(EAW intro plays…)
(Friday Night Dynasty intro plays. After a montage recapping the events of last week’s show, the shot transitions to a live frame of the Smoothie King Center. Pyro goes off in a dazzling array of red as the fans holler and cheer, wearing their Dynasty-related merchandise. After a few more shots captured the sold-out arena, the camera fades in on the commentary team.)
Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome BACK to another edition of Friday Night Dynasty, and the final one before we officially head off for TERRITORIAL INVASION! My name is Stew-O, and as always, I am joined by Jake Mercer and Flannery McCoy. Everyone’s itching to fight, to show off their fighting spirit, and to band together for one common goal–but of course, with today’s date, we want to remember the lives that we lost 25 years ago on 9/11.
Jake Mercer: Truly a tragedy that has shaken up our country, but even in the face of a horrific attack, many Americans have come together to help each other—and through that unity? We have become stronger. The 2,977 people we lost on that date shall never be forgotten, along with those who did lose their lives in the aftermath.
Flannery McCoy: I still can’t believe it has been that long. And for those of you at home who are tuning in who may know anyone who was impacted by that, we hope that tonight, we can at least offer some form of escape, along with allowing you to find your own strength through all of this.
Stew-O: On that note, we have many people who are looking to get the last word in before it’s time for Territorial Invasion.
(Friday Night Dynasty’s video feed fades to a panning view of the arena when “NAKAMURA” by Lil Uzi Vert began blaring through the speakers to a huge reaction; KASAI, alongside the entire Dynasty Brand Warfare team, emerge from behind the stage curtains looking highly determined; Brianna and Effy, who is holding the Interwire Championship, are at KASAI’s left and right, and Daryl and Chris are next to them on opposite sides. They all make their way down the ramp towards the squared circle as they make their way in, eager to express their thoughts.)
Stew-O: We’ve got the entire Brand Warfare team here tonight, and it seems like they’re raring to go as far as Territorial Invasion is concerned!
Flannery McCoy: There isn’t too much time left now until Territorial Invasion is upon us, and we know that next week all members from all the brands will be making their thoughts known, but it looks like Dynasty is ready to kick things off live and in person!
Jake Mercer: They definitely don’t all like each other and that’s something the others have looked to harp on to sow some dissension, but we know that if there’s one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt, it’s that all five of these elitists are wanting to walk away from Brand Warfare with the win!
(They enter the ring, all with microphones in hand; KASAI is the first to speak.)
KASAI: One week. Just one week remains, and the Matriarch is more than ready. No, more than that… the entire team is ready.
(She shakes her head.)
KASAI: I will not put up some farce of brand loyalty; though I support Dynasty by being one of its members, Brand Warfare is less about establishing brand supremacy because of some sort of sentimentality and more about proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that we, the five of us, are better than some of the greatest wrestlers in this company that will be standing across from us in that ring next week. It is to Dynasty’s benefit, though, that they have a team as motivated as us, because that means that we will be repeating last year’s history and bringing the red brand a second consecutive Brand Warfare victory.
(The Matriarch gestures to the rest of her team.)
KASAI: Whatever struggles we have had amongst ourselves beforehand does not matter now; all we are focused on at Territorial Invasion is proving our supremacy, and that means we’ll be willing to work side by side, shoulder to shoulder, to make that promise come true. One thing is for certain; I KNOW I am the best, and I refuse to walk away from Territorial Invasion without having proved it.
Daryl Kinkade: I completely agree; I said it before and I’ll say it again… Chris, whatever problems we’ve had between us won’t be a factor in this match. I made a commitment to being a team player and I’m sticking with it.
Chris Elite: Shit, if you won’t be a problem then I won’t be either; just stay focused on winning instead of being a dick eater and we’ll be just fine. That’s what the fuck I’ve been doing no matter what trash people have talked to me, and this season, I’ve been PROVING it. I know the shit they’re going to say next week, it’s the same old things, but if they think they’ll be getting a Chris Elite they can just walk over, they’re going to end that night not walking at all.
Brianna Hill: Brand Warfare was just the type of opportunity I was looking for, and I’m not going to let it go to waste. Ten people across us, four people by my side, it’s one of the most hectic and challenging matches in this company, and that’s exactly what I need to show the world that when I say I’m up to the challenge, I mean it.
Effy McAvoy: I’m the furthest thing from a stranger to this match. I’ve been in Brand Warfare so many times at this point that I may as well call it home; this time, though, it’ll be different. I’m not walking into the match as someone to be looked down on… I’m one of the few champions in this match, one of the longest reigning at that, and that’s what Dynasty needs me to be in this match. Last year was a success, and I’m more than willing to defend my brand’s honor for the second year in a row.
KASAI: It’s more than just being willing, Effy; we WILL be getting that win for the sec-
???: Hold on.
(The crowd starts cheering loudly as they recognize that voice; Raven Roberts walks out from behind the stage curtains with a microphone in her hand, narrowing her eyes at KASAI. It isn’t just her, though; the entire Voltage team is present alongside her, with Ashlynn, Candice, Eris, and ARIA all flanking her to her left and right. The crowd can sense the impending tension as the team approaches the ringside area and Raven continues to speak.)
Raven Roberts: I know better than most that you like to get ahead of yourself, but I think you should back the fuck up with these declarations. It’s only going to make it more embarrassing for the Empress of Elite, the Matriarch, whatever you want to go by, when I remind you of what happened the last time you got ahead of yourself.
Crowd: Oooooooooooo
Raven Roberts: Even with how things between us ended, after how far you took it? I’m more than happy to double down and send you packing a second time. And speaking of getting ahead of yourself, you really shouldn’t expect your team to work in lockstep the way you’re hoping it will, just because everyone wants to win the match. That tends to be the case with every team match, but year after year, there’s always that friction that comes up and messes things up.
(She backs up and puts her arms over the shoulders of her team.)
Raven Roberts: The fake peace you’ve managed to get between the members of your team that were beating the hell out of each other not even a month ago is exactly that… fake. You won’t be able to stand up to the level of mutual trust that the Voltage team has managed to build up, and with your attitude, you definitely won’t be able to match the legitimate trust I have in each of my teammates.
Ashlynn Quinn: You tell ‘em, Ray-Ray! There’s no WAY we’re going to lose, especially to those uggos!
Eris Morti: You showed me last week that my observations weren’t for naught; you gave me exactly what I wanted, Matriarch, and that just makes me all the more interested in next week. Bring that very same rotten heart, the one that I admire you for embodying, and we’ll see who walks away with the win.
Candice Blair: And if any team has shown they won’t be giving up, it’s this one; we were chosen BECAUSE we refuse to just resign ourselves to fate, and at Brand Warfare, that’s going to be coming out in full force because nothing you throw at us will be enough to keep us down for good.
ARIA: I understand that all of you are going to be entering this match with the utmost determination, but we just can’t let it be enough. The five of us are in sync and we’re not approaching this just to survive, we’re in it to win.
KASAI: You all have quite the audacity to–
???: PFFFFFFFT!
(All the elitists present, as well as the crowd, look around in confusion until the crowd notices first who was starting to speak.)
Mia Santoro: Why are you people even bothering with this argument when neither of your teams is going to end up mattering once the match is over?
(The elitists then turned to see the Showdown team showing up amongst the crowd, walking down the stairs to approach the barricade; Mia, as well as her fellow co-captain Halsey, is joined by Rex, the National Elite Champion Akari, and KELIN; the volume in the arena is escalating even further towards a fever pitch as the Voltage team looks angered by the interruption, not to mention the Dynasty team getting even more frustrated after a second consecutive interruption. The Showdown team doesn’t seem repentant, though, as they get closer and closer to the ringside area where the Voltage team is.)
Mia Santoro: I don’t know why you’re bothering talking about ‘trust’ this and ‘trust’ that, Raven, because any pack of losers can trust each other all they like, it won’t mean a thing when they just end up trusting each other into the grave! With La Desperada as co-captain of team Showdown, your chances of winning were dashed from the start!
Halsey Neel: And as far as Dynasty is concerned, well, I’ll just need to go ahead and echo the Voltage team’s sentiment, because even with the idea that everyone is in this to win it for selfish reasons – myself included – that doesn’t change the fact that you just won’t have what it takes to work together to match up against the team we have here. I already said I’m going to show myself as one of the biggest threats in this match up, but we’ve got threats after threats in this team.
(She gestures behind her, with the legendary Rex McAllister and the imposing KELIN looming behind. Akari glances at his National Elite Championship to prove her point, even with Mia glancing at it all the same. The team has now reached the barricade and have begun hopping over it, sandwiching the Dynasty team in the ring between the Voltage and Showdown teams.)
KASAI: How hypocritical; you all act as if we’re the only team that has gone through internal struggle, but we’re far from the only ones with individual goals in mind. It doesn’t matter how much you try to hammer that in, when the Matriarch is here to ensure all goes smoothly for Dynasty’s team.
KASAI: And with the leader of team Voltage being who she is…
(They turn their attention to team Voltage. Raven glares at the Matriarch.)
KASAI: Stomping you back into the ground and removing this notion you hold superiority over me will be the cherry on top–
Stew-O: OH! TENSION WAS STARTING TO SPIKE BETWEEN VOLTAGE AND DYNASTY, BUT NOTHING EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO HAPPEN!
Flannery McCoy: TEAM SHOWDOWN WAS THE TEAM TO PULL THE TRIGGER FIRST AS THEY SWAMP THE RING AND TOPPLE ALL FIVE MEMBERS OF TEAM DYNASTY OUT OVER THE TOP ROPES IN UNISON!
Jake Mercer: THEY SPILL RIGHT OUT ONTO TEAM VOLTAGE, AND TEAM SHOWDOWN IMMEDIATELY LEAVES THE RING TO JOIN THEM! IT’S UTTER PANDEMONIUM HERE AT RINGSIDE TONIGHT!
Stew-O: FISTS ARE FLYING ALL AROUND AS THESE ELITISTS CAN’T WAIT UNTIL TERRITORIAL INVASION TO GET THEIR HANDS ON ONE ANOTHER!
Flannery McCoy: KELIN BEGINS BATTERING DARYL KINKADE, ONLY FOR CHRIS ELITE TO JUMP IN WITH A HEAVY KICK TO THE HEAD, FREEING UP DARYL TO FOLLOW UP WITH A STRIKE OF HIS OWN!
Jake Mercer: BUT THEN HALSEY MANAGES TO FIRE OFF A SHOT AGAINST DARYL, KNOCKING HIM DOWN! AND NOW ARIA FROM BEHIND, CONNECTING WITH A KNEE SMASH TO THE BACK OF HALSEY’S HEAD!
Stew-O: I’M HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP AS THEY JUST BEAT THE LIVING HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER!
Flannery McCoy: BUT LOOK! VOLTAGE IS STARTING TO GET THE UPPER HAND, USING TEAM TECHNIQUE AFTER TEAM TECHNIQUE TO GANG UP ON THE ENEMIES FIGHTING INDIVIDUALLY–
Jake Mercer: AND A TALON FROM RAVEN ROBERTS MANAGES TO KNOCK MIA SANTORO DOWN TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR, WHILE ASHLYNN AND CANDICE DO THE SAME TO HALSEY! BOTH CAPTAINS OF TEAM SHOWDOWN ARE DOWN, AND THE REST OF THEIR TEAM IS STARTING TO FEEL THE SAME PRESSURE!
Stew-O: OH MY GOD! MATRICIDE! THE MATRIARCH UNLEASHED MATRICIDE AGAINST RAVEN ROBERTS, KNOCKING HER OUT TO THE FLOOR AS WELL TO JOIN TEAM SHOWDOWN!
Flannery McCoy: VOLTAGE STARTED GETTING SOMEWHERE, BUT FOCUSING ON TEAM SHOWDOWN LET TEAM DYNASTY RECLAIM THE MOMENTUM HERE ON THEIR HOME TERF, WITH THE REST OF TEAM DYNASTY NOW GANGING UP ON THE REMAINING TEAM VOLTAGE MEMBERS!
Jake Mercer: I THINK… I THINK… DYNASTY HAS IT! TEAM SHOWDOWN IS MAKING A TACTICAL RETREAT HERE, AND WITH VOLTAGE ALREADY ON THE BACK FOOT, THEY END UP RETREATING AS WELL TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY!
KASAI: FORGET NOT WHERE YOU ARE! THIS IS MY TERRITORY!
(Angered yells and screams start drowning each other out as all three teams have reached an absolute war-level competitive fervor; the video feed lingers before fading on the conclusion of the chaotic brawl.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, highlighting the Brand Warfare match.)
(Dynasty returns with the shot panning to ringside, briefly settling on the ring as the crowd remains lively, until the sound of “song” by “band” begins to play from the arena speakers to predominantly negative reaction.)
(Soon, David Gideon Smith made his appearance at the top of the ramp, a microphone in hand as he marched down to the ring.)
Stew-O: Last week it was NICK. who made his feelings heard, sending the warning shot we all knew was coming to the man who derailed the start of his season. This week? It’s David Gideon Smith’s turn to respond.
Flannery McCoy: Since returning, NICK’s been picking up the pieces and may even be better than when we last saw him, picking up a well-earned victory and then turning the tables on his attacker shortly thereafter!
Jake Mercer: He certainly has been making good on his word so far, and he definitely made David feel like a fool after that match, forcing David to retreat after getting the jump on him in the first place.
(The music began to teeter off as David circled the middle of the ring, holding the microphone steadily in his hand as he slowly raised it to his lips, addressing the crowd without a moment of hesitation.)
David Gideon Smith: There were so many ways that this could’ve possibly played out, but this is certainly one of the more interesting paths for those involved to take, particularly he who thinks of himself as the focal point of this ordeal. I find it curious, however, that few have addressed what was necessary to light the metaphorical fire underneath young NICK. I understand that some could not immediately discern the cause for his refreshed attitude, but you needn’t look further than who is right in front of you.
David Gideon Smith: It was I who lit that fire, who gave him the push he needed to reach something he could never attain on his own accord. Still, even with such a push he could never understand the factors at play nor could he acknowledge the inner workings of the situation he finds himself in. He remains at the level of a neophyte in his field, yet would try to take the fight to me as a reactionary measure in a futile effort to keep the fire within him lit. That is why it is so curious that he would put on such a quaint yet relatively meaningless display last week to put on a strong face as he always does and deny what is right in front of him. He failed to grasp the lesson I am looking to teach him.
(Boos began to meet David’s speech as his words continued to batter the image of NICK, yet the Sovereign refused to relent.)
David Gideon Smith: To be so vulnerable to an outside threat should have set off every alarm in NICK’s mind, and if he had an ounce of clarity then his rather fragile psyche should’ve shattered shortly after that ill-fated match, and yet here he is mentally unchanged only in a more favorable spot than I found him. Had he found this reignited spirit of his sooner, then he would’ve found this momentum far earlier. Thus, he is pitifully reliant on my helping hand to reach into the perdition of mediocrity to grip him tight and grant him salvation. Of course, he is far too proud to admit what he wants out of this, as it is not something as simple as retribution. You would all be wise not to think in such a narrow-minded manner. What he is after is that helping hand of mine, that push that will give him the upward momentum he so desperately craves. He wants the fire lit indefinitely, and he knows who is capable of keeping it lit for him.
David Gideon Smith: So I ask now, NICK, shall I give you that helping hand once more, or are you determined to see this one through on your own merit?
(Before David’s question could be followed up, the sound of “song” by “band” hit, cutting him off as a roar of cheers caught the opening cords. It didn’t take long for NICK. to make his appearance at the top of the ramp, his game face on and a microphone in his hand as he made his way down to the ring, hastily walking up the stairs before entering through the ropes.)
(NICK. takes a moment to rub his jaw, looking at David with visible irritation before raising the mic to his lips.)
NICK: Are you being serious? This is what you’re gonna dumb it down to? After all that has happened, after what just happened, you’re gonna play it like this. Alright, fine by me, but I’m not playing this kinda game. That’s just not who I am and it’s not what everyone is expecting of me, though they damn well expect this same ol’ song and dance from you. We all expect the charades and the tall tales you spin just to confuse some poor bastard trying to get a win but, I’m gonna stop you before you get ahead of yourself; I’m not one of these poor bastards that you can trick around. You got me once, so congrats on that because it just ain’t gonna happen again. You got one good shot to take my head off and I hate to break it ya, but you failed to put me down for good.
NICK: See, the biggest mistake you made was not keeping me down for longer. This ‘helping hand’ shit you’re trying to push is dead in the water on impact, so I’m not even gonna entertain it. You wanted to cull the herd, to clear out the competition and you tried to use me as an example to the other elitists on the roster that you want to play bully ball with. It might’ve worked, but you let me get back up, and we all saw what happened when you tried that same shit on an even playing field. I put you on your ass and had you scampering to the back after I already got through a match, so put everything aside for a moment and look at the facts in front of you.
NICK: You just can’t beat me one on one, David.
(NICK’s intensity only continues to grow as the crowd throws their support behind him en masse. David’s expression did not change in the face of NICK’s tirade, only waiting for him to finish before responding.)
David Gideon Smith: Is that all? I hoped that you could manage a bit better than that drivel, but you may need one last push in the right direction after all. You were light on your feet last time out, I will admit, and you were able to parry such an attack, but you’ve proved nothing from if. You only defended your position, maintaining your controlled strength and took nothing from a valuable exchange. It was the perfect time for you to go on the attack and you become complacent, and such missed opportunities like those are bound to catch up with you eventually, and I don’t think you’ll be appreciative of the bite you receive.
NICK: Yeah I’m sure I will. I’m sure I’ll feel it the same way you feel that first mistake of yours catch up with you, when I get my hands on you and put you through a hell of a lot more pain than you put me through. ‘Cause I’m not just doing it for vengeance. Nah, I’m doing it because A. I want you and B. You’re now in my way. My plans this season haven’t changed just because you thought you could get involved in my business and use me as some pawn. I’ve been preparing for people like you since the beginning, hell I’ve been dealing with people like you since the beginning. Types like you who see everyone as some piece to their master plan, as if they’re just so much better than everyone, but I’ve tried to see what’s so great about you and to this day I’ve found nothing, because you’re just ordinary, David.
David Gideon Smith: If that is the delusion you’ve created for yourself, then what will you do now? And I am not asking for your feeble paperweight claims, for I know all about your failed promises and constant let-downs. I want to know what action you will take next. How will you truly get what you want? How will you get past me?
NICK: I’m not weighed down by the specifics, so I’m just gonna tell you what is gonna come next. I am gonna beat your ass six ways from Sunday…
(NICK. slowly looked down at the microphone in his hand for a moment, before looking back up at David.)
NICK: …and I’m gonna do it right now.
(THUD!)
Stew-O: OH! NICK JUST CHUCKED THE MICROPHONE INTO THE SKULL OF DAVID GIDEON SMITH! HE’S ROCKED, STUMBLING ONTO HIS BACK FOOT!
Flannery McCoy: AND NICK IS ON THE ATTACK, LEAPING AT DAVID WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS, LOOKING LIKE A WILD ANIMAL AS HE LAYS INTO DAVID WITH BLOW AFTER BLOW! HE’S BEEN WAITING FOR THIS CHANCE FOR A LONG TIME, AND HE SURE ISN’T LETTING IT GO TO WASTE!
Jake Mercer: THESE PEOPLE WANNA SEE HIM RIP DGS LIMB FROM LIMB, AND THEY JUST MIGHT GET WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR! NICK PUSHES HIM INTO THE CORNER, RAINING THOSE PUNCHES DOWN AS DAVID IS FORCED TO COVER UP! THAT PROVIDES THE OPENING AS HE GRABS DAVID—
Stew-O: AND TOSSES HIM TO THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH A PERFECT EXPLODER SUPLEX! DGS rolls to the opposite corner as NICK continues to heat up, rising to his feet as he feeds off the energy in the arena!
Flannery McCoy: He is feeling it alright, and now he’s looking to put David down tonight, turning to face him as he rises to his feet! NICK. makes his run, leaping into the air!!
Jake Mercer: THE BLACK BLADEEEEE!!! NICK. GETS HIS HEAD TAKEN OFF BY THE STIFFEST LARIAT YOU’LL EVER SEE IN YOUR LIFE! THE AIR IN THIS ARENA JUST GOT SUCKED OUT IN AN INSTANT!
(NICK. dropped to the mat like a rock, the wind knocked out of him as an almost dismissive DGS rises to his feet, looking down at the unmoving body below him.)
Stew-O: NICK. got ahead of himself there and let David strike, and he paid for that big time. Even after such a powerful blow, I don’t think David is done with him just yet, grabbing a handful of NICK’s hair and begins to drag him to his feet.
Flannery McCoy: He holds him there for a brief moment, before throwing him over the top rope! NICK. falls against the apron and then to the ground below, barely able to fight off DGS who is following him to the outside, meeting him with a boot to the side of his head as feebly attempts to get back on his feet!
Jake Mercer: NICK. is defenseless right now, in the worst spot possible as David continues to close the gap! He pulls NICK up again, just to lift a knee into his gut, wearing down the man he injured earlier this season!
Stew-O: David looks down at NICK. and shakes his head, then turns to the corner of the ring. Oh this can’t be good…he grabs NICK. and places his head between his thighs, now lifting him up into the powerbomb position!
Flannery McCoy: He lifts him high in the air, AND TAKES AIM AT THE RING POST! HE RUNS FULL SPEED TOWARDS IT AND DELIVERS A POWERBOMB INTO THE RINGPOST! THE SOUND THAT MADE WAS SICKENING!
Jake Mercer: NICK. SINKS TO THE GROUND IN AGONY, HIS SPINE SHATTERED AGAINST THE POST! DAVID TAKES A STEP BACK, LOOKING DOWN AT HIM BUT, MEDICAL IS NOT WASTING ANOTHER MOMENT, RUSHING PAST HIM TO CHECK ON NICK!
Stew-O: Those injures NICK. just recovered from may have just been reaggravated in the worst way! You rarely see NICK. showing so much pain on his face, something is seriously wrong and the medical officials can tell immediately as they try to make some space between him and DGS!
(The shot tries to focus on NICK, but the officials begin to obstruct the view. Instead, the shot turns to David Gideon Smith still looking down at NICK.)
David Gideon Smith: Now, let’s see what you can do now…
(He speaks, but neither the crowd, officials or NICK. are focused on his words, letting them linger in the wind as the eyes of the room glue to NICK still writhing around in pain as the shot fades elsewhere, bringing the segment to a close.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, featuring a hype package for NICK vs. David Gideon Smith.)
(The camera transitioned to the stage as the fans watched in anticipation with Cassie by Flyleaf playing through the arena speakers now, the fans in attendance breaking out into cheers as Winona Hendrickson was making her way down to the ring.)
Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Please welcomeee!! WINONA HENDRICKSON!!!
(Winona finally enters the ring, calling for a mic and being handed one as she steps towards the center of the ring, her music dying down as she begins to speak..)
Winona Hendrickson: There’s no secret to why I am out here right now. We all know that the New Breed Scramble is right around the corner. And there’s going to be a lot of eyes on that match and a few people in that match who are going to be looking to take advantage of the opportunity at hand. Time and time again I’ve been battled tested, I have had to prove that I could hang with some of the best that this company has to offer. And now I find myself in deep waters once again against more opponents that I see formidable in this New Breed Scramble. And maybe, just maybe the last few times things haven’t really worked out all too well for me.
(Winona took a moment, allowing the words to linger on her lips, before speaking again.)
Winona Hendrickson: But I am looking to turn things around for myself. That’s exactly why this match is so important to me. Because this is the one match that can turn things around for me, the one match that’ll give me the opportunity to make every loss that I’ve taken, mean something so much more. All eyes have been on me since I’ve walked through the doors of EAW and yet I’ve had nothing to show for the fact that I’ve been busting my butt to keep things on track for me. This match is one that I enter with a chip on my shoulder that I’m sure that everyone else will claim as well. Bu-
(Just when Winona was about to go to speak again, she was cut off by AY DIEGUITO by Calle 24 the theme song of Diego Montana’s played through the arena as the crowd booed loudly..)
Stew-O: Oh brother. Should’ve known at some point that this little heathen was going to come out here and speak his mind..
Jake Mercer: I mean, surely you didn’t expect anything less did you? He’s well within his rights to do such, just as Winona was doing. Although in a less annoying manner..
(Diego finally entered the ring, pulling his mic from his back pocket as he began to speak..)
Diego Montana: Ight ight.. tranquilo.
(The crowd began to boo even louder, a smirk spreading across the face of Diego’s as he shook his head.)
Diego Montana: Damn, seems like y’all missed me a lot huh? But listen listen! I was in the back and couldn’t help but overhear Winona out here, talking bout exactly how much this match would help her and talking bout how important it is to her. And well, I call all of that bullshit. Because the truth of the matter is chica, that this match is way more important to myself. Because I’m not just going out there to win this match for myself. I’m going out there to win this match for Mami Circe as well.. yessirrr. But that isn’t one of the only reasons that this match is important to me. No sir, you see winning this match gets me a straight shot to the top, where myself and Mami Circe belong..
Flannery McCoy: Does he know that Circe isn’t in the match..? Or- you know what? I’m not even going to bother wasting my thinking energy on it! My goodness…
(SAME SH!T by Isaiah Rashad began to play through the speakers of the arena as Reylin Aloali’i had begun to make his way down to the ring..his eyes locked on both Winona and Diego..)
Stew-O: One of the new and recent signees to Voltage.. Reylin Aloali’i is making his presence known here tonight as he’s looking to come on out and now has his own words!
(Reylin stepped into the ring, going to call for a mic as his music came to stop, before he stepped to the center of the ring, looking directly at Diego..)
Reylin Aloali’i: Real talk.. shut your ass up. You’ve been out here for the past few minutes talking about how this is for yourself and Circe, when her ass ain’t even in the match. Ain’t nobody out here to hear a damn thing about none of that. And to be honest with you? If I was out here a long time ago..? I would’ve kicked your ass straight in the mouth just to shut you up. Because the truth of the matter is that if anyone has something to prove here? It’s me. The newest signee to Voltage himself. This match right here? This IS the match that my name gets the recognition and solidarity that it’s meant to have. And not only that, but I’m a rookie right now with a hunger.. this match is way more important to me than it is to y’all-
(Queen Leech by Grim Salvo & Witchouse40K began to play through the speakers of the arena as Rei Oboro began to shuffle down the ramp, her hands behind her back with her tilted slightly as she was staring down all 3 people in the ring, before rolling in, grabbing her mic..)
Rei Oboro: Well well..isn’t this just so infatuating? Teehee. I figured it’d be even more intriguing to hear about the importance of this match from each of you in person. Because why not get a closer look into the delusional and foolish minds of the clueless right? A field set up nicely I believe, just for me to take down and be the one to elevate my career further. The fact is that it doesn’t matter how important you believe this match is to you, I am looking forward to being the one to ruin all of your fairytale dreams of having a chance at facing either Wynter or Anna. Simply because of the thrill that I know that I will get from doing so-
(REVIVER by My First Story began to play through the speakers of the arena as Sayuri Himura stepped onto the stage, making her way down to the ring and entering it, now beginning to speak, Rei’s attention turned to Sayuri as she was staring a hole through her.)
Sayuri Himura: It seems that the pleasantries of this little get together hasn’t been passed over just yet, right? Everyone is standing here and speaking on why they believe that this match can get them even further in their careers, talking about how it could elevate them and put them.. well basically put them on the map. I can name a few reasons as to why I believe that this match is of most significance to me. But then that would take all night now wouldn’t it? Everyone is out here with the reasoning being that they believe that winning this match can take their season to the next level, that it can put their name on a bigger stage and it most certainly can do so. However I don’t believe that passion for such and my hard work could ever allow me to be the one woman who doesn’t come out of this match with that opportunity..
(LIVE EVIL by Flatlinerz blasted through the speakers of the arena as making his way out onto the stage with a mic in hand, was Malik Al Farouq, walking alongside him, was Tafae Toa!! The field turned this attention towards The Exiled as there was a quietness, before Malik spoke up…)
Malik Al Farouq: Ah well, you most certainly could not have an intervention without THE most dangerous man in this match…
(Tafae Toa and Malik Al Farouq had finally entered the ring, making their way towards the middle of the ring and in the center of everyone else…)
Malik Al Farouq: Quite amusing to me that you’re all out here, believing that any importance of this match to you actually matters when you’re having to stand across the ring from someone like Tafae Toa himself! The Exiled! The Banished One! I, however, can bring myself to respect some of your reasons. But my client on the other hand? He does not care about any of your reasoning nor does he care about your feelings as such.
(Tafae Toa emotionless eyes wandered over every one of his opponents in the ring as a scowl formed upon his face..)
Malik Al Farouq: Since stepping through those doors, Tafae Toa has been presented as this MONSTER who is supposed to be the future and the face of not only Showdown, but of this whole company. The only reason that this match is of any importance to Tafae Toa? It is because he gets to do what he yearns for.. he gets to annihilate, he gets to come into this match and cause all of the hell and chaos upon all of your dreams and turn them into nightmares…and the best part? He doesn’t stop there.. because then once he’s done there? His scent for blood only grows stronger as he knows that he is one match closer to truly solidifying his place as the top face and monster of this business…
(Malik went to speak once more.. but he was cut off by Vordt of The Boreal by Motoi Sakuraba playing through the speakers, followed by what seemed to be an angry Igon Mordren who had already had a mic in hand..)
Igon Mordren: Disgusting… absolutely comical..
(Igon Mordren straightened his suit as he had finally entered the ring, his anger visibly shown on his face..)
Igon Mordren: What is this..? Some sort of prayer circle? You all come out here and air your hopes and what you believe to achieve? though you can not see or feel it..? Absolutely pathetic. A pity party! The way that I see it, is that you all need this opportunity more than it needs you. But when I step into this ring, and I look at all of you, when I look at the state of wrestling right now! It’s more clear than ever that this opportunity needs ME. I am of importance to this opportunity and its future, not the other way around. This madness needs to end and who better than to put an end to it than myself? Right..?
Winona Hendrickson: Oh..okay wow. So much ego in this ring right now, it’s insane. Genuinely, I don’t get it. The state of wrestling is fine, there’s no issue with it unless you call yourself having a savior complex like Mr.Igon Morden here, who seems to believe that the wrestling world truly revolves around himself.. apparently. How is it anyone else’s fault that you can’t seem to keep up with today’s wrestling?
(Diego Montana covered his mouth, holding in a chuckle as he looked back and forth between Igon and Winona..)
Diego Montana: Damn.. you gonna let her talk to you like that big dawg..? That couldn’t be me-
Reylin Aloali’i: Man, will you shut your instigating ass up..? Ain’t nobody come out here to hear you or see you on no childish ass games. Don’t you got some lips or something to go lock with? Rather than tryna instigate something you know your ass ain’t gonna be able to finish..?
(Reylin cut Diego off! Speaking his mind, Rei Oboro stood, watching all of this with a smirk on her face, seemingly waiting for chaos to break loose. Tafae Toa stepped to Igon Mordren! The biggest men in the match, face to face!! Malik Al Farouq is trying to get Tafae to calm down…)
Flannery McCoy: Well.. this looks like it’s going to turn into something a whole lot more than just talking..
Rei Oboro: Yes.. let the chaos ensue! The joy in seeing all of this madness break loose brings me great comfort, before our big match where I’ll be winning and taking the opportunity from all of you to be able to go on and face Anna or Wynter.
(Sayuri turned her head in Rei’s direction, shaking it as she began to speak..)
Sayuri Himura: You’re too incompetent to do such a thing. If anyone will walk out of New Breed Scramble, it’s going to be me. Through all my blood, sweat and tears, I will be the last person standing..
(Igon was still focused on the man in front of him, Tafae Toa and Igon staring a hole through one another, before..)
Igon Mordren: You know after such a despicable act, a pathetic act of me being jumped.. I do have a lot of built up anger and I have no problem releasing it on anyone inside of this ring right now.. so you know what..?
(SMACK!!!)
(Tensions were flying high! And Igon Mordren just struck Tafae Toa right over the head with a Big Boot!! Causing Tafae Toa to stumble back!! And now the chaos has broken loose as Tafae Toa and Igon Mordren are now trading blows back and forth with one another!!)
Jake Mercer: We knew this was going to happen with all of the emotions and tension running high! And now we have a brawl on our hands!! Reylin and Diego Montana are now going at it!!
(Reylin and Diego had taken their fight to the outside of the ring! But inside the ring? Tafae and Igon were still going as Rei Oboro and Sayuri had finally broken out into a back and forth striking battle! Elbow strike for elbow strike!!)
Stew-O: Oh.. someone is going to have to stop this! But.. hey at least we’re getting a bit of a preview for New Breed Scramble between all of these competitors here tonight! OH! Rei Oboro just shoved Sayuri into Winona!!
(Winona stumbled back, before she herself began to jump into the mix! And now the hold field was brawling!! Reylin slamming the head of Diego off of the announce table!! Tafae Toa landing a Headbutt to Igon Mordren!)
Flannery McCoy: Finally it seems that security is making their way down to the ring now! And they’re swarming these competitors, pulling them apart from one another! Inside and outside of the ring!!
(The show transitioned as security were working on separation all of the New Breed Challenge competitors from one another!)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, highlighting the New Breed Scramble.)
(When Dynasty returns from break, the camera is fixated on the ring, where lead commentator Stew-O stands in the center of the ring with a microphone in hand. To his right is King Sulyvahn IV and Venus De Martin, meanwhile to his left is Haruka Kashimashi, Kendall Von, and Jamie Valdez.)
Stew-O: We thank you all for sticking with us for the final Dynasty before Territorial Invasion. As always, tensions are bound to arise with a marquee event so close; and I will try my best to keep this on track as I am joined by the participants in the upcoming Unique Opportunity match…! King Sulyvahn IV, Jamie Valdez, Kendall Von, Haruka Kashimashi, and Venus De Martin. All that I ask is we keep it cordial and save the physicality for Territorial Invasion, otherwise you all are free to stake your claim to why you’ll win this match.
(Once Stew-O is done, Kendall Von looks around and scoffs at the whole ordeal. With a microphone already in hand, she wastes no time in speaking.)
Kendall Von: There’s no need to waste everyone’s time going through these silly little formalities. Only one person out of us five is going to have their arm raised at the end of the match, and I can tell you all now that it’s going to be me. In fact, judging by the look on all of your faces right now? You’re defeated. You’ve already resigned to the fact that I am the one most equipped to win this match. Sure, I don’t have some extraordinary wrestling background that spans back a hundred years, but I never needed one in the first place. EAW scouted me out because of my world-class business acumen. I’m far more cold hearted than any of you could fathom being, and when it comes down to who’s ready to plunge the proverbial knife in someone’s back to win this match? No one is better at doing that than me.
(The fans boo Kendall, but she pays no mind to their disdain. If anything, it puts a big smile on her face, fueling her to keep talking. Before she can though, Venus rolls her eyes and quickly responds.)
Venus De Martin: We gave you the floor to talk for as long as you wanted, and that’s all you could bring to the table? Kendall, lemme be real with you. I don’t care if I just got here. I don’t care if you’ve been here a little longer than me. All that matters at the end of the day is the winner of this match, and to an extent I agree with you. Experience isn’t the be-all and end-all, but ONLY in the context of EAW. While you were in a suit FANTASIZING about being in the ring, I was already whooping ass. I know what it takes to win this ‘unique opportunity’ match, and I can tell you now that my second match in this company being a marquee event appearance isn’t going to make me falter. If anything? I’m going to rise to the occasion, because that’s what I’m here to do, and it’s what you and everyone else is gonna understand in due time.
(Venus steps away from the original arrangement of bodies, just so she can stare directly at Kendall and make sure she hears every word. As Venus is focused on Kendall, she doesn’t notice another person throwing themselves into the fray.)
Haruka Kashimashi: Really? What, do either of you two hear yourselves right now? All I hear are false promises. Unproven statements that are gonna inevitably end up going nowhere, because the both of you are living off pipe dreams. Great, Venus. You beat TFK in your debut. Am I supposed to be – wildly impressed by that? You haven’t even begun to test yourself against tougher talent on this brand like I have, and who knows? Maybe that was just a fluke. Perhaps in a rematch, he beats you, and you fizzle out like the other names that come and go. I’m not moved. And I’ll be honest, I don’t know how you ended up in this match in the first place. Nothing actually indicates that you belong here, besides a pretty little resume in places that DON’T matter because they aren’t here.
(Haruka still has more to say, but Venus averts her piercing gaze towards her and cuts her off.)
Venus De Martin: So that’s what we’re doing? Fall back on the same points everyone else loves using? I’m not ready yet, huh. Why is that? Because Haruka Kashimashi and Kendall Von of all people say that I’m not?! Give me a break. No one in this crowd can even pretend to take that shit serious. But even if I was to be nice and indulge in your BS… none of it makes sense. I’ve already proven in my first match that I’m here to say. I have the talent to be something serious, and it sounds like you feel the same way. I’ll tell you now: honey, it’s okay to be a fan. I already have a whole sea of new ones here in New Orleans, and you can gladly join the res—
Jamie Valdez: This is stupid.
(As Jamie’s voice interjects into argument, everyone slowly turns their head towards her and she begins to step to the center, separating herself from the two sides. Stew-O backs up as well, immediately noting this. Jamie looks around at the rest of her opponents and just rolls her eyes.)
Jamie Valdez: Truth be told, the only reason that I’m in this ring right now is because I have to. No amount of bonus money to fulfill media obligations is going to give me the will to stomach that any of you have to say. Why? Because while you all try to create excuses and justifications, what you all forget is that I’ve already been around the block. Both out of this company and establishing myself in EAW. I’ve heard all of the points being made regurgitated a thousand times over, and I could care less about it being the main talking point for this match. What about what we actually receive from that unique opportunity, hm? Or maybe the fact that ALL of you are too emotional to actually win this match.
(King Sulyvahn IV raises an eyebrow when Jamie lumps his name in with the rest of the group. He chuckles, then raises the microphone to his lips.)
King Sulyvahn IV: Pardon?
(Jamie glares at him.)
Jamie Valdez: You heard me, right? That includes you, too. I see right through your pomp and circumstance, Sulyvahn. You’re no better than the rest of the field—and while they’re willing to tear you down for ALL the wrong reasons, I’m here to break you down using the right reasons.
(Sulyvahn folds his hands with the microphone for a moment, pondering on Jamie’s words. Then, he shakes his head and resumes speaking.)
King Sulyvahn IV: And what would those reasons be, Jamie, hm? Trust me, I know better than anyone else that the target on my back is massive, even if for a relative ‘rookie’ like myself. My name moves mountains, whether it be here or elsewhere. I understand that there is a lot of envy that surrounds me in this ring. I implore you all to make good use of your anger, otherwise it is all going to be for naught when I am the one that earns that Unique Opportunity at Territorial Invasion. At first, I didn’t have a lot to say. I know, a rarity for a man like myself, but I couldn’t dive into the importance of this match without hearing what it meant to all of you first.
(He tilts his head, scanning everyone in the ring for a moment.)
King Sulyvahn IV: Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for you all to disregard this match and wrap yourselves up into petty arguments that don’t move any of you further to being the one to win this match or not. What it did tell me is that I am the one with the most poise to win this match. And to Valdez’s credit? I can tell that she feels similarly, but even you aren’t exempt from letting your ego interfere with your logic. All of you can say what you want about me… I don’t care at the end of the day. With all due respect, there is a reason why I am able to challenge a legend like Drake King on my first night and have my challenge accepted. Whether I deserve this or not makes little difference. At the end of the day, I’m in prime position to seize this opportunity for myself.
(Once Sulyvahn is done speaking, there’s a collective groan from everyone in the ring. Jamie’s not as audible as the rest, but her facial expression is enough to establish that she thinks Sulyvahn is full of shit.)
Kendall Von: You really like the sound of your own voice, don’t you, Sulyvahn?! Despite all of my wonderful accomplishments in Wall Street, which most definitely counts for something considering the average Elitist is a complete and utter dunce … it hardly gets the recognition that it deserves! While the names at the upper echelon would have no problem using their notoriety to hold me back, what? You have that cute little royal title, an inherited wrestling ability, and we’re supposed to just bow down to you and accept that you have these big balls that none of us could possibly get our hands on?! You entered a risk-free situation. A world championship match, first night on the job with ZERO expectations, meaning you could lose and get pat on the back and that’s exactly what happened! I want to beat you more than anyone else, because it puts your hype on life support!
Venus De Martin: Kendall, you’re really good at bitching, aren’t you? I could care less about the ins-and-outs of how Sulyvahn got his opportunities, because it doesn’t stop me from being great, does it? It shouldn’t stop any of you either, but clearly, Kendall, you seem quite accustomed to complaining until things go your way. And–
Kendall Von: Do I now?!
(Kendall cries out onto the mic, cutting Venus off, after she was interrupted by her in the first place.)
Kendall Von: Because the way that I see it? You don’t belong here either. The both of you. You’ve got all these fans now, all this hype and excitement, but it’s all a load of crap. There’s been no real struggle, nothing that truly proves either of you deserve all this love from the fans. Especially compared to me? When I have always been the hardest worker in the room since the day that I was born!
(After Kendall says that, there isn’t an immediate response from everyone in the ring. Instead, Venus and Sulyvahn share a glance at each other, and they try their hardest not to start laughing. Meanwhile, Haruka brushes past Kendall and turns to her.)
Haruka Kashimashi: If there was going to be anyone who turns this whole ordeal into a complete and utter joke… of course it’s you, Kendall. You’re so tone deaf that you can’t even comprehend any of the words that you’re saying. And let me tell you now, it’s not my job, and it’s not anyone else’s job to slap you back to reality. I don’t care how you behave after this match is over, you can keep coming up with lies for all I care. What I want you to understand now is that this isn’t your match to win, no matter how much you cry and moan that it is-
Kendall Von: So what says it’s your match to wi-
Haruka Kashimashi: Kendall, if you weren’t so desperate to get the last word in, you’d shut up for once and let me actually explain that. Before my return this year, it was a long time since the last time that I had stepped foot in an EAW ring. I’m sure many of the newer fans who have flocked towards EAW in all of that time don’t have the slightest clue of who I am. That’s okay, I’ve come to terms with that. I’m not here to pander to them anyway, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about my failures in the past… except for myself. This is my stage to make up for years of regret, instead of wallowing in pity and relying on these idiots to bring me back up. The only person that I need is myself. And unlike you, Kendall, I have put in that work, from the very beginning… and I am going to use all of that to bring myself up to win this Unique Opportunity match!
(With all of the insults that Haruka hurled toward them in her spiel, a story that fans would typically resonate to ends up with a sea of boos. Kendall doesn’t immediately respond on the microphone, instead, she says something to Haruka off-mic, and the two are caught up in a staredown for a moment, until that train of thought is broken.)
Jamie Valdez: Yeah. I was right. This is just a waste of my time.
(Valdez rolls her eyes, before she pitches her microphone to the ground and she leaves the ring. There’s an awkward and tense air that fills the ring for a moment as they watch Valdez leave, but everyone is reminded of what’s at stake and they all stare at each other, waiting for someone to make a move. Luckily, Stew-O speaks up before that’s the case.)
Stew-O: Well, everyone in this match has certainly made a strong account of themselves for Territorial Invasion coming up next week! I wish the best of luck to you all, because I know for certain that it is going to be one hell of a match.
(Stew-O nods his head and backs up, as Dynasty slowly fades to break while the four remaining in the ring decide to break away from their staredown and leave the ring.)
[ Harper Lee and Kassidy Heart are ready to tear each other apart! – SEGMENT TBP ASAP! ]
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, where Harper Lee takes on Kassidy Heart.)
(The arena lights cut out. The fans chatter before a lone spotlight beams down at the center of the ring. Drake King stands within it.)
Stew-O: :roman:
Flannery McCoy: Oh, goodness. This is just getting ridiculous at this rate…
Jake Mercer: Shh! Stop slandering OUR God, you blasphemous buffoon!
Flannery McCoy: :dahell:
(The World Heavyweight Champion is immediately pelted with boos. However, the vitriolic reception does not throw him off. Within his hand is a bible, nothing ornate—but, upon closer inspection…)
Flannery McCoy: … wait a minute. Is that—is that a literal ‘Book of Drisanity’… well, book? How far can this guy’s ego go!?
Stew-O: I suppose we will be seeing that soon enough. :lupe:
(Drake stands tall, an unmoving beacon. With a microphone attached to the collar of his plain suit, he speaks.)
Drake King: I knew that when I rose to become a world champion once again, I would be met with doubters. People who would refuse to see me for what I am and carry onward with their loose lips in a vain attempt to cut me down, however they saw fit.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Drake King: And it was to be expected. For the past few years, I have heard for myself the uptick in criticisms; in my delusion, my ego, my ideals, and how trivial they were. No one wanted to believe that I could be someone who continuously holds myself to my own words. No one wished to see me succeed, because to them, I was the villain who needed to be slain. And though I can stand here and say there have been some… unfortunate ‘errors’, at the end of the day? I have been right. People sought to make a mockery out of my pursuit for this championship, but here I stand, before all of you as your one true God that no one can ever hope to compare to. Not your idols, your ‘champions’, and certainly not any poor, lost soul who you deem to be capable of leading this promotion when the responsibility of such a role has never been at the forefront. No. Everyone here, one way or another, is a selfish being, and they care little about influencing this place and The World for the better. They only care about themselves, and in turn? Their downfall is just as devastating.
(He sighs. The fans continue to boo, but Drake does not stop. In fact? He looks out toward the sea of hateful faces and maintains his measured speech.)
Drake King: It is all the more pitiful when said deniers continue to espouse the same thing despite being proven wrong. I have heard many times over how I refuse to accept outcomes that do not end in my favor—yet, what does it say of my enemies when they realize that they were not only unable to defeat me in this ring, but were made to be proven wrong about my own mentality and spirit against theirs? I truly do hate to sound like a broken record as I made it known how I felt vindicated in the aftermath of the prior season, but it bears repeating that in the end? I was right. Last year’s Pain for Pride was a slip that was incapable of keeping me down for good. At this past show, I was able to deliver and walked out with a championship that was always meant to be mine. Too many people peddle these horrendous accusations about me, but I am the one who was able to ascend and claim what I deem to be my right. No man, no legend, and certainly no king has been able to stop me, because it is as it is written: Drake King is someone that cannot be stopped. Hubris alone will not allow you to succeed against me. And though I may fall, though I may lose, I shall never truly go away. It is not within the cards. What is in the cards, though, is for me to carry on with this torch—and at Territorial Invasion, Michael Machina will be forced to face the fact that he cannot beat me when I am this motivated to ensure my word remains the truth.
Drake King: The thing is, on some level, I could’ve respected him. Could’ve seen what he has been able to accomplish and acknowledge the feats he has done. However, he seldom returned the gesture. He saw me as a maddened fool, twisted my perception and was one of the central forces I had to work hard against last season, because he refused to hear me out on anything. Now, he wishes to act as if he has all of this vigor in his veins; he believes I remain unfit to lead Dynasty and how I have gone insane… but through all of this? The only insane one here is him. He refused to acknowledge a world in which he would have to kneel before me. He refused to entertain the notion that he is no exception to the law of This World. He thought that he was going to remain the bright, young leader of this brand and carry out his own vision, but he only showed how naive and arrogant he remained. And last week, I had to drive home that point definitively when he sought to make a mockery of me. A recurring pattern, certainly, and one he refuses to see. Yet, it is not my job to lead the blind if they refuse my help. The most I can do is offer them a mercy killing… and next weekend, it will be just that.
Drake King: At every corner and every turn, Michael belittled me. He did not take me seriously. And you would think that he would’ve learned his lesson the first time, but it is clear he wishes to spit upon the verses I’ve written and defile what it is I am trying to preach about. Alas, I cannot say it is a surprise. He has always been this hot-headed mess who sees red. He’s had to endure a wealth of success so early on in his career, and he has become accustomed to being pampered. Greed sickened him, pride swelled him, and when I came around to shatter all of that and more… you ALL saw for yourselves what truly lies beneath the manufactured exterior. He is but a man—and like all man, he is destined to crack the moment things do not go his way.
Drake King: Of course, wherever he is at now, he’s hearing my words and adamantly refusing to take them as the truth. Of course! Because who would EVER willingly admit out loud that Drake King was in the right all along? No one wants to swallow their ego down and be honest, but it is okay. I am used to everything—and when it comes to Michael? This is nothing new. Now, he has to compensate for embarrassing himself, and every week, it has been one desperate ploy after another in an attempt to drag me down to his level… but they won’t work. I am far too good to be sullied in such a manner, and Michael learned that the hard way last Dynasty when I drove him down and made him bleed.
(The fans get all the more heated from that. Drake remains resolute.)
Drake King: But, it was his doing, truly. All he had to do was come into my own domain and enjoy a little sermon. Instead, he attacked me and sought to insult everything I have done. So, here we are, and Michael, I hope you know that—
???: Shut. Up.
(A gruff voice cuts through the air. Many are quick to hop up onto their feet and cheer in recognition. Drake gives a slow cant of the head as he turns to the stage.)
Stew-O: AND THERE HE IS! IT’S MICHAEL MACHINA!
(Michael stands on the stage, dressed in all black; eyes narrow into slits as his glare burns into Drake.)
Michael Machina: You are a slimy little bastard, Drake. That’s all you are. You haven’t proven jack shit about anything other than the fact you’re a fucking psychoath who can’t pull up his pants and accept when to cut his losses. You’re just so far gone mentally that you refuse, REFUSE, to see this as anything but that, and at this point, I am done. I am tired of having to see or hear you come out week in and week out and continue to spout off all this religious nothing burger bullshit and pretend that you were always in the right. You aren’t! You’re just a man who lost his mind, and it’s like I said, that little bit of extra craziness helped you out at Pain for Pride. But beneath that? You’re a goddamn coward, and always will be until the day you finally croak.
(The fans pop for that. Drake slowly shakes his head, looking more disappointed than concerned.)
Drake King: Oh, Michael… all of that rage in you, and for what? Do you truly think this is good for you?
Michael Machina: Oh, I’m angry alright, and so is everyone else. We’re tired of this charade, and it’s about time it ends. You could’ve made better use of your time as champion, but instead, you’re out here cosplaying every single looney religious nuthead and want to bastardize the concept of faith for your own personal gain. Besides, you can’t change the world. The world doesn’t want for you of all people to try and change it. You’re no savior or martyr. You’re a delusional dickhead and it’s only going to be a matter of time before I pry your head off and stick it up your ass.
Drake King: Certainly uncouth of you, but that is to be expected. You cannot be rational for a moment.
Michael Machina: Rational? YOU want to talk to me about being rational about ANYTHING! Ha! Good one! However, we have long since passed the point of you being able to lecture anyone, motherfucker. You’re a disgrace to the title, to this brand, and to this goddamn SPORT!
(Drake’s brows furrow. Michael storms down the ramp, and the fans are pumped up, anticipating for things to devolve just as they always did. The moment Machina gets in the ring to face King directly, those tensions heighten.)
Michael Machina: I am taking back what is mine, and you? Well, you ain’t gonna scurry off to a church to reinvent yourself. This is the end of the road for you, Drake—and God WILL be killed at Territorial Invasion!
Flannery McCoy: :lupe: !!!
Jake Mercer: :roman:
(…)
(…)
Drake King: … do you truly believe that, Michael Machina?
(The question is poised oddly in a calm fashion. However, Michael does not hesitate to answer it.)
Michael Machina: ‘Course. You’re a piece of shit, and it’s high-time you get what was coming to you. In fact?
(CLANK, CLUNK, CLUTTER…)
Michael Machina: (off-mic) I ain’t even gotta say anything more to you, you stupid fucker.
(And Michael steps right towards Drake!)
Jake Mercer: Oh! Michael punches Drake right in the face! However, the champion punches him back! BOTH of them are striking each other, and we’ve got a nasty fight on our hands!
Stew-O: But Michael is edging out, forcing Drake into the ropes! He whips him across the ring and RUSHES IN WITH THE CLOTHESLINE!
Flannery McCoy: DRAKE NARROWLY AVOIDS IT! He slide under it, and pops back up; Michael turns around to catch up–AND HE’S LEVELED WITH A BOOT TO THE GUT! DRAKE TRAPS HIM, LOOKING FOR THE ‘ASCENSION’ PEDIGREE, JUST LIKE LAST WEEK WHEN HE BUSTED HIM OPEN!
Stew-O: MICHAEL POWERS OUT OF IT AND FLIPS DRAKE ONTO HIS BACK! THE CHAMPION IS IN TROUBLE! MICHAEL HOISTS HIM UP INTO THE AIR—!!!!
Jake Mercer: :damn: DON’T TELL ME HE’S GOING TO POWERBOMB HIM OUT OF THE RING!
Crowd: KJNKENDNKJFNKEWRNFKRJGNTJKNRTJGNKJWDNVFJWKRVNBN!!!!
Flannery McCoy: He is! Michael is just about ready to kill him—
???: You will NOT do that to him!
(And on the apron is Father Abraham, who yells at Michael.)
Stew-O: WHAT’S HE DOING OUT HERE!?
Jake Mercer: Protecting God, that’s what! He’s not gonna let this mad heathen tear him apart!
(Michael stops for a second, looking at him.)
Father Abraham: (off-mic) Unhand him!
Michael Machina: (off-mic) …
(Then, a snort passes through him.)
Michael Machina: (off-mic) Oh, I’ll let him go, alright..
(Drake wiggles, but he is not released.)
Stew-O: WATCH OUT! MICHAEL GETS A RUNNING START AND TOSSES DRAKE—)
(CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSHHHHHHH!!!!)
Stew-O: RIGHT INTO HIM! BOTH MEN GO LANDING HARD ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!
(The Midas Bomb wiped both of them out, and the fans go nuts.)
Jake Mercer: OH MY GOD! NO! NO! WHY WOULD HE DO THAT!?
Flannery McCoy: SUCH A BRUTAL SIGHT, BUT COME ON–YOU KNOW WHY! MICHAEL DECIDED TO KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, OR IN THIS CASE, USED ONE BIRD TO TAKE DOWN THE OTHER! THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION PAID FOR WHAT HE DID TO HIM LAST WEEK!
(Father Abraham, who took to worse of the impact, barely moves. Drake winces in agony. Michael stands in the center of the ring, breathing heavily, anger coursing through him.)
Stew-O: WHAT A STATEMENT! MICHAEL MACHINA STANDS ABOVE GOD—WILL HE BE ABLE TO DO IT AGAIN NEXT WEEK AT TERRITORIAL INVASION!?
(And that is the final visualization before Dynasty fades.)
(A commercial plays for Territorial Invasion, where Michael Machina takes on Drake King for the World Heavyweight Championship.)
(The scene pans to the interior of the arena, as the spotlight is settled entirely upon the Dynasty War Games team themselves—as the trio consists of the Captain, BRAE, alongside Cy Henderson & Kirk Redwood. The three men look toward one another with steady glances, each quelled with their own thoughts as BRAE soon raises the microphone.)
BRAE: We are men of war. We know warfare all too well, always have. I have been through War Games before, I have understood what it means to bleed for something that does not present itself so righteously—but finds every single way to make you fight for your life, as if it truly were a righteous endeavour. I did give it my everything—unfortauntely, my sole efforts were not enough. Frankly, they were never going to be enough, as long as I resided in such a team that had no actualized purpose to be a united front. I had to bite my tongue, and accept that fate from my first War Games match. However… The feeling is very different now. As much as I understand, how we may have every reason not to be united, we do not align with the status quo of what’s to be expected. We are well aware of what must be done here, and we know that we only have the strongest chance of emerging with our heads held high, as a true, proper, team.
Kirk Redwood: Look, I’ll be damned if we just keep on followin’ the same bullshit that we’ve been down before in our own right. We’ve seen how plenty of this shit goes already, when these teams just can’t get along enough worth a damn when the win is right there. When we’ve got something that can be accomplished, but we’re too in over our heads to get shit done. Yeah, I’ve been there, but I’m not here to waste this opportunity when this is as good as it could get. Nothing is guaranteed, I don’t give a damn if we have unsettled business once the bell rings, ‘cause that’ll become game time to start moving like a unit. A fully fledged, fully operational unit that will lay waste to any goddamn team that tries to step in our way. I mean, the rest of these teams barely get along well enough as is, they ain’t any better than—No, we ARE much better than the rest of ‘em ever could be. That’s the truth, ‘cause we know what’s at stake to the level that it needs to be approached, and I believe every shred of that.
Cy Henderson: Well, I have made myself more than clear these past couple of weeks. I will do whatever it takes to bring me closer to where I need to be, and I understand that winning this match will give me a pretty strong shot at achieving just that. I’ve been through more than enough wars in my lifetime, I’ve seen the storm & emerged through the other side unscathed. Everything that any single one of these people could have possibly been through, I have eclipsed & overcome to a far more resounding degree. It’s not just by chance of me being able to weather every disaster that comes my way, I have simply understood exactly what becomes necessary in order to survive, and succeed. These teams… They don’t have a soul who understands that to the most crucial extent. I’ve been down the most varied of roads, and most of all, I have never been deterred from eventually reaching my destination. A War Games win, that’ll just be another successful rendezvous.
(BRAE exhales sharply, pacing around in place as he continues to speak.)
BRAE: I may have not won the match last week—but all that has ever entailed, is the true fear that emanates from both of the teams who trekked onto Dynasty to begin with. To invoke such interference into a match that did not ever require such a thing, after I was prepared to stop the match from being ended by that exact motion, I was told everything that I could possibly know. They understood the dangers that lie within a Dynasty with momentum, they understood we are unstoppable once such momentum is on our side, and perhaps they were all the more fearful of what we would do with that nudge of a victory. Nonetheless, we are three men who have been able to make the most out of nothing…
Kirk Redwood: I sure fuckin’ have, I’ve had to scratch & claw from square one over and over again, time after time, and it still brought me to being in this goddamn match. I know exactly what it’s like to not have a damn thing, to know how the true lowest of the low has felt like, and they’re all gonna have to worry about that. They’re all gonna understand exactly how it feels, to be backed into the corner by the very fuckin’ person who has been in that situation for most of his damn career. Unkillable as I’ve always been, unkillable as WE will be when that cage is containing each & every single one of us. I don’t have time to hold back, too much is at stake with this match, and we’ve got plenty of time to kill by making a damn killing ourselves.
(Cy exhales sharply, his head lowered with a mediated expression.)
Cy Henderson: As much as I can see how opinions will vary on our stance in this match, given that our track record has not been up to snuff lately—make no mistake about any of this, we will still be as prepared as we could ever be. How many times have you seen this story play out before…? These teams, they come across as a such an emphatic display of dominance well beforehand, but the time comes for the action to transpire where it matters most…? All of their bite has been reduced to a fleeting bark, because they did not anticipate all of the experience & grit coming their way. No matter how many times that I’ve been through that rut, I am leaving far better off than whoever else was there trying to keep me from moving along. We will all get ourselves out of this with a win in the books, ‘cause we’re better than the narratives these teams push, we’re much better than these insecure morons who don’t know what’s coming.
(Kirk gives the nod with immediate effect, raising his own microphone.)
Kirk Redwood: Damn right, we’ve got ourselves one hell of a time comin’.
BRAE: The result will be all that needs to be recalled upon once the dusk settles—when we are able to finish strong, and that will be all that matters…
(‘Ultra Instinct’ can be heard blaring throughout the speakers, as BRAE stands tall, vindicated in his words as Cy Henderson & Kirk Redwood are all looking amongst each other with clear expressions, as a united front… Then, the camera pans to the skybox placed well above the venue.)
(As the trio of Showdown can be seen in full, with Jon Kelton, Pandora Paisley & Damien Kutcher situated alongside one another. Jon & Pandora in much closer proximity to each other, with Damien leaning back as they’re all glancing amongst themselves in deliberate thought…)
(Followed by the trio of Voltage, with Damon Lazarus, Saori Aizen, & Auburn Ware—as Damon’s arm is settled around Saori’s shoulders, with Auburn & Saori exchanging rather dialed in looks, before Damon speaks in deliberation of what’s to come, as the scene soon fades away.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
