Dynasty

(EAW intro plays…)

(Friday Night Dynasty intro plays. After a brief montage encapsulating key moments from last week’s show, the shot switches over to a live view of the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Alabama. It’s a sold-out affair, with many in attendances brandishing their homemade signs and merch shirts of their favorite Dynasty Elitists. Pyro explodes from the stage, and after a few more shots, the camera transitions over to the broadcast team.)

Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome, as always to Friday Night Dynasty! We are LIVE tonight on the go-home show before Road to Redemption!

Jake Mercer: Here we are baby! The half-way point of the season! Time went by like nothing, but for our roster, they can’t be anymore excited!!

Flannery McCoy: Absolutely! So many people have been waiting for this! We have so many blockbuster matches ahead of us, including the traditional Extreme Elimination Chamber matches—and of course, everyone is looking toward the Universal Women’s Championship one. In fact? After what happened last week, we have the Dynasty general manager himself ready to bring things back to order!

(Friday Night Dynasty then transitions away from the commentary desk to the ring, where Dynasty General Manager Tyrone Montgomery is seen standing by. He has a smile on his face as he raises his microphone and begins to speak.)

Tyrone Montgomery: How’s everyone doing here tonight in Mobile?!

(The crowd inside the arena cheers loudly at the pandering. Tyrone continues to beam. After a moment, he then proceeds on.)

Tyrone Montgomery: We are just ONE WEEK away from our year-end Marquee Event spectacular in Road To Redemption, and there is a lot to look forward to. From title matches, to Battle Royales, and yes… to Extreme Elimination Chambers. This is one that you are not going to want to miss! But the reason I’m here, to kick off the go-home addition of Friday Night Dynasty, is to address something that happened last week to close the show.

(Tyrone pauses for a moment, the smile fading from his face as his frustration from last week has clearly not subsided just yet.)

Tyrone Montgomery: I am talking, of course, about the actions of KASAI. We all saw what happened as she took out all three Dynasty representatives in the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber without a second thought. It was unprovoked, it was reckless, and quite frankly, it was completely unacceptable. Let me be clear: In any other situation, under any other circumstances, drawing my ire like this would’ve had swift and severe consequences immediately dealt for what she did. However…

(Tyrone lingers on those words, the crowd murmuring in anticipation for what is to come.)

Tyrone Montgomery: … to do that tonight would be ignoring the bigger picture. It would be unfair to single out one person when the entire situation surrounding the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber has become a powder keg. The volatility of the Elitists involved has erupted into something that isn’t contained to one singular moment on the card, but in fact the entire show. The animosity is overflowing, and I am not going to let it spiral further out of control just days before we get to New Orleans. So, we are going to handle this right here and right now. I am calling out all three Dynasty members of the Chamber to the ring, along with KASAI, so we can settle this once and for all!

(The crowd inside the arena cheers as Tyrone lowers his microphone, turning toward the stage, and it’s not very long before ‘Just A Phase’ by Incubus begins to play through the speakers of the arena. A mixed reaction of cheers and boos ensues as the camera goes over to show Milli Banks making her way out from the back. She has a serious expression on her face, one marred with displeasure and frustration, as she then begins to make her way down the ramp and immediately toward the ring.)

Stew-O: When it comes to these “issues” that Tyrone Montgomery has been talking about, the firestarter seems to come in the form of Milli Banks. She said it from the get-go that she’s not here to make friends, she’s here for one thing and one thing only, and that’s to become a two-time Universal Women’s Champion.

Flannery McCoy: And she doesn’t seem to care whose toes she’s stepping on to get there, just as long as she gets there. She’s had her issues with Holly Arrow these past couple of weeks, and now, with the attack from KASAI, that’s certainly another reason for her to be unhappy as well. But she gets the chance to voice her displeasure to Tyrone.

Jake Mercer: And if she doesn’t get the answer that she wants, then we’re certainly going to be in for something here! Don’t awaken the dawg inside of her!

(Milli makes her way up the steps and into the ring, immediately making her way over and snatching a microphone from the ringside area. As ‘Just A Phase’ begins to come to a close, she turns around and immediately makes her way toward Tyrone. She doesn’t waste any time as she begins to speak.)

Milli Banks: You want to talk about “volatility,” Tyrone? You want to talk about the situation that I have with Raven and Holly being a “powder keg”? Then maybe you should look in the mirror and ask yourself why you’re letting these people run around like this in the first place in my division. I didn’t come out here to play nice, and I certainly didn’t come out here to have a civilized conversation with a woman who treats this business like it’s some sort of playground. KASAI has no business being in this ring, and she definitely has no business being anywhere near the Universal Women’s Championship.

(Milli begins to pace around the ring, the frustration continuing to show on her face. Tyrone quickly raises her microphone.)

Tyrone Montgomery: Milli, if you could-

Milli Banks: I’m not done. Because we all know the story, don’t we? We know the pattern. KASAI shows up, she causes chaos, she screams for an opportunity… and then she chokes. That is the one constant in this company. When the lights are brightest, when the title is on the line, she fails to capture the big one. Every. Single. Time. So why am I, a woman who has held that title for longer than anyone else in history, forced to share my spotlight with someone whose greatest talent is falling short? If she knew what was good for her, she’d stay in the shadows where she belongs. She’d stay out of my way because I am not in the mood to be another stepping stone for whatever she’s got going on. I am here to reclaim my life.

(Milli steps forward, seemingly getting into Tyrone’s face as she goes on.)

Milli Banks: I have spent five months rebuilding myself from nothing. I have spent every waking moment preparing to walk into New Orleans and take back what I never lost. I have enough headaches dealing with Holly and Raven running around trying to flip an invisible script on me; I don’t need KASAI coming in as well and trying to fuel her own delusions. I am waiting for Road To Redemption so I can put the final nail in the coffin of their ambitions. I am ready to end them, and Tyrone, I don’t need you inviting more problems to the table just because you can’t control your own roster. That’s your fault, not mine.

(Tyrone obviously looks a little apprehensive right now, as he raises his microphone and does his best to try and de-escalate the situation.)

Tyrone Montgomery: I understand your frustration, Milli, I really do. You have every right to be upset about being attacked from behind, but you have to understand that I can’t control who targets whom; the only thing I can control is the consequences. And right now? KASAI has inserted herself into this narrative whether we like it or not. Ignoring her won’t make her go away. We need to address this face-to-face so that when the bell rings in New Orleans, the only thing you have to worry about is wrestling. I’m trying to ensure that we get to this Marquee Event with an Extreme Elimination Chamber intact.

(Milli scoffs as she shakes her head in disbelief.)

Milli Banks: You’re trying to ensure you have a spectacle. Don’t confuse ratings with integrity. You want everyone to come out here to have a little face-to-face? Fine. But when I’m done reminding everyone in this ring exactly who the hell I am… don’t blame me for the damage I leave behind. I told you, I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to-

(Before Milli can finish what she’s saying, the sounds of ‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE begin to play through the speakers of the arena. The camera then goes over to the stage as Raven Roberts is seen beginning to make her way out. She has her half of the Unified Tag Team Championships on her shoulder, with a confident look on her face as she looks toward the ring. She tilts her head with a smirk at Milli before then beginning to make her way down the ramp.)

Stew-O: It was only a matter of time before Raven Roberts made her way out here tonight, and she seems to be in high spirits, considering she retained her Championships with Rex McAllister at Voltage’s F*ck Your Thanksgiving. Now, it’s full speed ahead toward the Extreme Elimination Chamber, and I don’t think she’s taking any prisoners.

Flannery McCoy: The focus has always been amount making sure that she comes out of this as the Universal Women’s Champion and nothing else. She’s noticed how Milli and Holly have had their issues and decided that it was in her best interest not to get involved, but it certainly hasn’t stopped her from giving her two cents.

Jake Mercer: Being an instigator! Raven Roberts is an instigator! But I’m sure she has no problem with that. She wants to start these problems! As long as it means that she becomes a Champion! And you know what?! I respect it!

(Raven makes her way up the steps and into the ring as she heads over and takes a microphone from the ringside area. She then turns around and approaches Milli immediately as ‘Ghost Myself’ begins to come to a close. As the crowd begins to settle in, Raven begins to speak.)

Raven Roberts: You know, I have to admit… having that little conflict that we had and seeing KASAI come out of nowhere and take us out wasn’t exactly on my bingo card for last week. Was it surprising? Yeah. Was it irrational? Sure. But was it a problem?

(Raven thinks for a moment as she says that before approaching Milli, shaking her head.)

Raven Roberts: No, it wasn’t. Because, unlike you, Milli, I don’t come out here and demand that Tyrone fix the world just because things got a little messy. I have been bred for moments like this. I have spent years in EAW clawing my way through trenches, through wars, through situations far more volatile than whatever happened last week. When you came to Tyrone and demanded you get a spot in the Chamber, you don’t get to act shocked when the chaos starts early. You prepare for it, adapt to it, and I thought you would have known that, a woman with your tenure. A woman who loves to remind us all about her historic title reign… would have the experience to know that. But looking at you right now? Screaming at Tyrone to try and “solve” this? It tells me that maybe this Supernova isn’t burning as bright as she used to. It tells me that for the first time in a long time… you’re actually rattled.

(The crowd oohs as Milli looks baffled by this accusation, as she steps forward further, raising her microphone.)

Milli Banks: Rattled? Do you seriously think that I’m rattled by this? Don’t flatter yourself, Raven, and certainly don’t flatter her. I don’t care what narrative you’re trying to spin in that head of yours to make yourself feel better about your odds, but let’s get one thing straight: I am not worried. I am not fearful. And I certainly don’t care what you have to say about my tenure.

(Milli starts to pace back and forth once more as she says what she needs to say.)

Milli Banks: You think KASAI integrating herself into this match scares me? Please. I know exactly how good I am. I know when that Extreme Elimination Chamber lowers down and leaves only the six of us in there, I know who has what it takes, and I know who doesn’t, and more importantly, I know what side of the spectrum that I’m on. If you are insinuating even for a second that I am worried about a woman who has made a career out of almosts, then you are absolutely wrong. All KASAI is going, and quite frankly, all you’re doing is delaying the inevitable. You’re just obstacles, speed bumps on my road back to the mountaintop. If you think this chaos or whatever is going to save you from me, or if you think KASAI is going to be anything other than a footnote, then I am just waiting for Road To Redemption to prove you wrong.

(Raven listens to what Milli has to say, and the only thing that she can do is laugh, as she looks at Milli seemingly with a look of pity.)

Raven Roberts: The only thing you’re proving right now is that you’re good at making excuses, Milli, and you know what? Good for you. Delaying the inevitable is what you said, right? Well, the way I see it, the only thing I see being delayed is you not accepting reality. You’re not the hunter anymore, Milli, you’re just the loudest voice in the room. And you’re just hoping that volume can mask the fact that you’ve lost your edge. You want to prove me wrong? Well then, how about you stop crying to Tyrone over here and start acting like the killer that you claim to be. Or else it’s going to end up being too late for you.

(Before Milli can snap back, she’s immediately interrupted by the sounds of ‘Saccharine’ by VIOLENT VIRA, which play through the speakers to a thunderous roar. The camera goes over to the stage as Holly Arrow is seen making her way out. She has a small smile on her face as she takes a brief scan around before focusing on her future opponents inside the ring, taking a moment before then beginning to make her way down the ramp.)

Stew-O: Here comes Holly Arrow, and she certainly doesn’t seem very interested in engaging in the conflicts of tonight, but we know that Tyrone called all of them out to the ring for a reason, and she’s certainly heard what Milli has had to say for herself.

Flannery McCoy: It feels as though Holly is fighting from beneath heading into this match, and it’s not stopped her; in fact, it’s lit a fire under her to prove all of them wrong, and the way she’s been standing up to Milli, she’s certainly done just that. I guess we’re just going to have to see how this goes as they once again meet in the ring tonight.

Jake Mercer: It’s certainly going to be a barnburner to say the least, and I’m not going to be surprised if all of this ends up coming to blows in due time!

(Holly makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters through the ropes and into the ring. She makes her way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Saccharine’ then begins to come to a close. As she turns around and approaches the two other competitors inside the ring, she begins to speak.)

Holly Arrow: You two can stand here and measure egos, you can argue about who is rattled and who is pretending not to be, but none of that changes the reality of what happens next week when Road To Redemption comes around. It doesn’t change how I feel walking into New Orleans. I have spent every waking moment of the last five years wondering if I am actually good enough to stand in this ring with female Elitists like you. I have spent weeks asking myself if I can beat the talent involved in this match, or if I’m just setting myself up for another heartbreak. But I realized something on the drive here tonight… none of those questions matter anymore. The answer doesn’t matter. Because, regardless of the odds, regardless of the doubt that eats me alive every single night, I need to beat you.

(Holly approaches Milli, a serious expression on her face while she does.)

Holly Arrow: I need to prove that the pain, the injuries, the humiliation, and the years of scratching and clawing were not for nothing. I refuse to let my career be a monument to almost. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to win a title for the sake of having it in my trophy case; I want to win because I want to feel complete. I want to feel whole. I want to look in the mirror and finally see someone who finished the story instead of someone who choked at the finish line. So you can have any sort of motive that you want to be in this match, I’m not going to take it away from you, but right now? You’re looking at a woman who is fighting for her very soul.

(Holly turns away from Milli toward Raven.)

Holly Arrow: And as much as I hate to admit it… Raven has a point. It doesn’t matter if you’re worried about KASAI, worried about what she’s going to bring to the table; it shouldn’t matter, actually. To me, it was never a thought in my mind, because here’s the truth: The goal remains the same. Even more so, the desperation remains the same. Milli, you’re so focused on who deserves to be in your spotlight that you’re losing sight of the fight itself. I don’t care if KASAI is in the Chamber, I don’t care if the entire roster is in the Chamber. I am not focused on her, and I am certainly not focused on your complaints. I am focused on the Universal Women’s Championship and doing whatever terrible things I have to do to finally hold it.

(As she hears this, Milli throws her hands in the air, groaning as her patience has seemingly thinned even further, listening to all of this.)

Milli Banks: Oh my God, are we seriously still talking about her? I am over this. I am over the sob stories, the therapy sessions, and I am DEFINITELY over this pointless babble about a woman who isn’t even booked in the match. We are standing here giving airtime to a ghost story when we should be talking about the fact that I am going to embarrass you two and everyone else in the Extreme Elimination Chamber next week.

(Milli then turns toward the stage, her eyes wide with irritation as she begins to speak.)

Milli Banks: But you know what? If KASAI wants to be the center of attention so badly, then I am done waiting for it to happen by accident. If you want to stake your claim, KASAI, then get your ass out here right now. Come down to this ring and tell us to our face that you want in the Chamber, because I am done talking about you.

(Milli lowers her microphone down, and immediately the speakers are met with ‘DEATH OF A MAGICAL GIRL’ by sm3rki, which begins to play up. The camera goes over to the stage show KASAI as she makes her way out. She has a smirk on her face as she sees the type of pandemonium she has caused with what she has done last week, only looking to exacerbate it further as she begins to make her way down the ramp and toward the ring.)

Stew-O: Here comes the woman of the hour. KASAI has certainly rattled a lot of people here tonight, but I think her attentions have been made painfully clear that she wants to be a part of the Extreme Elimination Chamber, and she is going to stop at nothing to make sure that happens.

Flannery McCoy: KASAI has partaken in plenty of Chambers in the past, and she has fought for the Universal Women’s Championship as recently as The Last Stand. She wouldn’t step into this situation if she didn’t think she was ready for it, and I think she believes that in her mind right now. I guess we’re going to see if she believes that herself or, most importantly, if she’s actually going to be let into this match.

Jake Mercer: I am certainly interested to see what KASAI has up her sleeves, and if it’s anything like what she showed last week, it’s certainly not going to bode well for the Chamber participants who are in the ring right now!

(KASAI makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters the ring. She makes her way over, taking a microphone from the ringside area as ‘DEATH OF A MAGICAL GIRL’, then begins to come to a close. As she turns around and makes her way over to the three other Elitists inside the ring, she begins to speak.)

KASAI: Everyone looks so… tense. So serious. You act as if I committed a crime, broke some sacred law. But if there is one thing I have learned since coming to Dynasty, if there is one thing this sick company has taught me… it is that the only law that matters is power.

(KASAI focuses in on Tyrone, tilting her head as she goes on.)

KASAI: For a long time, I held onto honor. I held onto the code of the Urai family, and I thought if I fought with dignity, the rewards would come. But I was naive, I was stupid! I watched rats like SOSA Henderson scurry around, disrespecting me, my heritage, breathing down my neck, trying to make a name for himself off my back. And what did honor get me? Nothing! It got me overlooked. It got me disrespected. So, I decided… I don’t want honor anymore. What I want is justice!

(KASAI emphasizes her last word as the crowd hushes to a murmur; she pauses before going on.)

KASAI: I made SOSA Henderson my problem because I was done waiting for the universe to correct itself. And last week? That wasn’t chaos, Milli. That wasn’t “unprovoked,” Tyrone. That was me waking up! I looked at the three of you, the so-called “chosen ones” for the Chamber, and I realized that I am done waiting in line behind scum and cowards. I am ready for that shot. I have bled for it, I have killed the girl I used to be for it, and I am not going to stand by and watch you fight for my destiny!

(KASAI then focuses in on Tyrone, stepping uncomfortably close to him.)

KASAI: There is one spot left in that Chamber, Tyrone. One spot amidst all this… filth. And I am demanding that you give it to me. Right now.

(Tyrone sighs, looking unimpressed by the intimidation tactic.)

Tyrone Montgomery: KASAI, listen to me. I understand you’re feeling… motivated. But you can’t just attack three of my top stars and expect to be rewarded with a Championship opportunity. You have a situation with SOSA Henderson that you started, a situation that is clearly consuming your attention. My advice to you? Stay in your lane. Finish what you started with SOSA, maybe handle that business in the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal, and maybe down the line, then we can talk about Championship opportunities. But right now? No.

(There’s a long pause of very awkward silence as KASAI stares at him for a beat.)

KASAI: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Stay in my lane?! STAY IN MY LANE?!

(KASAI snaps, enraged by the response that she just got.)

KASAI: I am the Matriarch of the Urai! I do not have a “lane,” I have a kingdom! You think SOSA Henderson is enough to keep me occupied? You think I cannot crush a cockroach with one hand while I take the Universal Women’s Championship with the other?! Do not insult me, Tyrone! I am the judge, jury, and if you do not put me in that match, I will be the executioner of this entire show!

(With the threat, Tyrone exhales as he backs off, just about to leave the ring, but before he can fully do that…)

Milli Banks: Put her in.

(Tyrone looks at Milli with a look of surprise, as she glares at KASAI with disdain.)

Milli Banks: You heard me. Put the psychopath in the match. She thinks she means something, so much so that she can disrupt this entire match and force herself in? Fine. Let her step into the Chamber with me. Because all she’s doing is giving me one more person to humiliate. If she wants to be embarrassed on a global stage, I say we let her. I’m tired of hearing her bark. I think it’s about time to put this dog down.

Raven Roberts: I’m with Milli. I mean, honestly? What’s one more body to climb over? If KASAI thinks she’s ready for the deep end, then let her jump in. It doesn’t change my odds, and it certainly doesn’t change the outcome. If she wants to be in the match… that’s her funeral.

Holly Arrow: It makes no difference to me. One opponent, three opponents, four… the mission is the same. If KASAI needs to be in there for me to prove that I can overcome everything thrown at me, then so be it. Let her in.

(Tyrone looks at the three of them, before then looking back at KASAI, shaking her head.)

Tyrone Montgomery: You all want this? Fine. KASAI… you’re in. The final spot in the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber is yours.

(KASAI’s face lights up.)

KASAI: A wise decision, Tyrone! A very wise decision!

(KASAI then turns to look at the other three, a more serious look coming over her.)

KASAI: You think of me as some helpless individual, a stray dog, but you have just invited the wolf into your home. And in New Orleans? I’m going to eat every single one of you alive. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

(KASAI is about to drop her microphone and leave the ring, but before she can… ‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba begins to play through the speakers of the arena. The crowd erupts as the camera goes over to the stage to show Voltage’s ARIA as she’s seen making her way out. She has a smile on her face as she takes a look around, hyping everyone up before then beginning to make her way down the ramp.)

Stew-O: What a surprise! It seems like we’re not done here tonight. ARIA is here! The fifth member of the Extreme Elimination Chamber is looking to make her presence felt, and she’s certainly not wasting any time as everyone in the match has been confirmed.

Flannery McCoy: We know it was a hard path compared to everyone else for ARIA to get here, having to beat Saori Aizen to take that step into the Chamber. But now she’s here, and nothing’s stopping her from reaching where she needs to be, and that’s with the Universal Women’s Championship around her waist.

Jake Mercer: CAW CAW! Oh my God, I just got chills. ARIA and Raven are in the same ring. Two BIRDS ready to fly! This is amazing.

(ARIA makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters through the ropes and into the ring. She makes her way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘God Shattering Star’ then begins to come to a close. After a moment, ARIA, with a light smile on her face, raises her microphone as she begins to speak.)

ARIA: I stood in the back, and I listened to all of you. I listened to the complaints, the demands, the threats. You’re all so focused on who deserves to be here, who belongs in which lane, and who has the biggest grudge. All of you are just staring at each other like this is some exclusive club that you’re trying to gatekeep, but while you’ve all been here these past couple of weeks, screaming your lungs out, creating issues for yourselves and personal vendettas that serve no purpose to this match, I’ve been at war. But I figured it was about time I came out of the woodwork and gave my thoughts on this whole situation.

(ARIA turns and takes a look at all of them, pausing for a brief moment before going on.)

ARIA: Milli, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that none of us are here to help you relive your glory days. You’re talking about reclaiming your life, being the longest-reigning Universal Women’s Champion, you’re looking at the past, and I think you’re angry because things aren’t the way they used to be. And while that may be the case for you, some people may not have gotten there yet. Holly, I respect the determination, I really do. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re running out of time, but desperation makes you blind. You’re so terrified of losing that you’ve forgotten how to win. You think this is your story to finish, but you’re so heavy with doubt that you can barely stand. And while all of this is happening, Raven thinks she’s above it all. She thinks that she’s safe because she’s away from all of this. But I want to give her a tip right now, that confidence without fear is just arrogance, and I think we both know how that ends up faring in a match like this. And we know how dangerous KASAI can be, but it’s nothing new. I’ve dealt with monsters before, and I’m more than happy to do it again if necessary.

(ARIA gestures toward everyone in the ring, before going on.)

ARIA: All of you see me as the outsider, the sole Elitist representing Sunday Night Voltage, the one who doesn’t fit your little web of hatred. Good, I want you to keep thinking that. Because while you were all handed your spots or demanded them, I had to beat Saori Aizen to get mine. I had to go to a place of darkness that none of you are ready for just to punch my ticket. I’ve been in an Extreme Elimination Chamber before, and I’ve survived, and I survived a monster ot get here tonight. So keep your eyes on each other, tear each other apart over who started what, I’m not going to be weighed down by that. I’m here for one reason, and that is to take the Universal Women’s Championship and show you that hope is stronger than you hate. Next week, I’m going to make sure I’m your reality check.

(As ARIA finishes what she’s saying, the crowd roaring while she does, Milli approaches her. She takes a brief moment before raising her microphone.)

Milli Banks: ARIA… I really… really… don’t give a fuck.

Stew-O: MILLI SHOVES ARIA STRAIGHT IN THE CHEST!

Flannery McCoy: BUT ARIA ISN’T GOING TO TAKE THAT! SHE IMMEDIATELY GETS UP TO HER FEET AND RUSHES HER WITH A FOREARM DIRECTLY TO THE FACE! AND IT’S GOING DOWN HERE TONIGHT ON DYNASTY! A BRAWL HAS ENSUED!

Jake Mercer: BEFORE HOLLY CAN EVEN REACT, RAVEN NAILS HER WITH A STIFF RIGHT HAND TO THE FACE TO SEND HER DOWN! AND AS RAVEN TURNS AROUND, KASAI LEAPS THROUGH THE AIR AND NAILS HER WITH A FRONT DROPKICK DIRECTLY TO THE CHEST!

Stew-O: MILLI MANAGES TO GRAB MILLI AROUND THE WAIST AS SHE RUNS HER FORWARD AND SLAMS HER DIRECTLY INTO THE TURNBUCKLE PADDING! RAVEN AND HOLLY HAVE DIRECTED THEMSELVES TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AT THE CENTER OF THE RING AS THEY’RE TRADING BLOWS! AND KASAI JUST PUSHED A STEEL CHAIR INTO THE RING, AS SHE SWINGS AT RAVEN WHO JUST BARELY DUCKS UNDER IT!

(Suddenly, the crowd erupts.)

Flannery McCoy: WAIT! LOOK! SOMEONE JUST JUMPED OVER THE BARRICADE!

Jake Mercer: WITH THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP IN HAND! THE CHAMPION IS HERE! MS. EXTREME HAS ARRIVED!

Stew-O: MS. EXTREME IMMEDIATELY ENTERS THE RING, AND KASAI HAS TAKEN NOTICE! SHE SWINGS THE CHAIR DIRECTLY AT HER HEAD- BUT MS. EXTREME MANAGES TO DUCK UNDER, BEFORE RUNNING FORWARD AS SHE NAILS HER WITH THE TITLE DIRECTLY TO THE FACE! KASAI STAGGERS BACK AS SHE DROPS THE CHAIR, AND MS. EXTREME ISN’T DONE!

Flannery McCoy: AS SHE SPIKES KASAI’S HEAD DOWN ONTO THE CHAIR WITH A DDT! KASAI ROLLS AWAY AS MS. EXTREME MAKES HER WAY UP TO HER FEET, TAKING DOWN A RECOVERING RAVEN WITH A CLOTHESLINE, WHICH DROPS HER! HOLLY THEN TRIES TO GO FOR A SUPERKICK- BUT MS. EXTREME MANAGES TO BLOCK, PUSHING IT AWAY BEFORE NAILING HER WITH A SUPERKICK OF HER OWN!

Jake Mercer: BUT ARIA SEES THE OPPORTUNITY HERE AS SHE LAUNCHES OFF THE ROPES WITH A SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!

Stew-O: BUT MS. EXTREME CATCHES HER AND SLAMS HER DOWN WITH ‘RED QUEEN’S RAMPAGE’! THE KNOCKOUT SLAM RIGHT OUT OF MIDAIR DROPS ARIA DOWN TO THE GROUND!

Flannery McCoy: AND MILLI BANKS FROM BEHIND SEES A CHANCE AS SHE RUSHES FORWARD WITH A NORTHERN LARIAT-

Jake Mercer: BUT MS. EXTREME CATCHES HER FROM BEHIND AS SHE TURNS HER AROUND!

Stew-O: JUMPING UP INTO THE AIR AND CONNECTING WITH ‘HOLY GROUND’! THE LEAPING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST OF MILLI BANKS COMPLETELY WIPES HER OUT!

Flannery McCoy: STATEMENT MADE BY THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION! AND IS THIS THE SIGHT THAT WE’RE GOING TO SEE HEADING INTO ROAD TO REDEMPTION?!

(‘RED THUNDER’ by Butcher Babies begins to play through the speakers of the arena as Ms. Extreme takes her title from off the ground. She looks around at the five bodies lying inside the ring around her, before taking her title and raising it into the air proudly. It’s the last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade out from there.)

(The scene pans to Dynasty’s interviewer, Michael Belfort in the empty women’s locker room, looking all professional and ready to conduct his interview.)

Michael Belfort: Road to Redemption is next weekend and things are heating up with the Dynasty side of things! Most especially, with the Specialists Championship! Showdown’s Auburn Ware will be taking on the woman I have right here, the champion herself…Mia Santoro!

(The crowd roars in boos as Mia Santoro jumps into the camera shot. The Specialists Championship is on her shoulder. She admires the title on her shoulder as Michael Belfort begins his interview.)

Michael Belfort: Mia, next weekend, you’ll be defending your title against Auburn Ware. How are you feeling going into Road to Redemption?

Mia Santoro: Michael, everything was great last week…until Auburn Ware’s snot-nosed little face made a presence and honestly, it’s hilarious that Auburn thinks that after all of these months where I have been able to outsmart many of my competitors, I have been steadily been proving myself to be among the best the best women to hold the Specialists Championship — Brody Sparks, Andrea Valentine, Milli Banks, Mia Santoro — I’m already in the conversation as one of the best women to hold this belt. There should be no debates on it. Anyone who disagrees is nothing more than jealous of what I have been able to do with the belt. So many want to be jealous, but I am no longer the joke, but the source of the girls’ envy and Auburn is one of them.

(The crowd does not like Mia Santoro’s response, but Mia stands up straight, not backing down from her response.)

Michael Belfort: You seem pretty confident about your chances of defeating Auburn Ware, but I don’t think that you should count her out —

Mia Santoro: I shouldn’t count her out, Michael? Ever since day one, she has had the backing from management to be something great! I wouldn’t be shocked if this is all some giant conspiracy to finally take me down! They have thrown woman after woman at my direction, thinking that they’ll be able to knock me off my high horse, but look at this—

(Mia Santoro, with intensity in her eyes, holds the Specialists Championship up, forcing Michael Belfort to get a good look at the belt.)

Mia Santoro: I am still the Specialists Champion! I am still the best champion on the Dynasty brand! Despite all of the forces in this world looking to knock me down, I have shown them that they can knock down a good woman like me! I have been able to outsmart and successfully retain this championship! And, you think that’s going to end because of…Auburn Ware? The woman who has the legendary Ronn Banks backing her! The same man who is the so-called ‘Foundation’ of this place! He trained her to the point where she thinks that she gets to call herself a ‘Prodigy,’ but what has she done since coming to EAW? NOTHING! She’s nothing more than wasted hype and hopeless potential. Nothing more than the colossal failures that have been hyped as a ‘GOAT’ or ‘future’ and just like every other person that man has come to paths with these days! If he truly knew what a true ‘GOAT’ or ‘Prodigy’ was, he would have looked in my direction! At least, I wouldn’t be a failure like Auburn!

(The crowd is booing louder. They truly hate this woman, but Mia Santoro carries on with the rest of her interview.)

Mia Santoro: Little Miss Auburn thought that being attached to her trainer was going to get her far in this promotion, but now, it’s the end of the road for her! It’s like the Ronn Banks seal of approval is nothing more than a kiss of death for someone like Auburn Ware because it’s led her with a giant target on her back! A target that’s way too big for her to wear! She needs to realize that she hit her ceiling a long time ago! Me? I’ve had my struggles, but I was able to break past them! Auburn? She’s an irrelevant flame just waiting to get snuffed out and I am going to just do that —

(Auburn Ware bursts herself through the locker room door and jumps on Mia Santoro, hitting her with left and right punches. Michael Belfort scampers for his life, letting the two women fight. Mia fights back with punches of her own before shoving her into the steel lockers! Auburn kicks Mia in the gut and takes her back. She gets a trashcan and throws it at Mia, but Mia manages to dodge it. She gets someone’s heavy luggage and throws it to Auburn, but completely misses. Auburn pounces Mia, taking her to the ground! Mia rolls on top of Auburn, returning the favor with punches of her own!)

(Auburn Ware rolls back on top of Mia Santoro. She gets the Specialists Championship that Mia dropped when Auburn attacked her and looks to smash Mia’s face with it. But, Mia is pushing the plate of the title away from her. The two women are screaming and yelling at each other as security rushes into the locker room and pulls the women off of each other. One set of security is pushing Auburn out the door. The other set is pushing Mia back further into the locker room. Both women look enraged with each other! Mia is holding her title up high!)

Mia Santoro: YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO GET THIS! YOU ARE A LOSER, AUBURN!

Auburn Ware: TALK YOUR TRASH, BUT YOU’LL BEEN PROVEN WRONG AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION!

(With that, Auburn Ware is pushed out of the locker room, leaving Mia Santoro fuming and screaming expletives in return. The scene fades elsewhere.)

(Friday Night Dynasty returns to show Stephie Love standing at the center of the ring with a microphone in hand and a smile on her face as she begins to speak.)

Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for…

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

Stephie Love: Already in the ring… from Mobile, Alabama… weighing in at 185 pounds… THE ALABAMA SLAMMA… RICKY RHODES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(The crowd erupts loudly for the hometown kid, a young pre-pubescent like rookie in pure red trunks bouncing around the ring, hyping up the crowd. But as he does, the sounds of ‘Faneto’ by Chief Keef immediately hit the speakers, with the reaction immediately souring into loud boos. The camera goes over to the stage as SOSA Henderson is seen making his way out. He has a serious expression on his face as he ignores the crowd, beginning to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring, all business while he does so.)

Stephie Love: And his opponent… from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… weighing in at 191 pounds… BULLETPROOF… SOSA HENDERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stew-O: For the past couple of weeks, SOSA Henderson has certainly made it known that things have changed. Two weeks ago, he staked his claim for the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal and beat KASAI in a nasty fashion. By the look on his face here tonight, he’s certainly not in the mood for pleasantries.

Flannery McCoy: Can you blame him, though? He got attacked from behind by KASAI after the match, and we heard what he said last week; he certainly is going to make sure that she doesn’t get away with it. But while she has to focus on the Chamber, he has to focus on the Battle Royal. SOSA feels disrespected, and a disrespected SOSA is a dangerous SOSA.

Jake Mercer: Disrespected? You know what, sure! I love it! He’s focused! He demanded a spot by Tyrone, and he got one, and tonight is just a warm-up heading into next week for big SOSA!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Stew-O: This match is officially underway, and both men look ready to go. Ricky Rhodes immediately charges in, GOING FOR A CLOTHESLINE DIRECTLY TO THE FACE OF SOSA-

Flannery McCoy: But SOSA ducks that as he rushes toward the ropes and back!

Jake Mercer: CUTTING RICKY IN HALF WITH A HUGE SPEAR TO TAKE HIM DOWN TO THE GROUND! AND WITH THE WAY RICKY IS LOOKING UP AT THE LIGHTS RIGHT NOW, HE COULD END THIS MATCH IMMEDIATELY!

Stew-O: BUT HE ISN’T! HE DOESN’T GO FOR THE COVER AS HE TURNS AROUND AND RUSHES UP THE TURNBUCKLE, WAITING FOR RICKY TO STIR UP!

Flannery McCoy: AS HE LEAPS THROUGH THE AIR AND CAVES HIS CHEST IN WITH A ‘PAID IN FULL’! STOMP CONNECTS AS SOSA GOES FOR THE PIN!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(‘Faneto’ begins to play through the speakers of the arena as SOSA Henderson makes his way up to his feet, not even breaking a sweat as he gives himself a sarcastic pat on the back. The referee makes his way over and raises his hand in the air.)

Stephie Love: Here is your winner… SOSA HENDERSON!!!!!!!!!!

Jake Mercer: Easy work! Barely broke a sweat. THAT’S how you send a message to everyone from Dynasty, Showdown, and Voltage before the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal!

Stew-O: But I don’t think he’s done here!

(SOSA immediately rolls himself out of the ring. He walks over to the timekeeper’s area, shoving the timekeeper aside and snatching a steel chair. The crowd starts to boo loudly as he slides back into the ring, standing over his opponent as he unfolds the chair and places it over Ricky’s head. He has a look of no remorse in his eyes as he backs up into the corner.)

Flannery McCoy: OH MY GOD!

(THUD!)

Stew-O: CURB STOMP ONTO THE CHAIR! ‘GARNISHMENT’ JUST COMPLETELY CRUSHED POOR RICKY’S TRACHEA!

(Ricky begins convulsing as the referee tries to get involved, but SOSA shoves him away, beginning to shout.)

SOSA Henderson: (Off-Mic) THIS IS WHAT Y’ALL WANT?! HUH?! IS THIS THE INTEGRITY YOU WANT?!

Flannery McCoy: AND NOW SOSA IS BEGINNING TO STOMP DOWN REPEATEDLY ON THE HEAD OF RICKY! MAKING SURE THAT HE SUFFERS EVEN FURTHER! THIS IS THE MESSAGE THAT SOSA WANTS TO SEND!

Jake Mercer: BUT EVEN MORE OFFICIALS ARE FINALLY SLIDING INTO THE RING! THIS IS A MESSAGE TO KASAI! THIS IS A MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IN THE BATTLE ROYAL! SOSA HENDERSON ISN’T PLAYING GAMES!

(Finally, SOSA is separated from the local talent as he backs up, throwing his hands up in sarcastic innocence. He shakes his head as he exits the ring, talking to the camera as he shows the confidence that he has, with the EMTs carefully loading the motionless Ricky Rhodes onto the stretcher.)

Stew-O: Let me just say one thing, if this is the SOSA Henderson walking into Road To Redemption… God help whoever is standing across the ring from him.

(SOSA makes his way toward the backstage area as the camera focuses on him walking through Gorilla Position. As he rounds the corner, Michael Belfort steps in his path, microphone raised, and looking slightly hesitant given what just happened out there.)

Michael Belfort: SOSA! SOSA, can I get a minute of your time?

(SOSA stops in his tracks, taking a brief look at Michael with a face of disdain. After a moment, he begins to speak.)

SOSA Henderson: Make it quick. I’ve got places to be.

Michael Belfort: Right. Well, we just saw a dominant display out there, sending a very clear message. But looking ahead to next week at Road To Redemption, you are officially the only representative from Friday Night Dynasty in the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal. How does that pressure feel, and where is your head at knowing you’re carrying the brand’s flag into that match?

SOSA Henderson: Pressure? Mike, look at me. Do I feel like I’m feeling pressure? I feel great. I feel exactly how I should feel, which is like the frontrunner. The minute I walked into Tyrone Montgomery’s office and demanded my spot, I knew this was how it was going to play out. SOSA Henderson being the only representative for Dynasty isn’t an accident, and it isn’t a burden; it’s the only rational choice this brand could make. Why send a bunch of sheep to the slaughter when you can send the wolf? I don’t know who Showdown or Voltage is sending, and quite frankly, I don’t give a damn; it doesn’t matter. What matters is that SOSA Henderson walks into New Orleans and throws every single one of them over the top rope, finishing what he started. This isn’t just about winning a Battle Royal; this is a warning. This is me telling every single person in the back, every General Manager, and every suit on the board that SOSA Henderson will not be ignored anymore. You can’t hold down what you can’t control.

Michael Belfort: A bold statement, SOSA. If you do manage to outlast the field and win the Extreme Enigma, what is the next step? Where do you go from there as we head into the new year?

SOSA Henderson: Let me correct you, when I win, not if, when I win that match. And when that happens, SOSA Henderson becomes undeniable. That’s the goal. For too long, I’ve been shuffled to the side, I’ve been told to wait my turn, and I’ve been handed opportunities just to have the rug pulled out. But once I have that victory, the power shifts. The power is in my hands to do whatever I choose on this brand. Maybe I’ll decide the Interwire Championship looks good around my waist. Maybe I’ll decide to hunt down whoever walks out of the Extreme Elimination Chamber with the World Heavyweight Championship and give them a run for their money. I’m going to show the world that House of Glass didn’t define a damn thing about my career. It doesn’t matter which path I choose; what matters is that all eyes are going to be on SOSA Henderson, and once it’s all said and done, nobody is going to be able to tell me anything. I run this.

Michael Befort: Well, I-

???: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

(Michael is startled as he looks over and quickly shuffles off screen. SOSA takes a look over as KASAI makes his way into the scene, a grin on her face as both of them are face-to-face.)

KASAI: You talk a big game for a man who needed a thumb to the eye to beat me. But listen, SOSA… just because I managed to force my way into the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber doesn’t mean for a second that I forgot about you. I haven’t forgotten the disrespect.

SOSA Henderson: I hope you haven’t. You started these issues, KASAI. You decided to come at the King… and you missed. If you want to keep fucking with me, that’s your funeral. You’re going to have nobody to blame but yourself when you fumble that Universal Women’s Championship opportunity next week and come crawling back here for another ass-whooping courtesy of SOSA Henderson. You’re fighting a war on two fronts, and you ain’t built for either of them.

KASAI: Oh, I’m so sure. I’m trembling. But I just wanted to come over here and get this out of the way now so it doesn’t look like I’m ducking you, because that is far from the case. I’m a generous woman, SOSA. So here is the deal: Right after I win the Universal Women’s Championship at Road To Redemption, right after I prove everyone wrong… I would be more than happy to indulge you in a match the following week. At The Festival of Lights in The Sphere, I want to give you a front-row seat to see what a real World Champion looks like… something you’ll never be.

(SOSA stares at her, shrugging off the insult as he shakes his head, a brief chuckle before then beginning to respond.)

SOSA Henderson: A real World Champion, huh? Coming from you, that’s rich. I doubt you’ll even make it out of the Chamber, but fine. If you want another beating that bad, I’ll clear my schedule. I’ll accept. But when you walk down that ramp without a title, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

KASAI: Great! Today is going even better than I expected. I’ll see you then, SOSA. Don’t be late.

(KASAI turns around with a smile on her face as she makes her way out of the scene, looking entirely too pleased with the interaction. SOSA watches her go, a look of annoyance crossing his face for a moment before it settles into a cold smirk. He shakes his head as he heads the opposite direction, with that being the last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade to elsewhere.)

(A commercial is shown for the Extreme Enigma Battle Royal at Road To Redemption.)

(The scene cuts into ‘Ultra Instinct’ already playing throughout the speakers as BRAE stands inside the ring, with the Interwire Championship settled right over his shoulder as he is looking across from the Number One Contender herself, Anna Wautier. While BRAE poses a small grin on his face, Anna is largely focused on BRAE with eyes that are set toward him, not wavering away for a single moment.)

Stew-O: And before we venture into Road to Redemption where we will be seeing the Interwire Championship be up for grabs, both elitists vying for the gold will be meeting one last time under non-physical circumstances as they are looking to speak their own peace tonight right here.

Flannery McCoy: BRAE has been on such an immense run this season ever since winning the Interwire Championship at Pain for Pride, and now there will always be more to prove as he is looking to garner another defense in this reign when going up against Anna Wautier!

Jake Mercer: But there’s no counting out Anna in this match as she will be looking to immortalize herself through becoming an Interwire Champion rather early in her career! It’s always easy to overlook any newcomer looking to make the most happen for themselves, but you can’t look past Wautier!

(BRAE keeps a glance on Anna, as the smile doesn’t regress from his smile while raising the microphone after his music dies down.)

BRAE: Anna, you’ve done more than well enough to see yourself come this far. You have not frequented this space of professional wrestling in particular for too often, I believe you have earned yourself this opportunity at gold earlier than a vast majority of elitists who have ever stepped through the door. That is a testament to how far you are willing to go, as you had to step up against the most formidable competition that you could have found when knocking at their doorstep. You have truly done your absolute best to present yourself as a formidable challenge on this conquest for gold, I can always appreciate that much when I expect the most from my challenger. You never want to present yourself as any less, Anna, and you know better than that. You should always know better than that, there will always be someone who looks to undermine your credibility as a threat.

(BRAE glances downward briefly, as his grin doesn’t slip too far from his face.)

BRAE: However, as much as you have tried to maintain yourself as a true threat heading into Road to Redemption—I truly do not have any doubts of my victory over you in a mere week’s time. Despite everything that you have done, you remain a rookie who has not nearly accomplished enough to prove that she can take this title away from me. You can look upon everything that I have done just to get myself to this pedestal, the reigning Interwire Champion who is capable of conquering the likes of Drake King & Methuselah in a battle that could have went to any man, but it played directly into my hands through emerging as the elitist who wanted to be given the victorious status even more than anyone else. That is who you are facing at Road to Redemption, and do I truly believe that are prepared to defeat me…? To survive, perhaps? Yes, undoubtedly. But to win…? Hm, not quite.

Anna Wautier: Do you truly believe that I should be entertaining all of this backhanded nonsense you’ve spoken of, BRAE? Yes, you are the Interwire Champion & that does make you the one for me to conquer, but I will not be undermined through all of the compliments that you can offer me only to provide an exclamation point through another note to suppress me. I won’t be deterred from where I know that I need to be, and you won’t try to play any form of mind games that can make me think any differently. I understand exactly how important this match is to me more than anyone ever could. They’re not in my shoes, I know I’m contending for a title early in my time here as an elitist & I am not taking any of that for granted. I know that I can beat you, BRAE. I know it…

BRAE: Well, pardon me for speaking from the heart, Anna Wautier. As you have shown over these last few weeks, not only are you too inexperienced for such a position as defeating me, but you are also far too emotional. Your desperation has shown itself against me and I have no doubts that this same desperation will only continue to result in your downfall once our match begins. The bell will ring to signal the beginning, and it will ring again to signal the end of your dwindling chances to take this title from me. You need a firm mind in order to lead any division & that is not something you find yourself to be equipped with, Anna. Frankly, not the best of looks to ordain yourself with if you truly wish to be deemed with strength amongst your own peers. You—

Anna Wautier: Enough of this already.

(Anna cuts him off, as she takes the step forward and glares up at him with pure focus in her eyes as she slowly shakes her own head.)

Anna Wautier: I will not be led astray any further just because you believe in something that has not even been proven yet. We don’t know anything until the bell rings for a second time and one of us is able to be deemed the Interwire Champion. You know better than that, and I will not be looked down upon by your melodramatic presence over what you THINK may be the case. But you don’t know that for certain, you never did. I really don’t need to hear another word rise out of your mouth when all you can give me is the same words that I have already heard more than enough. I’m tired of this, I don’t have another care for what you can say because now it’s all just drowned out by my own resolve to beat you next weekend!

Anna Wautier: Yes, your resume has been impressive & it has become one that I know makes you the most formidable challenge of my entire life. My career hinges on this match because beating you would mean changing absolutely everything for myself, I would go through all of the rain that I already have & then some to find myself in this position where I can call myself a champion here! You are not this final boss that you believe yourself to be, BRAE! I will continue to reiterate how your ego has gone to your head & truly changed you to a point where you will understand one simple thing: it is YOU who is out of their own depth coming into this match. If I must become the disruptor to all of the momentum you have built for yourself, then I will not hold myself back. I WILL remind you of what the fall feels like when I take that title!

(BRAE can’t help but scoff, shaking his own head as he soon raises the microphone.)

BRAE: Anna, your drive is admirable just as much as your willingness to do the unthinkable is, but it is all simply lost upon you how badly this will go for you. For every strike that you deliver, I will hit twice as hard & leave no room for recovery. Nothing will prepare you for the storm that is bound to come, and you will not see to it that this reign ends…

Anna Wautier: I beg to differ, BRAE. I can declare the exact same for you, I have so much within me that is just waiting to send the message toward & make you understand you shouldn’t have underestimated me…

BRAE: Experience, Anna. The crucial difference between you & I, compounded by my relentlessness that you simply cannot match to save your life…

(Anna slowly nods, glaring up at him as she doesn’t spare another word…)

(SMACK!!!)

Stew-O: ANNA BLASTS HER MICROPHONE OVER BRAE’S SKULL!!! BRAE IS DROPPED AS HE IS CLUTCHING ONTO HIS OWN HEAD RIGHT NOW AFTER THE MIC!

Flannery McCoy: AND ANNA’S LOOKING TO MAKE A STATEMENT JUST A WEEK BEFORE THEIR TITLE MATCH HERE! ANNA IS RUSHING FORWARD & LOOKING FOR ‘TRUENO DESTRODA’—

Jake Mercer: ‘MORRIGAN’!!!! BRAE DROPS ANNA WITH THE BROGUE KICK BEFORE SHE CAN LEAP FORWARD!!! BRAE RETURNS THE FIRE WITH MORRIGAN AS THE INTERWIRE CHAMPION IS STANDING TALL TONIGHT!

(BRAE is wide eyed as he’s clutching his own skull, picking up his title as he’s glaring down upon the downed Anna Wautier, who is holding onto their own jaw as BRAE raises the Interwire Championship high, his head shaking in disappointment of the ordeal as the scene soon fades.)

(A commercial plays for Texeco.)

(The Friday Night Dynasty video feed pans to a wide view of the arena with the crowd murmuring in excitement when, suddenly, “Razorface” by Celldweller began blaring through the speakers to a loud mixed reaction. David Gideon Smith emerged from behind the stage curtains with a menacing expression plastered across his face; he slowly made his way down towards the squared circle with a microphone already clasped in his hand. He stepped inside the ring as his theme song faded, and the crowd waited with anticipation as the Sovereign began to speak.)

David Gideon Smith: The events of last week serve as a glaring contradiction to a statement that my opponent at Road to Redemption, Methuselah “Elevation”, made earlier this year. That statement, as succinctly as he put it, was that “Gawd is dead”.

(The ominous figure fell silent as he let that phrase reverberate in the minds of all the onlookers in the arena.)

David Gideon Smith: What was the purpose of this statement? If you listened to Methuselah “Elevation”, it would be an indication that “Gawdhood” was a status that was beneath him, and that by ascending or “Elevating” to the status that he proclaims to inhabit in the present day, he has effectively molted a constraining shell and emerged as an even greater threat than he ever was in the past.

(David redirects his attention to the hard cam.)

David Gideon Smith: That… is false. A lie, as flagrant as the countless others he has spewed over his years of parading around this ‘Land of Elite’ as a self-proclaimed deity. What I bore witness to last week made me feel as though the ‘Gawd’ he claimed to be has never been more alive than it ever has been before.

David Gideon Smith: ‘Gawd’ the vindictive. ‘Gawd’ the iniquitous. ‘Gawd’ the petty and the spiteful. That is what one is, and that is what he embodied to a T when he saw fit to abuse his administrative powers as chairman to abscond with a victory that is legitimate in the eyes of no one but himself. What act could befit one that adorns the moniker of a Gawd more, when religious history has been filled with deities that see fit to massacre countless lives as a result of the slightest bit of perceived disrespect?

David Gideon Smith: The ‘disrespect’ that I showed was narrowing my eyes and seeing through the multiple veils of facade to perceive him for what he is. Not an ascendant figure, not an already elevated entity, but a ‘Gawd’ with all of a god’s ego, all of a god’s spite, and none of a god’s ultimate power. That is why, when this truth was pointed out to him by me, more concisely than any other, that legendary Methuselah spite revealed itself in phases.

David Gideon Smith: First came the neglect. The scoffing at the very thought of seeing me as a threat, the upturned chin, and the haughty speech. Then, when we stepped foot in the ring and all possibility of disregarding and hiding away from my power became moot, he was confronted with the truth of the matter that I spoke to his face week after week; I saw a wounded old dog with fear in its eyes, a fear of both its own weakness and the idea of being perceived as weak in equal parts. Methuselah realizes he is mortal, and now, he is in shambles.

David Gideon Smith: All the dog could do was escape the impossible situation, and then flaunt like a peacock that was blissfully unaware of the stampede headed its way. It was all for naught; the matter on the minds of the many is not awe of his power, but rather curiosity as to whether he will be pitiful enough to repeat the tactic on a showcase as grand as Road to Redemption. If he has an ounce of a spine left in his decrepit body, he will accept his imminent demise-

(Suddenly, “Vent (Original Version)” by Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar began blaring loudly through the speakers to tremendous boos as Methuselah stepped out from behind the stage curtains in a casual attire, with his brand new ‘Therefore’ shirt adorning the legendary figure. Methuselah began to speak as he approached David Gideon Smith in the ring, staring him in the eyes, face to face, upon making it to him.)

Methuselah: Truth be told, it does not behoove me to treat this with a modicum of seriousness; tragically, a creator is beholden to his creation, and in the Land of Elite, Extreme, Merchants, Beasts, that the Master Builder has painstakingly constructed from the ground up, our gladiators are provided with the liberty to act of their own accord in an effort to carve out their piece of my territory to keep for themselves. It just so happens that, due entirely to the Elevated position of your Ascended Mahatma, I remain the ultimate target in perpetuity for those seeking to carve out the biggest portion that they believe themselves capable of possessing.

Methuselah: THEREFORE, I am subjected to a ceaseless parade of creatures like you, who believe yourselves to be different than all the rest who have tried and failed.

Methuselah: THEREFORE, you ironically condemn yourself to be one and the same with the rest who similarly proclaimed themselves to be different.

Methuselah: THEREFORE, you will suffer the same fate and join the legions of elitists that thought ‘Methuselah is finished’ before they, themselves were finished.

Methuselah: FINISH HIM. OVER FOR THOU. I have, at times, peeled the curtains back and spoke on the effects of aging on my body; what you so cockily present as breaking news and world-changing findings was, in fact, already exposed by the only primary source with the authority to speak on the matter. What you do not seem to understand is that this is to your detriment rather than your benefit.

Methuselah: In a different time, in a different age, in a different era, I perhaps may have admired the sheer audacity on display by a man as new to the Land of Elite, Extreme, Merchants, Beasts, as you to clench your fists and strike this many levels beyond your paygrade. Perhaps I would have even designated you as one deserving of my esteemed tutelage, polished you and prepared you for a position far beyond the masses that are your fellow gladiators.

Methuselah: However, this is not that time, age, or era. You are a naive, gullible fool if you truly believe that you strike an ounce of fear in my heart. If you perceive my actions last week as anything other than an act of spite due to the sheer pointlessness of this entire affair, then Road to Redemption will be all the more agonizing to you when you are extracted from your idyllic stupor and plunged into the merciless depths. If you watched my territory over the years rather than galloping around from lesser promotion to lesser promotion, perhaps you would already be aware of your inevitable fate-

David Gideon Smith: There is no need for that. I could have watched in the past and I could even watch tapes of the past, but you have made your own desperation so painfully obvious that I understood it from the first day I saw you in person. That desperation has not changed at all at this point, and the only man that remains unaware of it is you, who has placed more veils over your own eyes than any other, in an attempt to save your own ego from having to confront the truth of your weakness.

David Gideon Smith: There have been countless calls for you to be toppled; if it means I get to enjoy the fruit of defeating one of this promotion’s most prominent architects in service of my long-term ambition, then I will readily be the kingslayer that the masses ask for.

Methuselah: And when have you ever cared about being perceived as a hero for the masses?

David Gideon Smith: Never. Never have I cared about that or claimed to be one, but if it means I get another step closer to invoking the calamity that this land – ‘YOUR’ land – has coming, then I will fill that role in a heartbeat. That is what will transpire at Road to Redemption whether you like it or not; the ‘Elevated’ being dropped back down to reality-

Stew-O: OH! AND METHUSELAH HAS HEARD ENOUGH, SUDDENLY STRIKING DAVID GIDEON SMITH WITH AN ELBOW SMASH TO THE FOREHEAD!

Flannery McCoy: AND NOW METHUSELAH IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SURPRISE ATTACK, GOING AFTER DAVID GIDEON SMITH AS VIOLENTLY AS WE’VE SEEN IN RECENT TIMES FROM THE OVERMAN!

Jake Mercer: THESE TWO BEHEMOTHS ARE ON THE CANVAS NOW, WITH METHUSELAH BEATING THE HELL OUT OF THE SOVEREIGN! ELBOW AFTER ELBOW TO THE FOREHEAD HAS DAVID GIDEON SMITH BUSTED OPEN, WITH HIS BLOOD GETTING ALL OVER METHUSELAH’S NEW SHIRT! THE AUDACITY!

Stew-O: METHUSELAH ROLLS OUT AND LOOKS UNDER THE APRON… oh… THAT’S NOT GOOD! THAT’S METHUSELAH’S ULTIMATE WEAPON, THE SATAN II! HE STEPS BACK INTO THE RING, SATAN II IN HAND AS HE LOOKS TO DECIMATE DAVID GIDEON SMITH BEFORE THEIR MATCH EVEN TAKES PLACE! HE GETS CLOSE TO DAVID AND SAYS SOMETHING UNDER HIS BREATH BEFORE GOING TO–

Flannery McCoy: BUT DAVID GRABS A HOLD OF THE END OF SATAN II BEFORE METHUSELAH COULD LIFT IT UP HIGH! HE YANKS ON IT, PULLING METHUSELAH DOWN TO GET HIT WITH A HEADBUTT, AND THAT STUNS THE OVERMAN WHO STAGGERS BACK!

Jake Mercer: DAVID GIDEON SMITH RISES TO HIS FEET AND– HE SWINGS SATAN II! METHUSELAH GETS HIT, AND HE’S BEEN TAKEN OUT! METHUSELAH ELEVATION HAS JUST BEEN TOPPLED, AND JUST ONE STRIKE FROM SATAN II HAS METHUSELAH BLEEDING EVEN HARDER THAN DAVID GIDEON SMITH!

Stew-O: THE SOVEREIGN STANDS TALL ABOVE THE FALLEN METHUSELAH AND DROPS SATAN II ONTO THE CHAIRMAN BEFORE LOOKING DOWN AT HIM! IS THIS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO SEE AT THE END OF THEIR MATCH AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION?!

(The video feed lingers on the harrowing scene as David continues standing tall over the Chairman before the feed fades to black.)

(A commercial plays for Avatar: Fire and Ash, featuring Kai Rabeaux wondering what actual cultural significance the Avatar film franchise has left behind. No, seriously, who even gives a shit about it? Well, if you do, then go see it December 19th in theaters before those become irrelevant themselves.)

(Returning from the final commercial break of the show, ‘Apostle’s Warning’ by Mobb Deep hits the speaker. The fans stand and come to a frenzy as Michael Machina marches out. With a microphone in hand, he strides toward the ring, not at all with the bullshit tonight.)

Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing at this time, the current EAW World Heavyweight Champion… MIIIIICHAAAAAAEEEEEEEL MAAAACHIIIIIIIINAAAAAAA!!!

Stew-O: It’s been a busy, chaotic month and a half for Michael Machina as the time passed by, and now, for the first time in his career, he will be entering a Chamber match as the current defending world champion. It’s perhaps the biggest test of his career, yet Michael remains determined, unfazed, and perhaps a bit annoyed by all that has occurred.

Jake Mercer: Brawls, fights, arguments, scraps, the whole works! It comes with the territory though, and Michael is more than familiar with them. He just has to focus on making sure we walks out of New Orleans with a cool head and the championship still on his shoulder.

Flannery McCoy: Still, with the field he has to deal with, it may not be entirely far-fetched to think that he may not walk out as the champion. It’s everyone’s game come next weekend.

Stew-O: That much is true, but Michael has made it known he is ready for what’s to come. He is not going to be deterred, and when it’s all said and done, he wants to ensure he heads into the next year still our world heavyweight champion.

(In the ring he goes, taking his position right in the middle. He takes the time to collect his thoughts before his theme fades—and with that, he wastes no time speaking.)

Michael Machina: You know, I’m always one to keep things on line. Never been one to waste words, or get into verbal wars with anyone. As if I’d ever allow any motherfucker here to trip me up to the point where they’d have me sweating all ‘cause they think they can beat me, or be different from a person I’ve faced before, or if they’re, somehow, different from the LAST time we’ve faced. However, the past few weeks have gotten to me a bit, because I’ve had to wonder if what I’m being presented to me are true challengers, or a complete clown show.

(He shakes his head, not at all intimidated or impressed.)

Michael Machina: And it’s a shame, really. For weeks, well over a month now, at this point, I tried giving everyone a chance. After all, everyone in this match was selected for a reason. Everyone has a case for either becoming a world champion for the first time in their career, or recapturing a title of this prestige. Yet, everyone hasn’t been able to bring their best foot forward. I feel like I’m dealing with pathetic scavengers who want to pretend as if they got me or one another all figured out as opposed to desperate yet hungry fighters eager to prove they truly are made for this. And it’s damning, because some of those names should know better, with how long they’ve been in the game and have cut their teeth. However, every week it’s always something, and as the literal face representing this damn show, and thus, MY brand, the petty shit is not for me.

Crowd: :lupe: !!

Michael Machina: It’s embarrassing. Disgraceful. I mean, even I’ve decided to indulge in looking back at the recaps and clips, and I have to wonder if this is TRULY the kind of Dynasty I want to be at the forefront of. I never cared to be some de facto ‘leader’; my care for my legacy has always been about what I can do to cement myself as a walking LEGEND. I’m not here to be like someone like Limmy who wants to cosplay the fuckers he blatantly admired and stole from, or that delusional fucker Drake who wants to crash out now and have someone else do most of the talking for him all because he thought he was going to be infallible like a literal god and ended up being proven wrong. I’m just here to be the best, end of, but it’s a damn shame I’m having to defend this title in a match where almost everyone is acting like a child having a temper tantrum, and I’ve had enough.

Michael Machina: That is why, at Road to Redemption, I am doing everything I can to make sure I win. You guys can fight and jump like this is a badly produced reality TV show, but at the end of the day, none of you are capable of taking the World Heavyweight Championship from me, and I damn sure am not about to lose this title to some entitled, unrealistic, sorry ass excuses for Elitists who wanted to spend the bulk of the build thinking they’re auditioning for some Zeus Network special than prepping for a match that has so much at stake.

(The fans react loudly to those sharp words, and Michael continues.)

Michael Machina: That’s just how I feel. Will I be challenged? Of course. Again, it goes without saying the talent and depth this match has. But everything else? It disgusts me. I have been looking forward to Road to Redemption so that I can put everyone behind me and move on. Have a challenger or challengers who are worthy of making me see them. Instead, I get this mess, and—

???: Oh, so what, am I not good to you, Michael?

(Michael whips his head, and Limmy Monaghan shows up, mic in hand. A loud reaction draws from the fans. However, Limmy does not care to entertain them as his attention is laser-focused on Michael.)

Limmy Monaghan: Sorry if I am not up to your par, ‘Champ’, but frankly, I don’t care. I have paved the way for people like you, and that is a fact. This air of entitlement is hilarious on you because of that. However, if you wish to feel that way, then that is your prerogative. You just don’t want to make the mistake of talking down on me when this is very much my match to win, especially after everything I’ve had to deal with.

Michael Machina: Oh brother, so what, you’re gonna stand here and recite the same talking points you did a few years back and think you can take me down the same way you took down Andre Walker? Please, get over yourself, Limmy. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you have to say. I said what I said, and if you want to be offended, then be my guest.

Limmy Monaghan: I’m not offended, but it is comical seeing you stand here and act as if you have everything figured out.

Michael Machina: Act like I have everything figured out? I do. Motherfucker, I was able to become a world champion in a shorter frame of time than YOU! Of course I’m going to feel how I feel, it’s a no brainer!

Limmy Monaghan: If you say so. However, Michael, this match is not yours to win, and I need you and everyone else to understand that.

(Limmy gets in the ring, standing across from Michael. However, before things get more heated, another person enters the fray.)

???: Whoa! Bad time to pop up in here?

(The fans cheer as Rex McAllister arrives.)

Rex McAllister: I have to say, it does really amp things up, but honestly? I can’t lie, Michael: it’s a bit hypocritical to come at everyone for fighting when you look like you’re any second from blowing up yourself.

Michael Machina: Oh, don’t you even start, Rex. Out of everyone, I still have the most respect for you. Don’t get yourself involved in something that doesn’t concern you.

Rex McAllister: And the same sentiment can be applied, but Michael—I am going to involve myself here because this does concern me. You have what I want, and these people have been wanting me to be world champion for a long time again…

(The fans cheer some more.)

Rex McAllister: … So it’s only right I come out here and make sure you know that I am leaving the chamber with the world heavyweight championship!

(The fans explode. However, Limmy shakes his head.)

Limmy Monaghan: In a different timeline, that would be perfect for you, Rex. The fans screaming your name, you hoisting up that title, and all feels right. However, that is not going to be the case. I’ll be the new champion, and you’ll have to go back to being Raven’s tag-along in order to keep yourself afloat.

Rex McAllister: Maybe. However, you know by now I’m not the kind to quit. You can say whatever, but I am always going to be confident, and no one is gonna take that from me—

???: SHUT UP ALREADY, OH MY GOD, YOU THREE ARE ANNOYING!!

(The fans immediately boo as Ahren Fournier’s voice is distinguishable. Right along him is Effy McAvoy, who is surprised by the reaction, but she’s right by her mentor’s side as they approach the ring.)

Ahren Fournier: God, you guys are insufferable! Who cares!? None of you are gonna win when Effy is in the match, so don’t even THINK to discount her! She has been growing, and she will make history next week!

Michael Machina: … Weren’t you just getting into her a few weeks ago about how she needs to get her shit together?

Ahren Fournier: That was just some tough love! Tell them, Effy!

Effy McAvoy: Yes! Ahren is right! I may not have had the smoothest season, but that doesn’t mean I’m out of the race. I know I can win. I have been doing everything I can to improve, and next week, I am not holding a single thing back. Some of you in this match may not believe it, but I’m not going to let that get to me. So, when it’s all said and done…

(As she gets into the ring, she looks at all the men seriously.)

Effy McAvoy: I WILL become the next EAW World Heavyweight Champion.

(Some of the fans cheer for that. However, Limmy rolls his eyes.)

Limmy Monaghan: And that’s fine and dandy, but Effy, it isn’t happening, and you and Ahren are gonna need to understand that–

Effy McAvoy: Why? Because you say so? Because you’re so big and mighty, Limmy? And really, why should people even care about what you say? You’re not as big of a standard bearer anymore, and if you were, maybe you would’ve been a world champion again sooner. You’re not the end-all, be-all of this promotion, so don’t even start.

Rex McAllister: Oh, well that’s rather fiery.

Michael Machina: And I agree, frankly, but again, it’s not like any of you are any better. You’re all setting yourselves up for disappointment, and I need for you guys to understand that.

???: Sigh… what a bunch of bitches you guys are sounding like…

(Suddenly, some of the fans begin to boo, causing the others to look over. Kirk Redwood comes along, shaking his head.)

Kirk Redwood: We got the champion decrying the challengers as nothing more than children while sounding like one himself, and those same children actin’ as though they are leagues ahead of one another. I gotta say, I’m a bit disappointed myself. It’s so much talking, hardly any true action, and I don’t think you guys are gonna back anything up. Still, makes things easier for me, ‘cause if yer all gonna scream atop of each other like this in that chamber? Then that’s a clear pathway to victory for me, and there’s a lotta empty mouths I’m fixing t’close next weekend.

(Kirk enters the ring, giving everyone a smug smirk.)

Michael Machina: And here’s the Non-Factor himself thinking he’s ahead of everyone. Kirk, don’t start with the bullshit tonight.

Kirk Redwood: Oh? And why not? So now the champ don’t like it when he’s bein’ told about himself, huh? Interesting…

Michael Machina: It has nothing to do with that, but small fries shouldn’t try to bark up to folks they know would eviserate them.

Kirk Redwood: Oho, someone’s actin’ all tough now! How scary! And should I be shakin’ in my boots for you or ANYONE here?

(He side-eyes Limmy, who notices.)

Limmy Monaghan: Here you go again. Guess my words truly have wounded you if you want to try and cast a bit of shade my way.

Kirk Redwood: Oh, it ain’t shade, but I’m definitely gonna turn the lights out on your punk ass soon enough.

Limmy Monaghan: So, you want to get back at me now. Nice. At least I’m focused on the title and not some petty revenge—

???: Ahem.

(And finally… a familiar feminine voice is heard.)

Sister Annabelle: It seems as though I am missing out on the festivities.

Rex McAllister: If you want to call it that. But… just you? Where’s Drake?

Sister Annabelle: You don’t need to worry about that. He is preparing for the match. However, he does want me to give you all a message, and that is: “God is coming for what is rightfully his at Road to Redemption.”

Effy McAvoy: Really? That’s it?

Ahren Fournier: He’s always been a basic bitch, you shouldn’t be surprised.

Kirk Redwood: Damn. I guess that makes him the most corny of the bunch, and Limmy’s right here.

Limmy Monaghan: I know you aren’t talking…

Michael Machina: Well, whatever. Since you’re here, tell that fuckboy I said he can bring it.

(Michael steps back, glaring at the rest of the crew.)

Michael Machina: And the same goes for the rest of you—

(But the fans shout and cry out.)

Stew-O: HUH!?

(And out of nowhere, Michael falls to the ring, clutching his knee!)

Jake Mercer: WAIT! WAIT! THE CHAMP IS DOWN AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF DRAKE KING!

(The rest of the competitors scramble as Drake King shows up!)

Flannery McCoy: THIS MAY HAVE BEEN ALL PART OF A PLAN! DRAKE CLOTHESLINE EFFY AND AHREN!! REX GRABS HIM BY THE SHOULDER, BUT KING LANDS A JUMPING ENZUIGIRI!! AND HERE COMES KIRK, LOOKING TO HOIST HIM UP WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX—

Stew-O: —BUT HE LANDS ON HIS FEET! SUPERKICK!! KIRK WOBBLES, AND KING PULLS HIM IN—FALCON ARROW!! DOWN HE GOES!! HE SCURRIES UP, AND HE’S FACE TO FACE WITH LIMMY MONAGHAN!!

Jake Mercer: BUT LIMMY AIN’T FUCKING AROUND! HE DASHES FORWARD WITH THE KNEE!

(…)

Stew-O: MISSED!! DRAKE KICKS HIM IN THE KNEE!! DOWN LIMMY GOES AND DRAKE COMES IN! ‘JUDGEMENT DAY’!!! CURB STOMP LANDS FLUSH!!

Flannery McCoy: HE HITS ONE ON EFFY TOO! ANOTHER STOMP!!

Jake Mercer: OH SHIT!! REX IS TRYING TO GET UP, BUT DRAKE CUTS HIM DOWN WITH A THIRD JUDGEMENT DAY!! AND HE DOES THE SAME TO KIRK! WHAT THE HELL!??

(Everyone has been laid out. However, Michael is grabbing the ropes, trying to recover–)

Stew-O: BUT THE CHAMPION IS BACK UP! HE RUSHES IN, LOOKING TO CUT DRAKE KING IN HALF WITH THE ‘BULLET FROM HELL’!!!

(CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!)

Jake Mercer: ‘GUILLOTINE’!! :damn:

(Michael slumps down from the knockout sick kick. The fans boo relentless. Sister Annabelle shakes her head, not pleased herself she helped Drake in this manner, but Drake merely heads over and takes up the World Heavyweight Championship…)

Stew-O: It’s been years since we’ve seen this sight! Will we see it come to fruition with Drake King at the top of Dynasty once more at Road to Redemption!? Tune in next week to find out!

(The final shot shows Drake King holding the title up high as Friday Night Dynasty fades to black, ending the live broadcast.)

(EAW logo buzzes.