(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap is shown of last week’s Voltage, where Cynthia Valice, Damon Lazarus and Auburn Ware picked up victories. The highlights package comes to an end, and when the camera opens, it is to Papp László Budapest Sportaréna in Budapest, Hungary. Fans cheer as pyro shoots from the stage ahead of tonight’s Sunday Night Voltage, and following a pan around the crowd, the camera cuts to the commentary table featuring Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! We’re on the road to Wicked Games and tonight, we have an exciting show coming up for you.
Thadd Blazevich: We have some wild tag matches on the show, where I for one have no clue whether or not anyone involved is gonna be able to co-exist. Meanwhile, the main event is an insane fatal four way, where the winner will get an advantage ahead of their Wicked Games match!
Persephone: Hopefully whoever wins adds a five minute time limit to their match. That, or some kind of stipulation so their match doesn’t suck.
(Moments later…)
(‘The Clincher’ by Chevelle hit the speakers. A loud eruption from the crowd emerged, though far different to any other positive reaction on the show. Everybody understood that tonight wasn’t going to be a parade or a celebration, this was a hard and heavy topic for them to listen to and even heavier for Daniella to address. They knew it wouldn’t come easy, though it was for that very reason this audience respected her decision to make her presence known, when many people would simply lock themselves away and refuse to face the toughest of tasks. Daniella wasn’t that type of person. Gone were the theatrics as she made her way through the curtains, she had nothing but intent on her face and a microphone in her hand, for this was a moment that she could finally address the escalating situation that exploded for the worse last week.)
(She made her way up the steps and into the ring; this was always going to be a hard one for her. It made sense that she wasn’t basking to the crowd or presenting herself in the same manner she usually would; this was a personal affair that required the focus that she had on show tonight.)
(She knew that her closest friend would be listening. She knew that the catalyst for this reaction was in the venue. She knew that addressing these last few weeks wouldn’t be easy, and it wouldn’t be without any consequences. Yet she still persisted.)
(‘The Clincher’ began to fade out, as Daniella made her way to the center of the ring. A deep sigh escaped her lips…)
Daniella Atlas: Have you ever been stuck in the middle of two loved ones fighting, mes auditeurs? If so then I’m sure you understand how I’m feeling tonight. This wasn’t an outcome I ever envisioned nor was it something I was hoping for since, well… not since last year, before I got a chance to know Selina or Siobhan. If you had told me from one year ago that I would be standing here with my heart torn in half I wouldn’t have believed you, though that is a testament to how much I have come to understand the person that is Selina Kaur Reyes. Perhaps I am just being petty, allowing situations like these to dictate my emotions after all I have been through — perhaps it was even more petty of me to ever expect nothing but perfection out of this friendship, or at the very least, far easier roads than this. But if I were to ask any questions, it would simply be; can you blame me? Can you blame me for having hoped that this friendship between myself, Siobhan and Selina would have gone down a far different path this season? I don’t expect sunshine and rainbows but I never expected it to come to this; a match being made official for Wicked Games, a personal nightmare on Halloween night, between these two good friends of mine? Hardly a friendly competition, hardly a fight either woman will walk out of unscathed, and so, how am I supposed to feel anything but hurt?
Daniella Atlas: I’d like to clarify that I’m not blaming Selina. I didn’t want this, I’m sure Selina knows that very well, though I don’t consider this to be her fault in the slightest. I can’t make decisions on her behalf and I know if I was in her position it would take a great deal for me not to do the same thing, for the issue in truth is Minerva. It’s far easier said than done to be in my position, I have a level head that Selina understandably didn’t, and even in spite of my discouragement, Selina made her choice and I have no right to tell her that she made the wrong choice. It pains me to say this. It truly does, it pains me to come out here and be the one to address all of this after trying my absolute best to play peacekeeper, but the fact of the matter is, it was Minerva who sent us spiralling down this path and in no way can I stop Selina Reyes for doing the right thing and standing up for herself and her dignity. Minerva can’t strip her of her agency and no matter how she frames it, the abuse of this friendship, the self destruction of ToXXXin, it all falls on her shoulders. I don’t blame Selina. My heart may be hurting, though I do understand that this is the lesser of two evils. This is a necessary evil. If it must come down to this, then I’ll make sure that Minerva is brought dow—
(But…)
???: Daniella.
(The sultry, cold and sharp voice of the Universal Women’s Champion began to blare through the speakers. Papp László, Budapest would roar in a fit of jeers audibly voicing their disapproval though tonight wasn’t the night for either woman to care what the audience has to say, whether that be Daniella’s focus on her own personal drama, or Minerva’s utter contempt for those who dislike her. They had far more pressing matters at hand than the cheers for Daniella and the boos for Minerva.)
(The Hall of Famer would make her way down the ramp to face the black-haired peacekeeper; a look of disapproval and disappointment plastered across her face. Entering the ring, Minerva raised her microphone.)
Minerva: Daniella. What do you think you’re doing? With everything that is on the horizon for you in the coming weeks, don’t you think it would be wiser to focus on your own business? Selina made her choice, though you do NOT have to go down with her. Last week, you got laid out, and that wasn’t my fault. That was yours. Your decision to pawn off your own weaknesses onto me is not only disrespectful but it’s incredulous. You could have been focused on matters that would enhance your career. Selina may have forgotten, but I haven’t. ToXXXin wasn’t created for you to harp on your emotions, it was to prove that you are the FUTURE of this industry, and you very much could do so by winning a Championship that I have not only held, but have set records with. Is that not MORE important than the childish feelings of Selina Reyes? She has dragged her feet and brought us nothing but failure, and she is not worth our time. No… she is not worth YOUR time. You could be doing so much better, WE could be doing so much better. What reason do you have to trust her over me?
Minerva: You have a World Championship opportunity on the horizon. Unlike her, YOU are a success, just as I had planned, and—
Daniella Atlas: Stop.
(Daniella placed her hand over the pop filter of Minerva’s microphone.)
Daniella Atlas: I don’t want to listen anymore. This spiel of yours, this ridiculous narrative that Selina has brought us failure, and this idea that we are better off without her. That isn’t the case. We’re better off without you. I don’t blame Selina for being in the position that she’s in, because for as long as you have been sitting here telling me everything that you think I want to hear, you have been tearing that poor girl down piece by piece in order to create the illusion that ToXXXin has a weak link. You want me to hate her as much as you do, all the while pulling my strings and selling me on these golden fantasies. You’re right. I do have a World Championship match; and that match wasn’t handed to me. I earned it. Meaning, this opportunity is mine, and I have control over how I spend that opportunity. After last week, I had a chat with myself over what I should do, and I want you to know that the answer came to me far quicker than you would like. I went to Captain Charisma, and I decided to pull out of the EAW World Championship match.
Minerva: …Excuse me?
Daniella Atlas: I said stop. I’m not finished. I pulled out of the EAW World Championship match… but I still have a World Championship opportunity at Wicked Games.
Minerva: Daniell—
Daniella Atlas: I’m coming for you. I’m not going to let you bully Selina Reyes and take advantage of her. I’m not going to let you get between us, and I’m certainly not going to let you manipulate her into your sick games. The fact of the matter is, your match at Wicked Games is a three way dance, and I have been added to that match.
(The crowd would roar, the hardcam shaking as the audience began to bounce; Minerva’s eyes briefly widening, before closing entirely. Her lip curved, scowling and evidently clenching her teeth underneath her closed mouth, before sighing and shaking her head. She raised the microphone…)
Minerva: Do not make this decision based on fleeting emotions. Do NOT waste your golden opportunity for the sake of friendshi–
Daniella Atlas: It’s bigger than a Championship opportunity now, Minerva. The fact of the matter is this won’t be my last shot, and I can promise you, it won’t be Selina’s. What doesn’t come around often is a chance to deliver the justice that has been patiently waiting these last few months, and I can assure you, I’m not going to let you get away with everything you have done to myself, and more importantly, everything you have done to Selina Reyes these last two weeks.
(Minerva’s rage began to build and build, her face almost as red as her hair.)
Minerva: DANIELLA.
(But she completely forgot about the third woman. ‘My Own Summer’ by Deftones would hit the speakers as the crowd once more roared with cheers; Minerva turning her back to Daniella Atlas to see Selina Reyes marching her way through the curtain. No microphone in hand, no intent to speak. She had said all of what she needed to say one week ago. Minerva dropped her microphone, and her Championship, as she backed up; Selina Reyes sliding under the bottom rope. Before…)
(THUD! THUD! THUD! The two began to trade haymakers, a hockey fight initiating in the center of the ring, between the Universal Women’s Champion and the former United Tag Team Champion. Selina was evidently enraged, betrayed, and Minerva was NOT a fan of Selina lashing out.)
(Though perhaps, Minerva was simply more level headed, as she began to get the upper hand. Pushing Selina back — though Selina didn’t give up her fight, it wasn’t long before her back was against the ropes! In any other situation, this would be dangerous.)
(In any other situation…)
(Though fortunately…)
(THUD!!!!!!!!! It was Daniella Atlas! Every word she spoke, every lingering thought and every decision she had made, she meant every bit of it; finally, she too lashed out at Minerva! A huge forearm into the back of the head, ToXXXin were finally going at it with Minerva! Daniella and Selina overpowered Minerva, a taste of her own medicine, dragging her out of the corner and towards the center of the ring!)
(Daniella hooked her head, lifting her up onto Selina’s shoulders! The crowd exploded, as Minerva was drilled into the mat…)
(THE OUTBREAK!!!!)
(The Universal Women’s Champion was out COLD as they had delivered their most patented manoeuvre, now unbound from the restraints Minerva had placed upon them! Selina bounced to her feet, as did Daniella, allowing the adrenaline to wear off!)
(Now… it was just the two of them.)
(Unlike last week, they were both on their feet, they both had a chance to truly give each other the respect they deserved.)
(As they shared a somber nod. Soft, gentle, they knew that everything once familiar to them had come crumbling down.)
(Daniella placed a comforting hand on Selina’s shoulder, as she walked by her. Exiting the ring, and leaving Selina alone, to finally feel liberated, and to finally feel in control of her own life.)
(The two went their separate ways, as Voltage faded to commercial break…)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where the three members of ToXXXin compete in a triple threat for the Universal Women’s Championship.)
(The camera returns to ringside.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING TAG TEAM MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: And the winning team will earn the right to pick the stipulation for the Specialists Championship match at WICKED GAMES!
(‘Steel Haze (Where Truth Meets)’ by Kota Hoshino is heard playing through the arena as the crowd boos loudly at the sight of AKIZA, who maintains a focused expression. After a few seconds, ‘Episode X’ by Ado replaces AKIZA’s theme song and the crowd cheers at the sight of Airi Miyamune, who looks ready for the upcoming match given who she is facing, not wasting any time heading down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… At a combined weight of 254 lbs… The team of… ‘Queen Verimillion’ AKIZAAAAAAAA and the ‘Woman of Niten Ichi-ryū’ AIRI MIYAMUNEEEEEEEE!!!
(Both women make their way to the ring before entering. As Airi Miyamune’s theme fades out, ‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba can be heard throughout the arena, and loud cheers erupt at the sight of ARIA! ARIA stands at the stage as her theme slowly is replaced by ‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing In Las Vegas as the crowd boos loudly at the sight of Saori Aizen. Saori Aizen quickly moves towards the ring as she dismisses ARIA, who follows from behind.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents… At a combined weight of 258 lbs… The team of… ARIAAAAAAAAAA and the EAW Specialists Champion, SAORIIIIIII AIZENNNNNNNN!!!
(Both women make it inside the ring as Airi Miyamune and ARIA stand at the apron while AKIZA and Saori Aizen stay inside the ring to start up the action.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Rich Russillo: That’s the sound of the bell as this tag team match is under way! AKIZA and Saori are starting us off as both women slowly approach one another before we get a test of strength from both these women! Both women grab onto each other’s hands before Saori quickly throws a kick right to AKIZA’s gut, now pulling her into a headlock!
Thadd Blazevich: Saori is applying that headlock real tight bros, wrenching on her head, and trying to weaken her early on which we can’t blame her seeing what both teams are fighting for here tonight! Whichever team ends up with the win here tonight will win the opportunity to pick the stipulation for their match at Wicked Games for the EAW Specialists Championship! Saori now with a quick headlock takedown, wowzers!
Persephone: All four women want what Saori has around her waist and now they’re forced to team with one another? Yeah, there’s definitely no shenanigans that are going to happen! Of course things will go perfectly for both teams tonight!
Rich Russillo: Thank you for your sarcasm as always Persephone, but the current focus right now is the fact Saori Aizen is the woman controlling the action currently. That headlock doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere… Wait a minute! It looks like AKIZA using her mobility to attempt an escape of sorts?
Thadd Blazevich: No way bro! AKIZA used her legs to put a headscissors on Saori Aizen, applying a hold of her own! That lock is hooked and AKIZA IS WRENCHING on it right now as she gains control! That’s some real skill she’s got bros which makes sense seeing she was able to walk out of Territorial Invasion as the winner of the Divide & Conquer match! Hold on here bros… YUP! Saori Aizen able to push AKIZA’s legs far apart enough to kip-up out of that headlock as both broettes are staring down at one another.
Persephone: Wow. Who would’ve seen another lock up happening? Certainly not me as both women are locked up once again before Saori finally pushes AKIZA down on her back while AKIZA rolls through in a kneeling position. UGH.
Rich Russillo: A beautiful kick right to AKIZA’s head that sends her back down to the ring mat as Saori regains the control of this match here tonight! Maintaining the pressure, Saori grabs AKIZA’s head, and drops a knee directly onto it clearly showing everyone watching that she’s decided to focus on the head, which is not a bad idea at all.
Thadd Blazevich: Couldn’t have said it any better, bro! Keep the pressure on the head and you can seriously disorientate an opponent or simply set up for a match ending maneuver as we’ve seen Saori do countless times! Still, Saori looks like she’s focused on not just making AKIZA an example but winning this match for her team so that the sweet rewardski of choosing their Wicked Games stipulation doesn’t go to the opposition!
Persephone: That sounds all nice and dandy but with how things are going right now? Regardless of whatever stipulation is picked, things are just going to be soooo boring unless we get something REALLY violent and REALLY bloody!
Rich Russillo: Well, when Saori is in a match things tend to get violent as Saori continues to knee the head of AKIZA— NO! AKIZA pulls Saori’s other leg causing her to fall face first onto the mat as AKIZA is shaking her head trying to adjust and get oriented before AKIZA goes behind Saori. Attempting to get back on her feet, AKIZA is ready, and hooks her for a German Suplex that plants her back onto the mat!
Thadd Blazevich: Saori, still having a lot left in her tank, gets back up almost immediately after as both women start throwing lefts and rights at one another! We’ve got a real slobber knocker with neither of these broettes giving in, but Saori with a Side Kick that sends AKIZA down to the mat! Continuing to apply pressure, Saori tries to grab AKIZA’s arm, but AKIZA with an open palm strike with her other arm is able to create a bit of distance from Saori…
TAG!
Persephone: Looks like Showdown’s own Airi Miyamune has been tagged in by AKIZA as Airi is now staring down at Saori who’s running towards her trying to take her down…
Rich Russillo: Airi ducks under the clothesline attempt, rebounds off the ropes, and connects with a Slingblade to Saori Aizen! She’s not done just yet as she keeps the fast pace actions going by running towards the ropes once again and landing a Standing Moonsault on Saori as she goes for the cover!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: T-
Rich Russillo: A kick out at just one, the match is still alive, and Airi Miyamune isn’t looking like she’s going to be stopped any time soon… She runs to the corner turnbuckle, jumps onto the ropes, and goes for a Springboard Variation of a Moonsault onto Saori Aizen— KNEES ARE UP! Saori was able to counter the move and she starts to get up, drags the downed Airi, and puts her in her team’s corner.
TAG!
Persephone: Wowwww. ARIA has tagged herself in, Saori keeps her in the corner, and I guess ARIA is trying to be helpful… Saori doesn’t mind it as she gives Airi one final chop before heading to the ring apron.
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA takes a few steps back and connects with a dropkick! That forces Airi Miyabrone to slump down on the turnbuckle as the fans here cheer on for the Voltage fan favorite! ARIA isn’t going to allow breathing room in between that dropkick as she hits Airi with a Cannonball Senton that finally puts her down on the mat!
Rich Russillo: All four of these women are clearly displaying why exactly they earned the opportunity to face off against Saori at Wicked Games for her Specialists Championship here tonight! Still, Saori is proving as to why she’s remained the champion as well, but right now ARIA maintains control as she goes to the second rope…
Persephone: Springboard Moonsault— HA! Airi Miyamune rolls out of the way leaving ARIA to faceplant right on the mat! Wow… Now THAT is hilarious as Airi wastes no time going for her own Springboard Moonsault.
Thadd Blazevich: If you first don’t succeed then maybe a second attempt with a different elitist is what you need to succeed— as she lands the Springboard Moonsault beautifully! Both women are down, they can feel the pressure of winning this match growing, and Airi slowly starts to get up while ARIA begins to drag herself to the nearest ropes.
Rich Russillo: She’s able to grab into the bottom rope, slowly start to pick herself up, and as she’s getting up… An Arm-Drag sends her back down to a knee, she tries to get up, but Airi is more than ready with a Roundhouse Kick that leaves ARIA dazed and confused! Airi is keeping the pressure on ARIA by running behind her and using the speed momentum to connect with ‘Airirana’ as the Poisonrana connects! Airi quickly heads to the top rope now…
Persephone: You’d think that a woman who uses speed and explosive offense would end a match quicker and get here we are.
Thadd Blazevich: Chill out broette, I think we are about to see the beginning of the end here as Airi is preparing something on the top rope while ARIA is getting up, and she takes the dive!
Rich Russillo: IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S ABOUT TO CONNECT WITH HER SIGNATURE ‘UNICORN GALLOP’— ARIA JUMPS OUT OF THE WAY OF THE DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP IN THE NICK OF TIME!
TAG!
Persephone: Airi rolls back up after ARIA jumped out of the way, she’s back up on both feet, and Saori greets her with a strong Headbutt that leaves her dazed! Alright now can you finish this match up already?!?
Thadd Blazevich: The sky is where they want to be instead of finishing this match prematurely as Saori Aizen gets to the top rope! Perhaps she’s trying to show Airi how things are really done from up there as Airi seems to be coming back to us and Saori takes a dive!
Rich Russillo: Diving Tornado DDT just in time before Airi could muster an escape as Airi’s head is spiked! Saori Aizen now looking for a pinfall and the referee slides into position to start the count!
Referee: ONEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Persephone: Oh brother! We’ve got a kick out from Airi Miyamune but Saori is unfazed as she goes for her left leg… She hooks in a… Single-Leg Boston Crab?
Rich Russillo: Not just any Single-Leg Boston Crab as Saori goes back first to the ring mat and hooks in the grounded variation. Twisting and turning that left leg in a position that legs normally shouldn’t be in! Airi Miyamune gritting her teeth, trying to escape from this submission hold, and Saori tightening said hold to increase the damage being inflicted to her…
Thadd Blazevich: Airi crawling through the pain my bros as each inch she crawls, that’s an inch closer to the ropes, but Saori gets up to try and reapply the lock tighter— AIRI GOT THE OPENING SHE NEEDED AND GRABS THE ROPE! That’s a rope break that forced Saori to let go of the submission hold. Saori slowly gets up as Airi uses this time to jump towards her tag partner…
TAG!
Persephone: AKIZA is back in the mix and we are back where we started it seems… UGH.
Rich Russillo: Saori tries to take down AKIZA with a running Clothesline, AKIZA ducks under that attempt, and grabs Saori for a German Suplex! She goes down, however Saori slowly gets back up, looks at AKIZA, and tries to go for a Rear Naked Chokehold on her! AKIZA uses Saori’s moment against her to send her back to the mat though Saori is able to kneel on one knee trying to once again get back up…
Thadd Blazevich: A Sliding Lariat connects on the kneeling Saori that almost takes off her head! Looks like Akiza is looking to ensure that this time around Saori stays down on the mat for good by grabbing her by the waist, tries to lift her up, and WITH A DEADLIFT IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S GOING TO HIT SAORI WITH ‘ARCANA ARCADIA’!
Persephone: Aaaaand with that we see a flop as Saori Aizen elbows herself out of the deadlift German Suplex while grabbing onto both of AKIZA’s arms. Impeccable action for sure…
Rich Russillo: I THINK WE ARE ABOUT TO SEE ‘HYOKINDAMA’ AS SAORI PICKS UP AKIZA…
Thadd Blazevich: AKIZA PUTTING HER WEIGHT DOWN CAUSING SAORI TO STRUGGLE TO LIFT HER UP AND AKIZA USES THIS TO HER ADVANTAGE AS SHE PULLS SAORI DOWN FOR A ROLL UP COVER! THE REFEREE NOW CHECKING THE COUNT!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEE-
Thadd Blazevich: A VERY CLOSE KICK OUT FROM SAORI AIZEN! I’m telling you bros… That was too close for comfort as both women slowly are getting back to their feet and rushing at each other with quick speed! HEADBUTT from both women as they go down! Their partners have their hands extended looking for a tag, both women slowly regaining consciousness, and they begin to crawl to their respective corners…
TAG!
Rich Russillo: AIRI MIYAMUNE AND ARIA ARE BOTH BACK INSIDE THE RING AS BOTH WOMEN START TO TRADE BLOWS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! THEIR PARTNERS MEANWHILE GET TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR CORNERS! IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE EITHER OF THESE TWO ELITISTS ARE WILLING TO GIVE IN AS WE KEEP SEEING STRIKE AFTER STRIKE FROM ONE ANOTHER!
Persephone: Airi Miyamune tries to throw a kick, ARIA grabs her leg, spins her around, and goes for a Cutter— PUSHED OFF TOWARDS THE ROPES AS SHE GETS CLOTHESLINED OUT OF THE RING! Oh that couldn’t have happened to a better person!
Thadd Blazevich: It’s smart thinking from Airi here, you don’t want to be caught by her ‘Phoenix Cutter’ at all, and so she found a way to get out of it as soon as possible! ARIA using our table to pick herself up as Airi may be looking to soar some more here tonight! She starts to run to the opposite side, a bit slower after that Grounded Single-Leg Boston Crab, but enough to fly out of the ring!
Rich Russillo: Suicide Dive to the outside connects! Both women grounded on the outside, Airi feeling the energy here tonight as she powers back up, and picks up ARIA from the ground. As the referee is about to begin the count, Airi throws ARIA inside the ring, and she slowly goes back inside the ring as well trying to catch her breath a bit.
Persephone: Wasting time like that not only makes the match longer but leaves an opening for things like that! ARIA was able to slowly pick herself up using the ropes for assistance…
Thadd Blazevich: Airi more than ready though as she runs towards the ropes and as soon as ARIA is back on her two feet she CONNECTS WITH AN ‘AIRI CUTTER’ OF HER OWN! ARIA IS SPIKED DOWN TO THE MAT AND AIRI MIYAMUNE GOES FOR THE COVER!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEE-
Persephone: UGH! A kick out from ARIA even after that Cutter or whatever it’s called from Airi! It would’ve been a shame if a Showdown talent was able to beat two women representing Voltage here tonight but the match goes on…
Rich Russillo: Listen, Airi is proving exactly why she earned her spot in the match at Wicked Games, and she’s definitely looking to put an end to this match by picking up ARIA from the ring mat. She’s setting her up for something as she grabs onto the ropes and uses them to launch herself for ‘Ishana Daitenshou’!
Thadd Blazevich: SPRINGBOARD REVERSE HURRICANRAN— NO, ARIA KEEPS HER UP IN A POWERBOMB POSITION, AND USES THIS SET UP TO POSITION HERSELF TO CONNECT WITH ‘GLITCH IN THE MATRIX’! SHE GOES FOR THE COVER AFTER THAT AND WILL IT BE ENOUGH?!?
Referee: ONEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: NOT JUST YET AS THE MATCH STAYS ALIVE WITH A KICK OUT FROM AIRI MIYAMUNE! Both women are giving it their all as they both are looking at the ceiling getting some air… ARIA thought she had it there! Aria is now getting up as the Voltage crowd is cheering her on! Airi Miyamune crawls to the safety of her corner in the meantime…
Persephone: ARIA looks like she’s ready to finally end the match while Airi barely gets up using the corner and with that ARIA starts to run towards Airi Miyamune…
TAG!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE CONNECTS WITH ‘J4A’ AS THE RUNNING KNEE CONNECTS ON AIRI MIYUMANE AND SHE ATTEMPTS A COVER! THE REFEREE IS TELLING HER THAT AIRI IS NOT THE LEGAL COMPETITOR AND FROM BEHIND AKIZA GOES FOR ARCANA ARCADIA’! THE DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX CONNECTS AND SHE BRIDGES IT INTO A COVER!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEE-
Thadd Blazevich: THAT WAS ALMOST A THREE COUNT FROM AKIZA BUT ARIA WAS ABLE TO MUSTER ALL HER STRENGTH TO KICK OUT OF THAT ONE! AKIZA is not satisfied that ARIA is kicked out of that, she starts to kick her up to a kneeling position, and tries to grab her arms…
Rich Russillo: ARIA puts her weight down however to stop whatever was about to happen to her as AKIZA tries to pick her up once again… ARIA uses that momentum for a quick roll-up attempt, but AKIZA gets out as fast as she can! Both women stare each other down as AKIZA throws a strong open palm strike on ARIA!
Persephone: Palm after palm after palm as she sends ARIA towards the ropes! I really hope she’s sent out of the ring once again that always lightens up my mood!
Thadd Blazevich: Well, your wish may just get granted here tonight with AKIZA taking a few steps back, and rebounds off the rope for a clothesline! NO! ARIA pulls the rope down sending AKIZA crashing to the outside! AKIZA lands on both her feet! Yet, ARIA is more than ready bros! She starts running for the rope rebound and catches AKIZA with a Tope Con Hilo that sends them crashing down to the floor!
Rich Russillo: The crowd is electric here tonight after that move and ARIA isn’t going to waste any time as she throws AKIZA back inside the ring! AKIZA slowly gets up with wobbly legs as ARIA runs to the ropes! ‘PHOENIX INJECTION’ CONNECTS OFF THE ROPES! THAT HANDSPRING CUTTER MAY BE WHAT SHE NEEDED HERE TONIGHT!
Persephone: WHY isn’t she going for the cover after that?!? She’s practically dead at this point and instead this bitch goes to the opposite corner and starts yelling for AKIZA to get up!
Rich Russillo: Are we about to see both Voltage elitists pick up the win that’ll grant them the choice of stipulation for Wicked Games or will AKIZA find a way to get out of this predicament and possibly tag herself out? Airi is still out on the outside after that ‘J4A’ Running Knee… This may be all over.
Thadd Blazevich: AKIZA gets up not fully aware of her surroundings as she uses the ropes to pick herself up… Bros, this is NOT looking good for her, as she turns around, and ARIA IS THERE TO GREET HER WITH A ‘J4A’ RUNNING KNEE!!! THE CROWD IS BURSTING IN EXCITEMENT AS ARIA IS GETTING UP…
TAG!
Rich Russillo: WHAT WAS THAT?!? SAORI AIZEN JUST TAGGED HERSELF IN AS ARIA WAS ABOUT TO GO FOR THE COVER HERSELF! ARIA does not look too happy with the tag as Saori Aizen goes for the cover after ARIA had connected with her ‘J4A’ Running Knee…
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEE!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH… The Specialists Champion SAORIIIIIII AIZENNNNNNNNN AND ARIAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
(The fans boo as Saori Aizen roses off of AKIZA, knowing that her actions are bound to have annoyed ARIA. Saori takes her Championship from the referee as the referee raises the hands of her and ARIA, but before Saori can leave, ARIA grabs her by the arm.)
Persephone: I’m just glad Voltage beat both Dynasty and Showdown… AGAIN! Plus, how can I not enjoy the drama we are about to see? ARIA just grabbed Saori, clearly annoyed that the mind games and all that are starting up again.
Rich Russillo: Saori Aizen and ARIA are now getting closer to one another still arguing even after they worked great as a team and even won the right to pick their match stipulation for Wicked Games!
Thadd Blazevich: I guess I don’t blame ARIA for being mad. We all saw what Saori did in ARIA’s last tag match. Now this! She’s going out of her way to mess with her, dude.
(With both Saori Aizen and ARIA staring at one another, Airi Miyumane is seen jumping from the ropes, and connects with ‘Ishana Daitenshou’ on ARIA.)
Thadd Blazevich: AIRI MIYAMUNE OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES OUT ARIA WITH HER SPRINGBOARD REVERSE HURRICANRANA! Saori is caught by surprise as she attempts to strike at Airi, but instead her arm is grabbed by Airi! Airi grabs her other arm and hooks them into a double underhook!
Rich Russillo: ‘RAIJIN BREAKER’ ON THE EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION!! What a beautiful move right there as Airi Miyumane stands tall, all while AKIZA, Saori Aizen, and ARIA have been laid out here tonight!
Persephone: She’s definitely looking to prove that she is more than worthy of being a champion, I guess doing so by taking out the women that beat her team tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: I won’t lie… Airi Miyabrone definitely has raised her stock as the potential winner here tonight even if the winners of this match, Saori Aizen and ARIA get to pick the matches stipulations. Regardless, we are definitely in for a great fatal four way match for the EAW Specialists Championship at Wicked Games!
(Airi Miyamune is seen standing tall while both ARIA and Saori Aizen are laid out in the middle of the ring. Exiting the ring, Airi Miyamune starts to walk to the back as AKIZA is seen leaning on the steel steps before the scene fades elsewhere.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show the backstage area of the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna, where Backstage Correspondent Sofia Clarke is seen standing by. She’s in a designated interview area with a smile on her face and a microphone in hand as she begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! It’s been an exciting road to Wicked Games and along with that, a whole lot of opportunity to go around for many members of the roster. One of the main centerpieces is an opportunity to participate in one of the Extreme Elimination Chamber matches at Road To Redemption! My guest at this time has exactly that, please welcome at this time… Sayuri Himura!
(The crowd inside of the arena cheers loudly as the camera pans over, revealing Sayuri Himura as she begins to make her way into the scene. She has a calm expression on her face as she glances at Sofia, greeting her with a nod.)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for joining us, Sayuri!
Sayuri Himura: It is a pleasure.
Sofia Clarke: Firstly, let’s talk about last week. Last week you and Cosmo Goldworthy picked up a win against ARIA and Candice Blair thanks to the interference by Saori Aizen. From what we know, you definitely seemed remorseful about it.
(Sayuri exhales as she looks down at the ground.)
Sayuri Himura: Yes, it was a disappointing affair. But I would be remiss to not acknowledge that this is something that comes with the business. This is to be expected as much as I want to say otherwise, and I’d like to apologize to both ARIA and Candice for what happened, that is not how I wanted to win. Sure, my partner Cosmo Goldworthy does not seem to care too much about it, but he and I are two completely different people. We see things through a different lens, and perhaps that is something that I have been opening up to as of late.
Sofia Clarke: Let’s also talk about what happened later in the night as well during your interaction with Candice Blair. You made some bold declarations toward her before Eden Sinclair interrupted and made a qualifier match for the Universal Women‘s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber official for Wicked Games. Is this something that weighs on your mind at all?
(Sayuri ponders on this, not responding immediately, before she nods her head.)
Sayuri Himura: Yes, it does. I have a lot of respect for a competitor like Candice Blair, knowing what she’s done in the ring with her years of experience. Just like me, she’s hungry, passionate, and looking for something to sink her teeth into. But I have gotten a good look at her and I see her fatal flaw, she’s scared. And in a way, it’s okay to be scared, but if that is what causes your apprehension inside of the ring, it will be your downfall, and that is going to be something that I take advantage of given the right opportunity. I…
(Sayuri trails off, as her eyes focus elsewhere offscreen. A pair of footsteps are heard approaching her, as the camera goes over to reveal Candice Blair, who was seemingly watching the entire time. She has her arms crossed, staring at her with an almost blank expression on her face. There is a bit of tension considering their Wicked Games match was made official, but both of them have enough in them to be cordial as Candice speaks.)
Candice Blair: I understand how you feel, Sayuri, and I’m not going to be the type of person who takes anything away from you knowing what you’ve gone through. I’ve had my questions about it, sure, but that doesn’t dismiss the idea that you’re a great competitor, because you are, and I feel the passion that radiates from you. But just because of all of that, it does not mean that I’m going to let you get this opportunity at my expense. What is it that you said last week? Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? What if that’s true, and what if I’m tired of it. I’m not going to allow myself to be made a fool of like this anymore knowing what I deserve. And if I have to break a few hearts to do it… then so be it.
(Sayuri can’t help but chuckle at this, as she pauses to allow Candice’s words to soak in before she gives her response to her.)
Sayuri Himura: And that is admirable, Candice, I can’t help but respect it. The misconception surrounding my name is something that I have to address though, because to see my perspective on this match you must understand why I am in this company in the first place. See, there is no better wrestling around than the level that Elite Answers Wrestling produces. I arrived here because I know that steel sharpens steel, and that I will refine my sword through this treacherous journey to slice down anything that stands in the way of that. In particular, that includes you. I am not going to walk into this match at Wicked Games and expect a handout, I know that I’m going to have to work for this.
Candice Blair: That’s good to know, I’m glad we’re being clear about that. But I’m still warning you that you’ll have to be careful, because who knows, this might be the biggest challenge that you’ll have faced.
Sayuri Himura: And maybe it is, I am excited to find out. Despite your words ahead of our match last week, I actually have learned from my setbacks. Yes, it was troubling, and it’s not particularly something that I’m proud of either. But at the same time, I have no intentions of allowing that to define me. I am not going to let it put my career into complete stagnation, regardless of any doubts that I may have about this. I know how you feel about all of this.
Candice Blair: Here’s the problem, Sayuri, and here’s what’s really bugging me right now, I hope that you can understand. You seem to have created this idea in your mind that we’re the same competitor. That we think and act the same way just because we play a little nicer than others. But that’s not the case. We arrived here in two completely different ways, our failures do not intersect just because they fall under the definition of failure. If you think that’s going to be the case, then you need to quell your expectations right now and snap back to reality.
Sayuri Himura: I do not think that you think of me as highly as I think of you, Candice Blair, and that’s okay. The formalities have been put to bed between the two of us, and now we must show how passionate we are about this match. In a couple of months it will be one year since I arrived at this company, and I look back on the journey that I have made up to this point with a fondness knowing that I have worked hard to get to where I am. I know what type of competitor that I can be, and maybe the fact that the two of us are different is what’s going to set us apart at Wicked Games… and what’s going to secure me the victory.
Candice Blair: You’re going to end up disappointed, Sayuri. It’s going to be another crushing loss for you and something that you’re not going to be very fond of either. And it’s sad, because I do think that you deserve more, the reality is that it’s your mindset holding you back, and maybe when you finally start listening to the people around you, the people who respect you, then maybe you’ll come to that understanding through brutal honesty. All I’ll say is that I’m not going to leave Wicked Games empty handed. I have some unfinished business with the Universal Women‘s Championship, and beating you gets me one step closer to that and the Extreme Elimination Chamber. I’m not going to let it slip.
Sayuri Himura: I don’t plan to leave empty handed myself, Candice Blair. I hope your expectations are met for the type of competitor that you are going to see across the ring from you… but it’s not going to be a competitor that you are going to be ready to handle. That is my promise.
(This leads the two of them to silence, a piercing glare, almost as if they’re offended by each other’s words but don’t want to show it. It’s not to the point where this is going to boil over into a fight, but there is no doubt that the animosity is prevalent between the two.)
(After a moment, Candice finally exhales. She shakes her head as she turns around, beginning to make her way out of the scene and down the halls of the backstage area. The very last shot seen is Sayuri Himura watching her leave, before she proceeds to turn around and walk the opposite direction. Then, Sunday Night Voltage begins to completely fade to black.)
(Commercial for the new film, Clayface.)
(The camera follows a stagehand backstage as he approaches Diamond Dixon’s locker room. He knocks on the door before slowly opening it, poking his head inside to find Diamond seated on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Hearing the door open, Diamond looks up from her screen, turning her attention toward the stagehand.)
Diamond Dixon: Can I help you?
Stagehand: Sorry to bother you, Diamond, but they need you over by the production area. Something came up, and they said it’s pretty urgent.
Diamond Dixon: What? What the hell happened?
Stagehand: I’m not really sure. They just told me to come get you as soon as possible.
(Diamond looks at the stagehand for a moment, clearly annoyed by the lack of an explanation, but decides not to waste any more time asking questions. She places her phone on the couch beside her before getting to her feet.)
Diamond Dixon: Man, this better be important. Where am I supposed to go?
Stagehand: Just down the hall. I’ll show you.
Diamond Dixon: Alright, well, come on then. I ain’t got all day.
(Diamond quickly follows the stagehand out of her locker room, leaving her phone behind on the couch. The camera watches them disappear down the hallway before turning back toward the locker room, where the door has been left slightly open. Moments later, Kiko Sakai sneaks into the frame wearing a black hoodie and sunglasses in an attempt to disguise herself, drawing a collective “ooh!” from the crowd. Kiko carefully slips through the doorway and tiptoes toward the couch before crouching down in front of it. She removes her hood and sunglasses, setting them aside before reaching for Diamond’s phone and picking it up.)
(Kiko taps Diamond’s phone screen, only to be greeted by the lock screen. She tries swiping up, but quickly realizes she needs Face ID to get any further.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Oh, come on! Seriously?
(Kiko glances nervously toward the door before reaching into her hoodie pocket and pulling out a photograph of Diamond Dixon’s face. She holds it up in front of the phone, carefully adjusting the angle until the screen finally unlocks.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Yes! Oh my God, it actually worked!
(Kiko quickly lowers the photograph, glancing over her shoulder toward the door before turning her attention back to Diamond’s unlocked phone. She begins snooping through her messages before opening the photo gallery, casually swiping through a few pictures with little interest until something suddenly catches her attention. Kiko stops scrolling, her eyes widening as she stares at the screen.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Oh…
(Kiko blinks a couple of times, leaning closer to the phone as if making sure she’s seeing things correctly. The camera remains focused on her face, keeping the contents of Diamond’s phone hidden from view.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Wait… Diamond and Cosmo? Are these…? Oh my God.
(Kiko’s cheeks turn slightly red as she quickly looks away from the screen, clearly embarrassed by what she’s stumbled across. After a moment, she hesitantly looks back at the phone, swiping through another picture before immediately regretting it.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Okay, wow… I really didn’t need to see that.
(Kiko shakes her head, looking rather uncomfortable with the discovery before remembering why she’s there in the first place.)
Kiko Sakai: (whispering) Well… this is what Miku wanted. She’s definitely gonna want to see these.
(Kiko reluctantly selects the photos and opens the sharing menu, searching for her own phone through AirDrop. After a moment, her device appears, and she taps on it to begin transferring the pictures.)
Diamond Dixon: Man, what the hell was that about? Had me going all the way down there just for nobody to know what was going on. I swear, these people really love wasting my damn time!
(Kiko’s head perks up at the sound of Diamond’s voice. Behind her, Diamond Dixon can be seen entering the locker room, closing the door before stopping in her tracks as she notices Kiko crouched beside the couch with her phone in hand.)
Diamond Dixon: …Hold the fuck up. Kiko?! What the hell are you doing in my locker room, and WHY DO YOU HAVE MY PHONE?!
(Kiko jumps up, turning towards Diamond while hiding the phone behind her back.)
Kiko Sakai: D-Diamond! Oh my God, you scared me! I, um… I didn’t know you were coming back already!
Diamond Dixon: Clearly! Now, I’m gonna ask you one more time. What the hell are you doing in my locker room with my phone?
Kiko Sakai: Your phone? Oh! Right! Um, well, you see… I was just walking past your locker room, and I noticed the door was open, so I thought maybe I should come inside and make sure everything was okay!
Diamond Dixon: Girl, do I look stupid to you? Because that doesn’t explain why you got MY phone behind your back.
(Diamond begins walking toward Kiko, who nervously takes a few steps backward before moving around the coffee table to keep some distance between them.)
Kiko Sakai: Oh, that! Well, I saw your phone sitting on the couch, and I got worried somebody might come in and take it! So I thought I’d pick it up and, um… keep it safe until you came back! That’s all!
Diamond Dixon: Oh, so you broke into my locker room to protect my phone from getting stolen? Is that what you’re telling me?
Kiko Sakai: N-No! I mean, yes, but I didn’t break in! The door was already open, I promise! I just thought I was doing something helpful, and… well, I guess I should’ve asked first. Sorry!
Diamond Dixon: Girl, you must really think I’m some kind of fool. Give me my damn phone before I come over there and take it myself!
(Diamond moves around one side of the coffee table, prompting Kiko to quickly shuffle around the opposite side. Diamond stops, watching Kiko continue to keep the table between them.)
Kiko Sakai: Okay! Okay, I’m sorry! Please don’t get mad! I know this probably looks really bad, but I promise it’s just a misunderstanding! I wasn’t trying to do anything wrong!
Diamond Dixon: Then why the hell are you running away from me? If you ain’t doing nothing wrong, put my phone down and come over here!
Kiko Sakai: I’m not running away! I just… um… you look really upset, and I don’t want to make you any angrier! Maybe we could just talk about this for a second? Please?
Diamond Dixon: Oh, we can talk alright, but first you’re gonna give me my phone! And you better start explaining what you were doing with it, because I’m about two seconds away from dragging your little ass across this room!
Kiko Sakai: O-Okay! You’re right! I’m sorry! I’ll give it back, I promise! Just… please don’t hurt me, okay? I really didn’t mean to upset you, and I’m sure if we just calm down for a moment, we can figure something out! I mean, there’s no reason why we can’t just—
(Kiko suddenly makes a break for the door, abandoning her explanation as she attempts to sprint past Diamond with the phone still clutched in her hand!)
Diamond Dixon: Oh, bitch, you ain’t finna—
(Diamond catches up to Kiko just as she grabs the door handle and pulls it open, grabbing her and slamming her FACE FIRST into the door! The impact sends it swinging shut again, and Diamond immediately pins Kiko against it, pressing her forearm firmly against Kiko’s jaw. Kiko cries out in pain, blood beginning to trickle from her nose.)
Diamond Dixon: Now, what the FUCK did I just tell you?! You really thought you were gonna run outta here with my phone?! Give me that shit!
(Diamond grabs Kiko’s wrist and snatches the phone from her hand, briefly checking the screen before turning her attention back to her.)
Diamond Dixon: And why the hell is my phone unlocked?! What were you doing on here?! Matter of fact, where’s that sister of yours? Because I know damn well Miku put you up to this!
Kiko Sakai: O-Okay! Yes! Miku wanted me to look through your phone, but I swear that’s all! I’m sorry! Please, just let me go! Miku isn’t even here right now, I promise!
Diamond Dixon: Oh, she ain’t here? Well, that’s too damn bad, because I’ve had enough of you and your sister playing these little games with me. And since Miku ain’t around, I guess YOU can take a message back to her!
(Diamond tosses her phone onto the couch before grabbing Kiko by the back of her hoodie and pulling her away from the door. Kiko desperately tries to pry Diamond’s hands off her, but Diamond drags her across the locker room before THROWING HER HEAD FIRST INTO THE TELEVISION! The screen cracks on impact as Kiko crashes to the floor beneath it, clutching her head and crying out in pain!)
Kiko Sakai: AAHH! PLEASE! I’M SORRY!
(Diamond isn’t interested in hearing another apology, however, as she grabs Kiko by the hair and pulls her back to her feet. Kiko can barely stand on her own, stumbling forward as Diamond drags her toward the coffee table in front of the couch.)
Diamond Dixon: You wanna keep playing games with me?! HUH?! Well, let’s see how funny your sister thinks this shit is!
(Kiko frantically shakes her head, begging Diamond to stop, but Diamond ignores her pleas and pulls her into position before HOISTING HER UP AND DRIVING HER THROUGH THE COFFEE TABLE WITH A POWERBOMB! THE TABLE BREAKS BENEATH KIKO AS SHE CRASHES THROUGH IT, LEAVING HER SPRAWLED OUT AMONG THE WRECKAGE!)
(Diamond stands over Kiko, breathing heavily as she looks down at her lying motionless among the broken pieces of the table. The camera shifts to Kiko’s point of view, looking up at Diamond as she bends down and gets right in her face to continue berating her.)
Diamond Dixon: You hear me, Kiko?! I want you to tell that sister of yours that I’m DONE with this bullshit! All this sneaking around, playing games, trying to get one over on me? That shit ends TODAY! And when I get my hands on Miku at Wicked Games, she’s gonna get a whole lot worse than what you just got! You understand me?!
(WHACK!)
(Diamond suddenly gets cracked from behind by Miku Sakai with a steel chair, causing her to fall beside Kiko in the rubble as she writhes in pain.)
Miku Sakai: OH, SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU STUPID BITCH! Jesus Christ, do you EVER stop running your fucking mouth?! You wanna talk about what you’re gonna do to me at Wicked Games? How about you worry about getting your ass off the floor first?!
(Miku tosses the chair aside before grabbing Kiko by the arm and helping her to her feet. Still hurting from the beating, Kiko struggles to stand, holding her bloody nose as she leans on her older sister for support. Miku quickly grabs Diamond’s phone off the couch before helping Kiko out of the locker room, with Kiko stumbling a little as they make their escape. Meanwhile, Diamond remains on the floor, holding her back in pain before looking toward the door, her expression turning to anger as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(The camera shot has returned to the ringside area after a brief commercial break. We now see Bella Braxton standing in the ring ready to begin the introductions for the next contest.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is a TAG TEAM MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
(The camera shot cuts to the front row of the crowd where we see Dynasty’s BRAE and Cy Henderson sitting in the front row, ready for the upcoming match.)
Rich Russillo: It seems we have company! Can’t say I’m too surprised, given the upcoming match they gave against Jamie and Haruka at House of Glass.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah. Hopefully those two can stay focused on tonight, though.
(“Tears” by Sabrina Carpenter starts to play as Ashlynn Quinn begins walking out to the stage to cheers. She waits a moment, before her entrance music is replaced by “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by Kiss. Cynthia Valice begins to walk out, and she greets Ashlynn at the stage. They each give the crowd a bright smile as they head to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and making their way to the ring. At a total combined weight of 249 pounds! Here is the team of “MISS VOLTAGE” ASHLYNN QUINN AND “THE GIRL NEXT DOOR” CYNTHIA VALICE!
Rich Russillo: Here comes Miss Voltage for tag team action. Normally we would expect a “can they coexist” type of situation with future opponents, but there is no animosity between Ashlynn and her partner Cynthia tonight.
Persephone: For now. Give it time. Bitches always turn on each other.
Thadd Blazevich: While this team will have a battle at Wicked Games, tonight they need to work together to leave victorious in this match because their opposition are no pushovers.
(Cynthia and Ashlynn enter the ring and take a corner as the music is replaced by “TEFLON DON” by Future. Seconds later, Jamie Valdez walks out, keeping a confident look on her face. “Human Graduation” by mercuro follows, and Haruka Kashimashi joins Jamie at the stage with an eerie calm look on her face. The two walk down the ramp to loud boos from the crowd, ignoring Cy and BRAE for now.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing their opponents! At a total combined weight of 240 pounds. Here is the team of “THE PRODIGY” JAMIE VALDEZ AND “THE MAIDEN OF MADNESS” HARUKA KASHIMASHI!
Thadd Blazevich: Well these two have a pretty busy schedule in the next few weeks. Next week, they will be competing at House of Glass. Then they were able to get themselves a Tag Title match at Wicked Games.
Persephone: Maybe they will get sliced and diced and not make it to Wicked Games.
Rich Russillo: Haruka and Jamie have some tall tasks in the coming weeks as a tag team. But they should not overlook their opponents tonight because if they overlook these two, it will be a long night. Which team will win? We are about to find out.
(Haruka and Jamie enter the ring and take a neutral corner as Jamie’s music fades off. The referee checks both teams before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Thadd Blazevich: Well here we go, dudes. Tag Team action is underway and we get a little bit of Interbrand Warfare on Voltage tonight with Dynasty against Showdown.
(The camera shot then cuts to the bottom of the entrance ramp where we see the Unified Tag Team Champions, Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA, making their way out to watch the match in progress.)
Persephone: Oh for the love of gawd! Why in the hell are these two out here? As if we don’t have enough idiots around ringside right now.
Thadd Blazevich: Why are you complaining? The Tag Team Champions are out here scouting their future challengers. Remember what they talked about last week?
Rich Russillo: We certainly do. Jamie and Haruka wanted a Tag Title shot and La Farmacia Sexual was more than happy to defend their titles against them at Wicked Games.
Persephone: Of course because all we need are more idiots on our shows and said idiots aren’t even on our brand.
(Meanwhile, near the timekeeper’s area Carmen Sánchez and Avril Williams make their way to ringside, bringing out cheers. Jamie looks annoyed by this, but she tries to take her focus off of everyone at ringside.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, things just got a little bit more interesting as here are the other challengers for the Unified Tag Team Championships.
Persephone: Yay. More dumb bitches.
Rich Russillo: Well, we have company, but that aside it looks like Jamie Valdez will start for the team visiting from Dynasty while Miss Voltage herself, Ashlynn Quinn, will start for Voltage.
Thadd Blazevich: We get a lockup in the center of the ring as Jamie uses that small power advantage that she has to push Ashlynn back into the corner.
Persephone: Power? Seriously? Watching these two is like watching a mutiny within the Pixie Bitch Brigade.
Thadd Blazevich: The referee is asking for a clean break, which we surprisingly get… UNTIL JAMIE SLAPS ASHLYNN IN THE FACE!
Rich Russillo: The referee backs Jamie away from the corner and Ashlynn holds her cheek as she did not appreciate that one bit.
Persephone: Oh darn. She messed her makeup up. How heartbreaking.
Rich Russillo: Sarcasm duly noted as Jamie gets away from the referee AND RUNS RIGHT INTO THE LOU THESZ PRESS BY ASHLYNN TAKING JAMIE DOWN!
Persephone: Now she is just bashing her head against the mat. That’s real mature.
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn didn’t appreciate the slap, so she is returning the favor by ripping her hair out by the roots. I think it’s a fair trade, dude.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn still has the hair as she pulls Jamie back to her feet AND JUST LAUNCHES HER ACROSS THE RING LIKE A FRISBEE!
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie faceplants on the mat. Jamie rolls over to get back to her feet BUT ASHLYNN COMES IN WITH A RUNNING KNEE TO THE SIDE OF HER HEAD AND TAKING HER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
Persephone: Look what happens when those two lonely brain cells of hers rub together. They create a thought.
Thadd Blazevich: Miss Voltage has control of the match early on as she grabs Jamie and just whips her into the corner–
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Cynthia has been tagged in and now both ladies look at Jamie AND DELIVER A DOUBLE CHOP TO HER CHEST! That sounded like it hurt.
Persephone: All it could do was improve things. Now she can shop for bras in the adult girl department.
Rich Russillo: So eloquently put.
Persephone: Of course. It’s because I said it.
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn is on the apron and Cynthia is in control AND SHE HAS HER BOOT IN JAMIE’S THROAT IN THE CORNER AND THE REFEREE IS TELLING HER TO LET HER OUT OF THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: The referee reaches four and Cynthia lets her out of the corner. Jamie comes stumbling out and Cynthia hooks her arms for a butterfly suplex–
Thadd Blazevich: JAMIE WITH A COUNTER WITH A MODIFIED NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX AND CYNTHIA’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWWWW—
Persephone: She kicked out. Big surprise!
Thadd Blazevich: One count for Jamie as she starts putting the boots to Cynthia. Cynthia is trying to get the tag to get Ashlynn back in this match—
Rich Russillo: JAMIE JUST DRAGS CYNTHIA BY THE LEG TOWARDS HER TEAM’S CORNER! Cynthia in the wrong part of town.
Persephone: I think her normal part of town, along with the rest of them in the ring, involve street corners.
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Haruka officially in the match AND SHE IMMEDIATELY DROPS AN ELBOW ACROSS CYNTHIA’S THROAT!
Persephone: Not very impressive. Bitch is still breathing. Try again if you want to impress me.
Rich Russillo: Be that as it may, Haruka has just been decimating poor Cynthia in the ring as she pulls Cynthia back to her feet AND JUST CLOBBERS HER WITH AN UPPERCUT! Cynthia falls backwards, dropping to a knee as Haruka makes use of that hard hitting style of hers. We know that this is the kind of thing Haruka is into. She doesn’t just want the gold or the victories like Jamie does, she wants punishment.
Persephone: You make all of this sound like it’s a bad thing.
Thadd Blazevich: Well it is getting a little brutal, bro. Right now she brings Cynthia back to her feet AND TRIES TO LIFT HER FOR AN EXPLODER SUPLEX–
Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA IS ABLE TO COUNTER WITH AN INSIDE CRADLE! SHOULDERS DOWN TO STEAL THE MATCH HERE!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHH–
Thadd Blazevich: HARUKA KICKS OUT, BRO! Dude, that was a seriously close one, the match just ended right there! Cynthia almost stole it there as she is scrambling to get to her corner to try to get Ashlynn back in the match.
Persephone: She gets grabbed by the ankle and pulled back to the center of the ring. Big surprise there.
Thadd Blazevich: Haruka pulls Cynthia back to her feet AND SMASHES HER HEAD INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Cynthia is dazed, and now look!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Jamie is tagged back into the match and Haruka snaps Cynthia over with a snapmare. Jamie is on the second rope as Cynthia is sitting on the ground AS JAMIE JUMPS OFF THE SECOND ROPE–
Persephone: AND SHE DELIVERS A METEORA RIGHT INTO HER FACE! Did it knock her teeth out or make her bleed? No? Of course it didn’t.
Rich Russillo: Not every match has to be a bloodbath, you know.
Persephone: Shut your old ass up!
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie has the advantage as she grabs Cynthia by the hair to drag her back to her feet. Jamie applies the facelock AND QUICKLY TAKES HER OVER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX BEFORE FLOATING OVER INTO THE COVER! COULD THIS BE IT!?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHH-
Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT AT TWO! Gotta respect Cynthia’s tenacity, but that tenacity is only going to last so long if she keeps getting beat down like this.
Thadd Blazevich: BRAE and Cy are watching very closely as Jamie glances over and sees her House of Glass opposition watching this match as Jamie grabs Cynthia by the hair AND JUST BOUNCES HER FACE OFF THE MAT!
Persephone: All the blonde hair in this match makes me think that this match’s average IQ is very low. I wonder if we will see the roots.
Thadd Blazevich: You might if Jamie keeps tearing Cynthia’s hair out the way she is AS JAMIE BOUNCES CYNTHIA’S FACE RIGHT OFF THE MAT AGAIN!
Rich Russillo: Jamie again pulls Cynthia up to her feet by the hair and picks her up for a slam-
Persephone: Of course she screws that up. Go back to Dynasty and screw up things on your own brand.
Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA SLIDES OFF THE BACK AND DROPS DOWN FOR A ROLL UP–
Persephone: It didn’t work.
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie is able to keep her balance AND SHE DELIVERS A BOOT RIGHT IN CYNTHIA’S FACE! DAMN, BRO! THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN HER NOSE!
Rich Russillo: Jamie once again pulls Cynthia up to her feet using her hair again and whips her back into the corner.
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: Haruka is back in this match and she gets onto the top rope. Getting into very dangerous territory, bro.
Rich Russillo: Jamie still has hold of Cynthia as the referee tells her to get out of the ring AS HARUKA COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE AND HITS A ROLLING WHEEL KICK TO THE TOP OF THE HEAD!
Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA JUST DROPS TO THE MAT LIKE A STONE! Jamie finally gets out of the ring as Haruka rolls Cynthia over and hooks the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE-
Persephone: She kicked out. Damn.
Thadd Blazevich: Another near fall for the Dynasty team as poor Cynthia is just getting the hell beat out of her and Ashlynn is just itching to get back into this match to turn momentum back in her team’s favor.
Rich Russillo: Haruka pulls Cynthia back to her feet and whips her to the ropes AND CYNTHIA REVERSES!
Persephone: About time she did something in this match besides get beat up.
Rich Russillo: Haruka hits the ropes and comes back AND HARUKA LEAVES HER FEET AND HITS A BEAUTIFUL “KASHIMASHI SPECIAL”!
Persephone: It was a kick. It wasn’t that special.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro that was 630 Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick and it caught Cynthia in the side of the head and brings her down to the mat. Haruka decides to try one more time as she lifts Cynthia up AND DROPS HER ACROSS HER KNEE!
Rich Russillo: “PHILOSOPHY OF THE DESPISED” BY HARUKA! Cynthia is barely moving as Haruka hooks the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE-
Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT AT TWO! ANOTHER NEAR FALL FOR THE DYNASTY TEAM AS CYNTHIA DOESN’T LOOK TO HAVE MUCH ENERGY LEFT IN THE TANK!
Persephone: Such a shame. Just end the match and be done with it.
Thadd Blazevich: Haruka brings Cynthia back to her feet and Haruka just keeps firing forearms into Cynthia’s face as it keeps backing her up into the ropes.
Rich Russillo: Cynthia is whipped to the ropes on the other side and Cynthia with the rebound as Haruka puts her head down for a back body drop–
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! SHE GETS KICKED IN THE FACE! I could have told you that was coming. Most predictable move in the book.
Rich Russillo: Haruka flies back off the impact of the move and CYNTHIA COMES BACK WITH A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE TAKING HARUKA DOWN TO THE MAT!
Persephone: Wow. Now Haruka gets back on her feet and goes right for Cynthia–
Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA DROPS DOWN WITH A DROP TOE HOLD AND HARUKA BOUNCES THROAT FIRST OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Rich Russillo: Haruka tries to recover as quickly as she can and turns to Cynthia, BUT CYNTHIA HITS THE “SHY FLASH”! SPINNING HEEL KICK HITS HARUKA RIGHT IN THE FACE AND CYNTHIA DROPS FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE-
Thadd Blazevich: HARUKA GETS THE SHOULDER UP! CYNTHIA WAS ABOUT A SECOND AWAY FROM THE WIN OUT OF NOWHERE, BRO!! That woulda been huge heading into that Wicked Games match!
Persephone: I am upset this match is still going and we have so many damn people at ringside.
Thadd Blazevich: Many people have vested interest in this match, bro. But Cynthia pulls Haruka back to her feet and whips her to the ropes, BUT HARUKA REVERSES!
Rich Russillo: Cynthia comes back off the ropes AND BOTH WOMEN GO FOR CLOTHESLINES AND HIT! Both competitors are down as the referee starts a count.
Persephone: We can only wonder if either of them will move. Of course this referee is going to take their sweet ass time to count them both out.
Rich Russillo: As the referee is counting, both Ashlynn and Jamie are wanting to get back into this match and their respective partners are starting to crawl to their corners. The question is which competitor will make it to their corner first.
Persephone: Neither. The referee will pick up the pace and finally count them out.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s a neck and neck race to their corners as it looks like Haruka is going to be first to her corner–
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Haruka tags in Jamie and Jamie is running right to the other corner to stop Cynthia from making the tag–
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: JAMIE WAS TOO LATE AND CYNTHIA TAGS IN ASHLYNN! Ashlynn is like a ball of fire now that she is back in the match as she climbs to the top rope–
Persephone: HURRICANRANA FROM THE TOP ROPE BUT THIS BITCH JUST CAN’T GET THE COVER LOCKED IN!
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie is quickly back to her feet AND ASHLYNN WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK TO JAMIE’S FACE! Jamie is able to fall over to the ropes to stay on her feet as Ashlynn gets onto the second rope–
Rich Russillo: METEORA BY ASHLYNN! Jamie is down as Ashlynn runs over to Haruka AND HITS A RUNNING PUMP KICK SENDING HARUKA OFF THE APRON!
Persephone: Ha. She hits the floor with a thud. Do it again. The sound amused me.
Rich Russillo: Haruka is down on the floor as Ashlynn turns around and focuses her attention on Jamie who has just made it back to her feet–
Persephone: SPEAR!! THIS BITCH ACTUALLY REMEMBERED SOMETHING DECENT! THE SPEAR FROM MY GIRL VEENA! It’s nowhere near as good as hers, but ehh what can you do when you are this low in the energy pool with this crap match.
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie was almost torn in half off the “Bestie Spear”, bro, and Ashlyn immediately goes for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Rich Russillo: JAMIE BARELY GETS THE SHOULDER UP AT TWO! VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL FOR ASHLYNN WHO ALMOST WON THE MATCH THERE FOR HER TEAM! That was an excellent hot tag, as you can tell Ashlynn was waiting for the chance to finally get into this!
Thadd Blazevich: Now Ashlynn brings Jamie back to her feet and starts throwing forearms in her face and forcing her back into the corner.
Persephone: All the while, we have a team watching in the crowd and two teams watching from ringside. All because of the dumb bitches from Dynasty. Are they hoping they win or hoping they lose? Not that I care either way.
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn backs up to the opposite corner AND RUNS FULL SPEED BACK TOWARDS JAMIE AND LEAVES HER FEET AND HITS THE BRONCO BUSTER IN THE CORNER! BRO, GIDDY UP!
Rich Russillo: Well that is certainly one way to hit some offense.
Persephone: This is so disgusting. Thank gawd Gavin isn’t here or he would say something creepy and stupid.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn rolls back to get out of the corner as she pulls Jamie out of the corner and back to her feet.
Persephone: Ashlynn tries to set up Jamie for a Northern Lights Suplex, but Jamie is blocking it. Yawn.
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn is trying, BUT JAMIE OVERPOWERS ENOUGH TO COUNTER WITH A DDT!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn goes face first into the mat as Jamie pulls Ashlynn to her feet BEFORE RUNNING TO THE CORNER AND JAMIE DOES A SOMERSAULT AND SPIKES HER WITH THE “DESTINY CUTTER”!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn is down and possibly out as Jamie rolls her over for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
TTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: Ashlynn kicks out! OF COURSE SHE DOES!
Thadd Blazevich: Very close near fall for Jamie in this match as she about wins the match there as Jamie is waiting for Ashlynn to get exactly where she wants her. Jamie is yelling for Ashlynn to get up to her feet.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is slowly making it to her feet and has pushed herself to her knees–
Thadd Blazevich: THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED AS JAMIE COMES IN FOR THE “FIERCE KICK”–
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN AVOIDS THE AXE KICK AT THE LAST SECOND AND PULLS HER IN FOR A ROLLUP–
Thadd Blazevich: Jamie is able to roll through and prevents a count from being started.
Persephone: What the hell is Haruka doing trying to get into the ring?
Thadd Blazevich: Haruka is trying to run interference, BUT HERE COMES CYNTHIA WITH THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE THAT TAKES HARUKA OFF OF HER FEET! That was great from Cynthia right there, bro!
Rich Russillo: While the referee is telling Cynthia to get back to her corner, both Ashlynn and Jamie get back to their feet AND ASHLYNN FIRES FIRST WITH A SUPERKICK TO JAMIE’S JAW!
Persephone: Alright. Now let’s see some bloodshed.
Rich Russillo: Persephone, you know that it’s probably not going to happen.
Persephone: Shut up.
Thadd Blazevich: Meanwhile, everyone is watching and wondering if Haruka and Jamie will fall in this match here before they have two big matches in the upcoming weeks. Now, Ashlynn helps Jamie gets back to her feet and she yells for Cynthia to come here.
Persephone: Ohh this is going to be stupid. Ashlynn has Jamie in a Full Nelson and tells Cynthia to get her. SO CYNTHIA GOES FOR THE “SHY FLASH”!
Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND! JAMIE DUCKS THE SPINNING HEEL KICK AT THE LAST SECOND AND CYNTHIA HITS ASHLYNN ON ACCIDENT AND TAKES HER DOWN! OH NO!!
Persephone: WHAT AN IDIOT! I KNEW SHIT LIKE THIS WOULD HAPPEN! It was only a matter of time.
Thadd Blazevich: We can’t read the expressions on the other teams’ faces so we can only wonder what they are thinking about right now.
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile, that was a horrible miscue by Cynthia as she just kicked her partner in the head. Jamie rushes in AND HITS A SUPERKICK KNOCKING CYNTHIA THROUGH THE ROPES AND ONTO THE APRON AS JAMIE GOES TO HER CORNER–
(TAG!)
Persephone: Now the other bitch gets tagged in.
Thadd Blazevich: Haruka is legal in the match now as Ashlynn is trying to recover and get back to her feet, bro.
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN GETS KICKED IN THE HEAD ONCE AGAIN OFF THE CRESCENT KICK FROM HARUKA! ASHLYNN IS DOWN! CYNTHIA IS OFF THE MAT! AND HARUKA GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(The bell rings and ‘Human Graduation’ by mercuro starts to play as Haruka rolls off of Ashlynn and Jamie enters the ring as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match.)
Bella Braxton: Here are your winners! The team of JAMIE VALDEZ AND HARUKA KASHIMASHI!
Rich Russillo: This was a great tag team match that could have gone either way, but it was just a case of bad luck that sealed the fate of one of the teams.
Persephone: It was stupidity. Plain and simple.
(The referee raises Haruka and Jamie’s arms in victory as they leave the ring and Cynthia has helped Ashlynn to her feet. Cynthia is apologizing and Ashlynn isn’t happy at the moment.)
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Ashlynn is looking pretty pissed right now. It was a misunderstanding. Simple as that.
Persephone: You are freaking simple, moron. Her partner screwed everything up and lost the match for them.
(Cynthia is trying to plead her case and apologize to Ashlynn….)
(Until….)
Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND! ASHLYNN JUST STRUCK CYNTHIA AND TOOK HER DOWN WITH A FOREARM! SHE DRAGS CYNTHIA UP, BEFORE PLANTING HER WITH RED BOTTOMS!!! CYNTHIA GOES DOWN, AND YOU CAN TELL ASHLYNN ISN’T HAPPY ABOUT WHAT JUST WENT DOWN!!
Persephone: Wow. She really does suck at being a decent person doesn’t she? Eh, not that I blame her this time.
Thadd Blazevich: Now Carmen and Avril have slid into the ring to help their friend Cynthia– BUT WAIT A SECOND!!
Rich Russillo: LOOK! HARUKA AND JAMIE HAVE ENTERED THE RING AND THEY HAVE JUST ATTACKED AVRIL AND CARMEN FROM BEHIND!
Persephone: Things only get interesting when the bell rings.
Rich Russillo: JAMIE SENDS CARMEN SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST, MEANWHILE HARUKA DRAGS AVRIL UP AND SENDS HER INTO THE ROPES!!
Thadd Blazevich: BEFORE FLOORING HER WITH THE CRESCENT KICK!!!
(Ashlynn Quinn rolls out of the ring, looking a bit surprised seeing a brawl break out between the tag teams. However, it has nothing to do with her, so she just walks away, beginning to head up the ramp, still disappointed about the loss.)
Thadd Blazevich: THEY ARE PICKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF LAST WEEK AND THESE TWO TEAMS WILL MEET WITH THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE LINE AT WICKED GAMES!
(Avril and Carmen are down and out as the crowd is booing Haruka and Jamie roll out of the ring and they walk over to BRAE and Cy in the crowd and they have a staredown while Bethany and TLA are simply watching on.)
Rich Russillo: Well things have just got interesting. Next week, we have BRAE and Cy against Haruka and Jamie in a tag team Tornado Taipei Deathmatch. Then at Wicked Games, La Farmacia Sexual will defend the titles against BOTH Valdez and Kashimashi as well as Avril and Carmen. What battles those are going to be.
(The final shot shows Jamie and Haruka still staring down BRAE and Cy as Bethany and TLA watch on as the camera shot fades elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Dynasty’s House of Glass.)
(Voltage fades to a more secluded backstage area, off from the interview area, and more of a storage area for spare equipment boxes and production crates. Standing in front of one of them, looking a little bit irritated, is Auburn Ware. She’s with a man, slender in nature wearing baggy jeans, a band T-shirt, and sporting a man bun. This man is none other than EAW social media content creator, Asher Stevenson. He’s also Auburn’s ex-boyfriend, although they had only briefly dated not long after she signed with the company. For the most part, they had remained friendly and after Pain for Pride, Auburn had found herself hanging out with Asher a little bit more. He’s the very reason she had discovered the world of sex clubs after Damon had given her a taste of something she didn’t even know she wanted, let alone NEEDED. Asher, unfortunately, was also the reason Auburn had been at that fraternity party a few weeks ago that could have very well ended up in utter disaster had it not been for the aforementioned Damon. As the scene comes more into focus, Auburn’s body language is negative, with clear tension in her shoulders and her face looks troubled. For his part, Asher looks sheepish, almost apologetic. He reaches out to pull Auburn into a competing embrace, but she immediately pushes him away.)
Auburn Ware: You have to understand that I absolutely don’t want anyone touching me right now.. not after everything that happened. He DRUGGED me, Asher. He was going to… to… r-rape me. You were supposed to be there!
(Asher raked a distressed hand down his jaw and started to pace just a bit.)
Asher Stevenson: I told you what happened! I was caught up at the damn ToXXXin meet and greet. I tried to get someone to cover for me so I could bail but no one was free! Why did you take a drink from him anyway?
(Auburn’s jaw dropped. She took a few precious seconds to absorb the words that had just come from Asher’s mouth and unable to help herself, her eyes pricked with tears.)
Auburn Ware: Riiiight. It’s my fault. It’s my fault because I took a drink from someone…
(As the scenario continues to play itself out, Auburn can immediately sense a familiar presence stepping himself into the scene, as he is preordained with his own conspicuous look on his face as he processes the presence of another person other than Auburn herself in this particular instance.)
Damon Lazarus: …?
(A LUNGE transpires, as Damon’s palm latches around the throat of Asher, unceremoniously shoving him into the wall with immediate effect, looking down upon him with disdain.)
Damon Lazarus: You have to be a moron… Even thinking that you could pull a stupid little stunt like this… Knowing that I’d be in this goddamn building…
(A gasp escapes from Auburn’s lips but instead of intervening, she remains in her place. Asher’s eyes are full of fear as Damon squeezes hard enough to almost cut off his air supply.)
Asher Stevenson: I… I… a-a-apolo-
(Asher can barely get the words out because he’s also trying to breathe. He claws at Damon’s hand and gives Auburn a look of sheer desperation. She bites down on her bottom lip and turns away, hugging herself tightly. She had already placed enough blame on herself for what happened to her, but to hear someone else do so cut her pretty deeply. She chokes back a sob and finally turns around.)
Auburn Ware: Maybe it is my fault for taking a drink from a stranger, b-but I wouldn’t have done so if my friend had been there when, when he said he would be there… I didn’t ask for this… I didn’t…
Damon Lazarus: I’m sure….
(Damon simply glares upon him with enhanced disdain, his palm constricts a bit more deeply around his neck as his eyes squint, before lifting him upward, off of the floor with the hold alone.)
Damon Lazarus: I will only say this once…. You caught me in a better mood than I’d usually be… Get out. Stay out of every event in any capacity, and most of all… Stay away from her. If you don’t, you won’t be the first to be sent to a morgue…
(Asher gives another terrified look at Auburn, but she’s retreated towards the corner. Her heart is racing at this point and as is usual when she is in Damon’s presence, her emotions have started to overwhelm her. She hears a thud and then some muffled cries of pain. At this point, she’s sunk down on her haunches and has allowed her wavy dark hair to fall around her as she buries her face against her knees. She takes multiple deep breaths, desperate to find one single feeling to hang on too and that’s when Asher lets out a groan of pain.)
Asher Stevenson: I-I’m s—
(He starts coughing and choking, Auburn finally looks up. She stares at Damon with big, wide eyes and sniffles. Then she looks at Asher, sighing.)
Auburn Ware: Now you are…
(Damon looks upon him with reserved dismay, as he exhales deeply while rolling his own shoulders briefly, before his attention soon turns toward Auburn, as he breathes inward.)
Damon Lazarus: …Tch.
(A scoff follows from Damon, as he proceeds to motion toward Auburn, and he takes her hand with a firm palm, pulling her inward & stepping into further secluded parameters of the backstage area where no other soul would frequent, off into a more dimly lit space of the empty halls and toward a corner.)
Damon Lazarus: You… What goes through your own skull, still acclimating yourself around the presence of these idiots…?
(Unable to help herself, Auburn gives Damon’s hand a squeeze before she pulls it away, having to remind herself that no matter if he stands up for her or not, he still laid her out last week and there’s a lot of unspoken words between the two of them at the moment.)
Auburn Ware: Can you spare me the dad lecture for once?
(Despite the flippancy of her words, her eyes betrayed her.)
Auburn Ware: You don’t have to fight on my behalf. I can handle myself, thank you very much. Why were you lurking around anyway?
Damon Lazarus: After the bullshit that I just saw, it seems I’ve got more than enough reason to keep such a keen eye on you.
(Damon stood before her, an encompassing shadow over her in the corner of the empty expanse of the backstage area that is sectioned off from the usual noise of the venue. He then chuckled to himself, glancing off briefly as he shook his own head.)
Damon Lazarus: It’s just, all too comical for me personally. You’d think after this tooth-pick shaped bastard dragged you into these situations in the first place, it would be in your best interest to, I don’t know, get away from the moron…? Or does your critical thinking suddenly fade around dipshits you used to feel something for??
(A glare crossed Auburn’s face.)
Auburn Ware: I’m still standing here and entertaining you for God knows what reason, so yeah, asshole. I guess it does fucking fail me.
(The familiar anger that is usually associated with Damon comes flooding back to Auburn.)
Auburn Ware: And you know what? Fuck you. If you hadn’t treated me like a piece of trash in the first place and decided you wanted to fuck Saori, maybe I wouldn’t have fallen off the deep end and gone looking for my own source of entertainment. The one incident aside, the trouble I found wasn’t exactly that bad, if you get my drift.
(A seductive, teasing smile replaced the glare, which was something new for Auburn. Despite the fact she was lying through her teeth, having let no man truly touch her, Damon didn’t need to know that.)
Auburn Ware: You didn’t expect me to just sit around and fucking mourn you, did you? Your ego is out of control, but even YOU can’t be that stupid to think I couldn’t just, snap MY fucking fingers, get whoever I wanted!
(Damon allows for another brief chuckle to emerge, nodding to her words as a small grin forms while glancing off from her.)
Damon Lazarus: Is that so…?
(Before Auburn could answer—Damon turns her right around without pause, and his firmness can be felt as he takes ownership of her wrists, holding them behind her back & entrapping a palm around them as he keeps her situated accordingly, with his other palm taking hold of her hair to have her head face downward into the corner.)
Damon Lazarus: And what gives you any right to talk back to the man who saved you from the worst that could’ve come…? I firmly believe I have every reason to dictate what you can’t & can’t do under those circumstances… Who are you to say otherwise, huh…?”
(The tight grip on her hair causes Auburn to instinctively jerk, which causes further pain to shoot through her scalp. Another reflex for her is to push her backside against Damon, trying to force him back. The more she struggles, the angrier she gets because despite Damon’s words having SOME merit, Auburn feels as if the debt has been paid.)
Auburn Ware: And I THANKED YOU for that! But does that mean you own me? You can just boss me around? It doesn’t work like that, Damon! Besides, what about what I did for you and your stupid whore at War Games?!?
(Auburn struggles against his grip on her wrists—which continues to falter as she spouts further.)
Auburn Ware: I fucking sacrificed myself for you and someone who would have NEVER done the same for me. I think I have MORE than made up for the fact I put the team in jeopardy, and I did my best for you last week too… S-So don’t you fucking dare act like we have anything left other than the stupid idea you threw out about a match! Now let me GO.
(Damon seems to enjoy Auburn’s ample protests all the more, his hold refusing to cease as her backside pressed itself against him with prominence, as he gazed upon her smaller frame.)
Damon Lazarus: You seem confused… You really believe that it ends with simply being thanked, for throwing your life on the line in a match where sacrifice is to be expected… Right… Of course you’d believe that…
(Damon’s palm leaves her hair, as it proceeds to motion down to her backside, as he situates his palm sparingly, before giving a brief pat along her rear as she’s kept in place through her wrists.)
Damon Lazarus: Not how that works… Not how it’ll ever work, ‘cause I don’t expect debts to be paid through mandatory circumstances… You simply followed my lead… You did what I knew you would do…
(Another pat follows, as Damon’s breaths are levied sparingly while having Auburn precisely where he wants.)
Damon Lazarus: And the audacity of you to believe that would be the end of it…
(Auburn whimpers a little bit as she attempts to twists her wrists to get them free. She feels her face heat and a warmth to spread through her body, which immediately causes her to hang her head.)
Auburn Ware: But why wouldn’t it?
(Her voice is noticeably lower, and unknowingly, she’s stopped trying to pull her hands free. Auburn’s breathing has increased as her heart is pounding. She’s aware of the vulnerable position she’s in, and it shames her that she’s not afraid, despite having every reason in the world to be afraid of someone like Damon Lazarus.)
Auburn Ware: I d-did what you asked and…
(She presses her face against the wall, needing something, anything to try and cool her off. She was hot and it felt so wrong, and her fingers twitched against her own palms. The grip of Damon’s hand would leave marks on her, marks she was ready to inspect and daydream about. Her backside pushed against him once more with need, and she moaned, much to her own embarrassment.)
Damon Lazarus: …’Suppose you did.
(Damon’s palms steadily roam free from employing much of the touch upon her—yet, his presence remains incredibly close to her, as he settles his head closer to over her shoulder, and motions her hair away to garner a much more prominent look of her face from his angle.)
Damon Lazarus: And now, you’re gonna continue to do what I ask, and that leaves our match in our own hands… You will march down that ramp, and enter that ring, and look across from me. ‘Cause that’s what I expect out of you… Isn’t that clear…
(Auburn turns her face just slightly, looking at him through heavy lidded eyes that show just how desperate and needy she is for the man who turned her entire world upside down. She lets out a shaky breath and cast her eyes downward.)
Auburn Ware: ……W-what are you going to do to me, Damon…?
(She wasn’t sure if she should ask, or even want for more. Auburn gives a little tug at her hands, but it’s simply for her this time, just wanting to feel his strength and how much bigger and stronger he is than her.)
Auburn Ware: ……Why are you…. still interested… or did…. did you ever even stop……?
Damon Lazarus: …That’ll be all.
(Damon let’s go, as he turns himself away from her, his arms crossing as he expels a breath in visible constraints. A low scowl seeps through, breathing steadily with a flex of the jaw.)
Damon Lazarus: What you should be far more concerned about, is what you will be capable of doing, to me…
(All of a sudden Auburn felt cold all over. Goosebumps broke out across her bare arms and she shivered. The loss of Damon’s heat and his closeness to her, his evasiveness and refusal to give her any direct answers to whether or not he felt ANYTHING close to what she felt was enough to push her to her brink again. Without any warning, she shoved into Damon from behind, with every bit of force she had.)
Auburn Ware: Do you realize what a loaded statement that is?? I think you know good and goddamn well what I’m actually capable of!!! ‘Cause even if you don’t want to admit it—I KNOW you feel SOMETHING! Do you wanna know what I’d like to truly do to you!?!?!?
(Auburn steps in front of him and grabs his arm, as Damon’s brow raises while glaring down to her.)
Damon Lazarus: The hell are you—
(She brings his hand to her mouth and takes two of his fingers into her mouth. She sucks on them for a second, casting herself in the position of obedience, one Damon is familiar with to varying degrees—as a wicked glare in her eyes and she bites down on his fingers as hard as she can.)
Auburn Ware: Make you feel EVERY FUCKED UP THING YOU’VE MADE ME FEEL—
(SMACK!!!)
(Damon allows for a swift backhand to follow through, directly across the cheek of Auburn as she stumbles back & into the wall, with Damon shaking his own hand as blood trickles from his index finger while glaring toward her.),
Damon Lazarus: You’ve grown a hell of a lot more bold, I can see that much… But you’re gonna temper yourself ‘till we get to that fuckin’ match. I could’ve made this real easy for MYSELF, and doing away with you without giving you the opportunity to face me… But here we are…
(He gives a small grunt he balls up his palm into a fist, looking toward her.)
Damon Lazarus: It doesn’t matter what I believe. Deep down, all that matters is what we do when that bell rings… Quell your thoughts, and keep your shit together ‘till then.
(Auburn looks at Damon, and for a moment time seems to stop between the two. Their eyes never leave one another, not even as Auburn brings her hand to her cheek. It’s hot to the touch and sure to bruise, and all she can do is just nod. Her eyes narrow in Damon’s direction and her tongue runs across her lips.)
Auburn Ware: Fine. You want this and now, so do I. Pick the stip and you’ll abso-fucking-lutely get the absolute worst of me. Dick.
(Auburn practically spit that final insult at Damon, her chest heaving in anger and something else she hadn’t felt in a long time; confidence.)
Damon Lazarus: …
(Damon breathes in deeply, his head lowering to shut his own eyes briefly, as he slowly nods to himself before speaking once more in repressed disgruntlement.)
Damon Lazarus: …..It’s funny… As I recall, I made mention of placing a lead on you…
(Damon settles a palm along his own chin, as he shifts away & turns slightly, with a glance toward her.)
Damon Lazarus: Guess that’ll come true… Dog Collar it is.
(Auburn’s eyes reflexively widen, as a small tinge of fear emerges from the glint in her gaze—despite this, she breathes deeply, as she glances off for a moment, recollecting all of her thoughts, all of her emotions coalescing as she finds her willpower strong enough to gaze back up toward him.)
(And she gives a nod.)
Damon Lazarus: ….Tch.
(Damon turns, and he walks himself away as he shakes off the hand that Auburn bit the finger of, leaving Auburn to steadily catch her own breath, looking toward his direction with renewed focus as the scene fades.)
(The camera returns to ringside, fading towards the stage as ‘Burn Victim’ by Methwitch begins to play. As the camera slowly pans closer, Eris Morti begins to walk out, sporting a microphone as she makes her way to the stage. Eris maintains the composure she showed after her match last week, which was unusual after Raven Roberts cost her a match against Cynthia Valice. Eris walks down the ramp, taking her time as she heads to the ring.)
Persephone: Alright, what is this? What could Eris Morti of all people possibly be doing with a microphone?
Rich Russillo: Well, I guess we’ll find out. Last week Raven Roberts attacked her leading to Cynthia Valice getting the victory, but what was strange was that nothing further came out of it. Given how heated things have already become between them, the lack of action was almost worrying.
Thadd Blazevich: Hey dude, we never know what someone like Eris is thinking, anyway. Honestly, I’m glad we’ll actually be hearing it straight from her for once.
(Eris slides into the ring, getting back to her feet as her entrance music fades out. Eris looks at the crowd for a moment, but she doesn’t say anything. Rather than addressing the crowd, she actually turns her attention away, walking towards the ropes and sitting on the middle rope, staring towards the stage with a small smirk on her face.)
Eris Morti: Raven… that was quite a shot last week. You really don’t like me, do you?
(Eris’ grin widens with amusement.)
Eris Morti: Now I know you’re busy and you have a really nice match to prepare for, but I believe it’s time for us to have a little chat, and I’d like to get this done sooner rather than later. Come on out, Raven. Unless of course, you’d prefer that I come find you.
(Eris waits, until ‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE begins to play. This brings out loud cheers, as Raven Roberts begins walking out. Raven is already carrying a microphone, and she begins to walk down the ramp, not showing any amusement as she stares at Morti. Raven doesn’t waste time as she makes it to ringside.)
Rich Russillo: Raven Roberts is on her way out, and at this point she has to be fed up. Raven’s had the up on Eris for the last few weeks, but that fact may only cause things to get even worse.
Thadd Blazevich: Well whatever game Eris wants to play, I don’t think Raven’s going for it. She has a pretty big match coming later tonight. I don’t think she should risk getting into it again, bro.
Persephone: Right, she should go back up the ramp and leave so I don’t have to see Raven Roberts *twice* tonight.
(Raven walks up the steel steps, while Eris gets off of the ropes, waiting for her to enter the ring. As Raven steps through the ropes her entrance music begins to fade out, leaving the two women in the ring having a tense staredown. As Raven raises her microphone to speak, a slightly annoyed look crosses her face.)
Raven Roberts: If I ever had plans to run or hide from you, do you really think I’d have been out there kicking your head off last week?
(The look on Eris’ face doesn’t change as she remains silent, just staring at Raven.)
Raven Roberts: Just say it, Eris. You made the effort to come out here yourself instead of waiting to be called out or picking an opportunity to try and blindside me, so I’m sure you have some sort of reason for it. Don’t waste my time.
Eris Morti: You know what the reason is.
Raven Roberts: Do I?
Eris Morti: You do, because right now I believe what you want and what I want are not so different. You threw me into the electrical equipment only two weeks ago. You even paid me a visit last week, just so you could kick me in the face and hand Cynthia a victory. There really is only one destination for the two of us, and I’m sure by this point you already have an idea of what our destination is.
(Raven doesn’t respond to this, choosing to not even entertain that comment. At this point she’s fed up with everything she’s dealt with thanks to Eris, and at this point is ready to just get this over with, and hear whatever point she is planning to make.)
Eris Morti: So what do you say, Raven?
(Eris slowly approaches Raven, the grin on her face widening to an almost sinister extent as she continues to look up at the Hall of Famer, tilting her head as she stops just in front of her.)
Eris Morti: Let’s have a good time. Just the two of us, at Wicked Games.
(This causes a loud reaction to come from the fans, who of course would love to see a match between these two after everything they’ve already done to each other. At this point there’s not much for Raven to need to think about, as if there’s one thing Eris was right about, it’s that Raven knew it’d come to this eventually.)
Raven Roberts: Alright, I accept.
(The cheers from the fans grow even louder, but before Eris could respond, Raven continues.)
Raven Roberts: Let’s be clear though, I’m not doing any of this so I can help you out. Like I told you, I’m not going to cater to you or whatever game you think you’ve been hoping to play. I didn’t attack you two weeks ago or screw you over last week so you could come out here and spit out meaningless compliments, I did it so you understood that I am not settling for anything other than you being laid out on the mat. What you and I want are two different things. They always have been, and if you think weeks of you trying to get into my head is going to change that, you really don’t know me as well as you think. This match doesn’t mean to me whatever it means to you. To me, it’s not a shot at another bloodbath. It’s not an opportunity for more fun. It’s a chance to end this, be done with you, and move on with my career.
Raven Roberts: You can have your fun for now, but when this match ends you won’t have that smile on that face, nor will you be expressing whatever enjoyment you think you’ll find in our match. You’ll be right here, laid out on the mat while I stand over you with my hand raised. That’s it.
Eris Morti: I like the confidence.
Raven Roberts: I beat you once. Do I have any reason to believe that mindgames, antics and fights aside, I can’t do it again?
(This time, it’s Raven who develops a smirk.)
Raven Roberts: Especially when thanks to you, I now know that I’ll be spending tonight fighting to earn an advantage for *our* match.
(The fans cheer. Eris doesn’t respond to this, but the grin has been wiped off of her face, as if she already has an idea of what Raven means by this.)
Raven Roberts: I’m not like you, Eris. It’s not enough that I have a tough match, even if it doesn’t get me anywhere, it doesn’t go how I planned and it doesn’t result in my victory. I’m not here just to live for the moment. I have goals I plan to achieve this season and if you’re going to stand in the way of that, I’m going to take you out regardless of what it takes for me to do so. Now I’m sure the thought has already crossed your mind, so you can imagine what that may mean for me when I leave Voltage with an advantage for our match. Any advantage that I want, and one that I will gladly take. This doesn’t *have* to be fair, Eris. You stopped caring about respect when you screwed me over against Igon, so I don’t need to do this your way, or play your game. You’ll be playing mine, so who knows? Maybe Wicked Games *won’t* be the big, explosive war you were looking for. It might just be something you find far more frustrating.
Raven Roberts: I’m here to win and continue furthering my legacy. The biggest mistake you could’ve made was trying to get in the way of that right when everything is falling into place for me.
(With the fans continuing to cheer, Raven stops speaking, having said everything she needed to say. There’s silence inside of the ring, as Eris just stares into the eyes of Raven, with an unreadable expression on her face after the Hall of Famer’s words. Both women stand their ground in the center of the ring, and the staredown isn’t broken until Eris’ eyes slowly begin to shift away from Raven’s face, as if curiously studying her Wicked Games opponent right in front of her. Raven doesn’t lose her focus, not letting Eris get to her, especially knowing that she could end the night with any kind of advantage she wants for their match. However, as Eris raises her microphone to speak, she can’t help but smile.)
Eris Morti: You know, Raven… It really would be *so* easy for me to attack you right now.
(There is a mixed response from the crowd, not expecting that kind of statement after everything Raven said. Eris continues to observe Raven, pausing for a moment until she finally looks Raven in the eyes once more.)
Eris Morti: It’s tempting, but I won’t. You have your match to worry about. Let’s see what you’ve got.
(Eris licks her lips as she stares at Raven, until finally she turns away, walking past her as she goes to exit the ring. ‘Burn Victim’ begins to play once more as Eris steps out of the ring, meanwhile Raven, despite some clear irritation after those last words, keeps a determined look on her face ahead of tonight’s main event, keeping every intention of winning tonight, and at Wicked Games putting her business with Eris behind her for good.)
Persephone: I’m uncomfortable.
Rich Russillo: Well, I think we knew when she came out here that Eris wanted something with Raven, and it looks like they’ll officially be facing off one on one at Wicked Games! For now Eris seems content with playing her games with Raven, but should Raven win the advantage in the main event, that might all go out the window.
Thadd Blazevich: This whole thing’s been crazy, but I guess we’ll need to wait and see just how much crazier it can get. I wonder what Raven would do with the advantage.
(Raven Roberts remains in the ring, just watching as Eris Morti walks up the ramp, heading to the back. With this final shot of Raven, prepared for her match later tonight, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Voltage fades out to the backstage interviewing area, where Sofia Clarke dons a bright smile as always, camera focused firmly on her expression, so as to not give away her guest on this occasion.)
Sofia Clarke: Tonight has certainly been what I would call one of the most incendiary episodes of Voltage of the season. The twists and turns came in numbers, and the world has been left buzzing! Just earlier in the night, Daniella Atlas shocked the world when she relinquished her EAW World Championship opportunity in favor of competing against her ToXXXin teammates in a three-way clash with the Universal Women’s Championship on the line!
Sofia Clarke: This sent ripples both across socials, and inside of the Voltage locker room. There’s been murmurs everywhere you’d go tonight, and I’d like to welcome my guest at this time to speak on this development…
(The camera zooms out, slowly panning to the side, and upwards, revealing a mighty figure.)
Sofia Clarke: Hans Grayson!
(The crowd from all the way in the arena explodes with cheers! The EAW World Champion has a firm hold on his championship, even when he isn’t dressed for a fight— he’s embraced his role as the champion, it’s become every fiber of his being to be the fighting champions both the fans and the hungry wrestlers of Voltage deserve. It means the world to him…)
(…Which is why, Hans is rather put off by somebody dropping out of a challenge, in favor of a different championship.)
Sofia Clarke: Hans, thank you for your time. The fans were itching to get your thoughts on this, and I certainly had to go to a bit of trouble to get you for this.
(Sofia holds the microphone up to Hans. Politely, Hans takes the microphone himself.)
Hans Grayson: Ah— Well, I’m sorry for the trouble. As long as I give the fans what they want, there’s no world where I could ever tell them no. Now, with the whole Daniella situation… Look, Sofia, I’m not the happiest. My championship pride tells me I should not be. After all, if you give the situation a quick glance, it just looks like someone opted to fight for a championship that isn’t the one I hold, which makes it seem as if my championship isn’t the most prestigious one there is to win. So, in that regard, you could say I’m a little hurt…
Hans Grayson: However, the events happening with ToXXXin seem to be bigger than any championship—mine and Minerva’s alike—and instead it is about settling a personal score that had been unleashed over the past month. I understand the situation, I’ve had my run-ins with ToXXXin, and suffice it to say, I did not expect them to crumble at the first sight of failure given the hype they surrounded themselves with. I cannot blame Daniella for standing up to a friend. I cannot blame her for wanting to make something right. And, she did get the blessing to do so from Captain Charisma to make this official, therefore I cannot really object, now can I?
Hans Grayson: Yet after everything that’s transpired — and as Daniella acknowledged before, the scarce chance of us truly having a face-to-face to pick at our brains never even coming to be is something I am definitely frustrated with. Well, “frustrated” isn’t exactly the right word, I guess you could say I just longed for the opportunity to face an opponent as unique as her! Out of my own volition, I gave everybody a shot at Wicked Games, and I absolutely wanted to defeat Kai, Jay, *and Daniella* in the middle of that ring— so for this opportunity to be gone so suddenly? Yeah, it stings a bit. But there’s bigger things in the world than my own ego, you know?
Sofia Clarke: Humble as always, Hans. So, the invitation is still out for Daniella in the future?
Hans Grayson: Absolutely! Maybe once Wicked Games is over, we’ll get the chance to face off. Perhaps if she even puts an end to Minerva’s reign, we could fight it out in a Champion vs. Champion match!
Sofia Clarke: Wow! That sounds like an instant classic waiting to happen, though I need to ask, you’re almost making it sound like you’re guaranteeing you’ll walk out of Wicked Games still the EAW World Champion.
Hans Grayson: Well, look, nothing is guaranteed, so excuse the arrogance. But when I look at Kai and Jay, I see two desperate men on the verge of collapse. Living out the consequences of their actions. Despite the score indeed being unsettled with us, I think Jay is focused far too much on that moment, and presents himself in a far too bitter manner, which is always what bit him. In the main event he has a chance to earn an advantage, maybe that will push his chances over the edge, who knows? But what I know is that my flame burns regardless! Jay is no pushover, neither is young Kai, and maybe it’s personal pride, but I cannot let this championship fall into the hands of Kai. He’s been the most despicable man on this roster, and if my disapproval for his actions doesn’t speak loudly enough, then the impulsive way in which he has carried himself since losing the Hardcore Championship tells you exactly why he shouldn’t hold this title. Armstrong possessed the virtue of patience. That’s one page out of his book young Kai forgot to take, and that impulsivity will be what costs him.
Hans Grayson: With everything these two guys have done… I have no intention of letting either one of them take this championship from me.
(Hans nods with unbridled confidence. He gives Sofia the microphone back, signaling he’s got everything off his chest.)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you kindly for your time, Hans. Back to you Rich— OH—
**CRACK!!!**
(Sofia runs from the scene, quickly. Hans plummets to the ground, and the championship along with him.)
???: Ascension awaits, Grayson…
(A hand grabs a hairful of Hans’ blonde hair, raising it up as blood begins to pour on the grey concrete.)
**CRACK!!**
(A cinder block breaks in half, grey dust exploding over the head of the EAW World Champion. More blood pours. The hand’s grip never let go.)
(It could not let go.)
(He could not let go.)
(Hans glances upward.)
Hans Grayson: (panting) Kai— you—
Kai Rabeaux: NNGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!
**SMACK!!**
(A full-throttle fist knocks the side of Hans’ head. His eyes closed shut. Kai Rabeaux was over him, a dimension of complete wrath reflected in his eyes.)
(With a bare fist, he lunges.)
**SMACK!!**
**SMACK!!**
**SMACK!!**
**CRACK!!!!**
**SMACK!!!**
Kai Rabeaux: HNNNGGHHH—
(As Kai prepares for further onslaught, his hand is stopped. Then, quickly, many hands grab hold of him. Kai looks left and right. Security arrived. Restrained from his wrath, he attempts to fight back, but the numbers are overwhelming. Kai’s notoriety has grown to the point a horde of security is necessary to stop him.)
(Eventually, Kai realizes there is not much more he can do.)
(Still, a smirk dawns over his expression.)
(The damage was done. The EAW World Champion lays unconscious, a pool of blood pouring out of his head. Dirtying his light colored hair. The black leather strap of his championship scratched, and dirtied.)
(Last thing on his mind, were two words: “ascension awaits”.)
(The statement echoed in his comatose thoughts…)
(Voltage fades back to ringside.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues as we hear ‘Vordt of the Boreal Valley’ by Motoi Sakuraba begin to blast through the P.A. System. The crowd pours in a massive amount of boos toward the man making his way out, and it’s none other than Igon Mordren, who doesn’t look very happy as he makes his way down to the ring here tonight in Budapest. He’s wearing a black tracksuit, as the crowd continues to show their disapproval of the Warden himself.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME… IGON MORDREN!!
Rich Russillo: We’re almost two weeks away from Wicked Games live from Romania and Igon has a match lined up for him at that event. For some, even having a spot at a marquee event like this can be beneficial. But for someone like Igon Morden, he can’t exactly be pleased with dealing with the opponent he has been in constant battles with ever since they made their presence felt all the way back at Bloodsport.
Thadd Blazevich: Absolutely Rich! Ever since Reylin Aloali’i made his debut attacking Morden, they have both been on each other’s crosshairs, and finally, Eden Sinclair came out and told both of them that they will be able to settle things for good at Wicked Games, with the bonus that whoever wins will get a future Hardcore Championship opportunity. An enticing incentive between these two as the animosity has grown bigger and bigger, and last week’s tag match was an example of that, bro! But I now wonder who’ll prevail in a match like this.
Persephone: Does it really matter? Igon cares about the tradition of the “sport” and it is complete bullshit.
Thadd Blazevich: For once some fans may agree with you on that broski.
Persephone: Shut up nerd.
(Igon made his way to ringside before turning towards the stairs and making his way up. He wipes his feet on the apron before entering, signaling the tradition he holds as his music begins to fade off. He leans toward the outside of the ring and asks for a microphone, which gets delivered to him as the crowd continues with their boos. He stands in the middle of the ring as he begins speaking to everyone.)
Igon Mordren: I am not surprised whatsoever that I’m surrounded in this ring by pure simpletons! Digesting food that is only to be consumed by toddlers; that’s what everyone in this arena is!
(The crowd boo even more as Igon continues with his mocking.)
Igon Mordren: Budapest is a city filled with nothing but low-life individuals who can’t process someone who has the immense class that The Warden carries around! You share similar traits to the man that I will be facing at Wicked Games, someone who, quite frankly, just shouldn’t even be on my level to begin with, but he has forced himself into my proximity. He should have taken my offer to leave me alone and know his place… and instead, we’re having ourselves a one-on-one match at Wicked Games. Eden Sinclair issued this match between us with the winner earning themselves a future title opportunity and believe me when I say this… It’s embarrassing that Reylin has even lasted this long in this company, let alone be given the gratitude that he has in facing The Warden at Wicked Games.
(The crowd continues to show their disapproval as Igon ignores their reaction and continues.)
Igon Mordren: As the greatest wrestler walking on this earth, I have been subjected to constantly having to deal with that idiot when I should be competing for championships and fighting people who are actually on my level. Hell, they should have thrown my name in with those other competitors fighting for the world title, because I would have wiped the floor with every single one of them. As frustrating as dealing with someone like Reylin has been, and despite what may come from it when I defeat him soundly in this ring… if I were to waste my time with him, I wouldn’t want some barbaric nonsense to take place that any of you or any of those commentators could get a kick out of. No, I want a true wrestling match at Wicked Games, one that shows who is truly superior to the other instead of subjecting yourselves to the filth that bottom feeders enjoy. Do you imbeciles understand what I’m–
(Before Igon could say anything else, ‘SAME SH!T’ by Isaiah Rashad begins to play as Reylin Aloali’i comes out to a much more positive reaction compared to Igon. It seemed like he had enough of him talking as he made his way down to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Reylin has heard enough, and I’m sure everyone in this crowd is happy to see him stop Igon’s ranting. Even from what we saw last week, even when teaming together, they still couldn’t keep their composure as the match ended in a no contest with security breaking them up. Wicked Games looks to be the match where they finally end things, but Igon wants to still keep it traditional.
Thadd Blazevich: He doesn’t want that “barbaric” stuff I guess bro, just seems to me that Igon is being a baby right now, broski. He called us simpletons for enjoying those types of fights. He better watch what he is saying, bro.
Persephone: Why don’t you say that to his face, Thadd?
Thadd Blazevich: Say what?
Persephone: … Never mind.
(Reylin grabs a microphone near the steps as he climbs up and enters through the ropes. His music fades out as he speaks towards Igon.)
Reylin Aloali’i: Igon… please just shut your mouth for one moment. Everyone is sick of having to hear you whine and complain, crying about having to constantly deal with me. Like, what are you even talking about? It’s going to be barbaric regardless when you get your assed whooped up and down this whole arena when Wicked Games rolls around. You’re going to have to live with the fact that you’re going to get head busted open again the same way you did three weeks ago. I’m tired of you having your way and I’m tired of the constant complaining when it comes to me, so as much as you want to keep it traditional… it is going to be barbaric one way or another.
Igon Mordren: Listen to me… if you aren’t a coward then you would have no problem with the proposal I have in mind for this match.
(Reylin hears this as he answers back by saying…)
Reylin Aloali’i: Alright, fine. What is the proposal?
Igon Mordren: A submission match. Whoever gets the other man to tap or submit is declared the winner. But if you want to be a coward and not accept this for our match, then feel free. I will still make you tap if need be.
Reylin Aloali’i: Don’t worry, if setting the rules is the only chance you have to win this match, then I’m happy to give you that to make you happy. I accept. Regardless, it doesn’t change anything all that much though; I’m still going to leave you destroyed in that ring and kick your ass all over the arena in Romania. Whether that’s putting your head through that barricade, or that announcement table, or even that turnbuckle, this being a submission match won’t change a damn thing and I’ll make sure I make YOU tap out when it’s all said and done.
Igon Mordren: Are you really going to do that, Reylin? Do you honestly believe you’re going to make The Warden tap out to some pathetic hold you’ll have on me? I AM ONE OF THE BEST WRESTLERS WALKING THIS EARTH, you could try 100 different submissions on me and it still wouldn’t help you. You don’t stand a chance against me because as I said, you are not on my level and Wicked Games will prove just that.
Reylin Aloali’i: Does it look like I give any fucks? I will leave your ass the same way I have done several times before, having you looking up in the sky and realizing the Top Gun isn’t here to be complacent. I’m here to leave a statement, and when YOU’RE weak, when you’re about to fade out, I will put you in a submission and you won’t be able to complain any longer. You’ll be nothing more than a crybaby, then maybe… just maybe, it’ll prove that you belong with all the other New Breeds you make fun of.
(Igon hears this and a few moments go by before he ultimately drops his microphone, throwing a punch towards Reylin! Reylin throws one back as a brawl ignites between the two men.)
Rich Russillo: HERE WE GO!! FISTS ARE FLYING EVERYWHERE!! LEFTS AND RIGHTS ON DISPLAY FROM BOTH REYLIN AND IGOR AS THEIR DISLIKE FOR ONE ANOTHER COULDN’T BE WITHHELD!!
Thadd Blazevich: IGON BRO GOES FOR A HEADBUTT– BUT REYLIN DODGES IT AND DELIVERS WITH A HEADBUTT OF HIS OWN!! IGON IS STAGGERING IN THE RING AS REYLIN MAY HAVE THE SWITCHBLADE LOCKED AND LOADED TO USE AND–
Rich Russillo: BUT IGON DUCKS THE ATTEMPT AND– DELIVERS A KNIFE-EDGE CHOP TO REYLIN!! IT ECHOES IN THE ARENA AS– IGON GRABS A SLEEPERHOLD ON REYLIN!!! REYLIN’S EYES ARE FADING AS IGON DROPS TO THE GROUND STILL HOLDING ONTO REYLIN!!!
Igon Mordren: (off-mic) TAP OUT! TAP OUT RIGHT NOW!!!
Persephone: Wow.
Rich Russillo: IGON HAS THAT LOCKED IN, THE SLEEPER IS IN TIGHT AS IGON IS SCREAMING FOR REYLIN TO TAP OUT TO THIS SLEEPERHOLD AND– HE’S REFUSING TO TAP OUT, HE’LL NOT QUIT!! BUT HE CAN’T ESCAPE THE HOLD NO MATTER HOW HARD HE’S TRYING!!
Thadd Blazevich: He may be too stubborn to quit bro; Igon has it locked in tight as– REYLIN’S EYES ARE STARTING TO FADE OFF!! REYLIN IS PASSED OUT AS IGON LETS GO OF THE SUBMISSION!!
(Igon gets up and raises his arms as the crowd continues to boo him! He leaves the ring as other officials enter the ring to check on Reylin.)
Rich Russillo: They may not even have to get a tap out; if Igon does this to Reylin at Wicked Games, the win would be his. We’ll see how that will turn out for both men.
Thadd Blazevich: For sure Rich.
(The scene ends with Igon walking to the back as Sunday Night Voltage continues forward.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Igon Mordren and Reylin Aloalo’i compete in a submission match.)
(Voltage returns to a dire scene.)
(Flames continue to burn, rage on throughout this enduring act of torture. High above, the cage that traps Caroline stays, swaying back and forth, clearly unbalanced. Not much has changed since her previous interaction with Belial, she’s “thought” about it, but her mind has not changed to his way of thinking. Her resistance only serves to make things worse though… just like *his* does as well.)
(Jake Smith digs his boots into the ground, a brief, momentary pause during his trek up the arduous mountain with seemingly no end. An exhale escapes him, simply out of exhaustion, not out of any regret for what he has dragged himself into. He knew a long time ago that his freedom was something that was offered, but in a manner that was very unlike him to do, he rejected it. Unfortunately the being known as Caroline had too much control over his mind, he just didn’t know how he’d be able to live without her, so much so that he would embark on this impossible journey with the slightest chance of being able to walk away *together.*)
(Alas, Belial was never going to allow something like that to happen.)
(Something flew into the face of Jake, something that briefly staggered him for a moment. As he wiped his eyes, something proceeded to slam into his back. He stumbled forward, trying to make sense of what happened, as his eyes narrowed, seeing tiny imps flying around, pestering him and trying to stop him in place.)
(They continued to fly themselves into Jake, swarming around him like little gnats. He stopped in place; being forced to drop his knee down to the ground to stabilize himself. He struggled to fight, doing everything that he could in his already weakened and exhausted state to push back.)
(And even though his body was compromised, his mind was just too strong to quit.)
Jake Smith: NO!
(Jake gives a cry as he throws his arms into the air, freeing himself of the imps and sending them flying into the distance. He grits his teeth, pushing forward as he swats one of them away, clearly not at all perturbed at what just happened.)
(But that’s not all either, with one down, another arrived in its place. A small demon rushed forward and grabbed him by the arm, trying to drag him into the ground. As he tried to swing himself forward, forcing himself free, another came in and took him by the leg, beginning to sink him downward. Slowly, the ground began to cave, as if it was opening up for him and dragging him down, and more and more demons rushed toward him and tried to weigh him down, Jake crying as he mustered all his strength to resist.)
(Throughout it all, Caroline could do nothing but watch. She tried to look away, but despite her stoic nature, she could hardly hide how she felt as Jake continued to be slowly dragged into the ground, with no signs of escaping. For a moment she resisted saying anything, knowing exactly what was expected of her.)
(However… She couldn’t.)
Caroline: Belial…
(That was all she needed to say for the flames surrounding her cage to rise. A silhouette formed within the flames, until finally, Belial revealed himself. He appears amused as he sees the state of Caroline, knowing that despite her attempts to hide it from her face, she had clearly grown desperate.)
Belial: You’ve had enough of being forced to watch this, haven’t you?
(There’s no response from Caroline, which only serves to confirm Belial’s suspicion.)
Belial: Good, then I believe you already know what you must do. Forget about him. Abandon your sympathy for the mortal, and stand at my side once and for all.
(Caroline continued to watch. Jake tried to punch, kick and throw anything else he could to fend the demons off of him, but the creatures were unlike anything he had ever seen. Demons of multiple sizes, those with limbs beyond human limitations all began to swarm him, stopping him in his tracks and continuing to pull him down as it seemed his journey began to reach an abrupt end.)
Caroline: Stop this.
(Belial sighs.)
Belial: Have you not yet had enough of this?
Caroline: Have you not? You have done sufficient damage to him that he will not forget. I will not allow his torture to continue on.
(Belial stares at Caroline, with his own frustrations rising, knowing that he hasn’t gotten where he wanted to with Caroline, even after all this.)
Belial: You won’t *allow* it? Caroline, we have been doing this for too long now. Have you already forgotten about the situation you are in? You are not going to be able to spare him for long. Try as you like, but when the world goes up in flames and you become everything you’ve been prophesied to be, you won’t have the luxury of saving Jake Smith from humanity’s extinction. He is no exception. He will burn alongside the rest of the world, yet you still resist knowing that it’s meaningless? There’s no use, Caroline. Your inability to let go of this human won’t end how you like. You know exactly where this road leads.
(Caroline doesn’t answer this immediately. Not because she refuses to, but because she understands the weight of what she’s thinking. She gets another look at Jake, knowing that despite everything that happened between them, he was fighting demons, doing everything he possibly could to move forward just for the sake of *potentially* saving her, even if it was useless. With this sight, Caroline spoke.)
Caroline: I am aware of this, thus we have a risk presented that I am going to accept.
(Caroline turned to Belial.)
Caroline: My fate shall be sealed once these words come from my lips, but alas. You have my word that I will face Jake even knowing that I must lose. You placed us both inside of a sick game that dooms me until the end of my days. My freedom? Forfeit to you but at the very least, Jake will have his and will eventually move forward.
(Caroline waited for an answer, but hearing these words, it was as if Belial could see behind Caroline’s face. He could tell how worried she really was for Jake, which didn’t impress him whatsoever.)
Belial: To resort to something like this after all this time… just how desperate have you become?
(Belial shook his head, as he began to observe the state of both Jake and Caroline.)
Belial: It is pitiful, truly. Seeing the lengths both you and that human alike will go to in an effort to save each other, as if you so frequently forget that you have no choice but to answer to me. This match does not happen unless I allow it, and why exactly would I accept such a foolish request?
Caroline: This is what you want, is it not? I am handing it to you on a velvet cushion and it is not as if you were keen on Jake.
It was I who roped him into this. Even now, you use his suffering to get to me. This proposal of mine is what you wished for the beginning and now I am telling you that you will get the pleasure of seeing Jake and I attempt to destroy one another when all along the outcome has been ordained. It is etched in blood, Jake’s and mine. I shall be bound to you; my freedom forever squandered and yes, Belial. I am tossing it at your feet out of love. Love for Jake, damn him. The rest of my days will serve as the consequences for the mistakes I have made, as I will have no choice but to serve you. This was never meant to go in my favor, and I am willing to accept that, so long as he is not forced to share my fate. When this is over, I shall remain here. I’ll no longer be part of his life, nor will he be part of my own.
(She pauses, giving one last thought to her words before she speaks.)
Caroline: Cease his torture and I shall bend the knee.
(After hearing this, Belial actually considers her offer. While the circumstances were not ideal, he knew that despite their attempts to prevent it, this was only going to end with him getting what he wanted. Finally, Belial made his choice.)
Belial: Very well.
(He accepted.)
(The look on Caroline’s face hardly changed, but various thoughts had run through her mind. Jake was finally going to be free from this, but his freedom would come at the expense of her own. It was everything she wouldn’t have wanted just months ago, but now…)
Belial: If this is what it’s come to, so be it. In two weeks, this finally ends for good.
(With this, Belial vanished, leaving no trace of his presence as Caroline suddenly found herself alone in her cage once more.)
(As Belial disappears… a noticeable shift begins to emerge. The demons that grabbed Jake begin to dissipate into pure dust. Along with that, the wild sandstorm that filled his vision began to disappear, going back to normal, and allowing him the sight of the very top of the mountain. The journey was by no means over, but perhaps, something happened to make it just a little bit easier for him, he couldn’t allow the thought to infiltrate his mind.)
(Caroline plopped back down into a sitting position inside her cage, the flames continuing to rage on underneath her, but it was something that she paid no mind to. Her blank stare continued to fixate on Jake Smith, who continued his journey upward… unknowing that Caroline has just sealed his fate for him.)
(It’s the very last shot seen before the camera began to fade out.)
(Voltage transitions to the backstage area, more specifically right near a locker room door.)
(Sitting on a production box with earpods in ear, is Bronson Daniels, ring gear and entrance jacket on. He nods his head to the tune of music, while tightly winding white tape around his hand.)
(He’d been enjoying the silence of music. It was like a getaway from the usual chaos of Voltage, something much needed currently.)
Bronson Daniels: (mumbling rhythmically) …but too scared to do it, so………will be the rifle…
(Once satisfied, he pinches the loose end of the tape between two fingers and pulls it taut, snapping it free. He’d flex the taped fist, though a sound would divert his attention.)
???: *cough, cough*
(Bronson raises his chin. He exhales *audibly*.)
(He takes his earpods right off, and sits up from the box.)
(He locks eyes with Drake Armstrong.)
(Moments of silence follow. It was as if Drake wanted to make this awkward, to make Bronson feel bad over the rather casual, almost disrespectful start to this interaction.)
(Bronson wasn’t biting however; he simply broke the ice, just wanting get this over with.)
Bronson Daniels: …What?
(Bronson raises his guard; Drake chuckles.)
Drake Armstrong: Lower your guard, baseborn fool. I did not come to fight. The attire should tell as much.
(Bronson glances at a three-piece suit that could only cost far more than ever necessary… and rolls his eyes.)
Drake Armstrong: Though it would be remiss of me not to mention that you deserve to pay for last week…
(Bronson scoffs.)
Bronson Daniels: Oh, I do? For what? Lowering the ropes and sending you tumbling?
Drake Armstrong: …
(Drake shakes his head. There was little he could say — Bronson humiliated him by doing very little—AGAIN.)
(He’s better off getting to the point.)
Drake Armstrong: …I had a conversation with Matthieu Daniels.
Bronson Daniels: Oh?
(Bronson raises an eyebrow.)
Bronson Daniels: You put in your two weeks’ notice?
Drake Armstrong: Hah.
(Drake feels insulted. He knew if he desired to quit, no notice would need to be put in order.)
Drake Armstrong: Myself and Matthieu seem perpetually fated not to see eye to eye on matters. In spite of that, however, the Commissioner, for once, chose to do something right.
Bronson Daniels: That so?
(Bronson seems genuinely curious, though he wonders how much of this is just another game, like usual.)
Bronson Daniels: Okay… delight me.
Drake Armstrong: You seem suspicious. Is this how little you think of me, Bronson?
Bronson Daniels: No. I think of you significantly less. Can you just get to it, Armstrong?
(Drake chuckles.)
Drake Armstrong: Our match scheduled for Wicked Games comes attached with an extra…incentive. The winner shall receive a spot in… the Extreme Elimination Chamber…
(Bronson nods, seemingly glad to hear that. Though Drake finds the reaction amusing.)
Drake Armstrong: Bronson, what this means is that my path back to the empyrean heights of World Championship glory is virtually guaranteed.
(Bronson laughs sardonically.)
Bronson Daniels: You really think that?
(He gives a moment. Then shakes his head.)
Bronson Daniels: Who am I kidding? I know you do. Well, I’m more than fine with these added stakes. Now I know that once our match is over, not only am I gonna finally put you in the dirt and shut you the hell up, but this time around, you’re going to have to be the one on the outside looking in. Forced to watch me fight my way towards my third World Title—the one World Title in this company I’ve yet to get my hands on.
(Drake Armstrong exhales, practically rolling his eyes.)
Drake Armstrong: Amusing to assume you’d get that far to begin with. Please, Bronson. The world is better off without you wasting a spot. Last year’s events tell me all that I must know.
Bronson Daniels: You don’t get to say that.
Drake Armstrong: I don’t??
Bronson Daniels: No, because you know what happened, and you know you weren’t just an innocent bystander watching on when Jon injured me. You don’t get to say that when you’re so exorbitantly proud of the hand you played.
Drake Armstrong: Pitiful excuses as always, Daniels. You are deceptively masterful at deflection; ergo, I will not waste time on this. Rather, I must affirm: entering the Chamber means nothing but victory for me. Why, you may ask? Well, do speak! What happened the last time Feebleheart and I shared a spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber?
Bronson Daniels: You eliminated him…
(Drake nods.)
Bronson Daniels: …thanks to Impact.
(Then his expression turns stern.)
Drake Armstrong: Thanks to my Death Penalty, the same one I shall crack your empty skull with!
Drake Armstrong: …But I wish not to be stuck arguing such semantics. As far as I can tell, ONE of us has reigned at the zenith of this brand for more than a year, while the other has been left to wallow in self-pity as a shell of his former self. That is all the information I need to craft a clear hypothesis for what is to come this winter.
Bronson Daniels: Yeah, yeah. Keep yapping.
Drake Armstrong: I do not take kindly to this arrogance, Bronson! You should thank the heavens you even have this opportunity after you handed a foolish novice like Daniella Atlas the biggest victory of her career merely because you would rather I go down than you even attempt to reign triumphant. That is an absolute mockery of that championship gold, and such disrespect towards MY title can not go unpunished.
Bronson Daniels: “Your” title? Wow.
(Bronson looks puzzled at the delusion.)
Bronson Daniels: Look, Drake, this conversation is going nowhere. You made your point. I got a match to wrestle, and no time to entertain your nonsense. As a matter of fact, you know what I’m wrestling for, right?
(Drake’s lips remained pursed following the rhetorical question.)
Bronson Daniels: Don’t go giving me more reason, Drake.
Drake Armstrong: The baseborn child for once has power in his hands.
(Drake claps his palms slowly, with a mocking rhythm.)
Bronson Daniels: Nah, for once, *you* may not be able to meddle in business and stack the odds in your favor.
Drake Armstrong: …It is certainly an unfair predicament. You get to fight for this “advantage”, while I can merely watch and hope you trip and fall. I suppose airing my gripes with such a situation will only give you ammo to deem me a hypocrite, mhm?
Bronson Daniels: I already have well more than a full clip to prove your hypocrisy, but yeah, you’re correct.
(Drake smirks.)
Drake Armstrong: We have done this dance for many, many moons, Bronson. I know you perhaps more than you know yourself by now.
Bronson Daniels: You don’t know shit.
(Drake can only take this ignorance in jest.)
Drake Armstrong: I know… Bronson…that you are bound to screw up tonight…
(Drake gives Bronson a pat on the shoulder, and an arrogant smirk filled with irony. Bronson quickly reaches to get Drake’s hand off of him— but Drake is quick to beat him to the punch. Walking past Bronson, without a care in the world, Drake seemingly is as confident as ever. Bronson is slightly confused by this hubris; it was borderline ridiculous.)
Bronson Daniels: Jesus…
(He shakes his head, at least glad the weekly dose of Drake Armstrong was done with. Hopefully.)
(Gripping back his earpieces, he plugs them back into his ears, to get his mind off of all this, preferring to remain focused on tonight, especially after all this fuel added to the fire.)
(Voltage fades elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Wicked Games, where Bronson Daniels faces Drake Armstrong.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A FATAL FOUR WAY MATCH!
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits to a loud pop as TLA drives onto the stage in his lowrider, with Dr. Bethany Blue sitting beside him in the passenger seat. Both have their Unified Tag Team Championships around their waists as TLA brings the car to a stop. The two step out and remove their titles, clinking them together before placing them over their shoulders. TLA then leads the way down the ramp, high-fiving fans along the barricade while Bethany walks beside him.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Accompanied to the ring by Dr. Bethany Blue! Hailing from Tlaxcala, Mexico, weighing in at 210 pounds… HE IS ONE HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… “LA PANTERA SEXUAL”… TLA!!
Rich Russillo: TLA and Bethany have a lot to worry about at Wicked Games, especially now that their title defense has become a triple threat. An advantage could make all the difference for La Farmacia!
Thadd Blazevich: Especially with Jamie and Haruka involved, dude! Those two have already shown they’re willing to do whatever they want!
Persephone: And somehow, I doubt they’re finished being annoying.
(‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE hits to a loud mixed reaction from the crowd as Raven Roberts emerges onto the stage. She takes a moment to look out at the audience with a confident smile before raising her arms, welcoming their reaction. Raven then turns her attention toward the ring and makes her way down the ramp with a determined look on her face.)
Bella Braxton: Next! Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, now residing in Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 122 pounds… SHE IS “THE BIRD OF PREY”… RAVEN ROBERTS!!
Rich Russillo: Raven Roberts has made it clear that she isn’t intimidated by Eris Morti, and tonight she has a chance to gain an advantage over her heading into Wicked Games!
Persephone: Maybe Eris will laugh about that too. That freak seems to find everything funny.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, Raven’s taking this seriously, dude! She’s a Hall of Famer for a reason, and an advantage could go a long way against someone as unpredictable as Eris!
(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse hits to a mixed reaction from the crowd as Jay Jerry Johnson steps onto the stage. He takes a moment to look out at the audience, remaining calm and focused before nodding to himself. Jay then turns his attention toward the ring and makes his way down the ramp, keeping his eyes on the competition ahead.)
Bella Braxton: Hailing out of Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 223 pounds… HE IS “THE ARTIST”… JAY! JERRY! JOHNSON!!
Rich Russillo: Jay Jerry Johnson has his sights set on the EAW World Championship, and an advantage at Wicked Games could be exactly what he needs!
Persephone: After the stunt he pulled last week, I bet Hans and Kai would love to see him get his ass kicked tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: Triple J has definitely made things personal, dude! And I don’t think he regrets a second of it!
(‘Run Into Flowers’ by M83 hits to a loud positive reaction from the crowd as Bronson Daniels steps onto the stage. He looks out at the audience with a smile before turning his attention toward the ring. Bronson then makes his way down the ramp, high-fiving a few fans along the barricade while remaining focused on the match ahead.)
Bella Braxton: And making his way to the ring! Hailing from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 190 pounds… HE IS “THE HEARTBEAT”… BRONSON DANIELS!
Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels finally has his match with Drake Armstrong at Wicked Games, and after everything that’s happened between them, you know he wants to make Drake pay.
Persephone: Good luck with that. Drake nearly took his head off with a pipe.
Thadd Blazevich: But Bronson’s still here, bro! And getting an advantage over Drake would be one hell of a way to head into Wicked Games!
(The referee signals for the bell as each competitor stands in their respective corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Our main event is officially underway! A fatal four-way match to determine who walks into Wicked Games with an advantage! TLA, Bronson Daniels, Jay Jerry Johnson, and Raven Roberts are all standing in their respective corners, carefully watching one another. Nobody seems eager to make the first move, knowing how quickly things can go wrong in a match like this.
Persephone: Yeah, well, I’d really appreciate it if somebody did. The sooner they start, the sooner we can get this over with.
Thadd Blazevich: All four competitors slowly step out of their corners, sizing each other up, trying to figure out who’s gonna make that first move… BUT JAY TAKES THE INITIATIVE, GRABBING RAVEN AND CHUCKING HER OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! DUDE, HE WASTED NO TIME THERE! AND NOW JAY TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO TLA AND BRONSON, SWINGING WILDLY WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!
Rich Russillo: BUT BOTH MEN DUCK UNDERNEATH! BRONSON IMMEDIATELY CATCHES JAY WITH A FOREARM, AND TLA FOLLOWS UP WITH AN OVERHAND CHOP! ANOTHER FOREARM FROM BRONSON! ANOTHER CHOP FROM TLA! BOTH MEN ARE TAKING TURNS HAMMERING JAY, BACKING HIM AGAINST THE ROPES! DANIELS CONNECTS WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST, LEAVING JOHNSON STUNNED AS TLA RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE ROPES, BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR A— NO!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY COUNTERS WITH A HIP TOSS, SENDING TLA FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE! BUT HE TURNS RIGHT INTO A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST FROM BRONSON! JAY IS STUNNED AGAINST THE ROPES, AND DANIELS GRABS HIM BY THE ARM, LOOKING FOR AN IRISH WHIP— BUT JAY REVERSES IT INTO AN ARM WRINGER BEFORE CATCHING BRONSON WITH A STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI! GNARLY COUNTER FROM JOHNSON!
Rich Russillo: BRONSON GOES TUMBLING OUT THROUGH THE BOTTOM ROPE, AND JAY IMMEDIATELY SEES AN OPENING! JOHNSON RUNS OFF THE ROPES, BUILDING MOMENTUM BEFORE LAUNCHING HIMSELF THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! HE TAKES BRONSON DOWN, AND BOTH MEN CRASH INTO THE BARRICADE! BUT JAY IS QUICKLY BACK ON HIS FEET, FIRED UP AFTER THAT EARLY BURST OF OFFENSE!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay’s feeling it right now, bro! He heads over to Bronson, who’s sitting against the barricade, and starts pulling him back to his feet… BUT HERE COMES RAVEN FROM BEHIND! SHE CLUBS JAY ACROSS THE BACK BEFORE GRABBING HIM AND WHIPPING HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS! OH, MAN! JOHNSON JUST CRASHED HARD INTO THOSE STEPS!
Rich Russillo: You can see the pain written all over Johnson’s face after that impact! And remember, Raven Roberts was the first person Jay threw out of the ring when this match began. She’s been waiting for an opportunity to get involved again, and “The Bird of Prey” certainly picked her moment!
Persephone: Ugh, anyone but her.
Thadd Blazevich: Raven rolls Jay back inside the ring, and Johnson crawls toward the ropes, trying to shake the cobwebs out of his head. But Raven isn’t giving him much time to recover, dude! She pulls Jay back to his feet, backs him against the ropes, AND DELIVERS A KNIFE EDGE CHOP RIGHT ACROSS THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: Jay staggers toward the nearby corner, clutching his chest as he tries to create some distance from Roberts, but she stays right on him! ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! Johnson doubles over from the impact, but Raven stands him upright and CONNECTS WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE! AND WAIT A SECOND, THAT MIGHT’VE FIRED JAY UP! HE GRABS RAVEN AND THROWS HER INTO THE CORNER!
Thadd Blazevich: AND JAY LIGHTS HER UP WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP OF HIS OWN! TALK ABOUT PAYBACK, BRO! THAT ONE ECHOED THROUGHOUT THE ARENA, AND JOHNSON ISN’T FINISHED AS HE WINDS BACK FOR ANOTHER! BUT RAVEN FIRES BACK WITH A CHOP OF HER OWN, CATCHING JAY ACROSS THE CHEST AS SHE FIGHTS HER WAY OUT OF THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: I THINK JAY’S CHOP HAD THE OPPOSITE EFFECT AS WELL! IT ONLY FIRED RAVEN UP, BUT JOHNSON RESPONDS WITH ANOTHER CHOP OF HIS OWN! RAVEN FIRES BACK WITH ONE MORE KNIFE EDGE CHOP, BUT THIS TIME, IT DOESN’T SEEM TO HAVE ANY EFFECT ON JAY WHATSOEVER!
(Jay suddenly straightens up, barely reacting to the chop as Raven takes a few steps back toward the center of the ring. She gestures for Johnson to bring it on, challenging him to hit her again, but suddenly senses someone standing behind her. Raven turns around to face them—)
Thadd Blazevich: OH— TLA! TLA FLOORS RAVEN WITH A VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT! BUT DUDE, RAVEN’S ALREADY GETTING BACK TO HER FEET! SHE’S RUNNING ON PURE INSTINCT RIGHT NOW AS SHE STAGGERS TOWARD JAY, WHO CATCHES HER WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT OF HIS OWN! THAT SENDS RAVEN STUMBLING BACK INTO TLA, WHO CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER MEXICAN UPPERCUT!
Rich Russillo: RAVEN TURNS AROUND AND STAGGERS RIGHT BACK INTO JAY FOR ANOTHER EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! AND NOW SHE’S HEADING BACK TOWARD TLA, WHO CATCHES HER WITH YET ANOTHER MEXICAN UPPERCUT! IT’S LIKE A GAME OF RACQUETBALL IN THERE! THESE TWO ARE BOUNCING RAVEN BACK AND FORTH, TAKING TURNS! JAY! …TLA! …JAY! …TLA! BUT RAVEN ISN’T EVEN STAGGERING BETWEEN THEM ANYMORE! SHE’S JUST BARELY STANDING AS TLA WINDS HIS ARM BACK FOR ONE LAST…
Thadd Blazevich: MEXICAN UPPERCUT! AND THAT ONE FINALLY TAKES HER DOWN! RAVEN HITS THE MAT, AND THIS TIME, SHE STAYS DOWN!
Persephone: Couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. Can they do it again?
Rich Russillo: Raven rolls away, BUT HERE COMES BRONSON! HE SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING, ONLY FOR JAY TO IMMEDIATELY PULL HIM UP AND CATCH HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! BRONSON STAGGERS RIGHT INTO TLA FOR A MEXICAN UPPERCUT, AND NOW HE’S HEADING BACK TOWARD JAY! ANOTHER EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! THEY’RE DOING THE SAME THING TO BRONSON NOW! HE STUMBLES BACK INTO TLA, WHO CONNECTS WITH YET ANOTHER MEXICAN UPPERCUT!
Thadd Blazevich: BRONSON STAGGERS BACK TOWARD JAY, AND THIS TIME JOHNSON FLOORS HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! DOWN GOES BRONSON, AND NOW THERE ARE ONLY TWO MEN LEFT STANDING!
(Jay and TLA exchange a brief look before TLA decides to pull Bronson back to his feet.)
Rich Russillo: …AND ANOTHER MEXICAN UPPERCUT! TLA SENDS BRONSON STAGGERING BACK INTO THE CORNER! MEANWHILE, RAVEN HAS MANAGED TO PULL HERSELF UP IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER, BUT JAY IS RIGHT THERE TO MEET HER! HE STANDS ROBERTS UPRIGHT AND DELIVERS A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!
(Jay and TLA look across the ring at each other again before exchanging a nod.)
Thadd Blazevich: HERE WE GO, BRO! JAY AND TLA TAKE OFF RUNNING, PASSING EACH OTHER ON THEIR WAY TO OPPOSITE CORNERS! JAY CATCHES BRONSON WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK, WHILE TLA CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING MEXICAN UPPERCUT TO RAVEN! AND NOW THEY’RE SWITCHING SIDES AGAIN! TLA HITS BRONSON WITH AN UPPERCUT, WHILE JAY NAILS RAVEN WITH A DROPKICK IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: AND THEY’RE NOT FINISHED! JAY AND TLA CROSS PATHS AGAIN, CONNECTING WITH ANOTHER DROPKICK AND UPPERCUT! AND HERE THEY GO FOR A FOURTH TIME! TLA CATCHES BRONSON WITH A MEXICAN UPPERCUT, WHILE JAY DRIVES BOTH FEET INTO RAVEN WITH ANOTHER RUNNING DROPKICK! BRONSON COLLAPSES TO THE MAT, AND RAVEN DOES THE SAME IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER BEFORE ROLLING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! THOSE TWO HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE EQUATION, LEAVING ONLY TLA AND JAY STANDING! AND I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY THEIR TEMPORARY ALLIANCE HAS COME TO AN END!
Persephone: I mean, it was sorta fun while it lasted. Mainly because I got to watch Bird Bitch get her shit kicked in.
(The crowd rises to its feet as TLA and Jay stare each other down from opposite corners. Both men slowly step forward, circling toward opposite sides of the ring before closing the distance in the center, coming face to face.)
Thadd Blazevich: …JAY TAKES THE FIRST SHOT WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! BUT TLA SHRUGS IT OFF AND FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! UPPERCUT BY JOHNSON! MEXICAN UPPERCUT BY TLA! ANOTHER UPPERCUT FROM JAY! TLA RESPONDS WITH A MEXICAN UPPERCUT! JAY FIRES BACK! AND THAT ONE FINALLY ROCKS TLA, WHO STAGGERS BACK AGAINST THE ROPES! BUT HE COMES BOUNCING OFF… AND CATCHES JAY WITH ANOTHER MEXICAN UPPERCUT!
Rich Russillo: NOW IT’S JAY WHO’S BEEN ROCKED, AND TLA KEEPS THE PRESSURE ON! MEXICAN UPPERCUT AFTER MEXICAN UPPERCUT, DRIVING JOHNSON BACK! TLA HOLDS ONTO JAY AS HE WINDS UP FOR ONE MORE— BUT JAY SUDDENLY COUNTERS, LEAPING UP AND TAKING TLA DOWN WITH A FLYING ARMBAR! FLYING ARMBAR BY JOHNSON!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY’S TRYING TO HYPEREXTEND THAT ELBOW, DUDE! BUT TLA MANAGES TO LOCK HIS HANDS TOGETHER, PREVENTING JOHNSON FROM FULLY EXTENDING THE ARM! THIS IS WHERE JAY EXCELS, ON THE MAT, AND HE’S ALREADY GOT AN ANSWER TO TLA’S DEFENSE! JOHNSON QUICKLY TRANSITIONS INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE! HE’S GOT TLA TRAPPED, BUT TLA IS FIGHTING HIS WAY BACK TO HIS FEET!
Rich Russillo: TLA HAS PACKED ON A LOT OF MUSCLE OVER THE YEARS, AND THAT STRENGTH IS COMING IN HANDY RIGHT NOW! HE MANAGES TO DEADLIFT JAY OFF THE MAT, LOOKING TO DRIVE HIM DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB— BUT JAY COUNTERS WITH A SUNSET FLIP! JOHNSON STACKS TLA UP ON HIS SHOULDERS, LOOKING TO STEAL THE VICTORY!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA KICKS OUT, FLIPPING JAY FORWARD INTO A SITOUT PIN! JOHNSON’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: BUT JAY ROLLS BACK ON TOP OF TLA, SITTING ON HIS CHEST AS HE PUTS HIS SHOULDERS RIGHT BACK ON THE MAT!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA ROLLS JAY BACK INTO THE SITOUT PIN!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: AND JAY ROLLS BACK ON TOP IN THE SUNSET FLIP! THESE TWO ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH LIKE A SEESAW, BRO!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA ROLLS JAY BACK ONTO HIS SHOULDERS ONCE AGAIN!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO—
Thadd Blazevich: BIG BOOT! RAVEN BREAKS THINGS UP WITH A BIG BOOT RIGHT TO THE FACE OF TLA, CONNECTING THROUGH THE LEGS OF JOHNSON! THAT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE, DUDE!
Persephone: Finally. That shit was getting boring.
Rich Russillo: Raven brings Jay back to his feet and CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! Johnson is stunned as Raven runs off the ropes, BUT TLA GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND JOINS JAY FOR A DOUBLE FLAPJACK! BOTH MEN SEND RAVEN CRASHING FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT, ROLLING THROUGH THE MOVE AND EACH GRABBING A LEG TO TRAP HER IN A SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY ON ONE SIDE, TLA ON THE OTHER! BOTH MEN HAVE RAVEN TRAPPED IN THE SAME SUBMISSION HOLD! BUT WAIT A SECOND, BRO! IF RAVEN TAPS OUT, WHO GETS THE ADVANTAGE FOR WICKED GAMES?!
Persephone: For once, an actually good question comes out of your mouth. But then again, I don’t care enough to figure out the answer.
(Jay and TLA glance over at each other, realizing they’re both applying the same submission hold. Neither looks willing to give the other credit for a potential victory, and both release Raven before getting in each other’s faces, arguing back and forth—)
Rich Russillo: OH, DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF DANIELS! BRONSON COMES CHARGING IN, HANDSPRINGING OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF THEM FOR THE CELESTIAL WHIRLWIND! DOUBLE BACK HANDSPRING PELE KICK CONNECTS WITH BOTH MEN!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA GOES DOWN! JAY GOES DOWN! AND BRONSON DOESN’T KNOW WHICH ONE TO COVER! HE FINALLY CRAWLS OVER TO TLA, HOOKING THE LEG FOR THE FIRST PINFALL ATTEMPT!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH—
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT BY TLA! BUT BRONSON ISN’T WASTING ANY TIME! HE CRAWLS OVER TO JAY AND HOOKS HIS LEG, LOOKING TO SCORE THE VICTORY OVER JOHNSON INSTEAD!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH—
Rich Russillo: ANOTHER KICKOUT! JAY JERRY JOHNSON STAYS ALIVE AS WELL!
Thadd Blazevich: It’s not gonna be that easy, dude! Bronson needs to keep the pressure on, and he turns his attention back to TLA, who’s using the ropes to pull himself up to one knee. Daniels brings him back to his feet and prepares to whip him across the ring— BUT RAVEN ROBERTS GETS INVOLVED, GRABBING TLA BY THE OTHER WRIST! Bronson looks a little hesitant about working with Raven, especially after everything that’s happened between these competitors!
Rich Russillo: BUT HE GOES ALONG WITH IT FOR NOW! BRONSON AND RAVEN SEND TLA OFF THE ROPES WITH A DOUBLE IRISH WHIP, CATCHING HIM ON THE REBOUND WITH A DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! TLA GOES DOWN, BUT HE CRAWLS TOWARD THE ROPES AND STARTS PULLING HIMSELF BACK UP! AND HERE COME BRONSON AND RAVEN AGAIN, CHARGING TOWARD HIM WITH A RUNNING DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP ROPE! TLA GOES SPILLING TO THE OUTSIDE!
Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN TURNS HER ATTENTION TO JAY, WHO’S STIRRING IN THE CORNER! SHE PULLS JOHNSON BACK TO HIS FEET AND WINDS BACK FOR A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! AND ANOTHER! RAVEN IS LIGHTING HIM UP, BRO! BUT BRONSON TELLS HER TO STEP ASIDE, WANTING A PIECE OF JAY HIMSELF! DANIELS CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP, FOLLOWED BY A FOREARM SMASH TO THE FACE! ANOTHER CHOP! ANOTHER FOREARM! BRONSON IS ALTERNATING BETWEEN THE TWO, UNLOADING ON JOHNSON IN THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: JAY JERRY JOHNSON IS ROCKED, AND BRONSON AND RAVEN GRAB HIM FOR A DOUBLE IRISH WHIP INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER! RAVEN THEN SENDS DANIELS CHARGING TOWARD JAY— BUT JOHNSON SIDESTEPS THE JUMPING CORNER SPLASH! BRONSON CRASHES FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, AND JAY MAKES A BEELINE FOR RAVEN IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, CATCHING HER WITH A FOREARM SMASH! BRONSON COMES STUMBLING OUT OF THE CORNER, BUT JAY CATCHES HIM WITH A FOREARM AS WELL!
Thadd Blazevich: FOREARM TO RAVEN! FOREARM TO BRONSON! ANOTHER TO RAVEN! JAY IS GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN BOTH OPPONENTS, DUDE! HE CATCHES DANIELS WITH A FOREARM THAT STUNS HIM, THEN TURNS AROUND AND NAILS RAVEN WITH ANOTHER, DROPPING HER TO ONE KNEE! JAY SPINS BACK TOWARD BRONSON AND CONNECTS WITH A FOREARM THAT DROPS HIM TO ONE KNEE AS WELL! ANOTHER FOREARM TO RAVEN, AND NOW SHE’S DOWN ON BOTH KNEES! JAY TURNS BACK TO BRONSON, AND ONE MORE FOREARM PUTS HIM ON BOTH KNEES TOO!
Persephone: Okay, now what?
Rich Russillo: Jay has both opponents right where he wants them, AND HE CONNECTS WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST OF RAVEN ROBERTS! SHOOT KICK TO BRONSON! ANOTHER TO RAVEN! JOHNSON CONTINUES GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN BOTH OPPONENTS! BRONSON! RAVEN! BRONSON! AND NOW JAY LINES RAVEN UP FOR A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD! RAVEN GOES DOWN, AND BRONSON IS NEXT IN LINE… ANOTHER ROUNDHOUSE KICK! JOHNSON CATCHES DANIELS RIGHT IN THE HEAD!
Thadd Blazevich: BRONSON GOES DOWN OFF THAT ROUNDHOUSE, LANDING FLAT ON HIS BACK! AND JAY WASTES NO TIME DROPPING INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP! COULD THIS BE ENOUGH, DUDE?!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRRRR—
Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT! BRONSON DANIELS GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Persephone: Unfortunately, Bronson’s still in it.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but for how much longer? Jay brings Daniels back to his feet and backs him into the corner for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP! JOHNSON FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST BEFORE CONNECTING WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! BRONSON IS STUNNED, AND JAY TAKES ADVANTAGE BY LIFTING HIM ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! JOHNSON CLIMBS UP AFTER HIM, LOOKING FOR AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRONSON DANIELS LANDS ON HIS FEET! NO WAY, BRO! DANIELS MANAGED TO FRONT FLIP OUT OF THAT AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA AND LAND RIGHT ON HIS FEET!
(Jay pulls himself up to one knee in the corner, his back turned to Bronson. He looks over his shoulder, expecting to see Daniels laid out on the mat, only to find him still standing. Bronson turns around to face Jay, gesturing for him to bring it on.)
Rich Russillo: Jay’s back to his feet, and slowly walks across from Bronson in the center… BEFORE CHARGING AT HIM! DANIELS SIDESTEPS AND SENDS JAY INTO THE ROPES WHERE HE REBOUNDS OFF INTO A LEAPFROG! LEAPFROG BY DANIELS, WHO MOVES INTO A DROPDOWN AS JAY COMES REBOUNDING BACK A SECOND TIME!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY HURDLES OVER HIS BODY, AND REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES A THIRD— BUT DANIELS POPS TO HIS FEET AND LANDS A RUNNING SPANISH FLY! SPANISH FLY BY BRONSON! BUT THE WEAR AND TEAR IS STARTING TO SHOW AS HE CANT EVEN CAPITALIZE AND ROLLS ONTO HIS BACK BESIDES JAY—
Rich Russillo: LEAVING HIM OPEN FOR RAVEN TO SPRINGBOARD OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A LIONSAULT ONTO BOTH MEN! BRONSON ROLLS AWAY AS RAVEN HOOKS THE LEG ON JAY FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH—
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT AT TWO, GETTING THE SHOULDER UP! Raven rises back to her feet as TLA slides back into the ring, and DUCKS UNDERNEATH A CLOTHESLINE ATTEMPT BY RAVEN! TLA SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE FOR A VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT— BUT GETS CAUGHT OUT OF MID AIR WITH A CODEBREAKER!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA FOLDS OVER AND RAVEN HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: BRONSON BREAKS THINGS UP, DRAGGING RAVEN OFF THE COVER AND SAVING THE MATCH FOR HIMSELF!
(Bronson drags Raven off the pin by her ankle, and wags his finger at her. Raven jumps back to her feet, standing face-to-face with Daniels as the two exchange heated words…)
Rich Russillo: Raven isn’t backing down, seemingly ready to go at it, and gives a shove to Bronson Daniels! Bronson shoves back, but Raven does the same! AND ITS ON! BRONSON EXPLODES WITH A FOREARM! BUT RAVEN RESPONDS BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN! THE TWO THROWING FOREARMS BACK AT EACH OTHER BEFORE THINGS DELVE INTO A FULL BLOWN HOCKEY FIGHT!
Thadd Blazevich: THOSE TWO SHUFFLE AROUND THE RING BEFORE BRONSON MANAGES TO DRIVE RAVEN INTO THE CORNER FOR A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! AND ANOTHER! THEN A FOREARM! KNIFE EDGE CHOP! DANIELS UPPING THE AGGRESSION!
Rich Russillo: DANIELS WHIPS RAVEN HARD INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, AND SHE COMES STAGGERING OUT INTO A RUNNING BACK ELBOW! BRONSON BRINGS RAVEN BACK TO HER FEET, PLACING HER IN THE CORNER ONCE MORE FOR A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST BEFORE WHIPPING HER BACK INTO THE OPPOSITE! …DANIELS RUSHES IN— BUT RAVEN GETS HER BOOT UP!
Thadd Blazevich: DANIELS STAGGERS TO THE CENTER, AND RAVEN SHOOTS OUT THE CORNER FOR A— “GODBREAKER!” DANIELS CAUGHT RAVEN WITH THE GODBREAKER! SHE RAN RIGHT INTO IT AND BRONSON HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE—
Persephone: Oh, come on!
Rich Russillo: RAVEN KICKS OUT OF THE GODBREAKER! SOMEHOW, ROBERTS MANAGES TO GET THE SHOULDER UP BEFORE THREE!
Persephone: He couldn’t have gone for any other move out of nowhere? Like his Ricky Elbow or something?
Rich Russillo: It’s, uh… it’s Mickey.
Persephone: Whatever.
Rich Russillo: BUT THERE’S NO HESITATION FROM DANIELS! HE DOESN’T WASTE ANY TIME DWELLING ON THAT KICKOUT, IMMEDIATELY BRINGING RAVEN BACK TO HER FEET AND SETTING HER UP FOR SAVAGE MODE! BUT RAVEN TWIRLS OUT OF HIS GRASP AND COUNTERS WITH A RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP! ROBERTS TAKES DANIELS DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSITIONS INTO A FUJIWARA ARMBAR! THE WING BREAKER IS LOCKED IN! RAVEN IS TRYING TO RIP THAT SHOULDER RIGHT OUT OF ITS SOCKET!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HERE COMES JAY! JOHNSON INTERJECTS HIMSELF, STANDING OVER RAVEN BEFORE DEADLIFTING HER OFF THE MAT AND ONTO HIS SHOULDER! DANIELS MANAGES TO ROLL AWAY, AND NOW JAY HAS RAVEN IN POSITION FOR A POWERSLAM TYPE MANEUVER! HE’S LOOKING TO PLANT HER WITH YKHM LAST LOVE RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Rich Russillo: EMERALD FLOWSION— NO! RAVEN COUNTERS BEFORE JAY CAN CONNECT, SLIPPING FREE AND CATCHING HIM IN A STANDING DRAGON SLEEPER! RAVEN HAS JOHNSON TRAPPED AS HE FLAILS HIS ARMS, DESPERATELY TRYING TO BREAK FREE! BUT ROBERTS DRAGS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT AND ROLLS HIM ONTO HIS STOMACH, FULLY LOCKING IN THE AVIARY! OWARI DEATH CLUTCH BY RAVEN ROBERTS!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY MIGHT HAVE TO TAP OUT, DUDE! HE’S TRAPPED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH NOWHERE TO GO! BUT WAIT, TLA SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING AND DRILLS RAVEN WITH A BIG BOOT TO THE FACE! RAVEN FELT THAT ONE, BUT SHE GRITS HER TEETH AND REFUSES TO RELEASE THE SUBMISSION! TLA CAN’T BELIEVE IT, AND HE DELIVERS ANOTHER BIG BOOT RIGHT TO HER HEAD! BUT RAVEN STILL WON’T LET GO! SHE’S DETERMINED TO MAKE JOHNSON TAP!
Rich Russillo: TLA REALIZES HE’LL HAVE TO PHYSICALLY PULL HER OFF JOHNSON, AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE DOES! TLA PRIES RAVEN AWAY AND TRAPS HER IN A FRONT FACELOCK BEFORE PLANTING HER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! BUT HE ISN’T FINISHED! TLA ROLLS BACK TO HIS FEET, BRINGING RAVEN WITH HIM FOR A SECOND SUPLEX! AND HE ROLLS THROUGH ONCE MORE, HOISTING HER UP FOR A THIRD! THREE AMIGOS! TLA COMPLETES THE TRIFECTA BEFORE POPPING BACK TO HIS FEET! AND NOW HE GRABS RAVEN BY THE LEGS, LOOKING TO LOCK IN AR15! THE LASSO FROM EL PASO!
Persephone: COME ON, TAP, BIRD BITCH! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA HAS THE AR15 LOCKED IN TIGHT! RAVEN IS STRUGGLING TO ESCAPE, AND SHE’S RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS! TLA COULD BE SECONDS AWAY FROM SECURING THE ADVANTAGE FOR WICKED GAMES— BUT WAIT A MINUTE! WE’VE GOT TROUBLE AT RINGSIDE!
(Bethany is too busy pounding on the apron, cheering TLA on as he applies the submission, to notice Haruka Kashimashi and Jamie Valdez jumping the barricade behind her! The crowd erupts into boos as both women rush toward Bethany!)
Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND! THAT’S HARUKA KASHIMASHI AND JAMIE VALDEZ! JAMIE JUST GRABBED BETHANY BLUE AND SLAMMED HER FACE FIRST INTO THE APRON! AND NOW SHE’S JOINING HARUKA TO— LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT!
(Haruka and Jamie grab Bethany together and send her flying over the announce table! The commentary team scrambles out of the way as Bethany crashes behind it, leaving both women standing over the wreckage. Haruka and Jamie shout insults at Bethany before turning their attention toward the ring, where TLA has finally noticed what’s happening!)
Thadd Blazevich: WHOA! TLA JUST WENT FLYING OVER THE TOP ROPE! TOPE CON HILO! TLA WIPES OUT HARUKA AND JAMIE WITH A MASSIVE DIVE TO THE OUTSIDE! HOLY CRAP, DUDE!
Persephone: I don’t get it! He had the match won, for fuck’s sake!
Rich Russillo: TLA SAW BETHANY IN TROUBLE AND IMMEDIATELY ABANDONED THE SUBMISSION TO COME TO HER AID! HE’S TAKEN OUT BOTH HARUKA AND JAMIE, AND NOW HE’S TRYING TO GET BACK INTO THE MATCH! TLA PUSHES HIMSELF UP FROM THE WRECKAGE AND CLIMBS ONTO THE APRON— BUT HARUKA IS BACK ON HER FEET! SHE GRABS TLA BY THE ANKLE AND YANKS HIM RIGHT OFF!
Thadd Blazevich: AND TLA GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE APRON ON HIS WAY DOWN! HE HITS THE FLOOR HARD, DUDE! HARUKA JUST STOPPED HIM FROM GETTING BACK INTO THE RING!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW JAMIE IS BACK UP AS WELL! VALDEZ GRABS TLA BEFORE HE CAN RECOVER AND SENDS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! TLA JUST HAD HIS HEAD DRIVEN INTO THAT STEEL, AND HE CAN BARELY KEEP HIMSELF STANDING!
(Jamie grabs TLA as he leans groggily against the ringpost, struggling to stay upright. Meanwhile, Haruka hurriedly clears the announce table, sweeping everything off its surface before helping Jamie lift TLA onto it!)
Rich Russillo: Oh, no! Come on, somebody needs to stop this!
Persephone: Oh, yes! Now we’re getting somewhere!
Rich Russillo: JAMIE HAS TLA LAID OUT ACROSS OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE, AND SHE’S HAMMERING AWAY WITH RIGHT HANDS! TLA IS TRYING TO COVER UP, BUT JAMIE WON’T LET HIM RECOVER! AND WAIT A MINUTE! AVRIL WILLIAMS! AVRIL WILLIAMS IS HERE! AVRIL COMES SPRINTING DOWN THE RAMP, ROUNDS THE CORNER, AND TACKLES HARUKA RIGHT TO THE FLOOR! AVRIL IS ALL OVER HER, RAINING DOWN RIGHT HANDS!
Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL ISN’T WASTING ANY TIME, BRO! SHE’S UNLOADING ON HARUKA, BUT JAMIE COMES OVER AND GRABS AVRIL BY THE HAIR, PULLING HER OFF! AVRIL SPINS AROUND AND STARTS THROWING RIGHT HANDS AT JAMIE INSTEAD! SHE HASN’T FORGOTTEN WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK, AND SHE’S GETTING SOME PAYBACK RIGHT NOW! BUT LOOK ON THE OTHER SIDE! CARMEN SÁNCHEZ IS HERE TOO! CARMEN COMES RUNNING AROUND THE OPPOSITE SIDE AS HARUKA STARTS GETTING BACK TO ONE KNEE, AND SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTS CLUBBING AWAY AT HER! CARMEN GRABS HARUKA BY THE HEAD AND SLAMS HER FACE FIRST INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!
(Carmen throws Haruka onto the announce table and starts punching her while standing beside it. Haruka tries to cover up, but Carmen keeps swinging! Meanwhile, Bethany helps TLA off the table before turning her attention to Haruka. She pushes Carmen aside and starts throwing punches of her own, getting payback for the earlier attack! TLA stumbles away from the table and heads toward Jamie and Avril, who are still fighting nearby, with Avril getting the upper hand.)
Rich Russillo: THIS HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DOWN AT RINGSIDE! AVRIL IS STILL TAKING THE FIGHT TO JAMIE, BUT VALDEZ FINALLY MANAGES TO DRIVE HER BACK FIRST INTO THE APRON! THAT STOPS AVRIL MOMENTARILY, BUT HERE COMES TLA! TLA GRABS JAMIE, PULLS HER UPRIGHT, AND STARTS HAMMERING AWAY WITH RIGHT HANDS OF HIS OWN! JAMIE CAN’T CATCH A BREAK, AND TLA IS MAKING SURE SHE REGRETS EVER PUTTING HER HANDS ON BETHANY!
Thadd Blazevich: Raven’s been left alone in the ring with all this chaos unfolding at ringside! She’s still favoring her back, barely able to move as she drags herself across the mat toward Jay Jerry Johnson! Jay hasn’t moved much since being trapped in The Aviary, and Raven finally reaches him, draping an arm across his chest for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: JAY KICKS OUT! BUT WAIT A SECOND! JOHNSON IMMEDIATELY GRABS THE ARM RAVEN DRAPED ACROSS HIM AND TRANSITIONS INTO A CROSSFACE! JAY WAS PLAYING POSSUM! HE BAITED RAVEN INTO THAT COVER, AND NOW HE’S TRYING TO FORCE HER TO TAP OUT! RAVEN’S ALREADY HURTING, AND JOHNSON HAS THAT CROSSFACE LOCKED IN TIGHT!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT KAI! KAI RABEAUX IS IN THE RING! WHERE THE HELL DID HE COME FROM?! KAI STOMPS JAY RIGHT IN THE HEAD, FORCING HIM TO RELEASE THE CROSSFACE! AND NOW RABEAUX MOUNTS JOHNSON, UNLOADING WITH RIGHT HANDS! JAY CAN BARELY DEFEND HIMSELF AS KAI CONTINUES HAMMERING AWAY! RABEAUX FINALLY PULLS HIM BACK TO HIS FEET AND CHUCKS HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Rich Russillo: THIS MATCH HAS COMPLETELY DESCENDED INTO CHAOS! AND NOW BETHANY BLUE AND CARMEN SÁNCHEZ ARE THROWING HANDS RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! CARMEN CLEARLY DIDN’T APPRECIATE BETHANY SHOVING HER ASIDE EARLIER, AND NOW THOSE TWO ARE GOING AT IT! BUT BACK TO KAI, WHO EXITS THE RING IN PURSUIT OF JAY! JOHNSON IS USING THE CORNER OF THE BARRICADE TO PULL HIMSELF BACK UP, AND KAI SEES AN OPENING! RABEAUX BUILDS MOMENTUM, CHARGING STRAIGHT TOWARD HIM!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY COUNTERS WITH A BACK BODY DROP! JOHNSON SENDS KAI UP AND OVER HIS SHOULDER, RIGHT INTO THE CROWD AREA! KAI GOES CRASHING DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BARRICADE, AND JAY ISN’T ABOUT TO LET HIM GET AWAY! JOHNSON CLIMBS OVER THE BARRICADE AFTER HIM AND STARTS THROWING RIGHT HANDS! JAY IS DRIVING KAI FURTHER INTO THE CROWD, TAKING THE FIGHT RIGHT TO HIM!
(Meanwhile, the crowd’s reaction begins to rise as the camera returns to the ring. Raven is still recovering on the mat, completely unaware that Bronson Daniels has pulled himself up in the corner behind her. Bronson watches intently as Raven crawls toward the opposite corner, using the ropes to pull herself back to her feet with her back turned to him.)
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT A SECOND, DUDE! IT’S JUST BRONSON AND RAVEN LEFT IN THE RING! AND BRONSON HAS RAVEN RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS HER! SHE HAS NO IDEA HE’S BEHIND HER, AND DANIELS IS LINING HER UP FOR THE MICKEY I JUST KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF ELBOW! IF HE CONNECTS WITH THIS, IT COULD BE ALL OVER!
(Bronson prepares to charge, but before he can move, a hand suddenly grabs his shoulder from the apron and spins him around!)
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT! WHAT THE— THAT’S DRAKE! DRAKE ARMSTRONG!
(CRACK!)
Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST SMASHED BRONSON DANIELS IN THE HEAD WITH TLA’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP! DRAKE CAME THROUGH THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA, GOT HIS HANDS ON THAT TITLE, AND JUST USED IT TO BLINDSIDE BRONSON! DANIELS NEVER SAW IT COMING!
(Drake immediately drops off the apron as Daniels struggles to remain standing. Bronson clings to the top rope with one hand, visibly dazed from the championship shot. He slowly releases his grip and turns around, barely aware of his surroundings…)
Thadd Blazevich: TALON! TALON! RAVEN COMES EXPLODING OUT OF THE CORNER AND CONNECTS WITH THE CLAYMORE KICK! BRONSON GETS HIS HEAD TAKEN OFF, AND RAVEN DROPS DOWN INTO THE COVER! SHE HOOKS THE LEG! THIS COULD BE IT!
Rich Russillo: MEANWHILE, JAY AND KAI HAVE FOUGHT THEIR WAY ALL THE WAY UP TO THE SIDE OF THE STAGE! JOHNSON IS STILL THROWING RIGHT HANDS, AND HE FINALLY SENDS KAI STUMBLING BACK THROUGH THE CURTAIN! BUT JAY TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS TOWARD THE RING! HE SEES RAVEN COVERING BRONSON, AND HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT’S ABOUT TO HAPPEN! JOHNSON TAKES OFF TOWARD THE RAMP!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA IS STILL TIED UP IN THAT FIGHT AT RINGSIDE WITH AVRIL AND JAMIE! THERE’S NOBODY ELSE TO BREAK UP THIS PIN! IT’S ALL UP TO JAY! JOHNSON IS SPRINTING DOWN THE RAMP AS FAST AS HE CAN, BUT HE’S BEEN THROUGH HELL IN THIS MATCH, AND YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH IT’S SLOWING HIM DOWN! HE’S PUSHING THROUGH THE PAIN, DUDE! JAY REACHES THE RING AND SLIDES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE—
THHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… RAVEN ROBERTS!
(The referee’s hand hits the mat for three just as Jay slides into the ring, not even giving him a chance to push himself up from his stomach and break the pin! Jay pounds the mat in frustration, knowing he was a split second too late, while Raven is helped back to her feet by the referee, who raises her arm in victory as ‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE begins to play! Meanwhile, Drake Armstrong watches from the crowd area with a smug smile, clearly pleased with himself as he slowly backs further into the crowd before turning around and making his exit.)
Rich Russillo: RAVEN ROBERTS HAS DONE IT! RAVEN PICKS UP THE VICTORY, AND THAT MEANS SHE’LL WALK INTO WICKED GAMES WITH THE ADVANTAGE OVER ERIS! BUT WHAT A CONTROVERSIAL ENDING! BRONSON DANIELS HAD THIS MATCH WON BEFORE DRAKE ARMSTRONG GOT INVOLVED AND COST HIM EVERYTHING!
Thadd Blazevich: And Jay was SO CLOSE to breaking up that pin, dude! He managed to fight off Kai Rabeaux, but he just couldn’t make it back in time! Meanwhile, look at ringside! TLA, Bethany, Avril, Carmen, Jamie, and Haruka are STILL going at it! Security’s got their hands full, bro!
Persephone: Can somebody just turn the cameras off already? The match is over!
(The camera briefly cuts to ringside, where security struggles to separate the ongoing fights before returning to Raven Roberts, who climbs onto the middle turnbuckle and raises her arms in celebration. Bronson remains laid out in the ring, while Jay watches from ringside, visibly frustrated by the outcome.)
Rich Russillo: What a chaotic way to end Sunday Night Voltage! Raven Roberts has secured a huge advantage heading into Wicked Games, but with tensions running this high across the board, you can only imagine what’s waiting for us! GOOD NIGHT, EVERYBODY!
(The final shot focuses on Raven celebrating her victory as the chaos continues at ringside, bringing Sunday Night Voltage to a close.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
