich Russillo: Igon Mordren sits up, and he shakes his head before just pulling Raven in- AND BEGINNING TO ELBOW AWAY AT THE BACK OF HER HEAD!! IGON NOW TURNING UP THE AGGRESSION AS HE IS DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN TO JUST TAKE RAVEN OUT! Raven is already lifeless at the moment, forced to just receive these elbows until finally it looks like Igon has gotten another idea!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon drags Raven up before kneeing her in the stomach, AND NOW BRO THROWS HER INTO THE CORNER– BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A GNARLY OPEN HAND CHOP!!! Not quite the knife edge chop bro usually uses, but I think that reaction from Raven is enough to tell you how much damage it did as she couldn’t even scream!

Rich Russillo: Igon pulls Raven out of the corner before landing a clubbing blow to the back, AND NOW IGON LIFTS HER FOR THE POWERBOMB– BUT RAVEN WAS ABLE TO SLIP OUT OF IT!!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven lands on her feet AND SHE GOES FOR A DROPKICK TO THE LEG– BUT IGON WISELY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!! Dude was prepped for that one, AND NOW SHE DRAGS RAVEN UP AND INTO THE SLEEPER HOLD!!!

Persephone: BUT APPARENTLY RAVEN ACTUALLY ISN’T A COMPLETE IDIOT, BECAUSE SHE BLOCKED HER THROAT FROM IGON WITH HER ARMS! She shoves Igon’s arms away, BEFORE JUMPING AND PULLING IGON DOWN INTO A VICTORY ROLL PIN!!!

OOOONNNNNEEEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTHHHHRRREEEEEEEE–

Rich Russillo: IGON KICKS OUT!! Both Elitists rush back to their feet as Raven runs off the ropes, AND IGON CATCHES HER WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL–

Thadd Blazevich: ONLY FOR RAVEN TO CATCH IGON WITH THE BEAK BREAKER!!! THE BEAK BREAKER CONNECTS ON IGON, AND WITH THAT BAD LEG HE COULDN’T EVEN THINK OF KEEPING HIS FOOTING! BRO CRUMBLES ONTO THE MAT, AND RAVEN IMMEDIATELY PULLS HERSELF TO THE ROPES, DRAGGING HERSELF UP BEFORE CLIMBING UP TO THE TOP ROPE! IGON IS STARTING TO FIND HIS WAY BACK UP IN A DAZE, AND RAVEN USES THE OPPORTUNITY TO STRIKE!!

Rich Russillo: AERIAL ACE!!! RAVEN LANDS ON IGON WITH THE AERIAL ACE, AND THAT MIGHT’VE BEEN ENOUGH TO PUT THIS ONE AWAY!! IGON JUST GOT HIT WITH TWO OF RAVENS BIGGEST MOVES BACK TO BACK, AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH TO TAKE HIM DOWN I DON’T KNOW WHAT WILL BE!! RAVEN GOES FOR THE COVER, HOOKING THE BAD LEG WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS!!!

OOOOOONNNNEEEEE!!!!!!

TTTTTWWWWOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTHHRREEEEEEEEE!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON IS STILL ABLE TO GET THE SHOULDER UP!!! Dude, what’s it gonna take!? Raven pretty much threw everything at him just now, but somehow bro was able to get the shoulder up once again!

Persephone: I know, it’s ridiculous. Was Raven always this useless?… No, actually, she definitely was.

Rich Russillo: I don’t know if I’d say that. Not with the condition Igon is currently in. He’s in a bad way right now, and knowing this, Raven’s just keeping her calm, backing into the corner furthest from Igon as she knows she has him right where she wants him!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon slowly starts to stir, and Raven yells for him to get up while he’s on all fours! Igon is able to get to a knee, AND AS SOON AS HE MAKES IT TO HIS FEET RAVEN RUSHES IN FOR THE TALON–

Rich Russillo: BUT IS CUT OFF WITH A DINOSAUR DROPKICK!!! IGON JUST THREW EVERYTHING AT RAVEN, SENDING HER FLYING BACKWARDS INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!!! Igon holds his bad leg as Raven falls out of the corner, AND RATHER THAN FOLLOWING UP WITH THE POWERBOMB, HE GOES RIGHT IN FOR THE COVER, TRYING TO JUST END THIS AS SOON AS HE CAN!!

OOOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEE!!!!!

TTTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!

TTTHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: BUT THIS TIME RAVEN IS ABLE TO GET THE SHOULDER UP!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, this match is taking everything out of these Elitists. That dropkick is a perfect setup for the powerbomb, but delivering the dropkick took the usage of his bad leg and thanks to it, bro couldn’t actually hit the finisher.

Persephone: Igon is pissed, and rightfully so. No Raven Roberts match should be lasting as long as this one has.

Rich Russillo: Well Igon is certainly looking to bring an end to this one, as he pulls himself to his feet with his eyes still on Raven. He limps over to Raven with ill intentions in mind, AS HE STARTS TO DRAG RAVEN OFF THE MAT FOR THE POWERBO–

Thadd Blazevich: WAIT, NO! RAVEN WISELY LATCHED ONTO IGON’S BAD LEG!! IGON IS TRYING TO PULL RAVEN OFF OF HIM, BUT SHE IS ABLE TO TWIST HERSELF AND PULL IGON’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM, PULLING HIM INTO AN ANKLE LOCK!!! THAT MIGHTA BEEN A PURE DESPERATE MOVE, BUT IT’S THE KIND OF MOVE THAT WORKS!! IGON IS IN TROUBLE, DUDES!!!

Persephone: THEN JUST TAP OUT ALREADY!! Igon is clearly useless and doesn’t actually have the ability to end the match, so why doesn’t he just stop wasting my time!?

Rich Russillo: Because he doesn’t want to lose! Raven has that ankle lock in tight, but she knows Igon isn’t going to have much trouble making it to the ropes because of his size– SO SHE JUST TWISTS AND DROPS AN ELBOW ONTO THE BACK OF HIS LEG!!! IGON SCREAMS IN PAIN, AND NOW RAVEN WAITS FOR IGON TO FIND HIS WAY BACK TO HIS FEET, BEFORE RUNNING THE ROPES–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON CATCHES RAVEN WITH THE SLEEPER HOLD!!!!

Rich Russillo: NO!!! IT WAS CLOSE, BUT AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME RAVEN WAS ABLE TO DROP DOWN, BRINGING IGON DOWN FOR AN ARM DRAG!!! Igon rushes back to his feet as Raven goes in–

Thadd Blazevich: AND IGON LAYS HER OUT WITH THE KNIFE EDGE CHOP, THIS TIME USING THE BAD ARM JUST SO HE COULD CATCH RAVEN OFF GUARD WITH IT!!!! Igon grabs his arm in pain, but dude, he might’ve just won the match with that one.

Persephone: Thank God. The last thing I need to see is these two trading more holds. Igon drags Raven up, and–

(Suddenly, ‘SAME SH!T’ by Isaiah Rashad hits, causing a huge reaction to rise from the crowd as Igon Mordren’s attention turns towards the stage, with his eyes immediately filling with anger given the interruption.)

Persephone: Great…

Rich Russillo: WELL LOOK WHO IT IS!! IGON MORDREN MADE THE CHOICE TO DISTRACT REYLIN DURING HIS MATCH, AND I THINK HE MIGHT BE MADE TO REGRET THAT NOW!

(Reylin Anoali’i begins to walk out to the stage, staring at Igon as he just shakes his head. He remains on the stage, much like Igon did during his match as Igon–)

Rich Russillo: WOAH!!!

Thadd Blazevich: IGON MORDREN JUST BIEL THREW RAVEN OUTTA ANGER, BUT RAVEN WAS JUST SENT RIGHT INTO THE REFEREE!! BOTH RAVEN AND THE REF ARE DOWN, AND IGON IS TELLING REYLIN TO COME ON, BASICALLY SAYING HE’LL TAKE ‘EM BOTH OUT IF HE HAS TO!

(Reylin begins walking down the ramp, causing an even louder reaction as he speaks.)

Reylin Anoali’i: (off-mic) You really thought I was just gonna let this go after what you did?

Igon Mordren: (off-mic) You’re making a mistake. If you lay one finger on me, you will never stop regretting it!

Persephone: Those two are arguing, meanwhile Raven is being given all the time in the world to recover. Come on, don’t be stupid!

Rich Russillo: Raven sees that the referee is down, before she turns and notices Igon arguing with Reylin, who’s at ringside likely contemplating whether or not he wants to just strike Igon now!

Thadd Blazevich: Even if he won’t, I don’t think the same could be said for Igon’s actual opponent!

(Suddenly, the crowd reaction rises one more time.)

Rich Russillo: RAVEN TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE DISTRACTION, GOING IN FOR A–

Thadd Blazevich: :krabs:

Persephone: HUH????

Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL!?!?

Thadd Blazevich: SPEAR!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: IT’S ERIS MORTI!!! ERIS MORTI JUST LEVELED RAVEN ROBERTS WITH THE SPEAR, BUT WHY!?!? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!? RAVEN’S THE ONE WHO ADDED HER TO THE BRAND WARFARE TEAM! THEY WERE ON THE SAME PAGE JUST LAST WEEK!!

Persephone: Well, I don’t think she’s ever exactly been anyone worth trusting!

Thadd Blazevich: MAYBE SO, BUT COME ON, DUDE! RAVEN WAS JUST FOLDED IN HALF BY THAT SPEAR, AND NOW ERIS BACKPEDALS INTO THE ROPES, WASTING NO TIME DROPPING IN FOR THE METEOR!!!!!!

(The fans are in disbelief as Eris Morti rises off of Raven with a devilish grin. She looks down at Raven, who is clearly unconscious after the combination, before turning to the referee, who is only just starting to stir. Seeing this, she seems to form one more idea.)

Rich Russillo: Oh no… OH NO!

Thadd Blazevich: ERIS PULLS RAVEN UP! DUDE, NO! SHE’S GETTING HER INTO PILEDRIVER POSITION!!

Rich Russillo: AND THERE IT IS!!!! ERIS CALLS THAT “THE HUMAN CONDITION”, AND I DON’T THINK WE NEED TO ASK WHAT CONDITION RAVEN IS IN!! ERIS IS OUT OF THERE, AND I THINK THAT PILEDRIVER CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF BOTH IGON AND REYLIN!!

(Igon turns as Eris rolls out of the ring, immediately realizing what just happened as Reylin watches on. This only adds to Igon’s frustrations knowing that his match has been tainted to this extent, but with the referee waking up and Reylin still at ringside, he knows what the smartest move is.)

Rich Russillo: IGON GOES IN FOR THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEGS AS THE REFEREE FINALLY PULLS HIMSELF IN FOR THE COVER!!

OOOOONNNNEEEE!!!!!!!!!

…

TTTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!

…

TTTTHHHRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner… IIIIIIGGGOOOONNNNN MOOOOOORRRDDDRRREEENNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!

(There are extremely loud boos as ‘Vordt of the Boreal Valley’ begins to play once more. The fans can’t believe it, but are filled with rage seeing Igon Mordren pick up the victory. Eris stares at the fallen Raven, maintaining the grin on her face after what she had done, before she finally begins to walk away. Igon Mordren rolls off of Raven, still disgusted by the interference, and clutching at his leg once more before beginning to push himself up–)

Rich Russillo: WOAH, REYLIN JUST DRAGGED IGON OUT OF THE RING!!!

Thadd Blazevich: SWITCHBLADE!!!! REYLIN DIDN’T EVEN LET IGON GET BACK TO HIS FEET!! BRO WANTED PAYBACK, AND I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY HE’S GONNA GET IT!!! REYLIN JUST WIPED IGON OUT WITH THE SWITCHBLADE RIGHT AFTER WHAT MIGHTA BEEN IGON’S BIGGEST VICTORY THUS FAR, AND NOW REYLIN GRABS IGON BEFORE SENDING HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!

Persephone: FIRST RAVEN LOSES, NOW THIS! FINALLY, THIS IS GETTING INTERESTING!

Rich Russillo: THAT COLLISION INTO THE STEPS PUSHED THE STEPS AWAY FROM THE POST AND KNOCKED THE TOP HALF OVER, AND NOW REYLIN GOES TO WORK, GRABBING IGON AND BASHING HIS HEAD INTO THE RING POST!!! IGON MAY HAVE WON THE MATCH, BUT I DON’T THINK HE’S FEELING LIKE MUCH OF A WINNER RIGHT NOW!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: REYLIN GRABS IGON BEFORE SENDING HIM INTO THE BARRICADE, AND DUDE, I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT MOMENT DID IT, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IGON’S HEAD HAS BEEN BUSTED OPEN!!!

Rich Russillo: Igon Mordren is a wreck, and now Reylin seems ready to put the exclamation point on this whole attack as he kicks off the top half of the steps before dragging Igon over the bottom half! Reylin now setting Igon up, OH NO!!

Thadd Blazevich: HEAVY ARTILLERY ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!!!!! IGON MORDREN IS OUT, AND AFTER THAT ONE, I THINK SAYING HIS HEAD’S BUSTED OPEN IS UNDERSTATING IT! BRO IS BLEEDING BUCKETS!!!

Persephone: Yeah, and he really has nobody to blame for that but himself.

Rich Russillo: Honestly, you may be right. Igon is the one who chose to interfere earlier, and while he was able to leave tonight with a victory, he was far too banged up to escape Reylin’s wrath after the fact.

Thadd Blazevich: This has been a wild way to close out Voltage, dude. I still have no clue why Eris did what she did, and given the circumstances I don’t think we’ll be getting any answers tonight. Reylin on the other hand, we know exactly what bro was here for. He wanted revenge, and he got it.

(Medical personnel begin to rush out as Reylin Anoali’i stands up, leaving Igon Mordren in a bloody heap. Reylin calmly begins walking past the medics, keeping a calm look on his face now that he’s done what he intended to. The medical team checks on Igon Mordren, and with this final image of Reylin, Voltage fades to black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)