(EAW intro plays.)
(Friday Night Intro plays. A recap then follows after that, showcasing the Dynasty side of Fighting Spirit, the last marquee stop before Pain for Pride: Myles and Minerva get married, only for the ceremony to be interrupted by Jamie O’Hara, who attacks and lays out Myles – and yes, the wedding cake was unfortunately a casualty. Cy Henderson is able to defeat Jake Smith. Methuselah gets a DQ win over Ms. Extreme after Bronson Daniels makes his appearance and attacks him. Ms. Extreme would later be consolidated with an Answers World Championship match at Pain for Pride as Chef Viz was injured, setting up one of the four main events with her going up against the number one contender for the AWC, TLA. Jamie O’Hara and Limmy Monaghan versus Ronan Malosi and Andre Walker ends in a no contest after the referee loses control of the match from Myles making his appearance. Cy would go on to help Limmy who was being attacked by Ronan and Andre before shockingly attacking himself, leaving the EAW Universe baffled. Milli Banks sets the tone for her match against Minerva for the Universal Women’s Championship but is interrupted by Hikari Kanno, who inserts herself into the match, making it a triple threat. The Jaded Hearts defeat NICHOLISM to reclaim the EAW Unified Tag Team Championships, becoming record-breaking four-time champions in the process. In the main event, Myles retains the EAW World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Jamie O’Hara comes out and lays Myles out, ending the night by standing over him and raising the title.)
(After the intro is done, Dynasty comes to a live view of the Smoothe King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. We then go inside, where the pyrotechnics are firing off. Once the dazzling red show was done, we get an overhead shot of the fans in attendance. Then, we settle on a frame of Stew-O, Jake Mercer, and Flannery McCoy on standby.)
Stew-O: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE ROAD TO PAIN FOR PRIDE IS NEARING ITS END! WE HAVE FOUR WEEKS UNTIL THE BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH, AND I FOR ONE CANNOT WAIT!
Jake Mercer: NEITHER CAN I, IT’S EXCITING!
Flannery McCoy: Tell me about it! There is so much to look forward to! So many matches, so many stories, I mean, where do we even begin?
Stew-O: I’ll tell you: right here on Friday Night Dynasty! Thank you to everyone tuning in! I am Stew-O, and as always, I am joined by Jake Mercer and Flannery McCoy!
Jake Mercer: And as always, we have an exciting line up tonight for all of you, but first, let’s kick things off with the return of one of the greatest of all time!
(Friday Night Dunasty comes back as “M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft. Kid Cudi began blaring through the speakers causing a MASSIVE mixed reaction from the crowd; after his shocking return at Fighting Spirit, Impact walks out onto the stage, ready to address the EAW Universe for the first time in this season. He takes a moment on the stage, basking in the sheer volume of the reaction, before sauntering down the ramp to the ring with a bit of a smirk to his face. He stepped into the ring through the ropes and snatched up a microphone from the ringside staff, holding it up to his mouth and waiting for the crowd noise to die down enough before he could finally speak.)
Impact: It’s been quite a while, New Orleans… not just for you all, but for the entire EAW Universe. Among the many things that have defined my career and what it means to be Impact is my consistency – that I have stuck around and fought through thick and thin since the very beginning of this company, back when Elite was still Extreme. After last year’s Pain for Pride, though, a thought began sticking around in my mind: have I done enough? Has it finally come time to call it quits? I mean, I’ve already accomplished everything there is to accomplish, blowing everybody else out of the water; beyond that, though, being an active wrestler for over a decade and a half had my body aching almost every waking moment of the day. From the moment I stepped out of bed to the moment I got back in, I was hurting. That’s no way for an elitist of my caliber to wrestle; if there’s one thing I wanted to avoid above all else, it’s becoming a fucking husk of what Impact is SUPPOSED to be. There was no way in hell that I was going to parade myself around as a lesser version of myself and allow people to make their names off me.
Impact: As much as my mind yearned to wrestle endlessly, I had to take the hard decision and take a hiatus starting Pain for Pride of 2023. I didn’t know how long it was going to take for me to come back, and I didn’t care; my body is my instrument, and I was listening to it carefully until I was sure it was back in full tune. The last anybody heard from me was at that event, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been making use of every month, every week, every day, hell, every SECOND that I have forced myself to stay away from the ring; I have been doing everything I can to make sure I could be in fighting shape by the time Pain for Pride Kingdom rolls around. Thanks to my efforts, my health improved over the past year, those aches gradually vanished like forgotten memories, and here I stand, as ready as I’ve ever been to kick some ass. And how appropriate is it that just as I recovered enough to get back into the ring, I would hear my name being thrown around on EAW programming by some New Breed upstart trying to build his career off of MY legacy?
Stew-O: Wow, you can hear the crowd cheering at the indirect mention of Joso! It seems they’ve taken to his bravado at calling out a huge name like Impact.
Impact: Of course, Joso had no idea what my status was; he was as in the dark as the rest of the world. For all he knew, I was gone for good – that is exactly what I believe he was thinking, as a matter of fact. I’m willing to bet that little dipshit thought he could call me out for as many weeks as he wanted and I would never come out to meet the challenge. He thought he could get away with calling me a coward and bragging about how ‘even a legend like Impact’ wasn’t brave enough to step up to the King of Elite. Hate to break it to you, Joso, but you called and I answered; can’t run from me, now that you’ve had my name in your mouth since you lost to Jamie O’Hara. What are you thinking, exactly? You lose a marquee match against Jamie and decide you can somehow get the W over Mr. Marquee? How does that make any sense? You would’ve been better off squabbling with people on YOUR level, because the only thing you’ve got coming your way by challenging a man like me is another marquee loss on your record. King or no king, a single golden crown doesn’t even BEGIN to compare to the ten world championships in the wake of my career. You may as well be walking around with plastic on your head for how much I give a damn.
(Suddenly, ‘2024’ – Playboi Carti began playing through the speakers, causing the crowd to pop and Impact to lower his microphone in order to turn and focus on the stage. The King of Elite, Joso, strolled out onto the stage with a microphone of his own in hand and a grin on his face. He began walking down the ramp to enter the ring, talking as he did so.)
Joso: Nah, you’ve got it all wrong, Impact; I knew damn well your ass was gonna show back up eventually. Everyone knows that this is the time of the year that people like Methuselah and yourself show up; you couldn’t miss a Pain for Pride and break your streak, after all, right? You’ve been fighting since Pain for Pride 1 and haven’t missed one since then. I knew you sure as hell weren’t going to miss this one. More importantly than that, though, we all knew that you as a PERSON couldn’t stay away for too long; the New Era that I lead has been prospering way too much for you to NOT take notice. That’s just who you are, Impact. You’re a gloryhog. You’re a spotlight-hungry, gatekeeping, jealous little bitch that couldn’t stand to see the likes of me shining while you had to lie back in your bed, choke down your meds, and WATCH me!
Flannery McCoy: A big response from the crowd at that jab, and Impact certainly doesn’t look happy about what Joso is saying at all!
Joso: So we knew damn well you weren’t retired, Impact. Don’t even try to play that bullshit. You were just sitting in the shadows, waiting to jump back and latch on to whatever’s hot so you could snatch away the glory for yourself like you ALWAYS do. If not a world title, then you’d just latch onto whoever the hottest rising stars in the company are; think I’m lying? It’s not like you haven’t done this before. You pulled this shit with Drake King, with Chef Viz, hell, you even did it with Sarah Price when they were all rising stars! So what was gonna stop you from doing the same damn thing with the top rising stars of this generation? If not me, you probably would’ve gone straight for the likes of Drake Armstrong, Michael Machina, and Hans Grayson, because that’s what you DO. You hate people like us who have all the potential in the world to become BIGGER stars than you and make you IRRELEVANT. So you do what you can to take away the spotlight from them and keep it all for yourself; a parasite that’s stuck itself to EAW for over fifteen years!
Joso: To an extent, I sort of respect the drive. If anything, you’re like a filter that pushes out the New Breeds that were never meant to be anything more than rookies. But me, Impact? I’m not one of them. No, I’m HIM. I’m READY. The moment you try to snatch that spotlight from me, I’m gonna take your OWN spotlight and use it for the one and only King of Elite. I wasn’t gonna let you return on your own and strike first; I took that away from you, called you out on my own and FORCED your return to happen and prevent you from being declared a fraud! I want the smoke, Impact. I want ALL the smoke. Because this is a new era – this is MY New Era, and I’m going to show you PERSONALLY that it’s better than anything your generation could muster.
Impact: You’re kidding, right? Joso, if you were so ‘ready’ for me, if you were so many steps ahead of me, why didn’t you see me coming? Why did I show up at Fighting Spirit, catch you off guard, and lay your pipsqueak ass OUT? Newsflash, that is the DEFINITION of a first strike; you calling me out means nothing to me because YOU mean nothing to me. I know you have potential in you like the others you mentioned, but potential means nothing compared to a man who’s been there and done that more times in his career than anybody else in the world. Thinking you can beat someone who’s done what I’ve done is the kind of idiocy that’s going to get your ass beaten all over again, leaving you staring up at the lights just like you were at Fighting Spirit.
Impact: If there’s one thing you got completely right, it’s that I damn sure wasn’t going to miss Pain for Pride this year. Like you said, I’ve got my streak to keep up, and I’m not going to let it break; I would’ve forced my way into the card no matter what. I mean, I’m ME. I’m IMPACT. If I show up, all I need to do is say the word and I can get myself a Pain for Pride main event. You think I was LOOKING to waste my time with a dumbass rookie? Take a look at the Answers World Championship match – Ms. Extreme vs TLA. Seeing as I beat BOTH of them in the past two Pain for Prides, especially with the match with TLA being for the world title, I absolutely could have gotten myself into the match and broken my own record by winning my 11th world title. But no, you called me out, and I’m more than happy to shut that mouth and HUMBLE you.
Joso: The only one who needs a humbling is you, thinking you can just insert yourself into a world title match whenever you want.
Impact: I CAN do that because of the legacy I’ve got. You had to win a tournament to win a world championship shot. All I need to do is say “give it to me” and I get it. Too bad you can’t do the same, but, well… you aren’t me. More importantly, you will never BE me. You will never be CLOSE to-
Jake Mercer: OH, AND JOSO GOES FOR A DISCUS LARIAT!
Stew-O: BUT IMPACT SAW IT COMING AND CAUGHT HIS ARM! HE SPINS HIM OUT AND–
Flannery McCoy: FIST OF FURY! IMPACT JUST KNOCKED JOSO OUT COLD!
(Impact leans down, speaking coldly to Joso.)
Impact: Like I said: there’s levels to this, and you aren’t on mine. Don’t forget… you asked for this.
(“M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft. Kid Cudi began playing once again as Impact rolled out of the ring, getting a mixed reaction from the crowd as he stormed up the ramp; meanwhile, Joso slowly blinked himself awake and turned onto his stomach to see Impact’s back as he walked away. The video feed faded as Joso stared down at his future opponent.)
(A commercial plays for Outback Steakhouse, featuring Myles.)
(Isaac Crow vs Vincent Mondrian – TBP ASAP)
(A commercial plays for Bass Pro Shops, featuring BRAE.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Monsters’ by Currents began blaring through the speakers as Rory Slate made her way onto the stage with a determined expression on her face. She stormed down to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope as she did so, before backing herself into her corner as she waited for BRAE.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 138 pounds… she is the Windy City Sadist… ROOOOOOORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! SLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!
Stew-O: Here in the ring, we have Rory Slate, who has had a rough couple of weeks to say the least.
Flannery McCoy: I’ll say; with her coming up short at Operation Doomsday and then failing to beat MITSU in order to enter the Cash in the Vault match, her path to Pain for Pride is looking rather shaky.
Jake Mercer: There’s still roughly a month to turn things around, but it’ll require some herculean effort on her part. With that being said, a win against BRAE tonight would certainly do wonders considering that her opponent is set to challenge Michael Machina for the New Breed Championship at Pain for Pride! If she picks up the win here tonight, it could really turn things around!
Stew-O: The key word is IF; BRAE is no slouch of an opponent, and considering Rory and Machina’s relationship, he may be looking to make a statement here tonight at her expense!
(‘Star Wars: Duel of The Fates | EPIC VERSION’ by Samuel Kim began playing through the speakers as the crowd rose to their feet to boo the ruthless warrior. BRAE burst out of the stage curtains and stormed down the ramp, glaring daggers through Rory Slate as he did so; he rolled into the ring, not breaking eye contact with her for even a moment.)
Stew-O: Goodness, you can practically FEEL the intensity oozing out of all of BRAE’s pores! This is a man who doesn’t have any settings other than pedal to the metal; we saw as much at the Grand Rampage match where his relentless ferocity was able to bring him to quite a late stage in the match for a New Breed, even managing to eliminate someone as decorated as Jon Kelton along the way!
Flannery McCoy: As Jake mentioned earlier, BRAE challenged Machina and it’s looking like they’re set to face off against each other for the New Breed title at Pain for Pride! Like Rory, BRAE took part in the Iron Survivor Challenge match at Operation Doomsday; however, he managed to acquire two points in the match and avoided getting pinned by the champion.
Jake Mercer: I’d wager that BRAE is Machina’s greatest threat throughout this entire reign! Rory may be looking to use BRAE as a stepping stone to change course en route to Pain for Pride, but considering that violent glint in BRAE’s eyes, I think he has something else in mind.
Stew-O: There’s only one way to find out who is going to get their momentum running this close to the showcase of the immortals, and that’s through this match!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stew-O: And the match is underway! Rory Slate begins circling the ring, measuring BRAE- BUT BRAE SPRINTS AND LUNGES AT HER LIKE A RABID DOG! A RUNNING HIGH KNEE TRANSITIONED MID-AIR INTO A THESZ PRESS!
Flannery McCoy: I don’t think Rory saw it coming, but the bell had rung, BRAE just happened to take a very aggressive approach!
Jake Mercer: He knows the New Breed Champion is watching to see how BRAE fares against his girlfriend! We already guessed he was going to try to make a statement, and I think we’re seeing that here right now!
Stew-O: Making a statement indeed! A monstrous barrage of hammerfists and elbow smashes are battering Rory’s head like a punching bag; it’s taking all the energy she has to defend herself!
Flannery McCoy: OH, but she’s able to perform a monkey flip to throw BRAE off of her! She clutches her head in pain as she rolls onto her abdomen and struggles to get up!
Jake Mercer: BUT JUST AS SHE GETS TO A KNEEL, BRAE RUSHES IN WITH A BICYCLE KNEE SMASH TO KNOCK HER BACK DOWN!
Stew-O: He grabs a fistful of her hair and drags her across the ring; oh, come on, that’s just unnecessary!
Flannery McCoy: Unnecessary or not, BRAE has Rory right where he wants her when he drags her up to the corner! He begins unleashing a series of knife-edge chops, with the sharp sounds echoing through the arena like gunshots. I’m all the way over here and I’m wincing just looking at them!
Jake Mercer: OH, but Rory manages to sneak in an eye poke, causing BRAE to stagger back pressing his palms against his eyes! That frees Rory up and leaves BRAE vulnerable to eating a running forearm smash from the Windy City Sadist!…
Stew-O: BUT BRAE WASN’T KNOCKED DOWN! Rory looks shocked as BRAE tanked the hit; she launches another, and another, and another, but he continues to stay on his feet! She launches yet another, but BRAE catches her forearm mid-strike, preventing it from landing! He grinds at her with a sadistic glare in his eyes before he uses her forearm to drag him in and execute a VIOLENT headbutt! Rory staggers back and BRAE shakes his head, seemingly getting amped up by the battle.
Flannery McCoy: BRAE rushes in and applies a front waist lock to his opponent! BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Rory Slate gets sent flying across the length of the ring as BRAE immediately gets back to his feet and saunters over to her like a predator hunting his prey!
Jake Mercer: That’s looking more and more like an accurate representation of what’s going on here! He grabs her by the hair again and drags her over to the ropes near the hard cam! He forces her face near the camera and begins speaking in a frenzy.
BRAE: YOU SEE THIS, MACHINA? WATCH CAREFULLY, BECAUSE THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE HER IS GONNA BE IN A BODYBAG!
Stew-O: Truly frightening words by BRAE, who forces her onto the apron and ties both of her arms up with the top rope! He lifts his fist in the air in dramatic fashion before bringing it down onto the chest of Rory Slate!
Crowd: ONE!
Flannery McCoy: Oh dear, I think we know what he’s going for here…! IT’S THE TEN BEATS OF BRAE! HE BEGINS RUTHLESSLY SMASHING HIS FIST AGAINST THE CHEST OF RORY SLATE! OVER AND OVER AND OVER, HE ISN’T LETTING UP!
Crowd: TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!
Jake Mercer: Uh… did BRAE forget he reached ten…? :lupe:
Crowd: ELEVEN! TWELVE! THIRTEEN! FOURteen… fifteen… :lupe:
Stew-O: HE ISN’T STOPPING! HE ISN’T EVEN LOOKING TIRED! BUT RORY SLATE’S CHEST IS GETTING AS RED AS A TOMATO AFTER THIS HAUNTING ATTACK!
Flannery McCoy: Finally, after twenty beats of BRAE, he drags her lifeless body into the ring from between the top and middle ropes, holding her up by the throat!
Jake Mercer: He throws her back, forcing her to instinctually bounce off the ropes and stagger forward, only to be met by– MORRIGAN! MORRIGAN! THE BROGUE KICK CONNECTS, AND RORY IS KNOCKED DOWN TO THE RING WITH A THUNDEROUS THUD!
Stew-O: The referee goes to check on her, but she doesn’t seem to be moving– WAIT, BRAE IS GETTING IN THE REFEREE’S WAY! WHAT IS HE DOING?!
Flannery McCoy: RED DEATH! THE RED DEATH CONNECTS AS HE LAUNCHES HIMSELF ENTIRELY AT RORY WITH A MASSIVE ELBOW SMASH TO HER JAW! He gets back up…
Jake Mercer: ANOTHER RED DEATH! AND ANOTHER RED DEATH! WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?!
Stew-O: RORY HASN’T MOVED SINCE THE MORRIGAN! THIS IS JUST OVERKILL! WILL SOMEBODY STOP THIS?!
Flannery McCoy: Oh, and now BRAE has turned her onto her abdomen and begun launching Red Deaths at the BACK of her head! I think I’m starting to see blood from her forehead after the constant Red Deaths launched at her!
Jake Mercer: THE REFEREE GETS IN THE WAY, FORCING BRAE OFF! HE CALLS FOR THE BELL!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOUR WINNER AS A RESULT OF REFEREE STOPPAGE… BRAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(No music plays as the referee checks in on Rory Slate, who isn’t responding. Suddenly, BRAE gets a dangerous glint in his eyes.)
Stew-O: THE MATCH IS OVER! BUT BRAE JUST LAUNCHED ANOTHER RED DEATH AT RORY SLATE, CAUSING THE REFEREE TO STUMBLE BACK IN SHOCK! RORY ISN’T EVEN CONSCIOUS, THIS IS UNNECESSARY!
Flannery McCoy: THIS IS BEYOND OVERKILL! THIS IS JUST SHEER MADNESS!
Jake Mercer: After admiring his handiwork, BRAE rolls out of the ring. Suddenly, Michael Machina appears from behind the stage curtains and sprints down to the ring, sliding in beneath the bottom rope as quickly as he can!
Stew-O: He immediately goes to check on Rory who is looking far worse for wear. Machina locks eyes with BRAE, who is standing at ringside with a maniacal grin on his face.
BRAE: You’re looking into a mirror, Machina! That’ll be you at Pain for Pride! COUNT THE DAYS!
(Machina and BRAE stare each other down, with Machina looking downright apoplectic. The referee stands up with a worried expression on his face, throwing up the X symbol with his arms as paramedics begin to run down the ramp. The video feed fades with Rory Slate being loaded on the stretcher and being carted away with Machina following her, leaving BRAE to bask in the violence that he created.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns to show the backstage area of the Smoothie King Center, more specifically the office of Dynasty General Manager Tyrone Montgomery, who is seen standing in front of his desk with a smile as the crowd inside of the arena cheer loudly. He takes a moment to let the scene settle in before, from there, beginning to speak toward the camera.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Welcome back, and what a stellar episode of Friday Night Dynasty it’s been so far! We just got off a impressively dominant performance by BRAE to say the least 😅 as we continue right off the heels of a successful Fighting Spirit Marquee Event straight to the Grandest Stage of Them All, Pain For Pride Kingdom! As, speaking of, we have some exciting new developments in regards to one of the staple matches at the event, the 24/7 Battle Royal!
(Tyrone gives a smile as the crowd inside of the arena cheers once again, clearly excited at the massive match and even more the Elitists that are going to be involved.)
Tyrone Montgomery: One of the bigger matches on the card, it’s notorious for being a chaotic match and, more importantly, a major stepping stool for the Elitists involved even in defeat. Last year particularly made some stars in the form of now Interwire Champion Drake Armstrong, Specialists Champion KASAI, New Breed Champion Michael Machina, and, of course, the winner of the match Hardcore Champion Roberto De La Rosa. This year will be no different as it will be my pleasure to announce tonight the competitors who will be participating in the match on the Friday Night Dynasty roster!
(The crowd once again cheers for this as Tyrone pauses before he continues on with the announcement.)
Tyrone Montgomery: I will give a brief rundown of the competitors starting with Vincent Mondrian, who has made quite the name for himself since his arrival on the Dynasty brand. Recently he just got an opportunity to face Michael Machina for the New Breed Championship on Super Dynasty, and although he ended up losing, that didn’t take away from the fact that there is a lot of potential to be had with him that could be further utilized in the 24/7 Battle Royal!
Tyrone Montgomery: Next up is Chiyo Gedo, someone who, just like Vincent, has been looking to make a name for himself. We heard what he’s had to say a couple weeks prior and he’s made it clear that he wants his moment and he wants it soon. I can’t imagine how ending the Season the new 24/7 Contract holder would mean for him, and this is just as much of an opportunity for him as it would be for anyone else. I’m sure he’s going to take this opportunity in stride and make the best of it!
Tyrone Montgomery: Moving on we have Shisui Tategami, who has made a name for himself as well in his own fashion. A very hard working Elitist no doubt about it, and although it hasn’t been an easy road for him he has rolled with the punches and worked proficiently when it matters. He’s had a lot of matches so far against some really good Elitists and this match for him could be a way to propel his career to new heights!
Tyrone Montgomery: We’ve got some heavy hitters and one to look out for is definitely going to be Cody Maverick. One of his more recent outings was against Drake Armstrong for the Interwire Championship where he put up a great fight but in the end came up short, but we can’t forget his star-making performance in the Grand Rampage match. I feel, just like everyone else, that it is only a matter of time before he gets his moment and he will get one step closer to that as he is announced as a participant in the 24/7 Battle Royal.
Tyrone Montgomery: Another major name in the match is Ryan Wilson, who is no stranger to matches like these with huge implications. This Season we’ve seen him in multiple Championship matches and main events, and there’s absolutely no doubt that he has excelled in each of those given the situation that he was in. Just like Cody he was a participant in the Grand Rampage match this year and had a great performance as always, and while I am sure the 24/7 was not on his docket, he knows just as well as I do how huge it would be for his career if he won it. The skies the limit for him that much I can say.
Tyrone Montgomery: Moving onto our second to last competitor we have a massive piece entering the match and that is none other than the man himself SOSA Henderson. Having just recently returned in the Grand Rampage match, he just got off of a stellar match against Myles for the World Heavyweight Championship at Fighting Spirit where he reminded the world of exactly who he is. A former World Champion and a main event star on Friday Night Dynasty, there is no doubt in my mind that he’s going to make a huge impact in this match and may very well go onto win it as well!
Tyrone Montgomery: Then of course, we reach the last participant in this match, who happens to be-
(Suddenly, Tyrone is stopped by a knock on the door, and startled by a booming voice.)
???: Guess who???
Tyrone Montgomery: :comeagain:
(The door opens as in struts Ronan Malosi, and immediately as the camera pans over to him the crowd inside of the arena is quick to respond with loud boos toward the former two-time Interwire Champion. Tyrone greets him with a smile as he makes his way into the office.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Ronan, actually you were just the person I was looking for-
Ronan Malosi: Tyrone, I couldn’t help but hear that you were conducting important business, but right now I couldn’t help but stop by and give you my deepest gratitude!
Tyrone Montgomery: Really?
Ronan Malosi: Yes, you see, it doesn’t seem like you have me planned to participate in the 24/7 Battle Royal. While for some people, that would be a crushing blow, and a step toward not being booked on Pain For Pride at all, but in my eyes, this is good! When I participated in the Grand Rampage match I couldn’t help but feel a sort of… negative energy from it, you understand me? My Malosimaniacs were excited, and I certainly was as well, but even though I had a performance that I am sure we will ALL be remembering, I certainly did not feel welcome in such a toxic environment, and I understand why. The Malosi Mindset is not only to be in a state of tranquility yourself, but to also surround yourself with positive vibes and good aura. Being in the 24/7, which is very similar to the Grand Rampage match in concept, I fear is something that I would rather not throw my hat into, you get me?
(Tyrone awkwardly rubs the back of his neck as Ronan raises an eyebrow.)
Ronan Malosi: Is everything okay, Tyrone? You’re too young to be suffering neck pain.
Tyrone Montgomery: Well, Ronan, I have something to tell you…
Ronan Malosi: I’m all ears my esteemed General Manager!
Tyrone Montgomery: You’re in the 24/7 Battle Royal.
Ronan Malosi: Whatdoyoumeanbythat?
(There’s an uncomfortable silence between the two as Ronan takes a moment to process this information in his head. It’s safe to say that this is not a favorable situation for him to be in at Pain For Pride, but despite that, he looks back up at Tyrone with a smile on his face, one that surprises the General Manager as well.)
Ronan Malosi: You know what? That’s fine, I should’ve expected this. The Malosi Mindset is used to intense trials and tribulations and you know what? That’s exactly where it thrives, and that’s where I’m going to thrive. I’m going to win the 24/7 Battle Royal, and I’m going to dedicate this to you AND all the Malosimaniacs that have supported me since day one and have shown me that winning something like this IS possible as long as you put your mind to it.
???: Damn, tough spot for you huh, partner?
(The camera goes over to Ryan Wilson who makes his way into the scene as the crowd cheers loudly. The former New Breed Champion stands across from his temporary tag team partner for the night as he can only chuckle at this.)
Ryan Wilson: It’s amusing to see your composure crumble like this when placed in an unfavorable situation. But what’s new with you? No matter what phase of your career you’re at what doesn’t change is the fact that you’re the same Ronan Malosi that you’ve always been, you’ve never been able to come through when it counts and I don’t expect Pain For Pride to be any exception.
(Ryan pauses for a moment and smirks.)
Ryan Wilson: You and I both know Pain For Pride has never been very kind to you.
(This makes Ronan feel a certain way as he remembers back to the New Breed Championship match that happened a couple years back at the event in Chained Fury. But regardless, he greets Ryan with kindness in spite of the hostility.)
Ronan Malosi: Ryan, Ryan, what’s with all of this? You know that we’re partners tonight, we have a big match to focus on. There’s a time and place for this and it’s definitely not now! Once this is done we can focus on Pain For Pride, we can focus on the 24/7 Battle Royal. It’s funny how we’re both in this situation, it’s a shame you couldn’t have gotten yourself more at such a big event, but I guess we’re both rolling with the punches, right?
Ryan Wilson: Unlike you, I don’t look at being in the Battle Royal as a downgrade. I know there’s this stigma that’s been placed on it, but frankly, if I win, and I will, it’s going to give me everything that I wanted. It’s going to get me one step closer to winning my second Championship with this company, and I don’t care who I’m going to get through in order to get there, what matters is that I’m going to make it happen. I’m not rolling with the punches anymore, I’ve done that for years, what I’m going to do now is manifest my reality. It starts at Pain For Pride.
(Ronan is about to speak again, but suddenly, another familiar voice chimes in.)
???: Damn, I didn’t know it was a party in here.
(The camera goes over to show SOSA Henderson as he’s seen making his way into the scene. He has a smirk on his face as he looks at Ryan and Ronan before looking over at Tyrone, who ha sa smile on his face upon seeing him.)
SOSA Henderson: Firstly, Tyrone, I want to thank you for the opportunity. It’s been a bit since SOSA Henderson been at the top but that’s going to change now that I’m gonna win the 24/7 Battle Royal. You two bitches can go on all you want about this and that, but at the end of the day it really ain’t gonna matter when you have a competitor like me in this match. As soon as you heard my name you should’ve known that it was wraps, and that I was going to do everything to make sure that I was going to win. Compared to all the other situations in my career, this is nothing new to me and, in fact, works well in my favor. Pain For Pride is an event that I wouldn’t miss for the world, and I don’t see a better way of participating in it than to get myself the one thing that I’ve wanted for quite sometime, and that’s some gold around my waist. Keep running your mouths, but that’s all you good for. Me? I’m going to back it up in the ring.
(SOSA turns around and makes his way back out of the scene as clearly Ronan and Ryan don’t look very pleased at the interruption in their tense conversation. Tyrone gives an awkward smile to both of them before “Chained Fury” ultimately shake their heads and make their way out of the scene to prepare for their match. It’s the last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty, from there, begins to fade out to elsewhere.)
Stephie Love: This match is a tag team match! Scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“Mo Money (Metal Remix)” by Ben McLusky plays throughout the arena, out comes Ronan Malosi with his Interwire Championship. He smiles, slowly raising it into the air…only for his music to be cut off by “My Way” by Limp Bizkit! Getting a much bigger reaction from the crowd, he looked at Ryan with a glare as they both made their way down to the ring.)
Stephie Love: Making their way to the ring! At a combined weight of 470 pounds! Ryan Wilson and Ryan Malosi!
(When they get into the ring, Ryan’s music fades, kicking up soon after “Il vento d’oro” by Yugo Kanno in the arena speaks! Out came MITSU who walked out on the stage and make his way down to the ramp. His music switched to “Loose Change” (instrumental version) – The Alchemist” and Shinzo Sasaki stepped out. Following MITSU down the ramp.)
Stephie Love: And their opponents…with a combined weight of 407 pounds! MITSU and Shinzo Sasaki!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Flannery McCoy: The match is underway; these two teams are very volatile. This match will come down to which team can co-exist the longest. Both teams are arguing about who will start this match first. MITSU is starting things off for “KAI-ZEN,” and Ronan Malosi is starting things off for “Chained Fury.” MITSU and Malosi circle the ring; Ronan quickly gets him in the headlock and tosses him on his back! MITSU uses his legs to cross around Ronan’s neck! Malosi quickly skips up and stares down at MITSU. He needs to be more careful when engaging technically with MITSU! Use more of his power.
Jake Mercer: This is what it looks like he will do! Getting Mitsu in another standing headlock and cranking on the side of his head! MITSU is trying to break the hold, backing into the ropes and using the ropes to launch Ronan forward towards the ropes! Ronan is charging back and knocking him down with a shoulder tackle! Ronan taunting MITSU, bouncing off the ropes— jumping over MITSU! MITSU gets up and leaps over Ronan! Once again, Ronan bounced off the ropes and JUMPS ONTO HIM WITH A CROSSBODY! Throwing down punches to the skull! MITSU is quick to stay on Ronan!
Stew-O: Grabbing Ronan’s arm trying to irish whip him but Malosi slaps his hand away! Stepping back into his partner’s corner. Ronan looks at Ryan Wilson, who seems to want to be tagged in. Malosi rolls his eyes, begrudgingly making the tag just so he could get on the apron. Ryan getting into the ring and looking to go technical, maybe trying to show Ronan how it was done! Wilson grabbing the arm of MITSU, twisting it but it seems like MITSU was going to continue to show up! Rolling forward and kipping up! MITSU reversing the arm twist!
Flannery McCoy: BUT RYAN SHOOTING BACK WITH A KNEE TO THE STOMACH! Getting MITSU into the corner and continuing the assault—
TAG!
Jake Mercer: Oh, looks like Ronan wants back into the match. Very convient he wants back in after Ryan got the upper hand on MITSU. Malosi and Wilson arguing but they still aren’t trying to take a chance! Both of them screaming at each other while stomping out MITSU in the corner. Looks like Ryan unable to get the last word, having to get back on the apron—
TAG!
Stew-O: Ryan tagging himself back in! Pushing Ronan off of MITSU and FINISHING MITSU off with a strong kick to the midsection! MITSU falling face first on the match, clutching his stomach. Ronan looked angered, wanting to get Ryan back but deciding that he would stay on the apron. As long as they were winning, I don’t think it matters much to them. Shinzo looked disappointed, watching MITSU get handled by these two. Unable to do anything and is forced to watch from across the ring!
Flannery McCoy: Ryan goes for an irish whip, bouncing off of the ropes MITSU- managing to duck a lariet! MITSU kicks Ryan in the midsection, slowly backing up into his corner! Shinzo using the opportunity to tag himself in, it didn’t seem like he wanted Shinzo to be tagged in but with the situation he is in now — it really didn’t matter! Shinzo gets into the ring, both of them irish whipping Ryan into the ropes, bouncing back into a DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Knocking down Ryan, which seems to annoy Ronan yelling some tips from the apron!
Ronan Malosi (off mic): “You got to dodge that! Dodge it! Man, what are you doing?!”
Jake Mercer: His advice doesn’t seem practical. Shinzo leaning Ryan against the ropes and delivering he’s CHOPS to the chest! OVER! OVER! OVER! OVER! His chest turning red! The offical needing to step in and seperate Shinzo! Ryan, looking towards Ronan he seems to want to crawl over to tag him in! For the first time, it seems like Wilson wants to work as a team.
Ronan Malosi (off mic): “I don’t want to go out there, you got to rough them up a little more before I can get my hands dirty!”
Flannery McCoy: While it seems like Wilson wants to work together, Malosi seems to not want in at the moment! This might cost them! Shinzo hoisting Ronan up for a powerful BELLY TO BELLY OVER HEAD SUPLEX! Slamming him hard onto the mat! Shinzo can get really aggressive, just look into his eyes — a fire is raging in his pupil. Calling him up, stalking his opponent- PICKING HIM BACK UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX! Dropping Ryan on the back of his HEAD! Wilson has full control over this match and he isn’t willing to— WAIT! Ryan rolling out of the ring! Giving him much-needed separation. Shinzo sees this and doesn’t seem to be phased! He knows Ryan can’t escape
Stew-O: Shinzo bounces off the ropes looking for a SUICIDE DIVE- NO A KICK TO THE FACE BY RYAN! Stomping him before he could make it through the second rope! Shinzo taking advantage, locking his head under his arms, AND SPIKING HIS HEAD WITH A DDT TO THE APRON! Any control Ryan may have had, it’s gone now. Shinzo getting Ryan back in the ring for a pinfall…
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE—
Jake Mercer: Ryan just barely getting his shoulder up! That had to be complete instincts Wilson isn’t seeing much of anything right now. Does he even know what planet he is on? But it doesn’t seem like Shinzo cares, dragging him into the corner and tagging in MITSU!
TAG!
Jake Mercer: MITSU holds Ryan into the corner— SHINZO USING HIS BODY AS A PUNCHING BAG! Vicious shots to the body, you can see the bruising! A KNEE FOR GOOD MEASURE! They aren’t going to allow him to get any sort of breather. Smart strategy but it’s honestly really hard to watch. ESPECIALLY WITH SHINZO CONTINUE HIS ASSAULT WITH FOREARMS IN THE CORNER!
Stew-O: The official is stepping in looking to get some order but it doesn’t seem like Shinzo cares. Going back on the— KICK TO THE FACE BY RYAN! Finally getting enough space, he is going for a CLOTHESLINE TO TAKE DOWN THE LEGAL MAN! MITSU DUCKS IT! HARD CHOP TO THE CHEST BY MITSU! You can hear it echo throughout the arena! MITSU Irish whips him to the ropes! Ryan rebounding back into a DROPKICK! Laying Ryan out once again! MITSU taunts Ryan and Ronan — too far to even think about a tag! AN ELBOW TO THE ARM OF RYAN!
Flannery McCoy: MITSU is looking to do some type of tag team move on Ryan again, MITSU and Shinzo finally seeing eye to eye. Standing him back up, and— RYAN SHOVES MITSU AWAY! MITSU BUMPS INTO HIS PARTNER KNOCKING HIM OFF THE APRON! HE IS FINALLY GOING TO MAKE THE TAG TO HIS PARTNER! MITSU realizing what is happening! Charging towards Ryan HOPING TO INTERCEPT- RYAN STUMBLES HE MIGHT NOT MAKE IT-
…
Ronan Malosi (off mic): Don’t tag me in! What did I say! They still look fresh to me! You gotta keep beating them!
Ryan Wilson (off mic): ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
Flannery McCoy: RONAN ONCE AGAIN DENYING A TAG! MITSU grabbing Ryan and dragging him away from Ronan! He mounts him and fires off many forearm shots while on the mat! He looks completely defenseless! MITSU, quickly pinning Ryan!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE—
Stew-O: RYAN KICKING OUT! But it seemed to be expected, grabbing Ryan and lifting him up- WAIT A MINUTE! Wilson clocking MITSU in the mouth! WILSON SENDS LEFTS AND RIGHT HOOKS TO MITSU! QUICKLY WHIPPING MITSU INTO THE ROPES! REBOUNDING INTO A DROPKICK! RYAN KIPS UP! A MAN ON FIRE! SHINZO ENTERS THE RING!
Jake Mercer: BUT IS IMMEDIATELY THROWN OUT! There is nothing stopping him! Ryan looks at MITSU, looking for his patient “La Bomb Bleu”— MITSU MANAGING TO COUNTER IT! RYAN LOSING SIGHT OF MITSU! BUT HE WOULD GET PULLED IN- WITH A FLAPJACK! A BIG MOVE PLANTING RYAN! THIS COULD BE IT!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
THREEEE!!!
Flannery McCoy: RYAN AT THE LAST MINUTE GETTING THE SHOULDER UP! MITSU LOOKS SHOCKED! Shinzo looking in on the outside, getting on the apron to seemingly scold MITSU! This might not be a good move, especially in a match leaning in your corner…and we’re about to see why! MITSU confronts his partner!
MITSU (off mic): I’m the one handing business over here, if you give me a moment and stop screaming at me, maybe I could finish the job!
Shinzo Sakai (off mic): I doubt that, you’re more useless than a ripped plastic bag! Just tag me in and I’ll handle him myself.
Stew-O: It seems like MITSU is going to listen to his partner despite the hurtful word- NO! MITSU SOCKING SHINZO IN THE JAW KNOCKING HIM OFF THE APRON! MITSU HAD ENOUGH BEING TALKED DOWN TOO AND NOW HE IS LOOKING FOR—
Jake Mercer: WAIT A MINUTE! RONAN FINALLY LETTING HIMSELF GET TAGGED IN! DEATH RO! TAKING OUT MITSU! GOING FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
Jake Mercer: SHINZO SLIDING INTO THE RING! TRYING TO STOP THE PIN!
…
THREEEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…RYAN WILSON AND RONAN MALOSI!
Flannery McCoy: Despite the disagreement and Ronan selfishness, Ryan and Ronan managed to pick up the victory because MITSU and Shinzo simply couldn’t see eye to eye.
Stew-O: They both did a great job in this match and had some pretty close calls, but if you’re unable to work with your partner then it’s a sure way to lose the match!
Jake Mercer: It doesn’t even seem like Ryan wants to stay and celebrate, after the beating he took for Ronan I wouldn’t want to stay either.
(A commercial plays for Persona 3 Reload, featuring Milli Banks yapping about the allegory of Personas to the entire EAW roster and everyone looking absolutely confused.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns to a shot of the Smoothie King Center, as ‘Tupac Back’ by Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross is heard playing up. Instead of the usual fanfare that comes with the decorated Hall of Famer and EAW legend Cy Henderson, it’s a bit more lukewarm with a somewhat positive reception predominated by boos. The camera goes over him as he makes his way out to the ring, radiating the same energy that he usually does except in a negative environment that is a lot more unwelcoming to him, it’s strange, but the look on his face shows that he expected that as he makes his way down the ramp.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… EAW Hall of Famer… CY HENDERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jake Mercer: (Fighting tears) How could you do this, Cy…
Stew-O: Well I’ll be the one to say that I certainly didn’t expect what happened at Fighting Spirit last week. After getting a major win against Jake Smith at the Marquee Event, Cy Henderson came out for the save as he fought off Andre Walker and Ronan Malosi from LImmy Monaghan. What we thought was a mutual respect for one another, went south real quick as Cy would then proceed to lay Limmy out, which is something that, once again, none of us expected.
Flannery McCoy: It seems like Cy has his sights set on the next goal. If I had to guess, he’s not entirely satisfied with just beating Jake Smith, with Pain For Pride near he wants to have a concrete plan and it looks like Limmy Monaghan is going to be that for him. As he makes his way to the ring right now I’m sure he’ll explain it more in depth.
(Cy makes his way up the steel steps and onto the apron, entering the ropes before making his way over and taking a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Tupac Back’ begins to come to a close as Cy heads over to the center of the ring, taking a deep breath as he looks around at the crowd who still react quite passionately to him. From there, he begins to speak.)
Cy Henderson: This past month, I celebrated my one-year anniversary since returning to this company. It brought a smile to my face, but at the same time, when you reach these milestones sometimes you have to take the time to look back and reflect on your journey thus far. I don’t specifically put the opponents that I’ve faced under a microscope, the Elitists I’ve beaten, the Elitists I’ve lost to, they’re all insubstantial in comparison to the true matter at hand. I took a look back on the role that I’ve played not just on Friday Night Dynasty, not just on Saturday Night Showdown, not just on Sunday Night Voltage, but the entirety of Elite Answers Wrestling. From the way I’ve seen it. I’ve sat back, I’ve played my position, and I’ve done what was asked of me. Even if I have broken the mold of what a “veteran” should do in this company, I still gave back to the business, I still did everything that I could to make this place better after everything that it’s done for me. While it’s been nice and all, the honeymoon period has long passed. It passed after my first match on a Marquee Event, it passed after I lost my first shot at a World Championship, when I faced future legends, future Hall of Famers, current ones, I knew that there was so much more out there that I could be doing but I’ve been chained to this stigma that has been played upon me. Whether I like it or not being the Cy Henderson that I have been since I walked out at Grand Rampage 2023 has gotten me nowhere.
(Cy pauses for a moment as the crowd is completely silent, absorbing everything that he has to say because, whether they like it or not, they want answers too.)
Cy Henderson: At the end of the day, I came back to this company because I knew I had a lot more to offer and a lot more to accomplish, and being a nostalgia act like the rest of my peers was never on the cards. I started Season 17 having to deal with the constant disrespect and annoyance that Chef Viz threw my way, and I fought through that even if it wasn’t a favorable outcome. Despite what everyone had to say about me, I showed that I could still hang with those considered the best of the best in this generation. As the Season continued on, I found myself in both favorable and unfavorable positions. I have watched two of my biggest rivals go onto become Champion and despite that I have nothing to show for it. The World Championship shot I got came up close but no cigar, and I have nobody to blame for that but myself. So with all that self reflection that I did, I knew that something needed toc hange. I knew that I couldn’t just glide by being nice and respectful and allowing other people to pass me by and have their opportunity when I know that I deserved mine a lot longer than they have. I knew that it was time to tap into something different and stop playing around and I hope that message was received loud and clear when I beat the 2024 Grand Rampage winner Jake Smith clean at the center of the ring and took care of business… but that business is far from over.
(Cy begins to pace around as the crowd continues to listen to his words.)
Cy Henderson: Win, lose, or draw, Jake still has a guaranteed World Championship shot which he used against Charlie Marr later in the night. He’s still going to main event Pain For Pride and he still has the opportunity to become a two-time World Champion, compared to him what do I have? Not much, in fact, my path to Pain For Pride is uncertain regardless of the result of last week. That’s where Limmy Monaghan comes into play. I could’ve done the safe thing, came out and respectfully challenged him after buttering him up about how he’s the best shining example of what a top face on this brand should be! But why? What have I gotten out of being respectful but an ass to kiss and seeing my goals get accomplished by other people? Limmy is just another person in the way. There is no doubt the impact that he’s had on this company and this generation, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is a big name in this era, but he’s not me and I’m not about to let somebody who missed most of this Season due to a bruised ego come back and think he can occupy a spot that belongs to me. So if knocking off yet another big fish after my victory over Jake is what it takes to get him back to that World Championship picture… then so be it, it’s nothing personal.
(Cy lowers his microphone down for the moment as the crowd begins to react again to what he has to say, but they only get louder as ‘Number One’ by Shirō Sagisu & Hazel Fernandes begins to play through the speakers of the arena. Cy turns toward the stage to see none other than Limmy Monaghan himself as he makes his way out from the backstage area and toward the stage. Surprisingly, despite the attack on him, he bears a smirk on his face as he looks inside the ring to the culprit, before he then begins to make his way down the ramp.)
Stew-O: Well it was certainly interesting to hear Cy’s perspective on things, but right now he seems to be getting a response from the man that he is seemingly using as a stepping stone, and that’s Limmy Monaghan. Limmy of course does not seem to be very affected by this attack, but at the same time, I think he knows where this is going to go.
Flannery McCoy: How things always go here. What is certainly to be a match for the ages in the eyes of many between two of the best Elitists in the company was something that was inevitable to happen but one that we thought would happen on… friendlier terms to say the least. But it’s clear that Cy is taking a different road and it starts here.
Jake Mercer: (Wiping tears) Limmy, go get your revenge… get him… get that evil… evil man.
(Limmy makes his way up thes teps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes. He eyes Cy for a brief moment befor ehe makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Number One’ from there begins to come toa close as Limmy makes his way to approach the Hall of Famer. He takes a deep breath before beginning to speak.)
Limmy Monaghan: Although you probably expected me to come out here seething at the fact that a man like you would come out and trick me into a sense of safety only to blindside me and lay me out, I’m actually quite amused by all of this. I heard you, just as everyone else has, and I’m sure they can’t blame you and I can’t either, but all of this motivation is completely misplaced, Cy, and I wanted to get that out of the way before we went any further. What’s most amusing to me is how you see me as as some sort of obstacle in your way of winning a World Championship in this current day and age. I’ll say right now that I am not the person that you should be worried about, the person that you should be worried about… is you, Cy. You are your own biggest obstacle and that has been the same situation since 2011. Nothing will ever change, you’ll put together a good run and get some momentum, yet when it matters most come up short at the finish line. It’s funny, I did have a lot of respect for you and while you’ve heard a lot of criticism, I had nothing but praise for how you’ve been carrying yourself this whole run, but I should have known based on history that you couldn’t keep it together before spiraling. It’s just unfortunate that you decided to bark up the wrong tree, because if you think losing to Viz is bad then, trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet.
(Cy is stonefaced as he listens to what Limmy has to say, as the former World Heavyweight Champion continues on.)
Limmy Monaghan: I was hoping to up the score against Andre Walker, but since you decided to put your nose where it doesn’t belong, you have my undivided attention and I have no problem giving you exactly what you’re asking for. You’re not a “has been”, you’re a glorified could’ve been, and it eats at you to see me being everything that you could’ve done. The unexpected young star to rise up the ranks and reach superstar levels that nobody ever saw coming, the guy who was given the ball to run with.. only difference is I didn’t drop the ball and I showed up when it mattered.
(Cy takes a moment to process what Limmy has said, before looking up at him.)
Cy Henderson: I’m going to take a moment to remind you of something if it wasn’t made abundantly clear beforehand if you don’t mind. I’ve been to the mountaintop and back and there again, make no mistake about it, and I see that and I compare it to you and I wonder why you have the nerve to say anything about me when you have yet to follow up from your World Heavyweight Championship reign. Ever since dropping the title you have been nothing but mediocre and forgettable living off of past hype, and a part of me wonders why you try and convey yourself like this when we both know you have no room to do that. While facing you would be a helpful thing for me, you need this match just as much as I do because you haven’t had a credible win since you decided to show your face back in this company when you did.
(The crowd ooh’s at this and Limmy can’t help but chuckle. He shakes his head as he brings his microphone back up.)
Limmy Monaghan: It’s ironic that you, Cy Henderson, of all people mention living off of past hype. You say that when you yourself have been on this entire one year return run, as you said, which has consisted of nothing more than trying to relive your greatest hits and failing miserably. So if you ask me, I have no problem adding yet another failure to that list. You mentioned an uncertain path to Pain For Pride… so let’s make it certain for both of us.
(The crowd roars as Limmy tilts his head to look at the Pain for Pride sign, which Cy looks back at as well before turning back to him.)
Cy Henderson: Wouldn’t have it any other way.
(The crowd cheers as Cy approaches Limmy closer, and the two go face-to-face. The tension in the air is palpable and it’s clear that after everything that was said and everything that had happened, there was absolutely no love loss between them.)
Stew-O: WAIT! CY! CY TURNS LIMMY AROUND AND LIFTS HIM UP INTO THE AIR! HE’S GOING TO GO FOR EXACTLY WHAT HE DID AT FIGHTING SPIRIT! HE’S GOING FOR THE ‘RISING TIDE-
Flannery McCoy: BUT LIMMY SLIPS OFF HIS SHOULDERS BEFORE SPINNING AROUND AND LEAPING INTO THE AIR FOR ‘DIABLE JAMBE’! THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE CONNECTS RIGHT ACROSS HIS JAW AS CY DOESN’T GO DOWN COMPLETELY BUT FALLS DOWN TO A KNEE! LIMMY THEN TURNS AND RUNS TO THE ROPES BEHIND HIM, GAINING MOMENTUM…
Jake Mercer: ‘DIVINE DEPARTURE’! YES!
Stew-O: NO! CY MANAGES TO DUCK UNDER THAT BEFORE ROLLING OUT OF THE RING JUST IN TIME! HIS PLAN BACKFIRED AND LIMMY MONAGHAN JUST MADE A HUGE STATEMENT AHEAD OF HIS NEWLY CONFIRMED PAIN FOR PRIDE MATCH!
(Cy backpedals up the ramp, eyeing the ring with an unhappy expression on his face. Limmy is yelling at him to get back into the ring,t daunting him for trying something like that after what happened the prior week. The last shot seen is Cy on the stage, shaking his head as Limmy looks on with a smirk before Friday Night Dynasty, from there, fades to elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for the WNBA.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!
(‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI would hit the speakers of the arena to an explosion of cheers as Hans Grayson made his way out onto the ramp first. Looking focused and confident, he makes his way down the ramp with a smirk on his face and to the ring.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! From Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, weighing in at 219 pounds, he is ‘FIRE HEART!!!!!!!’ HANSSSSSSSSSS GRAYSONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!
(‘Show of Hands’ by Future & Metro Boomin (feat. A$AP Rocky) hits the speakers next, and it was now Cody Maverick’s time to make his way out. The crowd is a mixed reaction of cheers and boos, as Cody takes it all in before making his way down to the ring as well.)
Stephie Love: And his opponent! From Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 235 pounds, he is THE ‘SIN CITY SUPERSTAR!!!!!!’ CODYYYYYYYYYYYY MAVERICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: This match is underway! Hans Grayson goes one on one against Cody Maverick here tonight on Friday Night Dynasty as they begin to pace around the ring, keeping their eyes upon each other, before rushing to the centre of the ring and right into a lockup!
Flannery McCoy: The lockup is intense right now, as Hans and Cody continue to fight for the early control amongst this match, and they are pushing up against each other, but it’s Hans who is going to look to get the early control, and pushing him over into the ropes.
Jake Mercer: But that advantage is going to be ripped right out of Hans’ hands, as the referee is going to get involved between the two, pushing Hans away from Cody… BUT CODY SLAPS HANS RIGHT IN THE FACE! A sounding slap is echoed throughout the arena as Cody Maverick just sets his hand right across the face of Hans Grayson, and Hans falls backwards!
Stew-O: I guess you can tell how this match is going to go here tonight, as Hans backs away and Cody backs off of the ropes, but Hans isn’t going to waste any time, rushing forward as they engage right into another collar and elbow tie up, but this time around Hans isn’t going to play any games, quickly pushing out of it and he brings Cody around into a standing side headlock, while Cody Maverick is looking to fight out of it, but Hans is going to keep it locked in!
Flannery McCoy: But not for long, as Cody is going to quickly find his escape from the headlock and go around, dragging Hans right into a waistlock, and lifting him off of his feet and into the air, only for Hans to twist around and grab Cody by the arm, throwing him right across the ring with a huge armdrag! That armdrag sends Cody right back into the ropes, who rolls under the bottom rope and out of the ring in order to find his escape and catch his breath.
Jake Mercer: HANS ISN’T GOING TO ALLOW THAT HOWEVER AS HE SHOOTS OFF OF THE ROPES AND GOES FOR A MASSIVE SUICIDE DIVE ONTO CODY MAVERICK!
Stew-O: BUT CODY LEAPS UP ONTO THE APRON AND HE CATCHES HANS GRAYSON WITH AN UPPERCUT! That uppercut sends Hans’ head back and falls into the mat as Cody rolls back into the ring and gets back up to his feet, and he begins to stomp Hans out!
Flannery McCoy: Hans has no way to protect himself either as Cody lifts him up to his feet and backs him into the corner, and he begins nailing shots to the ribcage, while Hans has zero way of being able to defend himself! Cody with punch after punch after punch to the ribcage, before grabbing him by the wrist and irish whips him hard into the opposite corner!
Jake Mercer: But as Hans Grayson gets sent into the opposite corner, he manages to stop himself in his tracks and twist himself around, lifting into the air as Cody followed behind and he gets his legs onto Maverick, swinging around, AND THROWING CODY INTO THE MAT WITH A HUGE HEADSCISSORS, SENDING CODY ACROSS THE MAT WITH FORCE BEHIND IT!
Stew-O: And Cody Maverick slides right back up to his feet while Hans Grayson runs off and into the ropes, rebounding off of them as he looks to take Cody out, but Cody gets back up to his feet!! AND HE TURNS HANS GRAYSON INSIDE OUT WITH A HUGE CLOTHESLINE, AND HANS FALLS INTO THE MAT! CODY QUICKLY DROPS DOWN AND GOES FOR THE COVER, AS HE HOOKS THE LEG, LOOKING FOR THE VICTORY RIGHT HERE!
ONEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOO!
Flannery McCoy: BUT HANS GRAYSON KICKS OUT RIGHT AT THE COUNT OF TWO, KEEPING HIMSELF ALIVE AMONGST THIS MATCH! And I’m sure that Cody Maverick knew as such that it wasn’t going to end there, but this was his way of being able to tire out Hans some more, applying more pressure as is in order to work towards a victory here tonight.
Jake Mercer: And Cody Maverick is going to get back up to his knee, dragging Hans up into a seated position and bringing him right back into a grounded headlock now. Hans has no way of escaping this hold right now, as Cody has taken complete control and I think it is going to stay that way for quite a while right now. He drags Hans back up to his feet as well, keeping the headlock on Hans as he pulls him over toward the centre of the ring, and he begins to transition the headlock… over into a sleeper hold! A sleeper hold is not applied on Hans Grayson!
Stew-O: And that sleeper hold is locked in tightly! Hans is trying his hardest to fight out of it, but Cody is not going to let go, even wrenching in the sleeper hold more and more, but Hans is fighting! Hans is fighting and he is trying to make his way over toward the ropes!
Flannery McCoy: Cody is trying to hold Hans back away from the ropes as much as possible, but Hans isn’t going to allow it to happen! Hans is going to make his way over to the ropes… AND HE GETS HIS HAND ON THE ROPE FOR THE ROPE BREAK! THE ROPE BREAK IS INITIATED AND THE SUBMISSION IS INVALIDATED, AS THE REFEREE HAS NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO BREAK THE HOLD IN THIS VERY MOMENT!
Jake Mercer: Cody Maverick lets go of the sleeper hold as Hans Grayson falls near lifelessly into the ropes due to the amount of time that he was placed upon that sleeper hold. Cody is going to back away while the referee checks on Hans, but it’s clear that Hans isn’t going to be a quitter just like that, and it’s proven as he would then wave off the referee.
Stew-O: Hans pulls himself back up to his feet, backing off the ropes as he faces his attention back to Cody trying to shake the cobwebs, but Cody isn’t going to let off just like that, RUNNING RIGHT BACK AT HANS, BUT HANS DUCKS UNDER IT AND CODY TURNS AROUND, SUPERKICK BY GRAYSON! THE SUPERKICK CONNECTS AND THAT COMPLETELY TAKES CODY OFF OF HIS FEET AND DOWN TO HIS KNEES, WHERE HANS IS GOING TO SHOOT FORWARD FOR ANOTHER SUPERKICK, BUT CODY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY THIS TIME AROUND AND GETS BACK UP TO HIS FEET, HOOKING ONTO HANS!
Flannery McCoy: AND CODY MAVERICK SLAMS HANS GRAYSON INTO THE MAT WITH A MASSIVE NECKBREAKER! The neckbreaker sends both men down into the mat and Cody keeps the grip firm around Hans’ head… BUT HANS JUST KIPPED RIGHT BACK UP TO HIS FEET IN SPITE OF IT! HANS KIPS UP, OUT OF CODY’S GRASP, AND TO HIS FEET AND NOT EVEN CODY COULD BELIEVE IT! CODY SIMPLY CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
Jake Mercer: And Cody is going to get back up to his feet as quickly as he possibly could, BUT HANS ISN’T GOING TO STOP, HE TWISTS AROUND AND CATCHES CODY WITH A ROARING ELBOW! THE ROARING ELBOW CONNECTS TO THE FACE AND CODY FALLS BACK INTO THE ROPES… AND HANS FLIES INTO THE AIR AT MAVERICK WITH THE ‘FLAMING PUNCH!’ THE ‘FLAMING PUNCH’ CONNECTS! CODY GOES DOWN, AND HANS GRAYSON QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER AND FOR THE WIN!
ONEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOO!
Stew-O: BUT A KICK OUT BY CODY MAVERICK KEEPS THIS MATCH ALIVE! Cody Maverick stays alive and Hans Grayson doesn’t know what he can do right now. He looks frustrated as can be, after just getting back into this match, he thought the ‘Flaming Punch’ was going to be it, he thought he was going to get done right then and there, but it just wasn’t enough.
Flannery McCoy: But I think Hans may be looking to end this right here after all! He gets back up to his feet, rolling under the bottom rope as he gets back up to his feet on the apron, and he begins shouting for Cody Maverick to get back up to his feet! Hans Grayson is looking to put an end to this all, as Cody is starting to get back up to his feet! Hans is going to end this!
Jake Mercer: The referee is checking on Cody as he is making his way back up to his feet, but Hans Grayson is simply ready to end this all… WAIT WHO THE HELL IS THAT?!
Stew-O: SOMEONE IS GRABBING HANS BY THE FOOT AND IS STOPPING HIM FROM TAKING CODY MAVERICK OUT! WHO IS… WAIT! THAT’S DRAKE ARMSTRONG!
Flannery McCoy: THE INTERWIRE CHAMPION IS HOLDING ONTO GRAYSON BY THE FOOT, AND HANS HAS TO KICK HIM AWAY! THE REFEREE DIDN’T NOTICE DRAKE ARMSTRONG WHATSOEVER, AND HANS IS STILL GOING TO WIN THIS! HE SLINGSHOTS HIMSELF INTO THE RING FOR THE ‘BURNING SHOT LARIAT!!!!’
Jake Mercer: CODY CATCHES HIM! CODY CATCHES HIM AND QUICKLY HOOKS GRAYSON INTO THE FULL NELSON, BEFORE THROWING HIM HIGH INTO THE AIR WITH THE ‘HIGH ROLLER!!!’ THE OLYMPIC SLAM CONNECTS!! CODY INTO THE COVER!
ONEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER! CODY MAVERICK!
(‘Show of Hands’ hits the speakers once more, as Cody Maverick pushes off of Hans Grayson with a smile yet face of confusion, as he gets back up to his feet, having his arm raised high into the air by the referee. Cody looked down at Hans, wondering what the hell happened.)
Stew-O: Cody Maverick just picked up the victory here tonight against Hans Grayson, even though it was due to interference by the hand of Drake Armstrong.
Flannery McCoy: Hans Grayson put up a fight here tonight against Cody Maverick, but no matter the circumstances of what was to happen tonight, Cody Maverick picks up the victory, and for that, congratulations to him.
(Cody continues to celebrate his victory while Drake would begin to drag himself up the ramp. Cody notices Drake, and that is when he puts two and two together. With a sigh of disappointment, Dynasty would then fade to commercial.)
(A commercial plays for the NBA Playoffs.)
(‘Changed It’ by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Wayne hits, causing an uproar of cheers to pour out from the EAW faithful. The crowd gets up on their feet and cheers as Milli Banks comes on out, wearing a blue, sparkly top and skirt ensemble with a pink, fuzzy jacket. The Supernova poses in the center of the stage, but based on her facial expression, she isn’t entirely happy.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing at the time, she is the ‘Supernova’… MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIII BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNKS!!!
Stew-O: Here comes one of the brightest stars in EAW today, and soon, a Pain for Pride main eventer! Milli Banks will be competing in just a few weeks time for the EAW Universal Women’s Championship, not only to take the current champion Minerva to task, but Hikari Kanno as well.
Jake Mercer: I’m sure we all remember the visual of Fighting Spirit and how all three women pointed at the Pain for Pride sign, but not only that, but the confrontation Hikari and Milli had. Those two went back and forth and Hikari warned Milli that with her Sudden Death Gold Rush win, she wasn’t exclusively tied to the EAW World Championship. Sure enough, when we thought the stage would be set for just Minerva and Milli to face each other, Hikari came on out and made her presence known, much to Banks’ chagrin!
Flannery McCoy: No doubt that Milli was annoyed by Hikari inserting herself into the Universal Women’s Championship. However, since then, some people have been wondering if Milli may have unintentionally talked herself into trouble, which caused Hikari to set her sights on her and Minerva in the first place.
Stew-O: It definitely has brought up an interesting conversation amongst fans and the media. It’s still a debated topic even up until this point, but it seems like we may get Milli’s perspective about everything that has happened.
(Milli heads down the ramp and enters the ring, popping the collar of her jacket. She’s handed a microphone. Working her way towards the center of the ring, the fans continue to go crazy for her. Her theme fades, but the fans continue to cheer.)
Crowd: MILLI! MILLI! MILLI! MILLI!
(That reaction is enough to bring a smirk to her face — even if it was faint. Eventually, Milli clears her throat and speaks.)
Milli Banks: Well, it’s nice seeing you all as well.
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Milli Banks: Yeah, y’all always show up and show out — unlike certain people.
(The fans begin to quiet down a bit as Milli continues to speak, shaking her head.)
Milli Banks: Honestly, all season long I have done my best not to complain and question things. I keep to myself, keep my nose down, and try not to bother people or get caught up with who deserves what, you know? However, there’s just some things I ain’t about the tolerate, and when some people think they can sneak on in and try to steal the spotlight away that I earned and worked hard towards getting for myself, then that’s when I start to have an issue.
(Milli scowls.)
Milli Banks: Let’s be real. Pain for Pride is supposed to be the culmination of every Elitist who has been able to work hard and bust their tail off all season long, breaking their backs and practically their own damn selves so that they can be a part of the biggest show of the year. It isn’t supposed to be for people who luck out or those who have spent the entirety of their season flipping and flopping with nothing to show for it. EAW may be the Land of Opportunity, but you have to show that you are more than deserving of receiving those opportunities, and I’m sorry, but I have to ask — what makes Hikari Kanno deserving of getting the chance to main event Pain for Pride?
Milli Banks: I mean, in a literal sense, sure, she won that whole mini tournament, but why was she afforded that kind of second chance in the first place? We all know that this is by far the worst season she’s had. She’s been inconsistent. She has slacked off. Hell, she said it straight up to me that she couldn’t be bothered to care more about her opponents who were supposed “bums”, but when you have that kind of mentality, do you truly believe you belong within the upper echelon of the company? What makes someone like that worthy of being seen as a top star if that’s the kind of attitude she’s gonna have? See, you don’t get to pick and choose when to give a damn. As a woman who strives to be a world champion, you ought to take every single match that you have seriously and never wan in effort and determination. In fact, it’s what she’s been saying since the start of this season, but we all know good and damn well that Hikari hasn’t backed up her words, and one lucky win isn’t going to suddenly erase the entire year she spent being a lackadaisical, uncaring mess who thinks she’s entitled to face off against the best in EAW when she doesn’t have the track record, work ethic, and quite frankly, the heart to separate herself from the rest of the pack and have her name mentioned in the same breath as an Adam Lucas, Kassidy Heart, Myles, Drake King, hell, even a Minerva, and certainly not in the same breath as Milli freaking Banks.
(Milli was clearly passionate with her words, having strong feelings towards Hikari, and not in a good way.)
Milli Banks: Consistency hasn’t been a part of Hikari’s season, whereas me, I have done nothing but worked hard and busted my ass, giving each and every single match I have my all. I’ve been able to be one of the winningest and dominant Elitists this year. I was a near-record breaking champion. I became the first-ever Iron Survivor winner. I have done everything right and stayed the course while that bitch can continue to receive handouts and be given the benefit of the doubt, and why? Because y’all gassed her up since she and Miku won the tag titles within a few weeks? Because of her Hardcore Championship run? It would be all fine and dandy if Hikari had been able to keep up that energy and actually remain a force to be reckoned with, but she’s not. She’s simply not that girl anymore, and for a while, a lotta folks wanted to coddle and protect her, but people like her shouldn’t be rewarded with anything. Period. I mean, what kind of precedent are we setting when someone like her is able to make it to a freaking main event match of Pain for Pride? Now we’re gonna have all these Elitists who think they’re entitled to see the same kind of success despite how lazy, complacent, arrogant and inconsistent they are. I don’t care if that makes me a hater. I damn sure am, and I damn sure hate Hikari, ‘cause how you wanna be a whole ass world champion yet you out here blatantly picking and choosing when to care? If you’re gonna somehow be the one to pick up the mantle, then it’s a horrifying thought. Imagine Hikari Kanno of today being tasked with carrying and elevating a strong division like ours? It would make me sick.
Milli Banks: At the end of the day, she’s a third wheel. She wanted to come step to me all because she thought she could punk me out after I told her about her damn self, and you know what? Fine. Let it be. But just know one thing, Hikari — when you go against Milli, it’s gonna cost you. You should’ve been focused on Charlie instead of thinking you could psych me out and get in the way of my rightful main event match that I actually earned, but if you wanna play these games, then get ready, cause I got all kinds of cards I can play with your silly ass self. You aren’t gonna come around, try and intimidate me, and think you have what it takes to genuinely win and become the new EAW Universal Women’s Champion. Not on my watch. You had all season long to make something of yourself, and a last-minute Hail Mary isn’t gonna suddenly change the perception of you being far from the model Elitist. You have regressed. If you were still the actual bad bitch that you were just this time a year ago, then I would have far more respect for you. I wouldn’t mind sharing the spotlight with you! However, when you slack off, when you have fallen from grace, and when you have wasted damn near everyone’s time trying to believe in you, you aren’t owed anything.
(Some of the fans cheer, though some remain quiet, not entirely sure who to side with.)
Stew-O: Some conflicting reactions here. Of course, Hikari has had a rough season, but ultimately, she was able to earn her way towards Pain for Pride.
Jake Mercer: I can kinda see her point. However, at the end of the day, Hikari showed out when it was incredibly important for her to do so, and she’s got a world title match on the horizon. Milli may not like it, but she can’t change it!
(Milli pauses for a moment before continuing.)
Milli Banks: Trust me, I am not going to let Hikari Kanno think she can waltz in and take the glory for herself. Not with everything that has happened. She’s not gonna get the last laugh. She won’t be able to suddenly redeem herself and negate all the time that was wasted. At Pain for Pride, I’m winning that championship, and Minerva and especially Hikari are gonna have to deal with the fact that—
(All of a sudden, ‘Dream in Drive’ by Oral Cigarettes blasts throughout the arena speakers, and the fans cheer, not expecting for Hikari Kanno to appear! However, she shows up in the flesh, looking on with a curious and tickled look on her face as she looks straight towards the ring at Milli. Banks, unamused, rolls her eyes.)
Flannery McCoy: Speaking of which, here she is! The Dreaming Idol herself! Who would’ve thought that she would show up on Dynasty?!
Stew-O: Everyone is pleasantly surprised, except for Milli, of course.
(Milli’s face completely sours. However, Hikari seems to brush off the obvious tension that was emanating from her future opponent. Already having a microphone, she starts to speak as her theme fades and she heads towards the ring.)
Hikari Kanno: Milli, Milli, Milli… why are you so serious? This isn’t like yourself. After all, aren’t you supposed to be the charismatic, joking, light hearted “Stargirl”? What happened with that?
Milli Banks: I don’t know, Hikari. Maybe it’s because I gotta deal with you when we shouldn’t even be in the same ring as each other.
(Hikari chuckles.)
Hikari Kanno: Ah, right. You’re still upset that I stepped up to you just like I promised I would and stole your shine. Got it.
(Hikari enters the ring, getting a bit closer to Milli who stares daggers into her.)
Hikari Kanno: You know, Milli, you can think and say whatever it is you may wish to, but to try and paint as me undeserving of this moment is ridiculous. Yes, I have slipped up. There were moments where I faltered. However, I have remained accountable and owned up to every single mistake I made. Ultimately, being able to do that and genuinely change allowed me to get that much-needed big win to make my path towards Pain for Pride clear, and while you may not like it, it’s too little, too late to act like a little brat and cry about how things are apparently unfair. Just like you, I stepped up, showed out, and I was able to beat Jack Ripley, Rex McAllister and Dr. Bethany Blue in order to get here. I was put through the fire and came out of it much stronger.
(The fans cheer for Hikari. Milli sighs, not really caring to hear from her.)
Milli Banks: Oh, is that right? You stepped up and showed out? If only you did that sooner. Maybe then your ass wouldn’t have been shipped and the IDOL-GUN engine tour wouldn’t have ended prematurely.
Hikari Kanno: Perhaps, but at least with every roadblock I came across, I was able to persist and make it to the end. Meanwhile, can you confidently say you’ve had to struggle? I mean, I could absolutely make this petty and say that you’ve been largely protected from Dynasty’s true heavy hitters. Quite frankly, I don’t think you’re as ready as you tried to portray yourself as, Milli. You’re still inexperienced, with your own bit of ego shining through, and well, you’ve said it before that such arrogance has led you to some losses before. After all, you could’ve had your shot at a world championship this season a lot sooner if you yourself didn’t turn your nose up at the likes of Ms. Extreme and Chris Elite.
Milli Banks: Girl, are you serious? I’ve been protected? You cannot be serious. And as for that whole King of Elite thing, yeah, I was overconfident. I admitted it myself. I thought that winning the match would’ve been a given for me.
Hikari Kanno: Then we aren’t so dissimilar then, hm? We both have our own hubris and faults as people and as competitors. However, I’m willing to own up to it while you continue to have this perfect, crystallized persona, acting as if you are blameless or that you’re truly superior to others.
(The fans are eating the exchange up like popcorn. Hikari’s words were clearly getting to Milli based on the frown that was growing on her face.)
Hikari Kanno: At any rate, Milli, you can say whatever you wish. Deem me to be incompetent. Downplay my win. Make me out to be some sort of inevitable loser. However, in the end, I will persist as I have done, and I will be beating you. You may not like it, but you will accept it, especially when you’re forced to come to the view of me holding the Universal Women’s Championship up in the air and above you.
(Hikari stares at Milli, and Banks returns the gesture.)
Jake Mercer: Oh boy, we may get some fireworks popping!
(However, before any sort of fight can break out, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by Rob Zombie hits, causing the fans to cheer wildly. Hikari and Milli both turn their heads, seeing that Minerva has arrived.)
Minerva: You know, this isn’t just about the two of you, right? After all, if you care so much about becoming champion, then it would serve you well to pay attention to the woman who actually has the title you covet so much.
(Minerva eventually makes her way into the ring.)
Minerva: And seeing as now I am here, I don’t wish to miss out on all of the fun.
(Minerva’s attention shifts to Hikari.)
Minerva: Hikari, there’s no doubt that you ultimately were able to pull through in the end to earn yourself a main event match at Pain for Pride. Still, one victory does not erase the multitudes of instances where you became lazy and unmotivated throughout the season, and it has been constant that it would be disingenuous to ignore them. I will admit that Milli is right in that regard. If you wish to be a world champion, there is a certain level you must maintain, and so far, you have shown that you are incapable of performing at such a high level. It is a shame, as your Hardcore Championship run was great and while things may have gotten murky for you towards the end of it, you showed everyone the potential you had within you. But now? It has been rendered null and void. There is a lot of making up to do, and you aren’t going to be able to get that opportunity to atone for your sloth-like ways all of a sudden. It doesn’t work like that. Miku was able to show up to work each and every time no matter what while you left her hung and dry, and in the process, nearly jeapordized her season.
(Hikari frowns, clearly getting annoyed with the constant digs.)
Hikari Kanno: That’s all you people have to say. You call me lazy and unmotivated, completely overlooking the fact that when I do show up, no one can touch me. I conquered three former world champions in order to get to this positon, so I’ll be damned, if you and especially that unproven brat over there are going to erase the hard work I was ultimately able to put in just so that you can feel better about yourselves.
Milli Banks: Oh naur, this bitch is GOOFY goofy. 🤡
Minerva: Taking offense? That’s unlike you. Disappointing, but I suppose when you can’t truly accept your faults full-heartedly without becoming defensive, that is par for the course.
(Hikari scoffs. However, Minerva’s attention then goes over to Milli.)
Minerva: Now, Milli, I don’t have much to say in comparison. What you have done so far is admirable, but I wonder, will everything you had to go through this season be enough to tackle and dethrone me? Your body of work is impressive, Milli, and that cannot be overstated. Still, there is much for your to grasp, and, well, I was in your position once before. I’ve done the same things you have. And now, I have built myself up to be an indisputable force here. I do not say it with arrogance for it is the truth. I have not been pinned or handidly defeated since 2021. I am undefeated at Pain for Pride, holding five wins underneath my belt. Not only that, but I am set to be in the hall of fame this year, and while I’m sure losing in any other part of the year would be of no shame to me, I do not intend to lose when my legacy is set to be honored. I wish to remain at the top and close out what has been an amazing season for myself with the championship I cherish the most in my entire career. Neither you nor Hikari will get your big Pain for Pride moment at my expense, and while that may be a hard pill to swallow, it is a reality you will have to face.
(Milli slowly nods her head, whereas Hikari isn’t pleased.)
Hikari Kanno: And what makes you think you’re—
(Minerva holds up a hand.)
Minerva: That’s enough talking from you.
(Hikari looks shocked, and angry. Milli holds in her laughter, and doing so in time, as Minerva would look back at her.)
Minerva: As for you, it’s going to be interesting to see how you fare in a match like this for the first time ever. I know you think you’re some future golden girl and face of this company but it’s not that easy and you’re going to learn that the hard way. Trust me when I say that no matter how well you may do, you are not entitled to immediate success. I’m sure further down the road the idea of Milli Banks becoming a world champion will come to fruition, but as far as it concerns now? That is not happening.
(Milli bites down on her lower lip, letting Minerva’s words soak in. Minerva turns to walk away–)
Stew-O: OH! HIKARI KANNO SNEAKS UP AND ATTACKS MINERVA, STRIKING HER WITH REPEATED FOREARMS! MILLI WALKS ON OVER AND TRIES TO PRY HER AWAY, BUT HIKARI GRABS HOLD OF HER AND TOSSES HER OUT OF THE RING! SHE GOES BACK TO ATTACKING MINERVA!
Jake Mercer: AND NOW, HIKARI HAS HER IN HER GRASP, LOOKING TO SET UP ‘ALLELUIA’!!
Flannery McCoy: BUT MINERVA IS ABLE TO SLIP OUT! MINERVA AVOIDS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB AND HIKARI SPINS AROUND–
Stew-O: A kick to the gut and MINERVA RAISES HER UP! TWISTING BRAINBUSTER, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ATLAS FALLS’!!! HIKARI HAS BEEN LAID OUT!
Jake Mercer: Wow! Minerva planted her with that one!
Flannery McCoy: YES, BUT LOOK! MINERVA TURNS AROUND AND WALKS RIGHT INTO ‘NEW BODY’! ‘NEW BODY’ FROM MILLI BANKS! MILLI SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE CHAMPION DIRECTLY!
(Minerva and Hikari were both down. Milli stands over Minerva, before her eyes look over towards the Universal Women’s Championship. Crouching down, she gently brushes her fingers along it.)
Milli Banks: (off-mic) Soon enough. I’m coming for you.
Stew-O: AND WHAT A STATEMENT MADE BY MILLI!
(Milli grins and stands back up, doing her signature poses as the fans cheer. With that, Dynasty fades to commercials.)
(A commercial plays for Wendy’s.)
(The camera cuts to Stephie Love in the ring.)
Stephie Love: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki plays out Drake Armstrong to a negative reaction from fans as he saunters to the ring for his match against Michael Machina, soaking in the fans’ negative reaction towards him as he spreads his arms wide with the Interwire Championship glistening around his waist.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! Hailing out of Scarsdale, New York, weighing in at 245 pounds…HE IS THE EAW INTERWIRE CHAMPION…THE FUTURE…DRAKE ARMSTRONG!!
(Drake Armstrong takes off his robe, awaiting the arrival of his opponent. “Apostle’s Warning” by Mobb Deep plays, and Michael Machina steps through the smoke, looking like a true force of nature with the New Breed Championship around his waist, marching down to the ring.)
Stephie Love: And his opponent!! Hailing out of Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 240 pounds…HE IS THE EAW NEW BREED CHAMPION…THE MONEYMAKER…MICHAEL MACHINA!!
(Both competitors stare one another down from opposing corners as the referee signals the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, don’t change the channel, because we are underway! Michael Machina versus Drake Armstrong! Champion vs Champion! I am excited, as most people in the Smoothie King Center are. Both men start things off by circling one another before locking up in the center of the ring. Michael Machina is able to QUICKLY overpower Drake back into the corner. Referee gets involved, giving both men til the count of five to break.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THR-
Flannery McCoy: Machina backs away from Armstrong in the corner, having broken the collar and elbow tie-up. Machina gestures for Drake to bring it on, and the Interwire Champion takes Initiative, exiting the corner, and circling Machina for a second time. Collar and elbow- NO! DRAKE DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND MACHINA SPINS AROUND INTO A KNIFE EDGE CHOP!
Jake Mercer: BUT THAT BARELY HAD ANY EFFECT ON MACHINA, WHO GRABS DRAKE BY THE THROAT WITH BOTH HANDS, AND BIELS HIM INTO THE CORNER!
Stew-O: MICHAEL MARCHES IN, LOOKING TO GRAB HOLD OF ARMSTRONG- BUT DRAKE DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND MACHINA FINDS HIMSELF IN THE CORNER AS HE TURNS AROUND! KNIFE EDGE CHOP BY ARMSTRONG, WHO QUICKLY TRANSITIONS INTO A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK ON MACHINA!
Flannery McCoy: Michael backs Drake up against the ropes, and bounces him off to escape! ARMSTRONG ATTEMPTED FLOORING MACHINA WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, BUT GOT DROPPED HIMSELF!
Stew-O: And with that said, Armstrong rolls to the outside, looking to catch a breather, and possibly rethink his strategy.
Jake Mercer: Michael Machina is raw power personified, and Drake isn’t going to beat him in that aspect, but I think where he’ll shine is the mental aspect. He’ll have to outsmart Michael Machina.
Flannery McCoy: Speaking of, Michael is pacing back and forth in that ring, awaiting for Drake to re-enter, which must be a scary sight if you’re his opponent.
Stew-O: There’s a reason Drake is cautiously re-entering the ring right now. Michael Machina closes in, and Drake slowly backs into the corner. MICHAEL LUNGES AT ARMSTRONG- BUT ARMSTRONG DUCKS UNDERNEATH! MICHAEL SPINS AROUND IN THE CORNER, AND EATS A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER!
Flannery McCoy: BUT AGAIN, THEY APPEAR TO HAVE NO EFFECT ON MACHINA, AND ONLY SEEM TO FIRE HIM UP EVEN MORE AS HE MARCHES OUT OF THE CORNER, STARING DAGGERS INTO ARMSTRONG!
Jake Mercer: Drake looks to have seen a ghost as he staggers back toward the opposite corner, attempting to beg Machina off.
Stew-O: Drake tries moving pass Machina- BUT MACHINA SHOVES HIM BACK INTO THE CORNER! MICHAEL SWINGS WILDLY, BUT DRAKE DUCKS UNDERNEATH, AND LIGHTS HIM UP WITH MORE KNIFE EDGE CHOPS IN THE CORNER!
Flannery McCoy: Machina gets irish whipped to the opposite corner by Armstrong, but reverses at the last minute, sending Drake to the corner instead! ARMSTRONG GOES UP AND OVER, AND MICHAEL HALTS HIMSELF FROM COLLIDING STERNUM FIRST WITH THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! MACHINA SPINS AROUND, BUT GETS HOISTED ON THE SHOULDER OF DRAKE!
Stew-O: POSSIBLY LOOKING FOR DEATH PENALTY- NO! MICHAEL SLIPS OFF HIS OPPONENT’S SHOULDERS, FALLING DOWN TO THE CANVAS, AND ROLLS TO A KNEE!
Jake Mercer: Drake gestures to Machina that he was very close to putting this one away, and it’s hard to disagree with him. That tombstone piledriver is how he won the Interwire Championship off Ronan Malosi, aka The König! ☝️
Flannery McCoy: Machina rises back to his feet, and marches toward Drake for a collar and elbow tie-up in the center of the ring! Armstrong gets the upper hand early, wringing the arm of Machina, but Machina counters with an arm wringer of his own. BUT DRAKE BREAKS IT UP WITH A HARD FOREARM TO THE JAW!
Stew-O: Michael staggers back into the corner, and Armstrong closes in with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP! FOLLOWED WITH ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! IRISH WHIP TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER BY ARMSTRONG, BUT MACHINA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING DRAKE TO THE CORNER INSTEAD! HOWEVER, DRAKE GOES UP AND OVER MACHINA IN THE CORNER- OR SO HE THOUGHT AS MACHINA HAD IT SCOUTED THIS TIME!
(Drake backpedals with a smug grin on his face, thinking he outmaneuvered Machina for a second time, but bumps into the big man instead, causing his expression to change into one of panic as he slowly turns around.)
Flannery McCoy: UH-OH! MACHINA BIELS DRAKE INTO THE CORNER, AND RUSHES IN WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP OF HIS OWN! LIGHTING ARMSTRONG UP WITH A FLURRY OF CHOPS! Drake pushes past Machina, and tries creating some space. But Machina quickly catches up to him, and irish whips Drake off the ropes!
Stew-O: MACHINA DUCKS DOWN FOR A BACK BODY DROP! BUT DRAKE CONNECTS WITH A PENALTY KICK TO THE CHEST, JOLTING MICHAEL MACHINA UPRIGHT! DRAKE BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AGAIN- BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT! DRAKE SCRAMBLES BACK TO HIS FEET, USING ASSISTANCE FROM THE ROPES, AND GETS CLOTHESLINED UP AND OVER THE TOP!
Flannery McCoy: Machina heads to the outside, and pulls Drake back to his feet- FLOORING HIM WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Drake is quickly back to his feet, using the barricade for assistance, and Machina leans him against the barricade for ANOTHER knife edge chop, echoing throughout the arena!
Jake Mercer: Michael lifts Drake up onto his shoulder, and has cruel intentions in the mind as he eyes up the LED ringpost- BUT DRAKE SLIPS OFF THE SHOULDERS OF MICHAEL MACHINA, AND SHOVES HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!
Stew-O: WAIT! MICHAEL MACHINA HALTED HIS MOMENTUM, GETTING BOTH HANDS IN FRONT, AND DRAKE COMES FROM BEHIND- BACK ELBOW! DRAKE WALKED RIGHT INTO A BACK ELBOW! DRAKE STAGGERS BACK BRIEFLY BEFORE CHARGING IN AT MACHINA- WHO HOISTS HIM UP FOR A FRONT POWERSLAM ON THE APRON!
Flannery McCoy: Pain is etched across the face of Armstrong before he’s rolled back inside the ring by Machina. Michael climbs up on the apron, and pulls Drake back to his feet as he was using the ropes for assistance, having risen to a knee. Machina hooks him up for a SUPLEX TO THE OUTSIDE!
Stew-O: IF MICHAEL SCORES THIS-
Flannery McCoy: NO! ARMSTRONG BLOCKS IT, AND EXPLODES WITH A RIGHT HAND! BUT MACHINA BLOCKED IT HIMSELF, AND BATTLED BACK WITH A RIGHT HAND OF HIS OWN! DRAKE IS STAGGERED MOMENTARILY, AND MICHAEL GOES TO RE-ENTER THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, BUT DRAKE KNOCKS HIM BACK OUT RINGSIDE WITH A RUNNING KNEE TO THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD!
Jake Mercer: Machina shakes the cobwebs out of his head on the outside as Drake exits out to the apron, lining his opponent up for a RUNNING JUMPING HIGH KNEE OFF THE APRON!
Stew-O: Drake rushes back to a vertical base, and pulls Machina back to his! Michael gets rolled back inside the ring, and Drake slithers in himself. DRAKE UNLOADS ON MACHINA WITH REPEATED STOMPS TO THE STERNUM AS MICHAEL TRIES SITTING UP!
Flannery McCoy: Drake lifts Machina back to his feet, and slams him FACE FIRST off the top turnbuckle! KNIFE EDGE CHOP BY DRAKE ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE ARENA, AND HE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A RIGHT HAND!
Stew-O: Drake alternates between both one more time, and irish whips him into the opposite corner! DRAKE CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE, AND TRANSITIONS INTO A RUNNING BULLDOG! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Jake Mercer: KICKOUT! Drake rises to his feet, and aims to lift Machina back to his feet- BUT MICHAEL STARTS TO FIGHT BACK WITH A SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE! Michael makes it back to his feet, and sends Drake staggering into the corner with a RIGHT HAND! Irish whip to the opposite corner by Mavhina-
Flannery McCoy: BUT DRAKE COUNTERS, WHIPPING MACHINA HARD INTO THE CORNER! Michael collapses down all fours off the impact, and Drake slips past him, climbing to the middle rope as he lines Machina up with what’s coming next. Machina slowly returns to his feet, and Drake LEAPS OFF with a TORNADO DDT! COVER IS MADE, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Stew-O: Still, only a two count! Drake is immediately back on the attack with a rear chinlock on Machina, wearing his opponent down. The crowd rallies behind “The Machine,” and Michael powers back to his feet, almost fueling off that energy- BUT DRAKE HOPS ON MACHINA’S BACK, TURNING IT INTO A SLEEPERHOLD!
Flannery McCoy: DRAKE HAS HIS LEGS WRAPPED AROUND THE BODY OF MACHINA- WHO DRIVES HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER! BREAKING THE HOLD!
Jake Mercer: Machina staggers away from Armstrong briefly before rushing in- BUT DRAKE GETS THE BOOT UP!
Flannery McCoy: Michael goes down to all fours, and Drake shoots out the corner, running off the ropes in front of Machina! BUT LIVES TO REGRET IT AS MICHAEL MACHINA CATCHES HIM WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY!
Stew-O: Michael Machina pulls himself up in the corner, and Drake rises to his feet, favoring his back. ARMSTRONG CHARGES IN- BUT EATS A BACK ELBOW FOR HIS TROUBLES! MICHAEL CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE, AND CRASHES INTO ARMSTRONG WITH A DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE! MICHAEL MACHINA IS FIRED UP, AND POPS BACK TO HIS FEET!
Flannery McCoy: MICHAEL LIFTS ARMSTRONG BACK TO HIS, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES! MICHAEL SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! BUT DRAKE MANAGES TO DUCK BELOW THE MONEY SHOT, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES HIMSELF! DRAKE TRIES TO SCORE WITH A JUMPING CROSSBODY ON MACHINA- BUT MACHINA CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR!
Jake Mercer: LOOK AT THE POWER! MACHINA HAS DRAKE UP IN A CRADLE, AND POPS HIM INTO POSITION FOR A BRAINBUSTER! SKULLPIERCER BY MICHAEL MACHINA! HOOK OF THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
Stew-O: SHOULDER UP! DRAKE GOT THE SHOULDER UP!
Jake Mercer: Wisely, Drake rolls out to the apron as well, but Michael is in hot pursuit.
Stew-O: Machina reaches over the top rope, pulling Drake back to his feet- BUT DRAKE CONNECTS WITH A HOTSHOT, DROPPING MICHAEL ACROSS THE TOP ROPE THROAT FIRST!
Flannery McCoy: Drake climbs to the top rope, and it’s not often he does this, perhaps a plan in mind here- NO! MICHAEL MACHINA CUTS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! Machina climbs to the middle rope, but Drake starts to battle back with shots to the rib cage, and delivers a shot to the face as well! Machina drops off the middle rope, and stumbles around-
Stew-O: BUT MACHINA CHARGES BACK AT ARMSTRONG, AND QUICKLY SCALES TO THE TOP ROPE WITH THE AGILITY OF A CAT, LAUNCHING DRAKE WITH AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA!
Flannery McCoy: AND MICHAEL MACHINA IS FIRED UP, REMOVING BOTH STRAPS, AND URGING FOR DRAKE TO GET UP IN THE CORNER! CROWD KNOW WHATS COMING! BULLET FROM HELL ON THE WAY!
Jake Mercer: …or maybe not. :comeagain:
Stew-O: Drake has lied prone on the canvas since that avalanche hurricanrana. He hasn’t moved a muscle. Machina approaches him, unsure what to make of this, and pulls up the 245 pounds of dead weight. BUT DRAKE DOUBLE LEGS HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS, AND JACKKNIFE COVERS HIM, CATCHING EVERYONE BY SURPRISE, ESPECIALLY MACHINA!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR-
Flannery McCoy: KICKOUT! BOTH MEN SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND MACHINA DRAWS FIRST WITH A KICK TO THE GUT, DOUBLING DRAKE OVER! MACHINA HOISTS HIM UP FOR THE .50 CAL! BUT DRAKE SLIPS OFF HIS SHOULDERS AFTER LANDING MULTIPLE RIGHTS TO THE SKULL!
Stew-O: MACHINA SWINGS FOR THE FENCES WITH A CLOTHESLINE, BUT DRAKE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, AND DUMPS MACHINA HIGH ON HIS NECK AND SHOULDERS WITH NATURAL TALENT! BRIDGING HALF-NELSON, HALF-CHICKENWING SUPLEX! BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
Flannery McCoy: KICKOUT!
Stew-O: Machina rolls away from Drake, and pulls himself up in the corner. Drake rises back to his feet, and marches in- UNLOADING IN THE CORNER AS HE ALTERNATES BETWEEN CHOPS AND DELIVERING A RIGHT HAND! DRAKE HAS UPPED THE AGGRESSION, AND THE REFEREE PULLS HIM AWAY FROM MACHINA!
Flannery McCoy: BUT DRAKE PUSHES PAST HIM TO CHARGE INTO THE CORNER WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! DRAKE TRANSITIONS INTO A RUNNING BULLDOG- BUT THIS TIME, MACHINA SHOVES HIM OFF! DRAKE MAKES IT BACK TO HIS FEET, CLUTCHING AT HIS BACK, AND NEARLY GETS HIS HEAD TAKEN OFF WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!
Jake Mercer: HOOK OF THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEE-
Stew-O: STILL, DRAKE MANAGES TO KICKOUT! MICHAEL SIGNALS THE BEGINNING OF THE END, HOWEVER, AND PULLS DRAKE BACK UP, PLACING HIS HEAD BETWEEN HIS LEGS! NO DOUBT WANTING THAT .50 CAL POWERBOMB!
(Michael Machina goes to hoist Drake up for the powerbomb, but turns his attention towards the titantron as Rory Slate is backstage, being tended to by the trainer, sat up on the table- that is until BRAE comes in!)
Stew-O: WAIT A MINUTE, THATS BRAE! BRAE JUST SHOVED RORY OFF THE TRAINERS TABLE, AND IS NOW MOUNTING HER WITH PUNCHES IN THE BACK!
Flannery McCoy: OH, CMON! HE ALREADY WON THE MATCH EARLIER! WHAT IS THE NEED FOR THIS?!
Jake Mercer: SIMPLE, FLANNERY! TO SEND A MESSAGE! HE IS SENDING A MESSAGE TO MICHAEL MACHINA RIGHT NOW!
Stew-O: OH NO! RORY GOT PULLED BACK TO HER FEET, AND GETS SENT INTO A WALL BY BRAE! SHE HIT HARD!
(BRAE holds up Rory’s face to the camera before continuing his attack on her before the feed on the tron cuts out. Michael Machina tosses Drake aside, and goes to exit the ring-)
Flannery McCoy: DRAKE! DRAKE JUST ROLLED MACHINA UP WITH A SCHOOL BOY AS HE TRIED EXITING OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: HERES YOUR WINNER… DRAKE ARMSTRONG!
(‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki plays to a negative reaction from fans, and Drake Armstrong pops to his feet, raising both hands in victory before being handed his Interwire Championship by the referee. Michael Machina is a mixed of shock and angered as he sits up on the canvas before quickly sliding outside, and running to the back.)
Stew-O: Drake Armstrong has won the match, but something tells me Michael Machina doesn’t give a damn as he’s beelining straight towards the back!
Flannery McCoy: As he should! Who knows the further damage BRAE could have, or is inflicting as we speak?!
Jake Mercer: Regardless, Michael Machina didnt keep his eyes on the prize, and that’s what cost him tonight!
(Drake watches Michael Machina run to the back with a smug grin on his face, proud of his victory scored tonight as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for Pain for Pride.)
(‘Praise Gawd’ by Kanye West plays over the arena speakers and flames begin to pulsate from both sides of the stage. Stepping out through the fog that seems to encapsulate the arena, Methuselah stalks out, his presence commanding attention almost immediately from the EAW Universe. There’s some murmurs of boos, but the fans are for the most part quiet, largely intimidated by the man who holds the most control and influence over anybody in the promotion. It’s a mix of curiosity and apprehension.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing at this time, the ‘Demiurge’… MEEEETHUUUUUSEEEEEEEELAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Stew-O: Intimidating. Authoritative. Imposing. So much and more can be used to describe Methuselah. You can sense the trepidation from the fans as everyone knows exactly what he is capable of, and most importantly, who he seeks to go after with the power that he wields.
Jake Mercer: Man, I don’t ever want to get on his bad side. For once, I feel bad for Bronson Daniels.
Flannery McCoy: Wait, you do?
Jake Mercer: Yes… for being such a freaking idiot and deciding to attack him! Imagine being so dense that you come after METHUSELAH of all people? See, there’s a good reason why I never liked him, and that right there exemplifies it. He’s just so brash and doesn’t think straight, and that’s not to mention that—
Flannery McCoy: Alright, alright, we don’t need this whole thing to devolve into another strange, unwarranted rant against Bronson Daniels. Still, maybe his brashness at Fighting Spirit did put him in a costly situation. Even before that, at Grand Rampage, ever since Bronson eliminated Methuselah from the match, it’s like he got on his bad side. Couple that with this whole Tyrone, Kensingten and Richard mess, and Bronson has garnered the ire of the most powerful man in EAW.
Stew-O: When you put it like that, it certainly isn’t anything good. Bronson Daniels could be in a world of trouble at Pain for Pride, or perhaps even tonight. Aside from any possible repercussions that he may be faced with after attacking Methuselah at Fighting Spirit during his match against Ms. Extreme, he has to go one on one with Kassidy Heart, the cherished wife of Methuselah and one of the all-time greatest Elitists. Kassidy has definitely gone on record throughout the week that both she and Methuselah weren’t happy with what Daniels did, and she’s made it known that she is going to do whatever it takes to make sure Bronson pays for his transgressions.
Jake Mercer: Ha. Maybe Methuselah will do us a favor and finally get that stain outta here.
Flannery McCoy: Jake!
(As Methuselah climbs into the ring, a ringside crew member doesn’t delay in handing him a microphone. They meekly return to the side and sit on their chair. Methuselah, in the meantime, stands right within the center his gaze piercing through the crowd and the camera lens alike. It’s a look that’s enough to penetrate through the thickest of skins and make anyone’s veins run icy cold. The arena lulls into a hushed silence, a sort of anxious anticipation hanging throughout the air.)
(Then, the Demiurge himself speaks.)
Methuselah: Well, what can I say? It doesn’t take much to make me angry, and trust me, I am. I am not one to take insolence lightly, especially by foolhardy individuals who wish to challenge those who are clearly superior to them in every way. People may label me as a tyrant, and I won’t object to such connotations, but tonight, I stand before you all as a messenger of consequence. Actions, especially ones taken by one such Bronson Daniels, will often incur a debt that cannot be paid off easily and with mercy, and whenever someone decides they wish to strike out against me, challenging the very authority that governs this domain, it often does not bode well for them. I can stand here and recount countless instances where I’ve had morons shipped off away from this place, effectively killing their careers in the process. However, there is no point in me doing that. Rather, there is far more worth in me showing why going against Gawdzilla himself is the wrong move to make.
Crowd: :lupe:
Methuselah: I should have beaten Camille. That hot-headed brat should’ve lost, and she was going to. I would’ve had a clean, decisive win over her, once again making the Ava family have to suffer, but alas, that’s not what happened, did it? No. Bronson Daniels came along, cost me having a satisfying win, and on top of that, Camille has pitied her way into an undeserving main event spot at Pain for Pride, once again poised to muck things up over on Showdown. I cannot stomach it, truly. Trust me, I was tempted to overthrow that whole match and ensure that Camille wouldn’t get her moment, but there are bigger fish to fry, and this one is something that cannot be ignored or overlooked. Something’s got to give, and while it is going to be a complete delight seeing my perfect wife handily defeat Bronson, enacting just a bit of revenge on my behalf, the final blow will come at Pain for Pride.
(Methuselah remains serious, not at all happy whatsoever with the situation at hand.)
Methuselah: However, Bronson is not the only person who has garnered the attention of my ire. In fact, it would be better if I get down to business and lay down the law myself, right here and right now. So, Kensingten and Richard? I’d like for you to come out here.
(It takes a moment, but soon, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Richard Grant comes on out with Kensingten Calhoun-Astor, and the two make their way down to the ring. The two remain professional as can be as they are within the presence of Methuselah. ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ then fades.)
Methuselah: Good. Now…
(Methuselah’s tone in voice noticeably sours as he speaks out the next sentence.)
Methuselah: Bronson, Diamond and Tyrone, I would like for the three of you to be here as well.
(The fans start to look even more nervous. ‘My War’ by Shinsei Kamattechan hits, and Bronson Daniels comes out. The fans cheer, albeit slightly quieter than usual given the circumstance and possible implications. Bronson doesn’t feed into the fear or aura of Methuselah, however. In fact, he pretty much glares at him, and Methuselah himself returns the gesture. After a moment, ‘Like That’ by Metro Boomin, Future and Kendrick Lamar hits, and the Dynasty general manager Tyrone Montgomery emerges, along with with trusted assistant Diamond Dixon. They meet up with Bronson and all three walk together, much to Methuselah’s clear chagrin. They all enter, and everyone is given microphones. ‘Like That’ fades, but the one thing that doesn’t is Methuselah’s frown.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Look, Methuselah, I—
(Methuselah raises a hand.)
Methuselah: Shut it.
(And just like that, Tyrone became quiet.)
Methuselah: Right now, the only voice I want to hear is mine. Got it?
(Methuselah looks towards everyone, and they all nod – expect for Bronson. Methuselah silently makes note of this before he continues.)
Methuselah: After everything that has occurred, I am not one to play mindless games. When I said that I would be handling all of this at Pain for Pride, I meant it.
(He then shoots a look over at Bronson.)
Methuselah: Bronson, you have made a mess of things. You prevented me from winning my first-ever Grand Rampage. You got yourself involved in my match and ruined it. You have been nothing more than an incessant, annoying little bug, and when I have pests, I tend to take them out. So, it should come as no surprise that I would want you in a match against me. However, this isn’t some kind of badge of honor for you. Far from it. Because aside from your own ego and pride being on the line, so too will the fate of Dynasty.
(Everyone looks on, varying degrees of confusion coloring their faces.)
Methuselah: So, here’s the deal. Since everyone wants to get themselves involved in this situation, I’ll go ahead and kill two birds at one stone. Bronson, should you somehow even beat me at Pain for Pride, control of Dynasty will go to Tyrone and Tyrone only, even with the Disney partnership coming to an end. However, should I beat you, then Kensingten and Richard will get control over this brand. That is my final ultimatum to you.
(Audible gasps and murmurs can be heard from the fans upon this caveat being revealed. Kensingten and Richard do the best they can to stifle their smirks. Diamond and Tyrone look at each other, unsure of how to feel. Bronson, however, is perhaps the most reactive as his eyes widen, realizing what all of this meant.)
(He would be the sole representative in the fate of Dynasty.)
(It all fell on him to get the job done.)
Tyrone Montgomery: So, let me get this straight: despite the fact that many Elitists have outright said how unhappy there were while underneath Kensingten and Richard’s reign of terror, you’re going to be fighting on their behalf?
Diamond Dixon: Yeah, I wanna know how that makes sense, because it doesn’t. Dynasty has remained the dominant brand all year thanks to Tyrone, not those two goofies over there who wanna be so big and bad and push their weight around making everyone here feel like they’re lesser than them.
Kensingten Calhoun-Astor: Wait, excuse me – push our weight around? No, sweetheart. We simply don’t allow for the talent to do whatever it is they please and pretty much run the aslyum themselves.
Richard Grant: Exactly. You weren’t even here for when we had Dynasty in our control, so what do you know?
Diamond Dixon: Oh, trust me, I stayed watching the product, and it was plain as day that people were miserable. You harassed just about everyone here and had people outright complaining about how you conduct your business. The two of you are shady, and as a matter of fact, neither of you should have a job here as far as I’m concerned here.
Kensingten Calhoun-Astor: Well, it’s a good thing that you aren’t in charge around here. Lord knows just how trashy and ghetto this brand would become under your thumb.
Diamond Dixon: Excuse me?! You wanna run that back with me again!?
Richard Grant: See, look at you. Emotional. Tempermental. Quick to lash out over the simplest of things. You are hot-headed and have a nasty attitude problem, young lady, and that is why you are in the predicament that you are in. You couldn’t cut it as a wrestler, and you certainly wouldn’t cut it as a proper authority figure.
Diamond Dixon: Oh yeah? Well, I sure did handle myself pretty alright in the ring when I beat up your girl and made her eat crow.
Tyrone Montgomery: Not to mention, I was able to beat you myself, Richard.
Richard Grant: Okay? Congratulations? That doesn’t mean the two of you know how to run an effective ship, and that is why Methuselah here is fighting on our behalf. He knows Kensingten and I are better suited for the job, but you babies would’ve cried had he fired any of you on the spot. You should be lucky he’s even entertaining you to have a match like this, because I’m sure if he would, he would put us in your places, and rightfully so.
Tyrone Montgomery: Aww. Grown to be a bootlicker?
Kensingten Calhoun-Astor: Oh, please. Just the other week you were pouting about how Methuselah didn’t answer you calls and give you the time of day. You wish you had him on your side.
Tyrone Montgomery: Yeah? Well, you wanna know what I truly wish for, Kensingten? I wish that you would finally—
(All of a sudden, Bronson sticks his arm out towards Tyrone. He calms down, looking at him quietly. Bronson raises his microphone to speak.)
Bronson Daniels: … you know what, Methuselah? Fine. I accept it. You think that by doing this, you can get me to crack, but that’s not going to be the case. If anything, this is just gonna be more fuel to my fire, because I was itching to get my hands on you, but this further incentivizes me to pummel you into the ground. Throughout my time here on this show, I have genuinely cared about it. I wanted to be a leader for it, and contribute to its success as much as I could. Whether it was before, during or after my time as world heavyweight champion, that is the one thing that has always been consistent about me. I give this show my all each and every week, and I put it on my back, so if you think this is all added pressure for me? Then think again.
(A strong sense of determination fills up Bronson’s being in spite of the magnitude of the match that awaits him. The fans cheer, appreciating his words as always. However, Methuselah was less than impressed.)
Methuselah: Oh, yeah? So, you can handle the possibility of letting this brand down? Letting Tyrone down? Letting your fellow Elitists down? That’ll be interesting to see, because the thing, Bronson, is that I have no intention of losing. Then again, what should I expect from someone who has spent all week long saying that they’ve sacrificed so much for this brand and proclaiming himself to be the face of it? At least now, you’ll get to put your money where your mouth is.
Tyrone Montgomery: Oh, he will. He’s gonna make you pay, and he’s gonna beat you.
Diamond Dixon: Yeah. Bronson’s got this. He isn’t scared, and he never will be.
Methuselah: Hm. You really think he has a shot, huh?
(Tyrone and Diamond nod.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Of course. Bronson has handled adversity all throughout his career here. This is nothing new to him.
(Richard and Kensingten snort, chuckling.)
Richard Grant: Ah, there they go again, propping up their golden boy. Oh well. It’ll be hilarious when Bronson fails.
Kensingten Calhoun-Astor: And this time, there will be no story to finish. It’s going to end and come crashing down on him at Pain for Pride.
(The two smirk, while Tyrone and Diamond narrow their eyes. Bronson remains quiet, but he stares right at Methuselah, tightening his fists. Methuselah just scoffs.)
Methuselah: In the end, it’ll come down to you and me. But for now, you can go ahead and stay in the ring, as your match is coming up riiiiiight…. Now.
(Methuselah checks out his imaginary watch before turning to the stage, where his demeanor softens slightly.)
Methuselah: And of course, it is my honor to introduce the greatest Elitist of all time, next to me, of course, my lovely wife, and conqueror of story-baiting, pity-merchant Elitists like Bronson Daniels… The history-maker herself, and one-half of the EAW Unified Tag Team Champions: Kassidy Heart! And of course, we cannot forget about her legendary partner and EAW icon accompanying her: Sienna Jade!
(Tyrone, Diamond, Richard and Kensingten all take their leave, side-eyeing each other as they do so. ‘Partition (Smearcase Trap Remix)’ by Beyonce plays, eliciting a mixed reaction. Kassidy Heart comes out and blows a kiss towards Methuselah before Sienna Jade comes right next to her, showing off their newly-won tag team championships. Bronson gets into his corner, eyeing down Methuselah as he himself would take his leave. Kassidy walks down confidently with Sienna, but her smirk begins to fade once she sees Bronson.)
Stew-O: And here we are. Kassidy Heart will be taking on Bronson Daniels in one-on-one action! This is a match that has been anticipated throughout the week, and with good reason. Now, we see if Bronson will be able to pick up a huge momentum boost and thwart Kassidy’s plans, or if Kassidy is able to take Bronson down and continue her winning ways.
Jake Mercer: Yeah, he’s cooked.
Flannery McCoy: You are unbelievable…
(Kassidy enters the ring and takes her corner as Sienna Jade takes her place at ringside. The referee checks on both competitors before ringing the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: Bell has rung and here we go with singles action AND KASSIDY ISN’T GOING TO WAIT ANOTHER SECOND AS SHE CLOCKS BRONSON WITH A RIGHT HAND AND SHE IMMEDIATELY GETS TO WORK!
Jake Mercer: I don’t blame her. Bronson attacked her husband. Do you expect her to just sit by and stay out of it? Hell no. Kassidy is just slugging Bronson in the face.
Flannery McCoy: Kass has Bronson backed against the ropes before whipping him to the other side. Bronson hits the other side and comes back. Kass grabs him AND BRONSON GETS HIS LEGS AROUND HER HEAD TO TRY AND COUNTER WITH A HEADSCISSORS–
Stew-O: KASS KEEPS HER GROUND AND GRABS BRONSON ON THE OTHER SIDE AND COUNTERS INTO A SIDEWALK SLAM! SHE DRIVES BRONSON INTO THE MAT!
Flannery McCoy: As we heard all this week, Kassidy does NOT like Bronson. She doesn’t like a lot of people, but she does NOT like Bronson as she puts the boots to the former World Champion.
Jake Mercer: He brought it upon himself interfering in a Methuselah match. If he is already getting his ass handed to him from Kassidy, what chance does he have against the one and only Methuselah?
Stew-O: Bronson is in trouble right now, but there is plenty of time left in the match. Kassidy is still putting the boots to Bronson as Bronson rolls to the ropes and the referee is right there to force a break and backs Kassidy off.
Jake Mercer: SHE JUST GLARED AT THE REFEREE BEFORE RUNNING RIGHT BACK AND DELIVERING A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK THAT TAKES BRONSON TO THE FLOOR!
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy wants to finish this match as fast as she can. Sienna is looking on from another side of the ring as Kassidy gets on the apron and waits for Bronson to get back to his feet.
Stew-O: Bronson does make it back to his feet AND KASSIDY JUMPS ON THE SECOND ROPE BEFORE LEAPING OFF THE APRON AND TAKING BRONSON BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
Jake Mercer: BEAUTIFUL ASAI MOONSAULT FROM THE APRON AS THE MAULER AND HALL OF FAMER HAS COMPLETE CONTROL OF HER OPPOSITION RIGHT NOW!
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy grabs Bronson by the wrist and brings him back to his feet BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP IN THE AIR LIKE IT WAS NOTHING! WHAT POWER BY KASSIDY HEART!
Stew-O: Kassidy is about 45 pounds lighter than Bronson, but she is one of the most powerful competitors in EAW as she has hold of Bronson AND DRIVES HIM SPINE FIRST INTO THE EDGE OF THE RING!
Flannery McCoy: BRONSON’S BACK TAKING A BEATING EARLY ON IN THIS MATCH! He has not been able to get one ounce of offense in this match and if he doesn’t, it’s not going to be a long match.
Jake Mercer: When you make Methuselah mad, you will no doubt make Kassidy mad and Bronson is paying the price for what he did. Then again, it probably didn’t take much convincing for Kassidy to come out here tonight and beat the shit out of him.
Stew-O: Kassidy gets a sick thrill from causing pain and that’s exactly what she’s doing as she still has hold of Bronson and just LOBS HIM INTO THE RING before Kassidy follows suit.
Jake Mercer: Kassidy has her focus on Bronson AS SHE REARS BACK AND GOES FOR A STRAIGHT KICK TO THE RIBS–
Flannery McCoy: BRONSON GETS OUT OF THE WAY AND GRABS KASSIDY BEFORE QUICKLY ROLLING HER UP! SCHOOLBOY ROLLUP HAS HER SHOULDERS DOWN–
Stew-O: Kassidy’s shoulders are up before a count could be started. Kassidy is on her knees AND BRONSON MANAGES TO KICK KASSIDY IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD TO KNOCK HER OFF BALANCE!
Jake Mercer: Well Bronson finally got some offense in this match, but it’s going to take a lot more than that before Bronson gets back into the match. Kassidy was dazed off the kick and Bronson pulls her up to her feet and applies a facelock–
Flannery McCoy: SNAP SUPLEX BY BRONSON! Kassidy is taken down once again, but she is immediately starting to get back on her feet and Bronson is ready for her. Kassidy is on her feet–
Stew-O: BRONSON WENT FOR A PUMP KICK BUT KASSIDY DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY! Kassidy grabs a handful of Bronson’s hair AND PULLS HIM DOWN INTO A MODIFIED BACKBREAKER!
Flannery McCoy: Classy move from Kassidy Heart as the referee tells her to stop with the hair pulling, but Kassidy doesn’t care what the referee thinks. We can also hear Sienna Jade at ringside putting her two cents in on the subject.
Jake Mercer: The Jaded Hearts are successful and experienced in the ring, so the referee and Bronson should listen to what they have to say before they both get their asses kicked.
Stew-O: Bronson is trying to get back to his feet BUT KASSIDY KICKS BRONSON RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SPINE! DIRECT HIT AND BRONSON LOOKS LIKE HE WAS PARALYZED FOR A FEW SECONDS!
Jake Mercer: He does not need to be getting hit with very many shots like that if he wants to survive, but Kassidy has no issue taking apart a former World Champion in Bronson Daniels.
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy once again has a handful of Bronson’s hair and uses it to bring him back on his feet. She doesn’t do stuff like that to cause pain, she does it to show disdain or disrespect towards her opposition.
Stew-O: Bronson is on his feet AND KASSIDY IS GETTING READY FOR BOXING PRACTICE AS SHE STARTS USING BRONSON AS A PUNCHING BAG WITH THOSE POWERFUL SHOTS!
Jake Mercer: Bronson is trying to block, but most of the shots are finding their mark and that isn’t good. Kassidy is looking for a right hook to the jaw–
Flannery McCoy: BRONSON DUCKS THE RIGHT HOOK AND COUNTERS WITH A CHOP TO THE CHEST! Bronson keeps the momentum going WITH A RIGHT HAND OF HIS OWN THAT STAGGERS KASSIDY BACK!
Stew-O: Bronson keeps it up by grabbing Kassidy by the neck and taking her over with a snapmare. Kassidy is sitting on the mat as Bronson hits the ropes before coming back AND HITTING KASSIDY IN THE FACE WITH A STRAIGHT DROPKICK!
Flannery McCoy: Nice combination of moves by Bronson as he is finally starting to build some momentum up as Kassidy is back on her feet and it looks like they are both running in for clotheslines–
Jake Mercer: NOPE! BRONSON FAKED HER OUT AND POOR KASSIDY IS THE ONLY ONE GOING FOR A CLOTHESLINE AND BRONSON COUNTERS WITH A DROP TOE HOLD THAT SENDS KASSIDY THROAT FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Stew-O: That’s exactly what Bronson wanted as he hits the ropes on the far side to build up speed as he runs back to Kassidy AND HE SWINGS THROUGH THE ROPES–
Jake Mercer: BRONSON WITH A TIGER FEINT KICK THAT CATCHES KASSIDY RIGHT IN THE FACE AND SENDS HER BACK! BRONSON IN ON THE APRON AND LISTEN TO THE CROWD CHEER FOR BRONSON!
Flannery McCoy: They appreciate his hard work and are glad that he is getting back into the match as Bronson decides to climb up to the top rope. High rent district for Bronson Daniels.
Stew-O: He is keeping his focus on Kassidy Heart, but he can’t help but look over and send a glance to Sienna Jade to make sure she isn’t planning on making some sort of interference.
Jake Mercer: I don’t see why he’s so paranoid. Sienna is a beautiful and perfect angel that doesn’t do anything wrong. Look at her cheer Kassidy on.
Flannery McCoy: Doesn’t do anything wrong? My ass. But Kassidy is back on her feet AND BRONSON COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE AND CATCHES HER WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK TO THE CHEST!
Stew-O: He should be careful. Kassidy spent a lot of money on that area and can’t waste time with maintenance surgery, but Kassidy was turned inside out after that dropkick from the top rope.
Flannery McCoy: But Bronson quickly runs over and grabs Kassidy by the head and hooks her leg BEFORE LIFTING HER UP IN THE AIR BEFORE DROPPING HER RIGHT ON HER HEAD WITH THE FISHERMAN’S BUSTER!
Jake Mercer: That is probably the worst spot for Kassidy to land, but Bronson quickly drags her towards the center of the ring and hooks the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
TH-
Stew-O: KASSIDY POWERS OUT AT TWO! But she didn’t get out of that unscathed because we did briefly see her hold the back of her neck after the brainbuster. Unfortunately for her, everybody knows about the neck damage Kassidy has taken throughout her career.
Jake Mercer: But she has developed her arsenal to protect her from neck damaging moves. Bronson shouldn’t hesitate and back off. For once, he isn’t and he goes to pick her up–
Flannery McCoy: KASSIDY WRAPPED HER LEGS AROUND BRONSON’S NECK AND SHE ROLLS THROUGH BEFORE COUNTERING WITH A TRIANGLE CHOKE! THE SUBMISSION IS APPLIED AND THE HOLD IS IN TIGHT!
Stew-O: I will admit that I agree with Jake on something for once. Kassidy does have an arsenal that does protect that giant bullseye and this is one of the ways she has done that is by adding plenty of submission holds to keep her opposition at bay.
Jake Mercer: Told ya. But Kassidy does manage to scooch enough to pull Bronson closer to the center of the ring to make sure that Bronson can’t easily grab the ropes. Very smart move by The Mauler, but that is no surprise.
Flannery McCoy: BRONSON IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF THE TRIANGLE CHOKE BUT KASSIDY IS MAKING SURE THAT ESCAPE IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE! THE REFEREE IS RIGHT THERE TO CHECK ON BRONSON OR TO SEE IF HE WANTS TO GIVE IT UP!
Stew-O: I doubt that will happen because neither Bronson nor Kassidy, hell throw Sienna in that conversation as well, made it to the top of the mountain by giving up when we know that they have been in worse situations than this.
Flannery McCoy: LOOK AT THIS! BRONSON IS STARTING TO SLOW! IT LOOKS LIKE HE IS STARTING TO PASS OUT! COULD THIS BE THE END RIGHT HERE? DID KASSIDY FORCE BRONSON TO PASS OUT?
Jake Mercer: As great as that would be to watch, unfortunately no. OH MY GAWD! BRONSON ONLY HAS ONE ARM FREE AND HE IS MUSCLING KASSIDY IN THE AIR BEFORE IMMEDIATELY DROPPING HER DOWN WITH A ONE ARM SITOUT POWERBOMB!
Stew-O: HOLY CRAP! WHAT A SHOW OF POWER BY BRONSON DANIELS AND KASSIDY WAS DRIVEN HARD INTO THE MAT! Bronson was looking to stack Kass up for the pin, BUT SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTS ROLLING TO THE ROPES AND OUTSIDE THE RING!
Jake Mercer: When you are a Hall of Famer, she is entitled to catching a breather. Look at Sienna Jade come over and check on Kassidy to make sure she is alright. Kass is still holding the back of her neck–
Flannery McCoy: BRONSON DIVES OVER THE ROPES AND TAKES KASSIDY DOWN WITH A SOMERSAULT PLANCHA! SIENNA JADE GOT OUT OF THE WAY, BUT KASSIDY TOOK ALL OF THE PLANCHA!
Stew-O: Bronson manages to land on his feet and he grabs Kassidy Heart before quickly rolling her back into the ring before he once again makes his way to the top rope.
Jake Mercer: He better watch out for how many times he climbs up to the top rope. It’s going to come back and bite him in the ass one of these times.
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy is back to her feet AND BRONSON JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE! BRONSON HAS SOME MAJOR AIR BEFORE HE COMES DOWN AND GRABS KASSIDY BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND DRIVES HER INTO THIS KNEES!
Stew-O: “GODBREAKER” BY BRONSON DANIELS! WHAT A CODEBREAKER BY BRONSON! KASSIDY MIGHT HAVE A BROKEN JAW AFTER THAT IMPACT! SHE IS NOT MOVING AND BRONSON GOES FOR THE COVER! LEG IS HOOKED!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE!
Flannery McCoy: THE ROPES! KASSIDY GRABBED THE ROPES AND THAT FORCES THAT COUNT TO STOP! That might have been a mistake by Bronson as he didn’t pull Kassidy away from the ropes.
Jake Mercer: I think this was a smart strategy by Kassidy. She didn’t have to expend extra energy by kicking out. She instead just grabbed the ropes and forced the break. That had to come from deep inside her arsenal.
Stew-O: Bronson thought he had the match there, but I bet he wants to kick himself after not pulling Kassidy away from the ropes. But he needs to keep his focus on the match and on Kassidy Heart.
Jake Mercer: That’s what he gets for being a little overconfident about the victory. Isn’t it in the EAW Elitist Handbook to assume NOTHING? Right now, Bronson has pulled Kassidy to the center of the ring.
Flannery McCoy: Now Bronson pulls Kassidy back to her feet and applies the waistlock BEFORE TRYING TO TAKE KASSIDY DOWN WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX–
Stew-O: KASSIDY LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND BRONSON! Before Bronson gets a chance to turn around, KASSIDY COMES UP FROM BEHIND AND CLOBBERS BRONSON IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Jake Mercer: Bronson bounces into the ropes. As he staggers back, Kassidy has him locked up in the straight jacket position BEFORE SHE LIFTS BRONSON UP IN THE AIR–
Flannery McCoy: STRAIGHT JACKET SUPLEX! I HOPE BRONSON ENJOYED THE SENSATION OF “CHANEL N°5”! “CHANEL N°5” CONNECTS AS BRONSON’S HEAD CRACKS THE MAT AND KASSIDY BRIDGES UP FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEE!
Stew-O: BRONSON KICKS OUT AT TWO! VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL BY HALF OF THE TAG TEAM CHAMPS AND KASSIDY IS NOT HAPPY AT ALL ABOUT THAT!
Flannery McCoy: She thought she had a good chance of winning the match right there and SHE IS GLARING AT THE REFEREE! I THINK KASS THOUGHT THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SLOW COUNT!
Jake Mercer: Well… the count might have been a little on the slow side. But that is just my opinion. But Kassidy is letting cooler heads prevail as Bronson is still down and Kassidy drags Bronson closer to the corner.
Stew-O: Kassidy leaving her ground attack as she climbs up to the second rope. Kassidy cracks her knuckles and JUMPS OFF THE SECOND ROPE! DIVING FIST DROP BY KASSIDY!
Jake Mercer: Kassidy drove her fist right into Bronson’s face! That could have broken his jaw or knocked a few teeth loose, but he looks to be safe and Kassidy looks done playing around.
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy once again has a handful of Bronson’s hair as she pulls him back to his feet. Bronson is up and Kassidy whips him to the corner.
Stew-O: Kassidy backs up to the opposite corner AS SHE RUNS FULL SPEED TO THE CORNER! KASSIDY LOOKING FOR THE “RAPTURE” KICK—
Jake Mercer: NOBODY HOME! KASSIDY WENT FOR THE HELLUVA KICK, BUT BRONSON GOT OUT OF THE WAY AND KASSIDY GOT HER FOOT STUCK ON THE TOP ROPE!
Flannery McCoy: Kassidy managed to get her foot off the top rope and she turns around to a waiting Bronson AND BRONSON WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE JAW! RIGHT ON THE MONEY!
Jake Mercer: NOOOOOOOOO! THAT WAS A LUCKY SHOT ON THE BEAUTIFUL MAULER! HOW IN THE HELL DID HE AVOID THE RAPTURE AND THEN WAS ABLE TO COUNTER!
Stew-O: SUPERKICK RIGHT ON THE MONEY AND KASSIDY HEART IS DOWN! BRONSON DRAGS KASSIDY TO THE CORNER AND HE IS ONCE AGAIN MAKING HIS WAY TO THE TOP ROPE!
Jake Mercer: Come on, Kassidy! Do something! If you don’t move, you might possibly lose this match.
Stew-O: BRONSON IS TRYING TO FIND HIS BALANCE AS HE IS LOOKING TO FINISH KASSIDY OFF ONCE AND FOR ALL! HE’S GETTING READY FOR THE “LEAP OF FAITH”! NOBODY HAS KICKED OUT OF THIS MOVE AND BRONSON COULD BE ADDING KASSIDY’S NAME TO THE LIST–
Jake Mercer: SIENNA JADE! SIENNA JADE HAS A STEEL CHAIR! THE REFEREE IS WITH BRONSON TELLING HIM TO GET OFF THE ROPES, BUT THAT GIVES SIENNA THE CHANCE TO SLIDE THE STEEL CHAIR INTO THE RING TO HER PARTNER AND NOW KASSIDY HAS IT!
Flannery McCoy: AND THE REFEREE CATCHES KASS WITH THE CHAIR! WHAT THE HELL? COME ON REF! YOU HAVE TO REALIZE YOU ARE BEING TRICKED BY THE JADED HEARTS! IT MIGHT BE TO NO AVAIL AS KASSIDY HAS HOLD OF THE CHAIR!
Stew-O: THE REFEREE IS WITH KASSIDY AND THE CHAIR AND THAT LEADS TO SIENNA JUMPING ONTO THE APRON AND YANKING BRONSON OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND HE GOES THROAT FIRST ON THE TOP ROPE! SIENNA JUMPS DOWN OFF THE APRON WITH THE REFEREE NONE THE WISER!
Flannery McCoy: WHAT THE HELL IS SIENNA DOING GETTING INVOLVED IN THIS MATCH? THIS IS NOT A TAG TEAM MATCH OR A HANDICAP MATCH! SIENNA NEEDS TO KEEP HERSELF AWAY FROM THE ACTION!
Jake Mercer: Why are getting so heated over this? Sienna was helping her tag team partner stay alive in this match. It’s not her fault that the referee didn’t see what went down.
Flannery McCoy: What are you talking about? Of course it’s her fault!
Stew-O: BRONSON HOLDS HIS THROAT AND KASSIDY RUNS OVER TO BRONSON AND CATCHES HIM WITH A BOOT THAT DOUBLES BRONSON OVER BEFORE SHE LIFTS HIM UP IN THE AIR AND RUNS HIM TO THE CORNER BEFORE SHE SPIKES HIM WITH THE BUCKLE BOMB! THE BACK OF BRONSON’S HEAD CRACKS THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
Jake Mercer: BRONSON IS DOWN OFF THE BUCKLE BOMB AND KASSIDY DOESN’T WASTE A MOMENT AS SHE MAKES HER WAY TO THE TOP ROPE! KASSIDY FINDS HER BALANCE AND SHE LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE–
Flannery McCoy: SHE HIT THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS! SHE FINISHED THE COMBINATION CALLED “MAXX SOLARIS II”! DIRECT HIT ONTO BRONSON AND KASSIDY HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER! IS KASSIDY GONNA STEAL IT THANKS TO SIENNA?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Partition (Smearcase Trap Remix)’ starts playing again as Kassidy rolls off of Bronson and takes a moment to catch her breath as Stephie Love starts to announce the final decision of the match.)
Stephie Love: Here is your winner… ONE HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! KASSIDY HEART!
Stew-O: What a surprise! We were witnessing an amazing match and it looked like Bronson was going to put Kassidy away, but Sienna Jade ruined everything.
Jake Mercer: What are you talking about? Sienna was a classic tag team partner. She was protecting her fellow Jaded Hearts partner from defeat. That’s how in tune they are.
(Kassidy is back to her feet and the referee goes to raise Kassidy’s arm in victory, but they are shoved out of the way by Sienna. Sienna glares at the referee who then goes to check on Bronson as she raises Kassidy’s arm in victory. Kass and Sienna look at the still down Bronson with a look of disgust as they leave the ring.)
Flannery McCoy: I hope that The Jaded Hearts are proud of themselves for the lowbrow way they won the match. Bronson fought hard, but Sienna Jade and her appearance made the difference.
Stew-O: Bronson put up an amazing effort, but at the end of the day, it’s Kassidy Heart of the Jaded Hearts that leaves victorious. Congrats to Kassidy on the victory tonight–
(The referee helps Bronson to his feet. As Bronson heads to the ropes to leave the ring…)
Flannery McCoy: SPEAR!
Stew-O: OH MY GAWD!!
Jake Mercer: You can say that again! That was a GAWD! That’s Methuselah! Methuselah slid into the ring AND HE JUST SPEARED BRONSON DANIELS ALMOST OUT OF HIS BOOT!
Stew-O: METHUSELAH WASN’T HAPPY WITH JUST WATCHING HIS WIFE DEFEAT BRONSON DANIELS! HE WANTED HIS OWN PAYBACK AFTER WHAT BRONSON DANIELS DID AT FIGHTING SPIRIT!
Flannery McCoy: METHUSELAH IS JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF BRONSON DANIELS AND BRONSON IS DEFENSELESS! HE IS BARELY PUTTING UP A FIGHT!
Jake Mercer: This is AMAZING! METHUSELAH DRAGS BRONSON TO HIS FEET AND LIFTS HIM UP IN THE AIR BEFORE SPIKING HIM WITH THE “METH KNELL”! BRAINBUSTER DDT PUTS BRONSON ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD!
Flannery McCoy: AND HE FLOATS INTO THE “METHUSELOCK”! METHUSELAH’S VERSION OF THE MUTA LOCK IS TORTURING BRONSON AND BRONSON IS TAPPING OUT!
Stew-O: The referee is trying to get Methuselah off of Bronson AND METHUSELAH GOES TOWARD THE REFEREE! THE REFEREE LEAVES THE RING AND METHUSELAH RELEASES THE HOLD!
Jake Mercer: Bronson is down and Methuselah leaves the ring. Methuselah’s presence causes the timekeeper’s area to scurry and he grabs two steel chairs. Oh this is going to be great!
Stew-O: Methuselah slides back into the ring and places one of the chairs under Bronson’s head. OH MY GAWD! METHUSELAH HAS THAT LOOK IN HIS EYES AS HE REARS BACK THE OTHER CHAIR—
Flannery McCoy: HOLY SHIT! METHUSELAH WITH THE “CONCHAIRTO” ON BRONSON DANIELS! METHUSELAH HAS A GRIN ON HIS FACE AS HE BRINGS THE CHAIR BACK AND CLOBBERS BRONSON WITH ANOTHER CONCHAIRTO!
Jake Mercer: Methuselah grabs Bronson and we can see that Bronson has been busted open thanks to the “Conchairto”! Methuselah moves the chair exactly where he wants it.
Flannery McCoy: As if the Spear and the Conchairto weren’t enough. Methuselah has the double underhook BEFORE HE JUMPS AND SPIKES BRONSON DOWN AGAIN WITH THE FUTURE SHOCK DDT! “MK DRIVER” ON THE CHAIR AND BRONSON IS NO DOUBT UNCONSCIOUS NOW!
(Methuselah gets back to his feet and looks at his fallen victim. Bronson is face down on the mat and we see a pool of blood start to form under his head as Methuselah leaves the ring and the referee slowly reenters the ring to check on Bronson.)
Jake Mercer: I think it’s safe to say that Bronson learned one lesson the hard way. DO NOT CROSS GAWDZILLA OR ELSE YOU BETTER BE READY TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!
Stew-O: No words can describe what just went down. We just witnessed the wrath of Methuselah and he left Bronson half dead in the ring. I don’t know what will be next, but all I can say is that things are starting to heat up between Bronson Daniels and Methuselah and I think they are going to reach a very dangerous level before all is said and done.
(The final shot has Methuselah slowly walking up the entrance ramp as EMTs rush out to the ring to check on a still not moving Bronson Daniels after he was left face down in a pool of his own blood as the camera shot cuts elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for)
(‘Enemy Strike’ by Yuki Hayashi hits. Myles comes on out, clearly in an irritable state after everything that transpired at Fighting Spirit. It isn’t the first time the EAW universe has seen him upset, but it was perhaps the first time he was this pissed off. Myles was hardly ever a smiling man, but this time, things were different. The scowl on his face told a million stories, all leading back to the same ending of an angry world champion who felt disrespected and humiliated by none other than Jamie O’Hara. His steps sure did back up that tale as he stormed towards the ring and enters it, harshly demanding for a microphone.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing at this time, the EAW World Heavyweight Champion and soon to be your 2024 EAW Hall of Famer, MYYYYY—
(All of a sudden, Myles turns to Stephie.)
Myles: Look, love, I think everyone here appreciates what you do and all, but if you don’t mind, can you please leave?
(His theme music ends harshly. Stephie’s eyes widen slightly. The fans all look on in mild shock. However, Stephie simply nods her head and takes her leave, sitting down by ringside. The intense tension that emanates from Myles is palpable. It’s enough to stress everyone in the arena out. Myles takes a deep, rigid breath before closing his eyes, trying to collect all of the right things he could possibly say in that moment. Then again, what was the right thing? From his wedding being ruined to getting attacked after his grueling main event match at Fighting Spirit, how could he be calm and collected? There was fury in his veins and he was practically trembling in rage.)
Stew-O: Wow. No fluff, no filler. Myles is enraged, and having to witness everything at Fighting Spirit, I don’t think anyone could necessarily blame him. It was perhaps the most turbulent night of his career.
Jake Mercer: No kidding. Jeez, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him right now. He looks like he’s one bad move or wrong word away from blowing a gasket!
Flannery McCoy: Well, it’s a good thing our announcer’s desk is situated right here. I think the entirety of the EAW Universe can feel that suffocating energy from Myles. It’s unsettling, to say the least.
(Myles slowly opens his eyes, shooting a fiery glare that could smolder just about anyone. He steps forward, clutching the microphone with white-knuckled intensity, and raises it to his lips. His voice, though controlled, carries the weight of his seething anger. Unmistakable. Unmaskable.)
Myles: At Fighting Spirit, I experienced a night that was supposed to be a triumph, a celebration. But instead, it turned into a nightmare. My wedding… my match… all of it was tarnished by a coward who thought they could come along and undermine everything I’ve worked for. An arrogant bastard who thought that he could make a mockery out of me.
(A pause. Then, a deep-rooted sigh.)
Myles: I have been through some lows in my career and in life. However, what happened last week at Fighting Spirit easily takes the cake.
(Another pause, allowing for him to shake his head and pinch the bridge of his nose.)
Myles: You know, under any different circumstances, that could’ve been a clever pun. However, I am not in a joking mood. This whole thing is no laughing matter. Especially when just a year ago at the same event, I was screwed over, having my rightfully-earned EAW World Championship taken away and handed off to that snake Drake King. Remembering that and going through what I had to last week has left a bitter, nasty taste in my mouth, and quite frankly, it’s not going to go away unless I wash it down with some blood – but more specifically, the blood of an Ace who has made the worst, possible mistake of his life. See, when I am wronged, I become a vengeful man. A ruthless, unforgiving hunter who will not stop until the person I’m targeting has their head chopped off and served on a damn silver platter. There has been no shortage of people over the years who have tried to sabotage me, weakening me and thinking that they can leave a permanent crack in my armor, but never have I come across someone so vile, so arrogant, and just downright smarmy. And to think that this all stemmed from Territorial Invasion when the supposed team captain couldn’t hold up his weight on his side… has he truly gone mad all because of one match?
(Myles shakes his head in disgust.)
Myles: Now, I get it. A loss of that magnitude is unsatisfactory. I myself wouldn’t be content with losing when there was so much at stake, but you don’t see me spoiling weddings or attacking people. I recognize the error of my ways and learn to do better, sharpening myself so that I can be a much more improved and focused competitor. However, Jamie O’Hara stepped way out of line. Instead of being a proper man and just issuing out a challenge directly to me for a rematch so that he may attempt to avenge himself from such a horrid result, he did the complete opposite. He disrespected me, my wife, made a mockery of our wedding, and in the end, he blindsided me. He couldn’t face me one-on-one. He couldn’t muster up enough pride to confront me directly with no unnecessary shenanigans involved. Instead, he went for the path less favored, but instead of rattling me, he has enraged me. He has given me all the extra motivation in the world to come out and pummel his sorry ass straight into the damn ground. And trust me, Jamie will rue the day he ever decided to approach me in such a manner. He will be made to be a complete and utter shell of himself. If he thought the Territorial Invasion loss was debilitating, then he is ill-equipped to deal with not just the failure, but the destruction that awaits for him at Pain for Pride.
Myles: Trust me, it’s not going to be pleasant, and it isn’t just some baseless, asinine threats I’m making for the sake of making them or to sound more serious. I truly, genuinely, wholeheartedly mean it when I say that Jamie O’Hara is going to be made to out to be like a complete and utter idiot by the time I am through with him. I don’t take this sort of thing lightly. Not at all. If someone tries to elevate themselves at my expense, then they’re going to pay the hard way. No one gets to come after me and escape with their livelihood in tact. No. They will pay the price for it, severely. Jamie is no exception to that, but he will become the most notable example of it. He wants to come for my head? He wants to embarrass me? He wants to do all that he came to try and weaken me? Go the distance to satiate his own wounded ego after I made him my bitch inside of War Games? Then so be it. However, none of this will end in his favor. He won’t get his stupid redemption arc. Any and all dreams and aspirations he has of taking this championship away from me will fizzle out and dissipate like fog. He will be made to feel like an insignificant little gnat, and at Pain for Pride, the Ace will fall far from grace.
(The champion snarls, looking directly into the camera this time.)
Myles: So, Jamie, if you wish to play this game with me, then have at it. However, in the end, you will lose, and once it’s all said and done, I will batter and decimate you like never before. Forget about every single humiliating, crippling loss you’ve had to endure in your career. This one will be the worst one for you, and that’s not a promise, it is a damn guarantee.
(Myles raises the microphone down, gathering his bearings. However, his attention shoots up to the stage once ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zepplin hits the airwaves. A loud and varying degree of reactions pours out from the fans as Jamie O’Hara makes his appearance on Dynasty. However, as he steps out to the ramp, a legion of security guards, more than likely sent by Tyrone Montgomery, head to the ring. Myles is almost livid upon seeing Jamie making his presence known. However, Jamie sees all of this going on and chuckles, shaking his head. He enters the ring, where a line of guards separates him from Myles.)
Stew-O: Oh my! Jamie O’Hara is here, and as you can see, security personnel are on sight to make sure that what has already been a chaotic night for us doesn’t continue to spiral!
Jake Mercer: Seriously, how many fights have we had tonight? I think it’s a new world record for us!
Flannery McCoy: That’s just what happens when it’s Pain for Pride season. Emotions run high, tensions flare up, and everyone is just ready to go at each other and tear one another apart! Myles and Jamie are no exception to that – or, should I say Myles as Jamie seems to be the calmer of the two!
(Sure enough, Jamie isn’t put off by Myles’ threats or words. He asks for a microphone and is given one. Myles looks like he’s just ready to knock his head clean off, but with the wall of security barricading him away from Jamie and vice versa, that likely wasn’t going to happen. O’Hara looks over at him and simply shakes his head before he starts to speak.)
Jamie O’Hara: Wow, Myles. You sure are getting me to regret my decision. How dare I step up to the one and only Peak of EAW and attack him in the manner that I did? I’ve got to be a pretty awful person to do that.
Myles: This isn’t about heroes and villains. It’s about dunceheads like you stepping out of turn and out of line.
Jamie O’Hara: Oh, really?
(Jamie cracks a smirk.)
Jamie O’Hara: You know, it’s funny you want to moan and cry about hwo I went about sending my message directly and clearly to you, but wasn’t it a year ago you were tormenting Limmy Monaghan? Battering him up at every corner and turn because you yourself were hurt by a recent loss of yours, so you became a desperate, edgy shell of yourself and wanted to do all that you could to brutalize him? What makes what I’ve done to you any different, or somehow worse in your eyes, Myles? I simply put you on notice in the one way I know how to.
Myles: Our situations are not comparable.
Jamie O’Hara: Is that so? Why? Because you deem it to be so? Myles, you are so pathetic. You are a worthless little hypocrite. If you were in my position, which you have been, you would’ve done the exact same thing, which you did. You are hardly the most honorable person here in EAW, so let’s cut through the facade mate, yeah?
Myles: Really? ‘Honor’, Jamie? Is that the sort of thing you wish to lecture me on? You think you can justify what you did by dragging up my past? This isn’t about hypocrisy, Jamie. This is about you crossing a line you shouldn’t have. You and I could’ve had a fair and honest contest, as I always strive to prove myself against the best and the legends of this sport, especially now that my own legacy is set to be enshrined. However, all of this has been uncalled for. And see, I know you, Jamie. I know that you like to rattle people in any way you see fit, but the thing is, you went too far. Trying to humiliate me will not garner you the results you desire. You will lose to me, and that’s the end of that.
(Jamie chuckles, his smirk widening as he takes a step closer, still safely behind the wall of security.)
Jamie O’Hara: Lines are meant to be crossed, Myles. If you’re too blind to see that, then you’ve already lost. This industry is built on pushing boundaries, on taking risks, and on stepping on toes to get ahead. You know that better than anyone. It’s what you did during your time in New Eden; hell, it’s something that you still do in recent memory. But of course, anyone who dares to challenge the almighty Peak boy and actually put their foot on his neck is some poor little fool who is bound to be at his mercy and lose, right? You can be pissed off all you like, but in the end, Myles, I humbled you. I knocked you off of your disgustingly-high perch and reminded you that you are very much mortal. You are not invincible. You are far from a god. You are very well capable of tumbling and falling, and you know this too deep within your heart. After all, if it wasn’t the case, you wouldn’t be so incensed right now. You can call my actions whatever you wish to call them. Cowardly. Stupid. What have you. The fact remains that I did what I had to do, and now, here we are. You, throwing a tantrum, and me, ready to show everyone why I’m still at the top of my game.
Myles: You think you humbled me, Jamie? You think you knocked me off my perch? All you did was light a fire that’s going to consume you, awakening a fury you can’t hope to contain. You’ve made this personal, and now you’re going to pay for it.
(Jamie eyes Myles down, looking far more serioust this time as he responds.)
Jamie O’Hara: If that’s the case, then so be it. However, I beg to differ. I told you straight to your face that I sought to redeem my loss to you no matter what, by any means necessary, and now that we’re at this point, I don’t plan on losing. People like you foolishly thought that my top within the upper echelon of EAW was over and done with. Once more, people have called into question the abilities of the one true Ace of this promotion and how far I can continue to will myself to go.
Myles: And you think beating me will prove all that? You think taking me down will erase all those doubts? You’re delusional, Jamie. This isn’t about proving anything to anyone else. This is about you trying to convince yourself that you still have what it takes. But I’m here to show you just how wrong you are.
Jamie O’Hara: Oh, I’m well aware of what I need to prove, Myles. To the world, to the fans, and yes, even to myself. But you see, it’s the journey that defines us, and my journey isn’t over. Not by a long shot. And if taking you down is what it takes to remind everyone who Jamie O’Hara is, then so be it.
Myles: You talk a big game, Jamie. But when it’s just you and me in that ring, all your words, all your bravado, it won’t mean a damn thing. I’m going to expose you for what you really are—a washed-up has-been trying to relive past glories.
Jamie O’Hara: Keep telling yourself that, Myles. Whatever helps you sleep at night. But deep down, you know the truth. You know that when the time comes, I’m going to push you to your absolute limits. And when you break, when you fall, it will be me standing tall. Then, you can never compare yourself to me ever again. Your name cannot be brought up within the same sentence as mine. You won’t even be able to say that you have taken my spot. My position within this company will remain untouched, and your delusions of grandeur will be shattered for everyone to see. So keep puffing out your chest, keep clinging to your anger, because when the dust settles at Pain for Pride, you’ll be nothing more than a footnote in my legacy – just like countless others before you.
(Myles narrows his eyes.)
Myles: A footnote, huh? You underestimate me at your own peril, Jamie. You’ve never faced anything like what’s coming for you. This isn’t just about winning a match or even defending my championship anymore. This is all simply about ending you, and at Pain for Pride, I’ll make sure everyone remembers your downfall.
Jamie O’Hara: Ha. If you insist. However, in trying to bring me down, you will only lead yourself towards career damnation. I don’t aim to lose, Myles, and you would do well to remember.
Myles: Right. Well then, you can remember this—
(THUNK!)
Stew-O: OH MY! MYLES CHUCKS THE MICROPHONE OVER THE SECURITY GUARDS AND AIMS IT TOWARDS JAMIE’S HEAD! HOWEVER, O’HARA WAS ABLE TO EVADE IT! NOW, THE TWO MEN ARE CHARGING TOWARDS EACH OTHER, TRYING TO BREAK THROUGH THE WALL OF SECURITY PREVENTING THEM FROM REACHING THE OTHER!
(The crowd roars to a fever pitch as both men are trying to attack one another!)
Jake Mercer: Well, it was only a matter of time before things devolved into this between Myles and Jamie! All of the bad blood and hate was gonna spill over, and by the looks of things, it’s hard to contain them!
Flannery McCoy: Oh! Oh! Pele kick to one of the guards! Jamie struck one of them and they go down! And on the other side, Myles hits a bicycle knee to one of them, striking them down as well!
Stew-O: This is absolute chaos! Myles and Jamie O’Hara are tearing through the security team, desperate to get their hands on each other! The intensity, the hatred—it’s all boiling over right here, right now!
Jake Mercer: Myles and Jamie are like two raging bulls! They’ve taken out the guards, and they’re getting closer to each other! This is getting out of control!
Flannery McCoy: Myles with a thunderous right hand, knocking another guard to the ground! Jamie responds with a vicious superkick to another! The crowd is on their feet, and we need more security out here!
Stew-O: They’re just dropping like flies! And now, MYLES AND JAMIE O’HARA CHARGE AT EACH OTHER, THROWING PUNCHES! LEFT, RIGHT, IT DOESN’T MATTER! WE’VE GOT A BRAWL ON OUR HANDS! BOTH MEN ARE GOING AROUND THE RING, SMASHING THEIR FISTS INTO THEIR FACES!
Jake Mercer: JAMIE LANDS A STIFF UPPERCUT THAT STAGGERS MYLES, BUT MYLES COMES BACK WITH A VICIOUS KNEE TO JAMIE’S MIDSECTION! THEN AN UPPERCUT OF HIS OWN! THEN ANOTHER! MYLES IS STARTING TO GET THE BETTER OF JAMIE IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND YOU CAN JUST SEE HE’S LETTING ALL OF THAT PENT UP FRUSTRATION AND ANGER OUT!
Flannery McCoy: AND NOW, HE GRABS JAMIE BY THE WRIST AND IRISH WHIPS HIM INTO THE ROPES! HE LUNGES–
Stew-O: – BUT JAMIE IS ABLE TO COME BACK IN WITH A TACKLE AND SENDS MYLES DOWN TO THE CANVAS! HE MOUNTS HIM AND STARTS TO FIRE OFF WITH A BARRAGE OF PUNCHES, RAINING DOWN HELL ONTO THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Jake Mercer: MYLES BRINGS HIS FOREARMS UP, MANAGING TO BLOCK SOME OF THOSE SHOTS! HE THEN ROLLS OVER, REVERSING THE POSITION! NOW HE’S ON TOP, RETURNING THE FAVOR ONTO JAMIE AS HE UNLEASHES ON HIM NOW!
Flannery McCoy: But Jamie grabs hold of him, and now, BOTH men roll to the outside! They get up and GO RIGHT BACK TO TRYING TO KNOCK EACH OTHER SILLY! THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS!
Stew-O: Myles grabs Jamie and thrusts his shoulder into his stomach, sending him crashing into the barricade! However, Jamie slams his forearm against Myles’ exposed back, landing clubbing blow after clubbing blow!
Jake Mercer: They’re like rabid animals! Neither one of them wants to back down! They grab onto each other and pummel one another as they come over and… OH NO, THEY’RE HEADING TOWARDS OUR DIRECTION!
Flannery McCoy: Myles goes for a knee, but Jamie grabs the attacking leg and TOSSES MYLES ONTO OUR TABLE! YEAH, I THINK WE NEED TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!
(Stew-O, Jake and Flannery all scramble away as Jamie climbs on top of the table, stomping down on Myles!)
Stew-O: This is insane! Jamie grabs hold of Myles, and it looks like he may try and spike him down! BUT MYLES ISN’T GIVING HIM THE CHANCE! MYLES WIGGLES AND IS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO SLIP AWAY FROM HIM! HE NAILS A SUPERKICK TO THE ABDOMEN, AND NOW, HE GRABS JAMIE, LOOKING TO SET HIM UP FOR THE ‘DE FACTO’!!!
Jake Mercer: BUT WAIT! SECURITY! SECURITY IS HERE! THEY COME BOLTING THROUGH, MAKING A BEE-LINE TOWARDS JAMIE AND MYLES!
Flannery McCoy: SECURITY IS RUSHING IN, TRYING TO SEPARATE THESE TWO BEFORE THINGS ESCALATE EVEN FURTHER! THEY MANAGE TO JUMP IN AND PRY JAMIE AND MYLES APART! I THINK THIS FIGHT IS FINALLY COMING TO AN END!
Jake Mercer: JAMIE ISN’T BACKING DOWN! HE’S STILL STRUGGLING AGAINST THE SECURITY TEAM, TRYING TO BREAK FREE AND GET AT MYLES! THIS WHOLE RIVALRY HAS REACHED A BOILING POINT, AND NEITHER MAN IS WILLING TO LET IT GO!
Flannery McCoy: AND MYLES IS NO DIFFERENT! HE’S STILL SHOUTING AT JAMIE! THESE TWO JUST WANT TO GO AT IT!
(The fans boo as Myles and Jamie were ulaimtely restrained by the security. Both men are separated and become further and further apart.)
Crowd: LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!
Stew-O: Well, the fans have certainly come alive for this! They want to see Jamie and Myles fight!
Jake Mercer: If that’s the case, then they’re gonna have to wait for Pain for Pride, because now, it’s all about restoring order! Man, what a night this has been!
Flannery McCoy: No kidding! So much has happened tonight, and Pain for Pride is just a month away! Who knows what else is gonna go down as we get closer to that event!?
(The final shot shows Myles and Jamie O’Hara being held back by the guards. The scene fades to black as the tension in the arena lingers.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
